1
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Zhao N, Pessell AF, Zhu N, Searson PC. Tissue-Engineered Microvessels: A Review of Current Engineering Strategies and Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303419. [PMID: 38686434 PMCID: PMC11338730 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Microvessels, including arterioles, capillaries, and venules, play an important role in regulating blood flow, enabling nutrient and waste exchange, and facilitating immune surveillance. Due to their important roles in maintaining normal function in human tissues, a substantial effort has been devoted to developing tissue-engineered models to study endothelium-related biology and pathology. Various engineering strategies have been developed to recapitulate the structural, cellular, and molecular hallmarks of native human microvessels in vitro. In this review, recent progress in engineering approaches, key components, and culture platforms for tissue-engineered human microvessel models is summarized. Then, tissue-specific models, and the major applications of tissue-engineered microvessels in development, disease modeling, drug screening and delivery, and vascularization in tissue engineering, are reviewed. Finally, future research directions for the field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhao
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Alexander F Pessell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Ninghao Zhu
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Peter C Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
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2
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Feng X, Wu Z, Cheng LKW, Xiang Y, Sugimura R, Lin X, Wu AR. Reversibly-bonded microfluidic devices for stable cell culture and rapid, gentle cell extraction. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3546-3555. [PMID: 38949063 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01019h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic chips have emerged as significant tools in cell culture due to their capacity for supporting cells to adopt more physiologically relevant morphologies in 3D compared with traditional cell culture in 2D. Currently, irreversible bonding methods, where chips cannot be detached from their substrates without destroying the structure, are commonly used in fabrication, making it challenging to conduct further analysis on cells that have been cultured on-chip. Although some reversible bonding techniques have been developed, they are either restricted to certain materials such as glass, or require complex processing procedures. Here, we demonstrate a simple and reversible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-polystyrene (PS) bonding technique that allows devices to withstand extended operations while pressurized, and supports long-term stable cell cultures. More importantly, it allows rapid and gentle live cell extraction for downstream manipulation and characterization after long-term on-chip culturing, and even further subculturing. Our new approach could greatly facilitate microfluidic chip-based cell and tissue cultures, overcoming current analytical limitations and opening up new avenues for downstream uses of on-chip cultures, including 3D-engineered tissue structures for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Feng
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR.
| | - Zehaoyu Wu
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR.
| | - Lily Kwan Wai Cheng
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR.
| | - Yang Xiang
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ryohichi Sugimura
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xuyan Lin
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR.
- Center for Engineering Material and Reliability, Guangzhou HKUST Fok Ying Tung Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Angela Ruohao Wu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR.
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR
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3
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Nahon DM, Vila Cuenca M, van den Hil FE, Hu M, de Korte T, Frimat JP, van den Maagdenberg AMJM, Mummery CL, Orlova VV. Self-assembling 3D vessel-on-chip model with hiPSC-derived astrocytes. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:946-956. [PMID: 38876110 PMCID: PMC11252484 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Functionality of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) relies on the interaction between endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes, and astrocytes to regulate molecule transport within the central nervous system. Most experimental models for the BBB rely on freshly isolated primary brain cells. Here, we explored human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) as a cellular source for astrocytes in a 3D vessel-on-chip (VoC) model. Self-organized microvascular networks were formed by combining hiPSC-derived ECs, human brain vascular pericytes, and hiPSC-derived astrocytes within a fibrin hydrogel. The hiPSC-ECs and pericytes showed close interactions, but, somewhat unexpectedly, addition of astrocytes disrupted microvascular network formation. However, continuous fluid perfusion or activation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling rescued the vascular organization and decreased vascular permeability. Nevertheless, astrocytes did not affect the expression of proteins related to junction formation, transport, or extracellular matrix, indicating that, despite other claims, hiPSC-derived ECs do not entirely acquire a BBB-like identity in the 3D VoC model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis M Nahon
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marc Vila Cuenca
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Francijna E van den Hil
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michel Hu
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Tessa de Korte
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jean-Philippe Frimat
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Arn M J M van den Maagdenberg
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Christine L Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Valeria V Orlova
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
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4
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Ohbuchi M, Shibuta M, Tetsuka K, Sasaki-Iwaoka H, Oishi M, Shimizu F, Nagasaka Y. Modeling of Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Dysfunction and Immune Cell Migration Using Human BBB-on-a-Chip for Drug Discovery Research. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6496. [PMID: 38928202 PMCID: PMC11204321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is a key feature in neuroimmunological and neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we developed a microfluidic human BBB-on-a-chip to model barrier dysfunction and immune cell migration using immortalized TY10 brain endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes. It was found that immortalized TY10 brain endothelial cells developed a microvascular structure under flow. Pericytes were localized on the basal side surrounding the TY10 microvascular structure, showing an in vivo-like structure. Barrier integrity increased under co-culture with pericytes. In addition, both ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and anti-Claudin-5 (CLDN5) neutralizing antibody caused a decrease in the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). EDTA caused the leakage of 20 kDa dextran, suggesting different effects on the BBB based on the mechanism of action, whereas anti-CLDN5 antibody did not cause leakage. In the tri-culture model, human T cells migrated through endothelial vessels towards basal C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12). The live-imaging analysis confirmed the extravasation of fluorescence-labelled T cells in a CXCL12-concentration- and time-dependent manner. Our BBB model had an in vivo-like structure and successfully represented barrier dysfunction and transendothelial T cell migration. In addition, our study suggests that the inhibition of CLDN5 attenuates the BBB in humans. This platform has various potential uses in relation to the BBB in both drug discovery research and in elucidating the mechanisms of central nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Ohbuchi
- Applied Research & Operations, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba 305-8585, Ibaraki, Japan; (M.S.); (K.T.); (H.S.-I.); (M.O.); (Y.N.)
| | - Mayu Shibuta
- Applied Research & Operations, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba 305-8585, Ibaraki, Japan; (M.S.); (K.T.); (H.S.-I.); (M.O.); (Y.N.)
| | - Kazuhiro Tetsuka
- Applied Research & Operations, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba 305-8585, Ibaraki, Japan; (M.S.); (K.T.); (H.S.-I.); (M.O.); (Y.N.)
| | - Haruna Sasaki-Iwaoka
- Applied Research & Operations, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba 305-8585, Ibaraki, Japan; (M.S.); (K.T.); (H.S.-I.); (M.O.); (Y.N.)
| | - Masayo Oishi
- Applied Research & Operations, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba 305-8585, Ibaraki, Japan; (M.S.); (K.T.); (H.S.-I.); (M.O.); (Y.N.)
| | - Fumitaka Shimizu
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube 755-8505, Yamaguchi, Japan;
| | - Yasuhisa Nagasaka
- Applied Research & Operations, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba 305-8585, Ibaraki, Japan; (M.S.); (K.T.); (H.S.-I.); (M.O.); (Y.N.)
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5
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Asimakidou E, Tan JKS, Zeng J, Lo CH. Blood-Brain Barrier-Targeting Nanoparticles: Biomaterial Properties and Biomedical Applications in Translational Neuroscience. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:612. [PMID: 38794182 PMCID: PMC11123901 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Overcoming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains a significant hurdle in effective drug delivery to the brain. While the BBB serves as a crucial protective barrier, it poses challenges in delivering therapeutic agents to their intended targets within the brain parenchyma. To enhance drug delivery for the treatment of neurological diseases, several delivery technologies to circumvent the BBB have been developed in the last few years. Among them, nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the most versatile and promising tools. Here, we summarize the characteristics of NPs that facilitate BBB penetration, including their size, shape, chemical composition, surface charge, and importantly, their conjugation with various biological or synthetic molecules such as glucose, transferrin, insulin, polyethylene glycol, peptides, and aptamers. Additionally, we discuss the coating of NPs with surfactants. A comprehensive overview of the common in vitro and in vivo models of the BBB for NP penetration studies is also provided. The discussion extends to discussing BBB impairment under pathological conditions and leveraging BBB alterations under pathological conditions to enhance drug delivery. Emphasizing the need for future studies to uncover the inherent therapeutic properties of NPs, the review advocates for their role beyond delivery systems and calls for efforts translating NPs to the clinic as therapeutics. Overall, NPs stand out as a highly promising therapeutic strategy for precise BBB targeting and drug delivery in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evridiki Asimakidou
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK;
| | - Justin Kok Soon Tan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575, Singapore;
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Jialiu Zeng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Chih Hung Lo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
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6
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Yu T, Yang Q, Peng B, Gu Z, Zhu D. Vascularized organoid-on-a-chip: design, imaging, and analysis. Angiogenesis 2024; 27:147-172. [PMID: 38409567 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09905-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Vascularized organoid-on-a-chip (VOoC) models achieve substance exchange in deep layers of organoids and provide a more physiologically relevant system in vitro. Common designs for VOoC primarily involve two categories: self-assembly of endothelial cells (ECs) to form microvessels and pre-patterned vessel lumens, both of which include the hydrogel region for EC growth and allow for controlled fluid perfusion on the chip. Characterizing the vasculature of VOoC often relies on high-resolution microscopic imaging. However, the high scattering of turbid tissues can limit optical imaging depth. To overcome this limitation, tissue optical clearing (TOC) techniques have emerged, allowing for 3D visualization of VOoC in conjunction with optical imaging techniques. The acquisition of large-scale imaging data, coupled with high-resolution imaging in whole-mount preparations, necessitates the development of highly efficient analysis methods. In this review, we provide an overview of the chip designs and culturing strategies employed for VOoC, as well as the applicable optical imaging and TOC methods. Furthermore, we summarize the vascular analysis techniques employed in VOoC, including deep learning. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges in VOoC and vascular analysis methods and provide an outlook for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yu
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics - MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Advanced Biomedical Imaging Facility, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Qihang Yang
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics - MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Advanced Biomedical Imaging Facility, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi'an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi'an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, 710072, China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
- Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215163, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics - MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Advanced Biomedical Imaging Facility, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
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7
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Malo C, Oliván S, Ochoa I, Shikanov A. In Vitro Growth of Human Follicles: Current and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1510. [PMID: 38338788 PMCID: PMC10855051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is gaining importance as a successful method to restore fertility to girls and young women at high risk of sterility. However, there are concerns regarding the safety of transplantation after ovarian tissue cryopreservation due to the high risk of reintroducing cancer cells and causing disease recurrence. In these cases, the development of culture systems that support oocyte development from the primordial follicle stage is required. Notable achievements have been reached in human follicle in vitro growth in the past decade. Currently, systems for the in vitro culture of ovarian tissue are based on two-dimensional substrates that do not support the survival of follicles or recapitulate the mechanical heterogenicity in the mammalian ovary. Recognition of the importance of special arrangements between cells has spurred research in three-dimensional culture systems, and the provision of a precise culture system that maximizes the diffusion of nutrients and gases through the follicles has raised interest in advanced biomimetic models. The current review critically examines various culture systems employed for the in vitro development of follicles, with a particular focus on solutions utilizing Organ-on-a-Chip (OOC) technology. The emphasis on OOC technology underscores its role as a promising avenue in ensuring the successful cultivation and maintenance of follicular structures during the culture period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Malo
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.O.); (I.O.)
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Oliván
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.O.); (I.O.)
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.O.); (I.O.)
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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8
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Tian M, Ma Z, Yang GZ. Micro/nanosystems for controllable drug delivery to the brain. Innovation (N Y) 2024; 5:100548. [PMID: 38161522 PMCID: PMC10757293 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2023.100548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug delivery to the brain is crucial in the treatment for central nervous system disorders. While significant progress has been made in recent years, there are still major challenges in achieving controllable drug delivery to the brain. Unmet clinical needs arise from various factors, including controlled drug transport, handling large drug doses, methods for crossing biological barriers, the use of imaging guidance, and effective models for analyzing drug delivery. Recent advances in micro/nanosystems have shown promise in addressing some of these challenges. These include the utilization of microfluidic platforms to test and validate the drug delivery process in a controlled and biomimetic setting, the development of novel micro/nanocarriers for large drug loads across the blood-brain barrier, and the implementation of micro-intervention systems for delivering drugs through intraparenchymal or peripheral routes. In this article, we present a review of the latest developments in micro/nanosystems for controllable drug delivery to the brain. We also delve into the relevant diseases, biological barriers, and conventional methods. In addition, we discuss future prospects and the development of emerging robotic micro/nanosystems equipped with directed transportation, real-time image guidance, and closed-loop control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhen Tian
- Institute of Medical Robotics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhichao Ma
- Institute of Medical Robotics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Guang-Zhong Yang
- Institute of Medical Robotics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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9
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Lee S, Kim H, Kim BS, Chae S, Jung S, Lee JS, Yu J, Son K, Chung M, Kim JK, Hwang D, Baek SH, Jeon NL. Angiogenesis-on-a-chip coupled with single-cell RNA sequencing reveals spatially differential activations of autophagy along angiogenic sprouts. Nat Commun 2024; 15:230. [PMID: 38172108 PMCID: PMC10764361 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44427-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Several functions of autophagy associated with proliferation, differentiation, and migration of endothelial cells have been reported. Due to lack of models recapitulating angiogenic sprouting, functional heterogeneity of autophagy in endothelial cells along angiogenic sprouts remains elusive. Here, we apply an angiogenesis-on-a-chip to reconstruct 3D sprouts with clear endpoints. We perform single-cell RNA sequencing of sprouting endothelial cells from our chip to reveal high activation of autophagy in two endothelial cell populations- proliferating endothelial cells in sprout basements and stalk-like endothelial cells near sprout endpoints- and further the reciprocal expression pattern of autophagy-related genes between stalk- and tip-like endothelial cells near sprout endpoints, implying an association of autophagy with tip-stalk cell specification. Our results suggest a model describing spatially differential roles of autophagy: quality control of proliferating endothelial cells in sprout basements for sprout elongation and tip-stalk cell specification near sprout endpoints, which may change strategies for developing autophagy-based anti-angiogenic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somin Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hyunkyung Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bum Suk Kim
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sehyun Chae
- Neurovascular Unit Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sangmin Jung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Seub Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - James Yu
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyungmin Son
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minhwan Chung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Kyoung Kim
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, South Korea.
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea.
| | - Daehee Hwang
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Sung Hee Baek
- Creative Research Initiatives Center for Epigenetic Code and Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
- Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
- Qureator, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA.
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10
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Han S, Kim J, Kim SH, Youn W, Kim J, Ji GY, Yang S, Park J, Lee GM, Kim Y, Choi IS. In vitro induction of in vivo-relevant stellate astrocytes in 3D brain-derived, decellularized extracellular matrices. Acta Biomater 2023; 172:218-233. [PMID: 37788738 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
In vitro fabrication of 3D cell culture systems that could provide in vivo tissue-like, structural, and biochemical environments to neural cells is essential not only for fundamental studies on brain function and behavior, but also for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applicable to neural injury and neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, for astrocytes-which actively respond to the surroundings and exhibit varied morphologies based on stimuli (e.g., stiffness and chemicals) in vitro, as well as physiological or pathological conditions in vivo-it is crucial to establish an appropriate milieu in in vitro culture platforms. Herein, we report the induction of in vivo-relevant, stellate-shaped astrocytes derived from cortices of Rattus norvegicus by constructing the 3D cell culture systems of brain-derived, decellularized extracellular matrices (bdECMs). The bdECM hydrogels were mechanically stable and soft, and the bdECM-based 3D scaffolds supplied biochemically active environments that astrocytes could interact with, leading to the development of in vivo-like stellate structures. In addition to the distinct morphology with actively elongated endfeet, the astrocytes, cultured in 3D bdECM scaffolds, would have neurosupportive characteristics, indicated by the accelerated neurite outgrowth in the astrocyte-conditioned media. Furthermore, next-generation sequencing showed that the gene expression profiles of astrocytes cultured in bdECMs were significantly different from those cultured on 2D surfaces. The stellate-shaped astrocytes in the bdECMs were analyzed to have reached a more mature state, for instance, with decreased expression of genes for scaffold ECMs, actin filaments, and cell division. The results suggest that the bdECM-based 3D culture system offers an advanced platform for culturing primary cortical astrocytes and their mixtures with other neural cells, providing a brain-like, structural and biochemical milieu that promotes the maturity and in vivo-like characteristics of astrocytes in both form and gene expression. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Decellularized extracellular matrices (dECMs) have emerged as strong candidates for the construction of three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures in vitro, owing to the potential to provide native biochemical and physical environments. In this study, we fabricated hydrogels of brain-derived dECMs (bdECMs) and cultured primary astrocytes within the bdECM hydrogels in a 3D context. The cultured astrocytes exhibited a stellate morphology distinct from conventional 2D cultures, featuring tridimensionally elongated endfeet. qRT-PCR and NGS-based transcriptomic analyses revealed gene expression patterns indicative of a more mature state, compared with the 2D culture. Moreover, astrocytes cultured in bdECMs showed neurosupportive characteristics, as demonstrated by the accelerated neurite outgrowth in astrocyte-conditioned media. We believe that the bdECM hydrogel-based culture system can serve as an in vitro model system for astrocytes and their coculture with other neural cells, holding significant potential for neural engineering and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sol Han
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Jungnam Kim
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Su Hyun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Wongu Youn
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Jihoo Kim
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Gil Yong Ji
- Cannabis Medical, Inc., Asan 31418, South Korea
| | - Seoin Yang
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Joohyouck Park
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Gyun Min Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | | | - Insung S Choi
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea; Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea.
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11
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Marino A, Battaglini M, Lefevre MC, Ceccarelli MC, Ziaja K, Ciofani G. Sensorization of microfluidic brain-on-a-chip devices: Towards a new generation of integrated drug screening systems. Trends Analyt Chem 2023; 168:117319. [PMID: 37915756 PMCID: PMC7615229 DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.117319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Brain-on-a-chip (BoC) devices show typical characteristics of brain complexity, including the presence of different cell types, separation in different compartments, tissue-like three-dimensionality, and inclusion of the extracellular matrix components. Moreover, the incorporation of a vascular system mimicking the blood-brain barrier (BBB) makes BoC particularly attractive, since they can be exploited to test the brain delivery of different drugs and nanoformulations. In this review, we introduce the main innovations in BoC and BBB-on-a-chip models, especially focusing sensorization: electrical, electrochemical, and optical biosensors permit the real-time monitoring of different biological phenomena and markers, such as the release of growth factors, the expression of specific receptors/biomarkers, the activation of immune cells, cell viability, cell-cell interactions, and BBB crossing of drugs and nanoparticles. The recent improvements in signal amplification, miniaturization, and multiplication of the sensors are discussed in an effort to highlight their benefits versus limitations and delineate future challenges in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attilio Marino
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Matteo Battaglini
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Marie Celine Lefevre
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Ceccarelli
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, The Biorobotics Institute, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Kamil Ziaja
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, The Biorobotics Institute, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
- University of Aveiro, Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Rua de Calouste Gulbenkian 1, 3810-074, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
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12
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Li W, Zhou Z, Zhou X, Khoo BL, Gunawan R, Chin YR, Zhang L, Yi C, Guan X, Yang M. 3D Biomimetic Models to Reconstitute Tumor Microenvironment In Vitro: Spheroids, Organoids, and Tumor-on-a-Chip. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202609. [PMID: 36917657 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Decades of efforts in engineering in vitro cancer models have advanced drug discovery and the insight into cancer biology. However, the establishment of preclinical models that enable fully recapitulating the tumor microenvironment remains challenging owing to its intrinsic complexity. Recent progress in engineering techniques has allowed the development of a new generation of in vitro preclinical models that can recreate complex in vivo tumor microenvironments and accurately predict drug responses, including spheroids, organoids, and tumor-on-a-chip. These biomimetic 3D tumor models are of particular interest as they pave the way for better understanding of cancer biology and accelerating the development of new anticancer therapeutics with reducing animal use. Here, the recent advances in developing these in vitro platforms for cancer modeling and preclinical drug screening, focusing on incorporating hydrogels are reviewed to reconstitute physiologically relevant microenvironments. The combination of spheroids/organoids with microfluidic technologies is also highlighted to better mimic in vivo tumors and discuss the challenges and future directions in the clinical translation of such models for drug screening and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Li
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Zhihang Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Bee Luan Khoo
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Renardi Gunawan
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Y Rebecca Chin
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Changqing Yi
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Advanced and Portable Medical Devices, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 518107, China
| | - Xinyuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Mengsu Yang
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
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13
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Isosaari L, Vuorenpää H, Yrjänäinen A, Kapucu FE, Kelloniemi M, Pakarinen TK, Miettinen S, Narkilahti S. Simultaneous induction of vasculature and neuronal network formation on a chip reveals a dynamic interrelationship between cell types. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:132. [PMID: 37316873 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01159-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuronal networks receive and deliver information to regulate bodily functions while the vascular network provides oxygen, nutrients, and signaling molecules to tissues. Neurovascular interactions are vital for both tissue development and maintaining homeostasis in adulthood; these two network systems align and reciprocally communicate with one another. Although communication between network systems has been acknowledged, the lack of relevant in vitro models has hindered research at the mechanistic level. For example, the current used in vitro neurovascular models are typically established to be short-term (≤ 7 days) culture models, and they miss the supporting vascular mural cells. METHODS In this study, we utilized human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) -derived neurons, fluorescence tagged human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and either human bone marrow or adipose stem/stromal cells (BMSCs or ASCs) as the mural cell types to create a novel 3D neurovascular network-on-a-chip model. Collagen 1-fibrin matrix was used to establish long-term (≥ 14 days) 3D cell culture in a perfusable microphysiological environment. RESULTS Aprotinin-supplemented endothelial cell growth medium-2 (EGM-2) supported the simultaneous formation of neuronal networks, vascular structures, mural cell differentiation, and the stability of the 3D matrix. The formed neuronal and vascular networks were morphologically and functionally characterized. Neuronal networks supported vasculature formation based on direct cell contacts and by dramatically increasing the secretion of angiogenesis-related factors in multicultures in contrast to cocultures without neurons. Both utilized mural cell types supported the formation of neurovascular networks; however, the BMSCs seemed to boost neurovascular networks to greater extent. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our study provides a novel human neurovascular network model that is applicable for creating in vivo-like tissue models with intrinsic neurovascular interactions. The 3D neurovascular network model on chip forms an initial platform for the development of vascularized and innervated organ-on-chip and further body-on-chip concepts and offers the possibility for mechanistic studies on neurovascular communication both under healthy and in disease conditions. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotta Isosaari
- NeuroGroup, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Adult Stem Cell Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Research, Development and Innovation Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hanna Vuorenpää
- Adult Stem Cell Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Research, Development and Innovation Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Alma Yrjänäinen
- Adult Stem Cell Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Research, Development and Innovation Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Fikret Emre Kapucu
- NeuroGroup, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Minna Kelloniemi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Susanna Miettinen
- Adult Stem Cell Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Research, Development and Innovation Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Susanna Narkilahti
- NeuroGroup, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
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14
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Bogseth A, Ramirez A, Vaughan E, Maisel K. In Vitro Models of Blood and Lymphatic Vessels-Connecting Tissues and Immunity. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200041. [PMID: 35751460 PMCID: PMC9790046 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Blood and lymphatic vessels are regulators of physiological processes, including oxygenation and fluid transport. Both vessels are ubiquitous throughout the body and are critical for sustaining tissue homeostasis. The complexity of each vessel's processes has limited the understanding of exactly how the vessels maintain their functions. Both vessels have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer metastasis, and it is crucial to probe further specific mechanisms involved. In vitro models are developed to better understand blood and lymphatic physiological functions and their mechanisms. In this review, blood and lymphatic in vitro model systems, including 2D and 3D designs made using Transwells, microfluidic devices, organoid cultures, and various other methods, are described. Models studying endothelial cell-extracellular matrix interactions, endothelial barrier properties, transendothelial transport and cell migration, lymph/angiogenesis, vascular inflammation, and endothelial-cancer cell interactions are particularly focused. While the field has made significant progress in modeling and understanding lymphatic and blood vasculature, more models that include coculture of multiple cell types, complex extracellular matrix, and 3D morphologies, particularly for models mimicking disease states, will help further the understanding of the role of blood and lymphatic vasculature in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Bogseth
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Ann Ramirez
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Erik Vaughan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Katharina Maisel
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
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15
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Pérez-López A, Isabel Torres-Suárez A, Martín-Sabroso C, Aparicio-Blanco J. An overview of in vitro 3D models of the blood-brain barrier as a tool to predict the in vivo permeability of nanomedicines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114816. [PMID: 37003488 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents efficient drug delivery to the central nervous system. As a result, brain diseases remain one of the greatest unmet medical needs. Understanding the tridimensional structure of the BBB helps gain insight into the pathology of the BBB and contributes to the development of novel therapies for brain diseases. Therefore, 3D models with an ever-growing sophisticated complexity are being developed to closely mimic the human neurovascular unit. Among these 3D models, hydrogel-, spheroid- and organoid-based static BBB models have been developed, and so have microfluidic-based BBB-on-a-chip models. The different 3D preclinical models of the BBB, both in health and disease, are here reviewed, from their development to their application for permeability testing of nanomedicines across the BBB, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each model. The validation with data from in vivo preclinical data is also discussed in those cases where provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Pérez-López
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Torres-Suárez
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Industrial Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Cristina Martín-Sabroso
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Industrial Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Aparicio-Blanco
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Industrial Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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16
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Ren B, Jiang Z, Murfee WL, Katz AJ, Siemann D, Huang Y. Realizations of vascularized tissues: From in vitro platforms to in vivo grafts. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:011308. [PMID: 36938117 PMCID: PMC10015415 DOI: 10.1063/5.0131972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Vascularization is essential for realizing thick and functional tissue constructs that can be utilized for in vitro study platforms and in vivo grafts. The vasculature enables the transport of nutrients, oxygen, and wastes and is also indispensable to organ functional units such as the nephron filtration unit, the blood-air barrier, and the blood-brain barrier. This review aims to discuss the latest progress of organ-like vascularized constructs with specific functionalities and realizations even though they are not yet ready to be used as organ substitutes. First, the human vascular system is briefly introduced and related design considerations for engineering vascularized tissues are discussed. Second, up-to-date creation technologies for vascularized tissues are summarized and classified into the engineering and cellular self-assembly approaches. Third, recent applications ranging from in vitro tissue models, including generic vessel models, tumor models, and different human organ models such as heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and brain, to prevascularized in vivo grafts for implantation and anastomosis are discussed in detail. The specific design considerations for the aforementioned applications are summarized and future perspectives regarding future clinical applications and commercialization are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Ren
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
| | - Zhihua Jiang
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Walter Lee Murfee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
| | - Adam J. Katz
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA
| | - Dietmar Siemann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Yong Huang
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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17
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Guarino V, Zizzari A, Bianco M, Gigli G, Moroni L, Arima V. Advancements in modelling human blood brain-barrier on a chip. Biofabrication 2023; 15. [PMID: 36689766 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acb571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The human Blood Brain Barrier (hBBB) is a complex cellular architecture separating the blood from the brain parenchyma. Its integrity and perfect functionality are essential for preventing neurotoxic plasma components and pathogens enter the brain. Although vital for preserving the correct brain activity, the low permeability of hBBB represents a huge impediment to treat mental and neurological disorders or to address brain tumors. Indeed, the vast majority of potential drug treatments are unable to reach the brain crossing the hBBB. On the other hand, hBBB integrity can be damaged or its permeability increase as a result of infections or in presence of neurodegenerative diseases. Currentin vitrosystems andin vivoanimal models used to study the molecular/drug transport mechanism through the hBBB have several intrinsic limitations that are difficult to overcome. In this scenario, Organ-on-Chip (OoC) models based on microfluidic technologies are considered promising innovative platforms that combine the handiness of anin vitromodel with the complexity of a living organ, while reducing time and costs. In this review, we focus on recent advances in OoCs for developing hBBB models, with the aim of providing the reader with a critical overview of the main guidelines to design and manufacture a hBBB-on-chip, whose compartments need to mimic the 'blood side' and 'brain side' of the barrier, to choose the cells types that are both representative and convenient, and to adequately evaluate the barrier integrity, stability, and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vita Guarino
- Department of Mathematics and Physics 'E. De Giorgi', Università del Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.,CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Monica Bianco
- CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Department of Mathematics and Physics 'E. De Giorgi', Università del Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.,CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology, 73100 Lecce, Italy.,Department of complex tissue regeneration, Maastricht University, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, 6229ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
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18
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Steinruecke M, Lonergan RM, Selvaraj BT, Chandran S, Diaz-Castro B, Stavrou M. Blood-CNS barrier dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Proposed mechanisms and clinical implications. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2023; 43:642-654. [PMID: 36704819 PMCID: PMC10108188 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231153281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
There is strong evidence for blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barrier dysfunction at the early stages of many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since impairment of the blood-central nervous system barrier (BCNSB) occurs during the pre-symptomatic stages of ALS, the mechanisms underlying this pathology are likely also involved in the ALS disease process. In this review, we explore how drivers of ALS disease, particularly mitochondrial dysfunction, astrocyte pathology and neuroinflammation, may contribute to BCNSB impairment. Mitochondria are highly abundant in BCNSB tissue and mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS contributes to motor neuron death. Likewise, astrocytes adopt key physical, transport and metabolic functions at the barrier, many of which are impaired in ALS. Astrocytes also show raised expression of inflammatory markers in ALS and ablating ALS-causing transgenes in astrocytes slows disease progression. In addition, key drivers of neuroinflammation, including TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology, matrix metalloproteinase activation and systemic inflammation, affect BCNSB integrity in ALS. Finally, we discuss the translational implications of BCNSB dysfunction in ALS, including the development of biomarkers for disease onset and progression, approaches aimed at restoring BCNSB integrity and in vitro modelling of the neurogliovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Steinruecke
- Edinburgh Medical School, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Bhuvaneish T Selvaraj
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Blanca Diaz-Castro
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Maria Stavrou
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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19
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Xiao RR, Jing B, Yan L, Li J, Tu P, Ai X. Constant-rate perfused array chip for high-throughput screening of drug permeability through brain endothelium. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:4481-4492. [PMID: 36281783 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00507g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The development of an in vitro model for predicting drug permeability through the human blood-brain barrier (BBB) will greatly accelerate the development of neural therapy. Previously reported platforms for BBB model construction cannot meet the requirements of constant-rate and high-throughput flow, as well as compatibility with the commercial meter for real-time transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement. Herein, a constant-rate perfused array chip (cPAC) was developed to establish a brain endothelium model for screening drug permeability. The cPAC consisted of 24 units with four layers. Three reservoirs on the top had a 0.5 mm center-to-center spacing, enabling real-time detection of the TEER with the commercial volt-ohm meter. With the optimized chip design, the constant-rate and high-throughput flow by gravity was achieved. Compared with the static culture of the Transwell, the brain endothelium model on the cPAC exhibited superior performance in barrier function, efflux functionality of the transporters, and reversible osmotic opening of the brain endothelium. More importantly, the permeability of model drugs on the cPAC matched the in vivo results with the correlation coefficient reaching 0.994. Finally, the brain endothelium model was cocultured with 3D tumor cells for simultaneous evaluation of drug permeability and brain tumor therapy. The drug efficacy at the target cells on the coculture model was also consistent with clinical findings. These results demonstrated that this platform provides a promising tool for brain endothelium model establishment to predict drug permeability and brain therapy. We anticipate the cPAC to be widely accepted for establishing various barrier models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bolin Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Lei Yan
- Beijing Daxiang Biotech, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiajia Li
- Beijing Daxiang Biotech, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Pengfei Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Xiaoni Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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20
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Kim W, Kim J, Lee SY, Kim HM, Jung H, Joo KM, Nam DH. Functional validation of the simplified in vitro 3D Co-culture based BBB model. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 625:128-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.07.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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21
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Ko J, Park D, Lee S, Gumuscu B, Jeon NL. Engineering Organ-on-a-Chip to Accelerate Translational Research. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13081200. [PMID: 36014122 PMCID: PMC9412404 DOI: 10.3390/mi13081200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We guide the use of organ-on-chip technology in tissue engineering applications. Organ-on-chip technology is a form of microengineered cell culture platform that elaborates the in-vivo like organ or tissue microenvironments. The organ-on-chip platform consists of microfluidic channels, cell culture chambers, and stimulus sources that emulate the in-vivo microenvironment. These platforms are typically engraved into an oxygen-permeable transparent material. Fabrication of these materials requires the use of microfabrication strategies, including soft lithography, 3D printing, and injection molding. Here we provide an overview of what is an organ-on-chip platform, where it can be used, what it is composed of, how it can be fabricated, and how it can be operated. In connection with this topic, we also introduce an overview of the recent applications, where different organs are modeled on the microscale using this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
| | - Dohyun Park
- Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
| | - Somin Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
| | - Burcu Gumuscu
- Biosensors and Devices Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
- Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-880-7111
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22
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Optical molecular imaging and theranostics in neurological diseases based on aggregation-induced emission luminogens. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:4529-4550. [PMID: 35781601 PMCID: PMC9606072 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05894-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Optical molecular imaging and image-guided theranostics benefit from special and specific imaging agents, for which aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have been regarded as good candidates in many biomedical applications. They display a large Stokes shift, high quantum yield, good biocompatibility, and resistance to photobleaching. Neurological diseases are becoming a substantial burden on individuals and society that affect over 50 million people worldwide. It is urgently needed to explore in more detail the brain structure and function, learn more about pathological processes of neurological diseases, and develop more efficient approaches for theranostics. Many AIEgens have been successfully designed, synthesized, and further applied for molecular imaging and image-guided theranostics in neurological diseases such as cerebrovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, and brain tumor, which help us understand more about the pathophysiological state of brain through noninvasive optical imaging approaches. Herein, we focus on representative AIEgens investigated on brain vasculature imaging and theranostics in neurological diseases including cerebrovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, and brain tumor. Considering different imaging modalities and various therapeutic functions, AIEgens have great potential to broaden neurological research and meet urgent needs in clinical practice. It will be inspiring to develop more practical and versatile AIEgens as molecular imaging agents for preclinical and clinical use on neurological diseases.
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Simplified in vitro 3D co-culture-based blood-brain barrier model using transwell. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 620:63-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.06.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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24
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Piantino M, Kang DH, Furihata T, Nakatani N, Kitamura K, Shigemoto-Mogami Y, Sato K, Matsusaki M. Development of a three-dimensional blood-brain barrier network with opening capillary structures for drug transport screening assays. Mater Today Bio 2022; 15:100324. [PMID: 35757028 PMCID: PMC9214798 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB), a selective barrier regulating the active and passive transport of solutes in the extracellular fluid of the central nervous system, prevents the delivery of therapeutics for brain disorders. The BBB is composed of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC), pericytes and astrocytes. Current in vitro BBB models cannot reproduce the human structural complexity of the brain microvasculature, and thus their functions are not enough for drug assessments. In this study, we developed a 3D self-assembled microvascular network formed by BMEC covered by pericytes and astrocyte end feet. It exhibited perfusable microvasculature due to the presence of capillary opening ends on the bottom of the hydrogel. It also demonstrated size-selective permeation of different molecular weights of fluorescent-labeled dextran, as similarly reported for in vivo rodent brain, suggesting the same permeability with actual in vivo brain. The activity of P-glycoprotein efflux pump was confirmed using the substrate Rhodamine 123. Finally, the functionality of the receptor-mediated transcytosis, one of the main routes for drug delivery of large molecules into the brain, could be validated using transferrin receptor (TfR) with confocal imaging, competition assays and permeability assays. Efficient permeability coefficient (Pe) value of transportable anti-TfR antibody (MEM-189) was seven-fold higher than those of isotype antibody (IgG1) and low transportable anti-TfR antibody (13E4), suggesting a higher TfR transport function than previous reports. The BBB model with capillary openings could thus be a valuable tool for the screening of therapeutics that can be transported across the BBB, including those using TfR-mediated transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Piantino
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Dong-Hee Kang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomomi Furihata
- School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Nakatani
- SCREEN Holdings Co.,Ltd. Development Section 2, R&D Department 1, Furukawa-cho, Hazukashi, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kimiko Kitamura
- Division of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yukari Shigemoto-Mogami
- Division of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kaoru Sato
- Division of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Michiya Matsusaki
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Corresponding author.
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25
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Yin F, Su W, Wang L, Hu Q. Microfluidic strategies for the blood-brain barrier construction and assessment. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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26
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Aazmi A, Zhou H, Lv W, Yu M, Xu X, Yang H, Zhang YS, Ma L. Vascularizing the brain in vitro. iScience 2022; 25:104110. [PMID: 35378862 PMCID: PMC8976127 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is arguably the most fascinating and complex organ in the human body. Recreating the brain in vitro is an ambition restricted by our limited understanding of its structure and interacting elements. One of these interacting parts, the brain microvasculature, is distinguished by a highly selective barrier known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), limiting the transport of substances between the blood and the nervous system. Numerous in vitro models have been used to mimic the BBB and constructed by implementing a variety of microfabrication and microfluidic techniques. However, currently available models still cannot accurately imitate the in vivo characteristics of BBB. In this article, we review recent BBB models by analyzing each parameter affecting the accuracy of these models. Furthermore, we propose an investigation of the synergy between BBB models and neuronal tissue biofabrication, which results in more advanced models, including neurovascular unit microfluidic models and vascularized brain organoid-based models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Aazmi
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongzhao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weikang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mengfei Yu
- The Affiliated Stomatologic Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Huayong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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27
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Ippolitov D, Arreza L, Munir MN, Hombach-Klonisch S. Brain Microvascular Pericytes—More than Bystanders in Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081263. [PMID: 35455945 PMCID: PMC9028330 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tissue contains the highest number of perivascular pericytes compared to other organs. Pericytes are known to regulate brain perfusion and to play an important role within the neurovascular unit (NVU). The high phenotypic and functional plasticity of pericytes make this cell type a prime candidate to aid physiological adaptations but also propose pericytes as important modulators in diverse pathologies in the brain. This review highlights known phenotypes of pericytes in the brain, discusses the diverse markers for brain pericytes, and reviews current in vitro and in vivo experimental models to study pericyte function. Our current knowledge of pericyte phenotypes as it relates to metastatic growth patterns in breast cancer brain metastasis is presented as an example for the crosstalk between pericytes, endothelial cells, and metastatic cells. Future challenges lie in establishing methods for real-time monitoring of pericyte crosstalk to understand causal events in the brain metastatic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyyl Ippolitov
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (D.I.); (L.A.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Leanne Arreza
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (D.I.); (L.A.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Maliha Nuzhat Munir
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (D.I.); (L.A.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Sabine Hombach-Klonisch
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (D.I.); (L.A.); (M.N.M.)
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z2, Canada
- Correspondence:
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28
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Wang Y, Kankala RK, Ou C, Chen A, Yang Z. Advances in hydrogel-based vascularized tissues for tissue repair and drug screening. Bioact Mater 2022; 9:198-220. [PMID: 34820566 PMCID: PMC8586021 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The construction of biomimetic vasculatures within the artificial tissue models or organs is highly required for conveying nutrients, oxygen, and waste products, for improving the survival of engineered tissues in vitro. In recent times, the remarkable progress in utilizing hydrogels and understanding vascular biology have enabled the creation of three-dimensional (3D) tissues and organs composed of highly complex vascular systems. In this review, we give an emphasis on the utilization of hydrogels and their advantages in the vascularization of tissues. Initially, the significance of vascular elements and the regeneration mechanisms of vascularization, including angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, are briefly introduced. Further, we highlight the importance and advantages of hydrogels as artificial microenvironments in fabricating vascularized tissues or organs, in terms of tunable physical properties, high similarity in physiological environments, and alternative shaping mechanisms, among others. Furthermore, we discuss the utilization of such hydrogels-based vascularized tissues in various applications, including tissue regeneration, drug screening, and organ-on-chips. Finally, we put forward the key challenges, including multifunctionalities of hydrogels, selection of suitable cell phenotype, sophisticated engineering techniques, and clinical translation behind the development of the tissues with complex vasculatures towards their future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523059, PR China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, PR China
| | - Ranjith Kumar Kankala
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, PR China
| | - Caiwen Ou
- Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523059, PR China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, PR China
| | - Aizheng Chen
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, PR China
| | - Zhilu Yang
- Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523059, PR China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, PR China
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29
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Chae S, Kim J, Yi HG, Cho DW. 3D Bioprinting of an In Vitro Model of a Biomimetic Urinary Bladder with a Contract-Release System. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:277. [PMID: 35208401 PMCID: PMC8877589 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The development of curative therapy for bladder dysfunction is usually hampered owing to the lack of reliable ex vivo human models that can mimic the complexity of the human bladder. To overcome this issue, 3D in vitro model systems offering unique opportunities to engineer realistic human tissues/organs have been developed. However, existing in vitro models still cannot entirely reflect the key structural and physiological characteristics of the native human bladder. In this study, we propose an in vitro model of the urinary bladder that can create 3D biomimetic tissue structures and dynamic microenvironments to replicate the smooth muscle functions of an actual human urinary bladder. In other words, the proposed biomimetic model system, developed using a 3D bioprinting approach, can recreate the physiological motion of the urinary bladder by incorporating decellularized extracellular matrix from the bladder tissue and introducing cyclic mechanical stimuli. The results showed that the developed bladder tissue models exhibited high cell viability and proliferation rate and promoted myogenic differentiation potential given dynamic mechanical cues. We envision the developed in vitro bladder mimicry model can serve as a research platform for fundamental studies on human disease modeling and pharmaceutical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhun Chae
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea; (S.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Jaewook Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea; (S.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Hee-Gyeong Yi
- Department of Rural and Biosystems Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Dong-Woo Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea; (S.C.); (J.K.)
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
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30
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Newman Frisch A, Debbi L, Shuhmaher M, Guo S, Levenberg S. Advances in vascularization and innervation of constructs for neural tissue engineering. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 73:188-197. [PMID: 34481245 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A growing number of technologies are being developed to promote vascularization and innervation in engineered tissues. Organ-on-a-chip, organoid and 3D printing technologies, as well as pre-vascularized and oriented scaffolds, have been employed for vascularization and innervation of engineered tissues both in vivo and in vitro. Both vascularization and innervation are critical for neural tissue engineering, as these complex tissues require provision of both blood and nerves. As such, this review will have particular focus on neural tissue engineering. We examine state-of-the-art approaches for tissue vascularization and innervation and identify promising methods for developing vascularized and innervated engineered neural constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Newman Frisch
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Lior Debbi
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Margarita Shuhmaher
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Shaowei Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, China
| | - Shulamit Levenberg
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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31
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Maurissen TL, Pavlou G, Bichsel C, Villaseñor R, Kamm RD, Ragelle H. Microphysiological Neurovascular Barriers to Model the Inner Retinal Microvasculature. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12020148. [PMID: 35207637 PMCID: PMC8876566 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-neural barriers regulate nutrient supply to neuronal tissues and prevent neurotoxicity. In particular, the inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB) and blood–brain barrier (BBB) share common origins in development, and similar morphology and function in adult tissue, while barrier breakdown and leakage of neurotoxic molecules can be accompanied by neurodegeneration. Therefore, pre-clinical research requires human in vitro models that elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and support drug discovery, to add to animal in vivo modeling that poorly predict patient responses. Advanced cellular models such as microphysiological systems (MPS) recapitulate tissue organization and function in many organ-specific contexts, providing physiological relevance, potential for customization to different population groups, and scalability for drug screening purposes. While human-based MPS have been developed for tissues such as lung, gut, brain and tumors, few comprehensive models exist for ocular tissues and iBRB modeling. Recent BBB in vitro models using human cells of the neurovascular unit (NVU) showed physiological morphology and permeability values, and reproduced brain neurological disorder phenotypes that could be applicable to modeling the iBRB. Here, we describe similarities between iBRB and BBB properties, compare existing neurovascular barrier models, propose leverage of MPS-based strategies to develop new iBRB models, and explore potentials to personalize cellular inputs and improve pre-clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L. Maurissen
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Georgios Pavlou
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., MIT Building, Room NE47-321, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Colette Bichsel
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Institute for Translational Bioengineering, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Villaseñor
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., MIT Building, Room NE47-321, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., MIT Building, Room NE47-321, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Correspondence: (R.D.K.); (H.R.)
| | - Héloïse Ragelle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: (R.D.K.); (H.R.)
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32
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Engineered human blood-brain barrier microfluidic model for vascular permeability analyses. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:95-128. [PMID: 34997242 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00635-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) greatly restricts the entry of biological and engineered therapeutic molecules into the brain. Due to challenges in translating results from animal models to the clinic, relevant in vitro human BBB models are needed to assess pathophysiological molecular transport mechanisms and enable the design of targeted therapies for neurological disorders. This protocol describes an in vitro model of the human BBB self-assembled within microfluidic devices from stem-cell-derived or primary brain endothelial cells, and primary brain pericytes and astrocytes. This protocol requires 1.5 d for device fabrication, 7 d for device culture and up to 5 d for downstream imaging, protein and gene expression analyses. Methodologies to measure the permeability of any molecule in the BBB model, which take 30 min per device, are also included. Compared with standard 2D assays, the BBB model features relevant cellular organization and morphological characteristics, as well as values of molecular permeability within the range expected in vivo. These properties, coupled with a functional brain endothelial expression profile and the capability to easily test several repeats with low reagent consumption, make this BBB model highly suitable for widespread use in academic and industrial laboratories.
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33
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Advances in 3D Vascularized Tumor-on-a-Chip Technology. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1379:231-256. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-04039-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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34
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O’Connor C, Brady E, Zheng Y, Moore E, Stevens KR. Engineering the multiscale complexity of vascular networks. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2022; 7:702-716. [PMID: 35669037 PMCID: PMC9154041 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-022-00447-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The survival of vertebrate organisms depends on highly regulated delivery of oxygen and nutrients through vascular networks that pervade nearly all tissues in the body. Dysregulation of these vascular networks is implicated in many common human diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes and cancer. Therefore, engineers have sought to create vascular networks within engineered tissues for applications such as regenerative therapies, human disease modelling and pharmacological testing. Yet engineering vascular networks has historically remained difficult, owing to both incomplete understanding of vascular structure and technical limitations for vascular fabrication. This Review highlights the materials advances that have enabled transformative progress in vascular engineering by ushering in new tools for both visualizing and building vasculature. New methods such as bioprinting, organoids and microfluidic systems are discussed, which have enabled the fabrication of 3D vascular topologies at a cellular scale with lumen perfusion. These approaches to vascular engineering are categorized into technology-driven and nature-driven approaches. Finally, the remaining knowledge gaps, emerging frontiers and opportunities for this field are highlighted, including the steps required to replicate the multiscale complexity of vascular networks found in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen O’Connor
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Eileen Brady
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Erika Moore
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Kelly R. Stevens
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Brotman Baty Institute, Seattle, WA USA
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35
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Lee S, Chung M, Jeon NL. BBB-on-a-Chip: Modeling Functional Human Blood-Brain Barrier by Mimicking 3D Brain Angiogenesis Using Microfluidic Chip. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2492:251-263. [PMID: 35733049 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2289-6_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip enables human cell-based 3D tissue culture, which recapitulates the physiological structure and function of the tissue. In terms of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) modeling, the 3D structure of the vessel is essential for studying the cellular interactions among BBB composing cells and investigating the barrier function. Here, we describe a BBB-on-a-chip model with 3D perfusable human vasculature tri-cultured with pericytes and astrocytes. The culture method is based on mimicking angiogenic sprouting since the barrier formation is parallel with angiogenesis during the developmental process. This microfluidic-based 3D tri-culture system enables the comparative study on how surrounding BBB-related cells affect brain angiogenic sprouting. Moreover, the engineered perfusable vasculature is eligible for quantitative analysis on barrier function such as efflux transport system. We expect the BBB-on-a-chip could be used to enhance understanding BBB-related pathologies as well as the drug modulating barrier function of BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somin Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minhwan Chung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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36
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Vakhrushev IV, Nezhurina EK, Karalkin PA, Tsvetkova AV, Sergeeva NS, Majouga AG, Yarygin KN. Heterotypic Multicellular Spheroids as Experimental and Preclinical Models of Sprouting Angiogenesis. BIOLOGY 2021; 11:18. [PMID: 35053016 PMCID: PMC8772844 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sprouting angiogenesis is the common response of live tissues to physiological and pathological angiogenic stimuli. Its accurate evaluation is of utmost importance for basic research and practical medicine and pharmacology and requires adequate experimental models. A variety of assays for angiogenesis were developed, none of them perfect. In vitro approaches are generally less physiologically relevant due to the omission of essential components regulating the process. However, only in vitro models can be entirely non-xenogeneic. The limitations of the in vitro angiogenesis assays can be partially overcome using 3D models mimicking tissue O2 and nutrient gradients, the influence of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and enabling cell-cell interactions. Here we present a review of the existing models of sprouting angiogenesis that are based on the use of endothelial cells (ECs) co-cultured with perivascular or other stromal cells. This approach provides an excellent in vitro platform for further decoding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of sprouting angiogenesis under conditions close to the in vivo conditions, as well as for preclinical drug testing and preclinical research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor V. Vakhrushev
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Elizaveta K. Nezhurina
- P.A. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Center, National Medical Research Radiological Center, 125284 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Pavel A. Karalkin
- Institute for Cluster Oncology, Sechenov University, 119435 Moscow, Russia;
| | | | - Nataliya S. Sergeeva
- Department of Biology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexander G. Majouga
- Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Technologies and Biomedical Products, D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, 125047 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Konstantin N. Yarygin
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
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Sharma NS, Karan A, Lee D, Yan Z, Xie J. Advances in Modeling Alzheimer's Disease In Vitro. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Navatha Shree Sharma
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
| | - Anik Karan
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
| | - Donghee Lee
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and Department of Biomedical Biological and Chemical Engineering University of Missouri Columbia MO 65211 USA
| | - Jingwei Xie
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering College of Engineering University of Nebraska Lincoln Lincoln NE 68588 USA
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Potjewyd G, Kellett K, Hooper N. 3D hydrogel models of the neurovascular unit to investigate blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Neuronal Signal 2021; 5:NS20210027. [PMID: 34804595 PMCID: PMC8579151 DOI: 10.1042/ns20210027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurovascular unit (NVU), consisting of neurons, glial cells, vascular cells (endothelial cells, pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)) together with the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), is an important interface between the peripheral blood and the brain parenchyma. Disruption of the NVU impacts on blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulation and underlies the development and pathology of multiple neurological disorders, including stroke and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The ability to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into the different cell types of the NVU and incorporate them into physical models provides a reverse engineering approach to generate human NVU models to study BBB function. To recapitulate the in vivo situation such NVU models must also incorporate the ECM to provide a 3D environment with appropriate mechanical and biochemical cues for the cells of the NVU. In this review, we provide an overview of the cells of the NVU and the surrounding ECM, before discussing the characteristics (stiffness, functionality and porosity) required of hydrogels to mimic the ECM when incorporated into in vitro NVU models. We summarise the approaches available to measure BBB functionality and present the techniques in use to develop robust and translatable models of the NVU, including transwell models, hydrogel models, 3D-bioprinting, microfluidic models and organoids. The incorporation of iPSCs either without or with disease-specific genetic mutations into these NVU models provides a platform in which to study normal and disease mechanisms, test BBB permeability to drugs, screen for new therapeutic targets and drugs or to design cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Potjewyd
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Katherine A.B. Kellett
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Nigel M. Hooper
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance and University of Manchester, Manchester, U.K
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Long RKM, Piatti L, Korbmacher F, Bernabeu M. Understanding parasite-brain microvascular interactions with engineered 3D blood-brain barrier models. Mol Microbiol 2021; 117:693-704. [PMID: 34837419 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Microbial interactions with the blood-brain barrier (BBB) can be highly pathogenic and are still not well understood. Among these, parasites present complex interactions with the brain microvasculature that are difficult to decipher using experimental animal models or reductionist 2D in vitro cultures. Novel 3D engineered blood-brain barrier models hold great promise to overcome limitations in traditional research approaches. These models better mimic the intricate 3D architecture of the brain microvasculature and recapitulate several aspects of BBB properties, physiology, and function. Moreover, they provide improved control over biophysical and biochemical experimental parameters and are compatible with advanced imaging and molecular biology techniques. Here, we review design considerations and methodologies utilized to successfully engineer BBB microvessels. Finally, we highlight the advantages and limitations of existing engineered models and propose applications to study parasite interactions with the BBB, including mechanisms of barrier disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory K M Long
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Livia Piatti
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Maria Bernabeu
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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40
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Tajeddin A, Mustafaoglu N. Design and Fabrication of Organ-on-Chips: Promises and Challenges. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:1443. [PMID: 34945293 PMCID: PMC8707724 DOI: 10.3390/mi12121443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The advent of the miniaturization approach has influenced the research trends in almost all disciplines. Bioengineering is one of the fields benefiting from the new possibilities of microfabrication techniques, especially in cell and tissue culture, disease modeling, and drug discovery. The limitations of existing 2D cell culture techniques, the high time and cost requirements, and the considerable failure rates have led to the idea of 3D cell culture environments capable of providing physiologically relevant tissue functions in vitro. Organ-on-chips are microfluidic devices used in this context as a potential alternative to in vivo animal testing to reduce the cost and time required for drug evaluation. This emerging technology contributes significantly to the development of various research areas, including, but not limited to, tissue engineering and drug discovery. However, it also brings many challenges. Further development of the technology requires interdisciplinary studies as some problems are associated with the materials and their manufacturing techniques. Therefore, in this paper, organ-on-chip technologies are presented, focusing on the design and fabrication requirements. Then, state-of-the-art materials and microfabrication techniques are described in detail to show their advantages and also their limitations. A comparison and identification of gaps for current use and further studies are therefore the subject of the final discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Tajeddin
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla 34596, Istanbul, Turkey;
| | - Nur Mustafaoglu
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla 34596, Istanbul, Turkey;
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Sabanci University, Tuzla 34596, Istanbul, Turkey
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Sorrentino S, Polini A, Arima V, Romano A, Quattrini A, Gigli G, Mozetic P, Moroni L. Neurovascular signals in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 74:75-83. [PMID: 34800850 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The neurovascular system (NVS) is a complex anatomic-functional unit that synergically works to maintain organs/tissues homeostasis of the entire body. NVS alterations have recently emerged as a common distinct feature in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite their undeniable involvement, neurovascular signalling pathways remain still far unknown in ALS. This review underlines the importance of endothelial, mural, and fibroblast cells as novel targets for ALS investigation and identifies in the interplay between neuronal and vascular systems the way to disclose novel molecular mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Sorrentino
- CNR Nanotec - Institute of Nanotechnology, Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni, Lecce, 73100, Italy
| | - Alessandro Polini
- CNR Nanotec - Institute of Nanotechnology, Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni, Lecce, 73100, Italy
| | - Valentina Arima
- CNR Nanotec - Institute of Nanotechnology, Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni, Lecce, 73100, Italy
| | - Alessandro Romano
- San Raffaele Hospital, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Rafaele Scientifc Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- San Raffaele Hospital, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Rafaele Scientifc Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- CNR Nanotec - Institute of Nanotechnology, Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni, Lecce, 73100, Italy; Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento, via Arnesano, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Pamela Mozetic
- CNR Nanotec - Institute of Nanotechnology, Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni, Lecce, 73100, Italy; San Raffaele Hospital, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Rafaele Scientifc Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- CNR Nanotec - Institute of Nanotechnology, Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni, Lecce, 73100, Italy; Maastricht University, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Complex Tissue Regeneration Department, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Yan L, Moriarty RA, Stroka KM. Recent progress and new challenges in modeling of human pluripotent stem cell-derived blood-brain barrier. Theranostics 2021; 11:10148-10170. [PMID: 34815809 PMCID: PMC8581424 DOI: 10.7150/thno.63195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a semipermeable unit that serves to vascularize the central nervous system (CNS) while tightly regulating the movement of molecules, ions, and cells between the blood and the brain. The BBB precisely controls brain homeostasis and protects the neural tissue from toxins and pathogens. The BBB is coordinated by a tight monolayer of brain microvascular endothelial cells, which is subsequently supported by mural cells, astrocytes, and surrounding neuronal cells that regulate the barrier function with a series of specialized properties. Dysfunction of barrier properties is an important pathological feature in the progression of various neurological diseases. In vitro BBB models recapitulating the physiological and diseased states are important tools to understand the pathological mechanism and to serve as a platform to screen potential drugs. Recent advances in this field have stemmed from the use of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Various cell types of the BBB such as brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), pericytes, and astrocytes have been derived from PSCs and synergistically incorporated to model the complex BBB structure in vitro. In this review, we summarize the most recent protocols and techniques for the differentiation of major cell types of the BBB. We also discuss the progress of BBB modeling by using PSC-derived cells and perspectives on how to reproduce more natural BBBs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Moriarty
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Kimberly M. Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Kim S, Lee S, Lim J, Choi H, Kang H, Jeon NL, Son Y. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells play a role as a vascular pericyte in the reconstruction of human BBB on the angiogenesis microfluidic chip. Biomaterials 2021; 279:121210. [PMID: 34710793 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A blood-brain barrier (BBB) on a chip similar to the in vivo BBB is important for evaluating the efficacy of reparative cell therapeutics for ischemic stroke in vitro. In this study, we established human BBB-like microvasculature on an angiogenesis microfluidic chip and analyzed the role of human pericytes (hPCs) and human astrocytes (hACs) on the architecture of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMEC)-derived microvasculature on a chip. We found that human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) play a role as perivascular pericytes in tight BBB reformation with a better vessel-constrictive capacity than that of hPCs, providing evidence of reparative stem cells on BBB repair rather than a paracrine effect. We also demonstrated that pericytes play an important role in vessel constriction, and astrocytes may induce the maturation of a capillary network. Higher expression of VEGF, SDF-1α, PDGFRβ, N-cadherin, and α-SMA in hBM-MSCs than in hPCs and their subsequent downregulation with hBMEC co-culture suggest that hBM-MSCs may be better recruited and engaged in the BBB-microvasculature than hPCs. Collectively, the human BBB on a chip may be adopted as an alternative to evaluate in vitro cellular behavior and the engagement of cell therapeutics in BBB regeneration and may also be used for studying stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumin Kim
- Department of Genetic Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yong in, 17104, South Korea
| | - Somin Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Jungeun Lim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Hyeri Choi
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Habin Kang
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Youngsook Son
- Department of Genetic Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yong in, 17104, South Korea; Kyung Hee Institute of Regenerative Medicine (KIRM), Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, 02447, South Korea.
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44
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Dellaquila A, Le Bao C, Letourneur D, Simon‐Yarza T. In Vitro Strategies to Vascularize 3D Physiologically Relevant Models. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2100798. [PMID: 34351702 PMCID: PMC8498873 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Vascularization of 3D models represents a major challenge of tissue engineering and a key prerequisite for their clinical and industrial application. The use of prevascularized models built from dedicated materials could solve some of the actual limitations, such as suboptimal integration of the bioconstructs within the host tissue, and would provide more in vivo-like perfusable tissue and organ-specific platforms. In the last decade, the fabrication of vascularized physiologically relevant 3D constructs has been attempted by numerous tissue engineering strategies, which are classified here in microfluidic technology, 3D coculture models, namely, spheroids and organoids, and biofabrication. In this review, the recent advancements in prevascularization techniques and the increasing use of natural and synthetic materials to build physiological organ-specific models are discussed. Current drawbacks of each technology, future perspectives, and translation of vascularized tissue constructs toward clinics, pharmaceutical field, and industry are also presented. By combining complementary strategies, these models are envisioned to be successfully used for regenerative medicine and drug development in a near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Dellaquila
- Université de ParisINSERM U1148X Bichat HospitalParisF‐75018France
- Elvesys Microfluidics Innovation CenterParis75011France
- Biomolecular PhotonicsDepartment of PhysicsUniversity of BielefeldBielefeld33615Germany
| | - Chau Le Bao
- Université de ParisINSERM U1148X Bichat HospitalParisF‐75018France
- Université Sorbonne Paris NordGalilée InstituteVilletaneuseF‐93430France
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45
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Galpayage Dona KNU, Hale JF, Salako T, Anandanatarajan A, Tran KA, DeOre BJ, Galie PA, Ramirez SH, Andrews AM. The Use of Tissue Engineering to Fabricate Perfusable 3D Brain Microvessels in vitro. Front Physiol 2021; 12:715431. [PMID: 34531761 PMCID: PMC8438211 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.715431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vitro has been rapidly expanding to address the challenges of mimicking the native structure and function of the BBB. Most of these models utilize 2D conventional microfluidic techniques. However, 3D microvascular models offer the potential to more closely recapitulate the cytoarchitecture and multicellular arrangement of in vivo microvasculature, and also can recreate branching and network topologies of the vascular bed. In this perspective, we discuss current 3D brain microvessel modeling techniques including templating, printing, and self-assembling capillary networks. Furthermore, we address the use of biological matrices and fluid dynamics. Finally, key challenges are identified along with future directions that will improve development of next generation of brain microvasculature models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpani N Udeni Galpayage Dona
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jonathan Franklin Hale
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Tobi Salako
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Akanksha Anandanatarajan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kiet A Tran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
| | - Brandon J DeOre
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
| | - Peter Adam Galie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
| | - Servio Heybert Ramirez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,The Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Allison Michelle Andrews
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,The Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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46
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Last A, Maurer M, S. Mosig A, S. Gresnigt M, Hube B. In vitro infection models to study fungal-host interactions. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:fuab005. [PMID: 33524102 PMCID: PMC8498566 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections (mycoses) affect over a billion people per year. Approximately, two million of these infections are life-threatening, especially for patients with a compromised immune system. Fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Candida, Histoplasma and Cryptococcus are opportunistic pathogens that contribute to a substantial number of mycoses. To optimize the diagnosis and treatment of mycoses, we need to understand the complex fungal-host interplay during pathogenesis, the fungal attributes causing virulence and how the host resists infection via immunological defenses. In vitro models can be used to mimic fungal infections of various tissues and organs and the corresponding immune responses at near-physiological conditions. Furthermore, models can include fungal interactions with the host-microbiota to mimic the in vivo situation on skin and mucosal surfaces. This article reviews currently used in vitro models of fungal infections ranging from cell monolayers to microfluidic 3D organ-on-chip (OOC) platforms. We also discuss how OOC models can expand the toolbox for investigating interactions of fungi and their human hosts in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Last
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Michelle Maurer
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Nonnenplan 2,07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander S. Mosig
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Nonnenplan 2,07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark S. Gresnigt
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Neugasse 24, 07743, Jena, Germany
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47
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Yoon JK, Kim J, Shah Z, Awasthi A, Mahajan A, Kim Y. Advanced Human BBB-on-a-Chip: A New Platform for Alzheimer's Disease Studies. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2002285. [PMID: 34075728 PMCID: PMC8349886 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202002285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a unique vascular structure that serves as a molecular transport gateway for the maintenance of brain homeostasis. Chronic disruption or breakdown of the BBB reportedly leads to neurodegenerative diseases. Nonetheless, research on human BBB pathophysiology and drug development remains highly dependent on studies using inherently different animals. Moreover, more studies have shown that animal models are not appropriate in modeling Alzheimer's disease (AD), underlining the importance of in vitro models of the human BBB with physiological relevance. In this review, recent advances in human BBB-on-a-chip technologies are highlighted and their potential for pathogenesis studies and drug prescreening for AD treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Kee Yoon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Jaehoon Kim
- Mepsgen Co. Ltd., Seoul, 05836, Republic of Korea
| | - Zachary Shah
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Ashi Awasthi
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Advay Mahajan
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - YongTae Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Mepsgen Co. Ltd., Seoul, 05836, Republic of Korea
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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48
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Del Piccolo N, Shirure VS, Bi Y, Goedegebuure SP, Gholami S, Hughes CC, Fields RC, George SC. Tumor-on-chip modeling of organ-specific cancer and metastasis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 175:113798. [PMID: 34015419 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Every year, cancer claims millions of lives around the globe. Unfortunately, model systems that accurately mimic human oncology - a requirement for the development of more effective therapies for these patients - remain elusive. Tumor development is an organ-specific process that involves modification of existing tissue features, recruitment of other cell types, and eventual metastasis to distant organs. Recently, tissue engineered microfluidic devices have emerged as a powerful in vitro tool to model human physiology and pathology with organ-specificity. These organ-on-chip platforms consist of cells cultured in 3D hydrogels and offer precise control over geometry, biological components, and physiochemical properties. Here, we review progress towards organ-specific microfluidic models of the primary and metastatic tumor microenvironments. Despite the field's infancy, these tumor-on-chip models have enabled discoveries about cancer immunobiology and response to therapy. Future work should focus on the development of autologous or multi-organ systems and inclusion of the immune system.
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49
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Liu H, Li S, Xu Y, Wang X, Ren R, Zhu H, Zhang S. Engeletin protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by modulating the VEGF/vasohibin and Ang-1/Tie-2 pathways. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 54:e11028. [PMID: 34287581 PMCID: PMC8289342 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2020e11028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Engeletin is a natural derivative of Smilax glabra rhizomilax that exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and suppresses lipid peroxidation. In the present study, we sought to elucidate the mechanistic basis for the neuroprotective and pro-angiogenic activity of engeltin in a human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) model system and a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. These analyses revealed that engeletin (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg) was able to reduce the infarct volume, increase cerebral blood flow, improve neurological function, and bolster the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vasohibin-2 (Vash-2), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), phosphorylated human angiopoietin receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (p-Tie2), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) in MCAO rats. Similarly, engeletin (100, 200, or 400 nM) markedly enhanced the migration, tube formation, and VEGF expression of HUVECs in an OGD/R model system, while the VEGF receptor (R) inhibitor axitinib reversed the observed changes in HUVEC tube formation activity and Vash-2, VEGF, and CD31 expression. These data suggested that engeletin exhibited significant neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats, and improved cerebrovascular angiogenesis by modulating the VEGF/vasohibin and Ang-1/Tie-2 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Shucui Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yangyang Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Rui Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Haibo Zhu
- School of Public Health and Management, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Shuping Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
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Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the most selective endothelial barriers. An understanding of its cellular, morphological, and biological properties in health and disease is necessary to develop therapeutics that can be transported from blood to brain. In vivo models have provided some insight into these features and transport mechanisms adopted at the brain, yet they have failed as a robust platform for the translation of results into clinical outcomes. In this article, we provide a general overview of major BBB features and describe various models that have been designed to replicate this barrier and neurological pathologies linked with the BBB. We propose several key parameters and design characteristics that can be employed to engineer physiologically relevant models of the blood-brain interface and highlight the need for a consensus in the measurement of fundamental properties of this barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Hajal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Baptiste Le Roi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Ben M Maoz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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