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Wlodkowic D, Jansen M. High-throughput screening paradigms in ecotoxicity testing: Emerging prospects and ongoing challenges. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135929. [PMID: 35944679 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly increasing number of new production chemicals coupled with stringent implementation of global chemical management programs necessities a paradigm shift towards boarder uses of low-cost and high-throughput ecotoxicity testing strategies as well as deeper understanding of cellular and sub-cellular mechanisms of ecotoxicity that can be used in effective risk assessment. The latter will require automated acquisition of biological data, new capabilities for big data analysis as well as computational simulations capable of translating new data into in vivo relevance. However, very few efforts have been so far devoted into the development of automated bioanalytical systems in ecotoxicology. This is in stark contrast to standardized and high-throughput chemical screening and prioritization routines found in modern drug discovery pipelines. As a result, the high-throughput and high-content data acquisition in ecotoxicology is still in its infancy with limited examples focused on cell-free and cell-based assays. In this work we outline recent developments and emerging prospects of high-throughput bioanalytical approaches in ecotoxicology that reach beyond in vitro biotests. We discuss future importance of automated quantitative data acquisition for cell-free, cell-based as well as developments in phytotoxicity and in vivo biotests utilizing small aquatic model organisms. We also discuss recent innovations such as organs-on-a-chip technologies and existing challenges for emerging high-throughput ecotoxicity testing strategies. Lastly, we provide seminal examples of the small number of successful high-throughput implementations that have been employed in prioritization of chemicals and accelerated environmental risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Wlodkowic
- The Neurotox Lab, School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3083, Australia.
| | - Marcus Jansen
- LemnaTec GmbH, Nerscheider Weg 170, 52076, Aachen, Germany
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2
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Nam SW, Chae JP, Kwon YH, Son MY, Bae JS, Park MJ. Xenopus chip for single-egg trapping, in vitro fertilization, development, and tadpole escape. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 569:29-34. [PMID: 34225077 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Xenopus laevis is highly suitable as a toxicology animal model owing to its advantages in embryogenesis research. For toxicological studies, a large number of embryos must be handled simultaneously because they very rapidly develop into the target stages within a short period of time. To efficiently handle the embryos, a convenient embryo housing device is essential for fast and reliable assessment and statistical evaluation of malformation caused by toxicants. Here, we suggest 3D fabrication of single-egg trapping devices in which Xenopus eggs are fertilized in vitro, and the embryos are cultured. We used manual pipetting to insert the Xenopus eggs inside the trapping sites of the chip. By introducing a liquid circulating system, we connected a sperm-mixed solution with the chip to induce in vitro fertilization of the eggs. After the eggs were fertilized, we observed embryo development involving the formation of egg cleavage, blastula, gastrula, and tadpole. After the tadpoles grew inside the chip, we saved their lives by enabling their escape from the chip through reverse flow of the culture medium. The Xenopus chip can serve as an incubator to induce fertilization and monitor normal and abnormal development of the Xenopus from egg to tadpole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Wook Nam
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41405, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeong-Pil Chae
- Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41404, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hwan Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41404, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Young Son
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Bae
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Mae-Ja Park
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
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3
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Wlodkowic D, Campana O. Toward High-Throughput Fish Embryo Toxicity Tests in Aquatic Toxicology. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:3505-3513. [PMID: 33656853 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Addressing the shift from classical animal testing to high-throughput in vitro and/or simplified in vivo proxy models has been defined as one of the upcoming challenges in aquatic toxicology. In this regard, the fish embryo toxicity test (FET) has gained significant popularity and wide standardization as one of the sensitive alternative approaches to acute fish toxicity tests in chemical risk assessment and water quality evaluation. Nevertheless, despite the growing regulatory acceptance, the actual manipulation, dispensing, and analysis of living fish embryos remains very labor intensive. Moreover, the FET is commonly performed in plastic multiwell plates under static or semistatic conditions, potentially inadequate for toxicity assessment of some organic, easily degradable or highly adsorptive toxicants. Recent technological advances in the field of mechatronics, fluidics and digital vision systems demonstrate promising future opportunities for automation of many analytical stages in embryo toxicity testing. In this review, we highlight emerging advances in fluidic and laboratory automation systems that can prospectively enable high-throughput FET testing (HT-FET) akin to pipelines commonly found in in vitro drug discovery pipelines. We also outline the existing challenges, barriers to future development and provide an outlook of ground-breaking fluidic technologies in embryo toxicity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Wlodkowic
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Olivia Campana
- University of Cadiz, INMAR, Puerto Real, Cadiz 11512, Spain
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4
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A Modular Millifluidic Homeostatic Imaging Plate for Imaging of Larval Zebrafish. Zebrafish 2019; 16:37-46. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2018.1684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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5
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Cartlidge R, Wlodkowic D. Rapid Fabrication of Chip‐Based Physiometers for Neurobehavioral Toxicity Assays Using Rotifers
Brachionus calyciflorus. Cytometry A 2018; 93:837-847. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.23510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rhys Cartlidge
- The Phenomics Laboratory School of Science, RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Donald Wlodkowic
- The Phenomics Laboratory School of Science, RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
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6
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Zhang K, Chao L, Zhou J. Biocompatible/Biodegradable Electrowetting on Dielectric Microfluidic Chips with Fluorinated CTA/PLGA. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 11:E1332. [PMID: 30071631 PMCID: PMC6120052 DOI: 10.3390/ma11081332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
One of the major hurdles in the development of biocompatible/biodegradable EWOD (Electrowetting-on-dielectric) devices is the biocompatibility of the dielectric and hydrophobic layers. In this study, we address this problem by using reactive ion etching (RIE) to prepare a super-hydrophobic film combining fluorinated cellulose triacetate (CTA) and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). The contact angle (CA) of water droplets on the proposed material is about 160°. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterizations indicate that a slight increase in the surface roughness and the formation of CFx (C-F or CF₂) bonds are responsible for the super-hydrophobic nature of the film. Alternating Current (AC) static electrowetting and droplet transportation experiments evidence that contact angle hysteresis and contact line pinning are greatly reduced by impregnating the CTA/PLGA film with silicon oil. Therefore, this improved film could provide a biocompatible alternative to the typical Teflon® or Cytop® films as a dielectric and hydrophobic layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaidi Zhang
- ASIC and System State Key Lab, School of Microelectronics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Lei Chao
- ASIC and System State Key Lab, School of Microelectronics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Jia Zhou
- ASIC and System State Key Lab, School of Microelectronics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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7
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Huang Y, Campana O, Wlodkowic D. A Millifluidic System for Analysis of Daphnia magna Locomotory Responses to Water-born Toxicants. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17603. [PMID: 29242636 PMCID: PMC5730546 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17892-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquatic toxicity testing in environmental monitoring and chemical risk assessment is critical to assess water quality for human use as well as predict impact of pollutants on ecosystems. In recent years, studies have increasingly focused on the relevance of sub-lethal effects of environmental contaminants. Sub-lethal toxicity endpoints such as behavioural responses are highly integrative and have distinct benefits for assessing water quality because they occur rapidly and thus can be used to sense the presence of toxicants. Our work describes a Lab-on-a-Chip system for the automated analysis of freshwater cladoceran Daphnia magna locomotory responses to water-born toxicants. The design combines a Lab-on-a-Chip system for Daphnia sp. culture under perfusion with time-resolved videomicroscopy and software tracking locomotory activity of multiple specimens. The application of the system to analyse the swimming behaviour of water fleas exposed to different concentrations of water-born toxicants demonstrated that Lab-on-a-Chip devices can become important research tools for behavioural ecotoxicology and water quality biomonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushi Huang
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Olivia Campana
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucia, CSIC, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Donald Wlodkowic
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Centre for Additive Manufacturing, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia.
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8
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Young AN, Moyle-Heyrman G, Kim JJ, Burdette JE. Microphysiologic systems in female reproductive biology. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2017; 242:1690-1700. [PMID: 29065798 PMCID: PMC5786365 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217697386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microphysiologic systems (MPS), including new organ-on-a-chip technologies, recapitulate tissue microenvironments by employing specially designed tissue or cell culturing techniques and microfluidic flow. Such systems are designed to incorporate physiologic factors that conventional 2D or even 3D systems cannot, such as the multicellular dynamics of a tissue-tissue interface or physical forces like fluid sheer stress. The female reproductive system is a series of interconnected organs that are necessary to produce eggs, support embryo development and female health, and impact the functioning of non-reproductive tissues throughout the body. Despite its importance, the human reproductive tract has received less attention than other organ systems, such as the liver and kidney, in terms of modeling with MPS. In this review, we discuss current gaps in the field and areas for technological advancement through the application of MPS. We explore current MPS research in female reproductive biology, including fertilization, pregnancy, and female reproductive tract diseases, with a focus on their clinical applications. Impact statement This review discusses existing microphysiologic systems technology that may be applied to study of the female reproductive tract, and those currently in development to specifically investigate gametes, fertilization, embryo development, pregnancy, and diseases of the female reproductive tract. We focus on the clinical applicability of these new technologies in fields such as assisted reproductive technologies, drug testing, disease diagnostics, and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgette Moyle-Heyrman
- College of Science & Technology, University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, Green Bay, WI 54311, USA
| | - J Julie Kim
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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9
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Gencturk E, Mutlu S, Ulgen KO. Advances in microfluidic devices made from thermoplastics used in cell biology and analyses. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2017; 11:051502. [PMID: 29152025 PMCID: PMC5654984 DOI: 10.1063/1.4998604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Silicon and glass were the main fabrication materials of microfluidic devices, however, plastics are on the rise in the past few years. Thermoplastic materials have recently been used to fabricate microfluidic platforms to perform experiments on cellular studies or environmental monitoring, with low cost disposable devices. This review describes the present state of the development and applications of microfluidic systems used in cell biology and analyses since the year 2000. Cultivation, separation/isolation, detection and analysis, and reaction studies are extensively discussed, considering only microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, fungi, zebra fish, etc.) and mammalian cell related studies in the microfluidic platforms. The advantages/disadvantages, fabrication methods, dimensions, and the purpose of creating the desired system are explained in detail. An important conclusion of this review is that these microfluidic platforms are still open for research and development, and solutions need to be found for each case separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Gencturk
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering Laboratory, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Senol Mutlu
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, BUMEMS Laboratory, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kutlu O Ulgen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering Laboratory, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
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10
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Filby A. Sample preparation for flow cytometry benefits from some lateral thinking. Cytometry A 2016; 89:1054-1056. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.23021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Filby
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Faculty of Medical Sciences; Newcastle University; Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU United Kingdom
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11
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Emaminejad S, Paik KH, Tabard-Cossa V, Javanmard M. Portable Cytometry Using Microscale Electronic Sensing. SENSORS AND ACTUATORS. B, CHEMICAL 2016; 224:275-281. [PMID: 27647950 PMCID: PMC5026313 DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2015.08.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In this manuscript, we present three different micro-impedance sensing architectures for electronic counting of cells and beads. The first method of sensing is based on using an open circuit sensing electrode integrated in a micro-pore, which measures the shift in potential as a micron-sized particle passes through. Our micro-pore, based on a funnel shaped microchannel, was fabricated in PDMS and was bound covalently to a glass substrate patterned with a gold open circuit electrode. The amplification circuitry was integrated onto a battery-powered custom printed circuit board. The second method is based on a three electrode differential measurement, which opens up the potential of using signal processing techniques to increase signal to noise ratio post measurement. The third architecture uses a contactless sensing approach, which significantly minimizes the cost of the consumable component of the impedance cytometer. We demonstrated proof of concept for the three sensing architectures by measuring the detected signal due to the passage of micron sized beads through the pore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Emaminejad
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kee-Hyun Paik
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Mehdi Javanmard
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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12
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Levario TJ, Lim B, Shvartsman SY, Lu H. Microfluidics for High-Throughput Quantitative Studies of Early Development. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2016; 18:285-309. [PMID: 26928208 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-100515-013926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Developmental biology has traditionally relied on qualitative analyses; recently, however, as in other fields of biology, researchers have become increasingly interested in acquiring quantitative knowledge about embryogenesis. Advances in fluorescence microscopy are enabling high-content imaging in live specimens. At the same time, microfluidics and automation technologies are increasing experimental throughput for studies of multicellular models of development. Furthermore, computer vision methods for processing and analyzing bioimage data are now leading the way toward quantitative biology. Here, we review advances in the areas of fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics, and data analysis that are instrumental to performing high-content, high-throughput studies in biology and specifically in development. We discuss a case study of how these techniques have allowed quantitative analysis and modeling of pattern formation in the Drosophila embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Levario
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332;
| | - Bomyi Lim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544;
| | - Stanislav Y Shvartsman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544;
| | - Hang Lu
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332;
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13
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Abstract
Zebrafish embryos can be obtained for research purposes in large numbers at low cost and embryos develop externally in limited space, making them highly suitable for high-throughput cancer studies and drug screens. Non-invasive live imaging of various processes within the larvae is possible due to their transparency during development, and a multitude of available fluorescent transgenic reporter lines.To perform high-throughput studies, handling large amounts of embryos and larvae is required. With such high number of individuals, even minute tasks may become time-consuming and arduous. In this chapter, an overview is given of the developments in the automation of various steps of large scale zebrafish cancer research for discovering important cancer pathways and drugs for the treatment of human disease. The focus lies on various tools developed for cancer cell implantation, embryo handling and sorting, microfluidic systems for imaging and drug treatment, and image acquisition and analysis. Examples will be given of employment of these technologies within the fields of toxicology research and cancer research.
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14
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Zhu F, Wigh A, Friedrich T, Devaux A, Bony S, Nugegoda D, Kaslin J, Wlodkowic D. Automated Lab-on-a-Chip Technology for Fish Embryo Toxicity Tests Performed under Continuous Microperfusion (μFET). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:14570-8. [PMID: 26506399 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b03838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The fish embryo toxicity (FET) biotest has gained popularity as one of the alternative approaches to acute fish toxicity tests in chemical hazard and risk assessment. Despite the importance and common acceptance of FET, it is still performed in multiwell plates and requires laborious and time-consuming manual manipulation of specimens and solutions. This work describes the design and validation of a microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip technology for automation of the zebrafish embryo toxicity test common in aquatic ecotoxicology. The innovative device supports rapid loading and immobilization of large numbers of zebrafish embryos suspended in a continuous microfluidic perfusion as a means of toxicant delivery. Furthermore, we also present development of a customized mechatronic automation interface that includes a high-resolution USB microscope, LED cold light illumination, and miniaturized 3D printed pumping manifolds that were integrated to enable time-resolved in situ analysis of developing fish embryos. To investigate the applicability of the microfluidic FET (μFET) in toxicity testing, copper sulfate, phenol, ethanol, caffeine, nicotine, and dimethyl sulfoxide were tested as model chemical stressors. Results obtained on a chip-based system were compared with static protocols performed in microtiter plates. This work provides evidence that FET analysis performed under microperfusion opens a brand new alternative for inexpensive automation in aquatic ecotoxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adriana Wigh
- Université de Lyon, UMR LEHNA 5023, USC INRA, ENTPE, rue Maurice Audin, Vaulx-en-Velin F-69518, France
| | - Timo Friedrich
- ARMI, Monash University , Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Alain Devaux
- Université de Lyon, UMR LEHNA 5023, USC INRA, ENTPE, rue Maurice Audin, Vaulx-en-Velin F-69518, France
| | - Sylvie Bony
- Université de Lyon, UMR LEHNA 5023, USC INRA, ENTPE, rue Maurice Audin, Vaulx-en-Velin F-69518, France
| | - Dayanthi Nugegoda
- Ecotoxicology Research Group, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University , Bowen Street, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Jan Kaslin
- ARMI, Monash University , Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Donald Wlodkowic
- Centre for Additive Manufacturing, RMIT University , 58 Cardigan Street, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia
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15
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Patabadige DEW, Jia S, Sibbitts J, Sadeghi J, Sellens K, Culbertson CT. Micro Total Analysis Systems: Fundamental Advances and Applications. Anal Chem 2015; 88:320-38. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b04310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Damith E. W. Patabadige
- Department
of Chemistry, Kansas State University, 213 CBC Building, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
| | - Shu Jia
- Department
of Chemistry, Kansas State University, 213 CBC Building, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
| | - Jay Sibbitts
- Department
of Chemistry, Kansas State University, 213 CBC Building, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
| | - Jalal Sadeghi
- Department
of Chemistry, Kansas State University, 213 CBC Building, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
- Laser & Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Evin, Tehran, 1983963113, Iran
| | - Kathleen Sellens
- Department
of Chemistry, Kansas State University, 213 CBC Building, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
| | - Christopher T. Culbertson
- Department
of Chemistry, Kansas State University, 213 CBC Building, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
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16
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Abstract
The underlying physical properties of microfluidic tools have led to new biological insights through the development of microsystems that can manipulate, mimic and measure biology at a resolution that has not been possible with macroscale tools. Microsystems readily handle sub-microlitre volumes, precisely route predictable laminar fluid flows and match both perturbations and measurements to the length scales and timescales of biological systems. The advent of fabrication techniques that do not require highly specialized engineering facilities is fuelling the broad dissemination of microfluidic systems and their adaptation to specific biological questions. We describe how our understanding of molecular and cell biology is being and will continue to be advanced by precision microfluidic approaches and posit that microfluidic tools - in conjunction with advanced imaging, bioinformatics and molecular biology approaches - will transform biology into a precision science.
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17
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Zhu F, Skommer J, Macdonald NP, Friedrich T, Kaslin J, Wlodkowic D. Three-dimensional printed millifluidic devices for zebrafish embryo tests. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2015; 9:046502. [PMID: 26339325 PMCID: PMC4514717 DOI: 10.1063/1.4927379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Implementations of Lab-on-a-Chip technologies for in-situ analysis of small model organisms and embryos (both invertebrate and vertebrate) are attracting an increasing interest. A significant hurdle to widespread applications of microfluidic and millifluidic devices for in-situ analysis of small model organisms is the access to expensive clean room facilities and complex microfabrication technologies. Furthermore, these resources require significant investments and engineering know-how. For example, poly(dimethylsiloxane) soft lithography is still largely unattainable to the gross majority of biomedical laboratories willing to pursue development of chip-based platforms. They often turn instead to readily available but inferior classical solutions. We refer to this phenomenon as workshop-to-bench gap of bioengineering science. To tackle the above issues, we examined the capabilities of commercially available Multi-Jet Modelling (MJM) and Stereolithography (SLA) systems for low volume fabrication of optical-grade millifluidic devices designed for culture and biotests performed on millimetre-sized specimens such as zebrafish embryos. The selected 3D printing technologies spanned a range from affordable personal desktop systems to high-end professional printers. The main motivation of our work was to pave the way for off-the-shelf and user-friendly 3D printing methods in order to rapidly and inexpensively build optical-grade millifluidic devices for customized studies on small model organisms. Compared with other rapid prototyping technologies such as soft lithography and infrared laser micromachining in poly(methyl methacrylate), we demonstrate that selected SLA technologies can achieve user-friendly and rapid production of prototypes, superior feature reproduction quality, and comparable levels of optical transparency. A caution need to be, however, exercised as majority of tested SLA and MJM resins were found toxic and caused significant developmental abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. Taken together, our data demonstrate that SLA technologies can be used for rapid and accurate production of devices for biomedical research. However, polymer biotoxicity needs to be carefully evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhu
- The BioMEMS Research Group, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University , Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Joanna Skommer
- The BioMEMS Research Group, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University , Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Niall P Macdonald
- School of Engineering, University of Glasgow , Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Timo Friedrich
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University , Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Jan Kaslin
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University , Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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18
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Zhu F, Baker D, Skommer J, Sewell M, Wlodkowic D. Real-time 2D visualization of metabolic activities in zebrafish embryos using a microfluidic technology. Cytometry A 2015; 87:446-50. [PMID: 25808962 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive and real-time visualization of metabolic activities in living small model organisms such as embryos and larvae of zebrafish has not yet been attempted largely due to profound analytical limitations of existing technologies. Historically, our capacity to examine oxygen gradients surrounding eggs and embryos has been severely limited, so much so that to date, most of the articles characterizing in situ oxygen gradients have described predominantly mathematical simulations. These drawbacks can, however, be experimentally addressed by an emerging field of microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) technologies combined with sophisticated optoelectronic sensors. In this work, we outline a proof-of-concept approach utilizing microfluidic living embryo array system to enable in situ Fluorescence Ratiometric Imaging (FRIM) on developing zebrafish embryos. The FRIM is an innovative method for kinetic quantification of the temporal patterns of aqueous oxygen gradients at a very fine scale based on signals coming from an optical sensor referred to as a sensor foil. We envisage that future integration of microfluidic chip-based technologies with FRIM represents a noteworthy direction to miniaturize and revolutionize research on metabolism and physiology in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhu
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Skommer J, Wlodkowic D. Successes and future outlook for microfluidics-based cardiovascular drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2015; 10:231-44. [PMID: 25672221 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2015.1001736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The greatest advantage of using microfluidics as a platform for the assessment of cardiovascular drug action is its ability to finely regulate fluid flow conditions, including flow rate, shear stress and pulsatile flow. At the same time, microfluidics provide means for modifying the vessel geometry (bifurcations, stenoses, complex networks), the type of surface of the vessel walls, and for patterning cells in 3D tissue-like architecture, including generation of lumen walls lined with cells and heart-on-a-chip structures for mimicking ventricular cardiomyocyte physiology. In addition, owing to the small volume of required specimens, microfluidics is ideally suited to clinical situations whereby monitoring of drug dosing or efficacy needs to be coupled with minimal phlebotomy-related drug loss. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors highlight potential applications for the currently existing and emerging technologies and offer several suggestions on how to close the development cycle of microfluidic devices for cardiovascular drug discovery. EXPERT OPINION The ultimate goal in microfluidics research for drug discovery is to develop 'human-on-a-chip' systems, whereby several organ cultures, including the vasculature and the heart, can mimic complex interactions between the organs and body systems. This would provide in vivo-like pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for drug ADMET assessment. At present, however, the great variety of available designs does not go hand in hand with their use by the pharmaceutical community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Skommer
- RMIT University, School of Applied Sciences , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
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Akagi J, Zhu F, Skommer J, Hall CJ, Crosier PS, Cialkowski M, Wlodkowic D. Microfluidic device for a rapid immobilization of zebrafish larvae in environmental scanning electron microscopy. Cytometry A 2014; 87:190-4. [PMID: 25483307 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Small vertebrate model organisms have recently gained popularity as attractive experimental models that enhance our understanding of human tissue and organ development. Despite a large body of evidence using optical spectroscopy for the characterization of small model organism on chip-based devices, no attempts have been so far made to interface microfabricated technologies with environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Conventional scanning electron microscopy requires high vacuum environments and biological samples must be, therefore, submitted to many preparative procedures to dehydrate, fix, and subsequently stain the sample with gold-palladium deposition. This process is inherently low-throughput and can introduce many analytical artifacts. This work describes a proof-of-concept microfluidic chip-based system for immobilizing zebrafish larvae for ESEM imaging that is performed in a gaseous atmosphere, under low vacuum mode and without any need for sample staining protocols. The microfabricated technology provides a user-friendly and simple interface to perform ESEM imaging on zebrafish larvae. Presented lab-on-a-chip device was fabricated using a high-speed infrared laser micromachining in a biocompatible poly(methyl methacrylate) thermoplastic. It consisted of a reservoir with multiple semispherical microwells designed to hold the yolk of dechorionated zebrafish larvae. Immobilization of the larvae was achieved by a gentle suction generated during blotting of the medium. Trapping region allowed for multiple specimens to be conveniently positioned on the chip-based device within few minutes for ESEM imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Akagi
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT, University Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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