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Sun W, Xie S, Liu SF, Hu X, Xing D. Evolving Tumor Characteristics and Smart Nanodrugs for Tumor Immunotherapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3919-3942. [PMID: 38708176 PMCID: PMC11070166 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s453265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Typical physiological characteristics of tumors, such as weak acidity, low oxygen content, and upregulation of certain enzymes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), provide survival advantages when exposed to targeted attacks by drugs and responsive nanomedicines. Consequently, cancer treatment has significantly progressed in recent years. However, the evolution and adaptation of tumor characteristics still pose many challenges for current treatment methods. Therefore, efficient and precise cancer treatments require an understanding of the heterogeneity degree of various factors in cancer cells during tumor evolution to exploit the typical TME characteristics and manage the mutation process. The highly heterogeneous tumor and infiltrating stromal cells, immune cells, and extracellular components collectively form a unique TME, which plays a crucial role in tumor malignancy, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and immune escape. Therefore, the development of new treatment methods that can adapt to the evolutionary characteristics of tumors has become an intense focus in current cancer treatment research. This paper explores the latest understanding of cancer evolution, focusing on how tumors use new antigens to shape their "new faces"; how immune system cells, such as cytotoxic T cells, regulatory T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells, help tumors become "invisible", that is, immune escape; whether the diverse cancer-associated fibroblasts provide support and coordination for tumors; and whether it is possible to attack tumors in reverse. This paper discusses the limitations of targeted therapy driven by tumor evolution factors and explores future strategies and the potential of intelligent nanomedicines, including the systematic coordination of tumor evolution factors and adaptive methods, to meet this therapeutic challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshe Sun
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaowei Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shi Feng Liu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaokun Hu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongming Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Park SJ, Jung TH, Kim JH, Lee KY, Kim J, Ju J, Moon SH. In silico design and fabrication of an SFI chip-based microspheroid culture system. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:2991-3005. [PMID: 35521942 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00250g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of microfluidic devices and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has propelled the need for next-generation biomimetic cell culture platforms that are flexible for monitoring and regulation. Therefore, this study evaluated a CFD application in an in silico-designed and spheroid-based flow integration 3D cell culture chip (SFI chip) to illustrate cell culture, drug screening, cytokine delivery, and differentiation of cells in a platform that partially recapitulates the natural environment. Our results show that a flow rate of 0.05 mL h-1 or less induced no physical stress in the SFI chip (15 mm), and uniform cell spheroids (approximately 200 μm) were formed across the platform. The cultured cells were tested in several experimental contexts (co-culture, drug screening, cytokine delivery, and differentiation), demonstrating the usefulness of computational simulation in expediting discovery and simple and effective means to scale the production of standardized cell spheroids cultured under dynamic and natural conditions. Advanced cell culture technologies can be used to accelerate research and discovery and the preclinical and clinical development of cell and cell-free therapies for urgent medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon-Jung Park
- Department of Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Stem Cell Research Institute, T&R Biofab Co. Ltd, Siheung, Republic of Korea.
| | - Taek-Hee Jung
- Department of Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Stem Cell Research Institute, T&R Biofab Co. Ltd, Siheung, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong Hyun Kim
- Department of Biological Science, Hyupsung University, Hwasung, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Yong Lee
- Carbon Neutral Technology R&D Department, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongyun Kim
- Department of Physics, College of Science & Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan, Chungnam, 31116, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jongil Ju
- Department of Physics, College of Science & Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan, Chungnam, 31116, Republic of Korea. .,Department of R&D, ABM Scientific Co., Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hwan Moon
- Department of Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Stem Cell Research Institute, T&R Biofab Co. Ltd, Siheung, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Animal Biotechnology, Sangji University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
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3
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Three-Dimensional Culture Models to Study Innate Anti-Tumor Immune Response: Advantages and Disadvantages. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143417. [PMID: 34298630 PMCID: PMC8303518 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several approaches have shown that the immune response against tumors strongly affects patients' clinical outcome. Thus, the study of anti-tumor immunity is critical to understand and potentiate the mechanisms underlying the elimination of tumor cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are members of innate immunity and represent powerful anti-tumor effectors, able to eliminate tumor cells without a previous sensitization. Thus, the study of their involvement in anti-tumor responses is critical for clinical translation. This analysis has been performed in vitro, co-incubating NK with tumor cells and quantifying the cytotoxic activity of NK cells. In vivo confirmation has been applied to overcome the limits of in vitro testing, however, the innate immunity of mice and humans is different, leading to discrepancies. Different activating receptors on NK cells and counter-ligands on tumor cells are involved in the antitumor response, and innate immunity is strictly dependent on the specific microenvironment where it takes place. Thus, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, where NK and tumor cells can interact in a tissue-like architecture, have been created. For example, tumor cell spheroids and primary organoids derived from several tumor types, have been used so far to analyze innate immune response, replacing animal models. Herein, we briefly introduce NK cells and analyze and discuss in detail the properties of 3D tumor culture systems and their use for the study of tumor cell interactions with NK cells.
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4
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Mollace A, Coluccio ML, Donato G, Mollace V, Malara N. Cross-talks in colon cancer between RAGE/AGEs axis and inflammation/immunotherapy. Oncotarget 2021; 12:1281-1295. [PMID: 34194625 PMCID: PMC8238251 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment is the result of the activity of many types of cells in various metabolic states, whose metabolites are shared between cells. This cellular complexity results in an availability profile of nutrients and reactive metabolites such as advanced glycation end products (AGE). The tumour microenvironment is not favourable to immune cells due to hypoxia and for the existence of significant competition between various types of cells for a limited nutrient pool. However, it is now known that cancer cells can influence the host's immune reaction through the expression and secretion of numerous molecules. The microenvironment can therefore present itself in different patterns that contribute to shaping immune surveillance. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most important causes of death in cancer patients. Recently, immunotherapy has begun to give encouraging results in some groups of patients suffering from this neoplasm. The analysis of literature data shows that the RAGE (Receptor for advanced glycation end products) and its numerous ligands contribute to connect the energy metabolic pathway, which appears prevalently disconnected by mitochondrial running, with the immune reaction, conditioned by local microbiota and influencing tumour growth. Understanding how metabolism in cancer and immune cells shapes response and resistance to therapy, will provide novel potential strategies to increase both the number of tumour types treated by immunotherapy and the rate of immunotherapy response. The analysis of literature data shows that an immunotherapy approach based on the knowledge of RAGE and its ligands is not only possible, but also desirable in the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annachiara Mollace
- Department of Health Sciences, Research Centre IRC-FSH, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Coluccio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Bionem Laboratory, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Donato
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Campus S. Venuta, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- Department of Health Sciences, Research Centre IRC-FSH, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Natalia Malara
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Bionem Laboratory, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.,These authors contributed equally to this work
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5
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Moretti M, La Rocca R, Perrone Donnorso M, Torre B, Canale C, Malerba M, Das G, Sottile R, Garofalo C, Achour A, Kärre K, Carbone E, Di Fabrizio E. Clustering of Major Histocompatibility Complex-Class I Molecules in Healthy and Cancer Colon Cells Revealed from Their Nanomechanical Properties. ACS NANO 2021; 15:7500-7512. [PMID: 33749234 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c00897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The activation of the T cell mediated immune response relies on the fine interaction between the T cell receptor on the immune cell and the antigen-presenting major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the membrane surface of antigen-presenting cells. Both the distribution and quantity of MHC/peptide complexes and their adequate morphological presentation affect the activation of the immune cells. In several types of cancer the immune response is down-regulated due to the low expression of MHC-class I (MHC-I) molecules on the cell's surface, and in addition, the mechanical properties of the membrane seem to play a role. Herein, we investigate the distribution of MHC-I molecules and the related nanoscale mechanical environment on the cell surface of two cell lines derived from colon adenocarcinoma and a healthy epithelial colon reference cell line. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) force spectroscopy analysis using an antibody-tagged pyramidal probe specific for MHC-I molecules and a formula that relates the elasticity of the cell to the energy of adhesion revealed the different population distributions of MHC-I molecules in healthy cells compared to cancer cells. We found that MHC-I molecules are significantly less expressed in cancer cells. Moreover, the local elastic modulus is significantly reduced in cancer cells. We speculate that these results might be related to the proven ability of cancer cells to evade the immune system, not only by reducing MHC-I cell surface expression but also by modifying the local mechanical properties affecting the overall morphology of MHC-I synapse presentation to immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manola Moretti
- Single Molecule Imaging by Light Enhanced Spectroscopies Lab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 23955-6900 Thuwal, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Rosanna La Rocca
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Bruno Torre
- Single Molecule Imaging by Light Enhanced Spectroscopies Lab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 23955-6900 Thuwal, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Claudio Canale
- Department of Physics, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Mario Malerba
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Gobind Das
- Department of Physics, Khalifa University, P. O. Box 127788 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rosa Sottile
- Katharine Hsu Lab, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Cinzia Garofalo
- Department for Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Adnane Achour
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klas Kärre
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Biomedicum Solnavägen 9, 17165 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ennio Carbone
- Dipartimento Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania, via L. De Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Enzo Di Fabrizio
- Department of Applied Physics, Polytechnic University of Turin, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
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Ferraro E, Germanò M, Mollace R, Mollace V, Malara N. HIF-1, the Warburg Effect, and Macrophage/Microglia Polarization Potential Role in COVID-19 Pathogenesis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:8841911. [PMID: 33815663 PMCID: PMC7987467 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8841911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the international scientific community's commitment to improve clinical knowledge about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), knowledge regarding molecular details remains limited. In this review, we discuss hypoxia's potential role in the pathogenesis of the maladaptive immune reaction against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The state of infection, with serious respiratory dysfunction, causes tissues to become hypoxic due to a discrepancy between cellular O2 uptake and consumption similar to that seen within tumor tissue during the progression of numerous solid cancers. In this context, the heterogeneous clinical behavior and the multiorgan deterioration of COVID-19 are discussed as a function of the upregulated expression of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and of the metabolic reprogramming associated with HIF-1 and with a proinflammatory innate immune response activation, independent of the increase in the viral load of SARS-CoV-2. Possible pharmacological strategies targeting O2 aimed to improve prognosis are suggested.
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7
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Tailoring Chemometric Models on Blood-Derived Cultures Secretome to Assess Personalized Cancer Risk Score. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061362. [PMID: 32466587 PMCID: PMC7352557 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular protonation profiles obtained by means of an organic electrochemical transistor, which is used for analysis of molecular products released by blood-derived cultures, contain a large amount of information The transistor is based on the conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS comprising super hydrophobic SU8 pillars positioned on the substrate to form a non-periodic square lattice to measure the state of protonation on secretomes derived from liquid biopsies. In the extracellular space of cultured cells, the number of glycation products increase, driven both by a glycolysis metabolism and by a compromised function of the glutathione redox system. Glycation products are a consequence of the interaction of the reactive aldehydes and side glycolytic products with other molecules. As a result, the amount of the glycation products reflects the anti-oxidative cellular reserves, counteracting the reactive aldehyde production of which both the secretome protonation profile and cancer risk are related. The protonation profiles can be profitably exploited through the use of mathematical techniques and multivariate statistics. This study provides a novel chemometric approach for molecular analysis of protonation and discusses the possibility of constructing a predictive cancer risk model based on the exploration of data collected by conventional analysis techniques and novel nanotechnological devices.
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8
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Cell Theranostics on Mesoporous Silicon Substrates. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12050481. [PMID: 32466284 PMCID: PMC7284777 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12050481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The adhesion, proliferation, and migration of cells over nanomaterials is regulated by a cascade of biochemical signals that originate at the interface of a cell with a substrate and propagate through the cytoplasm to the nucleus. The topography of the substrate plays a major role in this process. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) have a characteristic size of some nanometers and a range of action of some tens of nanometers. Controlling details of a surface at the nanoscale-the same dimensional over which CAMs operate-offers ways to govern the behavior of cells and create organoids or tissues with heretofore unattainable precision. Here, using electrochemical procedures, we generated mesoporous silicon surfaces with different values of pore size (PS≈11 nm and PS≈21 nm), roughness (Ra≈7 nm and Ra≈13 nm), and fractal dimension (Df≈2.48 and Df≈2.15). Using electroless deposition, we deposited over these substrates thin layers of gold nanoparticles. Resulting devices feature (i) nanoscale details for the stimulation and control of cell assembly, (ii) arrays of pores for drug loading/release, (iii) layers of nanostructured gold for the enhancement of the electromagnetic signal in Raman spectroscopy (SERS). We then used these devices as cell culturing substrates. Upon loading with the anti-tumor drug PtCl (O,O'-acac)(DMSO) we examined the rate of adhesion and growth of breast cancer MCF-7 cells under the coincidental effects of surface geometry and drug release. Using confocal imaging and SERS spectroscopy we determined the relative importance of nano-topography and delivery of therapeutics on cell growth-and how an unbalance between these competing agents can accelerate the development of tumor cells.
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9
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Innate and Adaptive Immunity Linked to Recognition of Antigens Shared by Neural Crest-Derived Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040840. [PMID: 32244473 PMCID: PMC7226441 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the adult, many embryologic processes can be co-opted by during cancer progression. The mechanisms of divisions, migration, and the ability to escape immunity recognition linked to specific embryo antigens are also expressed by malignant cells. In particular, cells derived from neural crests (NC) contribute to the development of multiple cell types including melanocytes, craniofacial cartilage, glia, neurons, peripheral and enteric nervous systems, and the adrenal medulla. This plastic performance is due to an accurate program of gene expression orchestrated with cellular/extracellular signals finalized to regulate long-distance migration, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and survival. During neurulation, prior to initiating their migration, NC cells must undergo an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in which they alter their actin cytoskeleton, lose their cell–cell junctions, apicobasal polarity, and acquire a motile phenotype. Similarly, during the development of the tumors derived from neural crests, comprising a heterogeneous group of neoplasms (Neural crest-derived tumors (NCDTs)), a group of genes responsible for the EMT pathway is activated. Here, retracing the molecular pathways performed by pluripotent cells at the boundary between neural and non-neural ectoderm in relation to the natural history of NCDT, points of contact or interposition are highlighted to better explain the intricate interplay between cancer cells and the innate and adaptive immune response.
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10
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Li J, Liu Y, Ren J, Tay BZ, Luo T, Fan L, Sun D, Luo G, Lau D, Lam RHW. Antibody-coated microstructures for selective isolation of immune cells in blood. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:1072-1082. [PMID: 32100806 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00078g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cell isolation from blood is an important process for diagnosing immune diseases. There are still demands for a user-friendly approach to achieve high cell extraction efficiency and purity of a target immune cell subtype for more promising diagnosis and monitoring. For selective immune cell isolation, we developed a microstructured device, which consists of antibody-coated micropillars and micro-sieve arrays, for isolating a target immune cell subtype from bovine blood samples. The focusing micropillars can guide immune cells flowing to the subsequent micro-sieves based on deterministic lateral shifts of the cells. The arrangement of these microstructures is characterized and configured for the maximal cell capture rate. Surface modification with a selected antibody offers selective cell capture in the micro-sieves based on the antigen-antibody reaction. We prepare a cell mixture of human CD14-expressing leukemia cells (THP-1) and epithelial cells (MDA-MB-231) in diluted blood to characterize the cell isolation operation, with a selective cell isolation yield of >80%, cell purity of ∼100% and cell viability of >93%. Together, this microstructured device strategy can achieve high-yield selective isolation of immune cells from blood samples and support downstream genetic and biochemical cell analyses, contributing to the medical diagnosis of a broad range of immune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyu Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Ya Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Jifeng Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Benjamin Zikai Tay
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Tao Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Lei Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Dong Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
- Centre for Robotics and Automation, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Guannan Luo
- Department of Economics and Finance, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Denvid Lau
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Raymond H W Lam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
- Centre for Robotics and Automation, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience, and Nanotechnology, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
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11
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Guzzi F, Candeloro P, Coluccio ML, Cristiani CM, Parrotta EI, Scaramuzzino L, Scalise S, Dattola E, D’Attimo MA, Cuda G, Lamanna E, Passacatini LC, Carbone E, Krühne U, Di Fabrizio E, Perozziello G. A Disposable Passive Microfluidic Device for Cell Culturing. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2020; 10:bios10030018. [PMID: 32121446 PMCID: PMC7146476 DOI: 10.3390/bios10030018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In this work, a disposable passive microfluidic device for cell culturing that does not require any additional/external pressure sources is introduced. By regulating the height of fluidic columns and the aperture and closure of the source wells, the device can provide different media and/or drug flows, thereby allowing different flow patterns with respect to time. The device is made of two Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) layers fabricated by micro-milling and solvent assisted bonding and allows us to ensure a flow rate of 18.6 μl/ℎ - 7%/day, due to a decrease of the fluid height while the liquid is driven from the reservoirs into the channels. Simulations and experiments were conducted to characterize flows and diffusion in the culture chamber. Melanoma tumor cells were used to test the device and carry out cell culturing experiments for 48 hours. Moreover, HeLa, Jurkat, A549 and HEK293T cell lines were cultivated successfully inside the microfluidic device for 72 hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Guzzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.G.); (P.C.); (M.L.C.); (C.M.C.); (E.I.P.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (M.A.D.); (G.C.); (E.L.); (L.C.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Patrizio Candeloro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.G.); (P.C.); (M.L.C.); (C.M.C.); (E.I.P.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (M.A.D.); (G.C.); (E.L.); (L.C.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Maria Laura Coluccio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.G.); (P.C.); (M.L.C.); (C.M.C.); (E.I.P.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (M.A.D.); (G.C.); (E.L.); (L.C.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Costanza Maria Cristiani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.G.); (P.C.); (M.L.C.); (C.M.C.); (E.I.P.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (M.A.D.); (G.C.); (E.L.); (L.C.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Elvira Immacolata Parrotta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.G.); (P.C.); (M.L.C.); (C.M.C.); (E.I.P.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (M.A.D.); (G.C.); (E.L.); (L.C.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Luana Scaramuzzino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.G.); (P.C.); (M.L.C.); (C.M.C.); (E.I.P.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (M.A.D.); (G.C.); (E.L.); (L.C.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Stefania Scalise
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.G.); (P.C.); (M.L.C.); (C.M.C.); (E.I.P.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (M.A.D.); (G.C.); (E.L.); (L.C.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Dattola
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.G.); (P.C.); (M.L.C.); (C.M.C.); (E.I.P.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (M.A.D.); (G.C.); (E.L.); (L.C.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Maria Antonia D’Attimo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.G.); (P.C.); (M.L.C.); (C.M.C.); (E.I.P.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (M.A.D.); (G.C.); (E.L.); (L.C.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Giovanni Cuda
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.G.); (P.C.); (M.L.C.); (C.M.C.); (E.I.P.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (M.A.D.); (G.C.); (E.L.); (L.C.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Ernesto Lamanna
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.G.); (P.C.); (M.L.C.); (C.M.C.); (E.I.P.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (M.A.D.); (G.C.); (E.L.); (L.C.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Lucia Carmela Passacatini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.G.); (P.C.); (M.L.C.); (C.M.C.); (E.I.P.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (M.A.D.); (G.C.); (E.L.); (L.C.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Ennio Carbone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.G.); (P.C.); (M.L.C.); (C.M.C.); (E.I.P.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (M.A.D.); (G.C.); (E.L.); (L.C.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Ulrich Krühne
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technology University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Enzo Di Fabrizio
- Physical Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Gerardo Perozziello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.G.); (P.C.); (M.L.C.); (C.M.C.); (E.I.P.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (M.A.D.); (G.C.); (E.L.); (L.C.P.); (E.C.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Emerging Designs of Electronic Devices in Biomedicine. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11020123. [PMID: 31979030 PMCID: PMC7074089 DOI: 10.3390/mi11020123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A long-standing goal of nanoelectronics is the development of integrated systems to be used in medicine as sensor, therapeutic, or theranostic devices. In this review, we examine the phenomena of transport and the interaction between electro-active charges and the material at the nanoscale. We then demonstrate how these mechanisms can be exploited to design and fabricate devices for applications in biomedicine and bioengineering. Specifically, we present and discuss electrochemical devices based on the interaction between ions and conductive polymers, such as organic electrochemical transistors (OFETs), electrolyte gated field-effect transistors (FETs), fin field-effect transistor (FinFETs), tunnelling field-effect transistors (TFETs), electrochemical lab-on-chips (LOCs). For these systems, we comment on their use in medicine.
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13
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Coluccio ML, D'Attimo MA, Cristiani CM, Candeloro P, Parrotta E, Dattola E, Guzzi F, Cuda G, Lamanna E, Carbone E, Krühne U, Di Fabrizio E, Perozziello G. A Passive Microfluidic Device for Chemotaxis Studies. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10080551. [PMID: 31434220 PMCID: PMC6722731 DOI: 10.3390/mi10080551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This work presents a disposable passive microfluidic system, allowing chemotaxis studies, through the generation of a concentration gradient. The device can handle liquid flows without an external supply of pressure or electric gradients, but simply using gravity force. It is able to ensure flow rates of 10 µL/h decreasing linearly with 2.5% in 24 h. The device is made of poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), a biocompatible material, and it is fabricated by micro-milling and solvent assisted bonding. It is assembled into a mini incubator, designed properly for cell biology studies in passive microfluidic devices, which provides control of temperature and humidity levels, a contamination-free environment for cells with air and 5% of CO2. Furthermore, the mini incubator can be mounted on standard inverted optical microscopes. By using our microfluidic device integrated into the mini incubator, we are able to evaluate and follow in real-time the migration of any cell line to a chemotactic agent. The device is validated by showing cell migration at a rate of 0.36 µm/min, comparable with the rates present in scientific literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Laura Coluccio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Antonia D'Attimo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Costanza Maria Cristiani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Patrizio Candeloro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Elvira Parrotta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Dattola
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Guzzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cuda
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ernesto Lamanna
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ennio Carbone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ulrich Krühne
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Enzo Di Fabrizio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gerardo Perozziello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
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14
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Wu J, Chen Q, Lin JM. Microfluidic technologies in cell isolation and analysis for biomedical applications. Analyst 2018; 142:421-441. [PMID: 27900377 DOI: 10.1039/c6an01939k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Efficient platforms for cell isolation and analysis play an important role in applied and fundamental biomedical studies. As cells commonly have a size of around 10 microns, conventional handling approaches at a large scale are still challenged in precise control and efficient recognition of cells for further performance of isolation and analysis. Microfluidic technologies have become more prominent in highly efficient cell isolation for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detection, single-cell analysis and stem cell separation, since microfabricated devices allow for the spatial and temporal control of complex biochemistries and geometries by matching cell morphology and hydrodynamic traps in a fluidic network, as well as enabling specific recognition with functional biomolecules in the microchannels. In addition, the fabrication of nano-interfaces in the microchannels has been increasingly emerging as a very powerful strategy for enhancing the capability of cell capture by improving cell-interface interactions. In this review, we focus on highlighting recent advances in microfluidic technologies for cell isolation and analysis. We also describe the general biomedical applications of microfluidic cell isolation and analysis, and finally make a prospective for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- School of Science, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Qiushui Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Jin-Ming Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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15
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16
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Nanoplasmonic and Microfluidic Devices for Biological Sensing. NATO SCIENCE FOR PEACE AND SECURITY SERIES B: PHYSICS AND BIOPHYSICS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-024-0850-8_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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17
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Perozziello G, Candeloro P, De Grazia A, Esposito F, Allione M, Coluccio ML, Tallerico R, Valpapuram I, Tirinato L, Das G, Giugni A, Torre B, Veltri P, Kruhne U, Della Valle G, Di Fabrizio E. Microfluidic device for continuous single cells analysis via Raman spectroscopy enhanced by integrated plasmonic nanodimers. OPTICS EXPRESS 2016; 24:A180-A190. [PMID: 26832572 DOI: 10.1364/oe.24.00a180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this work a Raman flow cytometer is presented. It consists of a microfluidic device that takes advantages of the basic principles of Raman spectroscopy and flow cytometry. The microfluidic device integrates calibrated microfluidic channels- where the cells can flow one-by-one -, allowing single cell Raman analysis. The microfluidic channel integrates plasmonic nanodimers in a fluidic trapping region. In this way it is possible to perform Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy on single cell. These allow a label-free analysis, providing information about the biochemical content of membrane and cytoplasm of the each cell. Experiments are performed on red blood cells (RBCs), peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and myelogenous leukemia tumor cells (K562).
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18
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La Rocca R, Tallerico R, Talib Hassan A, Das G, Tadepally L, Matteucci M, Liberale C, Mesuraca M, Scumaci D, Gentile F, Cojoc G, Perozziello G, Ammendolia A, Gallo A, Kärre K, Cuda G, Candeloro P, Di Fabrizio E, Carbone E. Mechanical stress downregulates MHC class I expression on human cancer cell membrane. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111758. [PMID: 25541692 PMCID: PMC4277281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In our body, cells are continuously exposed to physical forces that can regulate different cell functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation and death. In this work, we employed two different strategies to mechanically stress cancer cells. The cancer and healthy cell populations were treated either with mechanical stress delivered by a micropump (fabricated by deep X-ray nanolithography) or by ultrasound wave stimuli. A specific down-regulation of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules expression on cancer cell membrane compared to different kinds of healthy cells (fibroblasts, macrophages, dendritic and lymphocyte cells) was observed, stimulating the cells with forces in the range of nano-newton, and pressures between 1 and 10 bar (1 bar = 100.000 Pascal), depending on the devices used. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy analysis, after mechanical treatment, in the range between 700–1800 cm−1, indicated a relative concentration variation of MHC class I. PCA analysis was also performed to distinguish control and stressed cells within different cell lines. These mechanical induced phenotypic changes increase the tumor immunogenicity, as revealed by the related increased susceptibility to Natural Killer (NK) cells cytotoxic recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna La Rocca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
- Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Rossana Tallerico
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Almosawy Talib Hassan
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Thi-Qar, Nasseriah, Iraq
| | - Gobind Das
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Lakshmikanth Tadepally
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marco Matteucci
- Nanotech Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Carlo Liberale
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenica Scumaci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Gentile
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Gheorghe Cojoc
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Gerardo Perozziello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Ammendolia
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Adriana Gallo
- Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology Institute, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | - Klas Kärre
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giovanni Cuda
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Patrizio Candeloro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Enzo Di Fabrizio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- * E-mail: (EC); (EDF)
| | - Ennio Carbone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail: (EC); (EDF)
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Levy O, Anandakumaran P, Ngai J, Karnik R, Karp JM. Systematic analysis of in vitro cell rolling using a multi-well plate microfluidic system. J Vis Exp 2013:e50866. [PMID: 24193253 DOI: 10.3791/50866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge for cell-based therapy is the inability to systemically target a large quantity of viable cells with high efficiency to tissues of interest following intravenous or intraarterial infusion. Consequently, increasing cell homing is currently studied as a strategy to improve cell therapy. Cell rolling on the vascular endothelium is an important step in the process of cell homing and can be probed in-vitro using a parallel plate flow chamber (PPFC). However, this is an extremely tedious, low throughput assay, with poorly controlled flow conditions. Instead, we used a multi-well plate microfluidic system that enables study of cellular rolling properties in a higher throughput under precisely controlled, physiologically relevant shear flow. In this paper, we show how the rolling properties of HL-60 (human promyelocytic leukemia) cells on P- and E-selectin-coated surfaces as well as on cell monolayer-coated surfaces can be readily examined. To better simulate inflammatory conditions, the microfluidic channel surface was coated with endothelial cells (ECs), which were then activated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), significantly increasing interactions with HL-60 cells under dynamic conditions. The enhanced throughput and integrated multi-parameter software analysis platform, that permits rapid analysis of parameters such as rolling velocities and rolling path, are important advantages for assessing cell rolling properties in-vitro. Allowing rapid and accurate analysis of engineering approaches designed to impact cell rolling and homing, this platform may help advance exogenous cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Levy
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital
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20
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Liberale C, Cojoc G, Bragheri F, Minzioni P, Perozziello G, La Rocca R, Ferrara L, Rajamanickam V, Di Fabrizio E, Cristiani I. Integrated microfluidic device for single-cell trapping and spectroscopy. Sci Rep 2013; 3:1258. [PMID: 23409249 PMCID: PMC3570777 DOI: 10.1038/srep01258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Optofluidic microsystems are key components towards lab-on-a-chip devices for manipulation and analysis of biological specimens. In particular, the integration of optical tweezers (OT) in these devices allows stable sample trapping, while making available mechanical, chemical and spectroscopic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Liberale
- Nanostructures, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy. [corrected]
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21
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Das T, Chakraborty S. Perspective: Flicking with flow: Can microfluidics revolutionize the cancer research? BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2013; 7:11811. [PMID: 24403993 PMCID: PMC3574074 DOI: 10.1063/1.4789750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Cancer research, in its all facets, is truly interdisciplinary in nature, cutting across the fields of fundamental and applied sciences, as well as biomedical engineering. In recent years, microfluidics has been applied successfully in cancer research. There remain, however, many elusive features of this disease, where microfluidic systems could throw new lights. In addition, some inherent features of microfluidic systems remain unexploited in cancer research. In this article, we first briefly review the advancement of microfluidics in cancer biology. We then describe the biophysical aspects of cancer and outline how microfluidic system could be useful in developing a deeper understanding on the underlying mechanisms. We next illustrate the effects of the confined environment of microchannel on cellular dynamics and argue that the tissue microconfinement could be a crucial facet in tumor development. Lastly, we attempt to highlight some of the most important problems in cancer biology, to inspire next level of microfluidic applications in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamal Das
- Department of New Materials and Biosystems, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Suman Chakraborty
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute for Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
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22
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Gentile F, Coluccio ML, Coppedè N, Mecarini F, Das G, Liberale C, Tirinato L, Leoncini M, Perozziello G, Candeloro P, De Angelis F, Di Fabrizio E. Superhydrophobic surfaces as smart platforms for the analysis of diluted biological solutions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2012; 4:3213-3224. [PMID: 22620470 DOI: 10.1021/am300556w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to expound on the rational design, fabrication and development of superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) for the manipulation and analysis of diluted biological solutions. SHSs typically feature a periodic array or pattern of micropillars; here, those pillars were modified to incorporate on the head, at the smallest scales, silver nanoparticles aggregates. These metal nanoclusters guarantee superior optical properties and especially SERS (surface enhanced Raman scattering) effects, whereby a molecule, adsorbed on the surface, would reveal an increased spectroscopy signal. On account of their two scale-hybrid nature, these systems are capable of multiple functions which are (i) to concentrate a solution, (ii) to vehicle the analytes of interest to the active areas of the substrate and, therefore, (iii) to measure the analytes with exceptional sensitivity and very low detection limits. Forasmuch, combining different technologies, these devices would augment the performance of conventional SERS substrates and would offer the possibility of revealing a single molecule. In this work, similar SHSs were used to detect Rhodamine molecules in the fairly low atto molar range. The major application of this novel family of devices would be the early detection of tumors or other important pathologies, with incredible advances in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Gentile
- BioNEM Laboratory, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro , Catanzaro, 88100 Italy
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