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Fernandez M, Nigro M, Travagli A, Pasquini S, Vincenzi F, Varani K, Borea PA, Merighi S, Gessi S. Strategies for Drug Delivery into the Brain: A Review on Adenosine Receptors Modulation for Central Nervous System Diseases Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2441. [PMID: 37896201 PMCID: PMC10610137 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a biological barrier that protects the central nervous system (CNS) by ensuring an appropriate microenvironment. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) control the passage of molecules from blood to brain tissue and regulate their concentration-versus-time profiles to guarantee proper neuronal activity, angiogenesis and neurogenesis, as well as to prevent the entry of immune cells into the brain. However, the BBB also restricts the penetration of drugs, thus presenting a challenge in the development of therapeutics for CNS diseases. On the other hand, adenosine, an endogenous purine-based nucleoside that is expressed in most body tissues, regulates different body functions by acting through its G-protein-coupled receptors (A1, A2A, A2B and A3). Adenosine receptors (ARs) are thus considered potential drug targets for treating different metabolic, inflammatory and neurological diseases. In the CNS, A1 and A2A are expressed by astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons, immune cells and ECs. Moreover, adenosine, by acting locally through its receptors A1 and/or A2A, may modulate BBB permeability, and this effect is potentiated when both receptors are simultaneously activated. This review showcases in vivo and in vitro evidence supporting AR signaling as a candidate for modifying endothelial barrier permeability in the treatment of CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Fernandez
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (F.V.); (K.V.)
| | - Manuela Nigro
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (F.V.); (K.V.)
| | - Alessia Travagli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (F.V.); (K.V.)
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (F.V.); (K.V.)
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (F.V.); (K.V.)
| | | | - Stefania Merighi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (F.V.); (K.V.)
| | - Stefania Gessi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (F.V.); (K.V.)
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2
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Liu S, Kumari S, He H, Mishra P, Singh BN, Singh D, Liu S, Srivastava P, Li C. Biosensors integrated 3D organoid/organ-on-a-chip system: A real-time biomechanical, biophysical, and biochemical monitoring and characterization. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 231:115285. [PMID: 37058958 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
As a full-fidelity simulation of human cells, tissues, organs, and even systems at the microscopic scale, Organ-on-a-Chip (OOC) has significant ethical advantages and development potential compared to animal experiments. The need for the design of new drug high-throughput screening platforms and the mechanistic study of human tissues/organs under pathological conditions, the evolving advances in 3D cell biology and engineering, etc., have promoted the updating of technologies in this field, such as the iteration of chip materials and 3D printing, which in turn facilitate the connection of complex multi-organs-on-chips for simulation and the further development of technology-composite new drug high-throughput screening platforms. As the most critical part of organ-on-a-chip design and practical application, verifying the success of organ model modeling, i.e., evaluating various biochemical and physical parameters in OOC devices, is crucial. Therefore, this paper provides a logical and comprehensive review and discussion of the advances in organ-on-a-chip detection and evaluation technologies from a broad perspective, covering the directions of tissue engineering scaffolds, microenvironment, single/multi-organ function, and stimulus-based evaluation, and provides a more comprehensive review of the progress in the significant organ-on-a-chip research areas in the physiological state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Shikha Kumari
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hongyi He
- West China School of Medicine & West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Parichita Mishra
- Department of Ageing Research, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhisham Narayan Singh
- Department of Ageing Research, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Divakar Singh
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sutong Liu
- Juxing College of Digital Economics, Haikou University of Economics, Haikou, 570100, China
| | - Pradeep Srivastava
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Chenzhong Li
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong(Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518172, China.
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3
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Pérez-López A, Isabel Torres-Suárez A, Martín-Sabroso C, Aparicio-Blanco J. An overview of in vitro 3D models of the blood-brain barrier as a tool to predict the in vivo permeability of nanomedicines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114816. [PMID: 37003488 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents efficient drug delivery to the central nervous system. As a result, brain diseases remain one of the greatest unmet medical needs. Understanding the tridimensional structure of the BBB helps gain insight into the pathology of the BBB and contributes to the development of novel therapies for brain diseases. Therefore, 3D models with an ever-growing sophisticated complexity are being developed to closely mimic the human neurovascular unit. Among these 3D models, hydrogel-, spheroid- and organoid-based static BBB models have been developed, and so have microfluidic-based BBB-on-a-chip models. The different 3D preclinical models of the BBB, both in health and disease, are here reviewed, from their development to their application for permeability testing of nanomedicines across the BBB, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each model. The validation with data from in vivo preclinical data is also discussed in those cases where provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Pérez-López
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Torres-Suárez
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Industrial Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Cristina Martín-Sabroso
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Industrial Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Aparicio-Blanco
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Industrial Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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4
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Gonzales-Aloy E, Ahmed-Cox A, Tsoli M, Ziegler DS, Kavallaris M. From cells to organoids: The evolution of blood-brain barrier technology for modelling drug delivery in brain cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114777. [PMID: 36931346 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Brain cancer remains the deadliest cancer. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is impenetrable to most drugs and is a complex 3D network of multiple cell types including endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes. In brain cancers, the BBB becomes disrupted during tumor progression and forms the blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB). To advance therapeutic development, there is a critical need for physiologically relevant BBB in vitro models. 3D cell systems are emerging as valuable preclinical models to accelerate discoveries for diseases. Given the versatility and capability of 3D cell models, their potential for modelling the BBB and BBTB is reviewed. Technological advances of BBB models and challenges of in vitro modelling the BBTB, and application of these models as tools for assessing therapeutics and nano drug delivery, are discussed. Quantitative, in vitro BBB models that are predictive of effective brain cancer therapies will be invaluable for accelerating advancing new treatments to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estrella Gonzales-Aloy
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Australian Center for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aria Ahmed-Cox
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Australian Center for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility, Mark Wainright Analytical Center, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Tsoli
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David S Ziegler
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Kids Cancer Center, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Australian Center for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; UNSW RNA Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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5
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Guarino V, Zizzari A, Bianco M, Gigli G, Moroni L, Arima V. Advancements in modelling human blood brain-barrier on a chip. Biofabrication 2023; 15. [PMID: 36689766 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acb571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The human Blood Brain Barrier (hBBB) is a complex cellular architecture separating the blood from the brain parenchyma. Its integrity and perfect functionality are essential for preventing neurotoxic plasma components and pathogens enter the brain. Although vital for preserving the correct brain activity, the low permeability of hBBB represents a huge impediment to treat mental and neurological disorders or to address brain tumors. Indeed, the vast majority of potential drug treatments are unable to reach the brain crossing the hBBB. On the other hand, hBBB integrity can be damaged or its permeability increase as a result of infections or in presence of neurodegenerative diseases. Currentin vitrosystems andin vivoanimal models used to study the molecular/drug transport mechanism through the hBBB have several intrinsic limitations that are difficult to overcome. In this scenario, Organ-on-Chip (OoC) models based on microfluidic technologies are considered promising innovative platforms that combine the handiness of anin vitromodel with the complexity of a living organ, while reducing time and costs. In this review, we focus on recent advances in OoCs for developing hBBB models, with the aim of providing the reader with a critical overview of the main guidelines to design and manufacture a hBBB-on-chip, whose compartments need to mimic the 'blood side' and 'brain side' of the barrier, to choose the cells types that are both representative and convenient, and to adequately evaluate the barrier integrity, stability, and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vita Guarino
- Department of Mathematics and Physics 'E. De Giorgi', Università del Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.,CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Monica Bianco
- CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Department of Mathematics and Physics 'E. De Giorgi', Università del Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.,CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology, 73100 Lecce, Italy.,Department of complex tissue regeneration, Maastricht University, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, 6229ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Mantecón-Oria M, Rivero MJ, Diban N, Urtiaga A. On the quest of reliable 3D dynamic in vitro blood-brain barrier models using polymer hollow fiber membranes: Pitfalls, progress, and future perspectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1056162. [DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1056162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increasing concern of neurodegenerative diseases, the development of new therapies and effective pharmaceuticals targeted to central nervous system (CNS) illnesses is crucial for ensuring social and economic sustainability in an ageing world. Unfortunately, many promising treatments at the initial stages of the pharmaceutical development process, that is at the in vitro screening stages, do not finally show the expected results at the clinical level due to their inability to cross the human blood-brain barrier (BBB), highlighting the inefficiency of in vitro BBB models to recapitulate the real functionality of the human BBB. In the last decades research has focused on the development of in vitro BBB models from basic 2D monolayer cultures to 3D cell co-cultures employing different system configurations. Particularly, the use of polymeric hollow fiber membranes (HFs) as scaffolds plays a key role in perfusing 3D dynamic in vitro BBB (DIV-BBB) models. Their incorporation into a perfusion bioreactor system may potentially enhance the vascularization and oxygenation of 3D cell cultures improving cell communication and the exchange of nutrients and metabolites through the microporous membranes. The quest for developing a benchmark 3D dynamic in vitro blood brain barrier model requires the critical assessment of the different aspects that limits the technology. This article will focus on identifying the advantages and main limitations of the HFs in terms of polymer materials, microscopic porous morphology, and other practical issues that play an important role to adequately mimic the physiological environment and recapitulate BBB architecture. Based on this study, we consider that future strategic advances of this technology to become fully implemented as a gold standard DIV-BBB model will require the exploration of novel polymers and/or composite materials, and the optimization of the morphology of the membranes towards thinner HFs (<50 μm) with higher porosities and surface pore sizes of 1–2 µm to facilitate the intercommunication via regulatory factors between the cell co-culture models of the BBB.
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7
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Schreiner TG, Creangă-Murariu I, Tamba BI, Lucanu N, Popescu BO. In Vitro Modeling of the Blood–Brain Barrier for the Study of Physiological Conditions and Alzheimer’s Disease. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081136. [PMID: 36009030 PMCID: PMC9405874 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is an essential structure for the maintenance of brain homeostasis. Alterations to the BBB are linked with a myriad of pathological conditions and play a significant role in the onset and evolution of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, a deeper understanding of the BBB’s structure and function is mandatory for a better knowledge of neurodegenerative disorders and the development of effective therapies. Because studying the BBB in vivo imposes overwhelming difficulties, the in vitro approach remains the main possible way of research. With many in vitro BBB models having been developed over the last years, the main aim of this review is to systematically present the most relevant designs used in neurological research. In the first part of the article, the physiological and structural–functional parameters of the human BBB are detailed. Subsequently, available BBB models are presented in a comparative approach, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Finally, the new perspectives related to the study of Alzheimer’s disease with the help of novel devices that mimic the in vivo human BBB milieu gives the paper significant originality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gabriel Schreiner
- Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Electrical Measurements and Materials, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 21-23 Professor Dimitrie Mangeron Blvd., 700050 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Ioana Creangă-Murariu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Universitatii Str., No. 16, 700155 Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ionel Tamba
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Universitatii Str., No. 16, 700155 Iasi, Romania
| | - Nicolae Lucanu
- Department of Applied Electronics and Intelligent Systems, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 21-23 Professor Dimitrie Mangeron Blvd., 700050 Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Neurology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Neurosciences and Experimental Myology, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
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Chen X, Liu C, Muok L, Zeng C, Li Y. Dynamic 3D On-Chip BBB Model Design, Development, and Applications in Neurological Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:3183. [PMID: 34831406 PMCID: PMC8622822 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a vital structure for maintaining homeostasis between the blood and the brain in the central nervous system (CNS). Biomolecule exchange, ion balance, nutrition delivery, and toxic molecule prevention rely on the normal function of the BBB. The dysfunction and the dysregulation of the BBB leads to the progression of neurological disorders and neurodegeneration. Therefore, in vitro BBB models can facilitate the investigation for proper therapies. As the demand increases, it is urgent to develop a more efficient and more physiologically relevant BBB model. In this review, the development of the microfluidics platform for the applications in neuroscience is summarized. This article focuses on the characterizations of in vitro BBB models derived from human stem cells and discusses the development of various types of in vitro models. The microfluidics-based system and BBB-on-chip models should provide a better platform for high-throughput drug-screening and targeted delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingchi Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA; (X.C.); (C.L.); (L.M.)
- The High-Performance Materials Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA; (X.C.); (C.L.); (L.M.)
| | - Laureana Muok
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA; (X.C.); (C.L.); (L.M.)
| | - Changchun Zeng
- The High-Performance Materials Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA;
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA; (X.C.); (C.L.); (L.M.)
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9
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Winkler TE, Herland A. Sorption of Neuropsychopharmaca in Microfluidic Materials for In Vitro Studies. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:45161-45174. [PMID: 34528803 PMCID: PMC8485331 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c07639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Sorption (i.e., adsorption and absorption) of small-molecule compounds to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a widely acknowledged phenomenon. However, studies to date have largely been conducted under atypical conditions for microfluidic applications (lack of perfusion, lack of biological fluids, etc.), especially considering biological studies such as organs-on-chips where small-molecule sorption poses the largest concern. Here, we present an in-depth study of small-molecule sorption under relevant conditions for microphysiological systems, focusing on a standard geometry for biological barrier studies that find application in pharmacokinetics. We specifically assess the sorption of a broad compound panel including 15 neuropsychopharmaca at in vivo concentration levels. We consider devices constructed from PDMS as well as two material alternatives (off-stoichiometry thiol-ene-epoxy, or tape/polycarbonate laminates). Moreover, we study the much neglected impact of peristaltic pump tubing, an essential component of the recirculating systems required to achieve in vivo-like perfusion shear stresses. We find that the choice of the device material does not have a significant impact on the sorption behavior in our barrier-on-chip-type system. Our PDMS observations in particular suggest that excessive compound sorption observed in prior studies is not sufficiently described by compound hydrophobicity or other suggested predictors. Critically, we show that sorption by peristaltic tubing, including the commonly utilized PharMed BPT, dominates over device sorption even on an area-normalized basis, let alone at the typically much larger tubing surface areas. Our findings highlight the importance of validating compound dosages in organ-on-chip studies, as well as the need for considering tubing materials with equal or higher care than device materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Winkler
- Division
of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute
of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Herland
- Division
of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute
of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden
- AIMES,
Center for Integrated Medical and Engineering Science, Department
of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Solna 17165, Sweden
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10
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Maoz BM. Brain-on-a-Chip: Characterizing the next generation of advanced in vitro platforms for modeling the central nervous system. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:030902. [PMID: 34368601 PMCID: PMC8325567 DOI: 10.1063/5.0055812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the human brain creates significant, almost insurmountable challenges for neurological drug development. Advanced in vitro platforms are increasingly enabling researchers to overcome these challenges, by mimicking key features of the brain's composition and functionality. Many of these platforms are called "Brains-on-a-Chip"-a term that was originally used to refer to microfluidics-based systems containing miniature engineered tissues, but that has since expanded to describe a vast range of in vitro central nervous system (CNS) modeling approaches. This Perspective seeks to refine the definition of a Brain-on-a-Chip for the next generation of in vitro platforms, identifying criteria that determine which systems should qualify. These criteria reflect the extent to which a given platform overcomes the challenges unique to in vitro CNS modeling (e.g., recapitulation of the brain's microenvironment; inclusion of critical subunits, such as the blood-brain barrier) and thereby provides meaningful added value over conventional cell culture systems. The paper further outlines practical considerations for the development and implementation of Brain-on-a-Chip platforms and concludes with a vision for where these technologies may be heading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben M. Maoz
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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11
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Staicu CE, Jipa F, Axente E, Radu M, Radu BM, Sima F. Lab-on-a-Chip Platforms as Tools for Drug Screening in Neuropathologies Associated with Blood-Brain Barrier Alterations. Biomolecules 2021; 11:916. [PMID: 34205550 PMCID: PMC8235582 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) and organ-on-a-chip (OOC) devices are highly versatile platforms that enable miniaturization and advanced controlled laboratory functions (i.e., microfluidics, advanced optical or electrical recordings, high-throughput screening). The manufacturing advancements of LOCs/OOCs for biomedical applications and their current limitations are briefly discussed. Multiple studies have exploited the advantages of mimicking organs or tissues on a chip. Among these, we focused our attention on the brain-on-a-chip, blood-brain barrier (BBB)-on-a-chip, and neurovascular unit (NVU)-on-a-chip applications. Mainly, we review the latest developments of brain-on-a-chip, BBB-on-a-chip, and NVU-on-a-chip devices and their use as testing platforms for high-throughput pharmacological screening. In particular, we analyze the most important contributions of these studies in the field of neurodegenerative diseases and their relevance in translational personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Elena Staicu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Center for Advanced Laser Technologies, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (F.J.); (E.A.); (F.S.)
| | - Florin Jipa
- Center for Advanced Laser Technologies, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (F.J.); (E.A.); (F.S.)
| | - Emanuel Axente
- Center for Advanced Laser Technologies, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (F.J.); (E.A.); (F.S.)
| | - Mihai Radu
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, ‘Horia Hulubei’ National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 077125 Măgurele, Romania;
| | - Beatrice Mihaela Radu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Felix Sima
- Center for Advanced Laser Technologies, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (F.J.); (E.A.); (F.S.)
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12
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Blood–Brain Barrier Dynamic Device with Uniform Shear Stress Distribution for Microscopy and Permeability Measurements. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11125584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurology has always been one of the therapeutic areas with higher attrition rates. One of the main difficulties is the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) that restricts access to the brain for major drugs. This low success rate has led to an increasing demand for in vitro tools. The shear stress, which positively affects endothelial cell differentiation by mimicking blood flow, is required for a more physiological in vitro BBB model. We created an innovative device specifically designed for cell culture under shear stress to investigate drug permeability. Our dynamic device encompasses two compartments communicating together via a semi-permeable membrane, on which human cerebral microvascular endothelial (hCMEC/D3) cells were seeded. The fluidic controlled environment ensures a laminar and homogenous flow to culture cells for at least seven days. Cell differentiation was characterized by immunodetection of inter-endothelial junctions directly in the device by confocal microscopy. Finally, we performed permeability assay with lucifer yellow in both static and dynamic conditions in parallel. Our dynamic device is suited to the evaluation of barrier function and the study of drug transport across the BBB, but it could also be used with other human cell types to reproduce intestinal or kidney barriers.
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Zhang W, Mehta A, Tong Z, Esser L, Voelcker NH. Development of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Blood-Brain Barrier Transfer-Strategies and Challenges. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2003937. [PMID: 34026447 PMCID: PMC8132167 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202003937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and brain cancers are difficult to treat with current drugs as their delivery efficacy to the brain is severely hampered by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Drug delivery systems have been extensively explored in recent decades aiming to circumvent this barrier. In particular, polymeric nanoparticles have shown enormous potentials owing to their unique properties, such as high tunability, ease of synthesis, and control over drug release profile. However, careful analysis of their performance in effective drug transport across the BBB should be performed using clinically relevant testing models. In this review, polymeric nanoparticle systems for drug delivery to the central nervous system are discussed with an emphasis on the effects of particle size, shape, and surface modifications on BBB penetration. Moreover, the authors critically analyze the current in vitro and in vivo models used to evaluate BBB penetration efficacy, including the latest developments in the BBB-on-a-chip models. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives for the development of polymeric nanoparticles to combat neurological disorders are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisen Zhang
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and DynamicsMonash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash University381 Royal ParadeParkvilleVIC3052Australia
| | - Ami Mehta
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and DynamicsMonash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash University381 Royal ParadeParkvilleVIC3052Australia
- IITB Monash Research AcademyBombayMumbai400076India
| | - Ziqiu Tong
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and DynamicsMonash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash University381 Royal ParadeParkvilleVIC3052Australia
| | - Lars Esser
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and DynamicsMonash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash University381 Royal ParadeParkvilleVIC3052Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)ClaytonVIC3168Australia
| | - Nicolas H. Voelcker
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and DynamicsMonash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash University381 Royal ParadeParkvilleVIC3052Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)ClaytonVIC3168Australia
- Melbourne Centre for NanofabricationVictorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication FacilityClaytonVIC3168Australia
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringMonash UniversityClaytonVIC3800Australia
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14
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Rowson B, Duma SM. Annals of Biomedical Engineering 2020 Reviewer Recognition. Ann Biomed Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-021-02761-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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15
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Cameron T, Bennet T, Rowe EM, Anwer M, Wellington CL, Cheung KC. Review of Design Considerations for Brain-on-a-Chip Models. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:441. [PMID: 33921018 PMCID: PMC8071412 DOI: 10.3390/mi12040441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the need for sophisticated human in vitro models for integrative biology has motivated the development of organ-on-a-chip platforms. Organ-on-a-chip devices are engineered to mimic the mechanical, biochemical and physiological properties of human organs; however, there are many important considerations when selecting or designing an appropriate device for investigating a specific scientific question. Building microfluidic Brain-on-a-Chip (BoC) models from the ground-up will allow for research questions to be answered more thoroughly in the brain research field, but the design of these devices requires several choices to be made throughout the design development phase. These considerations include the cell types, extracellular matrix (ECM) material(s), and perfusion/flow considerations. Choices made early in the design cycle will dictate the limitations of the device and influence the end-point results such as the permeability of the endothelial cell monolayer, and the expression of cell type-specific markers. To better understand why the engineering aspects of a microfluidic BoC need to be influenced by the desired biological environment, recent progress in microfluidic BoC technology is compared. This review focuses on perfusable blood-brain barrier (BBB) and neurovascular unit (NVU) models with discussions about the chip architecture, the ECM used, and how they relate to the in vivo human brain. With increased knowledge on how to make informed choices when selecting or designing BoC models, the scientific community will benefit from shorter development phases and platforms curated for their application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Cameron
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (T.C.); (T.B.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tanya Bennet
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (T.C.); (T.B.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Elyn M. Rowe
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (E.M.R.); (M.A.); (C.L.W.)
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mehwish Anwer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (E.M.R.); (M.A.); (C.L.W.)
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Cheryl L. Wellington
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (E.M.R.); (M.A.); (C.L.W.)
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Karen C. Cheung
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (T.C.); (T.B.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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Prashanth A, Donaghy H, Stoner SP, Hudson AL, Wheeler HR, Diakos CI, Howell VM, Grau GE, McKelvey KJ. Are In Vitro Human Blood-Brain-Tumor-Barriers Suitable Replacements for In Vivo Models of Brain Permeability for Novel Therapeutics? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:955. [PMID: 33668807 PMCID: PMC7956470 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13050955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High grade gliomas (HGG) are incapacitating and prematurely fatal diseases. To overcome the poor prognosis, novel therapies must overcome the selective and restricted permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This study critically evaluated whether in vitro human normal BBB and tumor BBB (BBTB) are suitable alternatives to "gold standard" in vivo models to determine brain permeability. METHODS A systematic review utilizing the PRISMA guidelines used English and full-text articles from the past 5 years in the PubMed, Embase, Medline and Scopus databases. Experimental studies employing human cell lines were included. RESULTS Of 1335 articles, the search identified 24 articles for evaluation after duplicates were removed. Eight in vitro and five in vivo models were identified with the advantages and disadvantages compared within and between models, and against patient clinical data where available. The greatest in vitro barrier integrity and stability, comparable to in vivo and clinical permeability data, were achieved in the presence of all cell types of the neurovascular unit: endothelial cells, astrocytes/glioma cells, pericytes and neurons. CONCLUSIONS In vitro co-culture BBB models utilizing stem cell-derived or primary cells are a suitable proxy for brain permeability studies in order to reduce animal use in medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Prashanth
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (A.P.); (H.D.); (S.P.S.); (A.L.H.); (H.R.W.); (C.I.D.); (V.M.H.)
| | - Heather Donaghy
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (A.P.); (H.D.); (S.P.S.); (A.L.H.); (H.R.W.); (C.I.D.); (V.M.H.)
| | - Shihani P. Stoner
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (A.P.); (H.D.); (S.P.S.); (A.L.H.); (H.R.W.); (C.I.D.); (V.M.H.)
| | - Amanda L. Hudson
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (A.P.); (H.D.); (S.P.S.); (A.L.H.); (H.R.W.); (C.I.D.); (V.M.H.)
| | - Helen R. Wheeler
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (A.P.); (H.D.); (S.P.S.); (A.L.H.); (H.R.W.); (C.I.D.); (V.M.H.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Connie I. Diakos
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (A.P.); (H.D.); (S.P.S.); (A.L.H.); (H.R.W.); (C.I.D.); (V.M.H.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Viive M. Howell
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (A.P.); (H.D.); (S.P.S.); (A.L.H.); (H.R.W.); (C.I.D.); (V.M.H.)
| | - Georges E. Grau
- Vascular Immunology, Department of Pathology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia;
| | - Kelly J. McKelvey
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (A.P.); (H.D.); (S.P.S.); (A.L.H.); (H.R.W.); (C.I.D.); (V.M.H.)
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17
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Moses SR, Adorno JJ, Palmer AF, Song JW. Vessel-on-a-chip models for studying microvascular physiology, transport, and function in vitro. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 320:C92-C105. [PMID: 33176110 PMCID: PMC7846973 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00355.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
To understand how the microvasculature grows and remodels, researchers require reproducible systems that emulate the function of living tissue. Innovative contributions toward fulfilling this important need have been made by engineered microvessels assembled in vitro with microfabrication techniques. Microfabricated vessels, commonly referred to as "vessels-on-a-chip," are from a class of cell culture technologies that uniquely integrate microscale flow phenomena, tissue-level biomolecular transport, cell-cell interactions, and proper three-dimensional (3-D) extracellular matrix environments under well-defined culture conditions. Here, we discuss the enabling attributes of microfabricated vessels that make these models more physiological compared with established cell culture techniques and the potential of these models for advancing microvascular research. This review highlights the key features of microvascular transport and physiology, critically discusses the strengths and limitations of different microfabrication strategies for studying the microvasculature, and provides a perspective on current challenges and future opportunities for vessel-on-a-chip models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah R Moses
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jonathan J Adorno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Andre F Palmer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jonathan W Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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18
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Ibarra LE, Vilchez ML, Caverzán MD, Milla Sanabria LN. Understanding the glioblastoma tumor biology to optimize photodynamic therapy: From molecular to cellular events. J Neurosci Res 2020; 99:1024-1047. [PMID: 33370846 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has recently gained attention as an alternative treatment of malignant gliomas. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent within tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). Conventional treatments for this CNS tumor include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Surgery is still being considered as the treatment of choice. Even so, the poor prognosis and/or recurrence of the disease after applying any of these treatments highlight the urgency of exploring new therapies and/or improving existing ones to achieve the definitive eradication of tumor masses and remaining cells. PDT is a therapeutic modality that involves the destruction of tumor cells by reactive oxygen species induced by light, which were previously treated with a photosensitizing agent. However, in recent years, its experimental application has expanded to other effects that could improve overall performance against GBM. In the current review, we revisit the main advances of PDT for GBM management and also, the recent mechanistic insights about cellular and molecular aspects related to tumoral resistance to PDT of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Exequiel Ibarra
- Instituto de Biotecnología Ambiental y Salud (INBIAS), Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC) y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Río Cuarto, Argentina.,Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físico-Químicas y Naturales, UNRC, Río Cuarto, Argentina
| | - María Laura Vilchez
- Instituto de Biotecnología Ambiental y Salud (INBIAS), Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC) y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Río Cuarto, Argentina.,Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físico-Químicas y Naturales, UNRC, Río Cuarto, Argentina
| | - Matías Daniel Caverzán
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físico-Químicas y Naturales, UNRC, Río Cuarto, Argentina
| | - Laura Natalia Milla Sanabria
- Instituto de Biotecnología Ambiental y Salud (INBIAS), Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC) y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Río Cuarto, Argentina.,Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físico-Químicas y Naturales, UNRC, Río Cuarto, Argentina
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19
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Nikolakopoulou P, Rauti R, Voulgaris D, Shlomy I, Maoz BM, Herland A. Recent progress in translational engineered in vitro models of the central nervous system. Brain 2020; 143:3181-3213. [PMID: 33020798 PMCID: PMC7719033 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the human brain poses a substantial challenge for the development of models of the CNS. Current animal models lack many essential human characteristics (in addition to raising operational challenges and ethical concerns), and conventional in vitro models, in turn, are limited in their capacity to provide information regarding many functional and systemic responses. Indeed, these challenges may underlie the notoriously low success rates of CNS drug development efforts. During the past 5 years, there has been a leap in the complexity and functionality of in vitro systems of the CNS, which have the potential to overcome many of the limitations of traditional model systems. The availability of human-derived induced pluripotent stem cell technology has further increased the translational potential of these systems. Yet, the adoption of state-of-the-art in vitro platforms within the CNS research community is limited. This may be attributable to the high costs or the immaturity of the systems. Nevertheless, the costs of fabrication have decreased, and there are tremendous ongoing efforts to improve the quality of cell differentiation. Herein, we aim to raise awareness of the capabilities and accessibility of advanced in vitro CNS technologies. We provide an overview of some of the main recent developments (since 2015) in in vitro CNS models. In particular, we focus on engineered in vitro models based on cell culture systems combined with microfluidic platforms (e.g. 'organ-on-a-chip' systems). We delve into the fundamental principles underlying these systems and review several applications of these platforms for the study of the CNS in health and disease. Our discussion further addresses the challenges that hinder the implementation of advanced in vitro platforms in personalized medicine or in large-scale industrial settings, and outlines the existing differentiation protocols and industrial cell sources. We conclude by providing practical guidelines for laboratories that are considering adopting organ-on-a-chip technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polyxeni Nikolakopoulou
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rossana Rauti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dimitrios Voulgaris
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iftach Shlomy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ben M Maoz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anna Herland
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Kadry H, Noorani B, Cucullo L. A blood-brain barrier overview on structure, function, impairment, and biomarkers of integrity. Fluids Barriers CNS 2020; 17:69. [PMID: 33208141 PMCID: PMC7672931 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-020-00230-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 604] [Impact Index Per Article: 151.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier is playing a critical role in controlling the influx and efflux of biological substances essential for the brain’s metabolic activity as well as neuronal function. Thus, the functional and structural integrity of the BBB is pivotal to maintain the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment. The different cells and structures contributing to developing this barrier are summarized along with the different functions that BBB plays at the brain–blood interface. We also explained the role of shear stress in maintaining BBB integrity. Furthermore, we elaborated on the clinical aspects that correlate between BBB disruption and different neurological and pathological conditions. Finally, we discussed several biomarkers that can help to assess the BBB permeability and integrity in-vitro or in-vivo and briefly explain their advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam Kadry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Behnam Noorani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Luca Cucullo
- Dept. of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Office 415, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.
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Fernandes DC, Reis RL, Oliveira JM. Advances in 3D neural, vascular and neurovascular models for drug testing and regenerative medicine. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:754-768. [PMID: 33202252 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clinical trials continue to fall short regarding drugs to effectively treat brain-affecting diseases. Although there are many causes of these shortcomings, the most relevant are the inability of most therapeutic agents to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the failure to translate effects from animal models to patients. In this review, we analyze the most recent developments in BBB, neural, and neurovascular models, analyzing their impact on the drug development process by considering their quantitative and phenotypical characterization. We offer a perspective of the state-of-the-art of the models that could revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo C Fernandes
- 3Bs Research Group, I3B's - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - Portuguese Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3Bs Research Group, I3B's - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - Portuguese Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - J Miguel Oliveira
- 3Bs Research Group, I3B's - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - Portuguese Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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22
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Katt ME, Shusta EV. In vitro Models of the Blood-Brain Barrier: Building in physiological complexity. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2020; 30:42-52. [PMID: 32905326 DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Development of brain therapeutics is significantly hampered by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Classical transwell models are able to recapitulate many important aspects of drug transport across the BBB, but are not completely predictive of in vivo brain uptake. Species differences further complicate translation of experimental therapeutics from the benchtop to the clinic. Human BBB models offer some solutions to this problem, and by increasing device complexity both in terms of multicellularity, flow and physical architecture, physiological models of the BBB have been developed that can more faithfully model different aspects of transport and homeostasis BBB. Using these models, it may be possible to improve the predictive capacity in benchmarking candidate therapeutics, and to identify new druggable targets by studying multicellular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moriah E Katt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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23
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Hynes WF, Pepona M, Robertson C, Alvarado J, Dubbin K, Triplett M, Adorno JJ, Randles A, Moya ML. Examining metastatic behavior within 3D bioprinted vasculature for the validation of a 3D computational flow model. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb3308. [PMID: 32923637 PMCID: PMC7449690 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb3308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the dynamics of circulating tumor cell (CTC) behavior within the vasculature has remained an elusive goal in cancer biology. To elucidate the contribution of hydrodynamics in determining sites of CTC vascular colonization, the physical forces affecting these cells must be evaluated in a highly controlled manner. To this end, we have bioprinted endothelialized vascular beds and perfused these constructs with metastatic mammary gland cells under physiological flow rates. By pairing these in vitro devices with an advanced computational flow model, we found that the bioprinted analog was readily capable of evaluating the accuracy and integrated complexity of a computational flow model, while also highlighting the discrete contribution of hydrodynamics in vascular colonization. This intersection of these two technologies, bioprinting and computational simulation, is a key demonstration in the establishment of an experimentation pipeline for the understanding of complex biophysical events.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. F. Hynes
- Materials Engineering Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - M. Pepona
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - C. Robertson
- Materials Engineering Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - J. Alvarado
- Materials Engineering Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - K. Dubbin
- Materials Engineering Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - M. Triplett
- Materials Engineering Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - J. J. Adorno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - A. Randles
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - M. L. Moya
- Materials Engineering Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
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Bhalerao A, Sivandzade F, Archie SR, Chowdhury EA, Noorani B, Cucullo L. In vitro modeling of the neurovascular unit: advances in the field. Fluids Barriers CNS 2020; 17:22. [PMID: 32178700 PMCID: PMC7077137 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-020-00183-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a fundamental component of the central nervous system. Its functional and structural integrity is vital in maintaining the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment. On the other hand, the BBB is also a major hindering obstacle for the delivery of effective therapies to treat disorders of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Over time, various model systems have been established to simulate the complexities of the BBB. The development of realistic in vitro BBB models that accurately mimic the physiological characteristics of the brain microcapillaries in situ is of fundamental importance not only in CNS drug discovery but also in translational research. Successful modeling of the Neurovascular Unit (NVU) would provide an invaluable tool that would aid in dissecting out the pathological factors, mechanisms of action, and corresponding targets prodromal to the onset of CNS disorders. The field of BBB in vitro modeling has seen many fundamental changes in the last few years with the introduction of novel tools and methods to improve existing models and enable new ones. The development of CNS organoids, organ-on-chip, spheroids, 3D printed microfluidics, and other innovative technologies have the potential to advance the field of BBB and NVU modeling. Therefore, in this review, summarize the advances and progress in the design and application of functional in vitro BBB platforms with a focus on rapidly advancing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Bhalerao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Farzane Sivandzade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Sabrina Rahman Archie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Ekram Ahmed Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Behnam Noorani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Luca Cucullo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA. .,Center for Blood-Brain Barrier Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA.
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