1
|
Wu T, Wu Y, Yan J, Zhang J, Wang S. Microfluidic chip as a promising evaluation method in assisted reproduction: A systematic review. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10625. [PMID: 38435817 PMCID: PMC10905557 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is to select the high-quality sperm, oocytes, and embryos, and finally achieve a successful pregnancy. However, functional evaluation is hindered by intra- and inter-operator variability. Microfluidic chips emerge as the one of the most powerful tools to analyze biological samples for reduced size, precise control, and flexible extension. Herein, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore databases until March 2023. We displayed and prospected all detection strategies based on microfluidics in the ART field. After full-text screening, 71 studies were identified as eligible for inclusion. The percentages of human and mouse studies equaled with 31.5%. The prominent country in terms of publication number was the USA (n = 13). Polydimethylsiloxane (n = 49) and soft lithography (n = 28) were the most commonly used material and fabrication method, respectively. All articles were classified into three types: sperm (n = 38), oocytes (n = 20), and embryos (n = 13). The assessment contents included motility, counting, mechanics, permeability, impedance, secretion, oxygen consumption, and metabolism. Collectively, the microfluidic chip technology facilitates more efficient, accurate, and objective evaluation in ART. It can even be combined with artificial intelligence to assist the daily activities of embryologists. More well-designed clinical studies and affordable integrated microfluidic chips are needed to validate the safety, efficacy, and reproducibility. Trial registration: The protocol was registered in the Open Science Frame REGISTRIES (identification: osf.io/6rv4a).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological DiseasesTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of EducationTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yangyang Wu
- College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityYa'anSichuanChina
| | - Jinfeng Yan
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological DiseasesTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of EducationTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological DiseasesTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of EducationTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Shixuan Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological DiseasesTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of EducationTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carvalho V, Gonçalves IM, Rodrigues N, Sousa P, Pinto V, Minas G, Kaji H, Shin SR, Rodrigues RO, Teixeira SFCF, Lima RA. Numerical evaluation and experimental validation of fluid flow behavior within an organ-on-a-chip model. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 243:107883. [PMID: 37944399 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2023.107883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE By combining biomaterials, cell culture, and microfluidic technology, organ-on-a-chip (OoC) platforms have the ability to reproduce the physiological microenvironment of human organs. For this reason, these advanced microfluidic devices have been used to resemble various diseases and investigate novel treatments. In addition to the experimental assessment, numerical studies of biodevices have been performed aiming at their improvement and optimization. Despite considerable progress in numerical modeling of biodevices, the validation of these computational models through comparison with experimental assays remains a significant gap in the current literature. This step is critical to ensure the accuracy and reliability of numerical models, and consequently enhance confidence in their predictive results. The aim of the present work is to develop a numerical model capable of reproducing the fluid flow behavior within an OoC, for future investigations, encompassing the geometry optimization. METHODS In this study, the validation of a numerical model for an OoC microfluidic device was undertaken. This comprised both quantitative and qualitative assessments of trace microparticles flowing through a physical OoC model. High-speed microscopy images of the flow, using a blood analog fluid, were analyzed and compared with the numerical simulations run using the Ansys Fluent software. For a qualitative analysis, the particles' paths through the inlet and bifurcations were observed whereas, for a quantitative analysis, the particle velocities were measured. Furthermore, oxygen transport was simulated and evaluated for different Reynolds numbers. RESULTS In both qualitative and quantitative analyses, the results predicted by the numerical model and the ones outputted by the experimental model were in good agreement. These findings underscore the capability and potential of the developed numerical model. The examination of oxygen transport at various vertical positions within the organoid has revealed that for lower positions, oxygen transport predominantly occurs through diffusion, leading to a symmetric distribution of oxygen. Contrastingly, the convection phenomenon becomes more evident in the upper region of the organoid. CONCLUSIONS The successful validation of the numerical model against experimental data shows its accuracy and reliability in simulating the fluid flow within the OoC, which consequently can expedite the OoC design process by reducing the need for prototypes' fabrication and costly laboratory experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Carvalho
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; ALGORITMI Center/LASI, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Inês M Gonçalves
- MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering (IBB), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan; Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nelson Rodrigues
- ALGORITMI Center/LASI, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Paulo Sousa
- Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Vânia Pinto
- Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Graça Minas
- Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Hirokazu Kaji
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering (IBB), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Su Ryon Shin
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Raquel O Rodrigues
- Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | | | - Rui A Lima
- MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; CEFT - Transport Phenomena Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yadav S, Singha P, Nguyen NK, Ooi CH, Kashaninejad N, Nguyen NT. Uniaxial Cyclic Cell Stretching Device for Accelerating Cellular Studies. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1537. [PMID: 37630073 PMCID: PMC10456305 DOI: 10.3390/mi14081537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Cellular response to mechanical stimuli is a crucial factor for maintaining cell homeostasis. The interaction between the extracellular matrix and mechanical stress plays a significant role in organizing the cytoskeleton and aligning cells. Tools that apply mechanical forces to cells and tissues, as well as those capable of measuring the mechanical properties of biological cells, have greatly contributed to our understanding of fundamental mechanobiology. These tools have been extensively employed to unveil the substantial influence of mechanical cues on the development and progression of various diseases. In this report, we present an economical and high-performance uniaxial cell stretching device. This paper reports the detailed operation concept of the device, experimental design, and characterization. The device was tested with MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The experimental results agree well with previously documented morphological changes resulting from stretching forces on cancer cells. Remarkably, our new device demonstrates comparable cellular changes within 30 min compared with the previous 2 h stretching duration. This third-generation device significantly improved the stretching capabilities compared with its previous counterparts, resulting in a remarkable reduction in stretching time and a substantial increase in overall efficiency. Moreover, the device design incorporates an open-source software interface, facilitating convenient parameter adjustments such as strain, stretching speed, frequency, and duration. Its versatility enables seamless integration with various optical microscopes, thereby yielding novel insights into the realm of mechanobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia; (S.Y.); (P.S.); (N.-K.N.); (C.H.O.); (N.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
In vitro cell stretching devices and their applications: From cardiomyogenic differentiation to tissue engineering. MEDICINE IN NOVEL TECHNOLOGY AND DEVICES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medntd.2023.100220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
|
5
|
Shou Y, Teo XY, Wu KZ, Bai B, Kumar ARK, Low J, Le Z, Tay A. Dynamic Stimulations with Bioengineered Extracellular Matrix-Mimicking Hydrogels for Mechano Cell Reprogramming and Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2300670. [PMID: 37119518 PMCID: PMC10375194 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cells interact with their surrounding environment through a combination of static and dynamic mechanical signals that vary over stimulus types, intensity, space, and time. Compared to static mechanical signals such as stiffness, porosity, and topography, the current understanding on the effects of dynamic mechanical stimulations on cells remains limited, attributing to a lack of access to devices, the complexity of experimental set-up, and data interpretation. Yet, in the pursuit of emerging translational applications (e.g., cell manufacturing for clinical treatment), it is crucial to understand how cells respond to a variety of dynamic forces that are omnipresent in vivo so that they can be exploited to enhance manufacturing and therapeutic outcomes. With a rising appreciation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a key regulator of biofunctions, researchers have bioengineered a suite of ECM-mimicking hydrogels, which can be fine-tuned with spatiotemporal mechanical cues to model complex static and dynamic mechanical profiles. This review first discusses how mechanical stimuli may impact different cellular components and the various mechanobiology pathways involved. Then, how hydrogels can be designed to incorporate static and dynamic mechanical parameters to influence cell behaviors are described. The Scopus database is also used to analyze the relative strength in evidence, ranging from strong to weak, based on number of published literatures, associated citations, and treatment significance. Additionally, the impacts of static and dynamic mechanical stimulations on clinically relevant cell types including mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, are evaluated. The aim is to draw attention to the paucity of studies on the effects of dynamic mechanical stimuli on cells, as well as to highlight the potential of using a cocktail of various types and intensities of mechanical stimulations to influence cell fates (similar to the concept of biochemical cocktail to direct cell fate). It is envisioned that this progress report will inspire more exciting translational development of mechanoresponsive hydrogels for biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Shou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Xin Yong Teo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Kenny Zhuoran Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Bingyu Bai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Arun R K Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Jessalyn Low
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Zhicheng Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117510, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hoque MA, Mahmood N, Ali KM, Sefat E, Huang Y, Petersen E, Harrington S, Fang X, Gluck JM. Development of a Pneumatic-Driven Fiber-Shaped Robot Scaffold for Use as a Complex 3D Dynamic Culture System. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:biomimetics8020170. [PMID: 37092422 PMCID: PMC10123682 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020170] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells can sense and respond to different kinds of continuous mechanical strain in the human body. Mechanical stimulation needs to be included within the in vitro culture system to better mimic the existing complexity of in vivo biological systems. Existing commercial dynamic culture systems are generally two-dimensional (2D) which fail to mimic the three-dimensional (3D) native microenvironment. In this study, a pneumatically driven fiber robot has been developed as a platform for 3D dynamic cell culture. The fiber robot can generate tunable contractions upon stimulation. The surface of the fiber robot is formed by a braiding structure, which provides promising surface contact and adequate space for cell culture. An in-house dynamic stimulation using the fiber robot was set up to maintain NIH3T3 cells in a controlled environment. The biocompatibility of the developed dynamic culture systems was analyzed using LIVE/DEAD™ and alamarBlue™ assays. The results showed that the dynamic culture system was able to support cell proliferation with minimal cytotoxicity similar to static cultures. However, we observed a decrease in cell viability in the case of a high strain rate in dynamic cultures. Differences in cell arrangement and proliferation were observed between braided sleeves made of different materials (nylon and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). In summary, a simple and cost-effective 3D dynamic culture system has been proposed, which can be easily implemented to study complex biological phenomena in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muh Amdadul Hoque
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Nasif Mahmood
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Kiran M Ali
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Eelya Sefat
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Yihan Huang
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Emily Petersen
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Shane Harrington
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Xiaomeng Fang
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Jessica M Gluck
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kim K, Jeong S, Sung GY. Effect of Periodical Tensile Stimulation on the Human Skin Equivalents by Magnetic Stretching Skin-on-a-Chip (MSSC). BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-022-00092-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
8
|
Peussa H, Kreutzer J, Mäntylä E, Mäki AJ, Nymark S, Kallio P, Ihalainen TO. Pneumatic equiaxial compression device for mechanical manipulation of epithelial cell packing and physiology. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268570. [PMID: 35657824 PMCID: PMC9165817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that mechanical cues, e.g., tensile- compressive- or shear forces, are important co-regulators of cell and tissue physiology. To understand the mechanistic effects these cues have on cells, technologies allowing precise mechanical manipulation of the studied cells are required. As the significance of cell density i.e., packing on cellular behavior is beginning to unravel, we sought to design an equiaxial cell compression device based on our previously published cell stretching system. We focused on improving the suitability for microscopy and the user-friendliness of the system. By introducing a hinge structure to the substrate stretch generating vacuum chamber, we managed to decrease the z-displacement of the cell culture substrate, thus reducing the focal plane drift. The vacuum battery, the mini-incubator, as well as the custom-made vacuum pressure controller make the experimental setup more flexible and portable. Furthermore, we improved the efficiency and repeatability of manufacture of the device by designing a mold that can be used to cast the body of the device. We also compared several different silicone membranes, and chose SILPURAN® due to its best microscopy imaging properties. Here, we show that the device can produce a maximum 8.5% radial pre-strain which leads to a 15% equiaxial areal compression as the pre-strain is released. When tested with epithelial cells, upon compression, we saw a decrease in cell cross-sectional area and an increase in cell layer height. Additionally, before compression the cells had two distinct cell populations with different cross-sectional areas that merged into a more uniform population due to compression. In addition to these morphological changes, we detected an alteration in the nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution of YAP1, suggesting that the cellular packing is enough to induce mechanical signaling in the epithelium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Peussa
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Joose Kreutzer
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Elina Mäntylä
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Antti-Juhana Mäki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Soile Nymark
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Pasi Kallio
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Teemu O. Ihalainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pattanayak P, Singh SK, Gulati M, Vishwas S, Kapoor B, Chellappan DK, Anand K, Gupta G, Jha NK, Gupta PK, Prasher P, Dua K, Dureja H, Kumar D, Kumar V. Microfluidic chips: recent advances, critical strategies in design, applications and future perspectives. MICROFLUIDICS AND NANOFLUIDICS 2021; 25:99. [PMID: 34720789 PMCID: PMC8547131 DOI: 10.1007/s10404-021-02502-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic chip technology is an emerging tool in the field of biomedical application. Microfluidic chip includes a set of groves or microchannels that are engraved on different materials (glass, silicon, or polymers such as polydimethylsiloxane or PDMS, polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA). The microchannels forming the microfluidic chip are interconnected with each other for desired results. This organization of microchannels trapped into the microfluidic chip is associated with the outside by inputs and outputs penetrating through the chip, as an interface between the macro- and miniature world. With the help of a pump and a chip, microfluidic chip helps to determine the behavioral change of the microfluids. Inside the chip, there are microfluidic channels that permit the processing of the fluid, for example, blending and physicochemical responses. Microfluidic chip has numerous points of interest including lesser time and reagent utilization and alongside this, it can execute numerous activities simultaneously. The miniatured size of the chip fastens the reaction as the surface area increases. It is utilized in different biomedical applications such as food safety sensing, peptide analysis, tissue engineering, medical diagnosis, DNA purification, PCR activity, pregnancy, and glucose estimation. In the present study, the design of various microfluidic chips has been discussed along with their biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prapti Pattanayak
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| | - Monica Gulati
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| | - Sukriti Vishwas
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| | - Bhupinder Kapoor
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Krishnan Anand
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences and National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310 India
| | - Piyush Kumar Gupta
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Plot no. 32-34, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310 India
| | - Parteek Prasher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Energy Acres, Dehradun, 248007 India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007 Australia
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Harish Dureja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 12401 India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, 173229 India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- School of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Carvalho V, Rodrigues RO, Lima RA, Teixeira S. Computational Simulations in Advanced Microfluidic Devices: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12101149. [PMID: 34683199 PMCID: PMC8539624 DOI: 10.3390/mi12101149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Numerical simulations have revolutionized research in several engineering areas by contributing to the understanding and improvement of several processes, being biomedical engineering one of them. Due to their potential, computational tools have gained visibility and have been increasingly used by several research groups as a supporting tool for the development of preclinical platforms as they allow studying, in a more detailed and faster way, phenomena that are difficult to study experimentally due to the complexity of biological processes present in these models—namely, heat transfer, shear stresses, diffusion processes, velocity fields, etc. There are several contributions already in the literature, and significant advances have been made in this field of research. This review provides the most recent progress in numerical studies on advanced microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip (OoC) devices, and how these studies can be helpful in enhancing our insight into the physical processes involved and in developing more effective OoC platforms. In general, it has been noticed that in some cases, the numerical studies performed have limitations that need to be improved, and in the majority of the studies, it is extremely difficult to replicate the data due to the lack of detail around the simulations carried out.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Carvalho
- MEtRICs, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
- ALGORITMI, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
- Correspondence:
| | - Raquel O. Rodrigues
- Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
| | - Rui A. Lima
- MEtRICs, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
- CEFT, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Senhorinha Teixeira
- ALGORITMI, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mäntylä E, Ihalainen TO. Brick Strex: a robust device built of LEGO bricks for mechanical manipulation of cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18520. [PMID: 34531455 PMCID: PMC8445989 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97900-5] [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: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular forces, mechanics and other physical factors are important co-regulators of normal cell and tissue physiology. These cues are often misregulated in diseases such as cancer, where altered tissue mechanics contribute to the disease progression. Furthermore, intercellular tensile and compressive force-related signaling is highlighted in collective cell behavior during development. However, the mechanistic understanding on the role of physical forces in regulation of cellular physiology, including gene expression and signaling, is still lacking. This is partly because studies on the molecular mechanisms of force transmission require easily controllable experimental designs. These approaches should enable both easy mechanical manipulation of cells and, importantly, readouts ranging from microscopy imaging to biochemical assays. To achieve a robust solution for mechanical manipulation of cells, we developed devices built of LEGO bricks allowing manual, motorized and/or cyclic cell stretching and compression studies. By using these devices, we show that [Formula: see text]-catenin responds differentially to epithelial monolayer stretching and lateral compression, either localizing more to the cell nuclei or cell-cell junctions, respectively. In addition, we show that epithelial compression drives cytoplasmic retention and phosphorylation of transcription coregulator YAP1. We provide a complete part listing and video assembly instructions, allowing other researchers to build and use the devices in cellular mechanics-related studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elina Mäntylä
- grid.502801.e0000 0001 2314 6254BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Teemu O. Ihalainen
- grid.502801.e0000 0001 2314 6254BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
A Fully Integrated Arduino-Based System for the Application of Stretching Stimuli to Living Cells and Their Time-Lapse Observation: A Do-It-Yourself Biology Approach. Ann Biomed Eng 2021; 49:2243-2259. [PMID: 33728867 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-021-02758-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Mechanobiology has nowadays acquired the status of a topic of fundamental importance in a degree in Biological Sciences. It is inherently a multidisciplinary topic where biology, physics and engineering competences are required. A course in mechanobiology should include lab experiences where students can appreciate how mechanical stimuli from outside affect living cell behaviour. Here we describe all the steps to build a cell stretcher inside an on-stage cell incubator. This device allows exposing living cells to a periodic mechanical stimulus similar to what happens in physiological conditions such as, for example, in the vascular system or in the lungs. The reaction of the cells to the periodic mechanical stretching represents a prototype of a mechanobiological signal integrated by living cells. We also provide the theoretical and experimental aspects related to the calibration of the stretcher apparatus at a level accessible to researchers not used to dealing with topics like continuum mechanics and analysis of deformations. We tested our device by stretching cells of two different lines, U87-MG and Balb-3T3 cells, and we analysed and discussed the effect of the periodic stimulus on both cell reorientation and migration. We also discuss the basic aspects related to the quantitative analysis of the reorientation process and of cell migration. We think that the device we propose can be easily reproduced at low-cost within a project-oriented course in the fields of biology, biotechnology and medical engineering.
Collapse
|
13
|
Cell stretchers and the LINC complex in mechanotransduction. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 702:108829. [PMID: 33716002 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.108829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
How cells respond to mechanical forces from the surrounding environment is critical for cell survival and function. The LINC complex is a central component in the mechanotransduction pathway that transmits mechanical information from the cell surface to the nucleus. Through LINC complex functionality, the nucleus is able to respond to mechanical stress by altering nuclear structure, chromatin organization, and gene expression. The use of specialized devices that apply mechanical strain to cells have been central to investigating how mechanotransduction occurs, how cells respond to mechanical stress, and the role of the LINC complexes in these processes. A large variety of designs have been reported for these devices, with the most common type being cell stretchers. Here we highlight some of the salient features of cell stretchers and suggest some key parameters that should be considered when using these devices. We provide a brief overview of how the LINC complexes contribute to the cellular responses to mechanical strain. And finally, we suggest that stretchers may be a useful tool to study aging.
Collapse
|
14
|
Al-Maslamani NA, Khilan AA, Horn HF. Design of a 3D printed, motorized, uniaxial cell stretcher for microscopic and biochemical analysis of mechanotransduction. Biol Open 2021; 10:bio057778. [PMID: 33563607 PMCID: PMC7888744 DOI: 10.1242/bio.057778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells respond to mechanical cues from their environment through a process of mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. Cell stretching devices are important tools to study the molecular pathways responsible for cellular responses to mechanobiological processes. We describe the development and testing of a uniaxial cell stretcher that has applications for microscopic as well as biochemical analyses. By combining simple fabrication techniques with adjustable control parameters, the stretcher is designed to fit a variety of experimental needs. The stretcher can be used for static and cyclic stretching. As a proof of principle, we visualize stretch induced deformation of cell nuclei via incremental static stretch, and changes in IEX1 expression via cyclic stretching. This stretcher is easily modified to meet experimental needs, inexpensive to build, and should be readily accessible for most laboratories with access to 3D printing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noor A Al-Maslamani
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdulghani A Khilan
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Henning F Horn
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jeong YJ, Kim DS, Kim JY, Oyunbaatar NE, Shanmugasundaram A, Kim ES, Lee DW. On-stage bioreactor platform integrated with nano-patterned and gold-coated PDMS diaphragm for live cell stimulation and imaging. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 118:111355. [PMID: 33254975 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Over the years, several in-vitro biosensing platforms have been developed for enhancing the maturation of the cultured cells. However, most of the proposed platforms met with limited success due to its inability for live-cell imaging, complicated fabrication, and not being advantageous from an economic perspective due to a higher price. To overcome the drawbacks of the current state-of-the-art, herein, we developed a next-generation stage-top incubator (STI) incorporated with nano grooves patterned PDMS diaphragm (NGPPD). The proposed device consists of a miniatured STI, the NGPPD functional well plates, and a mechanical stimulator. A thin layer of gold (Au) is deposited on the NGPPD to enhanced myogenic differentiation, cell maturation, and cell-cell interactions. The nano grooves are integrated on the PDMS surface to align the cardiomyocytes in the grooved direction during the culture period. The cardiomyocytes cultivated on the Au-deposited NGPPD are stimulated topographically and mechanically during the cultivation period. The enhanced cardiomyocytes maturation cultured on the Au-deposited NGPPD is experimentally demonstrated using immunofluorescence staining and PCR analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Jin Jeong
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Su Kim
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Yun Kim
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Nomin-Erdene Oyunbaatar
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Arunkumar Shanmugasundaram
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung-Sam Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; Center for Next-Generation Sensor Research and Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Weon Lee
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; Center for Next-Generation Sensor Research and Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
He Y, Mao T, Gu Y, Yang Y, Ding J. A simplified yet enhanced and versatile microfluidic platform for cyclic cell stretching on an elastic polymer. Biofabrication 2020; 12:045032. [DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abb295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
17
|
Verstreken CM, Labouesse C, Agley CC, Chalut KJ. Embryonic stem cells become mechanoresponsive upon exit from ground state of pluripotency. Open Biol 2020; 9:180203. [PMID: 30958114 PMCID: PMC6367133 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell fate decisions are driven by a broad array of signals, both chemical and mechanical. Although much progress has been made in our understanding of the impact of chemical signals on cell fate choice, much less is known about the role and influence of mechanical signalling, particularly in embryonic stem (ES) cells. Many studies use substrates with different stiffness to study mechanical signalling, but changing substrate stiffness can induce secondary effects which are difficult to disentangle from the direct effects of forces/mechanical signals. To probe the direct impact of mechanical stress on cells, we developed an adaptable cell substrate stretcher to exert specific, reproducible forces on cells. Using this device to test the response of ES cells to tensile strain, we found that cells experienced a transient influx of calcium followed by an upregulation of the so-called immediate and early genes. On longer time scales, however, ES cells in ground state conditions were largely insensitive to mechanical stress. Nonetheless, as ES cells exited the ground state, their susceptibility to mechanical signals increased, resulting in broad transcriptional changes. Our findings suggest that exit from ground state of pluripotency is unaffected by mechanical signals, but that these signals could become important during the next stage of lineage specification. A better understanding of this process could improve our understanding of cell fate choice in early development and improve protocols for differentiation guided by mechanical cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C M Verstreken
- 1 Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.,2 Wellcome Trust/Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 1QR , UK
| | - C Labouesse
- 2 Wellcome Trust/Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 1QR , UK
| | - C C Agley
- 2 Wellcome Trust/Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 1QR , UK
| | - K J Chalut
- 1 Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.,2 Wellcome Trust/Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 1QR , UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dow LP, Khankhel AH, Abram J, Valentine MT. 3D-printable cell crowding device enables imaging of live cells in compression. Biotechniques 2020; 68:275-278. [PMID: 32096656 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2019-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We designed and fabricated, using low-cost 3D printing technologies, a device that enables direct control of cell density in epithelial monolayers. The device operates by varying the tension of a silicone substrate upon which the cells are adhered. Multiple devices can be manufactured easily and placed in any standard incubator. This allows long-term culturing of cells on pretensioned substrates until the user decreases the tension, thereby inducing compressive forces in plane and subsequent instantaneous cell crowding. Moreover, the low-profile device is completely portable and can be mounted directly onto an inverted optical microscope. This enables visualization of the morphology and dynamics of living cells in stretched or compressed conditions using a wide range of high-resolution microscopy techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam P Dow
- Biomolecular Science & Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Aimal H Khankhel
- Biomolecular Science & Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - John Abram
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Megan T Valentine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pneumatic unidirectional cell stretching device for mechanobiological studies of cardiomyocytes. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2019; 19:291-303. [PMID: 31444593 PMCID: PMC7005075 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-019-01211-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we present a transparent mechanical stimulation device capable of uniaxial stimulation, which is compatible with standard bioanalytical methods used in cellular mechanobiology. We validate the functionality of the uniaxial stimulation system using human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). The pneumatically controlled device is fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and provides uniaxial strain and superior optical performance compatible with standard inverted microscopy techniques used for bioanalytics (e.g., fluorescence microscopy and calcium imaging). Therefore, it allows for a continuous investigation of the cell state during stretching experiments. The paper introduces design and fabrication of the device, characterizes the mechanical performance of the device and demonstrates the compatibility with standard bioanalytical analysis tools. Imaging modalities, such as high-resolution live cell phase contrast imaging and video recordings, fluorescent imaging and calcium imaging are possible to perform in the device. Utilizing the different imaging modalities and proposed stretching device, we demonstrate the capability of the device for extensive further studies of hiPSC-CMs. We also demonstrate that sarcomere structures of hiPSC-CMs organize and orient perpendicular to uniaxial strain axis and thus express more maturated nature of cardiomyocytes.
Collapse
|
20
|
Hu C, Chen Y, Tan MJA, Ren K, Wu H. Microfluidic technologies for vasculature biomimicry. Analyst 2019; 144:4461-4471. [DOI: 10.1039/c9an00421a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
An overview of microfluidic technologies for vascular studies and fabrication of vascular structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chong Hu
- Department of Chemistry
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Kowloon
- China
| | - Yangfan Chen
- Department of Chemistry
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- China
| | - Ming Jun Andrew Tan
- Division of Biomedical Engineering
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- China
| | - Kangning Ren
- Department of Chemistry
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Kowloon
- China
- HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education
| | - Hongkai Wu
- Department of Chemistry
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- China
- Division of Biomedical Engineering
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chagnon-Lessard S, Godin M, Pelling AE. Time dependence of cellular responses to dynamic and complex strain fields. Integr Biol (Camb) 2019; 11:4-15. [PMID: 30778578 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyy002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Exposing cells to an unconventional sequence of physical cues can reveal subtleties of cellular sensing and response mechanisms. We investigated the mechanoresponse of cyclically stretched fibroblasts under a spatially non-uniform strain field which was subjected to repeated changes in stretching directions over 55 h. A polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic stretcher array optimized for complex staining procedures and imaging was developed to generate biologically relevant strain and strain gradient amplitudes. We demonstrated that cells can successfully reorient themselves repeatedly, as the main cyclical stretching direction is consecutively switched between two perpendicular directions every 11 h. Importantly, from one reorientation to the next, the extent to which cells reorient themselves perpendicularly to the local strain direction progressively decreases, while their tendency to align perpendicularly to the strain gradient direction increases. We demonstrate that these results are consistent with our finding that cellular responses to strains and strain gradients occur on two distinct time scales, the latter being slower. Overall, our results reveal the absence of major irreversible cellular changes that compromise the ability to sense and reorient to changing strain directions under the conditions of this experiment. On the other hand, we show how the history of strain field dynamics can influence the cellular realignment behavior, due to the interplay of complex time-dependent responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michel Godin
- Department of Physics, STEM Building 150 Louis Pasteur, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Site Building, 800 King Edward Avenue, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew E Pelling
- Department of Physics, STEM Building 150 Louis Pasteur, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Biology, Gendron Hall, 30 Marie Curie, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Institute for Science Society and Policy, Simard Hall, 60 University, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,SymbioticA, School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
We present a mechanically active cell culture substrate that produces complex strain patterns and generates extremely high strain rates. The transparent miniaturized cell stretcher is compatible with live cell microscopy and provides a very compact and portable alternative to other systems. A cell monolayer is cultured on a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) made of a 30 μm thick silicone membrane sandwiched between stretchable electrodes. A potential difference of several kV’s is applied across the electrodes to generate electrostatic forces and induce mechanical deformation of the silicone membrane. The DEA cell stretcher we present here applies up to 38% tensile and 12% compressive strain, while allowing real-time live cell imaging. It reaches the set strain in well under 1 ms and generates strain rates as high as 870 s−1, or 87%/ms. With the unique capability to stretch and compress cells, our ultra-fast device can reproduce the rich mechanical environment experienced by cells in normal physiological conditions, as well as in extreme conditions such as blunt force trauma. This new tool will help solving lingering questions in the field of mechanobiology, including the strain-rate dependence of axonal injury and the role of mechanics in actin stress fiber kinetics.
Collapse
|
23
|
Kamble H, Vadivelu R, Barton M, Shiddiky MJA, Nguyen NT. Pneumatically actuated cell-stretching array platform for engineering cell patterns in vitro. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:765-774. [PMID: 29410989 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc01316g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Cellular response to mechanical stimuli is a well-known phenomenon known as mechanotransduction. It is widely accepted that mechanotransduction plays an important role in cell alignment which is critical for cell homeostasis. Although many approaches have been developed in recent years to study the effect of external mechanical stimuli on cell behaviour, most of them have not explored the ability of mechanical stimuli to engineer cell alignment to obtain patterned cell cultures. This paper introduces a simple, yet effective pneumatically actuated 4 × 2 cell stretching array for concurrently inducing a range of cyclic normal strains onto cell cultures to achieve predefined cell alignment. We utilised a ring-shaped normal strain pattern to demonstrate the growth of in vitro patterned cell cultures with predefined circumferential cellular alignment. Furthermore, to ensure the compatibility of the developed cell stretching platform with general tools and existing protocols, the dimensions of the developed cell-stretching platform follow the standard F-bottom 96-well plate. In this study, we report the principle design, simulation and characterisation of the cell-stretching platform with preliminary observations using fibroblast cells. Our experimental results of cytoskeleton reorganisation such as perpendicular cellular alignment of the cells to the direction of normal strain are consistent with those reported in the literature. After two hours of stretching, the circumferential alignment of fibroblast cells confirms the capability of the developed system to achieve patterned cell culture. The cell-stretching platform reported is potentially a useful tool for drug screening in 2D mechanobiology experiments, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harshad Kamble
- QLD Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kollimada S, Balakrishnan S, Malhi CK, Raju SR, Suma MS, Das S, Ananthasuresh GK. A micro-mechanical device for in-situ stretching of single cells cultured on it. JOURNAL OF MICRO-BIO ROBOTICS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12213-017-0102-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
25
|
An Electromagnetically Actuated Double-Sided Cell-Stretching Device for Mechanobiology Research. MICROMACHINES 2017; 8:mi8080256. [PMID: 30400447 PMCID: PMC6190231 DOI: 10.3390/mi8080256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cellular response to mechanical stimuli is an integral part of cell homeostasis. The interaction of the extracellular matrix with the mechanical stress plays an important role in cytoskeleton organisation and cell alignment. Insights from the response can be utilised to develop cell culture methods that achieve predefined cell patterns, which are critical for tissue remodelling and cell therapy. We report the working principle, design, simulation, and characterisation of a novel electromagnetic cell stretching platform based on the double-sided axial stretching approach. The device is capable of introducing a cyclic and static strain pattern on a cell culture. The platform was tested with fibroblasts. The experimental results are consistent with the previously reported cytoskeleton reorganisation and cell reorientation induced by strain. Our observations suggest that the cell orientation is highly influenced by external mechanical cues. Cells reorganise their cytoskeletons to avoid external strain and to maintain intact extracellular matrix arrangements.
Collapse
|
26
|
Computationally Informed Design of a Multi-Axial Actuated Microfluidic Chip Device. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5489. [PMID: 28710359 PMCID: PMC5511244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05237-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes the computationally informed design and experimental validation of a microfluidic chip device with multi-axial stretching capabilities. The device, based on PDMS soft-lithography, consisted of a thin porous membrane, mounted between two fluidic compartments, and tensioned via a set of vacuum-driven actuators. A finite element analysis solver implementing a set of different nonlinear elastic and hyperelastic material models was used to drive the design and optimization of chip geometry and to investigate the resulting deformation patterns under multi-axial loading. Computational results were cross-validated by experimental testing of prototypal devices featuring the in silico optimized geometry. The proposed methodology represents a suite of computationally handy simulation tools that might find application in the design and in silico mechanical characterization of a wide range of stretchable microfluidic devices.
Collapse
|
27
|
Kamble H, Barton MJ, Jun M, Park S, Nguyen NT. Cell stretching devices as research tools: engineering and biological considerations. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:3193-203. [PMID: 27440436 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00607h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cells within the human body are subjected to continuous, cyclic mechanical strain caused by various organ functions, movement, and growth. Cells are well known to have the ability to sense and respond to mechanical stimuli. This process is referred to as mechanotransduction. A better understanding of mechanotransduction is of great interest to clinicians and scientists alike to improve clinical diagnosis and understanding of medical pathology. However, the complexity involved in in vivo biological systems creates a need for better in vitro technologies, which can closely mimic the cells' microenvironment using induced mechanical strain. This technology gap motivates the development of cell stretching devices for better understanding of the cell response to mechanical stimuli. This review focuses on the engineering and biological considerations for the development of such cell stretching devices. The paper discusses different types of stretching concepts, major design consideration and biological aspects of cell stretching and provides a perspective for future development in this research area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harshad Kamble
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Matthew J Barton
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Myeongjun Jun
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sungsu Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, QLD 4111, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kang TH, Kim HJ. Farewell to Animal Testing: Innovations on Human Intestinal Microphysiological Systems. MICROMACHINES 2016; 7:mi7070107. [PMID: 30404281 PMCID: PMC6190004 DOI: 10.3390/mi7070107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The human intestine is a dynamic organ where the complex host-microbe interactions that orchestrate intestinal homeostasis occur. Major contributing factors associated with intestinal health and diseases include metabolically-active gut microbiota, intestinal epithelium, immune components, and rhythmical bowel movement known as peristalsis. Human intestinal disease models have been developed; however, a considerable number of existing models often fail to reproducibly predict human intestinal pathophysiology in response to biological and chemical perturbations or clinical interventions. Intestinal organoid models have provided promising cytodifferentiation and regeneration, but the lack of luminal flow and physical bowel movements seriously hamper mimicking complex host-microbe crosstalk. Here, we discuss recent advances of human intestinal microphysiological systems, such as the biomimetic human "Gut-on-a-Chip" that can employ key intestinal components, such as villus epithelium, gut microbiota, and immune components under peristalsis-like motions and flow, to reconstitute the transmural 3D lumen-capillary tissue interface. By encompassing cutting-edge tools in microfluidics, tissue engineering, and clinical microbiology, gut-on-a-chip has been leveraged not only to recapitulate organ-level intestinal functions, but also emulate the pathophysiology of intestinal disorders, such as chronic inflammation. Finally, we provide potential perspectives of the next generation microphysiological systems as a personalized platform to validate the efficacy, safety, metabolism, and therapeutic responses of new drug compounds in the preclinical stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tae Hyun Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Hyun Jung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Harshad K, Jun M, Park S, Barton MJ, Vadivelu RK, St John J, Nguyen NT. An electromagnetic cell-stretching device for mechanotransduction studies of olfactory ensheathing cells. Biomed Microdevices 2016; 18:45. [DOI: 10.1007/s10544-016-0071-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
30
|
Wang J, Fan B, Wei Y, Suo X, Ding Y. A simple multi-well stretching device to induce inflammatory responses of vascular endothelial cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:360-367. [PMID: 26669969 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01416f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We herein introduce a novel multi-well stretching device that is made of three polydimethylsiloxane layers, consisting of a top hole-punched layer, middle thin membrane, and bottom patterned layer. It is the first time that such a simple device has been used to supply axisymmetric and nonuniform strains to cells cultured on well bottoms that are stretchable. These mechanical stimuli can somewhat mimic the stretching at the bending sites of blood vessels, where the strains are complicated. In this device, nonuniform strain is given to cells through the deformation of a membrane from a flat surface to a spherical cap during the injection of a certain volume of water into the chamber between the middle membrane and bottom layer. EA.hy926 cells (a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line) were seeded on the well bottoms and exposed to axisymmetric strain under a 5, 10, 15, and 20% degree of deformation of the membrane. The cellular responses were characterized in terms of cell morphology, cell viability, and expression of inflammatory mRNAs and proteins. With increasing the degree of deformation, the cells exhibited an inclination toward detachment and apoptosis; meanwhile the expression of inflammatory mRNAs and proteins, such as MCP-1, IL-8, IL-6 and ICAM-1, showed a significant increment. The obtained results demonstrate that the inflammatory responses of EA.hy926 cells can be induced by increasing the magnitude of the strain. This simple device provides a useful tool for in vitro investigation of the inflammatory mechanisms related to vascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Wang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Beiyuan Fan
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Yuanchen Wei
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xingmei Suo
- School of information engineering, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Yongsheng Ding
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Controlled electromechanical cell stimulation on-a-chip. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11800. [PMID: 26135970 PMCID: PMC4488866 DOI: 10.1038/srep11800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell research has yielded promising advances in regenerative medicine, but standard assays generally lack the ability to combine different cell stimulations with rapid sample processing and precise fluid control. In this work, we describe the design and fabrication of a micro-scale cell stimulator capable of simultaneously providing mechanical, electrical, and biochemical stimulation, and subsequently extracting detailed morphological and gene-expression analysis on the cellular response. This micro-device offers the opportunity to overcome previous limitations and recreate critical elements of the in vivo microenvironment in order to investigate cellular responses to three different stimulations. The platform was validated in experiments using human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. These experiments demonstrated the ability for inducing changes in cell morphology, cytoskeletal fiber orientation and changes in gene expression under physiological stimuli. This novel bioengineering approach can be readily applied to various studies, especially in the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
Collapse
|
32
|
Mechanical Cues Direct Focal Adhesion Dynamics. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2014; 126:103-34. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394624-9.00005-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
33
|
Tremblay D, Chagnon-Lessard S, Mirzaei M, Pelling AE, Godin M. A microscale anisotropic biaxial cell stretching device for applications in mechanobiology. Biotechnol Lett 2013; 36:657-65. [PMID: 24129957 PMCID: PMC3964308 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-013-1381-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A multi-layered polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic device with an integrated suspended membrane has been fabricated that allows dynamic and multi-axial mechanical deformation and simultaneous live-cell microscopy imaging. The transparent membrane’s strain field can be controlled independently along two orthogonal directions. Human foreskin fibroblasts were immobilized on the membrane’s surface and stretched along two orthogonal directions sequentially while performing live-cell imaging. Cyclic deformation of the cells induced a reversible reorientation perpendicular to the direction of the applied strain. Cells remained viable in the microdevice for several days. As opposed to existing microfluidic or macroscale stretching devices, this device can impose changing, anisotropic and time-varying strain fields in order to more closely mimic the complexities of strains occurring in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Tremblay
- Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, 150 Louis-Pasteur, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|