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Steiner K, Humpel C. Long-term organotypic brain slices cultured on collagen-based microcontact prints: A perspective for a brain-on-a-chip. J Neurosci Methods 2023; 399:109979. [PMID: 37783349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.109979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Organotypic brain slices are three-dimensional 150 µm-thick sections of a postnatal day 10 mouse and can be cultured for several weeks in vitro. In such brain slices the complex cellular connections are preserved with a high viability. These brain slices can be connected to collagen-loaded microcontact prints to develop a simple brain-on-a-chip model. Using the microcontact printing technique, many peptides or proteins can be printed onto a semipermeable membrane and linked to brain slices. On these microcontact prints, brain-derived nerve fibers grow out, or microglia can get activated and migrate out, or also new brain vessels can be formed. Such a brain-on-a-chip model may allow to develop new drugs or a diagnostic method for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Steiner
- Laboratory of Psychiatry and Experimental Alzheimer's Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Humpel
- Laboratory of Psychiatry and Experimental Alzheimer's Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.
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Alternative Brain Slice-on-a-Chip for Organotypic Culture and Effective Fluorescence Injection Testing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052549. [PMID: 35269696 PMCID: PMC8910551 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse brain slices are one of the most common models to study brain development and functioning, increasing the number of study models that integrate microfluidic systems for hippocampal slice cultures. This report presents an alternative brain slice-on-a-chip, integrating an injection system inside the chip to dispense a fluorescent dye for long-term monitoring. Hippocampal slices have been cultured inside these chips, observing fluorescence signals from living cells, maintaining the cytoarchitecture of the slices. Having fluorescence images of biological samples inside the chip demonstrates the effectiveness of the staining process using the injection method avoiding leaks or biological contamination. The technology developed in this study presents a significant improvement in the local administration of reagents within a brain slice-on-a-chip system, which could be a suitable option for organotypic cultures in a microfluidic chip acting as a highly effective bioreactor.
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Agrawal G, Ramesh A, Aishwarya P, Sally J, Ravi M. Devices and techniques used to obtain and analyze three-dimensional cell cultures. Biotechnol Prog 2021; 37:e3126. [PMID: 33460298 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cell cultures are indispensable for both basic and applied research. Advancements in cell culture and analysis increase their utility for basic research and translational applications. A marked development in this direction is advent of three-dimensional (3D) cultures. The extent of advancement in 3D cell culture methods over the past decade has warranted referring to a single cell type being cultured as an aggregate or spheroid using simple scaffolds as "traditional." In recent years, the development of "next-generation" devices has enabled cultured cells to mimic their natural environments much better than the traditional 3D culture systems. Automated platforms like chip-based devices, magnetic- and acoustics-based assembly devices, di-electrophoresis (DEP), micro pocket cultures (MPoC), and 3D bio-printing provide a dynamic environment compared to the rather static conditions of the traditional simple scaffold-based 3D cultures. Chip-based technologies, which are centered on principles of microfluidics, are revolutionizing the ways in which cell culture and analysis can be compacted into table-top instruments. A parallel evolution in analytical devices enabled efficient assessment of various complex physiological and pathological endpoints. This is augmented by concurrent development of software enabling rapid large-scale automated data acquisition and analysis like image cytometry, elastography, optical coherence tomography, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and biosensors. The techniques and devices utilized for the purpose of 3D cell culture and subsequent analysis depend primarily on the requirement of the study. We present here an in-depth account of the devices for obtaining and analyzing 3D cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gatika Agrawal
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Biomedical Science, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Anuradha Ramesh
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Biomedical Science, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Pargaonkar Aishwarya
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Biomedical Science, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Jennifer Sally
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Biomedical Science, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Maddaly Ravi
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Biomedical Science, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
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Ghiasvand S, Dussourd CR, Liu J, Song Y, Berdichevsky Y. Variability of seizure-like activity in an in vitro model of epilepsy depends on the electrical recording method. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05587. [PMID: 33299935 PMCID: PMC7702014 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hippocampal and cortical slice-based models are widely used to study seizures and epilepsy. Seizure detection and quantification are essential components for studying mechanisms of epilepsy and assessing therapeutic interventions. To obtain meaningful signals and maximize experimental throughput, variability should be minimized. Some electrical recording methods require insertion of an electrode into neuronal tissue, change in slice chemical microenvironment, and transients in temperature and pH. These perturbations can cause acute and long-term alterations of the neuronal network which may be reflected in the variability of the recorded signal. New method In this study we investigated the effect of experimental perturbations in three local field potential (LFP) recording methods including substrate micro-wires (s-MWs), multiple electrode arrays (MEAs), and inserted micro wire electrodes (i-MW). These methods enabled us to isolate effects of different perturbations. We used organotypic hippocampal slices (OHCs) as an in-vitro model of posttraumatic epilepsy. To investigate the effect of the disturbances caused by the recording method on the paroxysmal events, we introduced jitter analysis, which is sensitive to small differences in the seizure spike timing. Results Medium replacement can introduce long-lasting perturbations. Electrode insertion increased variability on a shorter time scale. OHCs also underwent spontaneous state transitions characterized by transient increases in variability. Comparison with existing methods This new method of seizure waveform analysis allows for more sensitive assessment of variability of ictal events than simply measuring seizure frequency and duration. Conclusion We demonstrated that some of the variability in OHC recordings are due to experimental perturbations while some are spontaneous and independent of recording method.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jing Liu
- Electrical Engineering Lehigh University, United States
| | - Yu Song
- Bioengineering Lehigh University, United States
| | - Yevgeny Berdichevsky
- Bioengineering Lehigh University, United States.,Electrical Engineering Lehigh University, United States
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Liu J, Sternberg AR, Ghiasvand S, Berdichevsky Y. Epilepsy-on-a-Chip System for Antiepileptic Drug Discovery. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2019; 66:1231-1241. [PMID: 30235116 PMCID: PMC6585967 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2018.2871415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hippocampal slice cultures spontaneously develop chronic epilepsy several days after slicing and are used as an in vitro model of post-traumatic epilepsy. Here, we describe a hybrid microfluidic-microelectrode array (μflow-MEA) technology that incorporates a microfluidic perfusion network and electrodes into a miniaturized device for hippocampal slice culture based antiepileptic drug discovery. METHODS Field potential simulation was conducted to help optimize the electrode design to detect a seizure-like population activity. Epilepsy-on-a-chip model was validated by chronic electrical recording, neuronal survival quantification, and anticonvulsant test. To demonstrate the application of μflow-MEA in drug discovery, we utilized a two-stage screening platform to identify potential targets for antiepileptic drugs. In Stage I, lactate and lactate dehydrogenase biomarker assays were performed to identify potential drug candidates. In Stage II, candidate compounds were retested with μflow-MEA-based chronic electrical assay to provide electrophysiological confirmation of biomarker results. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION We screened 12 receptor tyrosine kinases inhibitors, and EGFR/ErbB-2 and cFMS inhibitors were identified as novel antiepileptic compounds. SIGNIFICANCE This epilepsy-on-a-chip system provides the means for rapid dissection of complex signaling pathways in epileptogenesis, paving the way for high-throughput antiepileptic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA. She is now with University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anna R. Sternberg
- IDEAS Program, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA. She is now with Georgetown University, Washington D.C., USA
| | | | - Yevgeny Berdichevsky
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
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Wellbourne-Wood J, Chatton JY. From Cultured Rodent Neurons to Human Brain Tissue: Model Systems for Pharmacological and Translational Neuroscience. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1975-1985. [PMID: 29847093 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the enormous complexity of the functional and pathological brain there are a number of possible experimental model systems to choose from. Depending on the research question choosing the appropriate model may not be a trivial task, and given the dynamic and intricate nature of an intact living brain several models might be needed to properly address certain questions. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of neural cell and tissue culture, reflecting on historic methodological milestones and providing a brief overview of the state-of-the-art. We additionally present an example of an effective model system pipeline, composed of dissociated mouse cultures, organotypics, acute mouse brain slices, and acute human brain slices, in that order. The sequential use of these four model systems allows a balance and progression from experimental control to human applicability, and provides a meta-model that can help validate basic research findings in a translational setting. We then conclude with a few remarks regarding the necessity of an integrated approach when performing translational and neuropharmacological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Wellbourne-Wood
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Yves Chatton
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Choi JH, Cho HY, Choi JW. Microdevice Platform for In Vitro Nervous System and Its Disease Model. Bioengineering (Basel) 2017; 4:E77. [PMID: 28952555 PMCID: PMC5615323 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering4030077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of precise microdevices can be applied to the reconstruction of in vitro human microenvironmental systems with biomimetic physiological conditions that have highly tunable spatial and temporal features. Organ-on-a-chip can emulate human physiological functions, particularly at the organ level, as well as its specific roles in the body. Due to the complexity of the structure of the central nervous system and its intercellular interaction, there remains an urgent need for the development of human brain or nervous system models. Thus, various microdevice models have been proposed to mimic actual human brain physiology, which can be categorized as nervous system-on-a-chip. Nervous system-on-a-chip platforms can prove to be promising technologies, through the application of their biomimetic features to the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the microdevices for nervous system-on-a-chip platform incorporated with neurobiology and microtechnology, including microfluidic designs that are biomimetic to the entire nervous system. The emulation of both neurodegenerative disorders and neural stem cell behavior patterns in micro-platforms is also provided, which can be used as a basis to construct nervous system-on-a-chip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ha Choi
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-Gu, Seoul 04107, Korea.
| | - Hyeon-Yeol Cho
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-Gu, Seoul 04107, Korea.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 610 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Jeong-Woo Choi
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-Gu, Seoul 04107, Korea.
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Rezaei Kolahchi A, Khadem Mohtaram N, Pezeshgi Modarres H, Mohammadi MH, Geraili A, Jafari P, Akbari M, Sanati-Nezhad A. Microfluidic-Based Multi-Organ Platforms for Drug Discovery. MICROMACHINES 2016; 7:E162. [PMID: 30404334 PMCID: PMC6189912 DOI: 10.3390/mi7090162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Development of predictive multi-organ models before implementing costly clinical trials is central for screening the toxicity, efficacy, and side effects of new therapeutic agents. Despite significant efforts that have been recently made to develop biomimetic in vitro tissue models, the clinical application of such platforms is still far from reality. Recent advances in physiologically-based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PBPK-PD) modeling, micro- and nanotechnology, and in silico modeling have enabled single- and multi-organ platforms for investigation of new chemical agents and tissue-tissue interactions. This review provides an overview of the principles of designing microfluidic-based organ-on-chip models for drug testing and highlights current state-of-the-art in developing predictive multi-organ models for studying the cross-talk of interconnected organs. We further discuss the challenges associated with establishing a predictive body-on-chip (BOC) model such as the scaling, cell types, the common medium, and principles of the study design for characterizing the interaction of drugs with multiple targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Rezaei Kolahchi
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Nima Khadem Mohtaram
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Hassan Pezeshgi Modarres
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave., Tehran 11155-9516, Iran.
| | - Armin Geraili
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave., Tehran 11155-9516, Iran.
| | - Parya Jafari
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave., Tehran 11155-9516, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Akbari
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
| | - Amir Sanati-Nezhad
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Center for Bioengineering Research and Education, Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
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Neural Circuits on a Chip. MICROMACHINES 2016; 7:mi7090157. [PMID: 30404330 PMCID: PMC6190100 DOI: 10.3390/mi7090157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neural circuits are responsible for the brain's ability to process and store information. Reductionist approaches to understanding the brain include isolation of individual neurons for detailed characterization. When maintained in vitro for several days or weeks, dissociated neurons self-assemble into randomly connected networks that produce synchronized activity and are capable of learning. This review focuses on efforts to control neuronal connectivity in vitro and construct living neural circuits of increasing complexity and precision. Microfabrication-based methods have been developed to guide network self-assembly, accomplishing control over in vitro circuit size and connectivity. The ability to control neural connectivity and synchronized activity led to the implementation of logic functions using living neurons. Techniques to construct and control three-dimensional circuits have also been established. Advances in multiple electrode arrays as well as genetically encoded, optical activity sensors and transducers enabled highly specific interfaces to circuits composed of thousands of neurons. Further advances in on-chip neural circuits may lead to better understanding of the brain.
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