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Kim S, Lam PY, Jayaraman A, Han A. Uniform sized cancer spheroids production using hydrogel-based droplet microfluidics: a review. Biomed Microdevices 2024; 26:26. [PMID: 38806765 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-024-00712-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models have been extensively utilized in various mechanistic studies as well as for drug development studies as superior in vitro platforms than conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models. This is especially the case in cancer biology, where 3D cancer models, such as spheroids or organoids, have been utilized extensively to understand the mechanisms of cancer development. Recently, many sophisticated 3D models such as organ-on-a-chip models are emerging as advanced in vitro models that can more accurately mimic the in vivo tissue functions. Despite such advancements, spheroids are still considered as a powerful 3D cancer model due to the relatively simple structure and compatibility with existing laboratory instruments, and also can provide orders of magnitude higher throughput than complex in vitro models, an extremely important aspects for drug development. However, creating well-defined spheroids remain challenging, both in terms of throughputs in generation as well as reproducibility in size and shape that can make it challenging for drug testing applications. In the past decades, droplet microfluidics utilizing hydrogels have been highlighted due to their potentials. Importantly, core-shell structured gel droplets can avoid spheroid-to-spheroid adhesion that can cause large variations in assays while also enabling long-term cultivation of spheroids with higher uniformity by protecting the core organoid area from external environment while the outer porous gel layer still allows nutrient exchange. Hence, core-shell gel droplet-based spheroid formation can improve the predictivity and reproducibility of drug screening assays. This review paper will focus on droplet microfluidics-based technologies for cancer spheroid production using various gel materials and structures. In addition, we will discuss emerging technologies that have the potential to advance the production of spheroids, prospects of such technologies, and remaining challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Po Yi Lam
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Arul Jayaraman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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2
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Jiang L, Guo K, Chen Y, Xiang N. Droplet Microfluidics for Current Cancer Research: From Single-Cell Analysis to 3D Cell Culture. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1335-1354. [PMID: 38420753 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Differences in drug resistance and treatment response caused by the heterogeneity of cancer cells are the primary reasons for poor cancer therapy outcomes in patients. In addition, current in vitro anticancer drug-screening methods rely on two-dimensional monolayer-cultured cancer cells, which cannot accurately predict drug behavior in vivo. Therefore, a powerful tool to study the heterogeneity of cancer cells and produce effective in vitro tumor models is warranted to leverage cancer research. Droplet microfluidics has become a powerful platform for the single-cell analysis of cancer cells and three-dimensional cell culture of in vitro tumor spheroids. In this review, we discuss the use of droplet microfluidics in cancer research. Droplet microfluidic technologies, including single- or double-emulsion droplet generation and passive- or active-droplet manipulation, are concisely discussed. Recent advances in droplet microfluidics for single-cell analysis of cancer cells, circulating tumor cells, and scaffold-free/based 3D cell culture of tumor spheroids have been systematically introduced. Finally, the challenges that must be overcome for the further application of droplet microfluidics in cancer research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Kefan Guo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Nan Xiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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3
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Zieger V, Woehr E, Zimmermann S, Frejek D, Koltay P, Zengerle R, Kartmann S. Automated Nanodroplet Dispensing for Large-Scale Spheroid Generation via Hanging Drop and Parallelized Lossless Spheroid Harvesting. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:231. [PMID: 38398960 PMCID: PMC10893090 DOI: 10.3390/mi15020231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Creating model systems that replicate in vivo tissues is crucial for understanding complex biological pathways like drug response and disease progression. Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models, especially multicellular spheroids (MCSs), offer valuable insights into physiological processes. However, generating MCSs at scale with consistent properties and efficiently recovering them pose challenges. We introduce a workflow that automates large-scale spheroid production and enables parallel harvesting into individual wells of a microtiter plate. Our method, based on the hanging-drop technique, utilizes a non-contact dispenser for dispensing nanoliter droplets of a uniformly mixed-cell suspension. The setup allows for extended processing times of up to 45 min without compromising spheroid quality. As a proof of concept, we achieved a 99.3% spheroid generation efficiency and maintained highly consistent spheroid sizes, with a coefficient of variance below 8% for MCF7 spheroids. Our centrifugation-based drop transfer for spheroid harvesting achieved a sample recovery of 100%. We successfully transferred HT29 spheroids from hanging drops to individual wells preloaded with collagen matrices, where they continued to proliferate. This high-throughput workflow opens new possibilities for prolonged spheroid cultivation, advanced downstream assays, and increased hands-off time in complex 3D cell culture protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Zieger
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany; (S.Z.); (P.K.); (R.Z.); (S.K.)
| | - Ellen Woehr
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany; (E.W.); (D.F.)
- Study Program Molecular and Technical Medicine, Faculty Medical and Life Science, University of Furtwangen, D-78054 Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany
| | - Stefan Zimmermann
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany; (S.Z.); (P.K.); (R.Z.); (S.K.)
| | - Daniel Frejek
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany; (E.W.); (D.F.)
| | - Peter Koltay
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany; (S.Z.); (P.K.); (R.Z.); (S.K.)
| | - Roland Zengerle
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany; (S.Z.); (P.K.); (R.Z.); (S.K.)
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany; (E.W.); (D.F.)
| | - Sabrina Kartmann
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany; (S.Z.); (P.K.); (R.Z.); (S.K.)
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany; (E.W.); (D.F.)
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4
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Han X, Zhang Q, He H, Zhao Q, Li G. Reflow-molded deep concave microwell arrays for robust and large-scale production of embryoid bodies. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4378-4389. [PMID: 37695312 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00504f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived aggregates, called embryoid bodies (EBs), are powerful in vitro models used to study human development and disease. However, the cost-effective and large-scale production of homogeneous EBs still remains a challenge. Here, we report a rapid, straightforward method for fabricating closely arrayed deep concave microwells, enabling the mass production of uniform EBs from single cell suspensions. By simply combining micromilling, caramel replica molding, and thermal reflow, we generate convex micromolds with high aspect ratios and excellent surface smoothness. Benefitting from the nature of reflow, this method can produce rounded bottom polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microwells, which are not easily achieved with standard soft lithography techniques but critical to producing spherical EBs. To achieve optimal concave microwells, we investigated the effect of thermal reflow temperature and time on the surface smoothness and roundness of the finished microwells. In addition, to further improve the utility of this method, we also investigated the effect of microwell aspect ratio (AR) on the loss of EBs during medium manipulation. The capability of this deep concave microwell system was validated by rapidly generating a large number of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived EBs and then efficiently differentiating them into a cardiac lineage. The proposed fabrication method and deep concave microwell platform are highly practical, and thus will benefit the mass production of EBs for potential tissue regeneration and cell therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Han
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Defense Key Disciplines Lab of Novel Micro-Nano Devices and System Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Defense Key Disciplines Lab of Novel Micro-Nano Devices and System Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
| | - Hui He
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Defense Key Disciplines Lab of Novel Micro-Nano Devices and System Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
| | - Gang Li
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Defense Key Disciplines Lab of Novel Micro-Nano Devices and System Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
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5
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Zeng Y, Khor JW, van Neel TL, Tu WC, Berthier J, Thongpang S, Berthier E, Theberge AB. Miniaturizing chemistry and biology using droplets in open systems. Nat Rev Chem 2023; 7:439-455. [PMID: 37117816 PMCID: PMC10107581 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-023-00483-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Open droplet microfluidic systems manipulate droplets on the picolitre-to-microlitre scale in an open environment. They combine the compartmentalization and control offered by traditional droplet-based microfluidics with the accessibility and ease-of-use of open microfluidics, bringing unique advantages to applications such as combinatorial reactions, droplet analysis and cell culture. Open systems provide direct access to droplets and allow on-demand droplet manipulation within the system without needing pumps or tubes, which makes the systems accessible to biologists without sophisticated setups. Furthermore, these systems can be produced with simple manufacturing and assembly steps that allow for manufacturing at scale and the translation of the method into clinical research. This Review introduces the different types of open droplet microfluidic system, presents the physical concepts leveraged by these systems and highlights key applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Zeng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jian Wei Khor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tammi L van Neel
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wan-Chen Tu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jean Berthier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sanitta Thongpang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
| | - Erwin Berthier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Ashleigh B Theberge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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6
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Lyu X, Cui F, Zhou H, Cao B, Zhang X, Cai M, Yang S, Sun B, Li G. 3D co-culture of macrophages and fibroblasts in a sessile drop array for unveiling the role of macrophages in skin wound-healing. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 225:115111. [PMID: 36731395 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115111] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) heterotypic multicellular spheroid models play important roles in researches of the proliferation and remodeling phases in wound healing. This study aimed to develop a sessile drop array to cultivate 3D spheroids and simulate wound healing stage in vitro using NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and M2-type macrophages. By the aid of the offset of surface tension and gravity, the sessile drop array is able to transfer cell suspensions to spheroids via the superhydrophobic surface of each microwell. Meanwhile, each microwell has a cylinder hole at its bottom that provides adequate oxygen to the spheroid. It demonstrated that the NIH-3T3 fibroblast spheroid and the 3T3 fibroblast/M2-type macrophage heterotypic multicellular spheroid can form and maintain physiological activities within nine days. In order to further investigate the structure without destroying the entire spheroid, we reconstructed its 3D morphology using transparent processing technology and the Z-stack function of confocal microscopy. Additionally, a nano antibody-based 3D immunostaining assay was used to analyze the proliferation and differentiation characteristics of these cells. It found that M2-type macrophages were capable of promoting the differentiation of 3T3 fibroblast spheroid. In this study, a novel, inexpensive platform was constructed for developing spheroids, as well as a 3D immunofluorescence method for investigating the macrophage-associated wound healing microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Lyu
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Feiyun Cui
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnostics, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Bo Cao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiaolan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Minghui Cai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Shulong Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Bangyong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Defense Key Disciplines Lab of Novel Micro-Nano Devices and System Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Gang Li
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Defense Key Disciplines Lab of Novel Micro-Nano Devices and System Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
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7
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Tevlek A, Kecili S, Ozcelik OS, Kulah H, Tekin HC. Spheroid Engineering in Microfluidic Devices. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:3630-3649. [PMID: 36743071 PMCID: PMC9893254 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture techniques are commonly employed to investigate biophysical and biochemical cellular responses. However, these culture methods, having monolayer cells, lack cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, mimicking the cell microenvironment and multicellular organization. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture methods enable equal transportation of nutrients, gas, and growth factors among cells and their microenvironment. Therefore, 3D cultures show similar cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation properties to in vivo. A spheroid is defined as self-assembled 3D cell aggregates, and it closely mimics a cell microenvironment in vitro thanks to cell-cell/matrix interactions, which enables its use in several important applications in medical and clinical research. To fabricate a spheroid, conventional methods such as liquid overlay, hanging drop, and so forth are available. However, these labor-intensive methods result in low-throughput fabrication and uncontrollable spheroid sizes. On the other hand, microfluidic methods enable inexpensive and rapid fabrication of spheroids with high precision. Furthermore, fabricated spheroids can also be cultured in microfluidic devices for controllable cell perfusion, simulation of fluid shear effects, and mimicking of the microenvironment-like in vivo conditions. This review focuses on recent microfluidic spheroid fabrication techniques and also organ-on-a-chip applications of spheroids, which are used in different disease modeling and drug development studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atakan Tevlek
- METU
MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Seren Kecili
- The
Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute
of Technology, Urla, Izmir 35430, Turkey
| | - Ozge S. Ozcelik
- The
Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute
of Technology, Urla, Izmir 35430, Turkey
| | - Haluk Kulah
- METU
MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- The
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - H. Cumhur Tekin
- METU
MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- The
Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute
of Technology, Urla, Izmir 35430, Turkey
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Togo H, Terada K, Ujitsugu A, Hirose Y, Takeuchi H, Kusunoki M. Fabrication Scaffold with High Dimensional Control for Spheroids with Undifferentiated iPS Cell Properties. Cells 2023; 12:278. [PMID: 36672213 PMCID: PMC9857117 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Spheroids are expected to aid the establishment of an in vitro-based cell culture system that can realistically reproduce cellular dynamics in vivo. We developed a fluoropolymer scaffold with an extracellular matrix (ECM) dot array and confirmed the possibility of mass-producing spheroids with uniform dimensions. Controlling the quality of ECM dots is important as it ensures spheroid uniformity, but issues such as pattern deviation and ECM drying persist in the conventional microstamping method. In this study, these problems were overcome via ECM dot printing using a resin mask with dot-patterned holes. For dot diameters of φ 300 μm, 400 μm, and 600 μm, the average spheroid diameters of human iPS cells (hiPSCs) were φ 260.8 μm, 292.4 μm, and 330.7 μm, respectively. The standard deviation when each average was normalized to 100 was 14.1%. A high throughput of 89.9% for colony formation rate to the number of dots and 89.3% for spheroid collection rate was achieved. The cells proliferated on ECM dots, and the colonies could be naturally detached from the scaffold without the use of enzymes, so there was almost no stimulation of the cells. Thus, the undifferentiated nature of hiPSCs was maintained until day 4. Therefore, this method is expected to be useful in drug discovery and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetaka Togo
- Graduate School of Biology-Oriented-Science and Technology, Kindai University, 930 Nishimitani, Kinokawa 649-6493, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kento Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Mie, Japan
| | - Akira Ujitsugu
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented-Science and Technology, Kindai University, 930 Nishimitani, Kinokawa 649-6493, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yudai Hirose
- Graduate School of Biology-Oriented-Science and Technology, Kindai University, 930 Nishimitani, Kinokawa 649-6493, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Hiroki Takeuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Mie, Japan
| | - Masanobu Kusunoki
- Graduate School of Biology-Oriented-Science and Technology, Kindai University, 930 Nishimitani, Kinokawa 649-6493, Wakayama, Japan
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented-Science and Technology, Kindai University, 930 Nishimitani, Kinokawa 649-6493, Wakayama, Japan
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Chen Q, Cui L, Zhou X, Guan Y, Zhang Y. Anthracene dimer cross-linked, washing- and sterilization-free hydrogel films for multicellular spheroid generation. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:9914-9922. [PMID: 36448470 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb01878k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional multicellular spheroids are better in vitro cell models than two-dimensional cell monolayers; however, their applications are limited by their difficult production. PHEMA hydrogel films with honeycomb-like wrinkled patterns have been developed for high-throughput generation of multicellular spheroids with a uniform shape and size; however, the films are prepared by polymerization of the HEMA monomer, and should be washed extensively before use. Here to synthesize washing-free PHEMA hydrogel films, linear anthracene-functionalized PHEMA polymers were first synthesized by the free-radical copolymerization of HEMA and an anthracene-containing vinyl monomer. Smooth films were then prepared from the linear polymers in the wells of cell culture plates by solution casting. They were cross-linked via photo-dimerization of anthracene groups by exposing to 365 nm UV light, and patterned spontaneously by adding water to swell them. The swelling degree of the films and hence the shape of the wrinkled patterns could be facilely adjusted by adjusting the anthracene content in the linear polymers. If necessary, the cross-link density of the film and thus the shape of the wrinkled patterns could be callbacked by irradiating with 254 nm UV light, thanks to the reversibility of the photo-dimerization of anthracene. The as-prepared films exhibit a high biocompatibility and support cell growth well even without washing and sterilization. The high biocompatibility is attributed to the facts that no low molecular weight monomer, crosslinker and initiator were involved in the film preparation, and the photo-dimerization of anthracene groups produces no by-products. The films are sterilized simultaneously when cross-linked with UV irradiation, thus avoiding an additional sterilization step. PHEMA films with long-range ordered hexagonal wrinkled patterns were selected to generate multicellular spheroids of tumor cell lines. The resulting spheroids exhibit a narrow size distribution and high cell viability. Preliminary tests demonstrated their potential in the screening of anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianbing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Lei Cui
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Ying Guan
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- School of Chemistry, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China.
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10
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Fabrication of Cell Spheroids for 3D Cell Culture and Biomedical Applications. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-022-00086-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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11
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Jeong Y, Tin A, Irudayaraj J. Flipped Well-Plate Hanging-Drop Technique for Growing Three-Dimensional Tumors. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:898699. [PMID: 35860331 PMCID: PMC9289396 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.898699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) tumor culture techniques are gaining popularity as in vitro models of tumoral tissue analogues. Despite the widespread interest, need, and present-day effort, most of the 3D tumor culturing methodologies have not gone beyond the inventors’ laboratories. This, in turn, limits their applicability and standardization. In this study, we introduce a straightforward and user-friendly approach based on standard 96-well plates with basic amenities for growing 3D tumors in a scaffold-free/scaffold-based format. Hanging drop preparation can be easily employed by flipping a universal 96-well plate. The droplets of the medium generated by the well-plate flip (WPF) method can be easily modified to address various mechanisms and processes in cell biology, including cancer. To demonstrate the applicability and practicality of the conceived approach, we utilized human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116) to first show the generation of large scaffold-free 3D tumor spheroids over 1.5 mm in diameter in single-well plates. As a proof-of-concept, we also demonstrate matrix-assisted tumor culture techniques in advancing the broader use of 3D culture systems. The conceptualized WPF approach can be adapted for a range of applications in both basic and applied biological/engineering research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Jeong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Ashley Tin
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Joseph Irudayaraj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Joseph Irudayaraj,
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12
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In Vitro Human Cancer Models for Biomedical Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092284. [PMID: 35565413 PMCID: PMC9099454 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. While numerous studies have been conducted on cancer treatment, clinical treatment options for cancers are still limited. To date, animal cancer models for cancer therapeutic studies have faced multiple challenges, including inaccuracy in the representation of human cancers, high cost and ethical concerns. Therefore, lab-grown human cancer models are being developed quickly to fulfill the increasing demand for more relevant models in order to improve knowledge of human cancers and to find novel treatments. This review summarizes the development of lab-grown human cancer models for biomedical applications, including cancer therapeutic development, assessment of human tumor biology and discovery of key cancer markers. Abstract Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and its incidence is steadily increasing. Although years of research have been conducted on cancer treatment, clinical treatment options for cancers are still limited. Animal cancer models have been widely used for studies of cancer therapeutics, but these models have been associated with many concerns, including inaccuracy in the representation of human cancers, high cost and ethical issues. Therefore, in vitro human cancer models are being developed quickly to fulfill the increasing demand for more relevant models in order to get a better knowledge of human cancers and to find novel treatments. This review summarizes the development of in vitro human cancer models for biomedical applications. We first review the latest development in the field by detailing various types of in vitro human cancer models, including transwell-based models, tumor spheroids, microfluidic tumor-microvascular systems and scaffold-based models. The advantages and limitations of each model, as well as their biomedical applications, are summarized, including therapeutic development, assessment of tumor cell migration, metastasis and invasion and discovery of key cancer markers. Finally, the existing challenges and future perspectives are briefly discussed.
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Mammalian Cell Spheroids on Mixed Organic–Inorganic Superhydrophobic Coating. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27041247. [PMID: 35209035 PMCID: PMC8878059 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional cell culture has become a reliable method for reproducing in vitro cellular growth in more realistic physiological conditions. The surface hydrophobicity strongly influences the promotion of cell aggregate formation. In particular, for spheroid formation, highly water-repellent coatings seem to be required for the significant effects of the process. In this work, surfaces at different wettability have been compared to observe their influence on the growth and promotion of aggregates of representative mammalian cell lines, both tumoral and non-tumoral (3T3, HaCat and MCF-7 cell lines). The effect of increased hydrophobicity from TCPS to agarose hydrogel to mixed organic–inorganic superhydrophobic (SH) coating has been investigated by optical and fluorescence microscopy, and by 3D confocal profilometry, in a time scale of 24 h. The results show the role of less wettable substrates in inducing the formation of spheroid-like cell aggregates at a higher degree of sphericity for the studied cell lines.
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