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Zhou JX, Jie-Zhou, Jin WR, Li JY, Zhang XC, Zhao CY, Lin YY, Wang XY, Yan LF, Kai-Yan, Liu QW. Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cell-islet organoids enhance the efficiency of islet engraftment in a mouse diabetes model. Life Sci 2024; 351:122812. [PMID: 38862063 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122812] [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] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Despite islet transplantation has proved a great potential to become the standard therapy for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), this approach remains limited by ischemia, hypoxia, and poor revascularization in early post-transplant period as well as inflammation and life-long host immune rejection. Here, we investigate the potential and mechanism of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs)-islet organoid to improve the efficiency of islet engraftment in immunocompetent T1DM mice. MAIN METHODS We generated the hAMSC-islet organoid structure through culturing the mixture of hAMSCs and islets on 3-dimensional-agarose microwells. Flow cytometry, whole-body fluorescent imaging, immunofluorescence, Calcein-AM/PI staining, ELISA, and qPCR were used to assess the potential and mechanism of shielding hAMSCs to improve the efficiency of islet transplantation. KEY FINDINGS Transplant of hAMSC-islet organoids results in remarkably better glycemic control, an enhanced glucose tolerance, and a higher β cell mass in vivo compared with control islets. Our results show that hAMSCs shielding provides an immune privileged microenvironment for islets and promotes graft revascularization in vivo. In addition, hAMSC-islet organoids show higher viability and reduced dysfunction after exposure to hypoxia and inflammatory cytokines in vitro. Finally, our results show that shielding with hAMSCs leads to the activation of PKA-CREB-IRS2-PI3K and PKA-PDX1 signaling pathways, up-regulation of SIL1 mRNA levels, and down-regulation of MT1 mRNA levels in β cells, which ultimately promotes the synthesis, folding and secretion of insulin, respectively. SIGNIFICANCE hAMSC-islet organoids can evidently increase the efficiency of islet engraftment and might develop into a promising alternative for the clinical treatment of T1DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xin Zhou
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China; Institute of Organoid Technology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China; The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Jie-Zhou
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Wei-Ran Jin
- Huankui Academy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Jing-Yuan Li
- Normal College, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, PR China
| | - Xiang-Cheng Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Chu-Yu Zhao
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Ya-Yi Lin
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China; Institute of Organoid Technology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Xi-Yan Wang
- Institute of Organoid Technology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Ling-Fei Yan
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Kai-Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Quan-Wen Liu
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China; Institute of Organoid Technology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China; The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China.
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Inaba Y, Yanagisawa T. Droplet dynamics affecting the shape of patterns formed spontaneously by transforming UV-curable emulsions. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7102. [PMID: 38531979 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57851-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Forming large pitch and depth patterns spontaneously based on a bottom-up approach is a challenging task but with great industrial value. It is possible to spontaneously form an uneven (concave-convex) patterns with submillimeter-to-millimeter-scale pitches and depths by the direct pattern exposure of a UV-curable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion liquid film. UV irradiation generates a latent pattern of a cured particle aggregation in the liquid film, and an uneven structure is spontaneously formed during the subsequent drying process. This process does not require any printing and embossing plates or development process. In this report, we presented an example of unevenness formation with a maximum pattern depth of approximately 0.4 mm and a maximum pitch width of 5 mm. The patterns formed by this method have raised edges in the exposed areas and fogging in unexposed areas. The pattern shapes become conspicuous under overexposure conditions, but the formation mechanism has not yet been understood in detail and needs to be investigated. In this study, we focused on the exposure process and clarified the mechanism of pattern formation by analyzing the dynamics of emulsion droplets in the medium by an in situ microscopy observation method. As a result, we found that the fogging was mainly caused by light leakage from the exposed area, and the raised pattern edges were caused by droplets transported from the unexposed area to the exposed area. Furthermore, the convection caused by the heat generated from polymerization is a determining factor affecting all these phenomena. By controlling the pattern shape related to convection utilizing direct projection exposure, we showed an example of eliminating raised pattern edges with a height difference of approximately 0.1 mm. By devising and selecting exposure methods, we can expand the range of design applications such as interior decorative patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshimi Inaba
- Toppan Technical Research Institute, TOPPAN Holdings Inc., Sugito, Saitama, 345-8508, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Yanagisawa
- Toppan Technical Research Institute, TOPPAN Holdings Inc., Sugito, Saitama, 345-8508, Japan
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Eiken MK, Childs CJ, Brastrom LK, Frum T, Plaster EM, Shachaf O, Pfeiffer S, Levine JE, Alysandratos KD, Kotton DN, Spence JR, Loebel C. Nascent matrix deposition supports alveolar organoid formation from aggregates in synthetic hydrogels. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.19.585720. [PMID: 38562781 PMCID: PMC10983987 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.19.585720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived alveolar organoids have emerged as a system to model the alveolar epithelium in homeostasis and disease. However, alveolar organoids are typically grown in Matrigel, a mouse-sarcoma derived basement membrane matrix that offers poor control over matrix properties, prompting the development of synthetic hydrogels as a Matrigel alternative. Here, we develop a two-step culture method that involves pre-aggregation of organoids in hydrogel-based microwells followed by embedding in a synthetic hydrogel that supports alveolar organoid growth, while also offering considerable control over organoid and hydrogel properties. We find that the aggregated organoids secrete their own nascent extracellular matrix (ECM) both in the microwells and upon embedding in the synthetic hydrogels. Thus, the synthetic gels described here allow us to de-couple exogenous and nascent ECM in order to interrogate the role of ECM in organoid formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline K. Eiken
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Charlie J. Childs
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lindy K. Brastrom
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tristan Frum
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Eleanor M. Plaster
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Orren Shachaf
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Suzanne Pfeiffer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Justin E. Levine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Konstantinos-Dionysios Alysandratos
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Darrell N. Kotton
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jason R. Spence
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Claudia Loebel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Spirig SE, Renner M. Toward Retinal Organoids in High-Throughput. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041275. [PMID: 37217280 PMCID: PMC10910359 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Human retinal organoids recapitulate the cellular diversity, arrangement, gene expression, and functional aspects of the human retina. Protocols to generate human retinal organoids from pluripotent stem cells are typically labor intensive, include many manual handling steps, and the organoids need to be maintained for several months until they mature. To generate large numbers of human retinal organoids for therapy development and screening purposes, scaling up retinal organoid production, maintenance, and analysis is of utmost importance. In this review, we discuss strategies to increase the number of high-quality retinal organoids while reducing manual handling steps. We further review different approaches to analyze thousands of retinal organoids with currently available technologies and point to challenges that still await to be overcome both in culture and analysis of retinal organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Erich Spirig
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Magdalena Renner
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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5
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Shimasaki N, Shimizu E, Nakamura Y, Iguchi H, Ueda A, Umekage M, Haneda S, Mazda O. Size control of induced pluripotent stem cells colonies in two-dimensional culture for differentiation into functional monocyte-like cells. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:1338-1348. [PMID: 37676216 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.08.002] [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] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Monocytes, derived from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), play a pivotal role in the immune response to cancer. Although they are an attractive source of cell therapy for cancer, a method for ex vivo expansion has not yet been established. Monocytes differentiated from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), can be an alternative source of HSC-derived monocytes because of their self-renewal and pluripotency. To develop a standardized method for the generation of iPSC-derived monocytes for future clinical applications, we aim to control the size of the iPSC colony. METHODS To this end, we developed a plate with multiple dots containing a chemical substrate for the iPSC scaffold. iPSCs placed in the plate expanded only on the dots and created colonies of the same size. The cells were then differentiated into monocytes by adding cytokines to the colonies. RESULTS The dot plate substantially reduced variability in monocyte-like cell generation when compared with cultivating cells on a plate with the substrate covering the entire surface area. Furthermore, more monocyte-like cells were obtained by adjusting the dot size and the distance between the dots. The iPSC-derived monocyte-like cells phagocytosed cancer cells and secreted proinflammatory cytokines. The cells also expressed Fc receptors and exerted immunoglobulin G-mediated killing of cancer cells with the corresponding antibodies. CONCLUSIONS The dot plate enabled the control of iPSC colony size in two-dimensional culture, which resulted in a reduction in the generation-variation of functional monocyte-like cells. This standardized method for generating iPSC-derived monocyte-like cells using the dot plate could also facilitate the development of an automated closed system on a large scale for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Shimasaki
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application Foundation, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Immunology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Center for Pediatric Cancer Treatment, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Eiko Shimizu
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application Foundation, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuta Nakamura
- R&D Center Corporate, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Iguchi
- R&D Center Corporate, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Anna Ueda
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application Foundation, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masafumi Umekage
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application Foundation, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Haneda
- R&D Center Corporate, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Osam Mazda
- Department of Immunology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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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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7
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Zhang J, Xue J, Luo N, Chen F, Chen B, Zhao Y. Microwell array chip-based single-cell analysis. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1066-1079. [PMID: 36625143 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00667g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell profiling is key to uncover the cellular heterogeneity and drives deep understanding of cell fate. In recent years, microfluidics has become an ideal tool for single-cell profiling owing to its benefits of high throughput and automation. Among various microfluidic platforms, microwell has the advantages of simple operation and easy integration with in situ analysis ability, making it an ideal technique for single-cell studies. Herein, recent advances of single-cell analysis based on microwell array chips are summarized. We first introduce the design and preparation of different microwell chips. Then microwell-based cell capture and lysis strategies are discussed. We finally focus on advanced microwell-based analysis of single-cell proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites. The challenges and opportunities for the development of microwell-based single-cell analysis are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Instrument for Life Science, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China.
| | - Jing Xue
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Instrument for Life Science, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China.
| | - Ningfeng Luo
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Instrument for Life Science, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China.
| | - Feng Chen
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Instrument for Life Science, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China.
| | - Badong Chen
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and the College of Artificial Intelligence, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China.
| | - Yongxi Zhao
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Instrument for Life Science, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, P. R. China.
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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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Guo W, Chen Z, Feng Z, Li H, Zhang M, Zhang H, Cui X. Fabrication of Concave Microwells and Their Applications in Micro-Tissue Engineering: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13091555. [PMID: 36144178 PMCID: PMC9505614 DOI: 10.3390/mi13091555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
At present, there is an increasing need to mimic the in vivo micro-environment in the culture of cells and tissues in micro-tissue engineering. Concave microwells are becoming increasingly popular since they can provide a micro-environment that is closer to the in vivo environment compared to traditional microwells, which can facilitate the culture of cells and tissues. Here, we will summarize the fabrication methods of concave microwells, as well as their applications in micro-tissue engineering. The fabrication methods of concave microwells include traditional methods, such as lithography and etching, thermal reflow of photoresist, laser ablation, precision-computerized numerical control (CNC) milling, and emerging technologies, such as surface tension methods, the deformation of soft membranes, 3D printing, the molding of microbeads, air bubbles, and frozen droplets. The fabrication of concave microwells is transferring from professional microfabrication labs to common biochemical labs to facilitate their applications and provide convenience for users. Concave microwells have mostly been used in organ-on-a-chip models, including the formation and culture of 3D cell aggregates (spheroids, organoids, and embryoids). Researchers have also used microwells to study the influence of substrate topology on cellular behaviors. We will briefly review their applications in different aspects of micro-tissue engineering and discuss the further applications of concave microwells. We believe that building multiorgan-on-a-chip by 3D cell aggregates of different cell lines will be a popular application of concave microwells, while integrating physiologically relevant molecular analyses with the 3D culture platform will be another popular application in the near future. Furthermore, 3D cell aggregates from these biosystems will find more applications in drug screening and xenogeneic implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijin Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Zejingqiu Chen
- Department of Biology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Zitao Feng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Haonan Li
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Muyang Zhang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Huiru Zhang
- Guangdong Foshan Lianchuang Graduate School of Engineering, Foshan 528311, China
| | - Xin Cui
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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10
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Hasturk O, Smiley JA, Arnett M, Sahoo JK, Staii C, Kaplan DL. Cytoprotection of Human Progenitor and Stem Cells through Encapsulation in Alginate Templated, Dual Crosslinked Silk and Silk-Gelatin Composite Hydrogel Microbeads. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200293. [PMID: 35686928 PMCID: PMC9463115 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Susceptibility of mammalian cells against harsh processing conditions limit their use in cell transplantation and tissue engineering applications. Besides modulation of the cell microenvironment, encapsulation of mammalian cells within hydrogel microbeads attract attention for cytoprotection through physical isolation of the encapsulated cells. The hydrogel formulations used for cell microencapsulation are largely dominated by ionically crosslinked alginate (Alg), which suffer from low structural stability under physiological culture conditions and poor cell-matrix interactions. Here the fabrication of Alg templated silk and silk/gelatin composite hydrogel microspheres with permanent or on-demand cleavable enzymatic crosslinks using simple and cost-effective centrifugation-based droplet processing are demonstrated. The composite microbeads display structural stability under ion exchange conditions with improved mechanical properties compared to ionically crosslinked Alg microspheres. Human mesenchymal stem and neural progenitor cells are successfully encapsulated in the composite beads and protected against environmental factors, including exposure to polycations, extracellular acidosis, apoptotic cytokines, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, anoikis, immune recognition, and particularly mechanical stress. The microbeads preserve viability, growth, and differentiation of encapsulated stem and progenitor cells after extrusion in viscous polyethylene oxide solution through a 27-gauge fine needle, suggesting potential applications in injection-based delivery and three-dimensional bioprinting of mammalian cells with higher success rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Hasturk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Jordan A. Smiley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Miles Arnett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Jugal Kishore Sahoo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Cristian Staii
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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11
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Babaei M, Bonakdar S, Nasernejad B. Selective biofunctionalization of 3D cell-imprinted PDMS with collagen immobilization for targeted cell attachment. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12837. [PMID: 35896682 PMCID: PMC9329428 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17252-6] [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: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-imprinted polydimethylsiloxane substrates, in terms of their ability to mimic the physiological niche, low microfabrication cost, and excellent biocompatibility were widely used in tissue engineering. Cells inside the mature cells' cell-imprinted PDMS pattern have been shown in previous research to be capable of being differentiated into a specific mature cell line. On the other hand, the hydrophobicity of PDMS substrate leads to weak cell adhesion. Moreover, there was no guarantee that the cells would be exactly located in the cavities of the cells' pattern. In many studies, PDMS surface was modified by plasma treatment, chemical modification, and ECM coating. Hence, to increase the efficiency of cell-imprinting method, the concavity region created by the cell-imprinted pattern is conjugated with collagen. A simple and economical method of epoxy silane resin was applied for the selective protein immobilization on the desired regions of the PDMS substrate. This method could be paved to enhance the cell trapping into the cell-imprinted pattern, and it could be helpful for stem cell differentiation studies. The applied method for selective protein attachment, and as a consequence, selective cell integration was assessed on the aligned cell-imprinted PDMS. A microfluidic chip created the aligned cell pattern. After Ar+ plasma and APTES treatment of the PDMS substrate, collagen immobilization was performed. The immobilized collagen was removed by epoxy silane resin stamp from the ridge area where the substrate lacked cell pattern and leaving the collagen only within the patterned areas. Coomassie brilliant blue staining was evaluated for selective collagen immobilization, and the collagen-binding stability was assessed by BCA analysis. MTT assay for the evaluation of cell viability on the modified surface was further analyzed. Subsequently, the crystal violet staining has confirmed the selective cell integration to the collagen-immobilized site on the PDMS substrate. The results proved the successfully selective collagen immobilization on the cell-imprinted PDMS and showed that this method increased the affinity of cells to attach inside the cell pattern cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahrokh Babaei
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Bonakdar
- National Cell Bank Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Nasernejad
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Choy Buentello D, Koch LS, Trujillo-de Santiago G, Alvarez MM, Broersen K. Use of standard U-bottom and V-bottom well plates to generate neuroepithelial embryoid bodies. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262062. [PMID: 35536781 PMCID: PMC9089918 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of organoids has become increasingly popular recently due to their self-organizing abilities, which facilitate developmental and disease modeling. Various methods have been described to create embryoid bodies (EBs) generated from embryonic or pluripotent stem cells but with varying levels of differentiation success and producing organoids of variable size. Commercial ultra-low attachment (ULA) V-bottom well plates are frequently used to generate EBs. These plates are relatively expensive and not as widely available as standard concave well plates. Here, we describe a cost-effective and low labor-intensive method that creates homogeneous EBs at high yield in standard V- and U-bottom well plates by applying an anti-adherence solution to reduce surface attachment, followed by centrifugation to enhance cellular aggregation. We also explore the effect of different seeding densities, in the range of 1 to 11 ×103 cells per well, for the fabrication of neuroepithelial EBs. Our results show that the use of V-bottom well plates briefly treated with anti-adherent solution (for 5 min at room temperature) consistently yields functional neural EBs in the range of seeding densities from 5 to 11×103 cells per well. A brief post-seeding centrifugation step further enhances EB establishment. EBs fabricated using centrifugation exhibited lower variability in their final size than their non-centrifuged counterparts, and centrifugation also improved EB yield. The span of conditions for reliable EB production is narrower in U-bottom wells than in V-bottom wells (i.e., seeding densities between 7×103 and 11×103 and using a centrifugation step). We show that EBs generated by the protocols introduced here successfully developed into neural organoids and expressed the relevant markers associated with their lineages. We anticipate that the cost-effective and easily implemented protocols presented here will greatly facilitate the generation of EBs, thereby further democratizing the worldwide ability to conduct organoid-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Choy Buentello
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, México
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, México
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre Enschede, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Lena Sophie Koch
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre Enschede, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Grissel Trujillo-de Santiago
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, México
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecatrónica y Eléctrica, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, México
| | - Mario Moisés Alvarez
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, México
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, México
- * E-mail: (MMA); (KB)
| | - Kerensa Broersen
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre Enschede, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- * E-mail: (MMA); (KB)
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13
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Park HJ, Hong H, Thangam R, Song MG, Kim JE, Jo EH, Jang YJ, Choi WH, Lee MY, Kang H, Lee KB. Static and Dynamic Biomaterial Engineering for Cell Modulation. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12081377. [PMID: 35458085 PMCID: PMC9028203 DOI: 10.3390/nano12081377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In the biological microenvironment, cells are surrounded by an extracellular matrix (ECM), with which they dynamically interact during various biological processes. Specifically, the physical and chemical properties of the ECM work cooperatively to influence the behavior and fate of cells directly and indirectly, which invokes various physiological responses in the body. Hence, efficient strategies to modulate cellular responses for a specific purpose have become important for various scientific fields such as biology, pharmacy, and medicine. Among many approaches, the utilization of biomaterials has been studied the most because they can be meticulously engineered to mimic cellular modulatory behavior. For such careful engineering, studies on physical modulation (e.g., ECM topography, stiffness, and wettability) and chemical manipulation (e.g., composition and soluble and surface biosignals) have been actively conducted. At present, the scope of research is being shifted from static (considering only the initial environment and the effects of each element) to biomimetic dynamic (including the concepts of time and gradient) modulation in both physical and chemical manipulations. This review provides an overall perspective on how the static and dynamic biomaterials are actively engineered to modulate targeted cellular responses while highlighting the importance and advance from static modulation to biomimetic dynamic modulation for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-Joon Park
- Department of Interdisciplinary Biomicrosystem Technology, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea;
| | - Hyunsik Hong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (H.H.); (R.T.)
| | - Ramar Thangam
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (H.H.); (R.T.)
- Institute for High Technology Materials and Devices, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Min-Gyo Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (M.-G.S.); (W.-H.C.); (M.-Y.L.)
| | - Ju-Eun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (J.-E.K.); (E.-H.J.)
| | - Eun-Hae Jo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (J.-E.K.); (E.-H.J.)
| | - Yun-Jeong Jang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Armour College of Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA;
| | - Won-Hyoung Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (M.-G.S.); (W.-H.C.); (M.-Y.L.)
| | - Min-Young Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (M.-G.S.); (W.-H.C.); (M.-Y.L.)
| | - Heemin Kang
- Department of Interdisciplinary Biomicrosystem Technology, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea;
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (H.H.); (R.T.)
- Correspondence: (H.K.); (K.-B.L.)
| | - Kyu-Back Lee
- Department of Interdisciplinary Biomicrosystem Technology, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (M.-G.S.); (W.-H.C.); (M.-Y.L.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (J.-E.K.); (E.-H.J.)
- Correspondence: (H.K.); (K.-B.L.)
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14
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Jang H, Kim SH, Koh Y, Yoon KJ. Engineering Brain Organoids: Toward Mature Neural Circuitry with an Intact Cytoarchitecture. Int J Stem Cells 2022; 15:41-59. [PMID: 35220291 PMCID: PMC8889333 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc22004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of brain organoids as a model system has been a tremendously exciting development in the field of neuroscience. Brain organoids are a gateway to exploring the intricacies of human-specific neurogenesis that have so far eluded the neuroscience community. Regardless, current culture methods have a long way to go in terms of accuracy and reproducibility. To perfectly mimic the human brain, we need to recapitulate the complex in vivo context of the human fetal brain and achieve mature neural circuitry with an intact cytoarchitecture. In this review, we explore the major challenges facing the current brain organoid systems, potential technical breakthroughs to advance brain organoid techniques up to levels similar to an in vivo human developing brain, and the future prospects of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunsoo Jang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seo Hyun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Youmin Koh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ki-Jun Yoon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
- KAIST-Wonjin Cell Therapy Center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
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15
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Abstract
Cell manipulation in droplets has emerged as one of the great successes of microfluidic technologies, with the development of single-cell screening. However, the droplet format has also served to go beyond single-cell studies, namely by considering the interactions between different cells or between cells and their physical or chemical environment. These studies pose specific challenges linked to the need for long-term culture of adherent cells or the diverse types of measurements associated with complex biological phenomena. Here we review the emergence of droplet microfluidic methods for culturing cells and studying their interactions. We begin by characterizing the quantitative aspects that determine the ability to encapsulate cells, transport molecules, and provide sufficient nutrients within the droplets. This is followed by an evaluation of the biological constraints such as the control of the biochemical environment and promoting the anchorage of adherent cells. This first part ends with a description of measurement methods that have been developed. The second part of the manuscript focuses on applications of these technologies for cancer studies, immunology, and stem cells while paying special attention to the biological relevance of the cellular assays and providing guidelines on improving this relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Sart
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gustave Ronteix
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Shreyansh Jain
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gabriel Amselem
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Charles N Baroud
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
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16
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The Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Articular Cartilage Regeneration and Disease Modelling: Are We Ready for Their Clinical Use? Cells 2022; 11:cells11030529. [PMID: 35159338 PMCID: PMC8834349 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of induced pluripotent stem cells has brought unlimited possibilities to the field of regenerative medicine. This could be ideal for treating osteoarthritis and other skeletal diseases, because the current procedures tend to be short-term solutions. The usage of induced pluripotent stem cells in the cell-based regeneration of cartilage damages could replace or improve on the current techniques. The patient’s specific non-invasive collection of tissue for reprogramming purposes could also create a platform for drug screening and disease modelling for an overview of distinct skeletal abnormalities. In this review, we seek to summarise the latest achievements in the chondrogenic differentiation of pluripotent stem cells for regenerative purposes and disease modelling.
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17
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Eilenberger C, Rothbauer M, Brandauer K, Spitz S, Ehmoser EK, Küpcü S, Ertl P. Screening for Best Neuronal-Glial Differentiation Protocols of Neuralizing Agents Using a Multi-Sized Microfluidic Embryoid Body Array. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020339. [PMID: 35214071 PMCID: PMC8878393 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020339] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell technology and embryonic stem cell models are of great interest in biomedical research since they provide deeper insights into, e.g., neurogenesis and early mammalian brain development. Despite their great scientific potential, the reliable establishment of three-dimensional embryoid bodies (EBs) remains a major challenge, and the current lack of standardization and comparability is still limiting a broader application and translation of stem cell technology. Among others, a vital aspect for the reliable formation of EBs is optimizing differentiation protocols since organized differentiation is influenced by soluble inducers and EB size. A microfluidic biochip array was employed to automate cell loading and optimize directed neuronal and astrocytic differentiation protocols using murine P19 embryoid bodies to facilitate reliable embryonic stem cell differentiation. Our gravity-driven microfluidic size-controlled embryoid body-on-a-chip system allows (a) the robust operation and cultivation of up to 90 EBs in parallel and (b) the reproducible generation of five increasing sizes ranging from 300 µm to 1000 µm diameters. A comparative study adds two differentiation-inducers such as retinoic acid and EC23 to size-controlled embryoid bodies to identify the optimal differentiation protocol. Our study revealed a 1.4 to 1.9-fold higher neuron and astrocyte expression in larger embryoid bodies (above 750 µm) over smaller-sized EBs (below 450 µm), thus highlighting the importance of EB size in the establishment of robust neurodevelopmental in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Eilenberger
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (K.B.); (S.S.); (P.E.)
- Correspondence: (C.E.); (M.R.)
| | - Mario Rothbauer
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (K.B.); (S.S.); (P.E.)
- Orthopedic Microsystems, Karl Chiari Lab for Orthopaedic Biology, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence: (C.E.); (M.R.)
| | - Konstanze Brandauer
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (K.B.); (S.S.); (P.E.)
| | - Sarah Spitz
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (K.B.); (S.S.); (P.E.)
| | - Eva-Kathrin Ehmoser
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Synthetic Bioarchitectures, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (E.-K.E.); (S.K.)
| | - Seta Küpcü
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Synthetic Bioarchitectures, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (E.-K.E.); (S.K.)
| | - Peter Ertl
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (K.B.); (S.S.); (P.E.)
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18
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Zhang P, Shao N, Qin L. Recent Advances in Microfluidic Platforms for Programming Cell-Based Living Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2005944. [PMID: 34270839 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based living materials, including single cells, cell-laden fibers, cell sheets, organoids, and organs, have attracted intensive interests owing to their widespread applications in cancer therapy, regenerative medicine, drug development, and so on. Significant progress in materials, microfabrication, and cell biology have promoted the development of numerous promising microfluidic platforms for programming these cell-based living materials with a high-throughput, scalable, and efficient manner. In this review, the recent progress of novel microfluidic platforms for programming cell-based living materials is presented. First, the unique features, categories, and materials and related fabrication methods of microfluidic platforms are briefly introduced. From the viewpoint of the design principles of the microfluidic platforms, the recent significant advances of programming single cells, cell-laden fibers, cell sheets, organoids, and organs in turns are then highlighted. Last, by providing personal perspectives on challenges and future trends, this review aims to motivate researchers from the fields of materials and engineering to work together with biologists and physicians to promote the development of cell-based living materials for human healthcare-related applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Zhang
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ning Shao
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Lidong Qin
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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19
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Sen D, Voulgaropoulos A, Keung AJ. Effects of early geometric confinement on the transcriptomic profile of human cerebral organoids. BMC Biotechnol 2021; 21:59. [PMID: 34641840 PMCID: PMC8507123 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-021-00718-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human cerebral organoids (hCO) are attractive systems due to their ability to model important brain regions and transcriptomics of early in vivo brain development. To date, they have been used to understand the effects of genetics and soluble factors on neurodevelopment. Interestingly, one of the main advantages of hCOs are that they provide three dimensionality that better mimics the in vivo environment; yet, despite this central feature it remains unclear how spatial and mechanical properties regulate hCO and neurodevelopment. While biophysical factors such as shape and mechanical forces are known to play crucial roles in stem cell differentiation, embryogenesis and neurodevelopment, much of this work investigated two dimensional systems or relied on correlative observations of native developing tissues in three dimensions. Using hCOs to establish links between spatial factors and neurodevelopment will require the use of new approaches and could reveal fundamental principles of brain organogenesis as well as improve hCOs as an experimental model. Results Here, we investigated the effects of early geometric confinements on transcriptomic changes during hCO differentiation. Using a custom and tunable agarose microwell platform we generated embryoid bodies (EB) of diverse shapes mimicking several structures from embryogenesis and neurodevelopment and then further differentiated those EBs to whole brain hCOs. Our results showed that the microwells did not have negative gross impacts on the ability of the hCOs to differentiate towards neural fates, and there were clear shape dependent effects on neural lineage specification. In particular we observed that non-spherical shapes showed signs of altered neurodevelopmental kinetics and favored the development of medial ganglionic eminence-associated brain regions and cell types over cortical regions. Transcriptomic analysis suggests these mechanotransducive effects may be mediated by integrin and Wnt signaling. Conclusions The findings presented here suggest a role for spatial factors in brain region specification during hCO development. Understanding these spatial patterning factors will not only improve understanding of in vivo development and differentiation, but also provide important handles with which to advance and improve control over human model systems for in vitro applications. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12896-021-00718-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Sen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7905, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7905, USA
| | - Alexis Voulgaropoulos
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7905, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7905, USA
| | - Albert J Keung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7905, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7905, USA.
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20
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Vajta G, Parmegiani L, Machaty Z, Chen WB, Yakovenko S. Back to the future: optimised microwell culture of individual human preimplantation stage embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2563-2574. [PMID: 33864207 PMCID: PMC8581087 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02167-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although in vitro culture of human embryos is a crucial step in assisted reproduction, the lack of focused research hampers worldwide standardisation and consistent outcomes. Only 1.2% of research papers published in five leading journals in human reproduction in 2019 focused on in vitro culture conditions, creating the impression that the optimisation process has approached its limits. On the other hand, in vitro culture of mammalian embryos is based on old principles, while there is no consensus on basic issues as density, time, medium change, gas atmosphere and small technical details including the way of drop preparation. This opinion paper aims to highlight and analyse the slow advancement in this field and stimulate research for simple and affordable solutions to meet the current requirements. A possible way for advancement is discussed in detail. Selection of embryos with the highest developmental competence requires individual culture and modification of the widely used "drop under oil" approach. Current use of three-dimensional surfaces instead of large flat bottoms is restricted to time-lapse systems, but these wells are designed for optical clarity, not for the needs of embryos. The size and shape of the original microwells (Well of the Well; WOW) offer a practical and straightforward solution to combine the benefits of communal and individual incubation and improve the overall quality of cultured embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Vajta
- RVT Australia, Cairns, QLD 4870 Australia
- VitaVitro Biotech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | | | - Sergey Yakovenko
- Altravita IVF Clinic, Moscow, Russia
- Biophysics Department, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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21
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Grubb ML, Caliari SR. Fabrication approaches for high-throughput and biomimetic disease modeling. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:52-82. [PMID: 33716174 PMCID: PMC8433272 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There is often a tradeoff between in vitro disease modeling platforms that capture pathophysiologic complexity and those that are amenable to high-throughput fabrication and analysis. However, this divide is closing through the application of a handful of fabrication approaches-parallel fabrication, automation, and flow-driven assembly-to design sophisticated cellular and biomaterial systems. The purpose of this review is to highlight methods for the fabrication of high-throughput biomaterial-based platforms and showcase examples that demonstrate their utility over a range of throughput and complexity. We conclude with a discussion of future considerations for the continued development of higher-throughput in vitro platforms that capture the appropriate level of biological complexity for the desired application. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: There is a pressing need for new biomedical tools to study and understand disease. These platforms should mimic the complex properties of the body while also permitting investigation of many combinations of cells, extracellular cues, and/or therapeutics in high-throughput. This review summarizes emerging strategies to fabricate biomimetic disease models that bridge the gap between complex tissue-mimicking microenvironments and high-throughput screens for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie L Grubb
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Unites States
| | - Steven R Caliari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Unites States; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Unites States.
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22
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Hoang P, Ma Z. Biomaterial-guided stem cell organoid engineering for modeling development and diseases. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:23-36. [PMID: 33486104 PMCID: PMC8629488 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Organoids are miniature models of organs to recapitulate spatiotemporal cellular organization and tissue functionality. The production of organoids has revolutionized the field of developmental biology, providing the possibility to study and guide human development and diseases in a dish. More recently, novel biomaterial-based culture systems demonstrated the feasibility and versatility to engineer and produce the organoids in a consistent and reproducible manner. By engineering proper tissue microenvironment, functional organoids have been able to exhibit spatial-distinct tissue patterning and morphogenesis. This review focuses on enabling technologies in the field of organoid engineering, including the control of biochemical and biophysical cues via hydrogels, as well as size and geometry control via microwell and microfabrication techniques. In addition, this review discusses the enhancement of organoid systems for therapeutic applications using biofabrication and organoid-on-chip platforms, which facilitate the assembly of complex organoid systems for in vitro modeling of development and diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Stem cell organoids have revolutionized the fields of developmental biology and tissue engineering, providing the opportunity to study human organ development and disease progression in vitro. Various works have demonstrated that organoids can be generated using a wide variety of engineering tools, materials, and systems. Specific culture microenvironment is tailored to support the formation, function, and physiology of the organ of interest. This review highlights the importance of cellular microenvironment in organoid culture, the versatility of organoid engineering techniques, and future perspectives to build better organoid systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Plansky Hoang
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, NY, United States; BioInspired Syracuse Institute for Material and Living Systems, NY, United States
| | - Zhen Ma
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, NY, United States; BioInspired Syracuse Institute for Material and Living Systems, NY, United States.
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23
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Kim JJ, Jorfi M, Tanzi RE, Kim DY, Doyle PS, Irimia D. Patterning of interconnected human brain spheroids. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:3532-3540. [PMID: 34286713 PMCID: PMC9142085 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01112f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Brain spheroids are emerging as valuable in vitro models that are accelerating the pace of research in various diseases. For Alzheimer's disease (AD) research, these models are enhanced using genetically engineered human neural progenitor cells and novel cell culture methods. However, despite these advances, it remains challenging to study the progression of AD in vitro as well as the propagation of pathogenic amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau tangles between diseased and healthy neurons using the brain spheroids model. To address this need, we designed a microfluidic system of connected microwells for arranging two types of brain spheroids in complex patterns and enabling the formation of thick bundles of neurites between the brain spheroids and the accumulation of pathogenic Aβ within the spheroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Jung Kim
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mehdi Jorfi
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA.
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Doo Yeon Kim
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Patrick S Doyle
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Irimia
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA.
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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24
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The Influence of the Surface Topographical Cues of Biomaterials on Nerve Cells in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Review. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:8124444. [PMID: 34349803 PMCID: PMC8328695 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8124444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The surface topographies of artificial implants including surface roughness, surface groove size and orientation, and surface pore size and distribution have a great influence on the adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of nerve cells in the nerve regeneration process. Optimizing the surface topographies of biomaterials can be a key strategy for achieving excellent cell performance in various applications such as nerve tissue engineering. In this review, we offer a comprehensive summary of the surface topographies of nerve implants and their effects on nerve cell behavior. This review also emphasizes the latest work progress of the layered structure of the natural extracellular matrix that can be imitated by the material surface topology. Finally, the future development of surface topographies on nerve regeneration was prospectively remarked.
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25
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Chen Q, Cui L, Guan Y, Zhang Y. Diels-Alder Cross-Linked, Washing-Free Hydrogel Films with Ordered Wrinkling Patterns for Multicellular Spheroid Generation. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:3474-3485. [PMID: 34291920 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) multicellular spheroids are a new generation in vitro cell model, however, their applications are severely limited by difficulties in their generation. Here patterned poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) hydrogel films were synthesized for their generation. Instead of polymerization of HEMA monomers in the presence of a cross-linker, here the PHEMA films were synthesized by cross-linking furan-functionalized linear PHEMA, PHEMA-furan, and maleimide-functionalized linear PHEMA, PHEMA-mal, via Diels-Alder (DA) reaction between furan and maleimide groups. A thermal treatment temperature of 75 °C was chosen for the cross-linking reaction. The occurrence of DA reaction was confirmed by IR spectra. Using this method, cross-linked PHEMA films with smooth surface were successfully synthesized in situ in the well of cell culture plates. The films were then patterned by simply adding water to swell them. Highly ordered, honeycomb-like wrinkling patterns were successfully obtained by adjusting the furan and maleimide contents in the precursor linear polymers. The patterned hydrogel films were used to generate multicellular spheroids. Guided by the patterns, 3D spheroids with narrow size distribution, tunable size, and high cell viability were successfully obtained. The patterned PHEMA films reported here exhibited a lot of advantages. The patterning method was quite simple and required no template or special equipment. They were synthesized in situ in commercial cell culture plates. Particularly, thanks to the clean nature of the DA reaction, no low molecular weight monomer, cross-linker, initiator, or catalyst, which were potentially cytotoxic, was involved in the film synthesis, and no byproduct was produced and left in the film. The resulting films presented a high biocompatibility, allowing the avoidance of the tedious washing step. The films synthesized here were expected to have high potential for massive production of well-defined multicellular spheroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianbing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials and State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Lei Cui
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials and State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Ying Guan
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials and State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials and State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.,School of Material Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China
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26
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Jiang T, Guo H, Xia YN, Liu Y, Chen D, Pang G, Feng Y, Yu H, Wu Y, Zhang S, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wen H, Zhang LW. Hepatotoxicity of copper sulfide nanoparticles towards hepatocyte spheroids using a novel multi-concave agarose chip method. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2021; 16:1487-1504. [PMID: 34184559 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2021-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To explore the hepatotoxicity of copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuSNPs) toward hepatocyte spheroids. Materials & methods: Other than the traditional agarose method to generate hepatocyte spheroids, we developed a multi-concave agarose chip (MCAC) method to investigate changes in hepatocyte viability, morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species and hepatobiliary transporter by CuSNPs. Results: The MCAC method allowed a large number of spheroids to be obtained per sample. CuSNPs showed hepatotoxicity in vitro through a decrease in spheroid viability, albumin/urea production and glycogen deposition. CuSNPs also introduced hepatocyte spheroid injury through alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species, that could be reversed by N-acetyl-l-cysteine. CuSNPs significantly decreased the activity of BSEP transporter by downregulating its mRNA and protein levels. Activity of the MRP2 transporter remained unchanged. Conclusion: We observed the hepatotoxicity of CuSNPs in vitro with associated mechanisms in an advanced 3D culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyan Jiang
- School of Radiation Medicine & Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine & Protection, School for Radiological & Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Haoxiang Guo
- School of Radiation Medicine & Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine & Protection, School for Radiological & Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Ya-Nan Xia
- School of Radiation Medicine & Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine & Protection, School for Radiological & Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Yun Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, PR China.,Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201210, PR China
| | - Dandan Chen
- School of Radiation Medicine & Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine & Protection, School for Radiological & Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Guibin Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yahui Feng
- Department of Science & Technology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, 610051, PR China
| | - Huan Yu
- School of Radiation Medicine & Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine & Protection, School for Radiological & Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Yanxian Wu
- School of Radiation Medicine & Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine & Protection, School for Radiological & Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Shaodian Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Suzhou, 215004, PR China
| | - Yangyun Wang
- School of Radiation Medicine & Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine & Protection, School for Radiological & Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Yong Wang
- School of Radiation Medicine & Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine & Protection, School for Radiological & Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Hairuo Wen
- Beijing Key Laboratory, National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food & Drug Control, Beijing, 100176, PR China
| | - Leshuai W Zhang
- School of Radiation Medicine & Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine & Protection, School for Radiological & Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
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27
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Kim D, Lee SJ, Youn J, Hong H, Eom S, Kim DS. A deep and permeable nanofibrous oval-shaped microwell array for the stable formation of viable and functional spheroids. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [PMID: 34030141 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac044c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite the potential of a nanofibrous (NF) microwell array as a permeable microwell array to improve the viability and functions of spheroids, thanks to the superior permeability to both gases and solutes, there have still been difficulties regarding the stable formation of spheroids in the NF microwell array due to the low aspect ratio (AR) and the large interspacing between microwells. This study proposes a nanofibrous oval-shaped microwell array, named the NOVA microwell array, with both a high AR and a high well density, enabling us to not only collect cells in the microwell with a high cell seeding efficiency, but also to generate multiple viable and functional spheroids in a uniform and stable manner. To realize a deep NOVA microwell array with a high aspect ratio (AR = 0.9) and a high well density (494 wells cm-2), we developed a matched-mold thermoforming process for the fabrication of both size- and AR-controllable NOVA microwell arrays with various interspacing between microwells while maintaining the porous nature of the NF membrane. The human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell spheroids cultured on the deep NOVA microwell array not only had uniform size and shape, with a spheroid circularity of 0.80 ± 0.03 at a cell seeding efficiency of 94.29 ± 9.55%, but also exhibited enhanced viability with a small fraction of dead cells and promoted functionality with increased albumin secretion, compared with the conventional impermeable microwell array. The superior characteristics of the deep NOVA microwell array, i.e. a high AR, a high well density, and a high permeability, pave the way to the production of various viable and functional spheroids and even organoids in a scalable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dohui Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Jin Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseung Youn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonjun Hong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongsu Eom
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Sung Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.,Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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28
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Spiteri C, Caprettini V, Chiappini C. Biomaterials-based approaches to model embryogenesis. Biomater Sci 2021; 8:6992-7013. [PMID: 33136109 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01485k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Understanding, reproducing, and regulating the cellular and molecular processes underlying human embryogenesis is critical to improve our ability to recapitulate tissues with proper architecture and function, and to address the dysregulation of embryonic programs that underlies birth defects and cancer. The rapid emergence of stem cell technologies is enabling enormous progress in understanding embryogenesis using simple, powerful, and accessible in vitro models. Biomaterials are playing a central role in providing the spatiotemporal organisation of biophysical and biochemical signalling necessary to mimic, regulate and dissect the evolving embryonic niche in vitro. This contribution is rapidly improving our understanding of the mechanisms underlying embryonic patterning, in turn enabling the development of more effective clinical interventions for regenerative medicine and oncology. Here we highlight how key biomaterial approaches contribute to organise signalling in human embryogenesis models, and we summarise the biological insights gained from these contributions. Importantly, we highlight how nanotechnology approaches have remained largely untapped in this space, and we identify their key potential contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantelle Spiteri
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK.
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29
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Vajta G, Parmegiani L, Machaty Z, Chen WB, Yakovenko S. Back to the future: optimised microwell culture of individual human preimplantation stage embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021. [PMID: 33864207 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02167-4.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although in vitro culture of human embryos is a crucial step in assisted reproduction, the lack of focused research hampers worldwide standardisation and consistent outcomes. Only 1.2% of research papers published in five leading journals in human reproduction in 2019 focused on in vitro culture conditions, creating the impression that the optimisation process has approached its limits. On the other hand, in vitro culture of mammalian embryos is based on old principles, while there is no consensus on basic issues as density, time, medium change, gas atmosphere and small technical details including the way of drop preparation. This opinion paper aims to highlight and analyse the slow advancement in this field and stimulate research for simple and affordable solutions to meet the current requirements. A possible way for advancement is discussed in detail. Selection of embryos with the highest developmental competence requires individual culture and modification of the widely used "drop under oil" approach. Current use of three-dimensional surfaces instead of large flat bottoms is restricted to time-lapse systems, but these wells are designed for optical clarity, not for the needs of embryos. The size and shape of the original microwells (Well of the Well; WOW) offer a practical and straightforward solution to combine the benefits of communal and individual incubation and improve the overall quality of cultured embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Vajta
- RVT Australia, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia. .,VitaVitro Biotech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China.
| | | | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Sergey Yakovenko
- Altravita IVF Clinic, Moscow, Russia.,Biophysics Department, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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30
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Xie AW, Zacharias NA, Binder BYK, Murphy WL. Controlled aggregation enhances immunomodulatory potential of mesenchymal stromal cell aggregates. Stem Cells Transl Med 2021; 10:1184-1201. [PMID: 33818906 PMCID: PMC8284773 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.19-0414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for cell therapy due to their ease of isolation and expansion and their ability to secrete antiapoptotic, pro‐angiogenic, and immunomodulatory factors. Three‐dimensional (3D) aggregation “self‐activates” MSCs to augment their pro‐angiogenic and immunomodulatory potential, but the microenvironmental features and culture parameters that promote optimal MSC immunomodulatory function in 3D aggregates are poorly understood. Here, we generated MSC aggregates via three distinct methods and compared them with regard to their (a) aggregate structure and (b) immunomodulatory phenotype under resting conditions and in response to inflammatory stimulus. Methods associated with fast aggregation kinetics formed aggregates with higher cell packing density and reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis compared to those with slow aggregation kinetics. While all three methods of 3D aggregation enhanced MSC expression of immunomodulatory factors compared to two‐dimensional culture, different aggregation methods modulated cells' temporal expression of these factors. A Design of Experiments approach, in which aggregate size and aggregation kinetics were systematically covaried, identified a significant effect of both parameters on MSCs' ability to regulate immune cells. Compared to small aggregates formed with fast kinetics, large aggregates with slow assembly kinetics were more effective at T‐cell suppression and macrophage polarization toward anti‐inflammatory phenotypes. Thus, culture parameters including aggregation method, kinetics, and aggregate size influence both the structural properties of aggregates and their paracrine immunomodulatory function. These findings underscore the utility of engineering strategies to control properties of 3D MSC aggregates, which may identify new avenues for optimizing the immunomodulatory function of MSC‐based cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela W Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nicholas A Zacharias
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Bernard Y K Binder
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - William L Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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31
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Chen C, Rengarajan V, Kjar A, Huang Y. A matrigel-free method to generate matured human cerebral organoids using 3D-Printed microwell arrays. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:1130-1139. [PMID: 33134606 PMCID: PMC7577195 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The current methods of generating human cerebral organoids rely excessively on the use of Matrigel or other external extracellular matrices (ECM) for cell micro-environmental modulation. Matrigel embedding is problematic for long-term culture and clinical applications due to high inconsistency and other limitations. In this study, we developed a novel microwell culture platform based on 3D printing. This platform, without using Matrigel or external signaling molecules (i.e., SMAD and Wnt inhibitors), successfully generated matured human cerebral organoids with robust formation of high-level features (i.e., wrinkling/folding, lumens, neuronal layers). The formation and timing were comparable or superior to the current Matrigel methods, yet with improved consistency. The effect of microwell geometries (curvature and resolution) and coating materials (i.e., mPEG, Lipidure, BSA) was studied, showing that mPEG outperformed all other coating materials, while curved-bottom microwells outperformed flat-bottom ones. In addition, high-resolution printing outperformed low-resolution printing by creating faithful, isotropically-shaped microwells. The trend of these effects was consistent across all developmental characteristics, including EB formation efficiency and sphericity, organoid size, wrinkling index, lumen size and thickness, and neuronal layer thickness. Overall, the microwell device that was mPEG-coated, high-resolution printed, and bottom curved demonstrated the highest efficacy in promoting organoid development. This platform provided a promising strategy for generating uniform and mature human cerebral organoids as an alternative to Matrigel/ECM-embedding methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew Kjar
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
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32
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Wu K, Kuo C, Tu T. A Highly Reproducible Micro U-Well Array Plate Facilitating High-Throughput Tumor Spheroid Culture and Drug Assessment. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2021; 5:2000056. [PMID: 33552551 PMCID: PMC7857131 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
3D multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) have recently emerged as a landmark for cancer research due to their inherent traits that are physiologically relevant to primary tumor microenvironments. A facile approach-laser-ablated micro U-wells-has been widely adopted in the past decade. However, the differentiation of microwell uniformities and the construction of arrays have all remained elusive. Herein, an improved laser-ablated microwell array technique is proposed that can not only achieve arrayed MCTSs with identical sizes but can also perform high-throughput drug assessments in situ. Three critical laser ablation parameters, including frequency, duty cycle, and pulse number, are investigated to generate microwells flexibly with a range from 170 to 400 μm. The choice of microwells is optimally arranged into an array via precise control of horizontal spacing (d x) and vertical spacing (d y) amenable of cell-loss-free culture during cell seeding. Harvested T24, A549 and Huh-7 MCTSs from the microwell array correspond to approximately 75 to 140 μm in diameter. Anticancer drug screening of cisplatin validated IC50 values in 2D and MCTS conditions are 3.5 versus 9.1 μM (T24), 11.8 versus 277.7 μM (A549) and 33.5 versus 52.8 μM (Huh-7), and the permeability is measured to range from 0.042 to 0.58 μm min-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang‐Wei Wu
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainan70101Taiwan
| | - Ching‐Te Kuo
- Department of Mechanical and Electro‐Mechanical EngineeringNational Sun Yat‐sen UniversityKaohsiung80400Taiwan
| | - Ting‐Yuan Tu
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainan70101Taiwan
- Medical Device Innovation CenterNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainan70101Taiwan
- International Center for Wound Repair and RegenerationNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainan70101Taiwan
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33
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Kang SM, Kim D, Lee JH, Takayama S, Park JY. Engineered Microsystems for Spheroid and Organoid Studies. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001284. [PMID: 33185040 PMCID: PMC7855453 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
3D in vitro model systems such as spheroids and organoids provide an opportunity to extend the physiological understanding using recapitulated tissues that mimic physiological characteristics of in vivo microenvironments. Unlike 2D systems, 3D in vitro systems can bridge the gap between inadequate 2D cultures and the in vivo environments, providing novel insights on complex physiological mechanisms at various scales of organization, ranging from the cellular, tissue-, to organ-levels. To satisfy the ever-increasing need for highly complex and sophisticated systems, many 3D in vitro models with advanced microengineering techniques have been developed to answer diverse physiological questions. This review summarizes recent advances in engineered microsystems for the development of 3D in vitro model systems. The relationship between the underlying physics behind the microengineering techniques, and their ability to recapitulate distinct 3D cellular structures and functions of diverse types of tissues and organs are highlighted and discussed in detail. A number of 3D in vitro models and their engineering principles are also introduced. Finally, current limitations are summarized, and perspectives for future directions in guiding the development of 3D in vitro model systems using microengineering techniques are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Min Kang
- Department of Green Chemical Engineering, Sangmyung University, Cheonan, Chungnam, 31066, Republic of Korea
| | - Daehan Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Lee
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Shuichi Takayama
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Joong Yull Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
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Behroodi E, Latifi H, Bagheri Z, Ermis E, Roshani S, Salehi Moghaddam M. A combined 3D printing/CNC micro-milling method to fabricate a large-scale microfluidic device with the small size 3D architectures: an application for tumor spheroid production. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22171. [PMID: 33335148 PMCID: PMC7747638 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79015-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The fabrication of a large-scale microfluidic mold with 3D microstructures for manufacturing of the conical microwell chip using a combined projection micro-stereolithography (PµSL) 3D printing/CNC micro-milling method for tumor spheroid formation is presented. The PµSL technique is known as the most promising method of manufacturing microfluidic chips due to the possibility of creating complex three-dimensional microstructures with high resolution in the range of several micrometers. The purpose of applying the proposed method is to investigate the influence of microwell depths on the formation of tumor spheroids. In the conventional methods, the construction of three-dimensional microstructures and multi-height chips is difficult, time-consuming, and is performed using a multi-step lithography process. Microwell depth is an essential parameter for microwell design since it directly affects the shear stress of the fluid flow and the diffusion of nutrients, respiratory gases, and growth factors. In this study, a chip was made with microwells of different depth varying from 100 to 500 µm. The mold of the microwell section is printed by the lab-made PµSL printer with 6 and 1 µm lateral and vertical resolutions. Other parts of the mold, such as the main chamber and micro-channels, were manufactured using the CNC micro-milling method. Finally, different parts of the master mold were assembled and used for PDMS casting. The proposed technique drastically simplifies the fabrication and rapid prototyping of large-scale microfluidic devices with high-resolution microstructures by combining 3D printing with the CNC micro-milling method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Behroodi
- Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, 1983963113, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Latifi
- Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, 1983963113, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Physics, Shahid Beheshti University, 1983963113, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zeinab Bagheri
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, 1983963113, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esra Ermis
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, 1983963113, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shabnam Roshani
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, 1983963113, Tehran, Iran
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Yazdian Kashani S, Keshavarz Moraveji M, Taghipoor M, Kowsari-Esfahan R, Hosseini AA, Montazeri L, Dehghan MM, Gholami H, Farzad-Mohajeri S, Mehrjoo M, Majidi M, Renaud P, Bonakdar S. An integrated microfluidic device for stem cell differentiation based on cell-imprinted substrate designed for cartilage regeneration in a rabbit model. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 121:111794. [PMID: 33579444 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Separating cells from the body and cultivating them in vitro will alter the function of cells. Therefore, for optimal cell culture in the laboratory, conditions similar to those of their natural growth should be provided. In previous studies, it has been shown that the use of cellular shape at the culture surface can regulate cellular function. In this work, the efficiency of the imprinting method increased by using microfluidic chip design and fabrication. In this method, first, a cell-imprinted substrate of chondrocytes was made using a microfluidic chip. Afterwards, stem cells were cultured on a cell-imprinted substrate using a second microfluidic chip aligned with the substrate. Therefore, stem cells were precisely placed on the chondrocyte patterns on the substrate and their fibroblast-like morphology was changed to chondrocyte's spherical morphology after 14-days culture in the chip without using any chemical growth factor. After chondrogenic differentiation and in vitro assessments (real-time PCR and immunocytotoxicity), differentiated stem cells were transferred on a collagen-hyaluronic acid scaffold and transplanted in articular cartilage defect of the rabbit. After 6 months, the post-transplantation analysis showed that the articular cartilage defect had been successfully regenerated in differentiated stem cell groups in comparison with the controls. In conclusion, this study showed the potency of the imprinting method for inducing chondrogenicity in stem cells, which can be used in clinical trials due to the safety of the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Yazdian Kashani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), 1591634311 Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Keshavarz Moraveji
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), 1591634311 Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Taghipoor
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 11155-9567 Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Kowsari-Esfahan
- National Cell Bank Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O. Box 13169-43551, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Leila Montazeri
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Dehghan
- Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Gholami
- Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Farzad-Mohajeri
- Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Mehrjoo
- National Cell Bank Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O. Box 13169-43551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Majidi
- National Cell Bank Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O. Box 13169-43551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Philippe Renaud
- Laboratory of Microsystems (LMIS4), École Polytechnique FÉdÉrale de Lausanne, Station 17, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Shahin Bonakdar
- National Cell Bank Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O. Box 13169-43551, Tehran, Iran.
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Lovett ML, Nieland TJ, Dingle YTL, Kaplan DL. Innovations in 3-Dimensional Tissue Models of Human Brain Physiology and Diseases. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2020; 30:1909146. [PMID: 34211358 PMCID: PMC8240470 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201909146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
3-dimensional (3D) laboratory tissue cultures have emerged as an alternative to traditional 2-dimensional (2D) culture systems that do not recapitulate native cell behavior. The discrepancy between in vivo and in vitro tissue-cell-molecular responses impedes understanding of human physiology in general and creates roadblocks for the discovery of therapeutic solutions. Two parallel approaches have emerged for the design of 3D culture systems. The first is biomedical engineering methodology, including bioengineered materials, bioprinting, microfluidics and bioreactors, used alone or in combination, to mimic the microenvironments of native tissues. The second approach is organoid technology, in which stem cells are exposed to chemical and/or biological cues to activate differentiation programs that are reminiscent of human (prenatal) development. This review article describes recent technological advances in engineering 3D cultures that more closely resemble the human brain. The contributions of in vitro 3D tissue culture systems to new insights in neurophysiology, neurological diseases and regenerative medicine are highlighted. Perspectives on designing improved tissue models of the human brain are offered, focusing on an integrative approach merging biomedical engineering tools with organoid biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Lovett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155
| | - Thomas J.F. Nieland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155
| | - Yu-Ting L. Dingle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155
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Chen YW, Chen MC, Wu KW, Tu TY. A Facile Approach for Rapid Prototyping of Microneedle Molds, Microwells and Micro-Through-Holes in Various Substrate Materials Using CO 2 Laser Drilling. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8100427. [PMID: 33081055 PMCID: PMC7603185 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CO2 laser manufacturing has served as an enabling and reliable tool for rapid and cost-effective microfabrication over the past few decades. While a wide range of industrial and biological applications have been studied, the choice of materials fabricated across various laser parameters and systems is often confounded by their complex combinations. We herein presented a unified procedure performed using percussion CO2 laser drilling with a range of laser parameters, substrate materials and various generated microstructures, enabling a variety of downstream tissue/cellular-based applications. Emphasis is placed on delineating the laser drilling effect on different biocompatible materials and proof-of-concept utilities. First, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microneedle (MN) array mold is fabricated to generate dissolvable polyvinylpyrrolidone/polyvinyl alcohol (PVP/PVA) MNs for transdermal drug delivery. Second, polystyrene (PS) microwells are optimized in a compact array for the formation of size-controlled multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs). Third, coverglass is perforated to form a microaperture that can be used to trap/position cells/spheroids. Fourth, the creation of through-holes in PS is validated as an accessible method to create channels that facilitate medium exchange in hanging drop arrays and as a conducive tool for the growth and drug screenings of MCTSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wei Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (Y.-W.C.); (K.-W.W.)
| | - Mei-Chin Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Kuang-Wei Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (Y.-W.C.); (K.-W.W.)
| | - Ting-Yuan Tu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (Y.-W.C.); (K.-W.W.)
- Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-966-570-573
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Manzoor AA, Romita L, Hwang DK. A review on microwell and microfluidic geometric array fabrication techniques and its potential applications in cellular studies. CAN J CHEM ENG 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/cjce.23875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ali Manzoor
- Department of Chemical Engineering Ryerson University Toronto Ontario Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science St. Michael's Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering Science and Technology (iBEST) A partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Lauren Romita
- Department of Chemical Engineering Ryerson University Toronto Ontario Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science St. Michael's Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering Science and Technology (iBEST) A partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Dae Kun Hwang
- Department of Chemical Engineering Ryerson University Toronto Ontario Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science St. Michael's Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering Science and Technology (iBEST) A partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
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Zeevaert K, Elsafi Mabrouk MH, Wagner W, Goetzke R. Cell Mechanics in Embryoid Bodies. Cells 2020; 9:E2270. [PMID: 33050550 PMCID: PMC7599659 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryoid bodies (EBs) resemble self-organizing aggregates of pluripotent stem cells that recapitulate some aspects of early embryogenesis. Within few days, the cells undergo a transition from rather homogeneous epithelial-like pluripotent stem cell colonies into a three-dimensional organization of various cell types with multifaceted cell-cell interactions and lumen formation-a process associated with repetitive epithelial-mesenchymal transitions. In the last few years, culture methods have further evolved to better control EB size, growth, cellular composition, and organization-e.g., by the addition of morphogens or different extracellular matrix molecules. There is a growing perception that the mechanical properties, cell mechanics, and cell signaling during EB development are also influenced by physical cues to better guide lineage specification; substrate elasticity and topography are relevant, as well as shear stress and mechanical strain. Epithelial structures outside and inside EBs support the integrity of the cell aggregates and counteract mechanical stress. Furthermore, hydrogels can be used to better control the organization and lineage-specific differentiation of EBs. In this review, we summarize how EB formation is accompanied by a variety of biomechanical parameters that need to be considered for the directed and reproducible self-organization of early cell fate decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Zeevaert
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (K.Z.); (M.H.E.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering–Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Mohamed H. Elsafi Mabrouk
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (K.Z.); (M.H.E.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering–Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wagner
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (K.Z.); (M.H.E.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering–Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Roman Goetzke
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (K.Z.); (M.H.E.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering–Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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40
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Lee S, Kim S, Ahn J, Park J, Ryu BY, Park JY. Membrane-bottomed microwell array added to Transwell insert to facilitate non-contact co-culture of spermatogonial stem cell and STO feeder cell. Biofabrication 2020; 12:045031. [DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abb529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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41
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Romita L, Thompson S, Hwang DK. Rapid fabrication of sieved microwells and cross-flow microparticle trapping. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15687. [PMID: 32973304 PMCID: PMC7518267 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72700-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of microwells is popular for a wide range of applications due to its' simplicity. However, the seeding of conventional microwells, which are closed at the bottom, is restricted to gravitational sedimentation for cell or particle deposition and therefore require lengthy settling times to maximize well occupancy. The addition of microfluidics to the capture process has accelerated cell or particle dispersion and improved capture ability but is mostly limited to gravitationally-driven settling for capture into the wells. An alternative approach to conventional closed-microwells, sieved microwells supersedes reliance on gravity by using hydrodynamic forces through the open pores at the bottom of the microwells to draw targets into the wells. We have developed a rapid fabrication method, based on flow lithography techniques, which allows us to easily customize the mesh pore sizes in a simple two-step process. Finally, by combining this microwell design with cross-flow trapping in a microfluidic two-layered channel, we achieve an 88 ± 6% well occupancy in under 10 s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Romita
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), A Partnership Between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Shyan Thompson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), A Partnership Between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Dae Kun Hwang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada.
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada.
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), A Partnership Between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada.
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Abstract
Organoids form through self-organization processes in which initially homogeneous populations of stem cells spontaneously break symmetry and undergo in-vivo-like pattern formation and morphogenesis, though the processes controlling this are poorly characterized. While these in vitro self-organized tissues far exceed the microscopic and functional complexity obtained by current tissue engineering technologies, they are non-physiological in shape and size and have limited function and lifespan. Here, we discuss how engineering efforts for guiding stem-cell-based development at multiple stages can form the basis for the assembly of highly complex and rationally designed self-organizing multicellular systems with increased robustness and physiological relevance.
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Wechsler ME, Shevchuk M, Peppas NA. Developing a Multidisciplinary Approach for Engineering Stem Cell Organoids. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 48:1895-1904. [PMID: 31659603 PMCID: PMC7186139 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-019-02391-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in stem cell biology, synthetic biology, bioengineering, and biotechnology have included significant work leading to the development of stem cell-derived organoids. The growing popularity of organoid research and use of organoids is widely due to the fact that these three-dimensional cellular structures better model human physiology compared to traditional in vitro and in vivo methods by recapitulating many biologically relevant parameters. Organoids show great promise for a wide range of applications, such as for use in disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine. However, many challenges associated with reproducibility and scale up still remain. Identification of the conditions which generate a robust environment that predictably promotes cellular self-assembly and organization leading to organoid formation is critical and requires a multidisciplinary approach. To accomplish this we need to identify a cellular source, engineer a matrix to stimulate cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and provide the biochemical and biophysical cues which mimic that of the in vivo environment. Discussion of the components needed for organoid development and formation is reviewed herein, as well as specific organoid examples and the promise of this research for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa E Wechsler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mariya Shevchuk
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Nicholas A Peppas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, and Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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Luan Q, Macaraniag C, Zhou J, Papautsky I. Microfluidic systems for hydrodynamic trapping of cells and clusters. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:031502. [PMID: 34992704 PMCID: PMC8719525 DOI: 10.1063/5.0002866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices have been widely applied to trapping and isolation of cells and clusters for controllable intercellular environments and high-throughput analysis, triggering numerous advances in disease diagnosis and single-cell analysis. Passive hydrodynamic cell trapping is one of the simple and effective methods that has been gaining attention in recent years. Our aim here is to review the existing passive microfluidic trapping approaches, including microposts, microfiltration, microwells, and trapping chambers, with emphasis on design principles and performance. We summarize the remarkable advances that hydrodynamic trapping methods offer, as well as the existing challenges and prospects for development. Finally, we hope that an improved understanding of hydrodynamic trapping approaches can lead to sophisticated and useful platforms to advance medical and biological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyue Luan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Celine Macaraniag
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | | | - Ian Papautsky
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: +1 312 413 3800
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Koudan EV, Gryadunova AA, Karalkin PA, Korneva JV, Meteleva NY, Babichenko II, Volkov AV, Rodionov SA, Parfenov VA, Pereira FDAS, Khesuani YD, Mironov VA, Bulanova EA. Multiparametric Analysis of Tissue Spheroids Fabricated from Different Types of Cells. Biotechnol J 2020; 15:e1900217. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201900217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizaveta V. Koudan
- Laboratory for Biotechnological Research 3D Bioprinting Solutions Kashirskoe Highway, 68‐2 Moscow 115409 Russia
| | - Anna A. Gryadunova
- Laboratory for Biotechnological Research 3D Bioprinting Solutions Kashirskoe Highway, 68‐2 Moscow 115409 Russia
- Institute for Regenerative MedicineI. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University Moscow 119991 Russia
| | - Pavel A. Karalkin
- Laboratory for Biotechnological Research 3D Bioprinting Solutions Kashirskoe Highway, 68‐2 Moscow 115409 Russia
- Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation Moscow 125284 Russia
| | - Janetta V. Korneva
- I. D. Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters RAS Borok 152742 Russia
| | - Nina Y. Meteleva
- I. D. Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters RAS Borok 152742 Russia
| | - Igor I. Babichenko
- Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) Moscow 117198 Russia
| | - Aleksey V. Volkov
- Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) Moscow 117198 Russia
- N. N. Priorov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics Moscow Russia
| | - Sergey A. Rodionov
- N. N. Priorov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics Moscow Russia
| | - Vladislav A. Parfenov
- Laboratory for Biotechnological Research 3D Bioprinting Solutions Kashirskoe Highway, 68‐2 Moscow 115409 Russia
| | - Frederico D. A. S. Pereira
- Laboratory for Biotechnological Research 3D Bioprinting Solutions Kashirskoe Highway, 68‐2 Moscow 115409 Russia
| | - Yusef D. Khesuani
- Laboratory for Biotechnological Research 3D Bioprinting Solutions Kashirskoe Highway, 68‐2 Moscow 115409 Russia
| | - Vladimir A. Mironov
- Laboratory for Biotechnological Research 3D Bioprinting Solutions Kashirskoe Highway, 68‐2 Moscow 115409 Russia
- Institute for Regenerative MedicineI. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University Moscow 119991 Russia
| | - Elena A. Bulanova
- Laboratory for Biotechnological Research 3D Bioprinting Solutions Kashirskoe Highway, 68‐2 Moscow 115409 Russia
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Li Z, Guo X, Sun L, Xu J, Liu W, Li T, Wang J. A simple microsphere‐based mold to rapidly fabricate microwell arrays for multisize 3D tumor culture. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:1092-1100. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.27257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zixiu Li
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy Northwest A&F University Yangling Shaanxi P. R. China
| | - Xiaofang Guo
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy Northwest A&F University Yangling Shaanxi P. R. China
| | - Lili Sun
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy Northwest A&F University Yangling Shaanxi P. R. China
| | - Juan Xu
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy Northwest A&F University Yangling Shaanxi P. R. China
| | - Wenming Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science Central South University Changsha Hunan P. R. China
| | - Tianbao Li
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy Northwest A&F University Yangling Shaanxi P. R. China
| | - Jinyi Wang
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy Northwest A&F University Yangling Shaanxi P. R. China
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Udomluck N, Kim SH, Cho H, Park JY, Park H. Three-dimensional cartilage tissue regeneration system harnessing goblet-shaped microwells containing biocompatible hydrogel. Biofabrication 2019; 12:015019. [PMID: 31783391 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab5d3e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Differentiation of stem cells into chondrocytes has been studied for the engineering of cartilage tissue. However, stem cells cultured two-dimensionally have limited ability to differentiate into chondrocytes, which led to the development of three-dimensional culture systems. A recently developed microtechnological method uses microwells as a tool to form uniformly sized spheroids. In this study, we fabricated an array (10 × 10) of goblet-shaped microwells based on polydimethylsiloxane for spheroid culture. A central processing unit (CPU) was used to form holes, and metallic beads were used to form hemispherical microwell geometry. The holes were filled with Pluronic F-127 to prevent cells from sinking through the holes and allowing the cells to form spheroids. Viability and chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells were assessed. The fabrication method using a micro-pin mold and metallic beads is easy and cost-effective. Our three-dimensional spheroid culture system optimizes the efficient differentiation of cells and has various applications, such as drug delivery, cell therapy, and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nopphadol Udomluck
- School of Integrative Engineering, College of Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
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Xu L, Chen S, Lu X, Lu Q. Durable superamphiphobic silica aerogel surfaces for the culture of 3D cellular spheroids. Natl Sci Rev 2019; 6:1255-1265. [PMID: 34692003 PMCID: PMC8291414 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwz095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The 3D multicellular spheroids with intact cell-cell junctions have major roles in biological research by virtue of their unique advantage of mimicking the cellular physiological environments. In this work, a durable superamphiphobic silica aerogel surface (SSAS) has been fabricated for the upward culture of 3D multicellular spheroids. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was first electrodeposited on a conductive steel mesh as a first template for porous silica coating. Soot particles were then applied as a second template to construct a cauliflower-like silica aerogel nanostructure. After fluorination, a hierarchical structure with re-entrant curvature was finally fabricated as a durable superamphiphobic surface. This superamphiphobic surface also presented excellent antifouling towards biomacromolecules and cells, which has been demonstrated by the successful upward culture of cell spheroids. The upward culture makes the observation of cellular behavior in situ possible, holding great potential for 3D cellular evaluation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianyi Xu
- School of Materials Science, Institute of Energy Equipment Materials, Shanghai Dianji University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Shuangshuang Chen
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xuemin Lu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composite, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qinghua Lu
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composite, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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Chiu CY, Chen YC, Wu KW, Hsu WC, Lin HP, Chang HC, Lee YC, Wang YK, Tu TY. Simple In-House Fabrication of Microwells for Generating Uniform Hepatic Multicellular Cancer Aggregates and Discovering Novel Therapeutics. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 12:E3308. [PMID: 31614495 PMCID: PMC6829256 DOI: 10.3390/ma12203308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models have become powerful tools because they better simulate the in vivo pathophysiological microenvironment than traditional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures. Tumor cells cultured in a 3D system as multicellular cancer aggregates (MCAs) recapitulate several critical in vivo characteristics that enable the study of biological functions and drug discovery. The microwell, in particular, has emerged as a revolutionary technology in the generation of MCAs as it provides geometrically defined microstructures for culturing size-controlled MCAs amenable for various downstream functional assays. This paper presents a simple and economical microwell fabrication methodology that can be conveniently incorporated into a conventional laboratory setting and used for the discovery of therapeutic interventions for liver cancer. The microwells were 400-700 µm in diameter, and hepatic MCAs (Huh-7 cells) were cultured in them for up to 5 days, over which time they grew to 250-520 µm with good viability and shape. The integrability of the microwell fabrication with a high-throughput workflow was demonstrated using a standard 96-well plate for proof-of-concept drug screening. The IC50 of doxorubicin was determined to be 9.3 µM under 2D conditions and 42.8 µM under 3D conditions. The application of photothermal treatment was demonstrated by optimizing concanavalin A-FITC conjugated silica-carbon hollow spheres (SCHSs) at a concentration of 500:200 µg/mL after a 2 h incubation to best bind with MCAs. Based on this concentration, which was appropriate for further photothermal treatment, the relative cell viability was assessed through exposure to a 3 W/cm2 near-infrared laser for 20 min. The relative fluorescence intensity showed an eight-fold reduction in cell viability, confirming the feasibility of using photothermal treatment as a potential therapeutic intervention. The proposed microwell integration is envisioned to serve as a simple in-house technique for the generation of MCAs useful for discovering therapeutic modalities for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiao-Yi Chiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan (Y.-C.C.); (K.-W.W.); (W.-C.H.)
| | - Ying-Chi Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan (Y.-C.C.); (K.-W.W.); (W.-C.H.)
| | - Kuang-Wei Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan (Y.-C.C.); (K.-W.W.); (W.-C.H.)
| | - Wen-Chien Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan (Y.-C.C.); (K.-W.W.); (W.-C.H.)
| | - Hong-Ping Lin
- Department of Chemistry, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Hsien-Chang Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan (Y.-C.C.); (K.-W.W.); (W.-C.H.)
- Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Center for Micro/Nano Technology Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chun Lee
- Center for Micro/Nano Technology Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Yang-Kao Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Ting-Yuan Tu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan (Y.-C.C.); (K.-W.W.); (W.-C.H.)
- Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Center for Micro/Nano Technology Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
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Ha DH, Thi PM, Chaudhary P, Jeong JH. Efficient Formation of Three Dimensional Spheroids of Primary Hepatocytes Using Micropatterned Multi-Well Plates. Macromol Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13233-019-7103-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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