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Ugodnikov A, Chebotarev O, Persson H, Simmons CA. Sensitivity and Validation of Porous Membrane Electrical Cell Substrate Impedance Spectroscopy (PM-ECIS) for Measuring Endothelial Barrier Properties. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:5327-5335. [PMID: 38943620 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Measurement of endothelial and epithelial barrier integrity is important for a variety of in vitro models, including Transwell assays, cocultures, and organ-on-chip platforms. Barrier resistance is typically measured by trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER), but TEER is invasive and cannot accurately measure isolated monolayer resistance in coculture or most organ-on-chip devices. These limitations are addressed by porous membrane electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing (PM-ECIS), which measures barrier integrity in cell monolayers grown directly on permeable membranes patterned with electrodes. Here, we advanced the design and utility of PM-ECIS by investigating its sensitivity to working electrode size and correlation with TEER. Gold electrodes were fabricated on porous membrane inserts using hot embossing and UV lithography, with working electrode diameters of 250, 500, and 750 μm within the same insert. Sensitivity to resistance changes (4 kHz) during endothelial barrier formation was inversely proportional to electrode size, with the smallest being the most sensitive (p < 0.001). Similarly, smaller electrodes were most sensitive to changes in impedance (40 kHz) corresponding to cell spreading and proliferation (p < 0.001). Barrier disruption with both EGTA and thrombin was detectable by all electrode sizes. Resistances measured by PM-ECIS vs TEER for sodium chloride solutions were positively and significantly correlated for all electrode sizes (r > 0.9; p < 0.0001), but only with 750 μm electrodes for endothelial monolayers (r = 0.71; p = 0.058). These data inform the design and selection of PM-ECIS electrodes for specific applications and support PM-ECIS as a promising alternative to conventional TEER for direct, noninvasive, real-time assessment of cells cultured on porous membranes in conventional and organ-on-chip barrier models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Ugodnikov
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto , ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Oleg Chebotarev
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Henrik Persson
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto , ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
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2
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Ugodnikov A, Persson H, Simmons CA. Bridging barriers: advances and challenges in modeling biological barriers and measuring barrier integrity in organ-on-chip systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3199-3225. [PMID: 38689569 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01027a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, skin, and intestinal mucosal barrier play key roles in homeostasis, disease physiology, and drug delivery - as such, it is important to create representative in vitro models to improve understanding of barrier biology and serve as tools for therapeutic development. Microfluidic cell culture and organ-on-a-chip (OOC) systems enable barrier modelling with greater physiological fidelity than conventional platforms by mimicking key environmental aspects such as fluid shear, accurate microscale dimensions, mechanical cues, extracellular matrix, and geometrically defined co-culture. As the prevalence of barrier-on-chip models increases, so does the importance of tools that can accurately assess barrier integrity and function without disturbing the carefully engineered microenvironment. In this review, we first provide a background on biological barriers and the physiological features that are emulated through in vitro barrier models. Then, we outline molecular permeability and electrical sensing barrier integrity assessment methods, and the related challenges specific to barrier-on-chip implementation. Finally, we discuss future directions in the field, as well important priorities to consider such as fabrication costs, standardization, and bridging gaps between disciplines and stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Ugodnikov
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Henrik Persson
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
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3
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Orzechowska A, Czaderna-Lekka A, Trtílek M, Szymańska R, Trela-Makowej A, Wątor K. Novel technique for the ultra-sensitive detection of hazardous contaminants using an innovative sensor integrated with a bioreactor. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12836. [PMID: 38834660 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63631-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This study introduces an evaluation methodology tailored for bioreactors, with the aim of assessing the stress experienced by algae due to harmful contaminants released from antifouling (AF) paints. We present an online monitoring system equipped with an ultra-sensitive sensor that conducts non-invasive measurements of algal culture's optical density and physiological stage through chlorophyll fluorescence signals. By coupling the ultra-sensitive sensor with flash-induced chlorophyll fluorescence, we examined the dynamic fluorescence changes in the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii when exposed to biocides. Over a 24-h observation period, increasing concentrations of biocides led to a decrease in photosynthetic activity. Notably, a substantial reduction in the maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry (FV/FM) was observed within the first hour of exposure. Subsequently, we detected a partial recovery in FV/FM; however, this recovery remained 50% lower than that of the controls. Integrating the advanced submersible sensor with fluorescence decay kinetics offered a comprehensive perspective on the dynamic alterations in algal cells under the exposure to biocides released from antifouling coatings. The analysis of fluorescence relaxation kinetics revealed a significant shortening of the fast and middle phases, along with an increase in the duration of the slow phase, for the coating with the highest levels of biocides. Combining automated culturing and measuring methods, this approach has demonstrated its effectiveness as an ultrasensitive and non-invasive tool for monitoring the physiology of photosynthetic cultures. This is particularly valuable in the context of studying microalgae and their early responses to various environmental conditions, as well as the potential to develop an AF system with minimal harm to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Orzechowska
- Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Anna Czaderna-Lekka
- Department of Machine Learning, Faculty of Informatics and Communication, University of Economics in Katowice, 1 Maja 50, 40-287, Katowice, Poland
| | - Martin Trtílek
- Photon Systems Instruments, Průmyslová 470, 664 24, Drásov, Czech Republic
| | - Renata Szymańska
- Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Trela-Makowej
- Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wątor
- Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Kraków, Poland
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Brooks JR, Heiman TC, Lorenzen SR, Mungloo I, Mirfendereski S, Park JS, Yang R. Transepithelial Electrical Impedance Increase Following Porous Substrate Electroporation Enables Label-Free Delivery. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310221. [PMID: 38396158 PMCID: PMC11186731 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Porous substrate electroporation (PSEP) is a promising new method for intracellular delivery, yet fundamentals of PSEP are not well understood, especially the intermediate processes leading to delivery. PSEP is an electrical method, yet the relationship between PSEP and electrical impedance remains underexplored. In this study, a device capable of measuring impedance and performing PSEP is developed and the changes in transepithelial electrical impedance (TEEI) are monitored. These measurements show TEEI increases following PSEP, unlike other electroporation methods. The authors then demonstrate how cell culture conditions and electrical waveforms influence this response. More importantly, TEEI response features are correlated with viability and delivery efficiency, allowing prediction of outcomes without fluorescent cargo, imaging, or image processing. This label-free delivery also allows improved temporal resolution of transient processes following PSEP, which the authors expect will aid PSEP optimization for new cell types and cargos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Brooks
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Tyler C. Heiman
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Sawyer R. Lorenzen
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Ikhlaas Mungloo
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Siamak Mirfendereski
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Jae Sung Park
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Ruiguo Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
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5
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Breen L, Flynn J, Bergin A, Flampouri E, Butler M. Single cell analysis of Chinese hamster ovary cells during a bioprocess using a novel dynamic imaging system. Biotechnol Prog 2024:e3469. [PMID: 38613439 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Reliable monitoring of mammalian cells in bioreactors is essential to biopharmaceutical production. Trypan blue exclusion is a method of determining cell density and viability that has been used for over one hundred years to monitor cells in culture and is the current standard method in biomanufacturing. This method has many disadvantages however and there is a growing demand for more detailed and in-line measurements of cell growth in bioreactors. This article assesses a novel dynamic imaging system for single cell analysis. This data shows that comparable total cell density, viable cell density and percentage viability data shown here, generated by the imaging system, aligned well with conventional trypan blue counting methods for an industrially relevant Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell line. Furthermore, detailed statistical analysis shows that the classification system used by the PharmaFlow system can reveal trends of interest in monitoring the health of mammalian cells over a 6-day bioreactor culture. The system is also capable of sampling at-line, removing the necessity for taking samples off-line and enabling real time monitoring of cells in a bioreactor culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Breen
- Cell Technology Group, National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), Blackrock, Co., Dublin, Ireland
| | - James Flynn
- Cell Technology Group, National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), Blackrock, Co., Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adam Bergin
- Cell Technology Group, National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), Blackrock, Co., Dublin, Ireland
- School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Blackrock, Co., Dublin, Ireland
| | - Evangelia Flampouri
- Cell Technology Group, National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), Blackrock, Co., Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael Butler
- Cell Technology Group, National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), Blackrock, Co., Dublin, Ireland
- School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Blackrock, Co., Dublin, Ireland
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6
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Chebotarev O, Ugodnikov A, Simmons CA. Porous Membrane Electrical Cell-Substrate Impedance Spectroscopy for Versatile Assessment of Biological Barriers In Vitro. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:2000-2011. [PMID: 38447196 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Cell culture models of endothelial and epithelial barriers typically use porous membrane inserts (e.g., Transwell inserts) as a permeable substrate on which barrier cells are grown, often in coculture with other cell types on the opposite side of the membrane. Current methods to characterize barrier function in porous membrane inserts can disrupt the barrier or provide bulk measurements that cannot isolate barrier cell resistance alone. Electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) addresses these limitations, but its implementation on porous membrane inserts has been limited by costly manufacturing, low sensitivity, and lack of validation for barrier assessment. Here, we present porous membrane ECIS (PM-ECIS), a cost-effective method to adapt ECIS technology to porous substrate-based in vitro models. We demonstrate high fidelity patterning of electrodes on porous membranes that can be incorporated into well plates of a variety of sizes with excellent cell biocompatibility with mono- and coculture set ups. PM-ECIS provided sensitive, real-time measurement of isolated changes in endothelial cell barrier impedance with cell growth and barrier disruption. Barrier function characterized by PM-ECIS resistance correlated well with permeability coefficients obtained from simultaneous molecular tracer permeability assays performed on the same cultures, validating the device. Integration of ECIS into conventional porous cell culture inserts provides a versatile, sensitive, and automated alternative to current methods to measure barrier function in vitro, including molecular tracer assays and transepithelial/endothelial electrical resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Chebotarev
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Alisa Ugodnikov
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
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7
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Kolahi Azar H, Gharibshahian M, Rostami M, Mansouri V, Sabouri L, Beheshtizadeh N, Rezaei N. The progressive trend of modeling and drug screening systems of breast cancer bone metastasis. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:14. [PMID: 38317174 PMCID: PMC10845631 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00408-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone metastasis is considered as a considerable challenge for breast cancer patients. Various in vitro and in vivo models have been developed to examine this occurrence. In vitro models are employed to simulate the intricate tumor microenvironment, investigate the interplay between cells and their adjacent microenvironment, and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for tumors. The endeavor to replicate the latency period of bone metastasis in animal models has presented a challenge, primarily due to the necessity of primary tumor removal and the presence of multiple potential metastatic sites.The utilization of novel bone metastasis models, including three-dimensional (3D) models, has been proposed as a promising approach to overcome the constraints associated with conventional 2D and animal models. However, existing 3D models are limited by various factors, such as irregular cellular proliferation, autofluorescence, and changes in genetic and epigenetic expression. The imperative for the advancement of future applications of 3D models lies in their standardization and automation. The utilization of artificial intelligence exhibits the capability to predict cellular behavior through the examination of substrate materials' chemical composition, geometry, and mechanical performance. The implementation of these algorithms possesses the capability to predict the progression and proliferation of cancer. This paper reviewed the mechanisms of bone metastasis following primary breast cancer. Current models of breast cancer bone metastasis, along with their challenges, as well as the future perspectives of using these models for translational drug development, were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Kolahi Azar
- Department of Pathology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Gharibshahian
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Rostami
- Division of Food Safety and Hygiene, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Food Science and Nutrition Group (FSAN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Mansouri
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Sabouri
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Beheshtizadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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8
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Brooks JR, Heiman TC, Lorenzen SR, Mungloo I, Mirfendereski S, Park JS, Yang R. Transepithelial Electrical Impedance Increase Following Porous Substrate Electroporation Enables Label-Free Delivery. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.17.562630. [PMID: 37905105 PMCID: PMC10614851 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.17.562630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Porous substrate electroporation (PSEP) is a promising new method for intracellular delivery, yet fundamentals of the PSEP delivery process are not well understood, partly because most PSEP studies rely solely on imaging for evaluating delivery. Although effective, imaging alone limits understanding of intermediate processes leading to delivery. PSEP is an electrical process, so electrical impedance measurements naturally complement imaging for PSEP characterization. In this study, we developed a device capable of measuring impedance and performing PSEP and we monitored changes in transepithelial electrical impedance (TEEI). Our measurements show TEEI increases following PSEP, unlike other electroporation methods. We then demonstrated how cell culture conditions and electrical waveforms influence this response. More importantly, we correlated TEEI response features with viability and delivery efficiency, allowing prediction of outcomes without fluorescent cargo, imaging, or image processing. This label-free delivery also allows improved temporal resolution of transient processes following PSEP, which we expect will aid PSEP optimization for new cell types and cargos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Brooks
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Tyler C. Heiman
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Sawyer R. Lorenzen
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Ikhlaas Mungloo
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Siamak Mirfendereski
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Jae Sung Park
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Ruiguo Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
- Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
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9
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Donnaloja F, Izzo L, Campanile M, Perottoni S, Boeri L, Fanizza F, Sardelli L, Jacchetti E, Raimondi MT, Rito LD, Craparotta I, Bolis M, Giordano C, Albani D. Human gut epithelium features recapitulated in MINERVA 2.0 millifluidic organ-on-a-chip device. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:036117. [PMID: 37736017 PMCID: PMC10511260 DOI: 10.1063/5.0144862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed an innovative millifluidic organ-on-a-chip device, named MINERVA 2.0, that is optically accessible and suitable to serial connection. In the present work, we evaluated MINERVA 2.0 as millifluidic gut epithelium-on-a-chip by using computational modeling and biological assessment. We also tested MINERVA 2.0 in a serially connected configuration prodromal to address the complexity of multiorgan interaction. Once cultured under perfusion in our device, human gut immortalized Caco-2 epithelial cells were able to survive at least up to 7 days and form a three-dimensional layer with detectable tight junctions (occludin and zonulin-1 positive). Functional layer development was supported by measurable trans-epithelial resistance and FITC-dextran permeability regulation, together with mucin-2 expression. The dynamic culturing led to a specific transcriptomic profile, assessed by RNASeq, with a total of 524 dysregulated transcripts (191 upregulated and 333 downregulated) between static and dynamic condition. Overall, the collected results suggest that our gut-on-a-chip millifluidic model displays key gut epithelium features and, thanks to its modular design, may be the basis to build a customizable multiorgan-on-a-chip platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Donnaloja
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering ‘Giulio Natta,’ Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Izzo
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering ‘Giulio Natta,’ Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Campanile
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering ‘Giulio Natta,’ Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Perottoni
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering ‘Giulio Natta,’ Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Boeri
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering ‘Giulio Natta,’ Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Fanizza
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering ‘Giulio Natta,’ Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Sardelli
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering ‘Giulio Natta,’ Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Jacchetti
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering ‘Giulio Natta,’ Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela T. Raimondi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering ‘Giulio Natta,’ Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Di Rito
- Department of Oncology, Computational Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Craparotta
- Department of Oncology, Computational Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bolis
- Department of Oncology, Computational Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Giordano
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering ‘Giulio Natta,’ Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Albani
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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10
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Shinde A, Illath K, Kasiviswanathan U, Nagabooshanam S, Gupta P, Dey K, Chakrabarty P, Nagai M, Rao S, Kar S, Santra TS. Recent Advances of Biosensor-Integrated Organ-on-a-Chip Technologies for Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Anal Chem 2023; 95:3121-3146. [PMID: 36716428 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini Shinde
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Kavitha Illath
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Uvanesh Kasiviswanathan
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Shalini Nagabooshanam
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Pallavi Gupta
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Koyel Dey
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Pulasta Chakrabarty
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Moeto Nagai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi 441-8580, Japan
| | - Suresh Rao
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Srabani Kar
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517507, India
| | - Tuhin Subhra Santra
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
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11
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Mastrorocco A, Cacopardo L, Temerario L, Martino NA, Tridente F, Rizzo A, Lacalandra GM, Robbe D, Carluccio A, Dell’Aquila ME. Investigating and Modelling an Engineered Millifluidic In Vitro Oocyte Maturation System Reproducing the Physiological Ovary Environment in the Sheep Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223611. [PMID: 36429039 PMCID: PMC9688735 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In conventional assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), oocytes are in vitro cultured in static conditions. Instead, dynamic systems could better mimic the physiological in vivo environment. In this study, a millifluidic in vitro oocyte maturation (mIVM) system, in a transparent bioreactor integrated with 3D printed supports, was investigated and modeled thanks to computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and oxygen convection-reaction-diffusion (CRD) models. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from slaughtered lambs were cultured for 24 h under static (controls) or dynamic IVM in absence (native) or presence of 3D-printed devices with different shapes and assembly modes, with/without alginate filling. Nuclear chromatin configuration, mitochondria distribution patterns, and activity of in vitro matured oocytes were assessed. The native dynamic mIVM significantly reduced the maturation rate compared to the static group (p < 0.001) and metaphase II (MII) oocytes showed impaired mitochondria distribution (p < 0.05) and activity (p < 0.001). When COCs were included in a combination of concave+ring support, particularly with alginate filling, oocyte maturation and mitochondria pattern were preserved, and bioenergetic/oxidative status was improved (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Results were supported by computational models demonstrating that, in mIVM in biocompatible inserts, COCs were protected from shear stresses while ensuring physiological oxygen diffusion replicating the one occurring in vivo from capillaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Mastrorocco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Centre E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Letizia Temerario
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Antonio Martino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Federico Tridente
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Michele Lacalandra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Domenico Robbe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Dell’Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
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12
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Melanoma Mediated Disruption of Brain Endothelial Barrier Integrity Is Not Prevented by the Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Proteases. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12080660. [PMID: 36005056 PMCID: PMC9405625 DOI: 10.3390/bios12080660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that human melanoma cells rapidly decrease human brain endothelial barrier strength. Our findings showed a fast mechanism of melanoma mediated barrier disruption, which was localised to the paracellular junctions of the brain endothelial cells. Melanoma cells are known to release molecules which cleave the surrounding matrix and allow traversal within and out of their metastatic niche. Enzymatic families, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and proteases are heavily implicated in this process and their complex nature in vivo makes them an intriguing family to assess in melanoma metastasis. Herein, we assessed the expression of MMPs and other proteases in melanoma conditioned media. Our results showed evidence of a high expression of MMP-2, but not MMP-1, -3 or -9. Other proteases including Cathepsins D and B were also detected. Recombinant MMP-2 was added to the apical face of brain endothelial cells (hCMVECs), to measure the change in barrier integrity using biosensor technology. Surprisingly, this showed no decrease in barrier strength. The addition of potent MMP inhibitors (batimastat, marimastat, ONO4817) and other protease inhibitors (such as aprotinin, Pefabloc SC and bestatin) to the brain endothelial cells, in the presence of various melanoma lines, showed no reduction in the melanoma mediated barrier disruption. The inhibitors batimastat, Pefabloc SC, antipain and bestatin alone decreased the barrier strength. These results suggest that although some MMPs and proteases are released by melanoma cells, there is no direct evidence that they are substantially involved in the initial melanoma-mediated disruption of the brain endothelium.
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13
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Real-Time Data-Driven Approach for Prediction and Correction of Electrode Array Trajectory in Cochlear Implantation. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12136343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cochlear implants provide hearing perception to people with severe to profound hearing loss. The electrode array (EA) inserted during the surgery directly stimulates the hearing nerve, bypassing the acoustic hearing system. The complications during the EA insertion in the inner ear may cause trauma leading to infection, residual hearing loss, and poor speech perception. This work aims to reduce the trauma induced during electrode array insertion process by carefully designing a sensing method, an actuation system, and data-driven control strategy to guide electrode array in scala tympani. Due to limited intra-operative feedback during the insertion process, complex bipolar electrical impedance is used as a sensing element to guide EA in real time. An automated actuation system with three degrees of freedom was used along with a complex impedance meter to record impedance of consecutive electrodes. Prediction of EA direction (medial, middle, and lateral) was carried out by an ensemble of random forest, shallow neural network, and k-nearest neighbour in an offline setting with an accuracy of 86.86%. The trained ensemble was then utilized in vitro for prediction and correction of EA direction in real time in the straight path with an accuracy of 80%. Such a real-time system also has application in other electrode implants and needle and catheter insertion guidance.
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14
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Brooks JR, Mungloo I, Mirfendereski S, Quint JP, Paul D, Jaberi A, Park JS, Yang R. An equivalent circuit model for localized electroporation on porous substrates. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 199:113862. [PMID: 34923307 PMCID: PMC8741749 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
In vitro intracellular delivery is a fundamental challenge with no widely adopted methods capable of both delivering to millions of cells and controlling that delivery to a high degree of accuracy. One promising method is porous substrate electroporation (PSEP), where cells are cultured on porous substrates and electric fields are used to permeabilize discrete portions of the cell membrane for delivery. A major obstacle to the widespread use of PSEP is a poor understanding of the various impedances that constitute the system, including the impedances of the porous substrate and the cell monolayer, and how these impedances are influenced by experimental parameters. In response, we used impedance measurements to develop an equivalent circuit model that closely mimics the behavior of each of the main components of the PSEP system. This circuit model reveals for the first time the distribution of voltage across the electrode-electrolyte interface impedances, the channels of the porous substrate, the cell monolayer, and the transmembrane potential during PSEP. We applied sample waveforms through our model to understand how waveforms can be improved for future studies. Our model was validated from intracellular delivery of protein using PSEP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ruiguo Yang
- Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA.
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15
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Yang PH, Zheng FY, Li QS, Tian T, Zhang GY, Wu L, Mao HJ. An easy-repeat method to build a blood-brain barrier model on a chip with independent TEER detection module. CHINESE JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjac.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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16
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Choi J, Mathew S, Oerter S, Appelt-Menzel A, Hansmann J, Schmitz T. Online Measurement System for Dynamic Flow Bioreactors to Study Barrier Integrity of hiPSC-Based Blood-Brain Barrier In Vitro Models. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9010039. [PMID: 35049748 PMCID: PMC8773345 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a noninvasive, reliable, and efficient method to analyze the barrier integrity of in vitro tissue models. This well-established tool is used most widely to quantify the transendothelial/epithelial resistance (TEER) of Transwell-based models cultured under static conditions. However, dynamic culture in bioreactors can achieve advanced cell culture conditions that mimic a more tissue-specific environment and stimulation. This requires the development of culture systems that also allow for the assessment of barrier integrity under dynamic conditions. Here, we present a bioreactor system that is capable of the automated, continuous, and non-invasive online monitoring of cellular barrier integrity during dynamic culture. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) casting and 3D printing were used for the fabrication of the bioreactors. Additionally, attachable electrodes based on titanium nitride (TiN)-coated steel tubes were developed to perform EIS measurements. In order to test the monitored bioreactor system, blood–brain barrier (BBB) in vitro models derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) were cultured for up to 7 days. We applied equivalent electrical circuit fitting to quantify the electrical parameters of the cell layer and observed that TEER gradually decreased over time from 2513 Ω·cm2 to 285 Ω·cm2, as also specified in the static control culture. Our versatile system offers the possibility to be used for various dynamic tissue cultures that require a non-invasive monitoring system for barrier integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyoung Choi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (A.A.-M.)
| | - Sanjana Mathew
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
| | - Sabrina Oerter
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany;
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (A.A.-M.)
| | - Jan Hansmann
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
- Faculty of Electronics, University of Applied Science Würzburg-Schweinfurt, Ignaz-Schön-Straße 11, 97421 Schweinfurt, Germany
| | - Tobias Schmitz
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
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17
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Lindner M, Laporte A, Block S, Elomaa L, Weinhart M. Physiological Shear Stress Enhances Differentiation, Mucus-Formation and Structural 3D Organization of Intestinal Epithelial Cells In Vitro. Cells 2021; 10:2062. [PMID: 34440830 PMCID: PMC8391940 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) mucus plays a pivotal role in the tissue homoeostasis and functionality of the gut. However, due to the shortage of affordable, realistic in vitro GI models with a physiologically relevant mucus layer, studies with deeper insights into structural and compositional changes upon chemical or physical manipulation of the system are rare. To obtain an improved mucus-containing cell model, we developed easy-to-use, reusable culture chambers that facilitated the application of GI shear stresses (0.002-0.08 dyn∙cm-2) to cells on solid surfaces or membranes of cell culture inserts in bioreactor systems, thus making them readily accessible for subsequent analyses, e.g., by confocal microscopy or transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement. The human mucus-producing epithelial HT29-MTX cell-line exhibited superior reorganization into 3-dimensional villi-like structures with highly proliferative tips under dynamic culture conditions when compared to static culture (up to 180 vs. 80 µm in height). Additionally, the median mucus layer thickness was significantly increased under flow (50 ± 24 vs. 29 ± 14 µm (static)), with a simultaneous accelerated maturation of the cells into a goblet-like phenotype. We demonstrated the strong impact of culture conditions on the differentiation and reorganization of HT29-MTX cells. The results comprise valuable advances towards the improvement of existing GI and mucus models or the development of novel systems using our newly designed culture chambers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Lindner
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (M.L.); (S.B.); (L.E.)
| | - Anna Laporte
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Stephan Block
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (M.L.); (S.B.); (L.E.)
| | - Laura Elomaa
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (M.L.); (S.B.); (L.E.)
| | - Marie Weinhart
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (M.L.); (S.B.); (L.E.)
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany;
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18
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Ren X, Yang M, Yang T, Xu C, Ye Y, Wu X, Zheng X, Wang B, Wan Y, Luo Z. Highly Conductive PPy-PEDOT:PSS Hybrid Hydrogel with Superior Biocompatibility for Bioelectronics Application. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:25374-25382. [PMID: 34009925 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c04432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Conductive polymer hydrogels (CPHs) hold significant promise in broad applications, such as bioelectronics and energy devices. Hitherto, the development of a facile and scalable synthesis method for CPHs with high electrical conductivity and biocompatibility has still been a challenge. Herein, we demonstrate highly conductive PPy-PEDOT:PSS hybrid hydrogels which are prepared by a simple solution-mixing method. This fabrication method involves the mixing of a pyrrole monomer with a PEDOT:PSS dispersion, followed by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization to form polypyrrole (PPy). The electrostatic interaction between negatively charged PSS and positively charged conjugated PPy facilitates the formation of PPy-PEDOT:PSS hybrid hydrogels. The conductivity of the PPy-PEDOT:PSS hybrid hydrogels is 867 S m-1. The PPy-PEDOT:PSS hybrid hydrogels show excellent biocompatibility. Moreover, the PPy-PEDOT:PSS hybrid hydrogels have a hierarchical porous structure which facilitates the 3D cell culture within the hydrogels. The PPy-PEDOT:PSS hybrid hydrogels exhibit excellent in situ biomolecular detection and real-time cell proliferation monitoring performance, indicating their potential as highly sensitive electrochemical biosensors for bioelectronics applications. Our strategy for the fabrication of CPHs with the electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged conductive polymer and positively charged conductive polymer would provide new opportunities for the design of highly conductive conjugated hydrogels for bioelectronics applications and energy devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Ren
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Ming Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Taotao Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Chao Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yongqin Ye
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518026, China
| | - Xiongni Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xing Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518026, China
| | - Ying Wan
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Zhiqiang Luo
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
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19
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Nossa R, Costa J, Cacopardo L, Ahluwalia A. Breathing in vitro: Designs and applications of engineered lung models. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:20417314211008696. [PMID: 33996022 PMCID: PMC8107677 DOI: 10.1177/20417314211008696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to provide a systematic design guideline to users, particularly engineers interested in developing and deploying lung models, and biologists seeking to identify a suitable platform for conducting in vitro experiments involving pulmonary cells or tissues. We first discuss the state of the art on lung in vitro models, describing the most simplistic and traditional ones. Then, we analyze in further detail the more complex dynamic engineered systems that either provide mechanical cues, or allow for more predictive exposure studies, or in some cases even both. This is followed by a dedicated section on microchips of the lung. Lastly, we present a critical discussion of the different characteristics of each type of system and the criteria which may help researchers select the most appropriate technology according to their specific requirements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the tables accompanying the different sections where comprehensive and quantitative information on the operating parameters and performance of the different systems reported in the literature is provided.
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20
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Kurmann L, Okoniewski M, Ogunshola OO, Leeners B, Imthurn B, Dubey RK. Transcryptomic Analysis of Human Brain-Microvascular Endothelial Response to -Pericytes: Cell Orientation Defines Barrier Function. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040963. [PMID: 33924251 PMCID: PMC8074760 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pericytes facilitate blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity; however, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Hence, using co-cultures of human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular pericytes (PCs) in different spatial arrangements, as well as PC conditioned media, we investigated the impact of PC-EC orientation and PC-derived soluble factors on EC barrier function. We provide the first evidence that barrier-inducing properties of PCs require basolateral contact with ECs. Gene expression analysis (GEA) in ECs co-cultured with PCs versus ECs alone showed significant upregulation of 38 genes and downregulation of 122 genes. Pathway enrichment analysis of modulated genes showed significant regulation of several pathways, including transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-1 regulated extracellular matrix, interferon and interleukin signaling, immune system signaling, receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. Transcriptomic analysis showed a reduction in molecules such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which are known to be induced during BBB disruption. Moreover, cytokine proteome array confirmed the downregulation of key pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines on the protein level. Other molecules which influence BBB and were favorably modulated upon EC-PC co-culture include IL-18 binding protein, kallikrein-3, CSF2 CSF3, CXCL10, CXCL11 (downregulated) and IL-1-R4; HGF, PDGF-AB/BB, PECAM, SERPIN E1 (upregulated). In conclusion, we provide the first evidence that (1) basolateral contact between ECs and PCs is essential for EC barrier function and integrity; (2) in ECs co-cultured with PCs, the profile of BBB disrupting pro-inflammatory molecules and cytokines/chemokines is downregulated; (3) PCs significantly modulate EC mechanisms known to improve barrier function, including TGF-β regulated ECM pathway, anti-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and matrix proteins. This human PC-EC co-culture may serve as a viable in vitro model for investigating BBB function and drug transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Kurmann
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (L.K.); (B.L.); (B.I.)
| | | | - Omolara O. Ogunshola
- Zurich Center Integrative Physiology (ZIHP), Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Brigitte Leeners
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (L.K.); (B.L.); (B.I.)
| | - Bruno Imthurn
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (L.K.); (B.L.); (B.I.)
| | - Raghvendra K. Dubey
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (L.K.); (B.L.); (B.I.)
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Correspondence:
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21
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Aggarwal V, Miranda O, Johnston PA, Sant S. Three dimensional engineered models to study hypoxia biology in breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 490:124-142. [PMID: 32569616 PMCID: PMC7442747 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of mortality among women worldwide. Despite the available therapeutic regimes, variable treatment response is reported among different breast cancer subtypes. Recently, the effects of the tumor microenvironment on tumor progression as well as treatment responses have been widely recognized. Hypoxia and hypoxia inducible factors in the tumor microenvironment have long been known as major players in tumor progression and survival. However, the majority of our understanding of hypoxia biology has been derived from two dimensional (2D) models. Although many hypoxia-targeted therapies have elicited promising results in vitro and in vivo, these results have not been successfully translated into clinical trials. These limitations of 2D models underscore the need to develop and integrate three dimensional (3D) models that recapitulate the complex tumor-stroma interactions in vivo. This review summarizes role of hypoxia in various hallmarks of cancer progression. We then compare traditional 2D experimental systems with novel 3D tissue-engineered models giving accounts of different bioengineering platforms available to develop 3D models and how these 3D models are being exploited to understand the role of hypoxia in breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Aggarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Oshin Miranda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Paul A Johnston
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Shilpa Sant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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22
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Costa J, Almonti V, Cacopardo L, Poli D, Rapposelli S, Ahluwalia A. Investigating Curcumin/Intestinal Epithelium Interaction in a Millifluidic Bioreactor. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:bioengineering7030100. [PMID: 32858899 PMCID: PMC7552770 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7030100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance is still an obstacle for chemotherapeutic treatments. One of the proteins involved in this phenomenon is the P-glycoprotein, P-gp, which is known to be responsible for the efflux of therapeutic substances from the cell cytoplasm. To date, the identification of a drug that can efficiently inhibit P-gp activity remains a challenge, nevertheless some studies have identified natural compounds suitable for that purpose. Amongst them, curcumin has shown an inhibitory effect on the protein in in vitro studies using Caco-2 cells. To understand if flow can modulate the influence of curcumin on the protein's activity, we studied the uptake of a P-gp substrate under static and dynamic conditions. Caco-2 cells were cultured in bioreactors and in Transwells and the basolateral transport of rhodamine-123 was assessed in the two systems as a function of the P-gp activity. Experiments were performed with and without pre-treatment of the cells with an extract of curcumin or an arylmethyloxy-phenyl derivative to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the natural substance with respect to a synthetic compound. The results indicated that the P-gp activity of the cells cultured in the bioreactors was intrinsically lower, and that the effect of both natural and synthetic inhibitors was up modulated by the presence of flow. Our study underlies the fact that the use of more sophisticated and physiologically relevant in vitro models can bring new insights on the therapeutic effects of natural substances such as curcumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Costa
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.C.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Vanessa Almonti
- LARF-DIMES, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy;
- Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), 56122 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.C.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Daniele Poli
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.C.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Simona Rapposelli
- Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), 56122 Pisa, Italy;
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.C.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
- Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), 56122 Pisa, Italy;
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23
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Vasanthan V, Fatehi Hassanabad A, Pattar S, Niklewski P, Wagner K, Fedak PWM. Promoting Cardiac Regeneration and Repair Using Acellular Biomaterials. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:291. [PMID: 32363184 PMCID: PMC7180212 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease is a common cause of end-stage heart failure and has persisted as one of the main causes of end stage heart failure requiring transplantation. Maladaptive myocardial remodeling due to ischemic injury involves multiple cell types and physiologic mechanisms. Pathogenic post-infarct remodeling involves collagen deposition, chamber dilatation and ventricular dysfunction. There have been significant improvements in medication and revascularization strategies. However, despite medical optimization and opportunities to restore blood flow, physicians lack therapies that directly access and manipulate the heart to promote healthy post-infarct myocardial remodeling. Strategies are now arising that use bioactive materials to promote cardiac regeneration by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting cardiac fibrosis; and many of these strategies leverage the unique advantage of cardiac surgery to directly visualize and manipulate the heart. Although cellular-based strategies are emerging, multiple barriers exist for clinical translation. Acellular materials have also demonstrated preclinical therapeutic potential to promote angiogenesis and attenuate fibrosis and may be able to surmount these translational barriers. Within this review we outline various acellular biomaterials and we define epicardial infarct repair and intramyocardial injection, which focus on administering bioactive materials to the cardiac epicardium and myocardium respectively to promote cardiac regeneration. In conjunction with optimized medical therapy and revascularization, these techniques show promise to upregulate pathways of cardiac regeneration to preserve heart function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Vasanthan
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ali Fatehi Hassanabad
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Simranjit Pattar
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Paul Niklewski
- MDP Solutions, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Health Economics and Clinical Outcomes Research, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Karl Wagner
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul W. M. Fedak
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Wong JF, Mohan MD, Young EW, Simmons CA. Integrated electrochemical measurement of endothelial permeability in a 3D hydrogel-based microfluidic vascular model. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 147:111757. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Brancato V, Oliveira JM, Correlo VM, Reis RL, Kundu SC. Could 3D models of cancer enhance drug screening? Biomaterials 2019; 232:119744. [PMID: 31918229 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a multifaceted pathology, where cellular and acellular players interact to drive cancer progression and, in the worst-case, metastasis. The current methods to investigate the heterogeneous nature of cancer are inadequate, since they rely on 2D cell cultures and animal models. The cell line-based drug efficacy and toxicity assays are not able to predict the tumor response to anti-cancer agents and it is already widely discussed how molecular pathway are not recapitulated in vitro so called flat biology. On the other side, animal models often fail to detect the side-effects of drugs, mimic the metastatic progression or the interaction between cancer and immune system, due to biologic difference in human and animals. Moreover, ethical and regulatory issues limit animal experimentation. Every year pharma/biotech companies lose resources in drug discovery and testing processes that are successful only in 5% of the cases. There is an urgent need to validate accurate and predictive platforms in order to enhance drug-testing process taking into account the physiopathology of the tumor microenvironment. Three dimensional in vitro tumor models could enhance drug manufactures in developing effective drugs for cancer diseases. The 3D in vitro cancer models can improve the predictability of toxicity and drug sensitivity in cancer. Despite the demonstrated advantages of 3D in vitro disease systems when compared to 2D culture and animal models, they still do not reach the standardization required for preclinical trials. This review highlights in vitro models that may be used as preclinical models, accelerating the drug development process towards more precise and personalized standard of care for cancer patients. We describe the state-of-the art of 3D in vitro culture systems, with a focus on how these different approaches could be coupled in order to achieve a compromise between standardization and reliability in recapitulating tumor microenvironment and drug response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Brancato
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Joaquim Miguel Oliveira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Headquarters at University of Minho, Avepark, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Vitor Manuel Correlo
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Headquarters at University of Minho, Avepark, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui Luis Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Headquarters at University of Minho, Avepark, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Subhas C Kundu
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
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26
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Genova T, Petrillo S, Zicola E, Roato I, Ferracini R, Tolosano E, Altruda F, Carossa S, Mussano F, Munaron L. The Crosstalk Between Osteodifferentiating Stem Cells and Endothelial Cells Promotes Angiogenesis and Bone Formation. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1291. [PMID: 31681005 PMCID: PMC6802576 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The synergistic crosstalk between osteodifferentiating stem cells and endothelial cells (ECs) gained the deserved consideration, shedding light on the role of angiogenesis for bone formation and healing. A deep understanding of the molecular basis underlying the mutual influence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and ECs in the osteogenic process may help improve greatly bone regeneration. Here, the authors demonstrated that osteodifferentiating MSCs co-cultured with ECs promote angiogenesis and ECs recruitment. Moreover, through the use of 3D co-culture systems, we showed that ECs are in turn able to further stimulate the osteodifferentiation of MSCs, thus enhancing bone production. These findings highlighted the existence of a virtuous loop between MSCs and ECs that is central to the osteogenic process. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing the functional interaction MSCs and ECs holds great potential in the field of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tullio Genova
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, UNITO, Turin, Italy.,Department of Surgical Sciences, CIR Dental School, UNITO, Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Petrillo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, UNITO, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Zicola
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, UNITO, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Roato
- Center for Research and Medical Studies, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ferracini
- Department of Surgical Sciences (DISC), Orthopaedic Clinic-IRCCS A.O.U. San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tolosano
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, UNITO, Turin, Italy
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, UNITO, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefano Carossa
- Department of Surgical Sciences, CIR Dental School, UNITO, Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Mussano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, CIR Dental School, UNITO, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Munaron
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, UNITO, Turin, Italy
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Costa J, Ahluwalia A. Advances and Current Challenges in Intestinal in vitro Model Engineering: A Digest. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:144. [PMID: 31275931 PMCID: PMC6591368 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological environment of the intestine is characterized by its variegated composition, numerous functions and unique dynamic conditions, making it challenging to recreate the organ in vitro. This review outlines the requirements for engineering physiologically relevant intestinal in vitro models, mainly focusing on the importance of the mechano-structural cues that are often neglected in classic cell culture systems. More precisely: the topography, motility and flow present in the intestinal epithelium. After defining quantitative descriptors for these features, we describe the current state of the art, citing relevant approaches used to address one (or more) of the elements in question, pursuing a progressive conceptual construction of an "ideal" biomimetic intestinal model. The review concludes with a critical assessment of the currently available methods to summarize the important features of the intestinal tissue in the light of their different applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center “E. Piaggio” and Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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