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Cho SW, Malick H, Kim SJ, Grattoni A. Advances in Skin-on-a-Chip Technologies for Dermatological Disease Modeling. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)00115-5. [PMID: 38493383 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Skin-on-a-chip (SoC) technologies are emerging as a paradigm shift in dermatology research by replicating human physiology in a dynamic manner not achievable by current animal models. Although animal models have contributed to successful clinical trials, their ability to predict human outcomes remains questionable, owing to inherent differences in skin anatomy and immune response. Covering areas including infectious diseases, autoimmune skin conditions, wound healing, drug toxicity, aging, and antiaging, SoC aims to circumvent the inherent disparities created by traditional models. In this paper, we review current SoC technologies, highlighting their potential as an alternative to animal models for a deeper understanding of complex skin conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo Won Cho
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA; Texas A&M University School of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Hamza Malick
- Texas A&M University School of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Soo Jung Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alessandro Grattoni
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.
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2
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Kim K, Jang H, Kim E, Kim H, Sung GY. Recent advances in understanding the role of the skin microbiome in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:2048-2061. [PMID: 37767872 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14940] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and histologically consists of the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Humans maintain a cooperative symbiotic relationship with their skin microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, fungi and viruses that live on the surface of the skin, and which act as a barrier to protect the body from the inside and outside. The skin is a 'habitat' and vast 'ecosystem' inhabited by countless microbes; as such, relationships have been forged through millions of years of coevolution. It is not surprising then that microbes are key participants in shaping and maintaining essential physiological processes. In addition to maintaining barrier function, the unique symbiotic microbiota that colonizes the skin increases the immune response and provides protection against pathogenic microbes. This review examines our current understanding of skin microbes in shaping and enhancing the skin barrier, as well as skin microbiome-host interactions and their roles in skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD). We also report on the current status of AD therapeutic drugs that target the skin microbiome, related research on current therapeutic strategies, and the limitations and future considerations of skin microbiome research. In particular, as a future strategy, we discuss the need for a skin-on-a-chip-based microphysiological system research model amenable to biomimetic in vitro studies and human skin equivalent models, including skin appendages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyunghee Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hyeji Jang
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Eunyul Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hyeju Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Gun Yong Sung
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
- Major in Materials Science and Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
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Costa S, Vilas-Boas V, Lebre F, Granjeiro JM, Catarino CM, Moreira Teixeira L, Loskill P, Alfaro-Moreno E, Ribeiro AR. Microfluidic-based skin-on-chip systems for safety assessment of nanomaterials. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1282-1298. [PMID: 37419838 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.05.009] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The skin is the body's largest organ, continuously exposed to and affected by natural and anthropogenic nanomaterials (materials with external and internal dimensions in the nanoscale range). This broad spectrum of insults gives rise to irreversible health effects (from skin corrosion to cancer). Organ-on-chip systems can recapitulate skin physiology with high fidelity and potentially revolutionize the safety assessment of nanomaterials. Here, we review current advances in skin-on-chip models and their potential to elucidate biological mechanisms. Further, strategies are discussed to recapitulate skin physiology on-chip, improving control over nanomaterials exposure and transport across cells. Finally, we highlight future opportunities and challenges from design and fabrication to acceptance by regulatory bodies and industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Costa
- Nanosafety Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - V Vilas-Boas
- Nanosafety Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - F Lebre
- Nanosafety Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - J M Granjeiro
- Biology Coordination, National Institute of Metrology Quality and Technology (INMETRO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - C M Catarino
- Product Safety Management- Quality, Excellence, and Care, Grupo Boticário, Paraná, Brazil
| | - L Moreira Teixeira
- Department of Advanced Organ bioengineering and Therapeutics, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - P Loskill
- 3R-Center for In vitro Models and Alternatives to Animal Testing, Tübingen, Germany
| | - E Alfaro-Moreno
- Nanosafety Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - A R Ribeiro
- Nanosafety Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, Portugal.
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Lee EJ, Krassin ZL, Abaci HE, Mahler GJ, Esch MB. Pumped and pumpless microphysiological systems to study (nano)therapeutics. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 15:e1911. [PMID: 37464464 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1911] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Fluidic microphysiological systems (MPS) are microfluidic cell culture devices that are designed to mimic the biochemical and biophysical in vivo microenvironments of human tissues better than conventional petri dishes or well-plates. MPS-grown tissue cultures can be used for probing new drugs for their potential primary and secondary toxicities as well as their efficacy. The systems can also be used for assessing the effects of environmental nanoparticles and nanotheranostics, including their rate of uptake, biodistribution, elimination, and toxicity. Pumpless MPS are a group of MPS that often utilize gravity to recirculate cell culture medium through their microfluidic networks, providing some advantages, but also presenting some challenges. They can be operated with near-physiological amounts of blood surrogate (i.e., cell culture medium) that can recirculate in bidirectional or unidirectional flow patterns depending on the device configuration. Here we discuss recent advances in the design and use of both pumped and pumpless MPS with a focus on where pumpless devices can contribute to realizing the potential future role of MPS in evaluating nanomaterials. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jin Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Zachary L Krassin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Hasan Erbil Abaci
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gretchen J Mahler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Mandy B Esch
- Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
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Vilela de Sousa I, Ferreira MJS, Bebiano LB, Simões S, Matos AF, Pereira RF, Granja PL. Skin models of cutaneous toxicity, transdermal transport and wound repair. BURNS & TRAUMA 2023; 11:tkad014. [PMID: 37520659 PMCID: PMC10382248 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkad014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Skin is widely used as a drug delivery route due to its easy access and the possibility of using relatively painless methods for the administration of bioactive molecules. However, the barrier properties of the skin, along with its multilayer structure, impose severe restrictions on drug transport and bioavailability. Thus, bioengineered models aimed at emulating the skin have been developed not only for optimizing the transdermal transport of different drugs and testing the safety and toxicity of substances but also for understanding the biological processes behind skin wounds. Even though in vivo research is often preferred to study biological processes involving the skin, in vitro and ex vivo strategies have been gaining increasing relevance in recent years. Indeed, there is a noticeably increasing adoption of in vitro and ex vivo methods by internationally accepted guidelines. Furthermore, microfluidic organ-on-a-chip devices are nowadays emerging as valuable tools for functional and behavioural skin emulation. Challenges in miniaturization, automation and reliability still need to be addressed in order to create skin models that can predict skin behaviour in a robust, high-throughput manner, while being compliant with regulatory issues, standards and guidelines. In this review, skin models for transdermal transport, wound repair and cutaneous toxicity will be discussed with a focus on high-throughput strategies. Novel microfluidic strategies driven by advancements in microfabrication technologies will also be revised as a way to improve the efficiency of existing models, both in terms of complexity and throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luís B Bebiano
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Manuel Pereira da Silva, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
- ISEP - Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Simões
- iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Filipa Matos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rúben F Pereira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Manuel Pereira da Silva, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS – Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Sung JH, Kim JJ. Recent advances in in vitro skin-on-a-chip models for drug testing. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2023. [PMID: 37379024 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2023.2227379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The skin is an organ that has the largest surface area and provides a barrier against external environment. While providing protection, it also interacts with other organs in the body and has implications in various diseases. Development of physiologically realistic in vitro models of the skin in the context of the whole body is important for studying these diseases, and will be a valuable tool for pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industry. AREA COVERED This article covers the basic background in skin structure, physiology, as well as drug metabolism in the skin, and dermatological diseases. We summarize various in vitro skin models currently available, and novel in vitro models based on organ-on-a-chip technology. We also explain the concept of multi-organ-on-a-chip and describe recent developments in this field aimed at recapitulating the interaction of the skin with other organs in the body. EXPERT OPINION Recent development in the organ-on-a-chip field has enabled the development of in vitro model systems that resemble human skin more closely than conventional models. In near future, we will be seeing various model systems that allow researchers to study complex diseases in a more mechanistic manner, which will help the development of new pharmaceuticals for such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Hwan Sung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Jung Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Monteduro AG, Rizzato S, Caragnano G, Trapani A, Giannelli G, Maruccio G. Organs-on-chips technologies – A guide from disease models to opportunities for drug development. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 231:115271. [PMID: 37060819 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Current in-vitro 2D cultures and animal models present severe limitations in recapitulating human physiopathology with striking discrepancies in estimating drug efficacy and side effects when compared to human trials. For these reasons, microphysiological systems, organ-on-chip and multiorgans microdevices attracted considerable attention as novel tools for high-throughput and high-content research to achieve an improved understanding of diseases and to accelerate the drug development process towards more precise and eventually personalized standards. This review takes the form of a guide on this fast-growing field, providing useful introduction to major themes and indications for further readings. We start analyzing Organs-on-chips (OOC) technologies for testing the major drug administration routes: (1) oral/rectal route by intestine-on-a-chip, (2) inhalation by lung-on-a-chip, (3) transdermal by skin-on-a-chip and (4) intravenous through vascularization models, considering how drugs penetrate in the bloodstream and are conveyed to their targets. Then, we focus on OOC models for (other) specific organs and diseases: (1) neurodegenerative diseases with brain models and blood brain barriers, (2) tumor models including their vascularization, organoids/spheroids, engineering and screening of antitumor drugs, (3) liver/kidney on chips and multiorgan models for gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic assessment of drugs and (4) biomechanical systems recapitulating heart, muscles and bones structures and related diseases. Successively, we discuss technologies and materials for organ on chips, analyzing (1) microfluidic tools for organs-on-chips, (2) sensor integration for real-time monitoring, (3) materials and (4) cell lines for organs on chips. (Nano)delivery approaches for therapeutics and their on chip assessment are also described. Finally, we conclude with a critical discussion on current significance/relevance, trends, limitations, challenges and future prospects in terms of revolutionary impact on biomedical research, preclinical models and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Grazia Monteduro
- Omnics Research Group, Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento and Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR-Nanotec and INFN Sezione di Lecce, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Silvia Rizzato
- Omnics Research Group, Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento and Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR-Nanotec and INFN Sezione di Lecce, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giusi Caragnano
- Omnics Research Group, Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento and Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR-Nanotec and INFN Sezione di Lecce, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Adriana Trapani
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maruccio
- Omnics Research Group, Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento and Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR-Nanotec and INFN Sezione di Lecce, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
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Li Q, Wang C, Li X, Zhang J, Zhang Z, Yang K, Ouyang J, Zha S, Sha L, Ge J, Chen Z, Gu Z. Epidermis-on-a-chip system to develop skin barrier and melanin mimicking model. J Tissue Eng 2023; 14:20417314231168529. [PMID: 37114033 PMCID: PMC10126702 DOI: 10.1177/20417314231168529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro skin models are rapidly developing and have been widely used in various fields as an alternative to traditional animal experiments. However, most traditional static skin models are constructed on Transwell plates without a dynamic three-dimensional (3D) culture microenvironment. Compared with native human and animal skin, such in vitro skin models are not completely biomimetic, especially regarding their thickness and permeability. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an automated biomimetic human microphysiological system (MPS), which can be used to construct in vitro skin models and improve bionic performance. In this work, we describe the development of a triple-well microfluidic-based epidermis-on-a-chip (EoC) system, possessing epidermis barrier and melanin-mimicking functions, as well as being semi-solid specimen friendly. The special design of our EoC system allows pasty and semi-solid substances to be effectively utilized in testing, as well as allowing for long-term culturing and imaging. The epidermis in this EoC system is well-differentiated, including basal, spinous, granular, and cornified layers with appropriate epidermis marker (e.g. keratin-10, keratin-14, involucrin, loricrin, and filaggrin) expression levels in corresponding layers. We further demonstrate that this organotypic chip can prevent permeation of over 99.83% of cascade blue (a 607 Da fluorescent molecule), and prednisone acetate (PA) was applied to test percutaneous penetration in the EoC. Finally, we tested the whitening effect of a cosmetic on the proposed EoC, thus demonstrating its efficacy. In summary, we developed a biomimetic EoC system for epidermis recreation, which could potentially serve as a useful tool for skin irritation, permeability, cosmetic evaluation, and drug safety tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Science Researching and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Medical Devices (Suzhou), Southeast University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Avatarget Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Suzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Medical Devices (Suzhou), Southeast University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Avatarget Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Suzhou, China
| | - Zilin Zhang
- Jiangsu Avatarget Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Suzhou, China
| | - Keyu Yang
- Jiangsu Avatarget Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Ouyang
- Jiangsu Avatarget Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Suzhou, China
| | - Shaohui Zha
- Jiangsu Avatarget Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Suzhou, China
| | - Lifeng Sha
- Jiangsu Avatarget Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Suzhou, China
| | - Jianjun Ge
- Institute of Medical Devices (Suzhou), Southeast University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Avatarget Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Suzhou, China
| | - Zaozao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Medical Devices (Suzhou), Southeast University, Suzhou, China
- Zaozao Chen, State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, SiPaiLou #2, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Medical Devices (Suzhou), Southeast University, Suzhou, China
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Jeong S, Na Y, Nam HM, Sung GY. Skin-on-a-chip strategies for human hair follicle regeneration. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:13-23. [PMID: 36308297 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The number of hair loss patients increases every year, and hair loss treatment has several limitations, so research on hair is attracting attention recently. However, most current hair follicle research models are limited by their inability to replicate several key functions of the hair follicle microenvironment. To complement this, an in vitro culture system similar to the in vivo environment must be constructed. It is necessary to develop a hair-on-a-chip that implements a fully functional hair follicle model by reproducing the main characteristics of hair follicle morphogenesis and cycle. In this review, we summarize the gradation of hair follicle morphogenesis and the roles and mechanisms of molecular signals involved in the hair follicle cycle. In addition, we discuss research results of various in vitro organoid products and organ-on-a-chip-based hair follicle tissue chips for the treatment of alopecia and present future research and development directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subin Jeong
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea.,Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Yoojin Na
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea.,Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Hyeon-Min Nam
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea.,Major in Materials Science and Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Gun Yong Sung
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea.,Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea.,Major in Materials Science and Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea
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10
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Kim K, Kim H, Sung GY. Effects of Indole-3-Lactic Acid, a Metabolite of Tryptophan, on IL-4 and IL-13-Induced Human Skin-Equivalent Atopic Dermatitis Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13520. [PMID: 36362303 PMCID: PMC9655012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Indole-3-lactic acid (I3LA) is a well-known metabolite involved in tryptophan metabolism. Indole derivatives are involved in the differentiation of immune cells and the synthesis of cytokines via the aryl hydrocarbon receptors for modulating immunity, and the indole derivatives may be involved in allergic responses. I3LA was selected as a candidate substance for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), and its inhibitory effect on AD progression was investigated. Full-thickness human skin equivalents (HSEs) consisting of human-derived cells were generated on microfluidic chips and stimulated with major AD-inducing factors. The induced AD-HSEs were treated with I3LA for 7 days, and this affected the AD-associated genetic biomarkers and increased the expression of the major constituent proteins of the skin barrier. After the treatment for 14 days, the surface became rough and sloughed off, and there was no significant difference between the increased AD-related mRNA expression and the skin barrier protein expression. Therefore, the short-term use of I3LA for approximately one week is considered to be effective in suppressing AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyunghee Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Hyeju Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Gun Yong Sung
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Major in Materials Science and Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
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11
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Sun W, Liu Z, Xu J, Cheng Y, Yin R, Ma L, Li H, Qian X, Zhang H. 3D skin models along with skin-on-a-chip systems: A critical review. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.107819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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12
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Structural and Functional Analysis of Excised Skins and Human Reconstructed Epidermis with Confocal Raman Spectroscopy and in Microfluidic Diffusion Chambers. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081689. [PMID: 36015315 PMCID: PMC9415586 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Several ex vivo and in vitro skin models are available in the toolbox of dermatological and cosmetic research. Some of them are widely used in drug penetration testing. The excised skins show higher variability, while the in vitro skins provide more reproducible data. The aim of the current study was to compare the chemical composition of different skin models (excised rat skin, excised human skin and human-reconstructed epidermis) by measurement of ceramides, cholesterol, lactate, urea, protein and water at different depths of the tissues. The second goal was to compile a testing system, which includes a skin-on-a-chip diffusion setup and a confocal Raman spectroscopy for testing drug diffusion across the skin barrier and accumulation in the tissue models. A hydrophilic drug caffeine and the P-glycoprotein substrate quinidine were used in the study as topical cream formulations. The results indicate that although the transdermal diffusion of quinidine is lower, the skin accumulation was comparable for the two drugs. The various skin models showed different chemical compositions. The human skin was abundant in ceramides and cholesterol, while the reconstructed skin contained less water and more urea and protein. Based on these results, it can be concluded that skin-on-a-chip and confocal Raman microspectroscopy are suitable for testing drug penetration and distribution at different skin layers within an exposition window. Furthermore, obese human skin should be treated with caution for skin absorption testing due to its unbalanced composition.
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Vahav I, Thon M, van den Broek LJ, Spiekstra SW, Atac B, Lindner G, Schimek K, Marx U, Gibbs S. Proof-of-Concept Organ-on-Chip Study: Topical Cinnamaldehyde Exposure of Reconstructed Human Skin with Integrated Neopapillae Cultured under Dynamic Flow. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081529. [PMID: 35893784 PMCID: PMC9330995 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmaceutical and personal care industries require human representative models for testing to ensure the safety of their products. A major route of penetration into our body after substance exposure is via the skin. Our aim was to generate robust culture conditions for a next generation human skin-on-chip model containing neopapillae and to establish proof-of-concept testing with the sensitizer, cinnamaldehyde. Reconstructed human skin consisting of a stratified and differentiated epidermis on a fibroblast populated hydrogel containing neopapillae spheroids (RhS-NP), were cultured air-exposed and under dynamic flow for 10 days. The robustness of three independent experiments, each with up to 21 intra-experiment replicates, was investigated. The epidermis was seen to invaginate into the hydrogel towards the neopapille spheroids. Daily measurements of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glucose levels within the culture medium demonstrated high viability and stable metabolic activity throughout the culture period in all three independent experiments and in the replicates within an experiment. Topical cinnamaldehyde exposure to RhS-NP resulted in dose-dependent cytotoxicity (increased LDH release) and elevated cytokine secretion of contact sensitizer specific IL-18, pro-inflammatory IL-1β, inflammatory IL-23 and IFN-γ, as well as anti-inflammatory IL-10 and IL-12p70. This study demonstrates the robustness and feasibility of complex next generation skin models for investigating skin immunotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irit Vahav
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- TissUse GmbH, Oudenarder Str. 16, 13347 Berlin, Germany
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Tissue Function & Regeneration, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Thon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Inflammatory Diseases, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lenie J. van den Broek
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sander W. Spiekstra
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Inflammatory Diseases, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Beren Atac
- TissUse GmbH, Oudenarder Str. 16, 13347 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd Lindner
- TissUse GmbH, Oudenarder Str. 16, 13347 Berlin, Germany
- Provio GmbH, Oranienburger Chaussee 2, 16548 Glienicke/Nordbahn, Germany
| | | | - Uwe Marx
- TissUse GmbH, Oudenarder Str. 16, 13347 Berlin, Germany
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Inflammatory Diseases, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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14
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Phang SJ, Basak S, Teh HX, Packirisamy G, Fauzi MB, Kuppusamy UR, Neo YP, Looi ML. Advancements in Extracellular Matrix-Based Biomaterials and Biofabrication of 3D Organotypic Skin Models. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:3220-3241. [PMID: 35861577 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decades, three-dimensional (3D) organotypic skin models have received enormous attention as alternative models to in vivo animal models and in vitro two-dimensional assays. To date, most organotypic skin models have an epidermal layer of keratinocytes and a dermal layer of fibroblasts embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM)-based biomaterial. The ECM provides mechanical support and biochemical signals to the cells. Without advancements in ECM-based biomaterials and biofabrication technologies, it would have been impossible to create organotypic skin models that mimic native human skin. In this review, the use of ECM-based biomaterials in the reconstruction of skin models, as well as the study of complete ECM-based biomaterials, such as fibroblasts-derived ECM and decellularized ECM as a better biomaterial, will be highlighted. We also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of several biofabrication processes used in the fabrication of ECM-based biomaterials, such as conventional static culture, electrospinning, 3D bioprinting, and skin-on-a-chip. Advancements and future possibilities in modifying ECM-based biomaterials to recreate disease-like skin models will also be highlighted, given the importance of organotypic skin models in disease modeling. Overall, this review provides an overview of the present variety of ECM-based biomaterials and biofabrication technologies available. An enhanced organotypic skin model is expected to be produced in the near future by combining knowledge from previous experiences and current research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou Jin Phang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Soumyadeep Basak
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Huey Xhin Teh
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gopinath Packirisamy
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mh Busra Fauzi
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Umah Rani Kuppusamy
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yun Ping Neo
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mee Lee Looi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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15
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Li Z, Hui J, Yang P, Mao H. Microfluidic Organ-on-a-Chip System for Disease Modeling and Drug Development. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12060370. [PMID: 35735518 PMCID: PMC9220862 DOI: 10.3390/bios12060370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
An organ-on-a-chip is a device that combines micro-manufacturing and tissue engineering to replicate the critical physiological environment and functions of the human organs. Therefore, it can be used to predict drug responses and environmental effects on organs. Microfluidic technology can control micro-scale reagents with high precision. Hence, microfluidics have been widely applied in organ-on-chip systems to mimic specific organ or multiple organs in vivo. These models integrated with various sensors show great potential in simulating the human environment. In this review, we mainly introduce the typical structures and recent research achievements of several organ-on-a-chip platforms. We also discuss innovations in models applied to the fields of pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, nano-medicine, continuous dynamic monitoring in disease modeling, and their further applications in other fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zening Li
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China; (Z.L.); (J.H.); (P.Y.)
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianan Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China; (Z.L.); (J.H.); (P.Y.)
| | - Panhui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China; (Z.L.); (J.H.); (P.Y.)
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongju Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China; (Z.L.); (J.H.); (P.Y.)
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-21-62511070-8707
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Development of an Aged Full-Thickness Skin Model Using Flexible Skin-on-a-Chip Subjected to Mechanical Stimulus Reflecting the Circadian Rhythm. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312788. [PMID: 34884594 PMCID: PMC8657468 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin is subject to both intrinsic aging caused by metabolic processes in the body and extrinsic aging caused by exposure to environmental factors. Intrinsic aging is an important obstacle to in vitro experimentation as its long-term progression is difficult to replicate. Here, we accelerated aging of a full-thickness skin equivalent by applying periodic mechanical stimulation, replicating the circadian rhythm for 28 days. This aging skin model was developed by culturing a full-thickness, three-dimensional skin equivalent with human fibroblasts and keratinocytes to produce flexible skin-on-a-chip. Accelerated aging associated with periodic compressive stress was evidenced by reductions in the epidermal layer thickness, contraction rate, and secretion of Myb. Increases in β-galactosidase gene expression and secretion of reactive oxygen species and transforming growth factor-β1 were also observed. This in vitro aging skin model is expected to greatly accelerate drug development for skin diseases and cosmetics that cannot be tested on animals.
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17
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Joseph X, Akhil V, Arathi A, Mohanan PV. Comprehensive Development in Organ-On-A-Chip Technology. J Pharm Sci 2021; 111:18-31. [PMID: 34324944 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The expeditious advancement in the organ on chip technology provided a phase change to the conventional in vitro tests used to evaluate absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) studies and toxicity assessments. The demand for an accurate predictive model for assessing toxicity and reducing the potential risk factors became the prime area of any drug delivery process. Researchers around the globe are welcoming the incorporation of organ-on-a-chips for ADME and toxicity evaluation. Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) is an interdisciplinary technology that evolved as a contemporary in vitro model for the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) studies of a proposed drug candidate in the pre-clinical phases of drug development. The OOC provides a platform that mimics the physiological functions occurring in the human body. The precise flow control systems and the rapid sample processing makes OOC more advanced than the conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture systems. The integration of various organs as in the multi organs-on-a-chip provides more significant ideas about the time and dose dependant effects occurring in the body when a new drug molecule is administered as part of the pre-clinical times. This review outlines the comprehensive development in the organ-on-a-chip technology, various OOC models and its drug development applications, toxicity evaluation and efficacy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Joseph
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Govt. of India), Poojapura, Trivandrum 695012, Kerala, India
| | - V Akhil
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Govt. of India), Poojapura, Trivandrum 695012, Kerala, India
| | - A Arathi
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Govt. of India), Poojapura, Trivandrum 695012, Kerala, India
| | - P V Mohanan
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Govt. of India), Poojapura, Trivandrum 695012, Kerala, India.
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18
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Risueño I, Valencia L, Jorcano JL, Velasco D. Skin-on-a-chip models: General overview and future perspectives. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:030901. [PMID: 34258497 PMCID: PMC8270645 DOI: 10.1063/5.0046376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last few years, several advances have been made toward the development and production of in vitro human skin models for the analysis and testing of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. However, these skin models are cultured under static conditions that make them unable to accurately represent normal human physiology. Recent interest has focused on the generation of in vitro 3D vascularized skin models with dynamic perfusion and microfluidic devices known as skin-on-a-chip. These platforms have been widely described in the literature as good candidates for tissue modeling, as they enable a more physiological transport of nutrients and permit a high-throughput and less expensive evaluation of drug candidates in terms of toxicity, efficacy, and delivery. In this Perspective, recent advances in these novel platforms for the generation of human skin models under dynamic conditions for in vitro testing are reported. Advances in vascularized human skin equivalents (HSEs), transferred skin-on-a-chip (introduction of a skin biopsy or a HSE in the chip), and in situ skin-on-a-chip (generation of the skin model directly in the chip) are critically reviewed, and currently used methods for the introduction of skin cells in the microfluidic chips are discussed. An outlook on current applications and future directions in this field of research are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Risueño
- Department of Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), 28911 Leganés (Madrid), Spain
| | - L Valencia
- Department of Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), 28911 Leganés (Madrid), Spain
| | - J L Jorcano
- Department of Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), 28911 Leganés (Madrid), Spain
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Park JY, You SJ, Park K, Song YJ, Park JS, Yang DH, Kim JK, Chun HJ, Khang G. Cyclic RGDfK- and Sulfo-Cy5.5-functionalized mPEG-PCL theranostic nanosystems for hepatocellular carcinoma. J IND ENG CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2021.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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20
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Kim J, Tamura A, Tsukita S, Park S. Uniaxial stretching device for studying maturity-dependent morphological response of epithelial cell monolayers to tensile strain. J IND ENG CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2021.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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21
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Ponmozhi J, Dhinakaran S, Varga-Medveczky Z, Fónagy K, Bors LA, Iván K, Erdő F. Development of Skin-On-A-Chip Platforms for Different Utilizations: Factors to Be Considered. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12030294. [PMID: 33802208 PMCID: PMC8001759 DOI: 10.3390/mi12030294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in miniaturized technologies in diagnostics, therapeutic testing, and biomedicinal fundamental research. The same is true for the dermal studies in topical drug development, dermatological disease pathology testing, and cosmetic science. This review aims to collect the recent scientific literature and knowledge about the application of skin-on-a-chip technology in drug diffusion studies, in pharmacological and toxicological experiments, in wound healing, and in fields of cosmetic science (ageing or repair). The basic mathematical models are also presented in the article to predict physical phenomena, such as fluid movement, drug diffusion, and heat transfer taking place across the dermal layers in the chip using Computational Fluid Dynamics techniques. Soon, it can be envisioned that animal studies might be at least in part replaced with skin-on-a-chip technology leading to more reliable results close to study on humans. The new technology is a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods used in research institutes, university labs, and industry. With this article, the authors would like to call attention to a new investigational family of platforms to refresh the researchers’ theranostics and preclinical, experimental toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Ponmozhi
- Microfluidics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IPS Academy-Institute of Engineering Science, Indore 452012, India;
| | - S. Dhinakaran
- The Centre for Fluid Dynamics, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore 453552, India;
| | - Zsófia Varga-Medveczky
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter u. 50a., 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.V.-M.); (K.F.); (L.A.B.); (K.I.)
| | - Katalin Fónagy
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter u. 50a., 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.V.-M.); (K.F.); (L.A.B.); (K.I.)
| | - Luca Anna Bors
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter u. 50a., 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.V.-M.); (K.F.); (L.A.B.); (K.I.)
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kristóf Iván
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter u. 50a., 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.V.-M.); (K.F.); (L.A.B.); (K.I.)
| | - Franciska Erdő
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter u. 50a., 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.V.-M.); (K.F.); (L.A.B.); (K.I.)
- Correspondence:
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22
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Kim K, Kim J, Kim H, Sung GY. Effect of α-Lipoic Acid on the Development of Human Skin Equivalents Using a Pumpless Skin-on-a-Chip Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2160. [PMID: 33671528 PMCID: PMC7927099 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the prohibition of cosmetic animal testing, various attempts have recently been made using skin-on-a-chip (SOC) technology as a replacement for animal testing. Previously, we reported the development of a pumpless SOC capable of drug testing with a simple drive using the principle that the medium flows along the channel by gravity when the chip is tilted using a microfluidic channel. In this study, using pumpless SOC, instead of drug testing at the single-cell level, we evaluated the efficacy of α-lipoic acid (ALA), which is known as an anti-aging substance in skin equivalents, for skin tissue and epidermal structure formation. The expression of proteins and changes in genotyping were compared and evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining for histological analysis showed a difference in the activity of fibroblasts in the dermis layer with respect to the presence or absence of ALA. We observed that the epidermis layer became increasingly prominent as the culture period was extended by treatment with 10 μM ALA. The expression of epidermal structural proteins of filaggrin, involucrin, keratin 10, and collagen IV increased because of the effect of ALA. Changes in the epidermis layer were noticeable after the ALA treatment. As a result of aging, damage to the skin-barrier function and structural integrity is reduced, indicating that ALA has an anti-aging effect. We performed a gene analysis of filaggrin, involucrin, keratin 10, integrin, and collagen I genes in ALA-treated human skin equivalents, which indicated an increase in filaggrin gene expression after ALA treatment. These results indicate that pumpless SOC can be used as an in vitro skin model similar to human skin, protein and gene expression can be analyzed, and it can be used for functional drug tests of cosmetic materials in the future. This technology is expected to contribute to the development of skin disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyunghee Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (K.K.); (J.K.); (H.K.)
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Jisue Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (K.K.); (J.K.); (H.K.)
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Hyoungseob Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (K.K.); (J.K.); (H.K.)
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Gun Yong Sung
- Interdisciplinary Program of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (K.K.); (J.K.); (H.K.)
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Major in Materials Science and Engineering, School of Future Convergence, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
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23
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Ejiugwo M, Rochev Y, Gethin G, O'Connor G. Toward Developing Immunocompetent Diabetic Foot Ulcer-on-a-Chip Models for Drug Testing. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2021; 27:77-88. [PMID: 33406980 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2020.0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioengineering of skin has been significantly explored, ranging from the use of traditional cell culture systems to the most recent organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology that permits skin modeling on physiological scales among other benefits. This article presents key considerations for developing physiologically relevant immunocompetent diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) models. Diabetic foot ulceration affects hundreds of millions of individuals globally, especially the elderly, and constitutes a major socioeconomic burden. When DFUs are not treated and managed in a timely manner, 15-50% of patients tend to undergo partial or complete amputation of the affected limb. Consequently, at least 40% of such patients die within 5 years postamputation. Currently, therapeutic strategies are actively sought and developed. However, present-day preclinical platforms (animals and in vitro models) are not robust enough to provide reliable data for clinical trials. Insights from published works on immunocompetent skin-on-a-chip models and bioengineering considerations, presented in this article, can inform researchers on how to develop robust OoC models for testing topical therapies such as growth factor-based therapies for DFUs. We propose that immunocompetent DFU-on-a-chip models should be bioengineered using diseased cells derived from individuals; in particular, the pathophysiological contribution of macrophages in diabetic wound healing, along with the typical fibroblasts and keratinocytes, needs to be recapitulated. The ideal model should consist of the following components: diseased cells embedded in reproducible scaffolds, which permit endogenous "diseased" extracellular matrix deposition, and the integration of the derived immunocompetent DFU model onto a microfluidic platform. The proposed DFU platforms will eventually facilitate reliable and robust drug testing of wound healing therapeutics, coupled with reduced clinical trial failure rates. Impact statement Current animal and cell-based systems are not physiologically relevant enough to retrieve reliable results for clinical translation of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) therapies. Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology offers desirable features that could finally enable the vision of modeling DFU for pathophysiological studies and drug testing at a microscale. This article brings together the significant recent findings relevant to developing a minimally functional immunocompetent DFU-on-a-chip model, as wound healing cannot occur without a proper functioning immune response. It looks feasible in the future to recapitulate the stagnant inflammation in DFU (thought to impede wound healing) using OoC, diseased cells, and an endogenously produced extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Ejiugwo
- SFI CÚRAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway City, Ireland.,School of Physics, and National University of Ireland Galway, Galway City, Ireland
| | - Yury Rochev
- SFI CÚRAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway City, Ireland.,School of Physics, and National University of Ireland Galway, Galway City, Ireland
| | - Georgina Gethin
- SFI CÚRAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway City, Ireland.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway City, Ireland
| | - Gerard O'Connor
- SFI CÚRAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway City, Ireland.,School of Physics, and National University of Ireland Galway, Galway City, Ireland
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24
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Kim J, Kim K, Sung GY. Coenzyme Q10 Efficacy Test for Human Skin Equivalents Using a Pumpless Skin-On-A-Chip System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228475. [PMID: 33187177 PMCID: PMC7697574 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A human skin equivalent (HSE) composed of the epidermis and dermis is cultured using a pumpless skin-on-a-chip system to supply cultures the desired flow rate using gravity flow without a pump or an external tube connection. Coenzyme Q10 efficacy is tested by adjusting its concentration, as it is known to have anti-aging and antioxidant effects in culture solutions. The relationship between the contraction rate of a full-thickness human skin equivalent and secreted transforming growth factor (TGF) β-1 is analyzed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Following hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, an image of the skin equivalent is analyzed to measure the epidermal layer’s thickness. The cell density and differentiation of the dermis layer are investigated. Gene and protein expression in the dermal and epidermal layers are quantitatively analyzed using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemical staining. As the coenzyme Q10 treatment concentration increased, the number of cells per unit area and the thickness of the epidermal layer increased, the expression level of filaggrin increased, and the contraction rate of full-thickness HSE was proportional to the amount of TGF β-1 secreted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisue Kim
- Cooperative Course of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (J.K.); (K.K.)
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Kyunghee Kim
- Cooperative Course of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (J.K.); (K.K.)
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Gun Yong Sung
- Cooperative Course of Nano-Medical Device Engineering, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (J.K.); (K.K.)
- Integrative Materials Research Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Major in Materials Science and Engineering, School of Future Convergence, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Sutterby E, Thurgood P, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K, Pirogova E. Microfluidic Skin-on-a-Chip Models: Toward Biomimetic Artificial Skin. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2002515. [PMID: 33460277 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202002515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The role of skin in the human body is indispensable, serving as a barrier, moderating homeostatic balance, and representing a pronounced endpoint for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Despite the extensive achievements of in vitro skin models, they do not recapitulate the complexity of human skin; thus, there remains a dependence on animal models during preclinical drug trials, resulting in expensive drug development with high failure rates. By imparting a fine control over the microenvironment and inducing relevant mechanical cues, skin-on-a-chip (SoC) models have circumvented the limitations of conventional cell studies. Enhanced barrier properties, vascularization, and improved phenotypic differentiation have been achieved by SoC models; however, the successful inclusion of appendages such as hair follicles and sweat glands and pigmentation relevance have yet to be realized. The present Review collates the progress of SoC platforms with a focus on their fabrication and the incorporation of mechanical cues, sensors, and blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Sutterby
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Medical Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | | | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
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Klak M, Bryniarski T, Kowalska P, Gomolka M, Tymicki G, Kosowska K, Cywoniuk P, Dobrzanski T, Turowski P, Wszola M. Novel Strategies in Artificial Organ Development: What Is the Future of Medicine? MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E646. [PMID: 32629779 PMCID: PMC7408042 DOI: 10.3390/mi11070646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The technology of tissue engineering is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field of science that elevates cell-based research from 2D cultures through organoids to whole bionic organs. 3D bioprinting and organ-on-a-chip approaches through generation of three-dimensional cultures at different scales, applied separately or combined, are widely used in basic studies, drug screening and regenerative medicine. They enable analyses of tissue-like conditions that yield much more reliable results than monolayer cell cultures. Annually, millions of animals worldwide are used for preclinical research. Therefore, the rapid assessment of drug efficacy and toxicity in the early stages of preclinical testing can significantly reduce the number of animals, bringing great ethical and financial benefits. In this review, we describe 3D bioprinting techniques and first examples of printed bionic organs. We also present the possibilities of microfluidic systems, based on the latest reports. We demonstrate the pros and cons of both technologies and indicate their use in the future of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michal Wszola
- Foundation of Research and Science Development, 01-793 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (T.B.); (P.K.); (M.G.); (G.T.); (K.K.); (P.C.); (T.D.); (P.T.)
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