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Habibey R, Rojo Arias JE, Striebel J, Busskamp V. Microfluidics for Neuronal Cell and Circuit Engineering. Chem Rev 2022; 122:14842-14880. [PMID: 36070858 PMCID: PMC9523714 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The widespread adoption of microfluidic devices among the neuroscience and neurobiology communities has enabled addressing a broad range of questions at the molecular, cellular, circuit, and system levels. Here, we review biomedical engineering approaches that harness the power of microfluidics for bottom-up generation of neuronal cell types and for the assembly and analysis of neural circuits. Microfluidics-based approaches are instrumental to generate the knowledge necessary for the derivation of diverse neuronal cell types from human pluripotent stem cells, as they enable the isolation and subsequent examination of individual neurons of interest. Moreover, microfluidic devices allow to engineer neural circuits with specific orientations and directionality by providing control over neuronal cell polarity and permitting the isolation of axons in individual microchannels. Similarly, the use of microfluidic chips enables the construction not only of 2D but also of 3D brain, retinal, and peripheral nervous system model circuits. Such brain-on-a-chip and organoid-on-a-chip technologies are promising platforms for studying these organs as they closely recapitulate some aspects of in vivo biological processes. Microfluidic 3D neuronal models, together with 2D in vitro systems, are widely used in many applications ranging from drug development and toxicology studies to neurological disease modeling and personalized medicine. Altogether, microfluidics provide researchers with powerful systems that complement and partially replace animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouhollah Habibey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jesús Eduardo Rojo Arias
- Wellcome─MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Striebel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Volker Busskamp
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
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2
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Song Y, Feng A, Liu Z, Li D. Zeta potentials of PDMS surfaces modified with poly(ethylene glycol) by physisorption. Electrophoresis 2019; 41:761-768. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201900246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yongxin Song
- Department of Marine EngineeringDalian Maritime University Dalian P. R. China
| | - Angran Feng
- China Classification Society Guangzhou Branch Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Zhijian Liu
- Department of Marine EngineeringDalian Maritime University Dalian P. R. China
| | - Dongqing Li
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics EngineeringUniversity of Waterloo Waterloo Canada
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Tay A, Schweizer FE, Di Carlo D. Micro- and nano-technologies to probe the mechano-biology of the brain. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:1962-1977. [PMID: 27161943 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00349d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Biomechanical forces have been demonstrated to influence a plethora of neuronal functions across scales including gene expression, mechano-sensitive ion channels, neurite outgrowth and folding of the cortices in the brain. However, the detailed roles biomechanical forces may play in brain development and disorders has seen limited study, partly due to a lack of effective methods to probe the mechano-biology of the brain. Current techniques to apply biomechanical forces on neurons often suffer from low throughput and poor spatiotemporal resolution. On the other hand, newly developed micro- and nano-technologies can overcome these aforementioned limitations and offer advantages such as lower cost and possibility of non-invasive control of neuronal circuits. This review compares the range of conventional, micro- and nano-technological techniques that have been developed and how they have been or can be used to understand the effect of biomechanical forces on neuronal development and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Tay
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA and Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, 117583 Singapore
| | - Felix E Schweizer
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Dino Di Carlo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA and California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Nahavandi S, Tang SY, Baratchi S, Soffe R, Nahavandi S, Kalantar-zadeh K, Mitchell A, Khoshmanesh K. Microfluidic platforms for the investigation of intercellular signalling mechanisms. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2014; 10:4810-26. [PMID: 25238429 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201401444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular signalling has been identified as a highly complex process, responsible for orchestrating many physiological functions. While conventional methods of investigation have been useful, their limitations are impeding further development. Microfluidics offers an opportunity to overcome some of these limitations. Most notably, microfluidic systems can emulate the in-vivo environments. Further, they enable exceptionally precise control of the microenvironment, allowing complex mechanisms to be selectively isolated and studied in detail. There has thus been a growing adoption of microfluidic platforms for investigation of cell signalling mechanisms. This review provides an overview of the different signalling mechanisms and discusses the methods used to study them, with a focus on the microfluidic devices developed for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Nahavandi
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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Larsson KC, Kjäll P, Richter-Dahlfors A. Organic bioelectronics for electronic-to-chemical translation in modulation of neuronal signaling and machine-to-brain interfacing. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2012; 1830:4334-44. [PMID: 23220700 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2012.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A major challenge when creating interfaces for the nervous system is to translate between the signal carriers of the nervous system (ions and neurotransmitters) and those of conventional electronics (electrons). SCOPE OF REVIEW Organic conjugated polymers represent a unique class of materials that utilizes both electrons and ions as charge carriers. Based on these materials, we have established a series of novel communication interfaces between electronic components and biological systems. The organic electronic ion pump (OEIP) presented in this review is made of the polymer-polyelectrolyte system poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The OEIP translates electronic signals into electrophoretic migration of ions and neurotransmitters. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate how spatio-temporally controlled delivery of ions and neurotransmitters can be used to modulate intracellular Ca(2+) signaling in neuronal cells in the absence of convective disturbances. The electronic control of delivery enables strict control of dynamic parameters, such as amplitude and frequency of Ca(2+) responses, and can be used to generate temporal patterns mimicking naturally occurring Ca(2+) oscillations. To enable further control of the ionic signals we developed the electrophoretic chemical transistor, an analog of the traditional transistor used to amplify and/or switch electronic signals. Finally, we demonstrate the use of the OEIP in a new "machine-to-brain" interface by modulating brainstem responses in vivo. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE This review highlights the potential of communication interfaces based on conjugated polymers in generating complex, high-resolution, signal patterns to control cell physiology. We foresee widespread applications for these devices in biomedical research and in future medical devices within multiple therapeutic areas. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Organic Bioelectronics-Novel Applications in Biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin C Larsson
- Swedish Medical Nanoscience Center, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Millet LJ, Gillette MU. New perspectives on neuronal development via microfluidic environments. Trends Neurosci 2012; 35:752-61. [PMID: 23031246 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Revised: 08/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the signals that guide neuronal development and direct formation of axons, dendrites, and synapses during wiring of the brain is a fundamental challenge in developmental neuroscience. Discovery of how local signals shape developing neurons has been impeded by the inability of conventional culture methods to interrogate microenvironments of complex neuronal cytoarchitectures, where different subdomains encounter distinct chemical, physical, and fluidic features. Microfabrication techniques are facilitating the creation of microenvironments tailored to neuronal structures and subdomains with unprecedented access and control. The design, fabrication, and properties of microfluidic devices offer significant advantages for addressing unresolved issues of neuronal development. These high-resolution approaches are poised to contribute new insights into mechanisms for restoring neuronal function and connectivity compromised by injury, stress, and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry J Millet
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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Auzmendi J, Fernández Do Porto D, Pallavicini C, Moffatt L. Achieving maximal speed of solution exchange for patch clamp experiments. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42275. [PMID: 22879927 PMCID: PMC3411769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Resolving the kinetics of agonist binding events separately from the subsequent channel gating processes requires the ability of applying and removing the agonist before channel gating occurs. No reported system has yet achieved pulses shorter than 100 µs, necessary to study nicotinic ACh receptor or AMPA receptor activation. Methodology/Principal Findings Solution exchange systems deliver short agonist pulses by moving a sharp interface between a control and an experimental solution across a channel preparation. We achieved shorter pulses by means of an exchange system that combines a faster flow velocity, narrower partition between the two streams, and increased velocity and bandwidth of the movement of the interface. The measured response of the entire system was fed back to optimize the voltage signal applied to the piezoelectric actuator overcoming the spurious oscillations arising from the mechanical resonances when a high bandwidth driving function was applied. Optimization was accomplished by analyzing the transfer function of the solution exchange system. When driven by optimized command pulses the enhanced system provided pulses lasting 26 ± 1 µs and exchanging 93 ± 1% of the solution, as measured in the open tip of a patch pipette. Conclusions/Significance Pulses of this duration open the experimental study of the molecular events that occur between the agonist binding and the opening of the channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerónimo Auzmendi
- Instituto de Química Física de los Materiales Medio Ambiente y Energía, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Darío Fernández Do Porto
- Instituto de Química Física de los Materiales Medio Ambiente y Energía, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla Pallavicini
- Instituto de Química Física de los Materiales Medio Ambiente y Energía, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciano Moffatt
- Instituto de Química Física de los Materiales Medio Ambiente y Energía, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Dhumpa R, Roper MG. Temporal gradients in microfluidic systems to probe cellular dynamics: a review. Anal Chim Acta 2012; 743:9-18. [PMID: 22882819 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2012.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Revised: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices have found a unique place in cellular studies due to the ease of fabrication, their ability to provide long-term culture, or the seamless integration of downstream measurements into the devices. The accurate and precise control of fluid flows also allows unique stimulant profiles to be applied to cells that have been difficult to perform with conventional devices. In this review, we describe and provide examples of microfluidic systems that have been used to generate temporal gradients of stimulants, such as waveforms or pulses, and how these profiles have been used to produce biological insights into mammalian cells that are not typically revealed under static concentration gradients. We also discuss the inherent analytical challenges associated with producing and maintaining temporal gradients in these devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghuram Dhumpa
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States
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9
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Abstract
Control is intrinsic to biological organisms, whose cells are in a constant state of sensing and response to numerous external and self-generated stimuli. Diverse means are used to study the complexity through control-based approaches in these cellular systems, including through chemical and genetic manipulations, input-output methodologies, feedback approaches, and feed-forward approaches. We first discuss what happens in control-based approaches when we are not actively examining or manipulating cells. We then present potential methods to determine what the cell is doing during these times and to reverse-engineer the cellular system. Finally, we discuss how we can control the cell's extracellular and intracellular environments, both to probe the response of the cells using defined experimental engineering-based technologies and to anticipate what might be achieved by applying control-based approaches to affect cellular processes. Much work remains to apply simplified control models and develop new technologies to aid researchers in studying and utilizing cellular and molecular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip R LeDuc
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Taylor AM, Jeon NL. Micro-scale and microfluidic devices for neurobiology. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2010; 20:640-7. [PMID: 20739175 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2010.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Revised: 07/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The precise spatial and temporal control afforded by microfluidic devices make them uniquely suited as experimental tools for cellular neuroscience. Micro-structures have been developed to direct the placement of cells and small organisms within a device. Microfluidics can precisely define pharmacological microenvironments, mimicking conditions found in vivo with the advantage of defined parameters which are usually difficult to control and manipulate in vivo. These devices are compatible with high-resolution microscopy, are simple to assemble, and are reproducible. In this review we will focus on microfluidic devices that have recently been developed for small, whole organisms such as C. elegans and dissociated cultured neurons. These devices have improved control over the placement of cells or organisms and allowed unprecedented experimental access, enabling novel investigations in neurobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Taylor
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Zhang Z, Feng X, Luo Q, Liu BF. Environmentally friendly surface modification of PDMS using PEG polymer brush. Electrophoresis 2009; 30:3174-80. [PMID: 19722209 DOI: 10.1002/elps.200900132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A PEG-NH2-based environmentally friendly surface modification strategy was developed for PDMS microchips to prevent protein adsorption and to enhance separation performance. PEG-NH2 was synthesized using a modified synthesis procedure. A two-step grafting method was used for PDMS modification. FTIR absorption by attenuated total reflection and contact angle measurements verified the successful grafting of PEG-NH2 onto the PDMS surface. Subsequent EOF Measurements and protein adsorption studies of PEG-modified PDMS microchips revealed noticeable EOF suppression and resistance to nonspecific protein adsorption for more than 30 days. Separation of four FITC-labeled amino acids was further demonstrated with high repeatability and reproducibility. Comparison of electrophoresis of 3-(2-furoyl)quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde-labeled BSA using PDMS microchips before and after surface modification resulted in significantly improved electrophoretic performance of the PEG-modified PDMS microchips, suggesting that our PEG grafting method successfully modified PDMS surface property and prevented adsorption of proteins. We expect that this environmentally friendly surface modification method will be useful for future protein separations with long-term surface stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Photonics of MOE-Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory-Division of Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
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