1
|
Zhang Y, Feng X, Zheng B, Liu Y. Regulation and mechanistic insights into tensile strain in mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation. Bone 2024; 187:117197. [PMID: 38986825 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2024.117197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are integral to bone remodeling and homeostasis, as they are capable of differentiating into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. This differentiation is substantially influenced by mechanosensitivity, particularly to tensile strain, which is a prevalent mechanical stimulus known to enhance osteogenic differentiation. This review specifically examines the effects of various cyclic tensile stress (CTS) conditions on BMSC osteogenesis. It delves into the effects of different loading devices, magnitudes, frequencies, elongation levels, dimensionalities, and coculture conditions, providing a comparative analysis that aids identification of the most conducive parameters for the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Subsequently, this review delineates the signaling pathways activated by CTS, such as Wnt/β-catenin, BMP, Notch, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and Hedgehog, which are instrumental in mediating the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Through a detailed examination of these pathways, this study elucidates the intricate mechanisms whereby tensile strain promotes osteogenic differentiation, offering valuable guidance for optimizing therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing bone regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongxin Zhang
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, China Medical University, Shenyang 110002, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center of Orthodontic Disease, China
| | - Xu Feng
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, China Medical University, Shenyang 110002, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center of Orthodontic Disease, China
| | - Bowen Zheng
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, China Medical University, Shenyang 110002, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center of Orthodontic Disease, China.
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, China Medical University, Shenyang 110002, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center of Orthodontic Disease, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu F, Jin H, Liu L, Yang Y, Cen J, Wu Y, Chen S, Sun D. Architecture design and advanced manufacturing of heart-on-a-chip: scaffolds, stimulation and sensors. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2024; 10:96. [PMID: 39006908 PMCID: PMC11239895 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-024-00692-7] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Heart-on-a-chip (HoC) has emerged as a highly efficient, cost-effective device for the development of engineered cardiac tissue, facilitating high-throughput testing in drug development and clinical treatment. HoC is primarily used to create a biomimetic microphysiological environment conducive to fostering the maturation of cardiac tissue and to gather information regarding the real-time condition of cardiac tissue. The development of architectural design and advanced manufacturing for these "3S" components, scaffolds, stimulation, and sensors is essential for improving the maturity of cardiac tissue cultivated on-chip, as well as the precision and accuracy of tissue states. In this review, the typical structures and manufacturing technologies of the "3S" components are summarized. The design and manufacturing suggestions for each component are proposed. Furthermore, key challenges and future perspectives of HoC platforms with integrated "3S" components are discussed. Architecture design concepts of scaffolds, stimulation and sensors in chips.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xu
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Hang Jin
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Lingling Liu
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Jianzheng Cen
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Yaobin Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Songyue Chen
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Daoheng Sun
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102 China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Constantinou I, Bastounis EE. Cell-stretching devices: advances and challenges in biomedical research and live-cell imaging. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:939-950. [PMID: 36604290 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Basic human functions such as breathing and digestion require mechanical stretching of cells and tissues. However, when it comes to laboratory experiments, the mechanical stretching that cells experience in the body is not often replicated, limiting the biomimetic nature of the studies and the relevance of results. Herein, we establish the importance of mechanical stretching during in vitro investigations by reviewing seminal works performed using cell-stretching platforms, highlighting important outcomes of these works as well as the engineering characteristics of the platforms used. Emphasis is placed on the compatibility of cell-stretching devices (CSDs) with live-cell imaging as well as their limitations and on the research advancements that could arise from live-cell imaging performed during cell stretching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iordania Constantinou
- Institute of Microtechnology (IMT), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Alte Salzdahlumer Str. 203, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Franz-Liszt-Str. 35a, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Effie E Bastounis
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine (IMIT), Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" EXC 2124, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hoque MA, Mahmood N, Ali KM, Sefat E, Huang Y, Petersen E, Harrington S, Fang X, Gluck JM. Development of a Pneumatic-Driven Fiber-Shaped Robot Scaffold for Use as a Complex 3D Dynamic Culture System. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:biomimetics8020170. [PMID: 37092422 PMCID: PMC10123682 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020170] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells can sense and respond to different kinds of continuous mechanical strain in the human body. Mechanical stimulation needs to be included within the in vitro culture system to better mimic the existing complexity of in vivo biological systems. Existing commercial dynamic culture systems are generally two-dimensional (2D) which fail to mimic the three-dimensional (3D) native microenvironment. In this study, a pneumatically driven fiber robot has been developed as a platform for 3D dynamic cell culture. The fiber robot can generate tunable contractions upon stimulation. The surface of the fiber robot is formed by a braiding structure, which provides promising surface contact and adequate space for cell culture. An in-house dynamic stimulation using the fiber robot was set up to maintain NIH3T3 cells in a controlled environment. The biocompatibility of the developed dynamic culture systems was analyzed using LIVE/DEAD™ and alamarBlue™ assays. The results showed that the dynamic culture system was able to support cell proliferation with minimal cytotoxicity similar to static cultures. However, we observed a decrease in cell viability in the case of a high strain rate in dynamic cultures. Differences in cell arrangement and proliferation were observed between braided sleeves made of different materials (nylon and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). In summary, a simple and cost-effective 3D dynamic culture system has been proposed, which can be easily implemented to study complex biological phenomena in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muh Amdadul Hoque
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Nasif Mahmood
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Kiran M Ali
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Eelya Sefat
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Yihan Huang
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Emily Petersen
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Shane Harrington
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Xiaomeng Fang
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Jessica M Gluck
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bermudez A, Gonzalez Z, Zhao B, Salter E, Liu X, Ma L, Jawed MK, Hsieh CJ, Lin NYC. Supracellular measurement of spatially varying mechanical heterogeneities in live monolayers. Biophys J 2022; 121:3358-3369. [PMID: 36028999 PMCID: PMC9515370 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of tissues have profound impacts on a wide range of biological processes such as embryo development (1,2), wound healing (3-6), and disease progression (7). Specifically, the spatially varying moduli of cells largely influence the local tissue deformation and intercellular interaction. Despite the importance of characterizing such a heterogeneous mechanical property, it has remained difficult to measure the supracellular modulus field in live cell layers with a high-throughput and minimal perturbation. In this work, we developed a monolayer effective modulus measurement by integrating a custom cell stretcher, light microscopy, and AI-based inference. Our approach first quantifies the heterogeneous deformation of a slightly stretched cell layer and converts the measured strain fields into an effective modulus field using an AI inference. This method allowed us to directly visualize the effective modulus distribution of thousands of cells virtually instantly. We characterized the mean value, SD, and correlation length of the effective cell modulus for epithelial cells and fibroblasts, which are in agreement with previous results. We also observed a mild correlation between cell area and stiffness in jammed epithelia, suggesting the influence of cell modulus on packing. Overall, our reported experimental platform provides a valuable alternative cell mechanics measurement tool that can be integrated with microscopy-based characterizations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Bermudez
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Zachary Gonzalez
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bao Zhao
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Ethan Salter
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Xuanqing Liu
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Leixin Ma
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Mohammad Khalid Jawed
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Cho-Jui Hsieh
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Neil Y C Lin
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California; Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Peussa H, Kreutzer J, Mäntylä E, Mäki AJ, Nymark S, Kallio P, Ihalainen TO. Pneumatic equiaxial compression device for mechanical manipulation of epithelial cell packing and physiology. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268570. [PMID: 35657824 PMCID: PMC9165817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that mechanical cues, e.g., tensile- compressive- or shear forces, are important co-regulators of cell and tissue physiology. To understand the mechanistic effects these cues have on cells, technologies allowing precise mechanical manipulation of the studied cells are required. As the significance of cell density i.e., packing on cellular behavior is beginning to unravel, we sought to design an equiaxial cell compression device based on our previously published cell stretching system. We focused on improving the suitability for microscopy and the user-friendliness of the system. By introducing a hinge structure to the substrate stretch generating vacuum chamber, we managed to decrease the z-displacement of the cell culture substrate, thus reducing the focal plane drift. The vacuum battery, the mini-incubator, as well as the custom-made vacuum pressure controller make the experimental setup more flexible and portable. Furthermore, we improved the efficiency and repeatability of manufacture of the device by designing a mold that can be used to cast the body of the device. We also compared several different silicone membranes, and chose SILPURAN® due to its best microscopy imaging properties. Here, we show that the device can produce a maximum 8.5% radial pre-strain which leads to a 15% equiaxial areal compression as the pre-strain is released. When tested with epithelial cells, upon compression, we saw a decrease in cell cross-sectional area and an increase in cell layer height. Additionally, before compression the cells had two distinct cell populations with different cross-sectional areas that merged into a more uniform population due to compression. In addition to these morphological changes, we detected an alteration in the nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution of YAP1, suggesting that the cellular packing is enough to induce mechanical signaling in the epithelium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Peussa
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Joose Kreutzer
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Elina Mäntylä
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Antti-Juhana Mäki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Soile Nymark
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Pasi Kallio
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Teemu O. Ihalainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hart KC, Sim JY, Hopcroft MA, Cohen DJ, Tan J, Nelson WJ, Pruitt BL. An Easy-to-Fabricate Cell Stretcher Reveals Density-Dependent Mechanical Regulation of Collective Cell Movements in Epithelia. Cell Mol Bioeng 2021; 14:569-581. [PMID: 34900011 PMCID: PMC8630312 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-021-00689-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mechanical forces regulate many facets of cell and tissue biology. Studying the effects of forces on cells requires real-time observations of single- and multi-cell dynamics in tissue models during controlled external mechanical input. Many of the existing devices used to conduct these studies are costly and complicated to fabricate, which reduces the availability of these devices to many laboratories.
Methods We show how to fabricate a simple, low-cost, uniaxial stretching device, with readily available materials and instruments that is compatible with high-resolution time-lapse microscopy of adherent cell monolayers. In addition, we show how to construct a pressure controller that induces a repeatable degree of stretch in monolayers, as well as a custom MATLAB code to quantify individual cell strains. Results As an application note using this device, we show that uniaxial stretch slows down cellular movements in a mammalian epithelial monolayer in a cell density-dependent manner. We demonstrate that the effect on cell movement involves the relocalization of myosin downstream of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK). Conclusions This mechanical device provides a platform for broader involvement of engineers and biologists in this important area of cell and tissue biology. We used this device to demonstrate the mechanical regulation of collective cell movements in epithelia. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-021-00689-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C. Hart
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Present Address: IGM Biosciences, Mountain View, CA 94043 USA
| | - Joo Yong Sim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Present Address: Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, 04310 Republic of Korea
| | - Matthew A. Hopcroft
- Red Dog Research, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2002 Bioengineering Building, 494 UCEN Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA
| | - Daniel J. Cohen
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Present Address: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544 USA
| | - Jiongyi Tan
- Department of Biophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Present Address: Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - W. James Nelson
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Beth L. Pruitt
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Department of Biophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2002 Bioengineering Building, 494 UCEN Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Carlos-Oliveira M, Lozano-Juan F, Occhetta P, Visone R, Rasponi M. Current strategies of mechanical stimulation for maturation of cardiac microtissues. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:717-727. [PMID: 34765047 PMCID: PMC8555032 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00841-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The most advanced in vitro cardiac models are today based on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs); however, the maturation of cardiomyocytes (CMs) has not yet been fully achieved. Therefore, there is a rising need to move towards models capable of promoting an adult-like cardiomyocytes phenotype. Many strategies have been applied such as co-culture of cardiomyocytes, with fibroblasts and endothelial cells, or conditioning them through biochemical factors and physical stimulations. Here, we focus on mechanical stimulation as it aims to mimic the different mechanical forces that heart receives during its development and the post-natal period. We describe the current strategies and the mechanical properties necessary to promote a positive response in cardiac tissues from different cell sources, distinguishing between passive stimulation, which includes stiffness, topography and static stress and active stimulation, encompassing cyclic strain, compression or perfusion. We also highlight how mechanical stimulation is applied in disease modelling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carlos-Oliveira
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 34/5, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Ferran Lozano-Juan
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 34/5, 20133 Milano, Italy.,BiomimX S.r.l., Via G. Durando 38/A, 20158 Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Occhetta
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 34/5, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta Visone
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 34/5, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 34/5, 20133 Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mäntylä E, Ihalainen TO. Brick Strex: a robust device built of LEGO bricks for mechanical manipulation of cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18520. [PMID: 34531455 PMCID: PMC8445989 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97900-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular forces, mechanics and other physical factors are important co-regulators of normal cell and tissue physiology. These cues are often misregulated in diseases such as cancer, where altered tissue mechanics contribute to the disease progression. Furthermore, intercellular tensile and compressive force-related signaling is highlighted in collective cell behavior during development. However, the mechanistic understanding on the role of physical forces in regulation of cellular physiology, including gene expression and signaling, is still lacking. This is partly because studies on the molecular mechanisms of force transmission require easily controllable experimental designs. These approaches should enable both easy mechanical manipulation of cells and, importantly, readouts ranging from microscopy imaging to biochemical assays. To achieve a robust solution for mechanical manipulation of cells, we developed devices built of LEGO bricks allowing manual, motorized and/or cyclic cell stretching and compression studies. By using these devices, we show that [Formula: see text]-catenin responds differentially to epithelial monolayer stretching and lateral compression, either localizing more to the cell nuclei or cell-cell junctions, respectively. In addition, we show that epithelial compression drives cytoplasmic retention and phosphorylation of transcription coregulator YAP1. We provide a complete part listing and video assembly instructions, allowing other researchers to build and use the devices in cellular mechanics-related studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elina Mäntylä
- grid.502801.e0000 0001 2314 6254BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Teemu O. Ihalainen
- grid.502801.e0000 0001 2314 6254BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jayne RK, Karakan MÇ, Zhang K, Pierce N, Michas C, Bishop DJ, Chen CS, Ekinci KL, White AE. Direct laser writing for cardiac tissue engineering: a microfluidic heart on a chip with integrated transducers. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:1724-1737. [PMID: 33949395 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01078b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a microfluidic platform for engineering cardiac microtissues in highly-controlled microenvironments. The platform is fabricated using direct laser writing (DLW) lithography and soft lithography, and contains four separate devices. Each individual device houses a cardiac microtissue and is equipped with an integrated strain actuator and a force sensor. Application of external pressure waves to the platform results in controllable time-dependent forces on the microtissues. Conversely, oscillatory forces generated by the microtissues are transduced into measurable electrical outputs. We demonstrate the capabilities of this platform by studying the response of cardiac microtissues derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) under prescribed mechanical loading and pacing. This platform will be used for fundamental studies and drug screening on cardiac microtissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael K Jayne
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA. and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - M Çağatay Karakan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA. and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kehan Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Noelle Pierce
- Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Christos Michas
- Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - David J Bishop
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA. and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA and Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA and Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Christopher S Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kamil L Ekinci
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA. and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA and Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Alice E White
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA. and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA and Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA and Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Inbody SC, Sinquefield BE, Lewis JP, Horton RE. Biomimetic microsystems for cardiovascular studies. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 320:C850-C872. [PMID: 33760660 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00026.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Traditional tissue culture platforms have been around for several decades and have enabled key findings in the cardiovascular field. However, these platforms failed to recreate the mechanical and dynamic features found within the body. Organs-on-chips (OOCs) are cellularized microfluidic-based devices that can mimic the basic structure, function, and responses of organs. These systems have been successfully utilized in disease, development, and drug studies. OOCs are designed to recapitulate the mechanical, electrical, chemical, and structural features of the in vivo microenvironment. Here, we review cardiovascular-themed OOC studies, design considerations, and techniques used to generate these cellularized devices. Furthermore, we will highlight the advantages of OOC models over traditional cell culture vessels, discuss implementation challenges, and provide perspectives on the state of the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shelby C Inbody
- Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Bridgett E Sinquefield
- Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Joshua P Lewis
- Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Renita E Horton
- Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
BEaTS-α an open access 3D printed device for in vitro electromechanical stimulation of human induced pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11274. [PMID: 32647145 PMCID: PMC7347879 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67169-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
3D printing was used to develop an open access device capable of simultaneous electrical and mechanical stimulation of human induced pluripotent stem cells in 6-well plates. The device was designed using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printed with autoclavable, FDA-approved materials. The compact design of the device and materials selection allows for its use inside cell incubators working at high humidity without the risk of overheating or corrosion. Mechanical stimulation of cells was carried out through the cyclic deflection of flexible, translucent silicone membranes by means of a vacuum-controlled, open-access device. A rhythmic stimulation cycle was programmed to create a more physiologically relevant in vitro model. This mechanical stimulation was coupled and synchronized with in situ electrical stimuli. We assessed the capabilities of our device to support cardiac myocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, confirming that cells cultured under electromechanical stimulation presented a defined/mature cardiomyocyte phenotype. This 3D printed device provides a unique high-throughput in vitro system that combines both mechanical and electrical stimulation, and as such, we foresee it finding applications in the study of any electrically responsive tissue such as muscles and nerves.
Collapse
|
14
|
Kataoka K, Kurimoto R, Tsutsumi H, Chiba T, Kato T, Shishido K, Kato M, Ito Y, Cho Y, Hoshi O, Mimata A, Sakamaki Y, Nakamichi R, Lotz MK, Naruse K, Asahara H. In vitro Neo-Genesis of Tendon/Ligament-Like Tissue by Combination of Mohawk and a Three-Dimensional Cyclic Mechanical Stretch Culture System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:307. [PMID: 32671057 PMCID: PMC7326056 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tendons and ligaments are pivotal connective tissues that tightly connect muscle and bone. In this study, we developed a novel approach to generate tendon/ligament-like tissues with a hierarchical structure, by introducing the tendon/ligament-specific transcription factor Mohawk (MKX) into the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) line C3H10T1/2 cells, and by applying an improved three-dimensional (3D) cyclic mechanical stretch culture system. In our developed protocol, a combination of stable Mkx expression and cyclic mechanical stretch synergistically affects the structural tendon/ligament-like tissue generation and tendon related gene expression. In a histological analysis of these tendon/ligament-like tissues, an organized extracellular matrix (ECM), containing collagen type III and elastin, was observed. Moreover, we confirmed that Mkx expression and cyclic mechanical stretch, induced the alignment of structural collagen fibril bundles that were deposited in a fibripositor-like manner during the generation of our tendon/ligament-like tissues. Our findings provide new insights for the tendon/ligament biomaterial fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Kataoka
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Kurimoto
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tsutsumi
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Chiba
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kato
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kana Shishido
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mariko Kato
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Ito
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Core, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Cho
- Anatomy and Physiological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Hoshi
- Anatomy and Physiological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Mimata
- Research Core, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuriko Sakamaki
- Research Core, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakamichi
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Martin K. Lotz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Keiji Naruse
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Asahara
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
- AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Black RA, Houston G. 40th Anniversary Issue: Reflections on papers from the archive on "Mechanobiology". Med Eng Phys 2020; 72:76-77. [PMID: 31554582 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Black
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
| | - Gregor Houston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dow LP, Khankhel AH, Abram J, Valentine MT. 3D-printable cell crowding device enables imaging of live cells in compression. Biotechniques 2020; 68:275-278. [PMID: 32096656 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2019-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We designed and fabricated, using low-cost 3D printing technologies, a device that enables direct control of cell density in epithelial monolayers. The device operates by varying the tension of a silicone substrate upon which the cells are adhered. Multiple devices can be manufactured easily and placed in any standard incubator. This allows long-term culturing of cells on pretensioned substrates until the user decreases the tension, thereby inducing compressive forces in plane and subsequent instantaneous cell crowding. Moreover, the low-profile device is completely portable and can be mounted directly onto an inverted optical microscope. This enables visualization of the morphology and dynamics of living cells in stretched or compressed conditions using a wide range of high-resolution microscopy techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam P Dow
- Biomolecular Science & Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Aimal H Khankhel
- Biomolecular Science & Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - John Abram
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Megan T Valentine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li Z, Gao C, Fan S, Zou J, Gu G, Dong M, Song J. Cell Nanomechanics Based on Dielectric Elastomer Actuator Device. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2019; 11:98. [PMID: 34138039 PMCID: PMC7770812 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-019-0331-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
As a frontier of biology, mechanobiology plays an important role in tissue and biomedical engineering. It is a common sense that mechanical cues under extracellular microenvironment affect a lot in regulating the behaviors of cells such as proliferation and gene expression, etc. In such an interdisciplinary field, engineering methods like the pneumatic and motor-driven devices have been employed for years. Nevertheless, such techniques usually rely on complex structures, which cost much but not so easy to control. Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are well known as a kind of soft actuation technology, and their research prospect in biomechanical field is gradually concerned due to their properties just like large deformation (> 100%) and fast response (< 1 ms). In addition, DEAs are usually optically transparent and can be fabricated into small volume, which make them easy to cooperate with regular microscope to realize real-time dynamic imaging of cells. This paper first reviews the basic components, principle, and evaluation of DEAs and then overview some corresponding applications of DEAs for cellular mechanobiology research. We also provide a comparison between DEA-based bioreactors and current custom-built devices and share some opinions about their potential applications in the future according to widely reported results via other methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Li
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Gao
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Sisi Fan
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang Zou
- Robotics Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoying Gu
- Robotics Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingdong Dong
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Jie Song
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Advanced Dental Technology and Materials, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Pneumatic unidirectional cell stretching device for mechanobiological studies of cardiomyocytes. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2019; 19:291-303. [PMID: 31444593 PMCID: PMC7005075 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-019-01211-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we present a transparent mechanical stimulation device capable of uniaxial stimulation, which is compatible with standard bioanalytical methods used in cellular mechanobiology. We validate the functionality of the uniaxial stimulation system using human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). The pneumatically controlled device is fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and provides uniaxial strain and superior optical performance compatible with standard inverted microscopy techniques used for bioanalytics (e.g., fluorescence microscopy and calcium imaging). Therefore, it allows for a continuous investigation of the cell state during stretching experiments. The paper introduces design and fabrication of the device, characterizes the mechanical performance of the device and demonstrates the compatibility with standard bioanalytical analysis tools. Imaging modalities, such as high-resolution live cell phase contrast imaging and video recordings, fluorescent imaging and calcium imaging are possible to perform in the device. Utilizing the different imaging modalities and proposed stretching device, we demonstrate the capability of the device for extensive further studies of hiPSC-CMs. We also demonstrate that sarcomere structures of hiPSC-CMs organize and orient perpendicular to uniaxial strain axis and thus express more maturated nature of cardiomyocytes.
Collapse
|
19
|
Friedrich O, Merten AL, Schneidereit D, Guo Y, Schürmann S, Martinac B. Stretch in Focus: 2D Inplane Cell Stretch Systems for Studies of Cardiac Mechano-Signaling. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:55. [PMID: 30972334 PMCID: PMC6445849 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanobiology is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary research field, involving biophysics, molecular and cell biology, biomedical engineering, and medicine. Rapid progress has been possible due to emerging devices and tools engineered for studies of the effect of mechanical forces, such as stretch or shear force, impacting on biological cells and tissues. In response to such mechanical stimuli, cells possess various mechanosensors among which mechanosensitive ion channels are molecular transducers designed to convert mechanical stimuli into electrical and/or biochemical intracellular signals on millisecond time scales. To study their role in cellular signaling pathways, devices have been engineered that enable application of different strain protocols to cells allowing for determination of the stress-strain relationship or other, preferably optical, readouts. Frequently, these devices are mounted on fluorescence microscopes, allowing simultaneous investigation of cellular mechanotransduction processes combined with live-cell imaging. Mechanical stress in organs/tissues can be complex and multiaxial, e.g., in hollow organs, like lung alveoli, bladder, or the heart. Therefore, biomedical engineers have, in recent years, developed devices based on elastomeric membranes for application of biaxial or multiaxial stretch to 2D substrate-adhered or even 3D-embedded cells. Here, we review application of stretch technologies to cellular mechanotransduction with a focus on cardiovascular systems. We also present new results obtained by our IsoStretcher device to examine mechanosensitivity of adult ventricular cardiomyocytes. We show that sudden isotropic stretch of cardiomyocytes can already trigger arrhythmic Ca2+ transients on the single cell level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Mechanosensory Biophysics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Muscle Research Center Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Merten
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Muscle Research Center Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dominik Schneidereit
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Muscle Research Center Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yang Guo
- Mechanosensory Biophysics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Sebastian Schürmann
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Boris Martinac
- Mechanosensory Biophysics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
We present a mechanically active cell culture substrate that produces complex strain patterns and generates extremely high strain rates. The transparent miniaturized cell stretcher is compatible with live cell microscopy and provides a very compact and portable alternative to other systems. A cell monolayer is cultured on a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) made of a 30 μm thick silicone membrane sandwiched between stretchable electrodes. A potential difference of several kV’s is applied across the electrodes to generate electrostatic forces and induce mechanical deformation of the silicone membrane. The DEA cell stretcher we present here applies up to 38% tensile and 12% compressive strain, while allowing real-time live cell imaging. It reaches the set strain in well under 1 ms and generates strain rates as high as 870 s−1, or 87%/ms. With the unique capability to stretch and compress cells, our ultra-fast device can reproduce the rich mechanical environment experienced by cells in normal physiological conditions, as well as in extreme conditions such as blunt force trauma. This new tool will help solving lingering questions in the field of mechanobiology, including the strain-rate dependence of axonal injury and the role of mechanics in actin stress fiber kinetics.
Collapse
|
21
|
Mäki AJ, Verho J, Kreutzer J, Ryynänen T, Rajan D, Pekkanen-Mattila M, Ahola A, Hyttinen J, Aalto-Setälä K, Lekkala J, Kallio P. A Portable Microscale Cell Culture System with Indirect Temperature Control. SLAS Technol 2018; 23:566-579. [PMID: 29723086 DOI: 10.1177/2472630318768710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A physiologically relevant environment is essential for successful long-term cell culturing in vitro. Precise control of temperature, one of the most crucial environmental parameters in cell cultures, increases the fidelity and repeatability of the experiments. Unfortunately, direct temperature measurement can interfere with the cultures or prevent imaging of the cells. Furthermore, the assessment of dynamic temperature variations in the cell culture area is challenging with the methods traditionally used for measuring temperature in cell culture systems. To overcome these challenges, we integrated a microscale cell culture environment together with live-cell imaging and a precise local temperature control that is based on an indirect measurement. The control method uses a remote temperature measurement and a mathematical model for estimating temperature at the desired area. The system maintained the temperature at 37±0.3 °C for more than 4 days. We also showed that the system precisely controls the culture temperature during temperature transients and compensates for the disturbance when changing the cell cultivation medium, and presented the portability of the heating system. Finally, we demonstrated a successful long-term culturing of human induced stem cell-derived beating cardiomyocytes, and analyzed their beating rates at different temperatures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antti-Juhana Mäki
- 1 BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jarmo Verho
- 1 BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Joose Kreutzer
- 1 BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tomi Ryynänen
- 1 BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Dhanesh Rajan
- 1 BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mari Pekkanen-Mattila
- 2 BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Antti Ahola
- 1 BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jari Hyttinen
- 1 BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Katriina Aalto-Setälä
- 2 BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,3 Heart Hospital, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jukka Lekkala
- 1 BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Pasi Kallio
- 1 BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Leivo J, Virjula S, Vanhatupa S, Kartasalo K, Kreutzer J, Miettinen S, Kallio P. A durable and biocompatible ascorbic acid-based covalent coating method of polydimethylsiloxane for dynamic cell culture. J R Soc Interface 2018; 14:rsif.2017.0318. [PMID: 28747398 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used in dynamic biological microfluidic applications. As a highly hydrophobic material, native PDMS does not support cell attachment and culture, especially in dynamic conditions. Previous covalent coating methods use glutaraldehyde (GA) which, however, is cytotoxic. This paper introduces a novel and simple method for binding collagen type I covalently on PDMS using ascorbic acid (AA) as a cross-linker instead of GA. We compare the novel method against physisorption and GA cross-linker-based methods. The coatings are characterized by immunostaining, contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy and infrared spectroscopy, and evaluated in static and stretched human adipose stem cell (hASC) cultures up to 13 days. We found that AA can replace GA as a cross-linker in the covalent coating method and that the coating is durable after sonication and after 6 days of stretching. Furthermore, we show that hASCs attach and proliferate better on AA cross-linked samples compared with physisorbed or GA-based methods. Thus, in this paper, we provide a new PDMS coating method for studying cells, such as hASCs, in static and dynamic conditions. The proposed method is an important step in the development of PDMS-based devices in cell and tissue engineering applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joni Leivo
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sanni Virjula
- Adult Stem Cell Group, BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Science Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sari Vanhatupa
- Adult Stem Cell Group, BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Science Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kimmo Kartasalo
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland.,Computational Biology Research Group, BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Joose Kreutzer
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Susanna Miettinen
- Adult Stem Cell Group, BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Science Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Pasi Kallio
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Adding dimension to cellular mechanotransduction: Advances in biomedical engineering of multiaxial cell-stretch systems and their application to cardiovascular biomechanics and mechano-signaling. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
24
|
Virjula S, Zhao F, Leivo J, Vanhatupa S, Kreutzer J, Vaughan TJ, Honkala AM, Viehrig M, Mullen CA, Kallio P, McNamara LM, Miettinen S. The effect of equiaxial stretching on the osteogenic differentiation and mechanical properties of human adipose stem cells. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2017; 72:38-48. [PMID: 28448920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Although mechanical cues are known to affect stem cell fate and mechanobiology, the significance of such stimuli on the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASCs) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of long-term mechanical stimulation on the attachment, osteogenic differentiation and mechanical properties of hASCs. Tailor-made, pneumatic cell stretching devices were used to expose hASCs to cyclic equiaxial stretching in osteogenic medium. Cell attachment and focal adhesions were visualised using immunocytochemical vinculin staining on days 3 and 6, and the proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity, as a sign of early osteogenic differentiation, were analysed on days 0, 6 and 10. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of hASCs, in terms of apparent Young's modulus and normalised contractility, were obtained using a combination of atomic force microscopy based indentation and computational approaches. Our results indicated that cyclic equiaxial stretching delayed proliferation and promoted osteogenic differentiation of hASCs. Stretching also reduced cell size and intensified focal adhesions and actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, cell stiffening was observed during osteogenic differentiation and especially under mechanical stimulation. These results suggest that cyclic equiaxial stretching modifies cell morphology, focal adhesion formation and mechanical properties of hASCs. This could be exploited to enhance osteogenic differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanni Virjula
- Adult Stem Cell Group, BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Lääkärinkatu 1, 33520 Tampere, Finland; Science Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Biokatu 6, 33520 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Feihu Zhao
- Biomechanics Research Centre (BMEC), Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Joni Leivo
- Department of Automation Science and Engineering, BioMediTech, Tampere University of Technology, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, 33720 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Sari Vanhatupa
- Adult Stem Cell Group, BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Lääkärinkatu 1, 33520 Tampere, Finland; Science Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Biokatu 6, 33520 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Joose Kreutzer
- Department of Automation Science and Engineering, BioMediTech, Tampere University of Technology, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, 33720 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Ted J Vaughan
- Biomechanics Research Centre (BMEC), Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Anna-Maija Honkala
- Adult Stem Cell Group, BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Lääkärinkatu 1, 33520 Tampere, Finland; Science Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Biokatu 6, 33520 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Marlitt Viehrig
- Department of Automation Science and Engineering, BioMediTech, Tampere University of Technology, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, 33720 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Conleth A Mullen
- Biomechanics Research Centre (BMEC), Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Pasi Kallio
- Department of Automation Science and Engineering, BioMediTech, Tampere University of Technology, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, 33720 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Laoise M McNamara
- Biomechanics Research Centre (BMEC), Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Susanna Miettinen
- Adult Stem Cell Group, BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Lääkärinkatu 1, 33520 Tampere, Finland; Science Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Biokatu 6, 33520 Tampere, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Cei D, Costa J, Gori G, Frediani G, Domenici C, Carpi F, Ahluwalia A. A bioreactor with an electro-responsive elastomeric membrane for mimicking intestinal peristalsis. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2016; 12:016001. [PMID: 27918289 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/12/1/016001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
This study describes an actuated bioreactor which mimics the pulsatile contractile motion of the intestinal barrier using electro-responsive elastomers as smart materials that undergo deformation upon electrical stimulation. The device consists of an annular dielectric elastomer actuator working as a radial artificial muscle able to rhythmically contract and relax a central cell culture well. The bioreactor maintained up to 4 h of actuation at a frequency of 0.15 Hz and a strain of 8%-10%, to those of the cyclic contraction and relaxation of the small intestine. In vitro tests demonstrated that the device was biocompatible and cell-adhesive for Caco-2 cells, which formed a confluent monolayer following 21 days of culture in the central well. In addition, cellular adhesion and cohesion were maintained after 4 h of continuous cyclic strain. These preliminary results encourage further investigations on the use of dielectric elastomer actuation as a versatile technology that might overcome the limitations of commercially available pneumatic driving systems to obtain bioreactors that can cyclically deform cell cultures in a biomimetic fashion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Cei
- Research Center 'E.Piaggio' and Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L Lazzarino, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kamble H, Barton MJ, Jun M, Park S, Nguyen NT. Cell stretching devices as research tools: engineering and biological considerations. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:3193-203. [PMID: 27440436 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00607h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cells within the human body are subjected to continuous, cyclic mechanical strain caused by various organ functions, movement, and growth. Cells are well known to have the ability to sense and respond to mechanical stimuli. This process is referred to as mechanotransduction. A better understanding of mechanotransduction is of great interest to clinicians and scientists alike to improve clinical diagnosis and understanding of medical pathology. However, the complexity involved in in vivo biological systems creates a need for better in vitro technologies, which can closely mimic the cells' microenvironment using induced mechanical strain. This technology gap motivates the development of cell stretching devices for better understanding of the cell response to mechanical stimuli. This review focuses on the engineering and biological considerations for the development of such cell stretching devices. The paper discusses different types of stretching concepts, major design consideration and biological aspects of cell stretching and provides a perspective for future development in this research area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harshad Kamble
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Matthew J Barton
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Myeongjun Jun
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sungsu Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, QLD 4111, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Schürmann S, Wagner S, Herlitze S, Fischer C, Gumbrecht S, Wirth-Hücking A, Prölß G, Lautscham LA, Fabry B, Goldmann WH, Nikolova-Krstevski V, Martinac B, Friedrich O. The IsoStretcher: An isotropic cell stretch device to study mechanical biosensor pathways in living cells. Biosens Bioelectron 2016; 81:363-372. [PMID: 26991603 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mechanosensation in many organs (e.g. lungs, heart, gut) is mediated by biosensors (like mechanosensitive ion channels), which convert mechanical stimuli into electrical and/or biochemical signals. To study those pathways, technical devices are needed that apply strain profiles to cells, and ideally allow simultaneous live-cell microscopy analysis. Strain profiles in organs can be complex and multiaxial, e.g. in hollow organs. Most devices in mechanobiology apply longitudinal uniaxial stretch to adhered cells using elastomeric membranes to study mechanical biosensors. Recent approaches in biomedical engineering have employed intelligent systems to apply biaxial or multiaxial stretch to cells. Here, we present an isotropic cell stretch system (IsoStretcher) that overcomes some previous limitations. Our system uses a rotational swivel mechanism that translates into a radial displacement of hooks attached to small circular silicone membranes. Isotropicity and focus stability are demonstrated with fluorescent beads, and transmission efficiency of elastomer membrane stretch to cellular area change in HeLa/HEK cells. Applying our system to lamin-A overexpressing fibrosarcoma cells, we found a markedly reduced stretch of cell area, indicative of a stiffer cytoskeleton. We also investigated stretch-activated Ca(2+) entry into atrial HL-1 myocytes. 10% isotropic stretch induced robust oscillating increases in intracellular Fluo-4 Ca(2+) fluorescence. Store-operated Ca(2+) entry was not detected in these cells. The Isostretcher provides a useful versatile tool for mechanobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Schürmann
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Wagner
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; Department of Physics, Biophysics Group, FAU, Henkestr. 91, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Herlitze
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - C Fischer
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Gumbrecht
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - A Wirth-Hücking
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - G Prölß
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - L A Lautscham
- Department of Physics, Biophysics Group, FAU, Henkestr. 91, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - B Fabry
- Department of Physics, Biophysics Group, FAU, Henkestr. 91, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - W H Goldmann
- Department of Physics, Biophysics Group, FAU, Henkestr. 91, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - V Nikolova-Krstevski
- Molecular Cardiology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Sydney, Australia
| | - B Martinac
- Mechanosensory Biophysics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
| | - O Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Paul-Gordan-Str.3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ugolini GS, Rasponi M, Pavesi A, Santoro R, Kamm R, Fiore GB, Pesce M, Soncini M. On-chip assessment of human primary cardiac fibroblasts proliferative responses to uniaxial cyclic mechanical strain. Biotechnol Bioeng 2015; 113:859-69. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.25847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering; Politecnico di Milano; Milan Italy
| | - Andrea Pavesi
- BioSyM IRG; Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology; Singapore
| | - Rosaria Santoro
- Unità di Ingegneria Tissutale Cardiovascolare; Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS; Milan Italy
| | - Roger Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge Massachusetts
| | | | - Maurizio Pesce
- Unità di Ingegneria Tissutale Cardiovascolare; Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS; Milan Italy
| | - Monica Soncini
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering; Politecnico di Milano; Milan Italy
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ramji R, Khan NT, Muñoz-Rojas A, Miller-Jensen K. "Pop-slide" patterning: Rapid fabrication of microstructured PDMS gasket slides for biological applications. RSC Adv 2015; 5:66294-66300. [PMID: 26949529 PMCID: PMC4772973 DOI: 10.1039/c5ra09056c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a "pop-slide" patterning approach to easily produce thin film microstructures on the surface of glass with varying feature sizes (3 μm - 250 μm) and aspect ratios (0.066 - 3) within 45 minutes. This low cost method does not require specialized equipment while allowing us to produce micro structured gasket layers for sandwich assays and could be readily applied to many biological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Ramji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA-06511
| | - Nafeesa T Khan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA-06511
| | - Andrés Muñoz-Rojas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA-06511
| | - Kathryn Miller-Jensen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA-06511
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Spatiotemporal stability of neonatal rat cardiomyocyte monolayers spontaneous activity is dependent on the culture substrate. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127977. [PMID: 26035822 PMCID: PMC4452796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In native conditions, cardiac cells must continuously comply with diverse stimuli necessitating a perpetual adaptation. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is commonly used in cell culture to study cellular response to changes in the mechanical environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of using PDMS substrates on the properties of spontaneous activity of cardiomyocyte monolayer cultures. We compared PDMS to the gold standard normally used in culture: a glass substrate. Although mean frequency of spontaneous activity remained unaltered, incidence of reentrant activity was significantly higher in samples cultured on glass compared to PDMS substrates. Higher spatial and temporal instability of the spontaneous rate activation was found when cardiomyocytes were cultured on PDMS, and correlated with decreased connexin-43 and increased CaV3.1 and HCN2 mRNA levels. Compared to cultures on glass, cultures on PDMS were associated with the strongest response to isoproterenol and acetylcholine. These results reveal the importance of carefully selecting the culture substrate for studies involving mechanical stimulation, especially for tissue engineering or pharmacological high-throughput screening of cardiac tissue analog.
Collapse
|
31
|
Veerman CC, Kosmidis G, Mummery CL, Casini S, Verkerk AO, Bellin M. Immaturity of Human Stem-Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes in Culture: Fatal Flaw or Soluble Problem? Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:1035-52. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christiaan C. Veerman
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Georgios Kosmidis
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Christine L. Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Simona Casini
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Arie O. Verkerk
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Milena Bellin
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Davis CA, Zambrano S, Anumolu P, Allen ACB, Sonoqui L, Moreno MR. Device-Based In Vitro Techniques for Mechanical Stimulation of Vascular Cells: A Review. J Biomech Eng 2015; 137:040801. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4029016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The most common cause of death in the developed world is cardiovascular disease. For decades, this has provided a powerful motivation to study the effects of mechanical forces on vascular cells in a controlled setting, since these cells have been implicated in the development of disease. Early efforts in the 1970 s included the first use of a parallel-plate flow system to apply shear stress to endothelial cells (ECs) and the development of uniaxial substrate stretching techniques (Krueger et al., 1971, “An in Vitro Study of Flow Response by Cells,” J. Biomech., 4(1), pp. 31–36 and Meikle et al., 1979, “Rabbit Cranial Sutures in Vitro: A New Experimental Model for Studying the Response of Fibrous Joints to Mechanical Stress,” Calcif. Tissue Int., 28(2), pp. 13–144). Since then, a multitude of in vitro devices have been designed and developed for mechanical stimulation of vascular cells and tissues in an effort to better understand their response to in vivo physiologic mechanical conditions. This article reviews the functional attributes of mechanical bioreactors developed in the 21st century, including their major advantages and disadvantages. Each of these systems has been categorized in terms of their primary loading modality: fluid shear stress (FSS), substrate distention, combined distention and fluid shear, or other applied forces. The goal of this article is to provide researchers with a survey of useful methodologies that can be adapted to studies in this area, and to clarify future possibilities for improved research methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caleb A. Davis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3120 e-mail:
| | - Steve Zambrano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3120 e-mail:
| | - Pratima Anumolu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3120 e-mail:
| | - Alicia C. B. Allen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-1801 e-mail:
| | - Leonardo Sonoqui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3120 e-mail:
| | - Michael R. Moreno
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3123 e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mechanical Analysis of a Pneumatically Actuated Concentric Double-Shell Structure for Cell Stretching. MICROMACHINES 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/mi5040868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|