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Streutker EM, Devamoglu U, Vonk MC, Verdurmen WPR, Le Gac S. Fibrosis-on-Chip: A Guide to Recapitulate the Essential Features of Fibrotic Disease. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303991. [PMID: 38536053 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis, which is primarily marked by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, is a pathophysiological process associated with many disorders, which ultimately leads to organ dysfunction and poor patient outcomes. Despite the high prevalence of fibrosis, currently there exist few therapeutic options, and importantly, there is a paucity of in vitro models to accurately study fibrosis. This review discusses the multifaceted nature of fibrosis from the viewpoint of developing organ-on-chip (OoC) disease models, focusing on five key features: the ECM component, inflammation, mechanical cues, hypoxia, and vascularization. The potential of OoC technology is explored for better modeling these features in the context of studying fibrotic diseases and the interplay between various key features is emphasized. This paper reviews how organ-specific fibrotic diseases are modeled in OoC platforms, which elements are included in these existing models, and the avenues for novel research directions are highlighted. Finally, this review concludes with a perspective on how to address the current gap with respect to the inclusion of multiple features to yield more sophisticated and relevant models of fibrotic diseases in an OoC format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Streutker
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Utku Devamoglu
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnoloygy and TechMed Centre, Organ-on-Chip Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon C Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter P R Verdurmen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Séverine Le Gac
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnoloygy and TechMed Centre, Organ-on-Chip Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
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2
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Zatorski JM, Lee IL, Ortiz-Cárdenas JE, Ellena JF, Pompano RR. Measurement of covalent bond formation in light-curing hydrogels predicts physical stability under flow. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.30.601353. [PMID: 39005331 PMCID: PMC11244878 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.30.601353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Photocrosslinking hydrogels are promising for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, but challenges in reaction monitoring often leave their optimization subject to trial and error. The stability of crosslinked gels under fluid flow, as in the case of a microfluidic device, is particularly challenging to predict, both because of obstacles inherent to solid-state macromolecular analysis that prevent accurate chemical monitoring, and because stability is dependent on size of the patterned features. To solve both problems, we obtained 1H NMR spectra of cured hydrogels which were enzymatically degraded. This allowed us to take advantage of the high-resolution that solution NMR provides. This unique approach enabled the measurement of degree of crosslinking (DoC) and prediction of material stability under physiological fluid flow. We showed that NMR spectra of enzyme-digested gels successfully reported on DoC as a function of light exposure and wavelength within two classes of photocrosslinkable hydrogels: methacryloyl-modified gelatin and a composite of thiol-modified gelatin and norbornene-terminated polyethylene glycol. This approach revealed that a threshold DoC was required for patterned features in each material to become stable, and that smaller features required a higher DoC for stability. Finally, we demonstrated that DoC was predictive of the stability of architecturally complex features when photopatterning, underscoring the value of monitoring DoC when using light-reactive gels. We anticipate that the ability to quantify chemical crosslinks will accelerate the design of advanced hydrogel materials for structurally demanding applications such as photopatterning and bioprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Zatorski
- University of Virginia, Department of Chemistry, 409 McCormick Road, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
| | - Isabella L Lee
- University of Virginia, Department of Chemistry, 409 McCormick Road, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
| | - Jennifer E Ortiz-Cárdenas
- Stanford University, Department of Bioengineering, 443 Via Ortega, Rm 119, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Jeffrey F Ellena
- University of Virginia, Department of Chemistry, 409 McCormick Road, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
| | - Rebecca R Pompano
- University of Virginia, Department of Chemistry, 409 McCormick Road, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Thornton Hall, 351 McCormick Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22904
- Carter Immunology Center and UVA Cancer Center, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Dr., MR-6, Charlottesville, VA 22908
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3
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Jalloh US, Gsell A, Gultian KA, MacAulay J, Madden A, Smith J, Siri L, Vega SL. Synthesis and Photopatterning of Synthetic Thiol-Norbornene Hydrogels. Gels 2024; 10:164. [PMID: 38534582 DOI: 10.3390/gels10030164] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels are a class of soft biomaterials and the material of choice for a myriad of biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and highly tunable mechanical and biochemical properties. Specifically, light-mediated thiol-norbornene click reactions between norbornene-modified macromers and di-thiolated crosslinkers can be used to form base hydrogels amenable to spatial biochemical modifications via subsequent light reactions between pendant norbornenes in the hydrogel network and thiolated peptides. Macromers derived from natural sources (e.g., hyaluronic acid, gelatin, alginate) can cause off-target cell signaling, and this has motivated the use of synthetic macromers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). In this study, commercially available 8-arm norbornene-modified PEG (PEG-Nor) macromers were reacted with di-thiolated crosslinkers (dithiothreitol, DTT) to form synthetic hydrogels. By varying the PEG-Nor weight percent or DTT concentration, hydrogels with a stiffness range of 3.3 kPa-31.3 kPa were formed. Pendant norbornene groups in these hydrogels were used for secondary reactions to either increase hydrogel stiffness (by reacting with DTT) or to tether mono-thiolated peptides to the hydrogel network. Peptide functionalization has no effect on bulk hydrogel mechanics, and this confirms that mechanical and biochemical signals can be independently controlled. Using photomasks, thiolated peptides can also be photopatterned onto base hydrogels, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) attach and spread on RGD-functionalized PEG-Nor hydrogels. MSCs encapsulated in PEG-Nor hydrogels are also highly viable, demonstrating the ability of this platform to form biocompatible hydrogels for 2D and 3D cell culture with user-defined mechanical and biochemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umu S Jalloh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Arielle Gsell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Kirstene A Gultian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - James MacAulay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Abigail Madden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Jillian Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Luke Siri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Sebastián L Vega
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
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4
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Ozulumba T, Zatorski JM, Arneja A, Hammel JH, Braciale TJ, Luckey CJ, Munson JM, Pompano RR. Mitigating reactive oxygen species production and increasing gel porosity improves lymphocyte motility and fibroblast spreading in photocrosslinked gelatin-thiol hydrogels. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.14.574282. [PMID: 38293038 PMCID: PMC10827049 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.14.574282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
On-chip 3D culture systems that incorporate immune cells such as lymphocytes and stromal cells are needed to model immune organs in engineered systems such as organs-on-chip. Photocrosslinking is a useful tool for creating such immune-competent hydrogel cultures with spatial cell organization. However, loss of viability and motility in photocrosslinked gels can limit its utility, especially when working with fragile primary cells. We hypothesized that optimizing photoexposure-induced ROS production, hydrogel porosity or a combination of both factors was necessary to sustain cell viability and motility during culture in photocrosslinked gelatin-thiol (GelSH) hydrogels. Jurkat T cells, primary human CD4+ T cells and human lymphatic fibroblasts were selected as representative lymphoid immune cells to test this hypothesis. Direct exposure of these cells to 385 nm light and LAP photoinitiator dramatically increased ROS levels. Pretreatment with an antioxidant, ascorbic acid (AA), protected the cells from light + LAP-induced ROS and was non-toxic at optimized doses. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy showed that native GelSH hydrogels had limited porosity, and that adding collagen to GelSH precursor before crosslinking markedly increased gel porosity. Next, we tested the impact of AA pretreatment and increasing gel porosity, alone or in combination, on cell viability and function in 3D GelSH hydrogel cultures. Increasing gel porosity, rather than AA pretreatment, was more critical for rescuing viability of Jurkat T cells and spreading of human lymphatic fibroblasts in GelSH-based gels, but both factors improved the motility of primary human CD4+ T cells. Increased porosity enabled formation of spatially organized co-cultures of primary human CD4+ T cells and human lymphatic fibroblasts in photo-crosslinked gels in a multi-lane microfluidic chip, towards modeling the lymphoid organ microenvironment. Some optimization is still needed to improve homogeneity between regions on the chip. These findings will enable researchers utilizing photocrosslinking methods to develop immunocompetent 3D culture models that support viability and function of sensitive lymphoid cells.
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Sharma P, Venkatachalam K, Binesh A. Decades Long Involvement of THP-1 Cells as a Model for Macrophage Research: A Comprehensive Review. Antiinflamm Antiallergy Agents Med Chem 2024; 23:85-104. [PMID: 38676532 DOI: 10.2174/0118715230294413240415054610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Over the years, researchers have endeavored to identify dependable and reproducible in vitro models for examining macrophage behavior under controlled conditions. The THP-1 cell line has become a significant and widely employed tool in macrophage research within these models. Originating from the peripheral blood of individuals with acute monocytic leukemia, this human monocytic cell line can undergo transformation into macrophage-like cells, closely mirroring primary human macrophages when exposed to stimulants. Macrophages play a vital role in the innate immune system, actively regulating inflammation, responding to infections, and maintaining tissue homeostasis. A comprehensive understanding of macrophage biology and function is crucial for gaining insights into immunological responses, tissue healing, and the pathogenesis of diseases such as viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and neoplastic conditions. This review aims to thoroughly evaluate and emphasize the extensive history of THP-1 cells as a model for macrophage research. Additionally, it will delve into the significance of THP-1 cells in advancing our comprehension of macrophage biology and their invaluable contributions to diverse scientific domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakhar Sharma
- Institute of Fisheries Post Graduate Studies, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), OMR Campus, Vaniyanchavadi, Chennai, 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kaliyamurthi Venkatachalam
- Institute of Fisheries Post Graduate Studies, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), OMR Campus, Vaniyanchavadi, Chennai, 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ambika Binesh
- Institute of Fisheries Post Graduate Studies, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), OMR Campus, Vaniyanchavadi, Chennai, 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
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Musgrove HB, Cook SR, Pompano RR. Parylene-C Coating Protects Resin-3D-Printed Devices from Material Erosion and Prevents Cytotoxicity toward Primary Cells. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:3079-3083. [PMID: 37534979 PMCID: PMC10754061 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Resin 3D printing is attractive for the rapid fabrication of microscale cell culture devices, but common resin materials are unstable and cytotoxic under culture conditions. Strategies such as leaching or overcuring are insufficient to protect sensitive primary cells such as white blood cells. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of using a parylene C coating of commercially available clear resins to prevent cytotoxic leaching, degradation of microfluidic devices, and absorption of small molecules. We found that parylene C significantly improved both the cytocompatibility with primary murine white blood cells and the material integrity of prints while maintaining the favorable optical qualities held by clear resins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah B. Musgrove
- Dept. of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia. 22903, USA
| | - Sophie R. Cook
- Dept. of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia. 22903, USA
| | - Rebecca R. Pompano
- Dept. of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia. 22903, USA
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7
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Cauli E, Polidoro MA, Marzorati S, Bernardi C, Rasponi M, Lleo A. Cancer-on-chip: a 3D model for the study of the tumor microenvironment. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:53. [PMID: 37592292 PMCID: PMC10436436 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00372-6] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The approval of anticancer therapeutic strategies is still slowed down by the lack of models able to faithfully reproduce in vivo cancer physiology. On one hand, the conventional in vitro models fail to recapitulate the organ and tissue structures, the fluid flows, and the mechanical stimuli characterizing the human body compartments. On the other hand, in vivo animal models cannot reproduce the typical human tumor microenvironment, essential to study cancer behavior and progression. This study reviews the cancer-on-chips as one of the most promising tools to model and investigate the tumor microenvironment and metastasis. We also described how cancer-on-chip devices have been developed and implemented to study the most common primary cancers and their metastatic sites. Pros and cons of this technology are then discussed highlighting the future challenges to close the gap between the pre-clinical and clinical studies and accelerate the approval of new anticancer therapies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Cauli
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy.
- Accelera Srl, Nerviano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michela Anna Polidoro
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Marzorati
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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8
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Urzì O, Gasparro R, Costanzo E, De Luca A, Giavaresi G, Fontana S, Alessandro R. Three-Dimensional Cell Cultures: The Bridge between In Vitro and In Vivo Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12046. [PMID: 37569426 PMCID: PMC10419178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although historically, the traditional bidimensional in vitro cell system has been widely used in research, providing much fundamental information regarding cellular functions and signaling pathways as well as nuclear activities, the simplicity of this system does not fully reflect the heterogeneity and complexity of the in vivo systems. From this arises the need to use animals for experimental research and in vivo testing. Nevertheless, animal use in experimentation presents various aspects of complexity, such as ethical issues, which led Russell and Burch in 1959 to formulate the 3R (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) principle, underlying the urgent need to introduce non-animal-based methods in research. Considering this, three-dimensional (3D) models emerged in the scientific community as a bridge between in vitro and in vivo models, allowing for the achievement of cell differentiation and complexity while avoiding the use of animals in experimental research. The purpose of this review is to provide a general overview of the most common methods to establish 3D cell culture and to discuss their promising applications. Three-dimensional cell cultures have been employed as models to study both organ physiology and diseases; moreover, they represent a valuable tool for studying many aspects of cancer. Finally, the possibility of using 3D models for drug screening and regenerative medicine paves the way for the development of new therapeutic opportunities for many diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Urzì
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
| | - Roberta Gasparro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
| | - Elisa Costanzo
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
| | - Angela De Luca
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, SC Scienze e Tecnologie Chirurgiche, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Gianluca Giavaresi
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, SC Scienze e Tecnologie Chirurgiche, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Simona Fontana
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
| | - Riccardo Alessandro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
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9
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Suarez AC, Hammel JH, Munson JM. Modeling lymphangiogenesis: Pairing in vitro and in vivo metrics. Microcirculation 2023; 30:e12802. [PMID: 36760223 PMCID: PMC10121924 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis is the mechanism by which the lymphatic system develops and expands new vessels facilitating fluid drainage and immune cell trafficking. Models to study lymphangiogenesis are necessary for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and to identify or test new therapeutic agents that target lymphangiogenesis. Across the lymphatic literature, multiple models have been developed to study lymphangiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, lymphangiogenesis can be modeled with varying complexity, from monolayers to hydrogels to explants, with common metrics for characterizing proliferation, migration, and sprouting of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and vessels. In comparison, in vivo models of lymphangiogenesis often use genetically modified zebrafish and mice, with in situ mouse models in the ear, cornea, hind leg, and tail. In vivo metrics, such as activation of LECs, number of new lymphatic vessels, and sprouting, mirror those most used in vitro, with the addition of lymphatic vessel hyperplasia and drainage. The impacts of lymphangiogenesis vary by context of tissue and pathology. Therapeutic targeting of lymphangiogenesis can have paradoxical effects depending on the pathology including lymphedema, cancer, organ transplant, and inflammation. In this review, we describe and compare lymphangiogenic outcomes and metrics between in vitro and in vivo studies, specifically reviewing only those publications in which both testing formats are used. We find that in vitro studies correlate well with in vivo in wound healing and development, but not in the reproductive tract or the complex tumor microenvironment. Considerations for improving in vitro models are to increase complexity with perfusable microfluidic devices, co-cultures with tissue-specific support cells, the inclusion of fluid flow, and pairing in vitro models of differing complexities. We believe that these changes would strengthen the correlation between in vitro and in vivo outcomes, giving more insight into lymphangiogenesis in healthy and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen C. Suarez
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jennifer H. Hammel
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jennifer M. Munson
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
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10
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Musgrove HB, Saleheen A, Zatorski JM, Arneja A, Luckey CJ, Pompano RR. A Scalable, Modular Degasser for Passive In-Line Removal of Bubbles from Biomicrofluidic Devices. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:435. [PMID: 36838135 PMCID: PMC9964747 DOI: 10.3390/mi14020435] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bubbles are a common cause of microfluidic malfunction, as they can perturb the fluid flow within the micro-sized features of a device. Since gas bubbles form easily within warm cell culture reagents, degassing is often necessary for biomicrofluidic systems. However, fabrication of a microscale degasser that can be used modularly with pre-existing chips may be cumbersome or challenging, especially for labs not equipped for traditional microfabrication, and current commercial options can be expensive. Here, we address the need for an affordable, accessible bubble trap that can be used in-line for continuous perfusion of organs-on-chip and other microfluidic cultures. We converted a previously described, manually fabricated PDMS degasser to allow scaled up, reproducible manufacturing by commercial machining or fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing. After optimization, the machined and 3D printed degassers were found to be stable for >2 weeks under constant perfusion, without leaks. With a ~140 µL chamber volume, trapping capacity was extrapolated to allow for ~5-20 weeks of degassing depending on the rate of bubble formation. The degassers were biocompatible for use with cell culture, and they successfully prevented bubbles from reaching a downstream microfluidic device. Both degasser materials showed little to no leaching. The machined degasser did not absorb reagents, while the FDM printed degasser absorbed a small amount, and both maintained fluidic integrity from 1 µL/min to >1 mL/min of pressure-driven flow. Thus, these degassers can be fabricated in bulk and allow for long-term, efficient bubble removal in a simple microfluidic perfusion set-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah B. Musgrove
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Amirus Saleheen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | | | - Abhinav Arneja
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Chance John Luckey
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Rebecca R. Pompano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
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11
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Pamplona R, González-Lana S, Romero P, Ochoa I, Martín-Rapún R, Sánchez-Somolinos C. Tuning of Mechanical Properties in Photopolymerizable Gelatin-Based Hydrogels for In Vitro Cell Culture Systems. ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS 2023; 5:1487-1498. [PMID: 36817339 PMCID: PMC9926877 DOI: 10.1021/acsapm.2c01980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical microenvironment plays a crucial role in the evolution of colorectal cancer, a complex disease characterized by heterogeneous tumors with varying elasticity. Toward setting up distinct scenarios, herein, we describe the preparation and characterization of gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA)-based hydrogels via two different mechanisms: free-radical photopolymerization and photo-induced thiol-ene reaction. A precise stiffness modulation of covalently crosslinked scaffolds was achieved through the application of well-defined irradiation times while keeping the intensity constant. Besides, the incorporation of thiol chemistry strongly increased stiffness with low to moderate curing times. This wide range of finely tuned mechanical properties successfully covered from healthy tissue to colorectal cancer stages. Hydrogels prepared in phosphate-buffered saline or Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium resulted in different mechanical and swelling properties, although a similar trend was observed for both conditions: thiol-ene systems exhibited higher stiffness and, at the same time, higher swelling capacity than free-radical photopolymerized networks. In terms of biological behavior, three of the substrates showed good cell proliferation rates according to the formation of a confluent monolayer of Caco-2 cells after 14 days of cell culture. Likewise, a characteristic apical-basal polarization of cells was observed for these three hydrogels. These results demonstrate the versatility of the presented platform of biomimetic materials as in vitro cell culture scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Pamplona
- Aragón
Institute of Nanoscience and Materials (INMA), Department of Organic
Chemistry, CSIC-University of Zaragoza, C/ Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sandra González-Lana
- BEONCHIP
S.L., CEMINEM, Campus
Río Ebro. C/ Mariano Esquillor Gómez s/n, 50018Zaragoza, Spain
- Tissue
Microenvironment (TME) Laboratory, Aragón Institute of Engineering
Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, C/ Mariano Esquillor s/n, 50018Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pilar Romero
- Aragón
Institute of Nanoscience and Materials (INMA), Department of Organic
Chemistry, CSIC-University of Zaragoza, C/ Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue
Microenvironment (TME) Laboratory, Aragón Institute of Engineering
Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, C/ Mariano Esquillor s/n, 50018Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería,
Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto
de Salud Carlos III, 50018Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute
for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Paseo de Isabel La Católica
1-3, 50009Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rafael Martín-Rapún
- Aragón
Institute of Nanoscience and Materials (INMA), Department of Organic
Chemistry, CSIC-University of Zaragoza, C/ Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería,
Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto
de Salud Carlos III, 50018Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento
de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/ Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carlos Sánchez-Somolinos
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería,
Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto
de Salud Carlos III, 50018Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón
Institute of Nanoscience and Materials (INMA), Department of Condensed
Matter Physics (Faculty of Science), CSIC-University
of Zaragoza, C/ Pedro
Cerbuna 12, 50009Zaragoza, Spain
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12
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Jain P, Rauer SB, Möller M, Singh S. Mimicking the Natural Basement Membrane for Advanced Tissue Engineering. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:3081-3103. [PMID: 35839343 PMCID: PMC9364315 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
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Advancements in the field of tissue engineering have
led to the
elucidation of physical and chemical characteristics of physiological
basement membranes (BM) as specialized forms of the extracellular
matrix. Efforts to recapitulate the intricate structure and biological
composition of the BM have encountered various advancements due to
its impact on cell fate, function, and regulation. More attention
has been paid to synthesizing biocompatible and biofunctional fibrillar
scaffolds that closely mimic the natural BM. Specific modifications
in biomimetic BM have paved the way for the development of in vitro models like alveolar-capillary barrier, airway
models, skin, blood-brain barrier, kidney barrier, and metastatic
models, which can be used for personalized drug screening, understanding
physiological and pathological pathways, and tissue implants. In this
Review, we focus on the structure, composition, and functions of in vivo BM and the ongoing efforts to mimic it synthetically.
Light has been shed on the advantages and limitations of various forms
of biomimetic BM scaffolds including porous polymeric membranes, hydrogels,
and electrospun membranes This Review further elaborates and justifies
the significance of BM mimics in tissue engineering, in particular
in the development of in vitro organ model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puja Jain
- DWI-Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials e.V, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | | | - Martin Möller
- DWI-Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials e.V, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Smriti Singh
- Max-Planck-Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg 69028, Germany
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13
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Arango-Santander S. Bioinspired Topographic Surface Modification of Biomaterials. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:2383. [PMID: 35407716 PMCID: PMC8999667 DOI: 10.3390/ma15072383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Physical surface modification is an approach that has been investigated over the last decade to reduce bacterial adhesion and improve cell attachment to biomaterials. Many techniques have been reported to modify surfaces, including the use of natural sources as inspiration to fabricate topographies on artificial surfaces. Biomimetics is a tool to take advantage of nature to solve human problems. Physical surface modification using animal and vegetal topographies as inspiration to reduce bacterial adhesion and improve cell attachment has been investigated in the last years, and the results have been very promising. However, just a few animal and plant surfaces have been used to modify the surface of biomaterials with these objectives, and only a small number of bacterial species and cell types have been tested. The purpose of this review is to present the most current results on topographic surface modification using animal and plant surfaces as inspiration to modify the surface of biomedical materials with the objective of reducing bacterial adhesion and improving cell behavior.
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14
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Hammel JH, Zatorski JM, Cook SR, Pompano RR, Munson JM. Engineering in vitro immune-competent tissue models for testing and evaluation of therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 182:114111. [PMID: 35031388 PMCID: PMC8908413 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Advances in 3D cell culture, microscale fluidic control, and cellular analysis have enabled the development of more physiologically-relevant engineered models of human organs with precise control of the cellular microenvironment. Engineered models have been used successfully to answer fundamental biological questions and to screen therapeutics, but these often neglect key elements of the immune system. There are immune elements in every tissue that contribute to healthy and diseased states. Including immune function will be essential for effective preclinical testing of therapeutics for inflammatory and immune-modulated diseases. In this review, we first discuss the key components to consider in designing engineered immune-competent models in terms of physical, chemical, and biological cues. Next, we review recent applications of models of immunity for screening therapeutics for cancer, preclinical evaluation of engineered T cells, modeling autoimmunity, and screening vaccine efficacy. Future work is needed to further recapitulate immune responses in engineered models for the most informative therapeutic screening and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H. Hammel
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia 24016, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Zatorski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
| | - Sophie R. Cook
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
| | - Rebecca R. Pompano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia; Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA,Carter Immunology Center and UVA Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
| | - Jennifer M. Munson
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia 24016, USA
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