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Ou L, Wu T, Qiu B, Jin H, Xu F, Wu H, Zhang W, Xue M, Zhou Z, Lin B, Sun D, Chen S. Real-Time Wireless Sensing of Cardiomyocyte Contractility by Integrating Magnetic Microbeam and Oriented Nanofibers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:45861-45870. [PMID: 39177826 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c01585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
In vitro cardiomyocyte mechano-sensing platform is crucial for evaluating the mechanical performance of cardiac tissues and will be an indispensable tool for application in drug discovery and disease mechanism study. Magnetic sensing offers significant advantages in real-time, in situ wireless monitoring and resistance to ion interference. However, due to the mismatch between the stiffness of traditional rigid magnetic material and myocardial tissue, sensitivity is insufficient and it is difficult to achieve cell structure induction and three-dimensional cultivation. Herein, a magnetic sensing platform that integrates a neodymium-iron-boron/polydimethylsiloxane (NdFeB/PDMS) flexible microbeam with suspended and ordered polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber membranes was developed, providing a three-dimensional anisotropic culture environment for cardiomyocyte growth and simultaneously realizing in situ wireless contractility monitoring. The as-prepared sensor presented an ultrahigh sensitivity of 442.2 μV/μm and a deflection resolution of 2 μm. By continuously monitoring the cardiomyocyte growth status and drug stimulation feedback, we verified the capability of the platform to capture dynamic changes in cardiomyocyte contractility. This platform provides a perspective tool for evaluating cardiomyocyte maturity and drug performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ou
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Tianhao Wu
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Bin Qiu
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Hang Jin
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Huiquan Wu
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Wangzihan Zhang
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Mingcheng Xue
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zhuomin Zhou
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Bin Lin
- Guangdong Beating Origin Regenerative Medicine Co., Ltd., Foshan 528231, China
| | - Daoheng Sun
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Songyue Chen
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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2
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Bannerman D, Gil de Gomez SP, Wu Q, Fernandes I, Zhao Y, Wagner KT, Okhovatian S, Landau S, Raftian N, Bodenstein DF, Wang Y, Nash TR, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Keller G, Epelman S, Radisic M. Heart-on-a-Chip Model of Epicardial-Myocardial Interaction in Ischemia Reperfusion Injury. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302642. [PMID: 38683053 PMCID: PMC11338737 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302642] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Epicardial cells (EPIs) form the outer layer of the heart and play an important role in development and disease. Current heart-on-a-chip platforms still do not fully mimic the native cardiac environment due to the absence of relevant cell types, such as EPIs. Here, using the Biowire II platform, engineered cardiac tissues with an epicardial outer layer and inner myocardial structure are constructed, and an image analysis approach is developed to track the EPI cell migration in a beating myocardial environment. Functional properties of EPI cardiac tissues improve over two weeks in culture. In conditions mimicking ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), the EPI cardiac tissues experience less cell death and a lower impact on functional properties. EPI cell coverage is significantly reduced and more diffuse under normoxic conditions compared to the post-IRI conditions. Upon IRI, migration of EPI cells into the cardiac tissue interior is observed, with contributions to alpha smooth muscle actin positive cell population. Altogether, a novel heart-on-a-chip model is designed to incorporate EPIs through a formation process that mimics cardiac development, and this work demonstrates that EPI cardiac tissues respond to injury differently than epicardium-free controls, highlighting the importance of including EPIs in heart-on-a-chip constructs that aim to accurately mimic the cardiac environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Bannerman
- Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simon Pascual Gil de Gomez
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Qinghua Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Fernandes
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karl T. Wagner
- Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shira Landau
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Naimeh Raftian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David F. Bodenstein
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Trevor R. Nash
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gordon Keller
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Slava Epelman
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Cardiology, University Health Network, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre
| | - Milica Radisic
- Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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3
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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.
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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
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4
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Wu Q, Rafatian N, Wagner KT, Blamer J, Smith J, Okhovatian S, Aggarwal P, Wang EY, Banerjee A, Zhao Y, Nash TR, Lu RXZ, Portillo-Esquivel LE, Li CY, Kuzmanov U, Mandla S, Virlee E, Landau S, Lai BF, Gramolini AO, Liu C, Fleischer S, Veres T, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Zhang B, Mossman K, Broeckel U, Radisic M. SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in an angiotensin II-induced heart-on-a-chip disease model and extracellular vesicle screening. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2403581121. [PMID: 38968108 PMCID: PMC11253010 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2403581121] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse cardiac outcomes in COVID-19 patients, particularly those with preexisting cardiac disease, motivate the development of human cell-based organ-on-a-chip models to recapitulate cardiac injury and dysfunction and for screening of cardioprotective therapeutics. Here, we developed a heart-on-a-chip model to study the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 in healthy myocardium established from human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes and a cardiac dysfunction model, mimicking aspects of preexisting hypertensive disease induced by angiotensin II (Ang II). We recapitulated cytopathic features of SARS-CoV-2-induced cardiac damage, including progressively impaired contractile function and calcium handling, apoptosis, and sarcomere disarray. SARS-CoV-2 presence in Ang II-treated hearts-on-a-chip decreased contractile force with earlier onset of contractile dysfunction and profoundly enhanced inflammatory cytokines compared to SARS-CoV-2 alone. Toward the development of potential therapeutics, we evaluated the cardioprotective effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human iPSC which alleviated the impairment of contractile force, decreased apoptosis, reduced the disruption of sarcomeric proteins, and enhanced beta-oxidation gene expression. Viral load was not affected by either Ang II or EV treatment. We identified MicroRNAs miR-20a-5p and miR-19a-3p as potential mediators of cardioprotective effects of these EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ONM5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Karl T. Wagner
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3G9, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Jacob Blamer
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Genomic Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI53226
| | - Jacob Smith
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ONM5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Praful Aggarwal
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Genomic Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI53226
| | - Erika Yan Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Arinjay Banerjee
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Toronto, ONL8S 4L8, Canada
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SKS7N 5E3, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
| | - Trevor R. Nash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
| | - Rick Xing Ze Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3G9, Canada
| | | | - Chen Yu Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Uros Kuzmanov
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 1A8, Canada
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Serena Mandla
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ONM5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Virlee
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Genomic Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI53226
| | - Shira Landau
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Benjamin Fook Lai
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Anthony O. Gramolini
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 1A8, Canada
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Chuan Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ONM5G 2C4, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Sharon Fleischer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
| | - Teodor Veres
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3G8, Canada
- Medical Devices Research Center, Life Sciences Division, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QCH4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ONL8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Karen Mossman
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Toronto, ONL8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Ulrich Broeckel
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Genomic Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI53226
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ONM5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3E5, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S 3E1, Canada
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5
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Yin H, Wang J, Liu N, Zhong S, Li L, Zhang Q, Yue T. Strain sensor on a chip for quantifying the magnitudes of tensile stress on cells. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2024; 10:88. [PMID: 38919164 PMCID: PMC11196625 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-024-00719-z] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
During cardiac development, mechanotransduction from the in vivo microenvironment modulates cardiomyocyte growth in terms of the number, area, and arrangement heterogeneity. However, the response of cells to different degrees of mechanical stimuli is unclear. Organ-on-a-chip, as a platform for investigating mechanical stress stimuli in cellular mimicry of the in vivo microenvironment, is limited by the lack of ability to accurately quantify externally induced stimuli. However, previous technology lacks the integration of external stimuli and feedback sensors in microfluidic platforms to obtain and apply precise amounts of external stimuli. Here, we designed a cell stretching platform with an in-situ sensor. The in-situ liquid metal sensors can accurately measure the mechanical stimulation caused by the deformation of the vacuum cavity exerted on cells. The platform was applied to human cardiomyocytes (AC16) under cyclic strain (5%, 10%, 15%, 20 and 25%), and we found that cyclic strain promoted cell growth induced the arrangement of cells on the membrane to gradually unify, and stabilized the cells at 15% amplitude, which was even more effective after 3 days of culture. The platform's precise control and measurement of mechanical forces can be used to establish more accurate in vitro microenvironmental models for disease modeling and therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyin Zhang
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Wang
- School of Future Technology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongze Yin
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahao Wang
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Liu
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Intelligent Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Songyi Zhong
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- School of Future Technology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Long Li
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan Zhang
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- School of Future Technology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Yue
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- School of Future Technology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Intelligent Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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6
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Gokhan I, Blum TS, Campbell SG. Engineered heart tissue: Design considerations and the state of the art. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 5:021308. [PMID: 38912258 PMCID: PMC11192576 DOI: 10.1063/5.0202724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Originally developed more than 20 years ago, engineered heart tissue (EHT) has become an important tool in cardiovascular research for applications such as disease modeling and drug screening. Innovations in biomaterials, stem cell biology, and bioengineering, among other fields, have enabled EHT technologies to recapitulate many aspects of cardiac physiology and pathophysiology. While initial EHT designs were inspired by the isolated-trabecula culture system, current designs encompass a variety of formats, each of which have unique strengths and limitations. In this review, we describe the most common EHT formats, and then systematically evaluate each aspect of their design, emphasizing the rational selection of components for each application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas S. Blum
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
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7
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Lu RXZ, Zhao Y, Radisic M. The emerging role of heart-on-a-chip systems in delineating mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-induced cardiac dysfunction. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10581. [PMID: 38818123 PMCID: PMC11135153 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a major global health concern since its emergence in 2019, with over 680 million confirmed cases as of April 2023. While COVID-19 has been strongly associated with the development of cardiovascular complications, the specific mechanisms by which viral infection induces myocardial dysfunction remain largely controversial as studies have shown that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 can lead to heart failure both directly, by causing damage to the heart cells, and indirectly, by triggering an inflammatory response throughout the body. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of potential mechanisms that drive heart failure based on in vitro studies. We also discuss the significance of three-dimensional heart-on-a-chip technology in the context of the current and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Xing Ze Lu
- Institute of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Toronto General Hospital Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Toronto General Hospital Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied ChemistryUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Terence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular ResearchUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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8
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Kieda J, Shakeri A, Landau S, Wang EY, Zhao Y, Lai BF, Okhovatian S, Wang Y, Jiang R, Radisic M. Advances in cardiac tissue engineering and heart-on-a-chip. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:492-511. [PMID: 37909362 PMCID: PMC11213712 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37633] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in both cardiac tissue engineering and hearts-on-a-chip are grounded in new biomaterial development as well as the employment of innovative fabrication techniques that enable precise control of the mechanical, electrical, and structural properties of the cardiac tissues being modelled. The elongated structure of cardiomyocytes requires tuning of substrate properties and application of biophysical stimuli to drive its mature phenotype. Landmark advances have already been achieved with induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac patches that advanced to human testing. Heart-on-a-chip platforms are now commonly used by a number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Here, we provide an overview of cardiac physiology in order to better define the requirements for functional tissue recapitulation. We then discuss the biomaterials most commonly used in both cardiac tissue engineering and heart-on-a-chip, followed by the discussion of recent representative studies in both fields. We outline significant challenges common to both fields, specifically: scalable tissue fabrication and platform standardization, improving cellular fidelity through effective tissue vascularization, achieving adult tissue maturation, and ultimately developing cryopreservation protocols so that the tissues are available off the shelf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Kieda
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amid Shakeri
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shira Landau
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erika Yan Wang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin Fook Lai
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard Jiang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Lu RXZ, Rafatian N, Zhao Y, Wagner KT, Beroncal EL, Li B, Lee C, Chen J, Churcher E, Vosoughi D, Liu C, Wang Y, Baker A, Trahtemberg U, Li B, Pierro A, Andreazza AC, dos Santos CC, Radisic M. Cardiac tissue model of immune-induced dysfunction reveals the role of free mitochondrial DNA and the therapeutic effects of exosomes. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk0164. [PMID: 38536913 PMCID: PMC10971762 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite tremendous progress in the development of mature heart-on-a-chip models, human cell-based models of myocardial inflammation are lacking. Here, we bioengineered a vascularized heart-on-a-chip with circulating immune cells to model severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced acute myocarditis. We observed hallmarks of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-induced myocardial inflammation, as the presence of immune cells augmented the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, triggered progressive impairment of contractile function, and altered intracellular calcium transients. An elevation of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) was measured first in the heart-on-a-chip and then validated in COVID-19 patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction, demonstrating that mitochondrial damage is an important pathophysiological hallmark of inflammation-induced cardiac dysfunction. Leveraging this platform in the context of SARS-CoV-2-induced myocardial inflammation, we established that administration of endothelial cell-derived exosomes effectively rescued the contractile deficit, normalized calcium handling, elevated the contraction force, and reduced the ccf-mtDNA and cytokine release via Toll-like receptor-nuclear factor κB signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Xing Ze Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, MITO2i, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Karl T. Wagner
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Erika L. Beroncal
- Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, MITO2i, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bo Li
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Carol Lee
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Jingan Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Eryn Churcher
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Daniel Vosoughi
- Latner Thoracic Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Chuan Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Andrew Baker
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Uriel Trahtemberg
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
- Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Bowen Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Agostino Pierro
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - Ana C. Andreazza
- Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, MITO2i, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Claudia C. dos Santos
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, MITO2i, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3D5, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1
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10
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Butler D, Reyes DR. Heart-on-a-chip systems: disease modeling and drug screening applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1494-1528. [PMID: 38318723 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00829k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, casting a substantial economic footprint and burdening the global healthcare system. Historically, pre-clinical CVD modeling and therapeutic screening have been performed using animal models. Unfortunately, animal models oftentimes fail to adequately mimic human physiology, leading to a poor translation of therapeutics from pre-clinical trials to consumers. Even those that make it to market can be removed due to unforeseen side effects. As such, there exists a clinical, technological, and economical need for systems that faithfully capture human (patho)physiology for modeling CVD, assessing cardiotoxicity, and evaluating drug efficacy. Heart-on-a-chip (HoC) systems are a part of the broader organ-on-a-chip paradigm that leverages microfluidics, tissue engineering, microfabrication, electronics, and gene editing to create human-relevant models for studying disease, drug-induced side effects, and therapeutic efficacy. These compact systems can be capable of real-time measurements and on-demand characterization of tissue behavior and could revolutionize the drug development process. In this review, we highlight the key components that comprise a HoC system followed by a review of contemporary reports of their use in disease modeling, drug toxicity and efficacy assessment, and as part of multi-organ-on-a-chip platforms. We also discuss future perspectives and challenges facing the field, including a discussion on the role that standardization is expected to play in accelerating the widespread adoption of these platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick Butler
- Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
| | - Darwin R Reyes
- Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
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11
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Cho S, Dadson K, Sung HK, Ayansola O, Mirzaesmaeili A, Noskovicova N, Zhao Y, Cheung K, Radisic M, Hinz B, Sater AAA, Hsu HH, Lopaschuk GD, Sweeney G. Cardioprotection by the adiponectin receptor agonist ALY688 in a preclinical mouse model of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116119. [PMID: 38181714 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116119] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Adiponectin has been shown to mediate cardioprotective effects and levels are typically reduced in patients with cardiometabolic disease. Hence, there has been intense interest in developing adiponectin-based therapeutics. The aim of this translational research study was to examine the functional significance of targeting adiponectin signaling with the adiponectin receptor agonist ALY688 in a mouse model of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and the mechanisms of cardiac remodeling leading to cardioprotection. METHODS AND RESULTS Wild-type mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) to induce left ventricular pressure overload (PO), or sham surgery, with or without daily subcutaneous ALY688-SR administration. Temporal analysis of cardiac function was conducted via weekly echocardiography for 5 weeks and we observed that ALY688 attenuated the PO-induced dysfunction. ALY688 also reduced cardiac hypertrophic remodeling, assessed via LV mass, heart weight to body weight ratio, cardiomyocyte cross sectional area, ANP and BNP levels. ALY688 also attenuated PO-induced changes in myosin light and heavy chain expression. Collagen content and myofibroblast profile indicated that fibrosis was attenuated by ALY688 with TIMP1 and scleraxis/periostin identified as potential mechanistic contributors. ALY688 reduced PO-induced elevation in circulating cytokines including IL-5, IL-13 and IL-17, and the chemoattractants MCP-1, MIP-1β, MIP-1alpha and MIP-3α. Assessment of myocardial transcript levels indicated that ALY688 suppressed PO-induced elevations in IL-6, TLR-4 and IL-1β, collectively indicating anti-inflammatory effects. Targeted metabolomic profiling indicated that ALY688 increased fatty acid mobilization and oxidation, increased betaine and putrescine plus decreased sphingomyelin and lysophospholipids, a profile indicative of improved insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the adiponectin mimetic peptide ALY688 reduced PO-induced fibrosis, hypertrophy, inflammation and metabolic dysfunction and represents a promising therapeutic approach for treating HFrEF in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungji Cho
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keith Dadson
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Ali Mirzaesmaeili
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nina Noskovicova
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3E2, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Krisco Cheung
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3E2, Canada; Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Ali A Abdul Sater
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Henry H Hsu
- Allysta Pharmaceuticals Inc. Bellevue, WA, USA
| | - Gary D Lopaschuk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gary Sweeney
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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12
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Rispoli P, Scandiuzzi Piovesan T, Decorti G, Stocco G, Lucafò M. iPSCs as a groundbreaking tool for the study of adverse drug reactions: A new avenue for personalized therapy. WIREs Mech Dis 2024; 16:e1630. [PMID: 37770042 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), obtained by reprogramming different somatic cell types, represent a promising tool for the study of drug toxicities, especially in the context of personalized medicine. Indeed, these cells retain the same genetic heritage of the donor, allowing the development of personalized models. In addition, they represent a useful tool for the study of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in special populations, such as pediatric patients, which are often poorly represented in clinical trials due to ethical issues. Particularly, iPSCs can be differentiated into any tissue of the human body, following several protocols which use different stimuli to induce specific differentiation processes. Differentiated cells also maintain the genetic heritage of the donor, and therefore are suitable for personalized pharmacological studies; moreover, iPSC-derived differentiated cells are a valuable tool for the investigation of the mechanisms underlying the physiological differentiation processes. iPSCs-derived organoids represent another important tool for the study of ADRs. Precisely, organoids are in vitro 3D models which better represent the native organ, both from a structural and a functional point of view. Moreover, in the same way as iPSC-derived 2D models, iPSC-derived organoids are appropriate personalized models since they retain the genetic heritage of the donor. In comparison to other in vitro models, iPSC-derived organoids present advantages in terms of versatility, patient-specificity, and ethical issues. This review aims to provide an updated report of the employment of iPSCs, and 2D and 3D models derived from these, for the study of ADRs. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Stem Cells and Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Rispoli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Giuliana Decorti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Stocco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marianna Lucafò
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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13
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Deir S, Mozhdehbakhsh Mofrad Y, Mashayekhan S, Shamloo A, Mansoori-Kermani A. Step-by-step fabrication of heart-on-chip systems as models for cardiac disease modeling and drug screening. Talanta 2024; 266:124901. [PMID: 37459786 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are caused by hereditary factors, environmental conditions, and medication-related issues. On the other hand, the cardiotoxicity of drugs should be thoroughly examined before entering the market. In this regard, heart-on-chip (HOC) systems have been developed as a more efficient and cost-effective solution than traditional methods, such as 2D cell culture and animal models. HOCs must replicate the biology, physiology, and pathology of human heart tissue to be considered a reliable platform for heart disease modeling and drug testing. Therefore, many efforts have been made to find the best methods to fabricate different parts of HOCs and to improve the bio-mimicry of the systems in the last decade. Beating HOCs with different platforms have been developed and techniques, such as fabricating pumpless HOCs, have been used to make HOCs more user-friendly systems. Recent HOC platforms have the ability to simultaneously induce and record electrophysiological stimuli. Additionally, systems including both heart and cancer tissue have been developed to investigate tissue-tissue interactions' effect on cardiac tissue response to cancer drugs. In this review, all steps needed to be considered to fabricate a HOC were introduced, including the choice of cellular resources, biomaterials, fabrication techniques, biomarkers, and corresponding biosensors. Moreover, the current HOCs used for modeling cardiac diseases and testing the drugs are discussed. We finally introduced some suggestions for fabricating relatively more user-friendly HOCs and facilitating the commercialization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Deir
- School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Mozhdehbakhsh Mofrad
- Nano-Bioengineering Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Mashayekhan
- School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amir Shamloo
- Nano-Bioengineering Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Bernava G, Iop L. Advances in the design, generation, and application of tissue-engineered myocardial equivalents. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1247572. [PMID: 37811368 PMCID: PMC10559975 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1247572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the limited regenerative ability of cardiomyocytes, the disabling irreversible condition of myocardial failure can only be treated with conservative and temporary therapeutic approaches, not able to repair the damage directly, or with organ transplantation. Among the regenerative strategies, intramyocardial cell injection or intravascular cell infusion should attenuate damage to the myocardium and reduce the risk of heart failure. However, these cell delivery-based therapies suffer from significant drawbacks and have a low success rate. Indeed, cardiac tissue engineering efforts are directed to repair, replace, and regenerate native myocardial tissue function. In a regenerative strategy, biomaterials and biomimetic stimuli play a key role in promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and neo-tissue formation. Thus, appropriate biochemical and biophysical cues should be combined with scaffolds emulating extracellular matrix in order to support cell growth and prompt favorable cardiac microenvironment and tissue regeneration. In this review, we provide an overview of recent developments that occurred in the biomimetic design and fabrication of cardiac scaffolds and patches. Furthermore, we sift in vitro and in situ strategies in several preclinical and clinical applications. Finally, we evaluate the possible use of bioengineered cardiac tissue equivalents as in vitro models for disease studies and drug tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Iop
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padua Medical School, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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15
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Lu RXZ, Rafatian N, Zhao Y, Wagner KT, Beroncal EL, Li B, Lee C, Chen J, Churcher E, Vosoughi D, Wang Y, Baker A, Trahtemberg U, Li B, Pierro A, Andreazza AC, Dos Santos CC, Radisic M. Heart-on-a-chip model of immune-induced cardiac dysfunction reveals the role of free mitochondrial DNA and therapeutic effects of endothelial exosomes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.09.552495. [PMID: 37609237 PMCID: PMC10441383 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.09.552495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease continues to take more human lives than all cancer combined, prompting the need for improved research models and treatment options. Despite a significant progress in development of mature heart-on-a-chip models of fibrosis and cardiomyopathies starting from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), human cell-based models of myocardial inflammation are lacking. Here, we bioengineered a vascularized heart-on-a-chip system with circulating immune cells to model SARS-CoV-2-induced acute myocarditis. Briefly, we observed hallmarks of COVID-19-induced myocardial inflammation in the heart-on-a-chip model, as the presence of immune cells augmented the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, triggered progressive impairment of contractile function and altered intracellular calcium transient activities. An elevation of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) was measured first in the in vitro heart-on-a-chip model and then validated in COVID-19 patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), demonstrating that mitochondrial damage is an important pathophysiological hallmark of inflammation induced cardiac dysfunction. Leveraging this platform in the context of SARS-CoV-2 induced myocardial inflammation, we established that administration of human umbilical vein-derived EVs effectively rescued the contractile deficit, normalized intracellular calcium handling, elevated the contraction force and reduced the ccf- mtDNA and chemokine release via TLR-NF-kB signaling axis.
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16
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Santos AC, Nader G, El Soufi El Sabbagh D, Urban K, Attisano L, Carlen PL. Treating Hyperexcitability in Human Cerebral Organoids Resulting from Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation. Cells 2023; 12:1949. [PMID: 37566028 PMCID: PMC10416870 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151949] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cerebral organoids resemble the 3D complexity of the human brain and have the potential to augment current drug development pipelines for neurological disease. Epilepsy is a complex neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. A third of people with epilepsy do not respond to currently available pharmaceutical drugs, and there is not one drug that treats all subtypes; thus, better models of epilepsy are needed for drug development. Cerebral organoids may be used to address this unmet need. In the present work, human cerebral organoids are used along with electrophysiological methods to explore oxygen-glucose deprivation as a hyperexcitability agent. This activity is investigated in its response to current antiseizure drugs. Furthermore, the mechanism of action of the drug candidates is probed with qPCR and immunofluorescence. The findings demonstrate OGD-induced hyperexcitable changes in the cerebral organoid tissue, which is treated with cannabidiol and bumetanide. There is evidence for NKCC1 and KCC2 gene expression, as well as other genes and proteins involved in the complex development of GABAergic signaling. This study supports the use of organoids as a platform for modelling cerebral cortical hyperexcitability that could be extended to modelling epilepsy and used for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C. Santos
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5S 0T8, Canada (P.L.C.)
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - George Nader
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5S 0T8, Canada (P.L.C.)
| | - Dana El Soufi El Sabbagh
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5S 0T8, Canada (P.L.C.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | | | - Liliana Attisano
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Peter L. Carlen
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5S 0T8, Canada (P.L.C.)
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
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17
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Loewa A, Feng JJ, Hedtrich S. Human disease models in drug development. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:1-15. [PMID: 37359774 PMCID: PMC10173243 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00063-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Biomedical research is undergoing a paradigm shift towards approaches centred on human disease models owing to the notoriously high failure rates of the current drug development process. Major drivers for this transition are the limitations of animal models, which, despite remaining the gold standard in basic and preclinical research, suffer from interspecies differences and poor prediction of human physiological and pathological conditions. To bridge this translational gap, bioengineered human disease models with high clinical mimicry are being developed. In this Review, we discuss preclinical and clinical studies that benefited from these models, focusing on organoids, bioengineered tissue models and organs-on-chips. Furthermore, we provide a high-level design framework to facilitate clinical translation and accelerate drug development using bioengineered human disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Loewa
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - James J. Feng
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Sarah Hedtrich
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center of Biological Design, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MCD), Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
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18
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Sunildutt N, Parihar P, Chethikkattuveli Salih AR, Lee SH, Choi KH. Revolutionizing drug development: harnessing the potential of organ-on-chip technology for disease modeling and drug discovery. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1139229. [PMID: 37180709 PMCID: PMC10166826 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1139229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The inefficiency of existing animal models to precisely predict human pharmacological effects is the root reason for drug development failure. Microphysiological system/organ-on-a-chip technology (organ-on-a-chip platform) is a microfluidic device cultured with human living cells under specific organ shear stress which can faithfully replicate human organ-body level pathophysiology. This emerging organ-on-chip platform can be a remarkable alternative for animal models with a broad range of purposes in drug testing and precision medicine. Here, we review the parameters employed in using organ on chip platform as a plot mimic diseases, genetic disorders, drug toxicity effects in different organs, biomarker identification, and drug discoveries. Additionally, we address the current challenges of the organ-on-chip platform that should be overcome to be accepted by drug regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, we highlight the future direction of the organ-on-chip platform parameters for enhancing and accelerating drug discoveries and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naina Sunildutt
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Pratibha Parihar
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Sang Ho Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Choi
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
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19
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Dou W, Daoud A, Chen X, Wang T, Malhi M, Gong Z, Mirshafiei F, Zhu M, Shan G, Huang X, Maynes JT, Sun Y. Ultrathin and Flexible Bioelectronic Arrays for Functional Measurement of iPSC-Cardiomyocytes under Cardiotropic Drug Administration and Controlled Microenvironments. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:2321-2331. [PMID: 36893018 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Emerging heart-on-a-chip technology is a promising tool to establish in vitro cardiac models for therapeutic testing and disease modeling. However, due to the technical complexity of integrating cell culture chambers, biosensors, and bioreactors into a single entity, a microphysiological system capable of reproducing controlled microenvironmental cues to regulate cell phenotypes, promote iPS-cardiomyocyte maturity, and simultaneously measure the dynamic changes of cardiomyocyte function in situ is not available. This paper reports an ultrathin and flexible bioelectronic array platform in 24-well format for higher-throughput contractility measurement under candidate drug administration or defined microenvironmental conditions. In the array, carbon black (CB)-PDMS flexible strain sensors were embedded for detecting iPSC-CM contractility signals. Carbon fiber electrodes and pneumatic air channels were integrated to provide electrical and mechanical stimulation to improve iPSC-CM maturation. Performed experiments validate that the bioelectronic array accurately reveals the effects of cardiotropic drugs and identifies mechanical/electrical stimulation strategies for promoting iPSC-CM maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkun Dou
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Abdelkader Daoud
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Xin Chen
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology and Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Tiancong Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Manpreet Malhi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Zheyuan Gong
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Fatemeh Mirshafiei
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Min Zhu
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Guanqiao Shan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Xi Huang
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology and Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Jason T Maynes
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G4, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A1, Canada
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20
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Zhao Y, Wang EY, Lai FBL, Cheung K, Radisic M. Organs-on-a-chip: a union of tissue engineering and microfabrication. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:410-424. [PMID: 36725464 PMCID: PMC9985977 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We review the emergence of the new field of organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) engineering, from the parent fields of tissue engineering and microfluidics. We place into perspective the tools and capabilities brought into the OOAC field by early tissue engineers and microfluidics experts. Liver-on-a-chip and heart-on-a-chip are used as two case studies of systems that heavily relied on tissue engineering techniques and that were amongst the first OOAC models to be implemented, motivated by the need to better assess toxicity to human tissues in preclinical drug development. We review current challenges in OOAC that often stem from the same challenges in the parent fields, such as stable vascularization and drug absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Erika Yan Wang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Fook B L Lai
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Krisco Cheung
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada.
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21
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Abstract
Heart disease is a significant burden on global health care systems and is a leading cause of death each year. To improve our understanding of heart disease, high quality disease models are needed. These will facilitate the discovery and development of new treatments for heart disease. Traditionally, researchers have relied on 2D monolayer systems or animal models of heart disease to elucidate pathophysiology and drug responses. Heart-on-a-chip (HOC) technology is an emerging field where cardiomyocytes among other cell types in the heart can be used to generate functional, beating cardiac microtissues that recapitulate many features of the human heart. HOC models are showing great promise as disease modeling platforms and are poised to serve as important tools in the drug development pipeline. By leveraging advances in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte biology and microfabrication technology, diseased HOCs are highly tuneable and can be generated via different approaches such as: using cells with defined genetic backgrounds (patient-derived cells), adding small molecules, modifying the cells' environment, altering cell ratio/composition of microtissues, among others. HOCs have been used to faithfully model aspects of arrhythmia, fibrosis, infection, cardiomyopathies, and ischemia, to name a few. In this review, we highlight recent advances in disease modeling using HOC systems, describing instances where these models outperformed other models in terms of reproducing disease phenotypes and/or led to drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Mourad
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (O.M., R.Y., M.L., S.S.N.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering (O.M., R.Y., M.L., S.S.N.), University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Ryan Yee
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (O.M., R.Y., M.L., S.S.N.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering (O.M., R.Y., M.L., S.S.N.), University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Mengyuan Li
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (O.M., R.Y., M.L., S.S.N.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering (O.M., R.Y., M.L., S.S.N.), University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Sara S Nunes
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (O.M., R.Y., M.L., S.S.N.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Ajmera Transplant Center (S.S.N.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering (O.M., R.Y., M.L., S.S.N.), University of Toronto, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology (S.S.N.), University of Toronto, Canada.,Heart and Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence (S.S.N.), University of Toronto, Canada
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22
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Min S, Cho SW. Engineered human cardiac tissues for modeling heart diseases. BMB Rep 2023; 56:32-42. [PMID: 36443005 PMCID: PMC9887099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart disease is one of the major life-threatening diseases with high mortality and incidence worldwide. Several model systems, such as primary cells and animals, have been used to understand heart diseases and establish appropriate treatments. However, they have limitations in accuracy and reproducibility in recapitulating disease pathophysiology and evaluating drug responses. In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) cardiac tissue models produced using tissue engineering technology and human cells have outperformed conventional models. In particular, the integration of cell reprogramming techniques with bioengineering platforms (e.g., microfluidics, scaffolds, bioprinting, and biophysical stimuli) has facilitated the development of heart-ona- chip, cardiac spheroid/organoid, and engineered heart tissue (EHT) to recapitulate the structural and functional features of the native human heart. These cardiac models have improved heart disease modeling and toxicological evaluation. In this review, we summarize the cell types for the fabrication of cardiac tissue models, introduce diverse 3D human cardiac tissue models, and discuss the strategies to enhance their complexity and maturity. Finally, recent studies in the modeling of various heart diseases are reviewed. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(1): 32-42].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Min
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea,Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03722, Korea,Corresponding author. Tel: +82-2-2123-5662; Fax: +82-2-362-7265; E-mail:
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23
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Min S, Cho SW. Engineered human cardiac tissues for modeling heart diseases. BMB Rep 2023; 56:32-42. [PMID: 36443005 PMCID: PMC9887099 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2022-0185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart disease is one of the major life-threatening diseases with high mortality and incidence worldwide. Several model systems, such as primary cells and animals, have been used to understand heart diseases and establish appropriate treatments. However, they have limitations in accuracy and reproducibility in recapitulating disease pathophysiology and evaluating drug responses. In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) cardiac tissue models produced using tissue engineering technology and human cells have outperformed conventional models. In particular, the integration of cell reprogramming techniques with bioengineering platforms (e.g., microfluidics, scaffolds, bioprinting, and biophysical stimuli) has facilitated the development of heart-ona- chip, cardiac spheroid/organoid, and engineered heart tissue (EHT) to recapitulate the structural and functional features of the native human heart. These cardiac models have improved heart disease modeling and toxicological evaluation. In this review, we summarize the cell types for the fabrication of cardiac tissue models, introduce diverse 3D human cardiac tissue models, and discuss the strategies to enhance their complexity and maturity. Finally, recent studies in the modeling of various heart diseases are reviewed. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(1): 32-42].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Min
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03722, Korea
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24
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Cai L, Wang R, Zhang D. Cardiac Disease Modeling with Engineered Heart Tissue. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:235-255. [PMID: 37563250 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The rhythmically beating heart is the foundation of life-sustaining blood flow. There are four chambers and many different types of cell in the heart, but the twisted myofibrillar structures formed by cardiomyocytes are particularly important for cardiac contraction and electrical impulse transmission properties. The ability to generate cardiomyocytes using human-induced pluripotent stem cells has essentially solved the cell supply shortage for in vitro simulation of cardiac tissue function; however, modeling heart at the tissue level needs mature myocardial structure, electrophysiology, and contractile characteristics. Here, the current research on human functionalized cardiac microtissue in modeling cardiac diseases is reviewed and the design criteria and practical applications of different human engineered heart tissues, including cardiac organoids, cardiac thin films, and cardiac microbundles are analyzed. Table summarizing the ability of several in vitro myocardial models to assess heart structure and function for cardiac disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ruxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Donghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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25
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Wang EY, Zhao Y, Okhovatian S, Smith JB, Radisic M. Intersection of stem cell biology and engineering towards next generation in vitro models of human fibrosis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1005051. [PMID: 36338120 PMCID: PMC9630603 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1005051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Human fibrotic diseases constitute a major health problem worldwide. Fibrosis involves significant etiological heterogeneity and encompasses a wide spectrum of diseases affecting various organs. To date, many fibrosis targeted therapeutic agents failed due to inadequate efficacy and poor prognosis. In order to dissect disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic solutions for fibrosis patients, in vitro disease models have gone a long way in terms of platform development. The introduction of engineered organ-on-a-chip platforms has brought a revolutionary dimension to the current fibrosis studies and discovery of anti-fibrotic therapeutics. Advances in human induced pluripotent stem cells and tissue engineering technologies are enabling significant progress in this field. Some of the most recent breakthroughs and emerging challenges are discussed, with an emphasis on engineering strategies for platform design, development, and application of machine learning on these models for anti-fibrotic drug discovery. In this review, we discuss engineered designs to model fibrosis and how biosensor and machine learning technologies combine to facilitate mechanistic studies of fibrosis and pre-clinical drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Yan Wang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jacob B. Smith
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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26
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Bremner SB, Gaffney KS, Sniadecki NJ, Mack DL. A Change of Heart: Human Cardiac Tissue Engineering as a Platform for Drug Development. Curr Cardiol Rep 2022; 24:473-486. [PMID: 35247166 PMCID: PMC8897733 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-022-01668-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Human cardiac tissue engineering holds great promise for early detection of drug-related cardiac toxicity and arrhythmogenicity during drug discovery and development. We describe shortcomings of the current drug development pathway, recent advances in the development of cardiac tissue constructs as drug testing platforms, and the challenges remaining in their widespread adoption. RECENT FINDINGS Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) have been used to develop a variety of constructs including cardiac spheroids, microtissues, strips, rings, and chambers. Several ambitious studies have used these constructs to test a significant number of drugs, and while most have shown proper negative inotropic and arrhythmogenic responses, few have been able to demonstrate positive inotropy, indicative of relative hPSC-CM immaturity. Several engineered human cardiac tissue platforms have demonstrated native cardiac physiology and proper drug responses. Future studies addressing hPSC-CM immaturity and inclusion of patient-specific cell lines will further advance the utility of such models for in vitro drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha B. Bremner
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Karen S. Gaffney
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Nathan J. Sniadecki
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - David L. Mack
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
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27
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Dou W, Malhi M, Zhao Q, Wang L, Huang Z, Law J, Liu N, Simmons CA, Maynes JT, Sun Y. Microengineered platforms for characterizing the contractile function of in vitro cardiac models. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2022; 8:26. [PMID: 35299653 PMCID: PMC8882466 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-021-00344-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Emerging heart-on-a-chip platforms are promising approaches to establish cardiac cell/tissue models in vitro for research on cardiac physiology, disease modeling and drug cardiotoxicity as well as for therapeutic discovery. Challenges still exist in obtaining the complete capability of in situ sensing to fully evaluate the complex functional properties of cardiac cell/tissue models. Changes to contractile strength (contractility) and beating regularity (rhythm) are particularly important to generate accurate, predictive models. Developing new platforms and technologies to assess the contractile functions of in vitro cardiac models is essential to provide information on cell/tissue physiologies, drug-induced inotropic responses, and the mechanisms of cardiac diseases. In this review, we discuss recent advances in biosensing platforms for the measurement of contractile functions of in vitro cardiac models, including single cardiomyocytes, 2D monolayers of cardiomyocytes, and 3D cardiac tissues. The characteristics and performance of current platforms are reviewed in terms of sensing principles, measured parameters, performance, cell sources, cell/tissue model configurations, advantages, and limitations. In addition, we highlight applications of these platforms and relevant discoveries in fundamental investigations, drug testing, and disease modeling. Furthermore, challenges and future outlooks of heart-on-a-chip platforms for in vitro measurement of cardiac functional properties are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkun Dou
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8 Canada
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
| | - Manpreet Malhi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 Canada
| | - Qili Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System and the Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350 China
| | - Li Wang
- School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353 China
| | - Zongjie Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8 Canada
| | - Junhui Law
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8 Canada
| | - Na Liu
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Craig A. Simmons
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8 Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9 Canada
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1 Canada
| | - Jason T. Maynes
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 Canada
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8 Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9 Canada
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4 Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A1 Canada
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