1
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Lockhart EJ, Horowitz LF, Rodríguez A, Zhu S, Nguyen T, Mehrabi M, Gujral TS, Folch A. Drug testing of monodisperse arrays of live microdissected tumors using a valved multiwell microfluidic platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2683-2699. [PMID: 38651213 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00016a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer drug testing in animals is an extremely poor predictor of the drug's safety and efficacy observed in humans. Hence there is a pressing need for functional testing platforms that better predict traditional and immunotherapy responses in human, live tumor tissue or tissue constructs, and at the same time are compatible with the use of mouse tumor tissue to facilitate building more accurate disease models. Since many cancer drug actions rely on mechanisms that depend on the tumor microenvironment (TME), such platforms should also retain as much of the native TME as possible. Additionally, platforms based on miniaturization technologies are desirable to reduce animal use and sensitivity to human tissue scarcity. Present high-throughput testing platforms that have some of these features, e.g. based on patient-derived tumor organoids, require a growth step that alters the TME. On the other hand, microdissected tumors (μDTs) or "spheroids" that retain an intact TME have shown promising responses to immunomodulators acting on native immune cells. However, difficult tissue handling after microdissection has reduced the throughput of drug testing on μDTs, thereby constraining the inherent advantages of producing numerous TME-preserving units of tissue for drug testing. Here we demonstrate a microfluidic 96-well platform designed for drug treatment of hundreds of similarly-sized, cuboidal μDTs ("cuboids") produced from a single tumor sample. The platform organizes a monodisperse array of four cuboids per well in 384 hydrodynamic traps. The microfluidic device, entirely fabricated in thermoplastics, features 96 microvalves that fluidically isolate each well after the cuboid loading step for straightforward multi-drug testing. Since our platform makes the most of scarce tumor tissue, it can potentially be applied to human biopsies that preserve the human TME while minimizing animal testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan J Lockhart
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Lisa F Horowitz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Adán Rodríguez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Songli Zhu
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Tran Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | | | - Taranjit S Gujral
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Albert Folch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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2
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Verbruggen SW, Freeman CL, Freeman FE. Utilizing 3D Models to Unravel the Dynamics of Myeloma Plasma Cells' Escape from the Bone Marrow Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:889. [PMID: 38473251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050889] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent therapeutic advancements have markedly increased the survival rates of individuals with multiple myeloma (MM), doubling survival compared to pre-2000 estimates. This progress, driven by highly effective novel agents, suggests a growing population of MM survivors exceeding the 10-year mark post-diagnosis. However, contemporary clinical observations indicate potential trends toward more aggressive relapse phenotypes, characterized by extramedullary disease and dominant proliferative clones, despite these highly effective treatments. To build upon these advances, it is crucial to develop models of MM evolution, particularly focusing on understanding the biological mechanisms behind its development outside the bone marrow. This comprehensive understanding is essential to devising innovative treatment strategies. This review emphasizes the role of 3D models, specifically addressing the bone marrow microenvironment and development of extramedullary sites. It explores the current state-of-the-art in MM modelling, highlighting challenges in replicating the disease's complexity. Recognizing the unique demand for accurate models, the discussion underscores the potential impact of these advanced 3D models on understanding and combating this heterogeneous and still incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefaan W Verbruggen
- Digital Environment Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Center for Predictive In Vitro Models, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Ciara L Freeman
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Fiona E Freeman
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Engineering and Materials Science Centre, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Mechanical Manufacturing, and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
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3
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Ahmed MAM, Jurczak KM, Lynn NS, Mulder JPSH, Verpoorte EMJ, Nagelkerke A. Rapid prototyping of PMMA-based microfluidic spheroid-on-a-chip models using micromilling and vapour-assisted thermal bonding. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2831. [PMID: 38310102 PMCID: PMC10838337 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53266-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The application of microfluidic devices as next-generation cell and tissue culture systems has increased impressively in the last decades. With that, a plethora of materials as well as fabrication methods for these devices have emerged. Here, we describe the rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices, using micromilling and vapour-assisted thermal bonding of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), to create a spheroid-on-a-chip culture system. Surface roughness of the micromilled structures was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), showing that the fabrication procedure can impact the surface quality of micromilled substrates with milling tracks that can be readily observed in micromilled channels. A roughness of approximately 153 nm was created. Chloroform vapour-assisted bonding was used for simultaneous surface smoothing and bonding. A 30-s treatment with chloroform-vapour was able to reduce the surface roughness and smooth it to approximately 39 nm roughness. Subsequent bonding of multilayer PMMA-based microfluidic chips created a durable assembly, as shown by tensile testing. MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were cultured as multicellular tumour spheroids in the device and their characteristics evaluated using immunofluorescence staining. Spheroids could be successfully maintained for at least three weeks. They consisted of a characteristic hypoxic core, along with expression of the quiescence marker, p27kip1. This core was surrounded by a ring of Ki67-positive, proliferative cells. Overall, the method described represents a versatile approach to generate microfluidic devices compatible with biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monieb A M Ahmed
- Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaudia M Jurczak
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - N Scott Lynn
- Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jean-Paul S H Mulder
- Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth M J Verpoorte
- Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anika Nagelkerke
- Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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4
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Ahmadianyazdi A, Miller IJ, Folch A. Tunable resins with PDMS-like elastic modulus for stereolithographic 3D-printing of multimaterial microfluidic actuators. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4019-4032. [PMID: 37584639 PMCID: PMC10849085 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00529a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Stereolithographic 3D-printing (SLA) permits facile fabrication of high-precision microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip devices. SLA photopolymers often yield parts with low mechanical compliancy in sharp contrast to elastomers such as poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS). On the other hand, SLA-printable elastomers with soft mechanical properties do not fulfill the distinct requirements for a highly manufacturable resin in microfluidics (e.g., high-resolution printability, transparency, low-viscosity). These limitations restrict our ability to print microfluidic actuators containing dynamic, movable elements. Here we introduce low-viscous photopolymers based on a tunable blend of the monomers poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA, Mw ∼ 258) and the monoacrylate poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether) methacrylate (PEGMEMA, Mw ∼ 300). In these blends, which we term PEGDA-co-PEGMEMA, tuning the PEGMEMA content from 0% to 40% (v/v) alters the elastic modulus of the printed plastics by ∼400-fold, reaching that of PDMS. Through the addition of PEGMEMA, moreover, PEGDA-co-PEGMEMA retains desirable properties of highly manufacturable PEGDA such as low viscosity, solvent compatibility, cytocompatibility and low drug absorptivity. With PEGDA-co-PEGMEMA, we SLA-printed drastically enhanced fluidic actuators including microvalves, micropumps, and microregulators with a hybrid structure containing a flexible PEGDA-co-PEGMEMA membrane within a rigid PEGDA housing. These components were built using a custom "Print-Pause-Print" protocol, referred to as "3P-printing", that allows for fabricating high-resolution multimaterial parts with a desktop SLA printer without the need for post-assembly. SLA-printing of multimaterial microfluidic actuators addresses the unmet need of high-performance on-chip controls in 3D-printed microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isaac J Miller
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Albert Folch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
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5
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Ueno R, Kuninori M, Sumi T, Sadeghian RB, Takata Y, Iguchi A, Tsuda M, Yamashita F, Ichikawa K, Yokokawa R. Relationship between Adsorption and Toxicity of Nephrotoxic Drugs in Microphysiological Systems (MPS). MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:761. [PMID: 37420994 DOI: 10.3390/mi14040761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS) are an emerging technology for next-generation drug screening in non-clinical tests. Microphysiological systems are microfluidic devices that reconstitute the physiological functions of a human organ using a three-dimensional in vivo-mimicking microenvironment. In the future, MPSs are expected to reduce the number of animal experiments, improve prediction methods for drug efficacy in clinical settings, and reduce the costs of drug discovery. However, drug adsorption onto the polymers used in an MPS is a critical issue for assessment because it changes the concentration of the drug. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a basic material used for the fabrication of MPS, strongly adsorbs hydrophobic drugs. As a substitute for PDMS, cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) has emerged as an attractive material for low-adsorption MPS. However, it has difficulty bonding with different materials and, therefore, is not commonly used. In this study, we assessed the drug adsorption properties of each material constituting an MPS and subsequent changes in drug toxicity for the development of a low-adsorption MPSs using COP. The hydrophobic drug cyclosporine A showed an affinity for PDMS and induced lower cytotoxicity in PDMS-MPS but not in COP-MPS, whereas adhesive tapes used for bonding adsorbed a significant quantity of drugs, lowering their availability, and was cytotoxic. Therefore, easily-adsorbed hydrophobic drugs and bonding materials having lower cytotoxicity should be used with a low-adsorption polymer such as COP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Ueno
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
- Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd., Yokohama 240-0062, Japan
| | | | - Takumi Sumi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | | | - Yuji Takata
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
| | - Azusa Iguchi
- Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd., Yokohama 240-0062, Japan
| | - Masahiro Tsuda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Fumiyoshi Yamashita
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | | | - Ryuji Yokokawa
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
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6
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Review on Bortezomib Resistance in Multiple Myeloma and Potential Role of Emerging Technologies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16010111. [PMID: 36678608 PMCID: PMC9864669 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is a hematological cancer type. For its treatment, Bortezomib has been widely used. However, drug resistance to this effective chemotherapeutic has been developed for various reasons. 2D cell cultures and animal models have failed to understand the MM disease and Bortezomib resistance. It is therefore essential to utilize new technologies to reveal a complete molecular profile of the disease. In this review, we in-depth examined the possible molecular mechanisms that cause Bortezomib resistance and specifically addressed MM and Bortezomib resistance. Moreover, we also included the use of nanoparticles, 3D culture methods, microfluidics, and organ-on-chip devices in multiple myeloma. We also discussed whether the emerging technology offers the necessary tools to understand and prevent Bortezomib resistance in multiple myeloma. Despite the ongoing research activities on MM, the related studies cannot provide a complete summary of MM. Nanoparticle and 3D culturing have been frequently used to understand MM disease and Bortezomib resistance. However, the number of microfluidic devices for this application is insufficient. By combining siRNA/miRNA technologies with microfluidic devices, a complete molecular genetic profile of MM disease could be revealed. Microfluidic chips should be used clinically in personal therapy and point-of-care applications. At least with Bortezomib microneedles, it could be ensured that MM patients can go through the treatment process more painlessly. This way, MM can be switched to the curable cancer type list, and Bortezomib can be targeted for its treatment with fewer side effects.
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7
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Dalsbecker P, Beck Adiels C, Goksör M. Liver-on-a-chip devices: the pros and cons of complexity. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 323:G188-G204. [PMID: 35819853 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00346.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Physiologically relevant and broadly applicable liver cell culture platforms are of great importance in both drug development and disease modeling. Organ-on-a-chip systems offer a promising alternative to conventional, static two-dimensional (2-D) cultures, providing much-needed cues such as perfusion, shear stress, and three-dimensional (3-D) cell-cell communication. However, such devices cover a broad range of complexity both in manufacture and in implementation. In this review, we summarize the key features of the human liver that should be reflected in a physiologically relevant liver-on-a-chip model. We also discuss different material properties of importance in producing liver-on-a-chip devices and summarize recent and current progress in the field, highlighting different types of devices at different levels of complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mattias Goksör
- Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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8
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Banh L, Cheung KK, Chan MWY, Young EWK, Viswanathan S. Advances in organ-on-a-chip systems for modelling joint tissue and osteoarthritic diseases. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2022; 30:1050-1061. [PMID: 35460872 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2022.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Joint-on-a-chip (JOC) models are powerful tools that aid in osteoarthritis (OA) research. These microfluidic devices apply emerging organ-on-a-chip technology to recapitulate a multifaceted joint tissue microenvironment. JOCs address the need for advanced, dynamic in vitro models that can mimic the in vivo tissue environment through joint-relevant biomechanical or fluidic integration, an aspect that existing in vitro OA models lack. There are existing review articles on OA models that focus on animal, tissue explant, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, including microbioreactors and 3D printing technology, but there has been limited discussion of JOC models. The aim of this article is to review recent developments in human JOC technology and identify gaps for future advancements. Specifically, mechanical stimulation systems that mimic articular movement, multi-joint tissue cultures that enable crosstalk, and systems that aim to capture aspects of OA inflammation by incorporating immune cells are covered. The development of an advanced JOC model that captures the dynamic joint microenvironment will improve testing and translation of potential OA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Banh
- Osteoarthritis Research Program, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Canada; Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - K K Cheung
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - M W Y Chan
- Osteoarthritis Research Program, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Canada; Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - E W K Young
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - S Viswanathan
- Osteoarthritis Research Program, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Canada; Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada; Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada.
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9
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Eslami Amirabadi H, Donkers JM, Wierenga E, Ingenhut B, Pieters L, Stevens L, Donkers T, Westerhout J, Masereeuw R, Bobeldijk-Pastorova I, Nooijen I, van de Steeg E. Intestinal explant barrier chip: long-term intestinal absorption screening in a novel microphysiological system using tissue explants. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:326-342. [PMID: 34877953 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00669j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The majority of intestinal in vitro screening models use cell lines that do not reflect the complexity of the human intestinal tract and hence often fail to accurately predict intestinal drug absorption. Tissue explants have intact intestinal architecture and cell type diversity, but show short viability in static conditions. Here, we present a medium throughput microphysiological system, Intestinal Explant Barrier Chip (IEBC), that creates a dynamic microfluidic microenvironment and prolongs tissue viability. Using a snap fit mechanism, we successfully incorporated human and porcine colon tissue explants and studied tissue functionality, integrity and viability for 24 hours. With a proper distinction of transcellular over paracellular transport (ratio >2), tissue functionality was good at early and late timepoints. Low leakage of FITC-dextran and preserved intracellular lactate dehydrogenase levels indicate maintained tissue integrity and viability, respectively. From a selection of low to high permeability drugs, 6 out of 7 properly ranked according to their fraction absorbed. In conclusion, the IEBC is a novel screening platform benefitting from the complexity of tissue explants and the flow in microfluidic chips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Eslami Amirabadi
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zeist, The Netherlands.
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne M Donkers
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zeist, The Netherlands.
| | - Esmée Wierenga
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zeist, The Netherlands.
| | - Bastiaan Ingenhut
- Materials solution department, TNO, and Brightlands Materials Centre, Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisanne Pieters
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zeist, The Netherlands.
| | - Lianne Stevens
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zeist, The Netherlands.
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Donkers
- Division of Space systems engineering, TNO, Delft, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rosalinde Masereeuw
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ivana Bobeldijk-Pastorova
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zeist, The Netherlands.
| | - Irene Nooijen
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zeist, The Netherlands.
| | - Evita van de Steeg
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zeist, The Netherlands.
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10
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Kheiri S, Kumacheva E, Young EWK. Computational Modelling and Big Data Analysis of Flow and Drug Transport in Microfluidic Systems: A Spheroid-on-a-Chip Study. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:781566. [PMID: 34888303 PMCID: PMC8650096 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.781566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic tumour spheroid-on-a-chip platforms enable control of spheroid size and their microenvironment and offer the capability of high-throughput drug screening, but drug supply to spheroids is a complex process that depends on a combination of mechanical, biochemical, and biophysical factors. To account for these coupled effects, many microfluidic device designs and operating conditions must be considered and optimized in a time- and labour-intensive trial-and-error process. Computational modelling facilitates a systematic exploration of a large design parameter space via in silico simulations, but the majority of in silico models apply only a small set of conditions or parametric levels. Novel approaches to computational modelling are needed to explore large parameter spaces and accelerate the optimization of spheroid-on-a-chip and other organ-on-a-chip designs. Here, we report an efficient computational approach for simulating fluid flow and transport of drugs in a high-throughput arrayed cancer spheroid-on-a-chip platform. Our strategy combines four key factors: i) governing physical equations; ii) parametric sweeping; iii) parallel computing; and iv) extensive dataset analysis, thereby enabling a complete “full-factorial” exploration of the design parameter space in combinatorial fashion. The simulations were conducted in a time-efficient manner without requiring massive computational time. As a case study, we simulated >15,000 microfluidic device designs and flow conditions for a representative multicellular spheroids-on-a-chip arrayed device, thus acquiring a single dataset consisting of ∼10 billion datapoints in ∼95 GBs. To validate our computational model, we performed physical experiments in a representative spheroid-on-a-chip device that showed excellent agreement between experimental and simulated data. This study offers a computational strategy to accelerate the optimization of microfluidic device designs and provide insight on the flow and drug transport in spheroid-on-a-chip and other biomicrofluidic platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Kheiri
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Edmond W K Young
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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11
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Xu DC, Yang L, Zhang PQ, Yan D, Xue Q, Huang QT, Li XF, Hao YL, Tang DL, Ping Dou Q, Chen X, Liu JB. Pharmacological characterization of a novel metal-based proteasome inhibitor Na-AuPT for cancer treatment. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 43:2128-2138. [PMID: 34893683 PMCID: PMC9343436 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00816-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is essential for maintaining cell homeostasis by orchestrating the protein degradation, but is impaired in various diseases, including cancers. Several proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib, are currently used in cancer treatment, but associated toxicity limits their widespread application. Recently metal complex-based drugs have attracted great attention in tumor therapy; however, their application is hindered by low water-solubility and poor absorbency. Herein, we synthesized a new type of gold (I) complex named Na-AuPT, and further characterized its anticancer activity. Na-AuPT is highly water-soluble (6 mg/mL), and it was able to potently inhibit growth of a panel of 11 cancer cell lines (A549, SMMC7721, H460, HepG2, BEL7402, LNCap, PC3, MGC-803, SGC-7901, U266, and K562). In A549 and SMMC7721 cells, Na-AuPT (in a range of 2.5-20 μM) inhibited the UPS function in a dose-dependent fashion by targeting and inhibiting both 20 S proteasomal proteolytic peptidases and 19 S proteasomal deubiquitinases. Furthermore, Na-AuPT induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in A549 and SMMC7721 cells, which was prevented by the metal chelator EDTA. Administration of Na-AuPT (40 mg · kg-1 · d-1, ip) in nude mice bearing A549 or SMMC7721 xenografts significantly inhibited the tumor growth in vivo, accompanied by increased levels of total ubiquitinated proteins, cleaved caspase 3 and Bax protein in tumor tissue. Moreover, Na-AuPT induced cell death of primary mononuclear cells from 5 patients with acute myeloid leukemia ex vivo with an average IC50 value of 2.46 μM. We conclude that Na-AuPT is a novel metal-based proteasome inhibitor that may hold great potential for cancer therapy.
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12
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Modeling Tumor: Lymphatic Interactions in Lymphatic Metastasis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236044. [PMID: 34885152 PMCID: PMC8656640 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lymphatic metastasis is a critical prognostic factor of breast cancer aggressiveness and patient survival. Since existing therapeutic approaches have shown limited efficacy, new strategies to identify effective therapeutic targets for reducing breast cancer lymphatic metastasis are needed. We have used novel culture chambers, designed and fabricated by our group, to develop 3D models in which we can study spat ial interactions between breast cancer cells and lymphatic cells as they occur in real-time. This approach provides information on the complex cell–cell interactions involved in lymphatic metastasis of breast cancers. Factors in the secretome of the lymphatic cells promote invasive outgrowths from 3D cultures of breast cancer cells, suggesting that targeting interactions between breast cancer cells and lymphatic cells could be a potential therapeutic approach for the prevention of lymphatic metastasis. Abstract Breast cancer frequently metastasizes to lymphatics and the presence of breast cancer cells in regional lymph nodes is an important prognostic factor. Delineating the mechanisms by which breast cancer cells disseminate and spatiotemporal aspects of interactions between breast cancer cells and lymphatics is needed to design new therapies to prevent lymphatic metastases. As triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a high incidence of lymphatic metastasis, we used a three-dimensional (3D) coculture model of human TNBC cells and human microvascular lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to analyze TNBC:LEC interactions. Non-invasive analyses such as live-cell imaging in real-time and collection of conditioned media for secretomic analysis were facilitated by our novel microfluidic chambers. The volumes of 3D structures formed in TNBC:LEC cocultures are greater than that of 3D structures formed by either LEC or TNBC monocultures. Over 4 days of culture there is an increase in multicellular invasive outgrowths from TNBC spheroids and an association of TNBC spheroids with LEC networks. The increase in invasive phenotype also occurred when TNBC spheroids were cultured in LEC-conditioned media and in wells linked to ones containing LEC networks. Our results suggest that modeling spatiotemporal interactions between TNBC and LECs may reveal paracrine signaling that could be targeted to reduce lymphatic metastasis.
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Mohan MD, Young EWK. TANDEM: biomicrofluidic systems with transverse and normal diffusional environments for multidirectional signaling. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4081-4094. [PMID: 34604885 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00279a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biomicrofluidic systems that can recapitulate complex biological processes with precisely controlled 3D geometries are a significant advancement from traditional 2D cultures. To this point, these systems have largely been limited to either laterally adjacent channels in a single plane or vertically stacked single-channel arrangements. As a result, lateral (or transverse) and vertical (or normal) diffusion have been isolated to their respective designs only, thus limiting potential access to nutrients and 3D communication that typifies in vivo microenvironments. Here we report a novel device architecture called "TANDEM", an acronym for "T̲ransverse A̲nd N̲ormal D̲iffusional E̲nvironments for M̲ultidirectional Signaling", which enables multiplanar arrangements of aligned channels where normal and transverse diffusion occur in tandem to facilitate multidirectional communication. We developed a computational transport model in COMSOL and tested diffusion and culture viability in one specific TANDEM configuration, and found that TANDEM systems demonstrated enhanced diffusion in comparison to single-plane counterparts. This resulted in improved viability of hydrogel-embedded cells, which typically suffer from a lack of sufficient nutrient access during long-term culture. Finally, we showed that TANDEM designs can be expanded to more complex alternative configurations depending on the needs of the end-user. Based on these findings, TANDEM designs can utilize multidirectional enhanced diffusion to improve long-term viability and ultimately facilitate more robust and more biomimetic microfluidic systems with increasingly more complex geometric layouts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Mohan
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Edmond W K Young
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
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14
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Kim J, Jang J, Cho DW. Recapitulating the Cancer Microenvironment Using Bioprinting Technology for Precision Medicine. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:1122. [PMID: 34577765 PMCID: PMC8472267 DOI: 10.3390/mi12091122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The complex and heterogenous nature of cancer contributes to the development of cancer cell drug resistance. The construction of the cancer microenvironment, including the cell-cell interactions and extracellular matrix (ECM), plays a significant role in the development of drug resistance. Traditional animal models used in drug discovery studies have been associated with feasibility issues that limit the recapitulation of human functions; thus, in vitro models have been developed to reconstruct the human cancer system. However, conventional two-dimensional and three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cancer models are limited in their ability to emulate complex cancer microenvironments. Advances in technologies, including bioprinting and cancer microenvironment reconstruction, have demonstrated the potential to overcome some of the limitations of conventional models. This study reviews some representative bioprinted in vitro models used in cancer research, particularly fabrication strategies for modeling and consideration of essential factors needed for the reconstruction of the cancer microenvironment. In addition, we highlight recent studies that applied such models, including application in precision medicine using advanced bioprinting technologies to fabricate biomimetic cancer models. Furthermore, we discuss current challenges in 3D bioprinting and suggest possible strategies to construct in vitro models that better mimic the pathophysiology of the cancer microenvironment for application in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisoo Kim
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea;
| | - Jinah Jang
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
- Department of Creative IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Dong-Woo Cho
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
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15
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Grant J, Özkan A, Oh C, Mahajan G, Prantil-Baun R, Ingber DE. Simulating drug concentrations in PDMS microfluidic organ chips. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:3509-3519. [PMID: 34346471 PMCID: PMC8440455 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00348h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic organ-on-a-chip (Organ Chip) cell culture devices are often fabricated using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) because it is biocompatible, transparent, elastomeric, and oxygen permeable; however, hydrophobic small molecules can absorb to PDMS, which makes it challenging to predict drug responses. Here, we describe a combined simulation and experimental approach to predict the spatial and temporal concentration profile of a drug under continuous dosing in a PDMS Organ Chip containing two parallel channels separated by a porous membrane that is lined with cultured cells, without prior knowledge of its log P value. First, a three-dimensional finite element model of drug loss into the chip was developed that incorporates absorption, adsorption, convection, and diffusion, which simulates changes in drug levels over time and space as a function of potential PDMS diffusion coefficients and log P values. By then experimentally measuring the diffusivity of the compound in PDMS and determining its partition coefficient through mass spectrometric analysis of the drug concentration in the channel outflow, it is possible to estimate the effective log P range of the compound. The diffusion and partition coefficients were experimentally derived for the antimalarial drug and potential SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic, amodiaquine, and incorporated into the model to quantitatively estimate the drug-specific concentration profile over time measured in human lung airway chips lined with bronchial epithelium interfaced with pulmonary microvascular endothelium. The same strategy can be applied to any device geometry, surface treatment, or in vitro microfluidic model to simulate the spatial and temporal gradient of a drug in 3D without prior knowledge of the partition coefficient or the rate of diffusion in PDMS. Thus, this approach may expand the use of PDMS Organ Chip devices for various forms of drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Grant
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Alican Özkan
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Crystal Oh
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Gautam Mahajan
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Rachelle Prantil-Baun
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Donald E Ingber
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Schneider S, Brás EJS, Schneider O, Schlünder K, Loskill P. Facile Patterning of Thermoplastic Elastomers and Robust Bonding to Glass and Thermoplastics for Microfluidic Cell Culture and Organ-on-Chip. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:575. [PMID: 34070209 PMCID: PMC8158514 DOI: 10.3390/mi12050575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The emergence and spread of microfluidics over the last decades relied almost exclusively on the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The main reason for the success of PDMS in the field of microfluidic research is its suitability for rapid prototyping and simple bonding methods. PDMS allows for precise microstructuring by replica molding and bonding to different substrates through various established strategies. However, large-scale production and commercialization efforts are hindered by the low scalability of PDMS-based chip fabrication and high material costs. Furthermore, fundamental limitations of PDMS, such as small molecule absorption and high water evaporation, have resulted in a shift toward PDMS-free systems. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are a promising alternative, combining properties from both thermoplastic materials and elastomers. Here, we present a rapid and scalable fabrication method for microfluidic systems based on a polycarbonate (PC) and TPE hybrid material. Microstructured PC/TPE-hybrid modules are generated by hot embossing precise features into the TPE while simultaneously fusing the flexible TPE to a rigid thermoplastic layer through thermal fusion bonding. Compared to TPE alone, the resulting, more rigid composite material improves device handling while maintaining the key advantages of TPE. In a fast and simple process, the PC/TPE-hybrid can be bonded to several types of thermoplastics as well as glass substrates. The resulting bond strength withstands at least 7.5 bar of applied pressure, even after seven days of exposure to a high-temperature and humid environment, which makes the PC/TPE-hybrid suitable for most microfluidic applications. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the PC/TPE-hybrid features low absorption of small molecules while being biocompatible, making it a suitable material for microfluidic biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schneider
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (S.S.); (O.S.)
| | - Eduardo J. S. Brás
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany; (E.J.S.B.); (K.S.)
| | - Oliver Schneider
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (S.S.); (O.S.)
| | - Katharina Schlünder
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany; (E.J.S.B.); (K.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Loskill
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany; (E.J.S.B.); (K.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- 3R Center Tübingen for In Vitro Models and Alternatives to Animal Testing, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Elvira KS. Microfluidic technologies for drug discovery and development: friend or foe? Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:518-526. [PMID: 33994176 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is a point in the evolution of every new technology when questions need to be asked regarding its usefulness and impact. Although microfluidic technologies have drastically decreased the scales at which laboratory processes can be performed and have enabled scientific advances that would have otherwise not been possible, it is time to consider whether these technologies are more disruptive than enabling. Here, my aims are to introduce researchers in the broad fields of drug discovery and development to the advantages and disadvantages of microfluidic technologies, to highlight current work showing how microfluidic technologies can be used at different stages in the drug discovery and development process, to discuss how we can transfer academic breakthroughs in the field of microfluidic technologies to industrial environments, and to examine whether microfluidic technologies have the potential to cause a fundamental paradigm shift in the way that drug discovery and development occurs.
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18
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Liu Y, Su R, Song J, Yu X, Lin S, Zhu Z, Yang Y, Zhang M, Yang L, Zhang H, Xu X, Yang C. Stimulus-Responsive Microfluidic Interface Enables Efficient Enrichment and Cytogenetic Profiling of Circulating Myeloma Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:14920-14927. [PMID: 33755428 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Minimal residual disease (MRD) provides an independent prognostic factor for multiple myeloma (MM) patients. However, clinical MRD assays suffer from highly invasive sampling, insufficient detection sensitivity, and high cost. Herein, a stiMulus-Responsive ligand-Decorated microfluidic chip (MRD-Chip) was developed for efficient capture and controlled release of circulating myeloma cells (CMCs) in the peripheral blood for noninvasive myeloma evaluation. The CD138 antibody-decorated herringbone chip with a disulfide linker was designed to enhance the collision probability between blood cells and capture antibodies, leading to high capture efficiency of CMCs. More importantly, the captured CMCs can be nondestructively released via a thiol-exchange reaction, allowing them to be used for subsequent cellular and molecular analysis. By fluorescence in situ hybridization assay, we successfully identified the cytogenetic abnormalities (chromosome 1q21 amplification and p53 deletion) of CMCs in clinical samples. Overall, with the merits of noninvasive sampling, high capture efficiency (70.93%), high throughput (1.5 mL/h), and nondestructive release of target cells (over 90% viability) for downstream analysis, our strategy provides new opportunities for myeloma evaluation, such as prognosis assessment, efficacy monitoring, and mechanism research of disease relapse and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemical of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Rui Su
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Juan Song
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemical of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xiyuan Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemical of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Shichao Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemical of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zhi Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemical of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Mingxia Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemical of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Liu Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemical of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemical of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xiuqin Xu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Chaoyong Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemical of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen 361005, China
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19
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Horowitz LF, Rodriguez AD, Au-Yeung A, Bishop KW, Barner LA, Mishra G, Raman A, Delgado P, Liu JTC, Gujral TS, Mehrabi M, Yang M, Pierce RH, Folch A. Microdissected "cuboids" for microfluidic drug testing of intact tissues. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:122-142. [PMID: 33174580 PMCID: PMC8205430 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00801j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
As preclinical animal tests often do not accurately predict drug effects later observed in humans, most drugs under development fail to reach the market. Thus there is a critical need for functional drug testing platforms that use human, intact tissues to complement animal studies. To enable future multiplexed delivery of many drugs to one small biopsy, we have developed a multi-well microfluidic platform that selectively treats cuboidal-shaped microdissected tissues or "cuboids" with well-preserved tissue microenvironments. We create large numbers of uniformly-sized cuboids by semi-automated sectioning of tissue with a commercially available tissue chopper. Here we demonstrate the microdissection method on normal mouse liver, which we characterize with quantitative 3D imaging, and on human glioma xenograft tumors, which we evaluate after time in culture for viability and preservation of the microenvironment. The benefits of size uniformity include lower heterogeneity in future biological assays as well as facilitation of their physical manipulation by automation. Our prototype platform consists of a microfluidic circuit whose hydrodynamic traps immobilize the live cuboids in arrays at the bottom of a multi-well plate. Fluid dynamics simulations enabled the rapid evaluation of design alternatives and operational parameters. We demonstrate the proof-of-concept application of model soluble compounds such as dyes (CellTracker, Hoechst) and the cancer drug cisplatin. Upscaling of the microfluidic platform and microdissection method to larger arrays and numbers of cuboids could lead to direct testing of human tissues at high throughput, and thus could have a significant impact on drug discovery and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa F Horowitz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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20
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Moses SR, Adorno JJ, Palmer AF, Song JW. Vessel-on-a-chip models for studying microvascular physiology, transport, and function in vitro. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 320:C92-C105. [PMID: 33176110 PMCID: PMC7846973 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00355.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
To understand how the microvasculature grows and remodels, researchers require reproducible systems that emulate the function of living tissue. Innovative contributions toward fulfilling this important need have been made by engineered microvessels assembled in vitro with microfabrication techniques. Microfabricated vessels, commonly referred to as "vessels-on-a-chip," are from a class of cell culture technologies that uniquely integrate microscale flow phenomena, tissue-level biomolecular transport, cell-cell interactions, and proper three-dimensional (3-D) extracellular matrix environments under well-defined culture conditions. Here, we discuss the enabling attributes of microfabricated vessels that make these models more physiological compared with established cell culture techniques and the potential of these models for advancing microvascular research. This review highlights the key features of microvascular transport and physiology, critically discusses the strengths and limitations of different microfabrication strategies for studying the microvasculature, and provides a perspective on current challenges and future opportunities for vessel-on-a-chip models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah R Moses
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jonathan J Adorno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Andre F Palmer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jonathan W Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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21
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Reversible Bonding of Thermoplastic Elastomers for Cell Patterning Applications. Processes (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we present a simple, versatile method that creates patterns for cell migration studies using thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The TPE material used here can be robustly, but reversibly, bonded to a variety of plastic substrates, allowing patterning of cultured cells in a microenvironment. We first examine the bonding strength of TPE to glass and polystyrene substrates and com-pare it to thermoset silicone-based PDMS under various conditions and demonstrate that the TPE can be strongly and reversibly bonded on commercially available polystyrene culture plates. In cell migration studies, cell patterns are templated around TPE features cored from a thin TPE film. We show that the significance of fibroblast cell growth with fetal bovine serum (FBS)-cell culture media compared to the cells cultured without FBS, analyzed over two days of cell culture. This simple approach allows us to generate cell patterns without harsh manipulations like scratch assays and to avoid damaging the cells. We also confirm that the TPE material is non-toxic to cell growth and supports a high viability of fibroblasts and breast cancer cells. We anticipate this TPE-based patterning approach can be further utilized for many other cell patterning applications such as in cell-to-cell communication studies.
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22
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Wong JF, Mohan MD, Young EW, Simmons CA. Integrated electrochemical measurement of endothelial permeability in a 3D hydrogel-based microfluidic vascular model. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 147:111757. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Horowitz LF, Rodriguez AD, Ray T, Folch A. Microfluidics for interrogating live intact tissues. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2020; 6:69. [PMID: 32879734 PMCID: PMC7443437 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-020-0164-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The intricate microarchitecture of tissues - the "tissue microenvironment" - is a strong determinant of tissue function. Microfluidics offers an invaluable tool to precisely stimulate, manipulate, and analyze the tissue microenvironment in live tissues and engineer mass transport around and into small tissue volumes. Such control is critical in clinical studies, especially where tissue samples are scarce, in analytical sensors, where testing smaller amounts of analytes results in faster, more portable sensors, and in biological experiments, where accurate control of the cellular microenvironment is needed. Microfluidics also provides inexpensive multiplexing strategies to address the pressing need to test large quantities of drugs and reagents on a single biopsy specimen, increasing testing accuracy, relevance, and speed while reducing overall diagnostic cost. Here, we review the use of microfluidics to study the physiology and pathophysiology of intact live tissues at sub-millimeter scales. We categorize uses as either in vitro studies - where a piece of an organism must be excised and introduced into the microfluidic device - or in vivo studies - where whole organisms are small enough to be introduced into microchannels or where a microfluidic device is interfaced with a live tissue surface (e.g. the skin or inside an internal organ or tumor) that forms part of an animal larger than the device. These microfluidic systems promise to deliver functional measurements obtained directly on intact tissue - such as the response of tissue to drugs or the analysis of tissue secretions - that cannot be obtained otherwise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa F. Horowitz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Adán D. Rodriguez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Tyler Ray
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822 USA
| | - Albert Folch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
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Tetrafluoroethylene-Propylene Elastomer for Fabrication of Microfluidic Organs-on-Chips Resistant to Drug Absorption. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10110793. [PMID: 31752314 PMCID: PMC6915658 DOI: 10.3390/mi10110793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Organs-on-chips are microfluidic devices typically fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Since PDMS has many attractive properties including high optical clarity and compliance, PDMS is very useful for cell culture applications; however, PDMS possesses a significant drawback in that small hydrophobic molecules are strongly absorbed. This drawback hinders widespread use of PDMS-based devices for drug discovery and development. Here, we describe a microfluidic cell culture system made of a tetrafluoroethylene-propylene (FEPM) elastomer. We demonstrated that FEPM does not absorb small hydrophobic compounds including rhodamine B and three types of drugs, nifedipine, coumarin, and Bay K8644, whereas PDMS absorbs them strongly. The device consists of two FEPM layers of microchannels separated by a thin collagen vitrigel membrane. Since FEPM is flexible and biocompatible, this microfluidic device can be used to culture cells while applying mechanical strain. When human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were subjected to cyclic strain (~10%) for 4 h in this device, HUVECs reoriented and aligned perpendicularly in response to the cyclic stretch. Moreover, we demonstrated that this device can be used to replicate the epithelial–endothelial interface as well as to provide physiological mechanical strain and fluid flow. This method offers a robust platform to produce organs-on-chips for drug discovery and development.
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Nguyen T, Jung SH, Lee MS, Park TE, Ahn SK, Kang JH. Robust chemical bonding of PMMA microfluidic devices to porous PETE membranes for reliable cytotoxicity testing of drugs. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:3706-3713. [PMID: 31577312 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00338j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report a simple yet reliable method for bonding poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) track-etched membranes using (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GLYMO), which enables reliable cytotoxicity tests in a microfluidic device impermeable to small molecules, such as anti-cancer drugs. The porous PETE membranes treated with 5% GLYMO were assembled with microfluidic channel-engraved PMMA substrates after air plasma treatment for 1 minute, followed by heating at 100 °C for 2 minutes, which permits irreversible and complete bonding to be achieved within 1 h. The bonding strength between the two substrates (1.97 × 107 kg m-2) was robust enough to flow culture medium through the device without leakage even at a gauge pressure of above 135 kPa. For validation of its utility in drugs testing, we successfully demonstrated that human lung adenocarcinoma cells cultured in the PMMA devices show more reliable cytotoxicity results for vincristine in comparison to conventional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) devices due to the inherent property of PMMA of it being impervious to small molecules. Given that the current organ-on-a-chip fabrication methods mostly rely on PDMS, this bonding strategy will expand simple fabrication capability using various thermoplastics and porous track-etched membranes, and allow us to create 3D-micro-constructs that more precisely mimic organ-level physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao Nguyen
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, Republic of Korea 44919.
| | - Su Hyun Jung
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, Republic of Korea 44919.
| | - Min Seok Lee
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, Republic of Korea 44919.
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, Republic of Korea 44919.
| | - Suk-Kyun Ahn
- Dept. of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea 46241.
| | - Joo H Kang
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, Republic of Korea 44919.
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26
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Ko J, Lee Y, Lee S, Lee S, Jeon NL. Human Ocular Angiogenesis-Inspired Vascular Models on an Injection-Molded Microfluidic Chip. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1900328. [PMID: 31199057 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201900328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenic sprouting, which is the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, is orchestrated by cues from the cellular microenvironment, such as spatially controlled gradients of angiogenic factors. However, current in vitro models are less scalable for in-depth studies of angiogenesis. In this study, a plastic-based microfluidic chip is developed to reconstruct in vitro 3D vascular networks. The main disadvantages of the preexisting system are identified, namely, the low productivity and difficulty of experiments, and a breakthrough is suggested while minimizing disadvantages. The selection of plastic materials contributes to the productivity and usability of in vitro devices. By adopting this material, this chip offers simple fluid patterning, facilitating the construction of a cell-culture microenvironment. Compared with previous systems, the chip, which can form both inward and outwardly radial vascular sprouting, demonstrates the growth of functional, morphologically integral microvessels. The developed angiogenic model yields dose-dependent results for antiangiogenic drug screening. This model may contribute significantly not only to vascular studies under normal and pathological conditions, but also to fundamental research on the ocular neovascularization. Furthermore, it can be applied as a tool for more practical, extended preclinical research, providing an alternative to animal experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Younggyun Lee
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Somin Lee
- Program for BioengineeringSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Seung‐Ryeol Lee
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Program for BioengineeringSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Institute of Advanced Machines and DesignSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Institute of BioengineeringSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
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27
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Chowdury MA, Heileman KL, Moore TA, Young EWK. Biomicrofluidic Systems for Hematologic Cancer Research and Clinical Applications. SLAS Technol 2019; 24:457-476. [PMID: 31173533 DOI: 10.1177/2472630319846878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A persistent challenge in developing personalized treatments for hematologic cancers is the lack of patient specific, physiologically relevant disease models to test investigational drugs in clinical trials and to select therapies in a clinical setting. Biomicrofluidic systems and organ-on-a-chip technologies have the potential to change how researchers approach the fundamental study of hematologic cancers and select clinical treatment for individual patient. Here, we review microfluidics cell-based technology with application toward studying hematologic tumor microenvironments (TMEs) for the purpose of drug discovery and clinical treatment selection. We provide an overview of state-of-the-art microfluidic systems designed to address questions related to hematologic TMEs and drug development. Given the need to develop personalized treatment platforms involving this technology, we review pharmaceutical drugs and different modes of immunotherapy for hematologic cancers, followed by key considerations for developing a physiologically relevant microfluidic companion diagnostic tool for mimicking different hematologic TMEs for testing with different drugs in clinical trials. Opportunities lie ahead for engineers to revolutionize conventional drug discovery strategies of hematologic cancers, including integrating cell-based microfluidics technology with machine learning and automation techniques, which may stimulate pharma and regulatory bodies to promote research and applications of microfluidics technology for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mosfera A Chowdury
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Khalil L Heileman
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas A Moore
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Edmond W K Young
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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28
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Lee SR, Hyung S, Bang S, Lee Y, Ko J, Lee S, Kim HJ, Jeon NL. Modeling neural circuit, blood–brain barrier, and myelination on a microfluidic 96 well plate. Biofabrication 2019; 11:035013. [DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab1402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Moazami E, Perry JM, Soffer G, Husser MC, Shih SCC. Integration of World-to-Chip Interfaces with Digital Microfluidics for Bacterial Transformation and Enzymatic Assays. Anal Chem 2019; 91:5159-5168. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b05754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Moazami
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec H3G1M8, Canada
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec H4B1R6, Canada
| | - James M. Perry
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec H4B1R6, Canada
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec H4B1R6, Canada
| | - Guy Soffer
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec H3G1M8, Canada
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec H4B1R6, Canada
| | - Mathieu C. Husser
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec H4B1R6, Canada
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec H4B1R6, Canada
| | - Steve C. C. Shih
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec H3G1M8, Canada
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec H4B1R6, Canada
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec H4B1R6, Canada
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30
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Auner AW, Tasneem KM, Markov DA, McCawley LJ, Hutson MS. Chemical-PDMS binding kinetics and implications for bioavailability in microfluidic devices. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:864-874. [PMID: 30720811 PMCID: PMC6512955 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00796a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic organ-on-chip devices constructed from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) have proven useful in studying both beneficial and adverse effects of drugs, supplements, and potential toxicants. Despite multiple advantages, one clear drawback of PDMS-based devices is binding of hydrophobic chemicals to their exposed surfaces. Chemical binding to PDMS can change the timing and extent of chemical delivery to cells in such devices, potentially altering dose-response curves. Recent efforts have quantified PDMS binding for selected chemicals. Here, we test a wider set of nineteen chemicals using UV-vis or infrared spectroscopy to characterize loss of chemical from solution in two setups with different PDMS-surface-to-solution-volume ratios. We find discernible PDMS binding for eight chemicals and show that PDMS binding is strongest for chemicals with a high octanol-water partition coefficient (log P > 1.85) and low H-bond donor number. Further, by measuring depletion and return of chemical from solution over tens to hundreds of hours and fitting these results to a first order model of binding kinetics, we characterize partitioning into PDMS in terms of binding capacities per unit surface area and both forward and reverse rate constants. These fitted parameters were used to model the impact of PDMS binding on chemical transport and bioavailability under realistic flow conditions and device geometry. The models predict that PDMS binding could alter in-device cellular exposures for both continuous and bolus dosing schemes by up to an order of magnitude compared to nominal input doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W Auner
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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32
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Humayun M, Chow CW, Young EWK. Microfluidic lung airway-on-a-chip with arrayable suspended gels for studying epithelial and smooth muscle cell interactions. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:1298-1309. [PMID: 29651473 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc01357d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lung diseases (CLDs) are regulated by complex interactions between many different cell types residing in lung airway tissues. Specifically, interactions between airway epithelial cells (ECs) and airway smooth muscle cells (SMCs) have been shown in part to play major roles in the pathogenesis of CLDs, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. To advance our understanding of lung pathophysiology and accelerate drug development processes, new innovative in vitro tissue models are needed that can reconstitute the complex in vivo microenvironment of human lung tissues. Organ-on-a-chip technologies have recently made significant strides in recapitulating physiological properties of in vivo lung tissue microenvironments. However, novel advancements are still needed to enable the study of airway SMC-EC communication with matrix interactions, and to provide higher throughput capabilities and manufacturability. We have developed a thermoplastic-based microfluidic lung airway-on-a-chip model that mimics the lung airway tissue microenvironment, and in particular, the interactions between SMCs, ECs, and supporting extracellular matrix (ECM). The microdevice is fabricated from acrylic using micromilling and solvent bonding techniques, and consists of three vertically stacked microfluidic compartments with a bottom media reservoir for SMC culture, a middle thin hydrogel layer, and an upper microchamber for achieving air-liquid interface (ALI) culture of the epithelium. A unique aspect of the design lies in the suspended hydrogel with upper and lower interfaces for EC and SMC culture, respectively. A mixture of type I collagen and Matrigel was found to promote EC adhesion and monolayer formation, and SMC adhesion and alignment. Optimal culturing protocols were established that enabled EC-SMC coculture for more than 31 days. Epithelial monolayers displayed common morphological markers including ZO-1 tight junctions and F-actin cell cortices, while SMCs exhibited enhanced cell alignment and expression of α-SMA. The thermoplastic device construction facilitates mass manufacturing, allows EC-SMC coculture systems to be arrayed for increased throughput, and can be disassembled to allow extraction of the suspended gel for downstream analyses. This airway-on-a-chip device has potential to significantly advance our understanding of SMC-EC-matrix interactions, and their roles in the development of CLDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouhita Humayun
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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