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Ugodnikov A, Persson H, Simmons CA. Bridging barriers: advances and challenges in modeling biological barriers and measuring barrier integrity in organ-on-chip systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2024. [PMID: 38689569 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01027a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, skin, and intestinal mucosal barrier play key roles in homeostasis, disease physiology, and drug delivery - as such, it is important to create representative in vitro models to improve understanding of barrier biology and serve as tools for therapeutic development. Microfluidic cell culture and organ-on-a-chip (OOC) systems enable barrier modelling with greater physiological fidelity than conventional platforms by mimicking key environmental aspects such as fluid shear, accurate microscale dimensions, mechanical cues, extracellular matrix, and geometrically defined co-culture. As the prevalence of barrier-on-chip models increases, so does the importance of tools that can accurately assess barrier integrity and function without disturbing the carefully engineered microenvironment. In this review, we first provide a background on biological barriers and the physiological features that are emulated through in vitro barrier models. Then, we outline molecular permeability and electrical sensing barrier integrity assessment methods, and the related challenges specific to barrier-on-chip implementation. Finally, we discuss future directions in the field, as well important priorities to consider such as fabrication costs, standardization, and bridging gaps between disciplines and stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Ugodnikov
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Henrik Persson
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
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Aizenshtadt A, Wang C, Abadpour S, Menezes PD, Wilhelmsen I, Dalmao-Fernandez A, Stokowiec J, Golovin A, Johnsen M, Combriat TMD, Røberg-Larsen H, Gadegaard N, Scholz H, Busek M, Krauss SJK. Pump-Less, Recirculating Organ-on-Chip (rOoC) Platform to Model the Metabolic Crosstalk between Islets and Liver. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303785. [PMID: 38221504 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303785] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are epidemiologically correlated disorders with a worldwide growing prevalence. While the mechanisms leading to the onset and development of these conditions are not fully understood, predictive tissue representations for studying the coordinated interactions between central organs that regulate energy metabolism, particularly the liver and pancreatic islets, are needed. Here, a dual pump-less recirculating organ-on-chip platform that combines human pluripotent stem cell (sc)-derived sc-liver and sc-islet organoids is presented. The platform reproduces key aspects of the metabolic cross-talk between both organs, including glucose levels and selected hormones, and supports the viability and functionality of both sc-islet and sc-liver organoids while preserving a reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In a model of metabolic disruption in response to treatment with high lipids and fructose, sc-liver organoids exhibit hallmarks of steatosis and insulin resistance, while sc-islets produce pro-inflammatory cytokines on-chip. Finally, the platform reproduces known effects of anti-diabetic drugs on-chip. Taken together, the platform provides a basis for functional studies of obesity, T2DM, and MASLD on-chip, as well as for testing potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Aizenshtadt
- Hybrid Technology Hub Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Dep. of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Oslo, 0424, Norway
| | - Chencheng Wang
- Hybrid Technology Hub Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Dep. of Transplantation Medicine, Experimental Cell Transplantation Research Group, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Oslo, 0424, Norway
| | - Shadab Abadpour
- Hybrid Technology Hub Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Dep. of Transplantation Medicine, Experimental Cell Transplantation Research Group, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pedro Duarte Menezes
- Hybrid Technology Hub Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Rankine Building, Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
| | - Ingrid Wilhelmsen
- Hybrid Technology Hub Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Dep. of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Oslo, 0424, Norway
| | - Andrea Dalmao-Fernandez
- Hybrid Technology Hub Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1083, Oslo, 0316, Norway
| | - Justyna Stokowiec
- Hybrid Technology Hub Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Dep. of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Oslo, 0424, Norway
| | - Alexey Golovin
- Hybrid Technology Hub Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Dep. of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Oslo, 0424, Norway
| | - Mads Johnsen
- Section for Chemical Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033, Oslo, 0315, Norway
| | - Thomas M D Combriat
- Hybrid Technology Hub Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Hanne Røberg-Larsen
- Hybrid Technology Hub Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Section for Chemical Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033, Oslo, 0315, Norway
| | - Nikolaj Gadegaard
- Hybrid Technology Hub Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Rankine Building, Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
| | - Hanne Scholz
- Hybrid Technology Hub Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Dep. of Transplantation Medicine, Experimental Cell Transplantation Research Group, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Oslo, 0424, Norway
| | - Mathias Busek
- Hybrid Technology Hub Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Dep. of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Oslo, 0424, Norway
| | - Stefan J K Krauss
- Hybrid Technology Hub Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Dep. of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Oslo, 0424, Norway
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Brooks A, Zhang Y, Chen J, Zhao CX. Cancer Metastasis-on-a-Chip for Modeling Metastatic Cascade and Drug Screening. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2302436. [PMID: 38224141 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic chips are valuable tools for studying intricate cellular and cell-microenvironment interactions. Traditional in vitro cancer models lack accuracy in mimicking the complexities of in vivo tumor microenvironment. However, cancer-metastasis-on-a-chip (CMoC) models combine the advantages of 3D cultures and microfluidic technology, serving as powerful platforms for exploring cancer mechanisms and facilitating drug screening. These chips are able to compartmentalize the metastatic cascade, deepening the understanding of its underlying mechanisms. This article provides an overview of current CMoC models, focusing on distinctive models that simulate invasion, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, and colonization, and their applications in drug screening. Furthermore, challenges faced by CMoC and microfluidic technologies are discussed, while exploring promising future directions in cancer research. The ongoing development and integration of these models into cancer studies are expected to drive transformative advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Brooks
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Yali Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Jiezhong Chen
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Chun-Xia Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
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Busek M, Aizenshtadt A, Koch T, Frank A, Delon L, Martinez MA, Golovin A, Dumas C, Stokowiec J, Gruenzner S, Melum E, Krauss S. Pump-less, recirculating organ-on-a-chip (rOoC) platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:591-608. [PMID: 36655405 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00919f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We developed a novel, pump-less directional flow recirculating organ-on-a-chip (rOoC) platform that creates controlled unidirectional gravity-driven flow by a combination of a 3D-tilting system and an optimized microfluidic layout. The rOoC platform was assembled utilizing a layer-to-layer fabrication technology based on thermoplastic materials. It features two organoid compartments supported by two independent perfusion channels and separated by a hydrogel barrier. We developed a computational model to predict wall shear stress values and then measured the flow rate in the microfluidic channels with micro-Particle-Image-Velocimetry (μPIV). The suitability of the rOoC for functional culture of endothelial cells was tested using HUVECs seeded in the perfusion channels. HUVECs aligned in response to the directional flow, formed a barrier and were able to sprout into the organoid compartments. Next, we demonstrated the viability of human stem-cell derived liver organoids in the organoid compartments. Finally, we show the possibility to circulate immune cells in the microfluidic channels that retain viability without being trapped or activated. The rOoC platform allows growing and connecting of two or more tissue or organ representations on-chip with the possibility of applying gradients, endothelial barriers, microvasculature and circulating cells independent of external tubing and support systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Busek
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Dep. of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, 0424 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Aleksandra Aizenshtadt
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Timo Koch
- Dep. of Mathematics, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1083, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Frank
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ludivine Delon
- Dep. of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, 0424 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Mikel Amirola Martinez
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexey Golovin
- Dep. of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, 0424 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Clotilde Dumas
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Justyna Stokowiec
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefan Gruenzner
- Chair of Microsystems, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Espen Melum
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefan Krauss
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Dep. of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, 0424 Oslo, Norway.
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Ma Y, Liu C, Cao S, Chen T, Chen G. Microfluidics for diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:546-559. [PMID: 36542463 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02287g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), a type of circulatory system disease related to the lesions of the cardiovascular system, has become one of the main diseases that endanger human health. Currently, the clinical diagnosis of most CVDs relies on a combination of imaging technology and blood biochemical test. However, the existing technologies for diagnosis of CVDs still have limitations in terms of specificity, detection range, and cost. In order to break through the current bottleneck, microfluidic with the advantages of low cost, simple instruments and easy integration, has been developed to play an important role in the early prevention, diagnosis and treatment of CVDs. Here, we have reviewed the recent various applications of microfluidic in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CVDs, including microfluidic devices for detecting CVD markers, the cardiovascular models based on microfluidic, and the microfluidic used for CVDs drug screening and delivery. In addition, we have briefly looked forward to the prospects and challenges of microfluidics in diagnosis and treatment of CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggeng Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China.
| | - Chenbin Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, P. R. China
| | - Siyu Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China.
| | - Tianshu Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China.
| | - Guifang Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China.
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Kavand H, Nasiri R, Herland A. Advanced Materials and Sensors for Microphysiological Systems: Focus on Electronic and Electrooptical Interfaces. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2107876. [PMID: 34913206 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Advanced in vitro cell culture systems or microphysiological systems (MPSs), including microfluidic organ-on-a-chip (OoC), are breakthrough technologies in biomedicine. These systems recapitulate features of human tissues outside of the body. They are increasingly being used to study the functionality of different organs for applications such as drug evolutions, disease modeling, and precision medicine. Currently, developers and endpoint users of these in vitro models promote how they can replace animal models or even be a better ethically neutral and humanized alternative to study pathology, physiology, and pharmacology. Although reported models show a remarkable physiological structure and function compared to the conventional 2D cell culture, they are almost exclusively based on standard passive polymers or glass with none or minimal real-time stimuli and readout capacity. The next technology leap in reproducing in vivo-like functionality and real-time monitoring of tissue function could be realized with advanced functional materials and devices. This review describes the currently reported electronic and optical advanced materials for sensing and stimulation of MPS models. In addition, an overview of multi-sensing for Body-on-Chip platforms is given. Finally, one gives the perspective on how advanced functional materials could be integrated into in vitro systems to precisely mimic human physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanie Kavand
- Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, Department of Intelligent Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Malvinas Väg 10 pl 5, Stockholm, 100 44, Sweden
| | - Rohollah Nasiri
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Solnavägen 9/B8, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Tomtebodavägen 23a, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
| | - Anna Herland
- Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, Department of Intelligent Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Malvinas Väg 10 pl 5, Stockholm, 100 44, Sweden
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Solnavägen 9/B8, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Tomtebodavägen 23a, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
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