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Yang C, Yin D, Zhang H, Badea I, Yang SM, Zhang W. Cell Migration Assays and Their Application to Wound Healing Assays-A Critical Review. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:720. [PMID: 38930690 PMCID: PMC11205366 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, cell migration assays (CMAs) have emerged as a tool to study the migration of cells along with their physiological responses under various stimuli, including both mechanical and bio-chemical properties. CMAs are a generic system in that they support various biological applications, such as wound healing assays. In this paper, we review the development of the CMA in the context of its application to wound healing assays. As such, the wound healing assay will be used to derive the requirements on CMAs. This paper will provide a comprehensive and critical review of the development of CMAs along with their application to wound healing assays. One salient feature of our methodology in this paper is the application of the so-called design thinking; namely we define the requirements of CMAs first and then take them as a benchmark for various developments of CMAs in the literature. The state-of-the-art CMAs are compared with this benchmark to derive the knowledge and technological gap with CMAs in the literature. We will also discuss future research directions for the CMA together with its application to wound healing assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China;
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Di Yin
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (D.Y.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (D.Y.); (H.Z.)
| | - Ildiko Badea
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada;
| | - Shih-Mo Yang
- School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China;
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
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2
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Chen S, Bin Abdul Rahim AA, Mok P, Liu D. An effective device to enable consistent scratches for in vitro scratch assays. BMC Biotechnol 2023; 23:32. [PMID: 37641063 PMCID: PMC10464081 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-023-00806-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The in-vitro scratch assay is a useful method in wound healing research to assess cell migration. In this assay, a scratch is created in a confluent cell layer by mechanically removing cells through manual scraping with a sharp-edged tool. This step is traditionally done with pipette tips and is unsuitable for high-throughput assays, as the created scratches are highly variable in width and position. Commercially available solutions are often expensive, and require specific cultureware which might not be suitable for all studies. RESULTS In this study, we have developed a flexible cell scratch device comprising a single wounding tool, a guide and an imaging template for consistent and reproducible scratch assays in 96-well plates. Our results showed that the device produced a more consistent scratch profile compared to the conventional method of using pipette tips. The imaging template also allowed operators to easily locate and image the same region of interest at different time points, which potentially could be used for other assays. CONCLUSIONS Our flexible yet effective scratch device thus enables robust scratch assays that can be applied to different experimental needs, providing researchers with an easy and reliable tool for their studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixun Chen
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Bioprocessing Technology Institute BTI, 20 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138668, Singapore
- Celligenics Pte Ltd, 30 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Ahmad Amirul Bin Abdul Rahim
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Bioprocessing Technology Institute BTI, 20 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138668, Singapore
| | - Pamela Mok
- Celligenics Pte Ltd, 30 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Dan Liu
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Bioprocessing Technology Institute BTI, 20 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138668, Singapore.
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3
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Flynn K, Mahmoud NN, Sharifi S, Gould LJ, Mahmoudi M. Chronic Wound Healing Models. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:783-801. [PMID: 37200810 PMCID: PMC10186367 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we review and analyze the commonly available wound healing models reported in the literature and discuss their advantages and issues, considering their relevance and translational potential to humans. Our analysis includes different in vitro and in silico as well as in vivo models and experimental techniques. We further explore the new technologies in the study of wound healing to provide an all encompassing review of the most efficient ways to proceed with wound healing experiments. We revealed that there is not one model of wound healing that is superior and can give translatable results to human research. Rather, there are many different models that have specific uses for studying certain processes or stages of wound healing. Our analysis suggests that when performing an experiment to assess stages of wound healing or different therapies to enhance healing, one must consider not only the species that will be used but also the type of model and how this can best replicate the physiology or pathophysiology in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiley Flynn
- Department
of Radiology and Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1312, United States
| | - Nouf N. Mahmoud
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of
Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Shahriar Sharifi
- Department
of Radiology and Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1312, United States
| | - Lisa J. Gould
- Department
of Surgery, South Shore Hospital, South Weymouth, Massachusetts 02190, United States
| | - Morteza Mahmoudi
- Department
of Radiology and Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1312, United States
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4
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Griebel M, Vasan A, Chen C, Eyckmans J. Fibroblast clearance of damaged tissue following laser ablation in engineered microtissues. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:016112. [PMID: 36938481 PMCID: PMC10017124 DOI: 10.1063/5.0133478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the mechanisms underlying wound healing are largely preserved across wound types, the method of injury can affect the healing process. For example, burn wounds are more likely to undergo hypertrophic scarring than are lacerations, perhaps due to the increased underlying damage that needs to be cleared. This tissue clearance is thought to be mainly managed by immune cells, but it is unclear if fibroblasts contribute to this process. Herein, we utilize a 3D in vitro model of stromal wound healing to investigate the differences between two modes of injury: laceration and laser ablation. We demonstrate that laser ablation creates a ring of damaged tissue around the wound that is cleared by fibroblasts prior to wound closure. This process is dependent on ROCK and dynamin activity, suggesting a phagocytic or endocytic process. Transmission electron microscopy of fibroblasts that have entered the wound area reveals large intracellular vacuoles containing fibrillar extracellular matrix. These results demonstrate a new model to study matrix clearance by fibroblasts in a 3D soft tissue. Because aberrant wound healing is thought to be caused by an imbalance between matrix degradation and production, this model, which captures both aspects, will be a valuable addition to the study of wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Griebel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Anish Vasan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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5
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Ahmad N. In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization Methods for Evaluation of Modern Wound Dressings. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010042. [PMID: 36678671 PMCID: PMC9864730 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic wound management represents a major challenge in the healthcare sector owing to its delayed wound-healing process progression and huge financial burden. In this regard, wound dressings provide an appropriate platform for facilitating wound healing for several decades. However, adherent traditional wound dressings do not provide effective wound healing for highly exudating chronic wounds and need the development of newer and innovative wound dressings to facilitate accelerated wound healing. In addition, these dressings need frequent changing, resulting in more pain and discomfort. In order to overcome these issues, a wide range of affordable and innovative modern wound dressings have been developed and explored recently to accelerate and improve the wound healing process. However, a comprehensive understanding of various in vitro and in vivo characterization methods being utilized for the evaluation of different modern wound dressings is lacking. In this context, an overview of modern dressings and their complete in vitro and in vivo characterization methods for wound healing assessment is provided in this review. Herein, various emerging modern wound dressings with advantages and challenges have also been reviewed. Furthermore, different in vitro wound healing assays and in vivo wound models being utilized for the evaluation of wound healing progression and wound healing rate using wound dressings are discussed in detail. Finally, a summary of modern wound dressings with challenges and the future outlook is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveed Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Urciuolo F, Passariello R, Imparato G, Casale C, Netti PA. Bioengineered Wound Healing Skin Models: The Role of Immune Response and Endogenous ECM to Fully Replicate the Dynamic of Scar Tissue Formation In Vitro. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:233. [PMID: 35735476 PMCID: PMC9219817 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9060233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The healing of deep skin wounds is a complex phenomenon evolving according with a fine spatiotemporal regulation of different biological events (hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, remodeling). Due to the spontaneous evolution of damaged human dermis toward a fibrotic scar, the treatment of deep wounds still represents a clinical concern. Bioengineered full-thickness skin models may play a crucial role in this direction by providing a deep understanding of the process that leads to the formation of fibrotic scars. This will allow (i) to identify new drugs and targets/biomarkers, (ii) to test new therapeutic approaches, and (iii) to develop more accurate in silico models, with the final aim to guide the closure process toward a scar-free closure and, in a more general sense, (iv) to understand the mechanisms involved in the intrinsic and extrinsic aging of the skin. In this work, the complex dynamic of events underlaying the closure of deep skin wound is presented and the engineered models that aim at replicating such complex phenomenon are reviewed. Despite the complexity of the cellular and extracellular events occurring during the skin wound healing the gold standard assay used to replicate such a process is still represented by planar in vitro models that have been largely used to identify the key factors regulating the involved cellular processes. However, the lack of the main constituents of the extracellular matrix (ECM) makes these over-simplistic 2D models unable to predict the complexity of the closure process. Three-dimensional bioengineered models, which aim at recreating the closure dynamics of the human dermis by using exogenous biomaterials, have been developed to fill such a gap. Although interesting mechanistic effects have been figured out, the effect of the inflammatory response on the ECM remodelling is not replicated yet. We discuss how more faithful wound healing models can be obtained by creating immunocompetent 3D dermis models featuring an endogenous ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Urciuolo
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy; (C.C.); (P.A.N.)
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMAPI), University of Naples Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy;
| | - Roberta Passariello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMAPI), University of Naples Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy;
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for HealthCare@CRIB Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, 80125 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giorgia Imparato
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for HealthCare@CRIB Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, 80125 Naples, Italy;
| | - Costantino Casale
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy; (C.C.); (P.A.N.)
| | - Paolo Antonio Netti
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy; (C.C.); (P.A.N.)
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMAPI), University of Naples Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy;
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for HealthCare@CRIB Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, 80125 Naples, Italy;
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A Flexible Terahertz Metamaterial Biosensor for Cancer Cell Growth and Migration Detection. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13040631. [PMID: 35457933 PMCID: PMC9025615 DOI: 10.3390/mi13040631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Metamaterial biosensors have been extensively used to identify cell types and detect concentrations of tumor biomarkers. However, the methods for in situ and non-destruction measurement of cell migration, which plays a key role in tumor progression and metastasis, are highly desirable. Therefore, a flexible terahertz metamaterial biosensor based on parylene C substrate was proposed for label-free and non-destructive detection of breast cancer cell growth and migration. The maximum resonance peak frequency shift achieved 183.2 GHz when breast cancer cell MDA−MB−231 was cultured onto the surface of the metamaterial biosensor for 72 h. A designed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) barrier sheet was applied to detect the cell growth rate which was quantified as 14.9 µm/h. The experimental peak shift expressed a linear relationship with the covered area and a quadratic relationship with the distance, which was consistent with simulation results. Additionally, the cell migration indicated that the transform growth factor-β (TGF-β) promoted the cancer cell migration. The terahertz metamaterial biosensor shows great potential for the investigation of cell biology in the future.
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8
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In vitro methods used for discovering plant derived products as wound healing agents - An update on the cell types and rationale. Fitoterapia 2021; 154:105026. [PMID: 34480992 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2021.105026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Wounds still pose a huge burden on human health and healthcare systems in many parts of the world. Phytomedicines are being used to heal the wounds since ancient times. Now-a-days also many researchers are exploring the wound healing activity of phytomedicines. Wound healing is a complex process thus, it is always a question mark regarding the best test model (in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro) model to assess the wound healing activity of phytomedicines. In general, the researchers would opt for in vivo model - probably because of closer physiological relevance to human wounds. However, in vivo experimental models are not suitable for high throughput screening and not ethical in terms of initial screening of the phytomedicines. The in vivo models are associated with difficulties in obtaining the ethical approvals, requires huge budget, and resources. We argue that judicious selection of cell types would serve the purpose of developing a physiologically relevant in vitro experimental model. A lot of progress has been made in molecular biology techniques to bridge the gap between in vitro models and their physiological relevance. The in vitro models are the best suited for high throughput screening and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms. The main aim of this review is to provide insights on selection of the cell types for developing physiologically relevant in vitro wound healing assays, which can be used to improve the value of phytomedicines further.
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9
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Ruggeri M, Bianchi E, Rossi S, Vigani B, Bonferoni MC, Caramella C, Sandri G, Ferrari F. Nanotechnology-Based Medical Devices for the Treatment of Chronic Skin Lesions: From Research to the Clinic. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12090815. [PMID: 32867241 PMCID: PMC7559814 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12090815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic wounds, such as pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers and arterial insufficiency ulcers, are lesions that fail to proceed through the normal healing process within a period of 12 weeks. The treatment of skin chronic wounds still represents a great challenge. Wound medical devices (MDs) range from conventional and advanced dressings, up to skin grafts, but none of these are generally recognized as a gold standard. Based on recent developments, this paper reviews nanotechnology-based medical devices intended as skin substitutes. In particular, nanofibrous scaffolds are promising platforms for wound healing, especially due to their similarity to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and their capability to promote cell adhesion and proliferation, and to restore skin integrity, when grafted into the wound site. Nanotechnology-based scaffolds are emphasized here. The discussion will be focused on the definition of critical quality attributes (chemical and physical characterization, stability, particle size, surface properties, release of nanoparticles from MDs, sterility and apyrogenicity), the preclinical evaluation (biocompatibility testing, alternative in vitro tests for irritation and sensitization, wound healing test and animal wound models), the clinical evaluation and the CE (European Conformity) marking of nanotechnology-based MDs.
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10
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Accelerated and scarless wound repair by a multicomponent hydrogel through simultaneous activation of multiple pathways. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2019; 9:1143-1158. [DOI: 10.1007/s13346-019-00660-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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11
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Lv X, Geng Z, Fan Z, Wang S, Pei W, Chen H. A PDMS Device Coupled with Culture Dish for In Vitro Cell Migration Assay. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2018; 186:633-643. [PMID: 29707732 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-018-2737-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration and invasion are important factors during tumor progression and metastasis. Wound-healing assay and the Boyden chamber assay are efficient tools to investigate tumor development because both of them could be applied to measure cell migration rate. Therefore, a simple and integrated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) device was developed for cell migration assay, which could perform quantitative evaluation of cell migration behaviors, especially for the wound-healing assay. The integrated device was composed of three units, which included cell culture dish, PDMS chamber, and wound generation mold. The PDMS chamber was integrated with cell culture chamber and could perform six experiments under different conditions of stimuli simultaneously. To verify the function of this device, it was utilized to explore the tumor cell migration behaviors under different concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) at different time points. This device has the unique capability to create the "wound" area in parallel during cell migration assay and provides a simple and efficient platform for investigating cell migration assay in biomedical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100083, China.,College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhaoxin Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100083, China. .,School of Information Engineering, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Zhiyuan Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100083, China.,College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shicai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of crystal materials, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - WeiHua Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hongda Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100083, China
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12
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Jin W, Lo KY, Chou S, McCue SW, Simpson MJ. The role of initial geometry in experimental models of wound closing. Chem Eng Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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13
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Planz V, Wang J, Windbergs M. Establishment of a cell-based wound healing assay for bio-relevant testing of wound therapeutics. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2017; 89:19-25. [PMID: 29038019 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Predictive in vitro testing of novel wound therapeutics requires adequate cell-based bio-assays. Such assays represent an integral part during preclinical development as pre-step before entering in vivo studies. Simple "scratch tests" based on defected skin cell monolayers exist, however these can solely be used for testing liquids, as cell monolayer destruction and excessive hydration limit their applicability for (semi-)solid systems like wound dressings. In this context, a cell-based wound healing assay is introduced for rapid and predictive testing of wound therapeutics independent of their physical state in a bio-relevant environment. METHODS A novel wound healing assay was established for bio-relevant and predictive testing of (semi-) solid wound therapeutics. RESULTS The assay allows for physiologically relevant hydration of the tested wound therapeutics at the air-liquid interface and their removal without cell monolayer disruption. In a proof-of-concept study, the applicability and discriminative power could be demonstrated by examining unloaded and drug-loaded wound dressings with two different established wound healing actives (dexpanthenol and metyrapone) and their effect on skin cell behavior. The influence of the released drug on the cells´ healing behavior could successfully be monitored over time. Wound size assessment after 96h resulted in an eight fold smaller wound area for drug treated models compared to the ones treated with unloaded fibers and non-treated wounds. DISCUSSION This assay provides valuable first insights towards the establishment of a valid screening and evaluation tool for preclinical wound therapeutic development from liquid to (semi-)solid systems to improve predictability in a simple, yet standardized way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Planz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department of Drug Delivery (DDEL), Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department of Drug Delivery (DDEL), Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Maike Windbergs
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department of Drug Delivery (DDEL), Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany.
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14
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Sticker D, Lechner S, Jungreuthmayer C, Zanghellini J, Ertl P. Microfluidic Migration and Wound Healing Assay Based on Mechanically Induced Injuries of Defined and Highly Reproducible Areas. Anal Chem 2017; 89:2326-2333. [PMID: 28192955 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b03886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
All cell migration and wound healing assays are based on the inherent ability of adherent cells to move into adjacent cell-free areas, thus providing information on cell culture viability, cellular mechanisms and multicellular movements. Despite their widespread use for toxicological screening, biomedical research and pharmaceutical studies, to date no satisfactory technological solutions are available for the automated, miniaturized and integrated induction of defined wound areas. To bridge this technological gap, we have developed a lab-on-a-chip capable of mechanically inducing circular cell-free areas within confluent cell layers. The microdevices were fabricated using off-stoichiometric thiol-ene-epoxy (OSTEMER) polymer resulting in hard-polymer devices that are robust, cost-effective and disposable. We show that the pneumatically controlled membrane deflection/compression method not only generates highly reproducible (RSD 4%) injuries but also allows for repeated wounding in microfluidic environments. Performance analysis demonstrated that applied surface coating remains intact even after multiple wounding, while cell debris is simultaneously removed using laminar flow conditions. Furthermore, only a few injured cells were found along the edge of the circular cell-free areas, thus allowing reliable and reproducible cell migration of a wide range of surface sensitive anchorage dependent cell types. Practical application is demonstrated by investigating healing progression and endothelial cell migration in the absence and presence of an inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) and a well-known cell proliferation inhibitor (mitomycin-C).
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Affiliation(s)
- Drago Sticker
- BioSensor Technologies, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH , Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Lechner
- BioSensor Technologies, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH , Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Jungreuthmayer
- Bioinformatics and High Performance Computing, Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology , Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria.,TGM-Technologisches Gewerbemuseum , Wexstraße 19-23, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen Zanghellini
- Bioinformatics and High Performance Computing, Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology , Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria.,Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences , Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Ertl
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology , Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
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15
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Rizwan M, Peh GS, Adnan K, Naso SL, Mendez AR, Mehta JS, Yim EKF. In Vitro Topographical Model of Fuchs Dystrophy for Evaluation of Corneal Endothelial Cell Monolayer Formation. Adv Healthc Mater 2016; 5:2896-2910. [PMID: 27701826 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201600848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A common indication for corneal transplantation, which is the most transplanted tissue, is a dysfunctional corneal endothelium due to Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (FED). FED is diagnosed by the presence of in vivo pathological microtopography on the Descemet membrane, which is called corneal guttata. Minimally invasive corneal endothelial cell regenerative procedures such as endothelial cell injection therapy and Rho kinase inhibitor pharmacotherapy have been proposed as alternatives to conventional corneal transplantation for FED patients. However, the effect of guttata on monolayer reformation following such therapies is unknown and there is no equivalent in vitro or animal model to study monolayer reformation. Using a synthetic guttata FED disease model, the formation of the monolayer is investigated to evaluate the efficacy of both therapies. Results obtained suggest that guttata dimensions, density, and spacing greatly affect the fate of corneal endothelial cells in terms of migratory behavior and monolayer reformation. Densely packed synthetic guttata mimicking late-stage FED hinders monolayer reformation, while synthetic guttata of lower height and density show improved monolayer formation. These results suggest that severity of the FED, as determined by height and density of existing guttata, can potentially attenuate corneal endothelial monolayer formation of corneal cell injection therapy and pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; National University of Singapore; Singapore 117583
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering; Agency for Science; Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore 138634
| | - Gary S. Peh
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group; Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore 169856
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School; Singapore 169857
| | - Khadijah Adnan
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group; Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore 169856
| | - Sacha L. Naso
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group; Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore 169856
| | - Alon R. Mendez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; National University of Singapore; Singapore 117583
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School; Singapore 169857
- Singapore National Eye Centre; Singapore 168751
| | - Evelyn K. F. Yim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; National University of Singapore; Singapore 117583
- Department of Surgery; National University of Singapore, Singapore; Mechanobiology Institute; National University of Singapore; Singapore 117411
- Department of Chemical Engineering; University of Waterloo; Waterloo Ontario Canada N2L 3G1
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16
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Begnaud S, Chen T, Delacour D, Mège RM, Ladoux B. Mechanics of epithelial tissues during gap closure. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2016; 42:52-62. [PMID: 27131272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The closure of gaps is crucial to maintaining epithelium integrity during developmental and repair processes such as dorsal closure and wound healing. Depending on biochemical as well as physical properties of the microenvironment, gap closure occurs through assembly of multicellular actin-based contractile cables and/or protrusive activity of cells lining the gap. This review discusses the relative contributions of 'purse-string' and cell crawling mechanisms regulated by cell-substrate and cell-cell interactions, cellular mechanics and physical constraints from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Begnaud
- Institut Jacques Monod (IJM), CNRS UMR 7592 & University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Tianchi Chen
- Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Delphine Delacour
- Institut Jacques Monod (IJM), CNRS UMR 7592 & University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - René-Marc Mège
- Institut Jacques Monod (IJM), CNRS UMR 7592 & University Paris Diderot, Paris, France.
| | - Benoît Ladoux
- Institut Jacques Monod (IJM), CNRS UMR 7592 & University Paris Diderot, Paris, France; Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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17
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Gamal W, Borooah S, Smith S, Underwood I, Srsen V, Chandran S, Bagnaninchi PO, Dhillon B. Real-time quantitative monitoring of hiPSC-based model of macular degeneration on Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing microelectrodes. Biosens Bioelectron 2015; 71:445-455. [PMID: 25950942 PMCID: PMC4456427 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.04.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. Humanized disease models are required to develop new therapies for currently incurable forms of AMD. In this work, a tissue-on-a-chip approach was developed through combining human induced pluripotent stem cells, Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) and reproducible electrical wounding assays to model and quantitatively study AMD. Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) cells generated from a patient with an inherited macular degeneration and from an unaffected sibling were used to test the model platform on which a reproducible electrical wounding assay was conducted to model RPE damage. First, a robust and reproducible real-time quantitative monitoring over a 25-day period demonstrated the establishment and maturation of RPE layers on the microelectrode arrays. A spatially controlled RPE layer damage that mimicked cell loss in AMD disease was then initiated. Post recovery, significant differences (P < 0.01) in migration rates were found between case (8.6 ± 0.46 μm/h) and control cell lines (10.69 ± 0.21 μm/h). Quantitative data analysis suggested this was achieved due to lower cell-substrate adhesion in the control cell line. The ECIS cell-substrate adhesion parameter (α) was found to be 7.8 ± 0.28 Ω(1/2)cm for the case cell line and 6.5 ± 0.15 Ω(1/2)cm for the control. These findings were confirmed using cell adhesion biochemical assays. The developed disease model-on-a-chip is a powerful platform for translational studies with considerable potential to investigate novel therapies by enabling real-time, quantitative and reproducible patient-specific RPE cell repair studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Gamal
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, EH9 3DW, United Kingdom
| | - S Borooah
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, United Kingdom; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom; Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom; Centre for Neuroregeneration, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom; The Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - S Smith
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, EH9 3DW, United Kingdom
| | - I Underwood
- Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, EH9 3JF, United Kingdom
| | - V Srsen
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, EH9 3DW, United Kingdom
| | - S Chandran
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, United Kingdom; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom; Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom; Centre for Neuroregeneration, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom; The Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - P O Bagnaninchi
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, United Kingdom.
| | - B Dhillon
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom; The Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom; School of Clinical Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
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18
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Wei Y, Chen F, Zhang T, Chen D, Jia X, Wang J, Guo W, Chen J. A Tubing-Free Microfluidic Wound Healing Assay Enabling the Quantification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14049. [PMID: 26365412 PMCID: PMC4568460 DOI: 10.1038/srep14049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper presents a tubing-free microfluidic wound healing assay to quantify the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), where gravity was used to generate a laminar flow within microfluidic channels, enabling cell seeding, culture, and wound generation. As the first systemic study to quantify the migration of VSMCs within microfluidic environments, the effects of channel geometries, surface modifications and chemokines on cellular migration were investigated, revealing that 1) height of the micro channels had a significant impact on cell migration; 2) the surface coating of collagen induced more migration of VSMCs than fibronectin coated surfaces and 3) platelet derived growth factor resulted in maximal cell migration compared to tumor necrosis factor alpha and fetal bovine serum. Furthermore, migrations of five types of VSMCs (e.g., the human vascular smooth muscle cell line, two types of primary vascular smooth cells, and VSMCs isolated from two human samples) were quantified, finding that VSMCs from the cell line and human samples demonstrated comparable migration distances, which were significantly lower than the migration distances of two primary cell types. As a platform technology, this wound healing assay may function as a new model to study migration of VSMCs within microfluidic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanchen Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China, 100190
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Clinical Division of Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China, 100853
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China, 100044
| | - Deyong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China, 100190
| | - Xin Jia
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Clinical Division of Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China, 100853
| | - Junbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China, 100190
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Clinical Division of Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China, 100853
| | - Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China, 100190
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19
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Precise manipulation of cell behaviors on surfaces for construction of tissue/organs. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2014; 124:97-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2014.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 08/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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20
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Treloar KK, Simpson MJ. Sensitivity of edge detection methods for quantifying cell migration assays. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67389. [PMID: 23826283 PMCID: PMC3691172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative imaging methods to analyze cell migration assays are not standardized. Here we present a suite of two-dimensional barrier assays describing the collective spreading of an initially-confined population of 3T3 fibroblast cells. To quantify the motility rate we apply two different automatic image detection methods to locate the position of the leading edge of the spreading population after , and hours. These results are compared with a manual edge detection method where we systematically vary the detection threshold. Our results indicate that the observed spreading rates are very sensitive to the choice of image analysis tools and we show that a standard measure of cell migration can vary by as much as 25% for the same experimental images depending on the details of the image analysis tools. Our results imply that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to meaningfully compare previously published measures of cell migration since previous results have been obtained using different image analysis techniques and the details of these techniques are not always reported. Using a mathematical model, we provide a physical interpretation of our edge detection results. The physical interpretation is important since edge detection algorithms alone do not specify any physical measure, or physical definition, of the leading edge of the spreading population. Our modeling indicates that variations in the image threshold parameter correspond to a consistent variation in the local cell density. This means that varying the threshold parameter is equivalent to varying the location of the leading edge in the range of approximately 1–5% of the maximum cell density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina K. Treloar
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Simpson
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Ashby WJ, Zijlstra A. Established and novel methods of interrogating two-dimensional cell migration. Integr Biol (Camb) 2013; 4:1338-50. [PMID: 23038152 DOI: 10.1039/c2ib20154b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of cell motility is central to living systems. Consequently, cell migration assays are some of the most frequently used in vitro assays. This article provides a comprehensive, detailed review of in vitro cell migration assays both currently in use and possible with existing technology. Emphasis is given to two-dimensional migration assays using densely organized cells such as the scratch assay. Assays are compared and categorized in an outline format according to their primary biological readout and physical parameters. The individual benefits of the various methods and quantification strategies are also discussed. This review provides an in-depth, structured overview of in vitro cell migration assays as a means of enabling the reader to make informed decisions among the growing number of options available for their specific cell migration application.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Ashby
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Riahi R, Yang Y, Zhang DD, Wong PK. Advances in Wound-Healing Assays for Probing Collective Cell Migration. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 17:59-65. [DOI: 10.1177/2211068211426550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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