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Kim J, Yoon T, Lee S, Kim PJ, Kim Y. Reconstitution of human tissue barrier function for precision and personalized medicine. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3347-3366. [PMID: 38895863 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00104d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Tissue barriers in a body, well known as tissue-to-tissue interfaces represented by endothelium of the blood vessels or epithelium of organs, are essential for maintaining physiological homeostasis by regulating molecular and cellular transports. It is crucial for predicting drug response to understand physiology of tissue barriers through which drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized and excreted. Since the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, which prompts the inception of alternative technologies for animal models, tissue barrier chips, one of the applications of organ-on-a-chip or microphysiological system (MPS), have only recently been utilized in the context of drug development. Recent advancements in stem cell technology have brightened the prospects for the application of tissue barrier chips in personalized medicine. In past decade, designing and engineering these microfluidic devices, and demonstrating the ability to reconstitute tissue functions were main focus of this field. However, the field is now advancing to the next level of challenges: validating their utility in drug evaluation and creating personalized models using patient-derived cells. In this review, we briefly introduce key design parameters to develop functional tissue barrier chip, explore the remarkable recent progress in the field of tissue barrier chips and discuss future perspectives on realizing personalized medicine through the utilization of tissue barrier chips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehoon Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Taehee Yoon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Sungryeong Lee
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Paul J Kim
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - YongTae Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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2
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Akhter MZ, Yazbeck P, Tauseef M, Anwar M, Hossen F, Datta S, Vellingiri V, Chandra Joshi J, Toth PT, Srivastava N, Lenzini S, Zhou G, Lee J, Jain MK, Shin JW, Mehta D. FAK regulates tension transmission to the nucleus and endothelial transcriptome independent of kinase activity. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114297. [PMID: 38824643 PMCID: PMC11262709 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanical environment generated through the adhesive interaction of endothelial cells (ECs) with the matrix controls nuclear tension, preventing aberrant gene synthesis and the transition from restrictive to leaky endothelium, a hallmark of acute lung injury (ALI). However, the mechanisms controlling tension transmission to the nucleus and EC-restrictive fate remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that, in a kinase-independent manner, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) safeguards tension transmission to the nucleus to maintain EC-restrictive fate. In FAK-depleted ECs, robust activation of the RhoA-Rho-kinase pathway increased EC tension and phosphorylation of the nuclear envelope protein, emerin, activating DNMT3a. Activated DNMT3a methylates the KLF2 promoter, impairing the synthesis of KLF2 and its target S1PR1 to induce the leaky EC transcriptome. Repleting FAK (wild type or kinase dead) or inhibiting RhoA-emerin-DNMT3a activities in damaged lung ECs restored KLF2 transcription of the restrictive EC transcriptome. Thus, FAK sensing and control of tension transmission to the nucleus govern restrictive endothelium to maintain lung homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Zahid Akhter
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pascal Yazbeck
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mohammad Tauseef
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mumtaz Anwar
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Faruk Hossen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sayanti Datta
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vigneshwaran Vellingiri
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jagdish Chandra Joshi
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peter T Toth
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, Chicago, IL, USA; Research Resources Center, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nityanand Srivastava
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stephen Lenzini
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Guangjin Zhou
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - James Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mukesh K Jain
- Division of Biology and Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jae-Won Shin
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dolly Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, Chicago, IL, USA.
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3
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Lai A, Hawke A, Mohammed M, Thurgood P, Concilia G, Peter K, Khoshmanesh K, Baratchi S. A microfluidic model to study the effects of arrhythmic flows on endothelial cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2347-2357. [PMID: 38576401 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00834g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia and an important contributor to morbidity and mortality. Endothelial dysfunction has been postulated to be an important contributing factor in cardiovascular events in patients with AF. However, how vascular endothelial cells respond to arrhythmic flow is not fully understood, mainly due to the limitation of current in vitro systems to mimic arrhythmic flow conditions. To address this limitation, we developed a microfluidic system to study the effect of arrhythmic flow on the mechanobiology of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). The system utilises a computer-controlled piezoelectric pump for generating arrhythmic flow with a unique ability to control the variability in both the frequency and amplitude of pulse waves. The flow rate is modulated to reflect physiological or pathophysiological shear stress levels on endothelial cells. This enabled us to systematically dissect the importance of variability in the frequency and amplitude of pulses and shear stress level on endothelial cell mechanobiology. Our results indicated that arrhythmic flow at physiological shear stress level promotes endothelial cell spreading and reduces the plasma membrane-to-cytoplasmic distribution of β-catenin. In contrast, arrhythmic flow at low and atherogenic shear stress levels does not promote endothelial cell spreading or redistribution of β-catenin. Interestingly, under both shear stress levels, arrhythmic flow induces inflammation by promoting monocyte adhesion via an increase in ICAM-1 expression. Collectively, our microfluidic system provides opportunities to study the effect of arrhythmic flows on vascular endothelial mechanobiology in a systematic and reproducible manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Lai
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Adam Hawke
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Mokhaled Mohammed
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Peter Thurgood
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Khashayar Khoshmanesh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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4
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Palomares DE, Tran PL, Jerman C, Momayez M, Deymier P, Sheriff J, Bluestein D, Parthasarathy S, Slepian MJ. Vibro-Acoustic Platelet Activation: An Additive Mechanism of Prothrombosis with Applicability to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1414. [PMID: 38136005 PMCID: PMC10741028 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10121414] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and loud snoring are conditions with increased cardiovascular risk and notably an association with stroke. Central in stroke are thrombosis and thromboembolism, all related to and initiaing with platelet activation. Platelet activation in OSA has been felt to be driven by biochemical and inflammatory means, including intermittent catecholamine exposure and transient hypoxia. We hypothesized that snore-associated acoustic vibration (SAAV) is an activator of platelets that synergizes with catecholamines and hypoxia to further amplify platelet activation. Methods: Gel-filtered human platelets were exposed to snoring utilizing a designed vibro-acoustic exposure device, varying the time and intensity of exposure and frequency content. Platelet activation was assessed via thrombin generation using the Platelet Activity State assay and scanning electron microscopy. Comparative activation induced by epinephrine and hypoxia were assessed individually as well as additively with SAAV, as well as the inhibitory effect of aspirin. Results: We demonstrate that snore-associated acoustic vibration is an independent activator of platelets, which is dependent upon the dose of exposure, i.e., intensity x time. In snoring, acoustic vibrations associated with low-frequency sound content (200 Hz) are more activating than those associated with high frequencies (900 Hz) (53.05% vs. 22.08%, p = 0.001). Furthermore, SAAV is additive to both catecholamines and hypoxia-mediated activation, inducing synergistic activation. Finally, aspirin, a known inhibitor of platelet activation, has no significant effect in limiting SAAV platelet activation. Conclusion: Snore-associated acoustic vibration is a mechanical means of platelet activation, which may drive prothrombosis and thrombotic risk clinically observed in loud snoring and OSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E. Palomares
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA;
- Arizona Center for Accelerated Biomedical Innovation, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (P.L.T.); (M.M.); (P.D.); (S.P.)
| | - Phat L. Tran
- Arizona Center for Accelerated Biomedical Innovation, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (P.L.T.); (M.M.); (P.D.); (S.P.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA;
| | - Catherine Jerman
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA;
| | - Moe Momayez
- Arizona Center for Accelerated Biomedical Innovation, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (P.L.T.); (M.M.); (P.D.); (S.P.)
- Department of Mining & Geological Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Pierre Deymier
- Arizona Center for Accelerated Biomedical Innovation, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (P.L.T.); (M.M.); (P.D.); (S.P.)
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Jawaad Sheriff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (J.S.); (D.B.)
| | - Danny Bluestein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (J.S.); (D.B.)
| | - Sairam Parthasarathy
- Arizona Center for Accelerated Biomedical Innovation, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (P.L.T.); (M.M.); (P.D.); (S.P.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA;
- Health Sciences Center for Sleep and Circadian Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Marvin J. Slepian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA;
- Arizona Center for Accelerated Biomedical Innovation, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (P.L.T.); (M.M.); (P.D.); (S.P.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (J.S.); (D.B.)
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5
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Park E, Ahn SI, Park JS, Shin JH. Shear-induced phenotypic transformation of microglia in vitro. Biophys J 2023; 122:1691-1700. [PMID: 36987391 PMCID: PMC10183375 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain cells are affected by continuous fluid shear stress that is driven by varying hydrostatic and osmotic pressure conditions, depending on the brain's pathophysiological conditions. Although all brain cells are sensitive to the subtle changes in various physicochemical factors in the microenvironment, microglia, the resident brain immune cells, exhibit the most significant morphodynamic transformation. However, little is known about the phenotypic alterations in microglia in response to changes in fluid shear stress. In this study, we established a flow-controlled microenvironment to investigate the effects of shear flow on microglial phenotypes, including morphology, motility, and activation states. We observed two distinct morphologies of microglia in a static condition: bipolar cells that oscillate along their long axis and unipolar cells that migrate persistently. When exposed to flow, a significant fraction of bipolar cells showed unstable oscillation with an increased amplitude of oscillation and a decreased frequency, which consequently led to the phenotypic transformation of oscillating cells into migrating cells. Furthermore, we observed that the level of proinflammatory genes increased in response to shear stress, although there were no significant changes in the level of antiinflammatory genes. Our findings suggest that an interstitial fluid-level stimulus can cause a dramatic phenotypic shift in microglia toward proinflammatory states, shedding light on the pathological outbreaks of severe brain diseases. Given that the fluidic environment in the brain can be locally disrupted in pathological circumstances, the mechanical stimulus by fluid flow should also be considered a crucial element in regulating the immune activities of the microglia in brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunyoung Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Song Ih Ahn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
| | - Jin-Sung Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jennifer H Shin
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea.
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6
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Mu X, Gerhard-Herman MD, Zhang YS. Building Blood Vessel Chips with Enhanced Physiological Relevance. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 8:2201778. [PMID: 37693798 PMCID: PMC10489284 DOI: 10.1002/admt.202201778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Blood vessel chips are bioengineered microdevices, consisting of biomaterials, human cells, and microstructures, which recapitulate essential vascular structure and physiology and allow a well-controlled microenvironment and spatial-temporal readouts. Blood vessel chips afford promising opportunities to understand molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying a range of vascular diseases. The physiological relevance is key to these blood vessel chips that rely on bioinspired strategies and bioengineering approaches to translate vascular physiology into artificial units. Here, we discuss several critical aspects of vascular physiology, including morphology, material composition, mechanical properties, flow dynamics, and mass transport, which provide essential guidelines and a valuable source of bioinspiration for the rational design of blood vessel chips. We also review state-of-art blood vessel chips that exhibit important physiological features of the vessel and reveal crucial insights into the biological processes and disease pathogenesis, including rare diseases, with notable implications for drug screening and clinical trials. We envision that the advances in biomaterials, biofabrication, and stem cells improve the physiological relevance of blood vessel chips, which, along with the close collaborations between clinicians and bioengineers, enable their widespread utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Mu
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Marie Denise Gerhard-Herman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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7
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Cho S, Lee S, Ahn SI. Design and engineering of organ-on-a-chip. Biomed Eng Lett 2023; 13:97-109. [PMID: 36620430 PMCID: PMC9806813 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-022-00258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) is an emerging interdisciplinary technology that reconstitutes the structure, function, and physiology of human tissues as an alternative to conventional preclinical models for drug screening. Over the last decade, substantial progress has been made in mimicking tissue- and organ-level functions on chips through technical advances in biomaterials, stem cell engineering, microengineering, and microfluidic technologies. Structural and engineering constituents, as well as biological components, are critical factors to be considered to reconstitute the tissue function and microenvironment on chips. In this review, we highlight critical engineering technologies for reconstructing the tissue microarchitecture and dynamic spatiotemporal microenvironment in OOCs. We review the technological advances in the field of OOCs for a range of applications, including systemic analysis tools that can be integrated with OOCs, multiorgan-on-chips, and large-scale manufacturing. We then discuss the challenges and future directions for the development of advanced end-user-friendly OOC systems for a wide range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Cho
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
| | - Sumi Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
| | - Song Ih Ahn
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
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Barrasa-Ramos S, Dessalles CA, Hautefeuille M, Barakat AI. Mechanical regulation of the early stages of angiogenesis. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20220360. [PMID: 36475392 PMCID: PMC9727679 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Favouring or thwarting the development of a vascular network is essential in fields as diverse as oncology, cardiovascular disease or tissue engineering. As a result, understanding and controlling angiogenesis has become a major scientific challenge. Mechanical factors play a fundamental role in angiogenesis and can potentially be exploited for optimizing the architecture of the resulting vascular network. Largely focusing on in vitro systems but also supported by some in vivo evidence, the aim of this Highlight Review is dual. First, we describe the current knowledge with particular focus on the effects of fluid and solid mechanical stimuli on the early stages of the angiogenic process, most notably the destabilization of existing vessels and the initiation and elongation of new vessels. Second, we explore inherent difficulties in the field and propose future perspectives on the use of in vitro and physics-based modelling to overcome these difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Barrasa-Ramos
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Claire A. Dessalles
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Mathieu Hautefeuille
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement (UMR7622), Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France,Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Abdul I. Barakat
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
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9
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A Review of Functional Analysis of Endothelial Cells in Flow Chambers. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:jfb13030092. [PMID: 35893460 PMCID: PMC9326639 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13030092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial cells constitute the innermost layer. The cells are exposed to mechanical stress by the flow, causing them to express their functions. To elucidate the functions, methods involving seeding endothelial cells as a layer in a chamber were studied. The chambers are known as parallel plate, T-chamber, step, cone plate, and stretch. The stimulated functions or signals from endothelial cells by flows are extensively connected to other outer layers of arteries or organs. The coculture layer was developed in a chamber to investigate the interaction between smooth muscle cells in the middle layer of the blood vessel wall in vascular physiology and pathology. Additionally, the microfabrication technology used to create a chamber for a microfluidic device involves both mechanical and chemical stimulation of cells to show their dynamics in in vivo microenvironments. The purpose of this study is to summarize the blood flow (flow inducing) for the functions connecting to endothelial cells and blood vessels, and to find directions for future chamber and device developments for further understanding and application of vascular functions. The relationship between chamber design flow, cell layers, and microfluidics was studied.
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10
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Botts SR, Fish JE, Howe KL. Dysfunctional Vascular Endothelium as a Driver of Atherosclerosis: Emerging Insights Into Pathogenesis and Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:787541. [PMID: 35002720 PMCID: PMC8727904 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.787541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, the chronic accumulation of cholesterol-rich plaque within arteries, is associated with a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction, aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality in high-income countries and recent years have witnessed a notable increase in prevalence within low- and middle-income regions of the world. Considering this prominent and evolving global burden, there is a need to identify the cellular mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis to discover novel therapeutic targets for preventing or mitigating its clinical sequelae. Despite decades of research, we still do not fully understand the complex cell-cell interactions that drive atherosclerosis, but new investigative approaches are rapidly shedding light on these essential mechanisms. The vascular endothelium resides at the interface of systemic circulation and the underlying vessel wall and plays an essential role in governing pathophysiological processes during atherogenesis. In this review, we present emerging evidence that implicates the activated endothelium as a driver of atherosclerosis by directing site-specificity of plaque formation and by promoting plaque development through intracellular processes, which regulate endothelial cell proliferation and turnover, metabolism, permeability, and plasticity. Moreover, we highlight novel mechanisms of intercellular communication by which endothelial cells modulate the activity of key vascular cell populations involved in atherogenesis, and discuss how endothelial cells contribute to resolution biology - a process that is dysregulated in advanced plaques. Finally, we describe important future directions for preclinical atherosclerosis research, including epigenetic and targeted therapies, to limit the progression of atherosclerosis in at-risk or affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R. Botts
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason E. Fish
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kathryn L. Howe
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Nguyen N, Thurgood P, Sekar NC, Chen S, Pirogova E, Peter K, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K. Microfluidic models of the human circulatory system: versatile platforms for exploring mechanobiology and disease modeling. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:769-786. [PMID: 34777617 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00815-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human circulatory system is a marvelous fluidic system, which is very sensitive to biophysical and biochemical cues. The current animal and cell culture models do not recapitulate the functional properties of the human circulatory system, limiting our ability to fully understand the complex biological processes underlying the dysfunction of this multifaceted system. In this review, we discuss the unique ability of microfluidic systems to recapitulate the biophysical, biochemical, and functional properties of the human circulatory system. We also describe the remarkable capacity of microfluidic technologies for exploring the complex mechanobiology of the cardiovascular system, mechanistic studying of cardiovascular diseases, and screening cardiovascular drugs with the additional benefit of reducing the need for animal models. We also discuss opportunities for further advancement in this exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngan Nguyen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nadia Chandra Sekar
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Sheng Chen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
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12
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Ranadewa D, Wu J, Subramanianbalachandar VA, Steward RL. Variable fluid flow regimes alter human brain microvascular endothelial cell-cell junctions and cytoskeletal structure. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2021; 78:323-334. [PMID: 34467654 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The human brain microvasculature is constantly exposed to variable fluid flow regimes and their influence on the endothelium depends in part on the synchronous cooperative behavior between cell-cell junctions and the cytoskeleton. In this study, we exposed human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells to a low laminar flow (1 dyne⋅cm-2 ), high laminar flow (10 dyne⋅cm-2 ), low oscillatory flow (±1 dyne⋅cm-2 ), or high oscillatory flow (±10 dyne⋅cm-2 ) for 24 hr. After this time, endothelial cell-cell junction and cytoskeletal structural response was characterized through observation of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-5, junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A), vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-Cad), and F-actin. In addition, we also characterized cell morphology through measurement of cell area and cell eccentricity. Our results revealed the greatest change in junctional structure reorganization for ZO-1 and JAM-A to be observed under low laminar flow conditions while claudin-5 exhibited the greatest change in structural reorganization under both low and high laminar flow conditions. However, VE-Cad displayed the greatest structural response under a high laminar flow, reflecting the unique responses each cell-cell junction protein had to each fluid flow regime. In addition, cell area and cell eccentricity displayed most significant changes under the high laminar flow and low oscillatory flow, respectively. We believe this study will be useful to the field of cell mechanics and mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilshan Ranadewa
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Jingwen Wu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | | | - Robert L Steward
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA.,Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
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13
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Sun Y, Zhang B, Xia L. Effect of low wall shear stress on the morphology of endothelial cells and its evaluation indicators. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2021; 208:106082. [PMID: 34098346 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2021.106082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study is designed to explore the morphological changes of endothelial cells (ECs) under different levels of shear stress and find the effective evaluation indicators with in vivo and in vitro experiments. METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and Sprague-Dawley rats were used to study the effect of different shear stress which applied by means of parallel plate-flow chamber and abdominal aorta banding model on the morphology of endothelial cells. Then, fluorescence images were acquired by means of a confocal laser-scanning microscope. Finally, Cell morphological indicators were extracted by SRAD-MCW computer image processing algorithm for quantitative analysis. RESULTS 1) The morphological changes of HUVECs were observed after exposure to shear stress for 6 h, the HUVECs were elongated and spindle-shaped. And the degree of cell deformability was different while the exposure time was different, then it became stable after 18 h. The HUVECs exposure to high shear stress (HSS) exhibited an ordered cell arrangement, while the HUVECs exposure to low shear stress (LSS) showed a disordered cell arrangement. 2) Traditional cell morphological indicators such as area, perimeter, long axis diameter, short axis diameter and orientation angle were not significantly different between the normal shear stress (NSS) group and the LSS group (P > 0.05), but the intercellular space characteristics such as the junction length per unit area and the triple points per unit area were significantly different (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that the size and duration of shear stress can affect the morphology and arrangement of endothelial cells. The commonly used evaluation indicators for studying the effect of shear stress on the morphology of endothelial cells, including area, perimeter, long axis diameter, short axis diameter and orientation angle, etc., had no significant statistical significance, while the intercellular space characteristics including the junction length per unit area and the triple points per unit area can be used as effective indicator to study the effect of shear stress on the morphology of endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Sun
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lianghua Xia
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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14
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Zhao P, Yao Q, Zhang PJ, The E, Zhai Y, Ao L, Jarrett MJ, Dinarello CA, Fullerton DA, Meng X. Single-cell RNA-seq reveals a critical role of novel pro-inflammatory EndMT in mediating adverse remodeling in coronary artery-on-a-chip. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabg1694. [PMID: 34417174 PMCID: PMC8378826 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg1694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
A three-dimensional microengineered human coronary artery-on-a-chip was developed for investigation of the mechanism by which low and oscillatory shear stress (OSS) induces pro-atherogenic changes. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that OSS induced distinct changes in endothelial cells (ECs) including pro-inflammatory endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). OSS promoted pro-inflammatory EndMT through the Notch1/p38 MAPK-NF-κB signaling axis. Moreover, OSS-induced EC phenotypic changes resulted in proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein up-regulation in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) through the RANTES-mediated paracrine mechanism. IL-37 suppressed OSS-induced pro-inflammatory EndMT and thereby abrogated SMC proliferation and ECM protein remodeling. Overall, this study provides insights into endothelial heterogeneity under atheroprone shear stress and identifies the mechanistic role of a novel EC subtype in promoting adverse vascular remodeling. Further, this study demonstrates that anti-inflammatory approach is capable of mitigating vascular pathobiology evoked by atheroprone shear stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Qingzhou Yao
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Pei-Jian Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Erlinda The
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Yufeng Zhai
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lihua Ao
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Michael J Jarrett
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - David A Fullerton
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Xianzhong Meng
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.
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15
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Dey K, Roca E, Ramorino G, Sartore L. Progress in the mechanical modulation of cell functions in tissue engineering. Biomater Sci 2021; 8:7033-7081. [PMID: 33150878 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01255f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, mechanics at multiple stages-nucleus to cell to ECM-underlie multiple physiological and pathological functions from its development to reproduction to death. Under this inspiration, substantial research has established the role of multiple aspects of mechanics in regulating fundamental cellular processes, including spreading, migration, growth, proliferation, and differentiation. However, our understanding of how these mechanical mechanisms are orchestrated or tuned at different stages to maintain or restore the healthy environment at the tissue or organ level remains largely a mystery. Over the past few decades, research in the mechanical manipulation of the surrounding environment-known as substrate or matrix or scaffold on which, or within which, cells are seeded-has been exceptionally enriched in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. To do so, traditional tissue engineering aims at recapitulating key mechanical milestones of native ECM into a substrate for guiding the cell fate and functions towards specific tissue regeneration. Despite tremendous progress, a big puzzle that remains is how the cells compute a host of mechanical cues, such as stiffness (elasticity), viscoelasticity, plasticity, non-linear elasticity, anisotropy, mechanical forces, and mechanical memory, into many biological functions in a cooperative, controlled, and safe manner. High throughput understanding of key cellular decisions as well as associated mechanosensitive downstream signaling pathway(s) for executing these decisions in response to mechanical cues, solo or combined, is essential to address this issue. While many reports have been made towards the progress and understanding of mechanical cues-particularly, substrate bulk stiffness and viscoelasticity-in regulating the cellular responses, a complete picture of mechanical cues is lacking. This review highlights a comprehensive view on the mechanical cues that are linked to modulate many cellular functions and consequent tissue functionality. For a very basic understanding, a brief discussion of the key mechanical players of ECM and the principle of mechanotransduction process is outlined. In addition, this review gathers together the most important data on the stiffness of various cells and ECM components as well as various tissues/organs and proposes an associated link from the mechanical perspective that is not yet reported. Finally, beyond addressing the challenges involved in tuning the interplaying mechanical cues in an independent manner, emerging advances in designing biomaterials for tissue engineering are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamol Dey
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh
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16
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Lim J, Ching H, Yoon JK, Jeon NL, Kim Y. Microvascularized tumor organoids-on-chips: advancing preclinical drug screening with pathophysiological relevance. NANO CONVERGENCE 2021; 8:12. [PMID: 33846849 PMCID: PMC8042002 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-021-00261-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent developments of organoids engineering and organ-on-a-chip microfluidic technologies have enabled the recapitulation of the major functions and architectures of microscale human tissue, including tumor pathophysiology. Nevertheless, there remain challenges in recapitulating the complexity and heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment. The integration of these engineering technologies suggests a potential strategy to overcome the limitations in reconstituting the perfusable microvascular system of large-scale tumors conserving their key functional features. Here, we review the recent progress of in vitro tumor-on-a-chip microfluidic technologies, focusing on the reconstruction of microvascularized organoid models to suggest a better platform for personalized cancer medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungeun Lim
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- George W, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Hanna Ching
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Kee Yoon
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- George W, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - YongTae Kim
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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17
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Inbody SC, Sinquefield BE, Lewis JP, Horton RE. Biomimetic microsystems for cardiovascular studies. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 320:C850-C872. [PMID: 33760660 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00026.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Traditional tissue culture platforms have been around for several decades and have enabled key findings in the cardiovascular field. However, these platforms failed to recreate the mechanical and dynamic features found within the body. Organs-on-chips (OOCs) are cellularized microfluidic-based devices that can mimic the basic structure, function, and responses of organs. These systems have been successfully utilized in disease, development, and drug studies. OOCs are designed to recapitulate the mechanical, electrical, chemical, and structural features of the in vivo microenvironment. Here, we review cardiovascular-themed OOC studies, design considerations, and techniques used to generate these cellularized devices. Furthermore, we will highlight the advantages of OOC models over traditional cell culture vessels, discuss implementation challenges, and provide perspectives on the state of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby C Inbody
- Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Bridgett E Sinquefield
- Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Joshua P Lewis
- Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Renita E Horton
- Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
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18
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Ma Q, Ma H, Xu F, Wang X, Sun W. Microfluidics in cardiovascular disease research: state of the art and future outlook. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2021; 7:19. [PMID: 34567733 PMCID: PMC8433381 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-021-00245-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Due to extremely severe morbidity and mortality worldwide, it is worth achieving a more in-depth and comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular diseases. Tremendous effort has been made to replicate the cardiovascular system and investigate the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Microfluidics can be used as a versatile primary strategy to achieve a holistic picture of cardiovascular disease. Here, a brief review of the application of microfluidics in comprehensive cardiovascular disease research is presented, with specific discussions of the characteristics of microfluidics for investigating cardiovascular diseases integrally, including the study of pathogenetic mechanisms, the development of accurate diagnostic methods and the establishment of therapeutic treatments. Investigations of critical pathogenetic mechanisms for typical cardiovascular diseases by microfluidic-based organ-on-a-chip are categorized and reviewed, followed by a detailed summary of microfluidic-based accurate diagnostic methods. Microfluidic-assisted cardiovascular drug evaluation and screening as well as the fabrication of novel delivery vehicles are also reviewed. Finally, the challenges with and outlook on further advancing the use of microfluidics technology in cardiovascular disease research are highlighted and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingming Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Haixia Ma
- Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, Zibo Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zibo, 255000 China
| | - Fenglan Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001 China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Institute of Thermal Science and Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061 China
| | - Wentao Sun
- Center for Basic Medical Research, TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300457 China
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19
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Abstract
Engineered human mini-brains, made possible by knowledge from the convergence of precision microengineering and cell biology, permit systematic studies of complex neurological processes and of pathogenesis beyond what can be done with animal models. By culturing human brain cells with physiological microenvironmental cues, human mini-brain models reconstitute the arrangement of structural tissues and some of the complex biological functions of the human brain. In this Review, we highlight the most significant developments that have led to microphysiological human mini-brain models. We introduce the history of mini-brain development, review methods for creating mini-brain models in static conditions, and discuss relevant state-of-the-art dynamic cell-culture systems. We also review human mini-brain models that reconstruct aspects of major neurological disorders under static or dynamic conditions. Engineered human mini-brains will contribute to advancing the study of the physiology and aetiology of neurological disorders, and to the development of personalized medicines for them.
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20
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Lipp SN, Niedert EE, Cebull HL, Diorio TC, Ma JL, Rothenberger SM, Stevens Boster KA, Goergen CJ. Computational Hemodynamic Modeling of Arterial Aneurysms: A Mini-Review. Front Physiol 2020; 11:454. [PMID: 32477163 PMCID: PMC7235429 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Arterial aneurysms are pathological dilations of blood vessels, which can be of clinical concern due to thrombosis, dissection, or rupture. Aneurysms can form throughout the arterial system, including intracranial, thoracic, abdominal, visceral, peripheral, or coronary arteries. Currently, aneurysm diameter and expansion rates are the most commonly used metrics to assess rupture risk. Surgical or endovascular interventions are clinical treatment options, but are invasive and associated with risk for the patient. For aneurysms in locations where thrombosis is the primary concern, diameter is also used to determine the level of therapeutic anticoagulation, a treatment that increases the possibility of internal bleeding. Since simple diameter is often insufficient to reliably determine rupture and thrombosis risk, computational hemodynamic simulations are being developed to help assess when an intervention is warranted. Created from subject-specific data, computational models have the potential to be used to predict growth, dissection, rupture, and thrombus-formation risk based on hemodynamic parameters, including wall shear stress, oscillatory shear index, residence time, and anomalous blood flow patterns. Generally, endothelial damage and flow stagnation within aneurysms can lead to coagulation, inflammation, and the release of proteases, which alter extracellular matrix composition, increasing risk of rupture. In this review, we highlight recent work that investigates aneurysm geometry, model parameter assumptions, and other specific considerations that influence computational aneurysm simulations. By highlighting modeling validation and verification approaches, we hope to inspire future computational efforts aimed at improving our understanding of aneurysm pathology and treatment risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N. Lipp
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Elizabeth E. Niedert
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Hannah L. Cebull
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Tyler C. Diorio
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Jessica L. Ma
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Sean M. Rothenberger
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Kimberly A. Stevens Boster
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Craig J. Goergen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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21
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Yoon JK, Kim DH, Kang ML, Jang HK, Park HJ, Lee JB, Yi SW, Kim HS, Baek S, Park DB, You J, Lee SD, Sei Y, Ahn SI, Shin YM, Kim CS, Bae S, Kim Y, Sung HJ. Anti-Atherogenic Effect of Stem Cell Nanovesicles Targeting Disturbed Flow Sites. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2000012. [PMID: 32239653 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202000012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis development leads to irreversible cascades, highlighting the unmet need for improved methods of early diagnosis and prevention. Disturbed flow formation is one of the earliest atherogenic events, resulting in increased endothelial permeability and subsequent monocyte recruitment. Here, a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived nanovesicle (NV) that can target disturbed flow sites with the peptide GSPREYTSYMPH (PREY) (PMSC-NVs) is presented which is selected through phage display screening of a hundred million peptides. The PMSC-NVs are effectively produced from human MSCs (hMSCs) using plasmid DNA designed to functionalize the cell membrane with PREY. The potent anti-inflammatory and pro-endothelial recovery effects are confirmed, similar to those of hMSCs, employing mouse and porcine partial carotid artery ligation models as well as a microfluidic disturbed flow model with human carotid artery-derived endothelial cells. This nanoscale platform is expected to contribute to the development of new theragnostic strategies for preventing the progression of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Kee Yoon
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Kim
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Lan Kang
- TMD LAB Co., Ltd, Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Ki Jang
- Department of Chemistry, Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ji Park
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, 30313, USA
| | - Jung Bok Lee
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Won Yi
- TMD LAB Co., Ltd, Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Seon Kim
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sewoom Baek
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Dan Bi Park
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin You
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Yoshitaka Sei
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, 30313, USA
| | - Song Ih Ahn
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, 30313, USA
| | - Young Min Shin
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Sangsu Bae
- Department of Chemistry, Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - YongTae Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB), Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology (IEN), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, 30313, USA
| | - Hak-Joon Sung
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
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22
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Ahn SI, Sei YJ, Park HJ, Kim J, Ryu Y, Choi JJ, Sung HJ, MacDonald TJ, Levey AI, Kim Y. Microengineered human blood-brain barrier platform for understanding nanoparticle transport mechanisms. Nat Commun 2020; 11:175. [PMID: 31924752 PMCID: PMC6954233 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13896-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Challenges in drug development of neurological diseases remain mainly ascribed to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Despite the valuable contribution of animal models to drug discovery, it remains difficult to conduct mechanistic studies on the barrier function and interactions with drugs at molecular and cellular levels. Here we present a microphysiological platform that recapitulates the key structure and function of the human BBB and enables 3D mapping of nanoparticle distributions in the vascular and perivascular regions. We demonstrate on-chip mimicry of the BBB structure and function by cellular interactions, key gene expressions, low permeability, and 3D astrocytic network with reduced reactive gliosis and polarized aquaporin-4 (AQP4) distribution. Moreover, our model precisely captures 3D nanoparticle distributions at cellular levels and demonstrates the distinct cellular uptakes and BBB penetrations through receptor-mediated transcytosis. Our BBB platform may present a complementary in vitro model to animal models for prescreening drug candidates for the treatment of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Ih Ahn
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Yoshitaka J Sei
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Hyun-Ji Park
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Jinhwan Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Yujung Ryu
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Jeongmoon J Choi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Hak-Joon Sung
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Allan I Levey
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - YongTae Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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23
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Meza D, Musmacker B, Steadman E, Stransky T, Rubenstein DA, Yin W. Endothelial Cell Biomechanical Responses are Dependent on Both Fluid Shear Stress and Tensile Strain. Cell Mol Bioeng 2019; 12:311-325. [PMID: 31719917 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-019-00585-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The goal of this study was to investigate how concurrent shear stress and tensile strain affect endothelial cell biomechanical responses. Methods Human coronary artery endothelial cells were exposed to concurrent pulsatile shear stress and cyclic tensile strain in a programmable shearing and stretching device. Three shear stress-tensile strain conditions were used: (1) pulsatile shear stress at 1 Pa and cyclic tensile strain at 7%, simulating normal stress/strain conditions in a healthy coronary artery; (2) shear stress at 3.7 Pa and tensile strain at 3%, simulating pathological stress/strain conditions near a stenosis; (3) shear stress at 0.7 Pa and tensile strain at 5%, simulating pathological stress/strain conditions in a recirculation zone. Cell morphology was quantified using immunofluorescence microscopy. Cell surface PECAM-1 phosphorylation, ICAM-1 expression, ERK1/2 and NF-κB activation were measured using ELISA or Western blot. Results Simultaneous stimulation from pulsatile shear stress and cyclic tensile strain induced a significant increase in cell area, compared to that induced by shear stress or tensile strain alone. The combined stimulation caused significant increases in PECAM-1 phosphorylation. The combined stimulation also significantly enhanced EC surface ICAM-1 expression (compared to that under shear stress alone) and transcriptional factor NF-κB activation (compared to that under control conditions). Conclusion Pulsatile shear stress and cyclic tensile strain could induce increased but not synergistic effect on endothelial cell morphology or activation. The combined mechanical stimulation can be relayed from cell membrane to nucleus. Therefore, to better understand how mechanical conditions affect endothelial cell mechanotransduction and cardiovascular disease development, both shear stress and tensile strain need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Meza
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
| | - Bryan Musmacker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
| | - Elisabeth Steadman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
| | - Thomas Stransky
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
| | - David A Rubenstein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
| | - Wei Yin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
- Stony Brook University, Bioengineering Building, Room 109, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
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Lee J, Estlack Z, Somaweera H, Wang X, Lacerda CMR, Kim J. A microfluidic cardiac flow profile generator for studying the effect of shear stress on valvular endothelial cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:2946-2954. [PMID: 30123895 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00545a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To precisely investigate the mechanobiological responses of valvular endothelial cells, we developed a microfluidic flow profile generator using a pneumatically-actuated micropump consisting of microvalves of various sizes. By controlling the closing pressures and the actuation times of these microvalves, we modulated the magnitude and frequency of the shear stress to mimic mitral and aortic inflow profiles with frequencies in the range of 0.8-2 Hz and shear stresses up to 20 dyn cm-2. To demonstrate this flow profile generator, aortic inflow with an average of 5.9 dyn cm-2 shear stress at a frequency of 1.2 Hz with a Reynolds number of 2.75, a Womersley number of 0.27, and an oscillatory shear index (OSI) value of 0.2 was applied to porcine aortic valvular endothelial cells (PAVECs) for mechanobiological studies. The cell alignment, cell elongation, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression of PAVECs under perfusion, steady flow, and aortic inflow conditions were analyzed to determine their shear-induced cell migration and trans-differentiation. In this morphological and immunocytochemical study, we found that the PAVECs elongated and aligned themselves perpendicular to the directions of the steady flow and the aortic inflow. In contrast, under perfusion with a fluidic shear stress of 0.47 dyn cm-2, the PAVECs elongated and aligned themselves parallel to the direction of flow. The PAVECs exposed to the aortic inflow upregulated their αSMA-protein expression to a greater degree than those exposed to perfusion and steady flow. By comparing these results to those of previous studies of pulsatile flow, we also found that the ratio of positive to negative shear stress plays an important role in determining PAVECs' trans-differentiation and adaptation to flow. This microfluidic cardiac flow profile generator will enable future valvular mechanobiological studies to determine the roles of magnitude and frequency of shear stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joohyung Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
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25
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Mannino RG, Qiu Y, Lam WA. Endothelial cell culture in microfluidic devices for investigating microvascular processes. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2018; 12:042203. [PMID: 29861814 PMCID: PMC5953751 DOI: 10.1063/1.5024901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Numerous conditions and disease states such as sickle cell disease, malaria, thrombotic microangiopathy, and stroke significantly impact the microvasculature function and its role in disease progression. Understanding the role of cellular interactions and microvascular hemodynamic forces in the context of disease is crucial to understanding disease pathophysiology. In vivo models of microvascular disease using animal models often coupled with intravital microscopy have long been utilized to investigate microvascular phenomena. However, these methods suffer from some major drawbacks, including the inability to tightly and quantitatively control experimental conditions, the difficulty of imaging multiple microvascular beds within a living organism, and the inability to isolate specific microvascular geometries such as bifurcations. Thus, there exists a need for in vitro microvascular models that can mitigate the drawbacks associated with in vivo systems. To that end, microfluidics has been widely used to develop such models, as it allows for tight control of system inputs, facile imaging, and the ability to develop robust and repeatable systems with well-defined geometries. Incorporating endothelial cells to branching microfluidic models allows for the development of "endothelialized" systems that accurately recapitulate physiological microvessels. In this review, we summarize the field of endothelialized microfluidics, specifically focusing on fabrication methods, limitations, and applications of these systems. We then speculate on future directions and applications of these cutting edge technologies. We believe that this review of the field is of importance to vascular biologists and bioengineers who aim to utilize microfluidic technologies to solve vascular problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wilbur A. Lam
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: . Tel.: 404-727-7473. Present address: 448 Emory Children's Center, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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26
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Mannino RG, Pandian NK, Jain A, Lam WA. Engineering "Endothelialized" Microfluidics for Investigating Vascular and Hematologic Processes Using Non-Traditional Fabrication Techniques. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2017; 5:13-20. [PMID: 29756078 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Investigating the complex interplay between blood cells and the endothelium is crucial in understanding the pathophysiology of many diseases. Observation of the in vivo vasculature is difficult due to the complexities of vessel geometry, limited visualization capability, as well as variability and complexity inherent to biologic systems. Therefore, in vitro systems serve as ideal tools to study these cellular interactions. Microfluidic technologies are an ideal tool for recapitulating the vasculature in vivo as they can be used to fabricate fluidic channels on the size scale capillaries using gas permeable, biologically inert, and optically transparent substrates. Microfluidic channels can be vascularized by coating the inner surface of the microchannels with a confluent monolayer of endothelial cells, representing a reductionist, tightly controlled, in vitro model of the microvasculature. In this review, we present advances in the field of "endothelialized" microfluidics, focusing specifically on non-traditional fabrication and endothelialization techniques. We then summarize the various applications of endothelialized microfluidics, and speculate on the future directions of the field, including the exciting applications to personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Mannino
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Atlanta, GA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center
- Institute of Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
| | - Navaneeth Kr Pandian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Abhishek Jain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Wilbur A Lam
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Atlanta, GA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center
- Institute of Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
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27
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Islam MM, Beverung S, Steward R. Bio-Inspired Microdevices that Mimic the Human Vasculature. MICROMACHINES 2017; 8:mi8100299. [PMID: 30400489 PMCID: PMC6190335 DOI: 10.3390/mi8100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Blood vessels may be found throughout the entire body and their importance to human life is undeniable. This is evident in the fact that a malfunctioning blood vessel can result in mild symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain to more severe symptoms such as a heart attack or stroke, to even death in the severest of cases. Furthermore, there are a host of pathologies that have been linked to the human vasculature. As a result many researchers have attempted to unlock the mysteries of the vasculature by performing studies that duplicate the physiological structural, chemical, and mechanical properties known to exist. While the ideal study would consist of utilizing living, blood vessels derived from human tissue, such studies are not always possible since intact human blood vessels are not readily accessible and there are immense technical difficulties associated with such studies. These limitations have opened the door for the development of microdevices modeled after the human vasculature as it is believed by many researchers in the field that such devices can one day replace tissue models. In this review we present an overview of microdevices developed to mimic various types of vasculature found throughout the human body. Although the human body contains a diverse array of vascular systems for this review we limit our discussion to the cardiovascular system and cerebrovascular system and discuss such systems that have been fabricated in both 2D and 3D configurations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mydul Islam
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
| | - Sean Beverung
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
| | - Robert Steward
- Departments of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Medicine, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
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