1
|
Tostado CP, Da Ong LX, Heng JJW, Miccolis C, Chia S, Seow JJW, Toh Y, DasGupta R. An AI-assisted integrated, scalable, single-cell phenomic-transcriptomic platform to elucidate intratumor heterogeneity against immune response. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10628. [PMID: 38435825 PMCID: PMC10905538 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10628] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
We present a novel framework combining single-cell phenotypic data with single-cell transcriptomic analysis to identify factors underpinning heterogeneity in antitumor immune response. We developed a pairwise, tumor-immune discretized interaction assay between natural killer (NK-92MI) cells and patient-derived head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines on a microfluidic cell-trapping platform. Furthermore we generated a deep-learning computer vision algorithm that is capable of automating the acquisition and analysis of a large, live-cell imaging data set (>1 million) of paired tumor-immune interactions spanning a time course of 24 h across multiple HNSCC lines (n = 10). Finally, we combined the response data measured by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis against NK-mediated killing with downstream single-cell transcriptomic analysis to interrogate molecular signatures associated with NK-effector response. As proof-of-concept for the proposed framework, we efficiently identified MHC class I-driven cytotoxic resistance as a key mechanism for immune evasion in nonresponders, while enhanced expression of cell adhesion molecules was found to be correlated with sensitivity against NK-mediated cytotoxicity. We conclude that this integrated, data-driven phenotypic approach holds tremendous promise in advancing the rapid identification of new mechanisms and therapeutic targets related to immune evasion and response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P. Tostado
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer EvolutionSingaporeSingapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Lucas Xian Da Ong
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Joel Jia Wei Heng
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer EvolutionSingaporeSingapore
| | - Carlo Miccolis
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer EvolutionSingaporeSingapore
| | - Shumei Chia
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer EvolutionSingaporeSingapore
| | - Justine Jia Wen Seow
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer EvolutionSingaporeSingapore
| | - Yi‐Chin Toh
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process EngineeringQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneAustralia
- Centre for Biomedical TechnologiesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Ramanuj DasGupta
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer EvolutionSingaporeSingapore
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ko J, Song J, Choi N, Kim HN. Patient-Derived Microphysiological Systems for Precision Medicine. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303161. [PMID: 38010253 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303161] [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: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Patient-derived microphysiological systems (P-MPS) have emerged as powerful tools in precision medicine that provide valuable insight into individual patient characteristics. This review discusses the development of P-MPS as an integration of patient-derived samples, including patient-derived cells, organoids, and induced pluripotent stem cells, into well-defined MPSs. Emphasizing the necessity of P-MPS development, its significance as a nonclinical assessment approach that bridges the gap between traditional in vitro models and clinical outcomes is highlighted. Additionally, guidance is provided for engineering approaches to develop microfluidic devices and high-content analysis for P-MPSs, enabling high biological relevance and high-throughput experimentation. The practical implications of the P-MPS are further examined by exploring the clinically relevant outcomes obtained from various types of patient-derived samples. The construction and analysis of these diverse samples within the P-MPS have resulted in physiologically relevant data, paving the way for the development of personalized treatment strategies. This study describes the significance of the P-MPS in precision medicine, as well as its unique capacity to offer valuable insights into individual patient characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Song
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kim H, Kim S, Lim H, Chung AJ. Expanding CAR-T cell immunotherapy horizons through microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1088-1120. [PMID: 38174732 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00622k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, particularly in hematological malignancies. However, their application to solid tumors is limited, and they face challenges in safety, scalability, and cost. To enhance current CAR-T cell therapies, the integration of microfluidic technologies, harnessing their inherent advantages, such as reduced sample consumption, simplicity in operation, cost-effectiveness, automation, and high scalability, has emerged as a powerful solution. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the step-by-step manufacturing process of CAR-T cells, identifies existing difficulties at each production stage, and discusses the successful implementation of microfluidics and related technologies in addressing these challenges. Furthermore, this review investigates the potential of microfluidics-based methodologies in advancing cell-based therapy across various applications, including solid tumors, next-generation CAR constructs, T-cell receptors, and the development of allogeneic "off-the-shelf" CAR products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyelee Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Suyeon Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyunjung Lim
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Aram J Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- MxT Biotech, 04785 Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang D, Qiao L. Microfluidics Coupled Mass Spectrometry for Single Cell Multi-Omics. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301179. [PMID: 37840412 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Population-level analysis masks significant heterogeneity between individual cells, making it difficult to accurately reflect the true intricacies of life activities. Microfluidics is a technique that can manipulate individual cells effectively and is commonly coupled with a variety of analytical methods for single-cell analysis. Single-cell omics provides abundant molecular information at the single-cell level, fundamentally revealing differences in cell types and biological states among cell individuals, leading to a deeper understanding of cellular phenotypes and life activities. Herein, this work summarizes the microfluidic chips designed for single-cell isolation, manipulation, trapping, screening, and sorting, including droplet microfluidic chips, microwell arrays, hydrodynamic microfluidic chips, and microchips with microvalves. This work further reviews the studies on single-cell proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and multi-omics based on microfluidics and mass spectrometry. Finally, the challenges and future application of single-cell multi-omics are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongxue Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 20000, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 20000, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jeyasountharan A, Giudice FD. Viscoelastic Particle Encapsulation Using a Hyaluronic Acid Solution in a T-Junction Microfluidic Device. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:563. [PMID: 36984969 PMCID: PMC10053877 DOI: 10.3390/mi14030563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The encapsulation of particles and cells in droplets is highly relevant in biomedical engineering as well as in material science. So far, however, the majority of the studies in this area have focused on the encapsulation of particles or cells suspended in Newtonian liquids. We here studied the particle encapsulation phenomenon in a T-junction microfluidic device, using a non-Newtonian viscoelastic hyaluronic acid solution in phosphate buffer saline as suspending liquid for the particles. We first studied the non-Newtonian droplet formation mechanism, finding that the data for the normalised droplet length scaled as the Newtonian ones. We then performed viscoelastic encapsulation experiments, where we exploited the fact that particles self-assembled in equally-spaced structures before approaching the encapsulation area, to then identify some experimental conditions for which the single encapsulation efficiency was larger than the stochastic limit predicted by the Poisson statistics.
Collapse
|
6
|
Subedi N, Verhagen LP, de Jonge P, Van Eyndhoven LC, van Turnhout MC, Koomen V, Baudry J, Eyer K, Dolstra H, Tel J. Single‐Cell Profiling Reveals Functional Heterogeneity and Serial Killing in Human Peripheral and Ex Vivo‐Generated CD34+ Progenitor‐Derived Natural Killer Cells. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 7:e2200207. [PMID: 36517083 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that natural killer (NK) cells are composed of distinct functional subsets. This multifunctional role has made them an attractive choice for anticancer immunotherapy. A functional NK cell repertoire is generated through cellular education, resulting in a heterogeneous NK cell population with distinct capabilities responding to different stimuli. The application of a high-throughput droplet-based microfluidic platform allows monitoring of NK cell-target cell interactions at the single-cell level and in real-time. A variable response of single NK cells toward different target cells is observed, and a distinct population of NK cells (serial killers) capable of inducing multiple target lysis is identified. By assessing the cytotoxic dynamics, it is shown that single umbilical cord blood-derived CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor (HPC)-NK cells display superior antitumor cytotoxicity. With an integrated analysis of cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion, it is shown that target cell interactions augment cytotoxic as well as secretory behavior of NK cells. By providing an integrated assessment of NK cell functions by microfluidics, this study paves the way to further functionally characterize NK cells ultimately aimed to improve cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Subedi
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering Department of Biomedical Engineering Eindhoven University of Technology Groene Loper 5 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology Groene Loper 5 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth Petronella Verhagen
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering Department of Biomedical Engineering Eindhoven University of Technology Groene Loper 5 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology Groene Loper 5 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Paul de Jonge
- Department of Laboratory Medicine – Laboratory of Hematology Radboud Institute of Molecular Life Sciences Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen 6525 GA The Netherlands
| | - Laura C. Van Eyndhoven
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering Department of Biomedical Engineering Eindhoven University of Technology Groene Loper 5 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology Groene Loper 5 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Mark C. van Turnhout
- Soft Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology Department of Biomedical Engineering Eindhoven University of Technology Groene Loper 5 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Vera Koomen
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering Department of Biomedical Engineering Eindhoven University of Technology Groene Loper 5 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Jean Baudry
- Laboratoire Colloïdes et Matériaux Divisés (LCMD) ESPCI Paris PSL Research University CNRS UMR8231 Chimie Biologie Innovation Paris 75005 France
| | - Klaus Eyer
- Laboratoire Colloïdes et Matériaux Divisés (LCMD) ESPCI Paris PSL Research University CNRS UMR8231 Chimie Biologie Innovation Paris 75005 France
- Laboratory for Functional Immune Repertoire Analysis Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences D‐CHAB, ETH, Zürich Zurich 8093 Switzerland
| | - Harry Dolstra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine – Laboratory of Hematology Radboud Institute of Molecular Life Sciences Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen 6525 GA The Netherlands
| | - Jurjen Tel
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering Department of Biomedical Engineering Eindhoven University of Technology Groene Loper 5 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology Groene Loper 5 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tiemeijer BM, Descamps L, Hulleman J, Sleeboom JJF, Tel J. A Microfluidic Approach for Probing Heterogeneity in Cytotoxic T-Cells by Cell Pairing in Hydrogel Droplets. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1910. [PMID: 36363930 PMCID: PMC9692327 DOI: 10.3390/mi13111910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cytotoxic T-cells (CTLs) exhibit strong effector functions to leverage antigen-specific anti-tumoral and anti-viral immunity. When naïve CTLs are activated by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) they display various levels of functional heterogeneity. To investigate this, we developed a single-cell droplet microfluidics platform that allows for deciphering single CTL activation profiles by multi-parameter analysis. We identified and correlated functional heterogeneity based on secretion profiles of IFNγ, TNFα, IL-2, and CD69 and CD25 surface marker expression levels. Furthermore, we strengthened our approach by incorporating low-melting agarose to encapsulate pairs of single CTLs and artificial APCs in hydrogel droplets, thereby preserving spatial information over cell pairs. This approach provides a robust tool for high-throughput and single-cell analysis of CTLs compatible with flow cytometry for subsequent analysis and sorting. The ability to score CTL quality, combined with various potential downstream analyses, could pave the way for the selection of potent CTLs for cell-based therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bart M. Tiemeijer
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lucie Descamps
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jesse Hulleman
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle J. F. Sleeboom
- Microsystems, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jurjen Tel
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kolmar L, Autour A, Ma X, Vergier B, Eduati F, Merten CA. Technological and computational advances driving high-throughput oncology. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 32:947-961. [PMID: 35577671 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Engineering and computational advances have opened many new avenues in cancer research, particularly when being exploited in interdisciplinary approaches. For example, the combination of microfluidics, novel sequencing technologies, and computational analyses has been crucial to enable single-cell assays, giving a detailed picture of tumor heterogeneity for the very first time. In a similar way, these 'tech' disciplines have been elementary for generating large data sets in multidimensional cancer 'omics' approaches, cell-cell interaction screens, 3D tumor models, and tissue level analyses. In this review we summarize the most important technology and computational developments that have been or will be instrumental for transitioning classical cancer research to a large data-driven, high-throughput, high-content discipline across all biological scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Kolmar
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexis Autour
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland; European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Blandine Vergier
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Federica Eduati
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Christoph A Merten
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Akhoundova D, Rubin MA. Clinical application of advanced multi-omics tumor profiling: Shaping precision oncology of the future. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:920-938. [PMID: 36055231 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Next-generation DNA sequencing technology has dramatically advanced clinical oncology through the identification of therapeutic targets and molecular biomarkers, leading to the personalization of cancer treatment with significantly improved outcomes for many common and rare tumor entities. More recent developments in advanced tumor profiling now enable dissection of tumor molecular architecture and the functional phenotype at cellular and subcellular resolution. Clinical translation of high-resolution tumor profiling and integration of multi-omics data into precision treatment, however, pose significant challenges at the level of prospective validation and clinical implementation. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in multi-omics tumor profiling, focusing on spatial genomics and chromatin organization, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, liquid biopsy, and ex vivo modeling of drug response. We analyze the current stages of translational validation of these technologies and discuss future perspectives for their integration into precision treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Akhoundova
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mark A Rubin
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; Bern Center for Precision Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ong LJY, Chia S, Wong SQR, Zhang X, Chua H, Loo JM, Chua WY, Chua C, Tan E, Hentze H, Tan IB, DasGupta R, Toh YC. A comparative study of tumour-on-chip models with patient-derived xenografts for predicting chemotherapy efficacy in colorectal cancer patients. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:952726. [PMID: 36147524 PMCID: PMC9488115 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.952726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Inter-patient and intra-tumour heterogeneity (ITH) have prompted the need for a more personalised approach to cancer therapy. Although patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models can generate drug response specific to patients, they are not sustainable in terms of cost and time and have limited scalability. Tumour Organ-on-Chip (OoC) models are in vitro alternatives that can recapitulate some aspects of the 3D tumour microenvironment and can be scaled up for drug screening. While many tumour OoC systems have been developed to date, there have been limited validation studies to ascertain whether drug responses obtained from tumour OoCs are comparable to those predicted from patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. In this study, we established a multiplexed tumour OoC device, that consists of an 8 × 4 array (32-plex) of culture chamber coupled to a concentration gradient generator. The device enabled perfusion culture of primary PDX-derived tumour spheroids to obtain dose-dependent response of 5 distinct standard-of-care (SOC) chemotherapeutic drugs for 3 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The in vitro efficacies of the chemotherapeutic drugs were rank-ordered for individual patients and compared to the in vivo efficacy obtained from matched PDX models. We show that quantitative correlation analysis between the drug efficacies predicted via the microfluidic perfusion culture is predictive of response in animal PDX models. This is a first study showing a comparative framework to quantitatively correlate the drug response predictions made by a microfluidic tumour organ-on-chip (OoC) model with that of PDX animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Jun Ye Ong
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QL, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QL, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shumei Chia
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stephen Qi Rong Wong
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Biological Resource Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xiaoqian Zhang
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huiwen Chua
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jia Min Loo
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Yong Chua
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Clarinda Chua
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Emile Tan
- Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hannes Hentze
- Experimental, Drug Development Centre, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Iain Beehuat Tan
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ramanuj DasGupta
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Ramanuj DasGupta, ; Yi-Chin Toh,
| | - Yi-Chin Toh
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QL, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QL, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Ramanuj DasGupta, ; Yi-Chin Toh,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Facile and scalable tubing-free sample loading for droplet microfluidics. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13340. [PMID: 35922529 PMCID: PMC9349288 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17352-3] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics has in recent years found a wide range of analytical and bioanalytical applications. In droplet microfluidics, the samples that are discretized into droplets within the devices are predominantly loaded through tubings, but such tubing-based sample loading has drawbacks such as limited scalability for processing many samples, difficulty for automation, and sample wastage. While advances in autosamplers have alleviated some of these drawbacks, sample loading that can instead obviate tubings offers a potentially promising alternative but has been underexplored. To fill the gap, we introduce herein a droplet device that features a new Tubing Eliminated Sample Loading Interface (TESLI). TESLI integrates a network of programmable pneumatic microvalves that regulate vacuum and pressure sources so that successive sub-microliter samples can be directly spotted onto the open-to-atmosphere TESLI inlet, vacuumed into the device, and pressurized into nanoliter droplets within the device with minimal wastage. The same vacuum and pressure regulation also endows TESLI with cleaning and sample switching capabilities, thus enabling scalable processing of many samples in succession. Moreover, we implement a pair of TESLIs in our device to parallelize and alternate their operation as means to minimizing idle time. For demonstration, we use our device to successively process 44 samples into droplets—a number that can further scale. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of tubing-free sample loading and a promising approach for advancing droplet microfluidics.
Collapse
|
12
|
Sinha N, Yang H, Janse D, Hendriks L, Rand U, Hauser H, Köster M, van de Vosse FN, de Greef TFA, Tel J. Microfluidic chip for precise trapping of single cells and temporal analysis of signaling dynamics. COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING 2022; 1:18. [PMCID: PMC10955935 DOI: 10.1038/s44172-022-00019-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic designs are versatile examples of technology miniaturisation that find their applications in various cell biology research, especially to investigate the influence of environmental signals on cellular response dynamics. Multicellular systems operate in intricate cellular microenvironments where environmental signals govern well-orchestrated and robust responses, the understanding of which can be realized with integrated microfluidic systems. In this study, we present a fully automated and integrated microfluidic chip that can deliver input signals to single and isolated suspension or adherent cells in a precisely controlled manner. In respective analyses of different single cell types, we observe, in real-time, the temporal dynamics of caspase 3 activation during DMSO-induced apoptosis in single cancer cells (K562) and the translocation of STAT-1 triggered by interferon γ (IFNγ) in single fibroblasts (NIH3T3). Our investigations establish the employment of our versatile microfluidic system in probing temporal single cell signaling networks where alternations in outputs uncover signal processing mechanisms. Nidhi Sinha, Haowen Yang and colleagues report a microfluidic large-scale integration chip to probe temporal single-cell signalling networks via the delivery of patterns of input signalling molecules. The researchers use their device to investigate drug-induced cancer cell apoptosis and single cell transcription (STAT-1) protein signalling dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Sinha
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Haowen Yang
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - David Janse
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Luc Hendriks
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Ulfert Rand
- Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Hauser
- Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mario Köster
- Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Frans N. van de Vosse
- Cardiovascular Biomechanics Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Tom F. A. de Greef
- Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Jurjen Tel
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tiemeijer BM, Tel J. Hydrogels for Single-Cell Microgel Production: Recent Advances and Applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:891461. [PMID: 35782502 PMCID: PMC9247248 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.891461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell techniques have become more and more incorporated in cell biological research over the past decades. Various approaches have been proposed to isolate, culture, sort, and analyze individual cells to understand cellular heterogeneity, which is at the foundation of every systematic cellular response in the human body. Microfluidics is undoubtedly the most suitable method of manipulating cells, due to its small scale, high degree of control, and gentle nature toward vulnerable cells. More specifically, the technique of microfluidic droplet production has proven to provide reproducible single-cell encapsulation with high throughput. Various in-droplet applications have been explored, ranging from immunoassays, cytotoxicity assays, and single-cell sequencing. All rely on the theoretically unlimited throughput that can be achieved and the monodispersity of each individual droplet. To make these platforms more suitable for adherent cells or to maintain spatial control after de-emulsification, hydrogels can be included during droplet production to obtain “microgels.” Over the past years, a multitude of research has focused on the possibilities these can provide. Also, as the technique matures, it is becoming clear that it will result in advantages over conventional droplet approaches. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on how various types of hydrogels can be incorporated into different droplet-based approaches and provide novel and more robust analytic and screening applications. We will further focus on a wide range of recently published applications for microgels and how these can be applied in cell biological research at the single- to multicell scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B. M. Tiemeijer
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - J. Tel
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: J. Tel,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Understanding natural killer cell biology from a single cell perspective. Cell Immunol 2022; 373:104497. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2022.104497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
15
|
Abstract
Cell manipulation in droplets has emerged as one of the great successes of microfluidic technologies, with the development of single-cell screening. However, the droplet format has also served to go beyond single-cell studies, namely by considering the interactions between different cells or between cells and their physical or chemical environment. These studies pose specific challenges linked to the need for long-term culture of adherent cells or the diverse types of measurements associated with complex biological phenomena. Here we review the emergence of droplet microfluidic methods for culturing cells and studying their interactions. We begin by characterizing the quantitative aspects that determine the ability to encapsulate cells, transport molecules, and provide sufficient nutrients within the droplets. This is followed by an evaluation of the biological constraints such as the control of the biochemical environment and promoting the anchorage of adherent cells. This first part ends with a description of measurement methods that have been developed. The second part of the manuscript focuses on applications of these technologies for cancer studies, immunology, and stem cells while paying special attention to the biological relevance of the cellular assays and providing guidelines on improving this relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Sart
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gustave Ronteix
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Shreyansh Jain
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gabriel Amselem
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Charles N Baroud
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|