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Choi MS, Park SM, Kim S, Jegal H, Lee HA, Han HY, Yoon S, Kim SK, Oh JH. Enhanced electrophysiological activity and neurotoxicity screening of environmental chemicals using 3D neurons from human neural precursor cells purified with PSA-NCAM. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116516. [PMID: 38820819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The assessment of neurotoxicity for environmental chemicals is of utmost importance in ensuring public health and environmental safety. Multielectrode array (MEA) technology has emerged as a powerful tool for assessing disturbances in the electrophysiological activity. Although human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived neurons have been used in MEA for neurotoxicity screening, obtaining a substantial and sufficiently active population of neurons from hESCs remains challenging. In this study, we successfully differentiated neurons from a large population of human neuronal precursor cells (hNPC) purified using a polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM), referred to as hNPCPSA-NCAM+. The functional characterization demonstrated that hNPCPSA-NCAM+-derived neurons improve functionality by enhancing electrophysiological activity compared to total hNPC-derived neurons. Furthermore, three-dimensional (3D) neurons derived from hNPCPSA-NCAM+ exhibited reduced maturation time and enhanced electrophysiological activity on MEA. We employed subdivided population analysis of active mean firing rate (MFR) based on electrophysiological intensity to characterize the electrophysiological properties of hNPCPSA-NCAM+-3D neurons. Based on electrophysiological activity including MFR and burst parameters, we evaluated the sensitivity of hNPCPSA-NCAM+-3D neurons on MEA to screen both inhibitory and excitatory neuroactive environmental chemicals. Intriguingly, electrophysiologically active hNPCPSA-NCAM+-3D neurons demonstrated good sensitivity to evaluate neuroactive chemicals, particularly in discriminating excitatory chemicals. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of MEA approaches using hNPCPSA-NCAM+-3D neurons in the assessment of neurotoxicity associated with environmental chemicals. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate signal intensity thresholds to enhance neurotoxicity prediction and screening of environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Sun Choi
- Department of predictive toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Daejeon, the Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, the Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Myo Park
- Department of predictive toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Daejeon, the Republic of Korea
| | - Soojin Kim
- Department of predictive toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Daejeon, the Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jegal
- Department of predictive toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Daejeon, the Republic of Korea; Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, the Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang-Ae Lee
- Department of predictive toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Daejeon, the Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung-Yun Han
- Department of predictive toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Daejeon, the Republic of Korea; Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, the Republic of Korea
| | - Seokjoo Yoon
- Department of predictive toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Daejeon, the Republic of Korea; Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, the Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Kyum Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, the Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung-Hwa Oh
- Department of predictive toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Daejeon, the Republic of Korea; Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, the Republic of Korea.
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Habibey R, Striebel J, Meinert M, Latiftikhereshki R, Schmieder F, Nasiri R, Latifi S. Engineered modular neuronal networks-on-chip represent structure-function relationship. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 261:116518. [PMID: 38924816 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Brain function is substantially linked to the highly organized modular structure of neuronal networks. However, the structure of in vitro assembled neuronal circuits often exhibits variability, complicating the consistent recording of network functional output and its correlation to network structure. Therefore, engineering neuronal structures with predefined geometry and reproducible functional features is essential to precisely model in vivo neuronal circuits. Here, we engineered microchannel devices to assemble 2D and 3D modular networks. The microchannel devices were coupled with a multi-electrode array (MEA) electrophysiology system to enable recordings from circuits. Each network consisted of 64 modules connected to their adjacent modules by micron-sized channels. Modular circuits within microchannel devices showed enhanced activity and functional connectivity traits. This includes metrics such as connection weights, clustering coefficient, global efficiency, and the number of hub neurons with higher betweenness centrality. In addition, modular networks demonstrated an increased functional modularity score compared to the randomly formed circuits. Neurons within individual modules displayed uniform network characteristics and predominantly participated in their respective functional communities within the same or neighboring physical modules. These observations highlight that the modular network structure promotes the development of segregated functional connectivity traits while simultaneously enhancing the efficiency of overall network connectivity. Our findings emphasize the significant impact of physical constraints on the activity patterns and functional organization within engineered modular networks. These circuits, characterized by stable modular architecture and intricate functional dynamics-key features of the brain networks-offer a robust in vitro model for advancing neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouhollah Habibey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; CRTD - Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany; Dept. Neuroscience, Italian Institute of Technology. Genova, Italy.
| | - Johannes Striebel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Melissa Meinert
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Roshanak Latiftikhereshki
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kermanshah Branch, Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Felix Schmieder
- Laboratory of Measurement and Sensor System Technique, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, TU Dresden, Helmholtzstraße 18, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rohollah Nasiri
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden; AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Shahrzad Latifi
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
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Yoon D, Nam Y. A 3D neuronal network read-out interface with high recording performance using a neuronal cluster patterning on a microelectrode array. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 261:116507. [PMID: 38905857 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, in vitro three-dimensional (3D) neuronal network models utilizing extracellular matrices have been advancing. To understand the network activity from these models, attempts have been made to measure activity in multiple regions simultaneously using a microelectrode array (MEA). Although there hve been many attempts to measure the activity of 3D networks using 2-dimensional (2D) MEAs, the physical coupling between the 3D network and the microelectrodes was not stable and needed to be improved. In this study, we proposed a neuronal cluster interface that improves the active channel ratio of commercial 2D MEAs, enabling reliable measurement of 3D network activity. To achieve this, neuronal clusters, which consist of a small number of neurons, were patterned on microelectrodes and used as mediators to transmit the signal between the 3D network and the microelectrodes. We confirmed that the patterned neuronal clusters enhanced the active channel ratio and SNR(signal-to-noise-ratio) about 3D network recording and stimulation for a month. Our interface was able to functionally connect with 3D networks and measure the 3D network activity without significant alternation of activity characteristics. Finally, we demonstrated that our interface can be used to analyze the differences in the dynamics of 3D and 2D networks and to construct the 3D clustered network. This method is expected to be useful for studying the functional activity of various 3D neuronal network models, offering broad applications for the use of these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjo Yoon
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonkey Nam
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Oliva MK, Bourke J, Kornienko D, Mattei C, Mao M, Kuanyshbek A, Ovchinnikov D, Bryson A, Karle TJ, Maljevic S, Petrou S. Standardizing a method for functional assessment of neural networks in brain organoids. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 409:110178. [PMID: 38825241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
During the last decade brain organoids have emerged as an attractive model system, allowing stem cells to be differentiated into complex 3D models, recapitulating many aspects of human brain development. Whilst many studies have analysed anatomical and cytoarchitectural characteristics of organoids, their functional characterisation has been limited, and highly variable between studies. Standardised, consistent methods for recording functional activity are critical to providing a functional understanding of neuronal networks at the synaptic and network level that can yield useful information about functional network phenotypes in disease and healthy states. In this study we outline a detailed methodology for calcium imaging and Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) recordings in brain organoids. To illustrate the utility of these functional interrogation techniques in uncovering induced differences in neural network activity we applied various stimulating media protocols. We demonstrate overlapping information from the two modalities, with comparable numbers of active cells in the four treatment groups and an increase in synchronous behaviour in BrainPhys treated groups. Further development of analysis pipelines to reveal network level changes in brain organoids will enrich our understanding of network formation and perturbation in these structures, and aid in the future development of drugs that target neurological disorders at the network level.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Oliva
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - J Bourke
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - D Kornienko
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - C Mattei
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - M Mao
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - A Kuanyshbek
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - D Ovchinnikov
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - A Bryson
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - T J Karle
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - S Maljevic
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - S Petrou
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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5
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Stoppini L, Heuschkel MO, Loussert-Fonta C, Gomez Baisac L, Roux A. Versatile micro-electrode array to monitor human iPSC derived 3D neural tissues at air-liquid interface. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1389580. [PMID: 38784710 PMCID: PMC11112036 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1389580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Engineered 3D neural tissues made of neurons and glial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) are among the most promising tools in drug discovery and neurotoxicology. They represent a cheaper, faster, and more ethical alternative to in vivo animal testing that will likely close the gap between in vitro animal models and human clinical trials. Micro-Electrode Array (MEA) technology is known to provide an assessment of compound effects on neural 2D cell cultures and acute tissue preparations by real-time, non-invasive, and long-lasting electrophysiological monitoring of spontaneous and evoked neuronal activity. Nevertheless, the use of engineered 3D neural tissues in combination with MEA biochips still involves series of constraints, such as drastically limited diffusion of oxygen and nutrients within tissues mainly due to the lack of vascularization. Therefore, 3D neural tissues are extremely sensitive to experimental conditions and require an adequately designed interface that provides optimal tissue survival conditions. A well-suited technique to overcome this issue is the combination of the Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) tissue culture method with the MEA technology. We have developed a full 3D neural tissue culture process and a data acquisition system composed of high-end electronics and novel MEA biochips based on porous, flexible, thin-film membranes integrating recording electrodes, named as "Strip-MEA," to allow the maintenance of an ALI around the 3D neural tissues. The main motivation of the porous MEA biochips development was the possibility to monitor and to study the electrical activity of 3D neural tissues under different recording configurations, (i) the Strip-MEA can be placed below a tissue, (ii) or by taking advantage of the ALI, be directly placed on top of the tissue, or finally, (iii) it can be embedded into a larger neural tissue generated by the fusion of two (or more) tissues placed on both sides of the Strip-MEA allowing the recording from its inner part. This paper presents the recording and analyses of spontaneous activity from the three positioning configurations of the Strip-MEAs. Obtained results are discussed with the perspective of developing in vitro models of brain diseases and/or impairment of neural network functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Adrien Roux
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory, HEPIA HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland
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Liang CC, Chen PY, Liu NC, Lee IC. Comparison between dynamic versus static models and real-time monitoring of neuronal dysfunction in an amyloid-β induced neuronal toxic model on a chip platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1887-1902. [PMID: 38414410 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00507k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidics-based organs-on-a-chip offer a promising method for dynamic and 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture to evaluate the cell behaviors within the biomimetic environment. The purpose of this study was to establish neural network connections in a 3D neural stem cell (NSC)-based system with an interstitial level of flow for simulating the brain microenvironment toward a dynamic amyloid-β (Aβ) induced neuronal toxic model on a chip and to compare the biological effects and neurite dysfunction between static and dynamic systems. The brain-on-a-chip system consisted of an impedance analyzing layer, a structured well with a connected channel, and an interface coating with polypeptide films fabricated with modification based on our previous study. The cytotoxicity and percentage of neuron/astrocyte differentiation were all compared in both static and dynamic brain-on-a-chip systems. Reactive oxygen species production, neuron marker expression and neurotransmitter-acetylcholine release were all compared to evaluate functional neurite losses in both static and dynamic systems with/without Aβ addition. Moreover, real-time impedance recording was used to consecutively monitor the neurite connection/disconnection in both static and dynamic brain-on-a-chip systems. The NSC-based dynamic brain-on-a-chip may enable the application of different neurodegenerative disease in vitro models for pathogenesis studies, drug discovery and novel therapeutic method development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Chun Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan.
| | - Po-Yen Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 20742, USA
| | - Nien-Che Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan.
| | - I-Chi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan.
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Patel D, Shetty S, Acha C, Pantoja IEM, Zhao A, George D, Gracias DH. Microinstrumentation for Brain Organoids. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2302456. [PMID: 38217546 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Brain organoids are three-dimensional aggregates of self-organized differentiated stem cells that mimic the structure and function of human brain regions. Organoids bridge the gaps between conventional drug screening models such as planar mammalian cell culture, animal studies, and clinical trials. They can revolutionize the fields of developmental biology, neuroscience, toxicology, and computer engineering. Conventional microinstrumentation for conventional cellular engineering, such as planar microfluidic chips; microelectrode arrays (MEAs); and optical, magnetic, and acoustic techniques, has limitations when applied to three-dimensional (3D) organoids, primarily due to their limits with inherently two-dimensional geometry and interfacing. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new instrumentation compatible with live cell culture techniques and with scalable 3D formats relevant to organoids. This review discusses conventional planar approaches and emerging 3D microinstrumentation necessary for advanced organoid-machine interfaces. Specifically, this article surveys recently developed microinstrumentation, including 3D printed and curved microfluidics, 3D and fast-scan optical techniques, buckling and self-folding MEAs, 3D interfaces for electrochemical measurements, and 3D spatially controllable magnetic and acoustic technologies relevant to two-way information transfer with brain organoids. This article highlights key challenges that must be addressed for robust organoid culture and reliable 3D spatiotemporal information transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devan Patel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Saniya Shetty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Chris Acha
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Itzy E Morales Pantoja
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Alice Zhao
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Derosh George
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - David H Gracias
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics (LCSR), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for MicroPhysiological Systems (MPS), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Zhang S, Xu G, Wu J, Liu X, Fan Y, Chen J, Wallace G, Gu Q. Microphysiological Constructs and Systems: Biofabrication Tactics, Biomimetic Evaluation Approaches, and Biomedical Applications. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2300685. [PMID: 37798902 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300685] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, microphysiological constructs and systems (MPCs and MPSs) have undergone significant development, ranging from self-organized organoids to high-throughput organ-on-a-chip platforms. Advances in biomaterials, bioinks, 3D bioprinting, micro/nanofabrication, and sensor technologies have contributed to diverse and innovative biofabrication tactics. MPCs and MPSs, particularly tissue chips relevant to absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, have demonstrated potential as precise, efficient, and economical alternatives to animal models for drug discovery and personalized medicine. However, current approaches mainly focus on the in vitro recapitulation of the human anatomical structure and physiological-biochemical indices at a single or a few simple levels. This review highlights the recent remarkable progress in MPC and MPS models and their applications. The challenges that must be addressed to assess the reliability, quantify the techniques, and utilize the fidelity of the models are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine/Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis/BioResource Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Guoshi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Juan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine/Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis/BioResource Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, North Wollongong, NSW, 2500, Australia
| | - Gordon Wallace
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, North Wollongong, NSW, 2500, Australia
| | - Qi Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 100049, China
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Lassers SB, Vakilna YS, Tang WC, Brewer GJ. The flow of axonal information among hippocampal sub-regions 2: patterned stimulation sharpens routing of information transmission. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1272925. [PMID: 38144878 PMCID: PMC10739322 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1272925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The sub-regions of the hippocampal formation are essential for episodic learning and memory formation, yet the spike dynamics of each region contributing to this function are poorly understood, in part because of a lack of access to the inter-regional communicating axons. Here, we reconstructed hippocampal networks confined to four subcompartments in 2D cultures on a multi-electrode array that monitors individual communicating axons. In our novel device, somal, and axonal activity was measured simultaneously with the ability to ascertain the direction and speed of information transmission. Each sub-region and inter-regional axons had unique power-law spiking dynamics, indicating differences in computational functions, with abundant axonal feedback. After stimulation, spiking, and burst rates decreased in all sub-regions, spikes per burst generally decreased, intraburst spike rates increased, and burst duration decreased, which were specific for each sub-region. These changes in spiking dynamics post-stimulation were found to occupy a narrow range, consistent with the maintenance of the network at a critical state. Functional connections between the sub-region neurons and communicating axons in our device revealed homeostatic network routing strategies post-stimulation in which spontaneous feedback activity was selectively decreased and balanced by decreased feed-forward activity. Post-stimulation, the number of functional connections per array decreased, but the reliability of those connections increased. The networks maintained a balance in spiking and bursting dynamics in response to stimulation and sharpened network routing. These plastic characteristics of the network revealed the dynamic architecture of hippocampal computations in response to stimulation by selective routing on a spatiotemporal scale in single axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Brandon Lassers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Yash S. Vakilna
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Texas Institute of Restorative Neurotechnologies (TIRN), The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States
| | - William C. Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Gregory J. Brewer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (MIND) Institute, Center for Neuroscience of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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10
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Chen S, Wang L, Yang L, Rana AS, He C. Engineering Biomimetic Microenvironment for Organoid. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300223. [PMID: 37531622 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300223] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Organoid is an emerging frontier technology in the field of life science, in which pluripotent stem cells or tissue-derived differentiated/progenitor cells form 3D structures according to their multi-directional differentiation potential and self-assembly ability. Nowadays, although various types of organoids are widely investigated, their construction is still complicated in operation, uncertain in yield, and poor in reproducibility for the structure and function of native organs. Constructing a biomimetic microenvironment for stem cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro is recognized as a key to driving this field. This review reviews the recent development of engineered biomimetic microenvironments for organoids. First, the composition of the matrix for organoid culture is summarized. Then, strategies for engineering the microenvironment from biophysical, biochemical, and cellular perspectives are discussed in detail. Subsequently, the newly developed monitoring technologies are also reviewed. Finally, a brief conclusion and outlook are presented for the inspiration of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Abdus Samad Rana
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Chuanglong He
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
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11
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McKay TB, Khawaja ZQ, Freedman IG, Turco I, Wiredu K, Colecchi T, Akeju O. Exploring the Pathophysiology of Delirium: An Overview of Biomarker Studies, Animal Models, and Tissue-Engineered Models. Anesth Analg 2023; 137:1186-1197. [PMID: 37851904 PMCID: PMC10840625 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006715] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Delirium is an acute brain disorder associated with disorganized thinking, difficulty focusing, and confusion that commonly follows major surgery, severe infection, and illness. Older patients are at high risk for developing delirium during hospitalization, which may contribute to increased morbidity, longer hospitalization, and increased risk of institutionalization following discharge. The pathophysiology underlying delirium remains poorly studied. This review delves into the findings from biomarker studies and animal models, and highlights the potential for tissue-engineered models of the brain in studying this condition. The aim is to bring together the existing knowledge in the field and provide insight into the future direction of delirium research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B. McKay
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Zain Q. Khawaja
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Isaac G. Freedman
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Isabella Turco
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kwame Wiredu
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Talia Colecchi
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Oluwaseun Akeju
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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12
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Lam D, Enright HA, Cadena J, George VK, Soscia DA, Tooker AC, Triplett M, Peters SKG, Karande P, Ladd A, Bogguri C, Wheeler EK, Fischer NO. Spatiotemporal analysis of 3D human iPSC-derived neural networks using a 3D multi-electrode array. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1287089. [PMID: 38026689 PMCID: PMC10679684 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1287089] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
While there is a growing appreciation of three-dimensional (3D) neural tissues (i.e., hydrogel-based, organoids, and spheroids), shown to improve cellular health and network activity to mirror brain-like activity in vivo, functional assessment using current electrophysiology techniques (e.g., planar multi-electrode arrays or patch clamp) has been technically challenging and limited to surface measurements at the bottom or top of the 3D tissue. As next-generation MEAs, specifically 3D MEAs, are being developed to increase the spatial precision across all three dimensions (X, Y, Z), development of improved computational analytical tools to discern region-specific changes within the Z dimension of the 3D tissue is needed. In the present study, we introduce a novel computational analytical pipeline to analyze 3D neural network activity recorded from a "bottom-up" 3D MEA integrated with a 3D hydrogel-based tissue containing human iPSC-derived neurons and primary astrocytes. Over a period of ~6.5 weeks, we describe the development and maturation of 3D neural activity (i.e., features of spiking and bursting activity) within cross sections of the 3D tissue, based on the vertical position of the electrode on the 3D MEA probe, in addition to network activity (identified using synchrony analysis) within and between cross sections. Then, using the sequential addition of postsynaptic receptor antagonists, bicuculline (BIC), 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (AP-5), and 6-cyano-5-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), we demonstrate that networks within and between cross sections of the 3D hydrogel-based tissue show a preference for GABA and/or glutamate synaptic transmission, suggesting differences in the network composition throughout the neural tissue. The ability to monitor the functional dynamics of the entire 3D reconstructed neural tissue is a critical bottleneck; here we demonstrate a computational pipeline that can be implemented in studies to better interpret network activity within an engineered 3D neural tissue and have a better understanding of the modeled organ tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Lam
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Heather A. Enright
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Jose Cadena
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Vivek Kurien George
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - David A. Soscia
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Angela C. Tooker
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Michael Triplett
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Sandra K. G. Peters
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Piyush Karande
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Alexander Ladd
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Chandrakumar Bogguri
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth K. Wheeler
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas O. Fischer
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
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13
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Yao Y, Coleman HA, Meagher L, Forsythe JS, Parkington HC. 3D Functional Neuronal Networks in Free-Standing Bioprinted Hydrogel Constructs. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300801. [PMID: 37369123 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The composition, elasticity, and organization of the extracellular matrix within the central nervous system contribute to the architecture and function of the brain. From an in vitro modeling perspective, soft biomaterials are needed to mimic the 3D neural microenvironments. While many studies have investigated 3D culture and neural network formation in bulk hydrogel systems, these approaches have limited ability to position cells to mimic sophisticated brain architectures. In this study, cortical neurons and astrocytes acutely isolated from the brains of rats are bioprinted in a hydrogel to form 3D neuronal constructs. Successful bioprinting of cellular and acellular strands in a multi-bioink approach allows the subsequent formation of gray- and white-matter tracts reminiscent of cortical structures. Immunohistochemistry shows the formation of dense, 3D axon networks. Calcium signaling and extracellular electrophysiology in these 3D neuronal networks confirm spontaneous activity in addition to evoked activities under pharmacological and electrical stimulation. The system and bioprinting approaches are capable of fabricating soft, free-standing neuronal structures of different bioink and cell types with high resolution and throughput, which provide a promising platform for understanding fundamental questions of neural networks, engineering neuromorphic circuits, and for in vitro drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Harold A Coleman
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Laurence Meagher
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - John S Forsythe
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
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14
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Zhao C, Wang Z, Tang X, Qin J, Jiang Z. Recent advances in sensor-integrated brain-on-a-chip devices for real-time brain monitoring. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 229:113431. [PMID: 37473652 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Brain science has remained in the global spotlight as an important field of scientific and technological discovery. Numerous in vitro and in vivo animal studies have been performed to understand the pathological processes involved in brain diseases and develop strategies for their diagnosis and treatment. However, owing to species differences between animals and humans, several drugs have shown high rates of treatment failure in clinical settings, hindering the development of diagnostic and treatment modalities for brain diseases. In this scenario, microfluidic brain-on-a-chip (BOC) devices, which allow the direct use of human tissues for experiments, have emerged as novel tools for effectively avoiding species differences and performing screening for new drugs. Although microfluidic BOC technology has achieved significant progress in recent years, monitoring slight changes in neurochemicals, neurotransmitters, and environmental states in the brain has remained challenging owing to the brain's complex environment. Hence, the integration of BOC with new sensors that have high sensitivity and high selectivity is urgently required for the real-time dynamic monitoring of BOC parameters. As sensor-based technologies for BOC have not been summarized, here, we review the principle, fabrication process, and application-based classification of sensor-integrated BOC, and then summarize the opportunities and challenges for their development. Generally, sensor-integrated BOC enables real-time monitoring and dynamic analysis, accurately measuring minute changes in the brain and thus enabling the realization of in vivo brain analysis and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhao
- School of Medical Technology, School of Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zihao Wang
- School of Medical Technology, School of Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaoying Tang
- School of Medical Technology, School of Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Jieling Qin
- School of Medical Technology, School of Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Zhenqi Jiang
- School of Medical Technology, School of Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
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15
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López-León CF, Soriano J, Planet R. Rheological Characterization of Three-Dimensional Neuronal Cultures Embedded in PEGylated Fibrin Hydrogels. Gels 2023; 9:642. [PMID: 37623097 PMCID: PMC10454106 DOI: 10.3390/gels9080642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cultures are valuable models for studying brain complexity in vitro, and the choice of the bulk material in which the neurons grow is a crucial factor in establishing successful cultures. Indeed, neuronal development and network functionality are influenced by the mechanical properties of the selected material; in turn, these properties may change due to neuron-matrix interactions that alter the microstructure of the material. To advance our understanding of the interplay between neurons and their environment, here we utilized a PEGylated fibrin hydrogel as a scaffold for mouse primary neuronal cultures and carried out a rheological characterization of the scaffold over a three-week period, both with and without cells. We observed that the hydrogels exhibited an elastic response that could be described in terms of the Young's modulus E. The hydrogels without neurons procured a stable E≃420 Pa, while the neuron-laden hydrogels showed a higher E≃590 Pa during the early stages of development that decreased to E≃340 Pa at maturer stages. Our results suggest that neurons and their processes dynamically modify the hydrogel structure during development, potentially compromising both the stability of the material and the functional traits of the developing neuronal network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara F. López-León
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.F.L.-L.); (J.S.)
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Soriano
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.F.L.-L.); (J.S.)
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Planet
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.F.L.-L.); (J.S.)
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Dupuit V, Briançon-Marjollet A, Delacour C. Portrait of intense communications within microfluidic neural networks. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12306. [PMID: 37516789 PMCID: PMC10387102 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39477-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro model networks could provide cellular models of physiological relevance to reproduce and investigate the basic function of neural circuits on a chip in the laboratory. Several tools and methods have been developed since the past decade to build neural networks on a chip; among them, microfluidic circuits appear to be a highly promising approach. One of the numerous advantages of this approach is that it preserves stable somatic and axonal compartments over time due to physical barriers that prevent the soma from exploring undesired areas and guide neurites along defined pathways. As a result, neuron compartments can be identified and isolated, and their interconnectivity can be modulated to build a topological neural network (NN). Here, we have assessed the extent to which the confinement imposed by the microfluidic environment can impact cell development and shape NN activity. Toward that aim, microelectrode arrays have enabled the monitoring of the short- and mid-term evolution of neuron activation over the culture period at specific locations in organized (microfluidic) and random (control) networks. In particular, we have assessed the spike and burst rate, as well as the correlations between the extracted spike trains over the first stages of maturation. This study enabled us to observe intense neurite communications that would have been weaker and more delayed within random networks; the spiking rate, burst and correlations being reinforced over time in terms of number and amplitude, exceeding the electrophysiological features of standard cultures. Beyond the enhanced detection efficiency that was expected from the microfluidic channels, the confinement of cells seems to reinforce neural communications and cell development throughout the network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Dupuit
- Institut Néel, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Anne Briançon-Marjollet
- HP2 Laboratory, University Grenoble Alpes, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1300, Grenoble, France
| | - Cécile Delacour
- Institut Néel, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, 38000, Grenoble, France.
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17
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Zips S, Huang B, Hotte S, Hiendlmeier L, Wang C, Rajamani K, Buriez O, Al Boustani G, Chen Y, Wolfrum B, Yamada A. Aerosol Jet-Printed High-Aspect Ratio Micro-Needle Electrode Arrays Applied for Human Cerebral Organoids and 3D Neurospheroid Networks. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37469180 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c06210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The human brain is a complex and poorly accessible organ. Thus, new tools are required for studying the neural function in a controllable environment that preserves multicellular interaction and neuronal wiring. In particular, high-throughput methods that alleviate the need for animal experiments are essential for future studies. Recent developments of induced pluripotent stem cell technologies have enabled in vitro modeling of the human brain by creating three-dimensional brain tissue mimic structures. To leverage these new technologies, a systematic and versatile approach for evaluating neuronal activity at larger tissue depths within the regime of tens to hundreds of micrometers is required. Here, we present an aerosol-jet- and inkjet-printing-based method to fabricate microelectrode arrays, equipped with high-aspect ratio μ-needle electrodes that penetrate 3D neural network assemblies. The arrays have been successfully applied for electrophysiological recordings on interconnected neurospheroids formed on an engineered substrate and on cerebral organoids, both derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Zips
- Neuroelectronics─Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 11, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Boxin Huang
- PASTEUR, Department of Chemistry, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Salammbô Hotte
- PASTEUR, Department of Chemistry, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Lukas Hiendlmeier
- Neuroelectronics─Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 11, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Chen Wang
- Neuroelectronics─Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 11, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Karthyayani Rajamani
- PASTEUR, Department of Chemistry, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Buriez
- PASTEUR, Department of Chemistry, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - George Al Boustani
- Neuroelectronics─Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 11, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Yong Chen
- PASTEUR, Department of Chemistry, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Bernhard Wolfrum
- Neuroelectronics─Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 11, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Ayako Yamada
- PASTEUR, Department of Chemistry, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
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18
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Acero VP, Das S, Rivellini O, Purvis EM, Adewole DO, Cullen DK. Emergent structural and functional properties of hippocampal multi-cellular aggregates. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1171115. [PMID: 37397454 PMCID: PMC10311220 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1171115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal neural networks are distinctly capable of integrating multi-modal sensory inputs to drive memory formation. Neuroscientific investigations using simplified in vitro models have greatly relied on planar (2D) neuronal cultures made from dissociated tissue. While these models have served as simple, cost-effective, and high-throughput tools for examining various morphological and electrophysiological characteristics of hippocampal networks, 2D cultures fail to reconstitute critical elements of the brain microenvironment that may be necessary for the emergence of sophisticated integrative network properties. To address this, we utilized a forced aggregation technique to generate high-density (>100,000 cells/mm3) multi-cellular three-dimensional aggregates using rodent embryonic hippocampal tissue. We contrasted the emergent structural and functional properties of aggregated (3D) and dissociated (2D) cultures over 28 days in vitro (DIV). Hippocampal aggregates displayed robust axonal fasciculation across large distances and significant neuronal polarization, i.e., spatial segregation of dendrites and axons, at earlier time points compared to dissociated cultures. Moreover, we found that astrocytes in aggregate cultures self-organized into non-overlapping quasi-domains and developed highly stellate morphologies resembling astrocyte structures in vivo. We maintained cultures on multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) to assess spontaneous electrophysiological activity for up to 28 DIV. We found that 3D networks of aggregated cultures developed highly synchronized networks and with high burstiness by 28 DIV. We also demonstrated that dual-aggregate networks became active by 7 DIV, in contrast to single-aggregate networks which became active and developed synchronous bursting activity with repeating motifs by 14 DIV. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the high-density, multi-cellular, 3D microenvironment of hippocampal aggregates supports the recapitulation of emergent biofidelic morphological and functional properties. Our findings suggest that neural aggregates may be used as segregated, modular building blocks for the development of complex, multi-nodal neural network topologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor P. Acero
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Suradip Das
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Olivia Rivellini
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Erin M. Purvis
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Dayo O. Adewole
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Daniel Kacy Cullen
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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19
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Hollow ring-like flexible electrode architecture enabling subcellular multi-directional neural interfacing. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 227:115182. [PMID: 36870146 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Implantable neural microelectrodes for recording and stimulating neural activity are critical for research in neuroscience and clinical neuroprosthetic applications. A current need exists for developing new technological solutions for obtaining highly selective and stealthy electrodes that provide reliable neural integration and maintain neuronal viability. This paper reports a novel Hollow Ring-like type electrode to sense and/or stimulate neural activity from three-dimensional neural networks. Due to its unique design, the ring electrode architecture enables easy and reliable access of the electrode to three-dimensional neural networks with reduced mechanical contact on the biological tissue, while providing improved electrical interface with cells. The Hollow Ring electrodes, particularly when coated with the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), show improved electrical properties with extremely low impedance (7 MΩ μm2) and high charge injection capabilities (15 mC/cm2), when compared to traditional planar disk-type electrodes. The ring design also serves as an optimal architecture for cell growth to create an optimal subcellular electrical-neural interface. In addition, we showed that neural signals recorded by the ring electrode were better resolved than recordings from a traditional disk-type electrode improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the burst detection from 3D neuronal networks in vitro. Overall, our results suggest the great potential of the hollow ring design for developing next-generation microelectrodes for applications in neural interfaces used in physiological studies and neuromodulation applications.
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20
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Muzzi L, Di Lisa D, Falappa M, Pepe S, Maccione A, Pastorino L, Martinoia S, Frega M. Human-Derived Cortical Neurospheroids Coupled to Passive, High-Density and 3D MEAs: A Valid Platform for Functional Tests. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10040449. [PMID: 37106636 PMCID: PMC10136157 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10040449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advent of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and differentiation protocols, methods to create in-vitro human-derived neuronal networks have been proposed. Although monolayer cultures represent a valid model, adding three-dimensionality (3D) would make them more representative of an in-vivo environment. Thus, human-derived 3D structures are becoming increasingly used for in-vitro disease modeling. Achieving control over the final cell composition and investigating the exhibited electrophysiological activity is still a challenge. Thence, methodologies to create 3D structures with controlled cellular density and composition and platforms capable of measuring and characterizing the functional aspects of these samples are needed. Here, we propose a method to rapidly generate neurospheroids of human origin with control over cell composition that can be used for functional investigations. We show a characterization of the electrophysiological activity exhibited by the neurospheroids by using micro-electrode arrays (MEAs) with different types (i.e., passive, C-MOS, and 3D) and number of electrodes. Neurospheroids grown in free culture and transferred on MEAs exhibited functional activity that can be chemically and electrically modulated. Our results indicate that this model holds great potential for an in-depth study of signal transmission to drug screening and disease modeling and offers a platform for in-vitro functional testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Muzzi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - Donatella Di Lisa
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Falappa
- 3Brain AG, 8808 Pfäffikon, Switzerland
- Corticale Srl., 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - Sara Pepe
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Laura Pastorino
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - Sergio Martinoia
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - Monica Frega
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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21
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Callegari F, Brofiga M, Massobrio P. Modeling the three-dimensional connectivity of in vitro cortical ensembles coupled to Micro-Electrode Arrays. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010825. [PMID: 36780570 PMCID: PMC9956882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, in vitro three-dimensional (3D) neuronal networks are becoming a consolidated experimental model to overcome most of the intrinsic limitations of bi-dimensional (2D) assemblies. In the 3D environment, experimental evidence revealed a wider repertoire of activity patterns, characterized by a modulation of the bursting features, than the one observed in 2D cultures. However, it is not totally clear and understood what pushes the neuronal networks towards different dynamical regimes. One possible explanation could be the underlying connectivity, which could involve a larger number of neurons in a 3D rather than a 2D space and could organize following well-defined topological schemes. Driven by experimental findings, achieved by recording 3D cortical networks organized in multi-layered structures coupled to Micro-Electrode Arrays (MEAs), in the present work we developed a large-scale computational network model made up of leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neurons to investigate possible structural configurations able to sustain the emerging patterns of electrophysiological activity. In particular, we investigated the role of the number of layers defining a 3D assembly and the spatial distribution of the connections within and among the layers. These configurations give rise to different patterns of activity that could be compared to the ones emerging from real in vitro 3D neuronal populations. Our results suggest that the introduction of three-dimensionality induced a global reduction in both firing and bursting rates with respect to 2D models. In addition, we found that there is a minimum number of layers necessary to obtain a change in the dynamics of the network. However, the effects produced by a 3D organization of the cells is somewhat mitigated if a scale-free connectivity is implemented in either one or all the layers of the network. Finally, the best matching of the experimental data is achieved supposing a 3D connectivity organized in structured bundles of links located in different areas of the 2D network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Callegari
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Brofiga
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- ScreenNeuroPharm, Sanremo, Italy
| | - Paolo Massobrio
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Genova, Italy
- * E-mail:
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22
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Hörberg CJ, Englund Johansson U, Johansson F, O'Carroll D. Spontaneous Cell Cluster Formation in Human iPSC-Derived Neuronal Spheroid Networks Influences Network Activity. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0143-22.2022. [PMID: 36216508 PMCID: PMC9581577 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0143-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional neuronal culture systems such as spheroids, organoids, and assembloids constitute a branch of neuronal tissue engineering that has improved our ability to model the human brain in the laboratory. However, the more elaborate the brain model, the more difficult it becomes to study functional properties such as electrical activity at the neuronal level, similar to the challenges of studying neurophysiology in vivo We describe a simple approach to generate self-assembled three-dimensional neuronal spheroid networks with defined human cell composition on microelectrode arrays. Such spheroid networks develop a highly three-dimensional morphology with cell clusters up to 60 µm in thickness and are interconnected by pronounced bundles of neuronal fibers and glial processes. We could reliably record from up to hundreds of neurons simultaneously per culture for ≤90 d. By quantifying the formation of these three-dimensional structures over time, while regularly monitoring electrical activity, we were able to establish a strong link between spheroid morphology and network activity. In particular, the formation of cell clusters accelerates formation and maturation of correlated network activity. Astrocytes both influence electrophysiological network activity as well as accelerate the transition from single cell layers to cluster formation. Higher concentrations of astrocytes also have a strong effect of modulating synchronized network activity. This approach thus represents a practical alternative to often complex and heterogeneous organoids, providing easy access to activity within a brain-like 3D environment.Significance StatementNeuronal "organoid" cultures with multiple cell types grown on elaborate three-dimensional scaffolds have become popular tools to generate brain-like properties in vitro but bring with them similar problems concerning access to physiological function as real brain tissue. Here, we developed a new approach to form simple brain-like spheroid networks from human neurons, but using the normal supporting cells of the brain, astrocytes, as the scaffold. By growing these cultures on conventional microelectrode arrays, we were able to observe development of complex patterns of electrical activity for months. Our results highlight how formation of three-dimensional structures accelerated the formation of synchronized neuronal network activity and provide a promising new simple model system for studying interactions between known human cell types in vitro.
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23
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Andolfi A, Jang H, Martinoia S, Nam Y. Thermoplasmonic Scaffold Design for the Modulation of Neural Activity in Three-Dimensional Neuronal Cultures. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-022-00082-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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24
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Hasan MF, Trushina E. Advances in Recapitulating Alzheimer's Disease Phenotypes Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based In Vitro Models. Brain Sci 2022; 12:552. [PMID: 35624938 PMCID: PMC9138647 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of death among older individuals. Available treatment strategies only temporarily mitigate symptoms without modifying disease progression. Recent studies revealed the multifaceted neurobiology of AD and shifted the target of drug development. Established animal models of AD are mostly tailored to yield a subset of disease phenotypes, which do not recapitulate the complexity of sporadic late-onset AD, the most common form of the disease. The use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (HiPSCs) offers unique opportunities to fill these gaps. Emerging technology allows the development of disease models that recapitulate a brain-like microenvironment using patient-derived cells. These models retain the individual's unraveled genetic background, yielding clinically relevant disease phenotypes and enabling cost-effective, high-throughput studies for drug discovery. Here, we review the development of various HiPSC-based models to study AD mechanisms and their application in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Fayad Hasan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - Eugenia Trushina
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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25
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Fusco F, Perottoni S, Giordano C, Riva A, Iannone LF, De Caro C, Russo E, Albani D, Striano P. The microbiota‐gut‐brain axis and epilepsy from a multidisciplinary perspective: clinical evidence and technological solutions for improvement of
in vitro
preclinical models. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 7:e10296. [PMID: 35600638 PMCID: PMC9115712 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Fusco
- Dipartimento di Chimica, materiali e ingegneria chimica "Giulio Natta" Politecnico di Milano Milan Italy
| | - Simone Perottoni
- Dipartimento di Chimica, materiali e ingegneria chimica "Giulio Natta" Politecnico di Milano Milan Italy
| | - Carmen Giordano
- Dipartimento di Chimica, materiali e ingegneria chimica "Giulio Natta" Politecnico di Milano Milan Italy
| | - Antonella Riva
- Paediatric Neurology and Muscular Disease Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini Genova Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health Università degli Studi di Genova Genova Italy
| | | | - Carmen De Caro
- Science of Health Department Magna Graecia University Catanzaro Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department Magna Graecia University Catanzaro Italy
| | - Diego Albani
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS Milan Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Paediatric Neurology and Muscular Disease Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini Genova Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health Università degli Studi di Genova Genova Italy
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26
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Ozgun A, Lomboni D, Arnott H, Staines WA, Woulfe J, Variola F. Biomaterial-based strategies for in vitro neural models. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:1134-1165. [PMID: 35023513 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01361k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In vitro models have been used as a complementary tool to animal studies in understanding the nervous system's physiological mechanisms and pathological disorders, while also serving as platforms to evaluate the safety and efficiency of therapeutic candidates. Following recent advances in materials science, micro- and nanofabrication techniques and cell culture systems, in vitro technologies have been rapidly gaining the potential to bridge the gap between animal and clinical studies by providing more sophisticated models that recapitulate key aspects of the structure, biochemistry, biomechanics, and functions of human tissues. This was made possible, in large part, by the development of biomaterials that provide cells with physicochemical features that closely mimic the cellular microenvironment of native tissues. Due to the well-known material-driven cellular response and the importance of mimicking the environment of the target tissue, the selection of optimal biomaterials represents an important early step in the design of biomimetic systems to investigate brain structures and functions. This review provides a comprehensive compendium of commonly used biomaterials as well as the different fabrication techniques employed for the design of neural tissue models. Furthermore, the authors discuss the main parameters that need to be considered to develop functional platforms not only for the study of brain physiological functions and pathological processes but also for drug discovery/development and the optimization of biomaterials for neural tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alp Ozgun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David Lomboni
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hallie Arnott
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada
| | - William A Staines
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - John Woulfe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Fabio Variola
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Ottawa, Canada
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27
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Functional Characterization of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Models of the Brain with Microelectrode Arrays. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010106. [PMID: 35011667 PMCID: PMC8750870 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neuron cultures have emerged as models of electrical activity in the human brain. Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) measure changes in the extracellular electric potential of cell cultures or tissues and enable the recording of neuronal network activity. MEAs have been applied to both human subjects and hPSC-derived brain models. Here, we review the literature on the functional characterization of hPSC-derived two- and three-dimensional brain models with MEAs and examine their network function in physiological and pathological contexts. We also summarize MEA results from the human brain and compare them to the literature on MEA recordings of hPSC-derived brain models. MEA recordings have shown network activity in two-dimensional hPSC-derived brain models that is comparable to the human brain and revealed pathology-associated changes in disease models. Three-dimensional hPSC-derived models such as brain organoids possess a more relevant microenvironment, tissue architecture and potential for modeling the network activity with more complexity than two-dimensional models. hPSC-derived brain models recapitulate many aspects of network function in the human brain and provide valid disease models, but certain advancements in differentiation methods, bioengineering and available MEA technology are needed for these approaches to reach their full potential.
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28
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Muzzi L, Di Lisa D, Arnaldi P, Aprile D, Pastorino L, Martinoia S, Frega M. Rapid generation of functional engineered 3D human neuronal assemblies: network dynamics evaluated by micro-electrodes arrays. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34844234 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac3e02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objective.In this work we adapted a protocol for the fast generation of human neurons to build 3D neuronal networks with controlled structure and cell composition suitable for systematic electrophysiological investigations.Approach.We used biocompatible chitosan microbeads as scaffold to build 3D networks and to ensure nutrients-medium exchange from the core of the structure to the external environment. We used excitatory neurons derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) co-cultured with astrocytes. By adapting the well-established NgN2 differentiation protocol, we obtained 3D engineered networks with good control over cell density, volume and cell composition. We coupled the 3D neuronal networks to 60-channel micro electrode arrays (MEAs) to monitor and characterize their electrophysiological development. In parallel, we generated two-dimensional neuronal networks cultured on chitosan to compare the results of the two models.Main results.We sustained samples until 60 din vitro(DIV) and 3D cultures were healthy and functional. From the structural point of view, the hiPSC derived neurons were able to adhere to chitosan microbeads and to form a stable 3D assembly thanks to the connections among cells. From a functional point of view, neuronal networks showed spontaneous activity after a couple of weeks.Significance.We presented a particular method to generate 3D engineered cultures for the first time with human-derived neurons coupled to MEAs, overcoming some of the limitations related to 2D and 3D neuronal networks and thus increasing the therapeutic target potential of these models for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Muzzi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - D Di Lisa
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - P Arnaldi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - D Aprile
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - L Pastorino
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - S Martinoia
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - M Frega
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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29
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Huang B, Peng J, Huang X, Liang F, Wang L, Shi J, Yamada A, Chen Y. Generation of Interconnected Neural Clusters in Multiscale Scaffolds from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:55939-55952. [PMID: 34788005 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c18465] [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] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The development of in vitro neural networks depends to a large extent on the scaffold properties, including the scaffold stiffness, porosity, and dimensionality. Herein, we developed a method to generate interconnected neural clusters in a multiscale scaffold consisting of a honeycomb microframe covered on both sides with a monolayer of cross-linked gelatin nanofibers. Cortical neural precursor cells were first produced from human-induced pluripotent stem cells and then loaded into the scaffold for a long period of differentiation toward cortical neural cells. As a result, neurons and astrocytes self-organized in the scaffold to form clusters in each of the honeycomb compartments with remarkable inter-cluster connections. These cells highly expressed neuron- and astrocyte-specific proteins, including NF200, tau, synapsin I, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, and showed spatially correlated neural activities. Two types of neural clusters, that is, spheroid-like and hourglass-like clusters, were found, indicating the complexity of neural-scaffold interaction and the variability of three-dimensional neural organization. Furthermore, we incorporated a reconstituted basement membrane into the scaffold and performed co-culture of the neural network with brain microvascular endothelial cells. As a proof of concept, an improved neurovascular unit model was tested, showing large astrocytic end-feet on the back side of the endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boxin Huang
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Juan Peng
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Xiaochen Huang
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Feng Liang
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Li Wang
- MesoBioTech, 231 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France
| | - Jian Shi
- MesoBioTech, 231 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France
| | - Ayako Yamada
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Yong Chen
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
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30
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Sevetson JL, Theyel B, Hoffman-Kim D. Cortical spheroids display oscillatory network dynamics. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4586-4595. [PMID: 34734621 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00737h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional brain cultures can facilitate the study of central nervous system function and disease, and one of the most important components that they present is neuronal activity on a network level. Here we demonstrate network activity in rodent cortical spheroids while maintaining the networks intact in their 3D state. Networks developed by nine days in culture and became more complex over time. To measure network activity, we imaged neurons in rat and mouse spheroids labelled with a calcium indicator dye, and in mouse spheroids expressing GCaMP. Network activity was evident when we electrically stimulated spheroids, was abolished with glutamatergic blockade, and was altered by GABAergic blockade or partial glutamatergic blockade. We quantified correlations and distances between somas with micron-scale spatial resolution. Spheroids seeded at as few as 4000 cells gave rise to emergent network events, including oscillations. These results are the first demonstration that self-assembled rat and mouse spheroids exhibit network activity consistent with in vivo network events. These results open the door to experiments on neuronal networks that require fewer animals and enable high throughput experiments on network-perturbing alterations in neurons and glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Sevetson
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA.
- Robert J and Nancy D Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA
- Center for the Alternatives to Animals in Testing, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Brian Theyel
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA.
- Robert J and Nancy D Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Diane Hoffman-Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA.
- Robert J and Nancy D Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA
- Center for the Alternatives to Animals in Testing, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA
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31
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Colombi I, Nieus T, Massimini M, Chiappalone M. Spontaneous and Perturbational Complexity in Cortical Cultures. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1453. [PMID: 34827452 PMCID: PMC8615728 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dissociated cortical neurons in vitro display spontaneously synchronized, low-frequency firing patterns, which can resemble the slow wave oscillations characterizing sleep in vivo. Experiments in humans, rodents, and cortical slices have shown that awakening or the administration of activating neuromodulators decrease slow waves, while increasing the spatio-temporal complexity of responses to perturbations. In this study, we attempted to replicate those findings using in vitro cortical cultures coupled with micro-electrode arrays and chemically treated with carbachol (CCh), to modulate sleep-like activity and suppress slow oscillations. We adapted metrics such as neural complexity (NC) and the perturbational complexity index (PCI), typically employed in animal and human brain studies, to quantify complexity in simplified, unstructured networks, both during resting state and in response to electrical stimulation. After CCh administration, we found a decrease in the amplitude of the initial response and a marked enhancement of the complexity during spontaneous activity. Crucially, unlike in cortical slices and intact brains, PCI in cortical cultures displayed only a moderate increase. This dissociation suggests that PCI, a measure of the complexity of causal interactions, requires more than activating neuromodulation and that additional factors, such as an appropriate circuit architecture, may be necessary. Exploring more structured in vitro networks, characterized by the presence of strong lateral connections, recurrent excitation, and feedback loops, may thus help to identify the features that are more relevant to support causal complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Colombi
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy;
| | - Thierry Nieus
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (T.N.); (M.M.)
| | - Marcello Massimini
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (T.N.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Chiappalone
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, 16145 Genova, Italy
- Rehab Technologies Lab., Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
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32
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Brofiga M, Pisano M, Tedesco M, Boccaccio A, Massobrio P. Functional Inhibitory Connections Modulate the Electrophysiological Activity Patterns of Cortical-Hippocampal Ensembles. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:1866-1881. [PMID: 34535794 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is a complex organ composed of billions of neurons connected through excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Its structure reveals a modular topological organization, where neurons are arranged in interconnected assemblies. The generated patterns of electrophysiological activity are shaped by two main factors: network heterogeneity and the topological properties of the underlying connectivity that strongly push the dynamics toward different brain-states. In this work, we exploited an innovative polymeric structure coupled to Micro-Electrode Arrays (MEAs) to recreate in vitro heterogeneous interconnected (modular) neuronal networks made up of cortical and hippocampal neurons. We investigated the propagation of spike sequences between the two interconnected subpopulations during the networks' development, correlating functional and structural connectivity to dynamics. The simultaneous presence of two neuronal types shaped the features of the functional connections (excitation vs. inhibition), orchestrating the emerging patterns of electrophysiological activity. In particular, we found that hippocampal neurons mostly project inhibitory connections toward the cortical counterpart modulating the temporal scale of the population events (network bursts). In contrast, cortical neurons establish a larger amount of intrapopulation connections. Moreover, we proved topological properties such as small-worldness, degree distribution, and modularity of neuronal assemblies were favored by the physical environment where networks developed and matured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Brofiga
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, 16145, Italy
| | - Marietta Pisano
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, 16145, Italy
| | | | - Anna Boccaccio
- Institute of Biophysics (IBF), National Research Council (CNR), Genova, 16149, Italy
| | - Paolo Massobrio
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, 16145, Italy.,National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Genova, 16146, Italy
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33
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Lam D, Fischer NO, Enright HA. Probing function in 3D neuronal cultures: A survey of 3D multielectrode array advances. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 60:255-260. [PMID: 34481335 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in microphysiological systems have made significant strides to include design features that reconstruct key elements found in the brain, and in parallel advance technologies to detect the activity of electrogenic cells that form neural networks. In particular, three-dimensional multielectrode arrays (3D MEAs) are being developed with increasing levels of spatial and temporal precision, difficult to achieve with current 2D MEAs, insertable MEA probes, and/or optical imaging of calcium dynamics. Thus, providing a means to monitor the flow of neural network activity within all three dimensions (X, Y, and Z) of the engineered tissue. In the last 6 years, 3D MEAs, using either bottom-up or top-down designs, have been developed to overcome the current technical challenges in monitoring the functionality of the in vitro systems. Herein, we will report on the design and application of novel 3D MEA prototypes for probing neural activity throughout the 3D neural tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Lam
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Nicholas O Fischer
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
| | - Heather A Enright
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
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34
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Brofiga M, Pisano M, Raiteri R, Massobrio P. On the road to the brain-on-a-chip: a review on strategies, methods, and applications. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34280903 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac15e4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The brain is the most complex organ of our body. Such a complexity spans from the single-cell morphology up to the intricate connections that hundreds of thousands of neurons establish to create dense neuronal networks. All these components are involved in the genesis of the rich patterns of electrophysiological activity that characterize the brain. Over the years, researchers coming from different disciplines developedin vitrosimplified experimental models to investigate in a more controllable and observable way how neuronal ensembles generate peculiar firing rhythms, code external stimulations, or respond to chemical drugs. Nowadays, suchin vitromodels are namedbrain-on-a-chippointing out the relevance of the technological counterpart as artificial tool to interact with the brain: multi-electrode arrays are well-used devices to record and stimulate large-scale developing neuronal networks originated from dissociated cultures, brain slices, up to brain organoids. In this review, we will discuss the state of the art of the brain-on-a-chip, highlighting which structural and biological features a realisticin vitrobrain should embed (and how to achieve them). In particular, we identified two topological features, namely modular and three-dimensional connectivity, and a biological one (heterogeneity) that takes into account the huge number of neuronal types existing in the brain. At the end of this travel, we will show how 'far' we are from the goal and how interconnected-brain-regions-on-a-chip is the most appropriate wording to indicate the current state of the art.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Brofiga
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Marietta Pisano
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Raiteri
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,CNR- Institute of Biophysics, Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Massobrio
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Genova, Italy
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35
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Cerebral Organoids-Challenges to Establish a Brain Prototype. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071790. [PMID: 34359959 PMCID: PMC8306666 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The new cellular models based on neural cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells have greatly enhanced our understanding of human nervous system development. Highly efficient protocols for the differentiation of iPSCs into different types of neural cells have allowed the creation of 2D models of many neurodegenerative diseases and nervous system development. However, the 2D culture of neurons is an imperfect model of the 3D brain tissue architecture represented by many functionally active cell types. The development of protocols for the differentiation of iPSCs into 3D cerebral organoids made it possible to establish a cellular model closest to native human brain tissue. Cerebral organoids are equally suitable for modeling various CNS pathologies, testing pharmacologically active substances, and utilization in regenerative medicine. Meanwhile, this technology is still at the initial stage of development.
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36
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Warren D, Tomaskovic-Crook E, Wallace GG, Crook JM. Engineering in vitro human neural tissue analogs by 3D bioprinting and electrostimulation. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:020901. [PMID: 33834152 PMCID: PMC8019355 DOI: 10.1063/5.0032196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a fundamental need for clinically relevant, reproducible, and standardized in vitro human neural tissue models, not least of all to study heterogenic and complex human-specific neurological (such as neuropsychiatric) disorders. Construction of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted neural tissues from native human-derived stem cells (e.g., neural stem cells) and human pluripotent stem cells (e.g., induced pluripotent) in particular is appreciably impacting research and conceivably clinical translation. Given the ability to artificially and favorably regulate a cell's survival and behavior by manipulating its biophysical environment, careful consideration of the printing technique, supporting biomaterial and specific exogenously delivered stimuli, is both required and advantageous. By doing so, there exists an opportunity, more than ever before, to engineer advanced and precise tissue analogs that closely recapitulate the morphological and functional elements of natural tissues (healthy or diseased). Importantly, the application of electrical stimulation as a method of enhancing printed tissue development in vitro, including neuritogenesis, synaptogenesis, and cellular maturation, has the added advantage of modeling both traditional and new stimulation platforms, toward improved understanding of efficacy and innovative electroceutical development and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Warren
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW 2519 Australia
| | | | - Gordon G. Wallace
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW 2519 Australia
| | - Jeremy M. Crook
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: +61 2 4221 3011
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Nanotechnology Facilitated Cultured Neuronal Network and Its Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115552. [PMID: 34074027 PMCID: PMC8197344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of a biomimetic neuronal network from neural cells is a big challenge for researchers. Recent advances in nanotechnology, on the other hand, have enabled unprecedented tools and techniques for guiding and directing neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro to construct an in vivo-like neuronal network. Nanotechnology allows control over neural stem cells by means of scaffolds that guide neurons to reform synaptic networks in suitable directions in 3D architecture, surface modification/nanopatterning to decide cell fate and stimulate/record signals from neurons to find out the relationships between neuronal circuit connectivity and their pathophysiological functions. Overall, nanotechnology-mediated methods facilitate precise physiochemical controls essential to develop tools appropriate for applications in neuroscience. This review emphasizes the newest applications of nanotechnology for examining central nervous system (CNS) roles and, therefore, provides an insight into how these technologies can be tested in vitro before being used in preclinical and clinical research and their potential role in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
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Bloomingdale P, Karelina T, Cirit M, Muldoon SF, Baker J, McCarty WJ, Geerts H, Macha S. Quantitative systems pharmacology in neuroscience: Novel methodologies and technologies. CPT-PHARMACOMETRICS & SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 10:412-419. [PMID: 33719204 PMCID: PMC8129713 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The development and application of quantitative systems pharmacology models in neuroscience have been modest relative to other fields, such as oncology and immunology, which may reflect the complexity of the brain. Technological and methodological advancements have enhanced the quantitative understanding of brain physiology and pathophysiology and the effects of pharmacological interventions. To maximize the knowledge gained from these novel data types, pharmacometrics modelers may need to expand their toolbox to include additional mathematical and statistical frameworks. A session was held at the 10th annual American Conference on Pharmacometrics (ACoP10) to highlight several recent advancements in quantitative and systems neuroscience. In this mini‐review, we provide a brief overview of technological and methodological advancements in the neuroscience therapeutic area that were discussed during the session and how these can be leveraged with quantitative systems pharmacology modeling to enhance our understanding of neurological diseases. Microphysiological systems using human induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs), digital biomarkers, and large‐scale imaging offer more clinically relevant experimental datasets, enhanced granularity, and a plethora of data to potentially improve the preclinical‐to‐clinical translation of therapeutics. Network neuroscience methodologies combined with quantitative systems models of neurodegenerative disease could help bridge the gap between cellular and molecular alterations and clinical end points through the integration of information on neural connectomics. Additional topics, such as the neuroimmune system, microbiome, single‐cell transcriptomic technologies, and digital device biomarkers, are discussed in brief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bloomingdale
- Quantitative Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Merck & Co. Inc, Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Murat Cirit
- Javelin Biotech, Inc, Woburn, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah F Muldoon
- Mathematics Department, CDSE Program, Neuroscience Program, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Justin Baker
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Sreeraj Macha
- Quantitative Pharmacology, Sanofi, Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA
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Koroleva A, Deiwick A, El-Tamer A, Koch L, Shi Y, Estévez-Priego E, Ludl AA, Soriano J, Guseva D, Ponimaskin E, Chichkov B. In Vitro Development of Human iPSC-Derived Functional Neuronal Networks on Laser-Fabricated 3D Scaffolds. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:7839-7853. [PMID: 33559469 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c16616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are the forefront of ″brain-on-chip″ investigations. Viable and functional hiPSC-derived neuronal networks are shaping powerful in vitro models for evaluating the normal and abnormal formation of cortical circuits, understanding the underlying disease mechanisms, and investigating the response to drugs. They therefore represent a desirable instrument for both the scientific community and the pharmacological industry. However, culture conditions required for the full functional maturation of individual neurons and networks are still unidentified. It has been recognized that three-dimensional (3D) culture conditions can better emulate in vivo neuronal tissue development compared to 2D cultures and thus provide a more desirable in vitro approach. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a 3D scaffold platform that supports and promotes intricate neuronal network development. 3D scaffolds were produced through direct laser writing by two-photon polymerization (2PP), a high-resolution 3D laser microstructuring technology, using the biocompatible and nondegradable photoreactive resin Dental LT Clear (DClear). Neurons developed and interconnected on a 3D environment shaped by vertically stacked scaffold layers. The developed networks could support different cell types. Starting at the day 50 of 3D culture, neuronal progenitor cells could develop into cortical projection neurons (CNPs) of all six layers, different types of inhibitory neurons, and glia. Additionally and in contrast to 2D conditions, 3D scaffolds supported the long-term culturing of neuronal networks over the course of 120 days. Network health and functionality were probed through calcium imaging, which revealed a strong spontaneous neuronal activity that combined individual and collective events. Taken together, our results highlight advanced microstructured 3D scaffolds as a reliable platform for the 3D in vitro modeling of neuronal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Koroleva
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andrea Deiwick
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Lothar Koch
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Yichen Shi
- Axol Bioscience Ltd., CB10 1XL Cambridge, UK
| | - Estefanía Estévez-Priego
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriaan-Alexander Ludl
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Computational Biology Unit, Department of Informatics, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Jordi Soriano
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daria Guseva
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Evgeni Ponimaskin
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Boris Chichkov
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
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40
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Amponsah AE, Guo R, Kong D, Feng B, He J, Zhang W, Liu X, Du X, Ma Z, Liu B, Ma J, Cui H. Patient-derived iPSCs, a reliable in vitro model for the investigation of Alzheimer's disease. Rev Neurosci 2021; 32:379-402. [PMID: 33550785 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0065] [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: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and a common cause of dementia among elderly individuals. The disease is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, accumulation of senile amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Human-derived cell models of AD are scarce, and over the years, non-human-derived models have been developed to recapitulate clinical AD, investigate the disease's pathogenesis and develop therapies for the disease. Several pharmacological compounds have been developed for AD based on findings from non-human-derived cell models; however, these pharmacological compounds have failed at different phases of clinical trials. This necessitates the application of human-derived cell models, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in their optimized form in AD mechanistic studies and preclinical drug testing. This review provides an overview of AD and iPSCs. The AD-relevant phenotypes of iPSC-derived AD brain cells and the usefulness of iPSCs in AD are highlighted. Finally, the various recommendations that have been made to enhance iPSC/AD modelling are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asiamah Ernest Amponsah
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China.,Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China
| | - Ruiyun Guo
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China.,Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China
| | - Desheng Kong
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China.,Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China
| | - Baofeng Feng
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China.,Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China
| | - Jingjing He
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China.,Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China.,Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China.,Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China
| | - Xiaofeng Du
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China.,Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China
| | - Zhenhuan Ma
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China.,Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China
| | - Boxin Liu
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China.,Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China.,Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China.,Human Anatomy Department, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China
| | - Huixian Cui
- Hebei Medical University-National University of Ireland Galway Stem Cell Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China.,Hebei Research Center for Stem Cell Medical Translational Engineering, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China.,Human Anatomy Department, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province050017, China
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41
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Forro C, Caron D, Angotzi GN, Gallo V, Berdondini L, Santoro F, Palazzolo G, Panuccio G. Electrophysiology Read-Out Tools for Brain-on-Chip Biotechnology. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:124. [PMID: 33498905 PMCID: PMC7912435 DOI: 10.3390/mi12020124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Brain-on-Chip (BoC) biotechnology is emerging as a promising tool for biomedical and pharmaceutical research applied to the neurosciences. At the convergence between lab-on-chip and cell biology, BoC couples in vitro three-dimensional brain-like systems to an engineered microfluidics platform designed to provide an in vivo-like extrinsic microenvironment with the aim of replicating tissue- or organ-level physiological functions. BoC therefore offers the advantage of an in vitro reproduction of brain structures that is more faithful to the native correlate than what is obtained with conventional cell culture techniques. As brain function ultimately results in the generation of electrical signals, electrophysiology techniques are paramount for studying brain activity in health and disease. However, as BoC is still in its infancy, the availability of combined BoC-electrophysiology platforms is still limited. Here, we summarize the available biological substrates for BoC, starting with a historical perspective. We then describe the available tools enabling BoC electrophysiology studies, detailing their fabrication process and technical features, along with their advantages and limitations. We discuss the current and future applications of BoC electrophysiology, also expanding to complementary approaches. We conclude with an evaluation of the potential translational applications and prospective technology developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Forro
- Tissue Electronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci, 53-80125 Naples, Italy; (C.F.); (F.S.)
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Davide Caron
- Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Gian Nicola Angotzi
- Microtechnology for Neuroelectronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (G.N.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Vincenzo Gallo
- Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Luca Berdondini
- Microtechnology for Neuroelectronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (G.N.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Francesca Santoro
- Tissue Electronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci, 53-80125 Naples, Italy; (C.F.); (F.S.)
| | - Gemma Palazzolo
- Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Gabriella Panuccio
- Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (V.G.)
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42
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Shin H, Jeong S, Lee JH, Sun W, Choi N, Cho IJ. 3D high-density microelectrode array with optical stimulation and drug delivery for investigating neural circuit dynamics. Nat Commun 2021; 12:492. [PMID: 33479237 PMCID: PMC7820464 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20763-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigation of neural circuit dynamics is crucial for deciphering the functional connections among regions of the brain and understanding the mechanism of brain dysfunction. Despite the advancements of neural circuit models in vitro, technologies for both precisely monitoring and modulating neural activities within three-dimensional (3D) neural circuit models have yet to be developed. Specifically, no existing 3D microelectrode arrays (MEAs) have integrated capabilities to stimulate surrounding neurons and to monitor the temporal evolution of the formation of a neural network in real time. Herein, we present a 3D high-density multifunctional MEA with optical stimulation and drug delivery for investigating neural circuit dynamics within engineered 3D neural tissues. We demonstrate precise measurements of synaptic latencies in 3D neural networks. We expect our 3D multifunctional MEA to open up opportunities for studies of neural circuits through precise, in vitro investigations of neural circuit dynamics with 3D brain models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyogeun Shin
- Center for BioMicrosystems, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyeon Jeong
- Center for BioMicrosystems, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hyun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Center for BioMicrosystems, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Il-Joo Cho
- Center for BioMicrosystems, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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43
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Advances in 3D neuronal microphysiological systems: towards a functional nervous system on a chip. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2021; 57:191-206. [PMID: 33438114 PMCID: PMC7802613 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-020-00532-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS) designed to study the complexities of the peripheral and central nervous systems have made marked improvements over the years and have allowed researchers to assess in two and three dimensions the functional interconnectivity of neuronal tissues. The recent generation of brain organoids has further propelled the field into the nascent recapitulation of structural, functional, and effective connectivities which are found within the native human nervous system. Herein, we will review advances in culture methodologies, focused especially on those of human tissues, which seek to bridge the gap from 2D cultures to hierarchical and defined 3D MPS with the end goal of developing a robust nervous system-on-a-chip platform. These advances have far-reaching implications within basic science, pharmaceutical development, and translational medicine disciplines.
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44
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Kundu A, McCoy L, Azim N, Nguyen H, Didier CM, Ausaf T, Sharma AD, Curley JL, Moore MJ, Rajaraman S. Fabrication and Characterization of 3D Printed, 3D Microelectrode Arrays for Interfacing with a Peripheral Nerve-on-a-Chip. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 7:3018-3029. [PMID: 34275292 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We present a nontraditional fabrication technique for the realization of three-dimensional (3D) microelectrode arrays (MEAs) capable of interfacing with 3D cellular networks in vitro. The technology uses cost-effective makerspace microfabrication techniques to fabricate the 3D MEAs with 3D printed base structures with the metallization of the microtowers and conductive traces being performed by stencil mask evaporation techniques. A biocompatible lamination layer insulates the traces for realization of 3D microtower MEAs (250 μm base diameter, 400 μm height). The process has additionally been extended to realize smaller electrodes (30 μm × 30 μm) at a height of 400 μm atop the 3D microtower using laser micromachining of an additional silicon dioxide (SiO2) insulation layer. A 3D microengineered, nerve-on-a-chip in vitro model for recording and stimulating electrical activity of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells has further been integrated with the 3D MEA. We have characterized the 3D electrodes for electrical, chemical, electrochemical, biological, and chip hydration stability performance metrics. A decrease in impedance from 1.8 kΩ to 670 Ω for the microtower electrodes and 55 to 39 kΩ for the 30 μm × 30 μm microelectrodes can be observed for an electrophysiologically relevant frequency of 1 kHz upon platinum electroless plating. Biocompatibility assays on the components of the system resulted in a large range (∼3%-70% live cells), depending on the components. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the resin material start to reveal possible compositional clues for the resin, and the hydration stability is demonstrated in in-vitro-like conditions for 30 days. The fabricated 3D MEAs are rapidly produced with minimal usage of a cleanroom and are fully functional for electrical interrogation of the 3D organ-on-a-chip models for high-throughput of pharmaceutical screening and toxicity testing of compounds in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avra Kundu
- NanoScience Technology Center (NSTC), University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, United States
| | - Laurie McCoy
- AxoSim, Inc., New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
| | - Nilab Azim
- NanoScience Technology Center (NSTC), University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, United States
| | - Hieu Nguyen
- AxoSim, Inc., New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
| | - Charles M Didier
- NanoScience Technology Center (NSTC), University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, United States.,Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Tariq Ausaf
- NanoScience Technology Center (NSTC), University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, United States.,Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Anup D Sharma
- AxoSim, Inc., New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
| | - J Lowry Curley
- AxoSim, Inc., New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
| | - Michael J Moore
- AxoSim, Inc., New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118, United States
| | - Swaminathan Rajaraman
- NanoScience Technology Center (NSTC), University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, United States.,Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32827, United States.,Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States.,Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
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45
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Wei X, Zhuang L, Li H, He C, Wan H, Hu N, Wang P. Advances in Multidimensional Cardiac Biosensing Technologies: From Electrophysiology to Mechanical Motion and Contractile Force. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2005828. [PMID: 33230867 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202005828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is currently a leading killer to human, while drug-induced cardiotoxicity remains the main cause of the withdrawal and attrition of drugs. Taking clinical correlation and throughput into account, cardiomyocyte is perfect as in vitro cardiac model for heart disease modeling, drug discovery, and cardiotoxicity assessment by accurately measuring the physiological multiparameters of cardiomyocytes. Remarkably, cardiomyocytes present both electrophysiological and biomechanical characteristics due to the unique excitation-contraction coupling, which plays a significant role in studying the cardiomyocytes. This review mainly focuses on the recent advances of biosensing technologies for the 2D and 3D cardiac models with three special properties: electrophysiology, mechanical motion, and contractile force. These high-performance multidimensional cardiac models are popular and effective to rebuild and mimic the heart in vitro. To help understand the high-quality and accurate physiologies, related detection techniques are highly demanded, from microtechnology to nanotechnology, from extracellular to intracellular recording, from multiple cells to single cell, and from planar to 3D models. Furthermore, the characteristics, advantages, limitations, and applications of these cardiac biosensing technologies, as well as the future development prospects should contribute to the systematization and expansion of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Wei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China
| | - Liujing Zhuang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China
| | - Hongbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chuanjiang He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Hao Wan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China
| | - Ning Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China
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46
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Vernekar VN, LaPlaca MC. 3-D multi-electrode arrays detect early spontaneous electrophysiological activity in 3-D neuronal-astrocytic co-cultures. Biomed Eng Lett 2020; 10:579-591. [PMID: 33194249 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-020-00166-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3-D) neural cultures represent a promising platform for studying disease and drug screening. Tools and methodologies for measuring the electrophysiological function in these cultures are needed. Therefore, the purpose of this work was primarily to develop a methodology to interface engineered 3-D dissociated neural cultures with commercially available 3-D multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) reliably over 3 weeks to enable the recording of their electrophysiological activity. We further compared the functional output of these cultures to their structural and synaptic network development over time. We reliably interfaced a primary rodent neuron-astrocyte (2:1) 3-D co-culture (2500 cells/mm3 plating cell density) in Matrigel™ (7.5 mg/mL) that was up to 750 µm thick (30-40 cell-layers) with spiked 3-D MEAs while maintaining high viability. Using these MEAs we successfully recorded the spontaneous development of neural network-level electrophysiological activity and measured the development of putative synapses and neuronal maturation in these co-cultures using immunocytochemistry over 3 weeks in vitro. Planar (2-D) MEAs interfaced with these cultures served as recording controls. Neurons within this interfaced 3-D culture-MEA system exhibited considerable neurite outgrowth, networking, neuronal maturation, synaptogenesis, and culture-wide spontaneous firing of synchronized spikes and bursts of action potentials. Network-wide spikes and synchronized bursts increased rapidly (first detected at 2 days) during the first week in culture, plateaued during the second week, and reduced slightly in the third week, while maintaining high viability throughout the 3-week culturing period. Early electrophysiology activity occurred prior to neuronal process maturation and significant synaptic density increases in the second week. We successfully interfaced 3-D neural co-cultures with 3-D MEAs and recorded the electrophysiological activity of these cultures over 3 weeks. The initial period of rapid increase in electrophysiological activity, followed by a period of neuronal maturation and high-level of synapse formation in these cultures suggests a developmental homeostatic process. This methodology can enable future applications both in fundamental investigations of neural network behavior and in translational studies involving drug testing and neural interfacing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varadraj N Vernekar
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory, Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, GA 30332-0535 USA
| | - Michelle C LaPlaca
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory, Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, GA 30332-0535 USA
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Lecomte A, Giantomasi L, Rancati S, Boi F, Angotzi GN, Berdondini L. Surface-Functionalized Self-Standing Microdevices Exhibit Predictive Localization and Seamless Integration in 3D Neural Spheroids. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e2000114. [PMID: 33135377 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Brain organoids is an exciting technology proposed to advance studies on human brain development, diseases, and possible therapies. Establishing and applying such models, however, is hindered by the lack of technologies to chronically monitor neural activity. A promising new approach comprising self-standing biosensing microdevices capable of achieving seamless tissue integration during cell aggregation and culture. To date, there is little information on how to control the aggregation of such bioartificial 3D neural assemblies. Here, the growth of hybrid neurospheroids obtained by the aggregation of silicon sham microchips (100 × 100 × 50 μm3 ) with primary cortical cells is investigated. Results obtained via protein-binding microchips with different molecules reveal that surface functionalization can tune the integration and final 3D location of self-standing microdevices into neurospheroids. Morphological and functional characterization suggests that the presence of an integrated microdevice does not alter spheroid growth, cellular composition, nor functional development. Ultimately, cells and microdevices constituting such hybrid neurospheroids can be disaggregated for further single-cell analysis, and quantifications confirm an unaltered ratio of neurons and glia. These results uncover the potential of surface-engineered self-standing microdevices to grow untethered 3D brain tissue models with inbuilt bioelectronic sensors at predefined sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziliz Lecomte
- Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), NetS3 Lab, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Lidia Giantomasi
- Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), NetS3 Lab, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Silvia Rancati
- Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Neurobiology of miRNA Lab, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Fabio Boi
- Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), NetS3 Lab, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Gian Nicola Angotzi
- Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), NetS3 Lab, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Luca Berdondini
- Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), NetS3 Lab, Genova, 16163, Italy
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48
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Ming Y, Hasan MF, Tatic-Lucic S, Berdichevsky Y. Micro Three-Dimensional Neuronal Cultures Generate Developing Cortex-Like Activity Patterns. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:563905. [PMID: 33122989 PMCID: PMC7573570 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.563905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies aimed at neurological drug discovery have been carried out both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro cell culture models have showed potential as drug testing platforms characterized by high throughput, low cost, good reproducibility and ease of handling and observation. However, in vitro neuronal culture models are facing challenges in replicating in vivo-like activity patterns. This work reports an in vitro culture technique that is capable of producing micro three-dimensional (μ3D) cultures of only a few tens of neurons. The μ3D cultures generated by this method were uniform in size and density of neurons. These μ3D cultures had complex spontaneous synchronized neuronal activity patterns which were similar to those observed in the developing cortex and in much larger 3D cultures, but not in 2D cultures. Bursts could be reliably evoked by stimulation of single neurons. Synchronized bursts in μ3D cultures were abolished by inhibitors of glutamate receptors, while inhibitors of GABAA receptors had a more complex effect. This pharmacological profile is similar to bursts in neonatal cortex. Since large numbers of reproducible μ3D cultures can be created and observed in parallel, this model of the developing cortex may find applications in high-throughput drug discovery experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Ming
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States
| | - Md Fayad Hasan
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States
| | - Svetlana Tatic-Lucic
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States
| | - Yevgeny Berdichevsky
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States
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Brofiga M, Pisano M, Tedesco M, Raiteri R, Massobrio P. Three-dimensionality shapes the dynamics of cortical interconnected to hippocampal networks. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:056044. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/abc023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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50
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Lovett ML, Nieland TJ, Dingle YTL, Kaplan DL. Innovations in 3-Dimensional Tissue Models of Human Brain Physiology and Diseases. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2020; 30:1909146. [PMID: 34211358 PMCID: PMC8240470 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201909146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
3-dimensional (3D) laboratory tissue cultures have emerged as an alternative to traditional 2-dimensional (2D) culture systems that do not recapitulate native cell behavior. The discrepancy between in vivo and in vitro tissue-cell-molecular responses impedes understanding of human physiology in general and creates roadblocks for the discovery of therapeutic solutions. Two parallel approaches have emerged for the design of 3D culture systems. The first is biomedical engineering methodology, including bioengineered materials, bioprinting, microfluidics and bioreactors, used alone or in combination, to mimic the microenvironments of native tissues. The second approach is organoid technology, in which stem cells are exposed to chemical and/or biological cues to activate differentiation programs that are reminiscent of human (prenatal) development. This review article describes recent technological advances in engineering 3D cultures that more closely resemble the human brain. The contributions of in vitro 3D tissue culture systems to new insights in neurophysiology, neurological diseases and regenerative medicine are highlighted. Perspectives on designing improved tissue models of the human brain are offered, focusing on an integrative approach merging biomedical engineering tools with organoid biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Lovett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155
| | - Thomas J.F. Nieland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155
| | - Yu-Ting L. Dingle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155
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