1
|
Morais AS, Mendes M, Cordeiro MA, Sousa JJ, Pais AC, Mihăilă SM, Vitorino C. Organ-on-a-Chip: Ubi sumus? Fundamentals and Design Aspects. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:615. [PMID: 38794277 PMCID: PMC11124787 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050615] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This review outlines the evolutionary journey from traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture to the revolutionary field of organ-on-a-chip technology. Organ-on-a-chip technology integrates microfluidic systems to mimic the complex physiological environments of human organs, surpassing the limitations of conventional 2D cultures. This evolution has opened new possibilities for understanding cell-cell interactions, cellular responses, drug screening, and disease modeling. However, the design and manufacture of microchips significantly influence their functionality, reliability, and applicability to different biomedical applications. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider design parameters, including the number of channels (single, double, or multi-channels), the channel shape, and the biological context. Simultaneously, the selection of appropriate materials compatible with the cells and fabrication methods optimize the chips' capabilities for specific applications, mitigating some disadvantages associated with these systems. Furthermore, the success of organ-on-a-chip platforms greatly depends on the careful selection and utilization of cell resources. Advances in stem cell technology and tissue engineering have contributed to the availability of diverse cell sources, facilitating the development of more accurate and reliable organ-on-a-chip models. In conclusion, a holistic perspective of in vitro cellular modeling is provided, highlighting the integration of microfluidic technology and meticulous chip design, which play a pivotal role in replicating organ-specific microenvironments. At the same time, the sensible use of cell resources ensures the fidelity and applicability of these innovative platforms in several biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Morais
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.M.); (M.M.); (M.A.C.); (J.J.S.)
| | - Maria Mendes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.M.); (M.M.); (M.A.C.); (J.J.S.)
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Marta Agostinho Cordeiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.M.); (M.M.); (M.A.C.); (J.J.S.)
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - João J. Sousa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.M.); (M.M.); (M.A.C.); (J.J.S.)
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Alberto Canelas Pais
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Silvia M. Mihăilă
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.M.); (M.M.); (M.A.C.); (J.J.S.)
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li X, Shim S, Hardin KR, Vanaja KG, Song H, Levchenko A, Ming GL, Zheng JQ. Signal amplification in growth cone gradient sensing by a double negative feedback loop among PTEN, PI(3,4,5)P 3 and actomyosin. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 123:103772. [PMID: 36055521 PMCID: PMC9856701 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103772] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Axon guidance during neural wiring involves a series of precisely controlled chemotactic events by the motile axonal tip, the growth cone. A fundamental question is how neuronal growth cones make directional decisions in response to extremely shallow gradients of guidance cues with exquisite sensitivity. Here we report that nerve growth cones possess a signal amplification mechanism during gradient sensing process. In neuronal growth cones of Xenopus spinal neurons, phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3), an important signaling molecule in chemotaxis, was actively recruited to the up-gradient side in response to an external gradient of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), resulting in an intracellular gradient with approximate 30-fold amplification of the input. Furthermore, a reverse gradient of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was induced by BDNF within the growth cone and the increased PTEN activity at the down-gradient side is required for the amplification of PIP3 signals. Mechanistically, the establishment of both positive PIP3 and reverse PTEN gradients depends on the filamentous actin network. Together with computational modeling, our results revealed a double negative feedback loop among PTEN, PIP3 and actomyosin for signal amplification, which is essential for gradient sensing of neuronal growth cones in response to diffusible cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Li
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sangwoo Shim
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Katherine R Hardin
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kiran G Vanaja
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andre Levchenko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - James Q Zheng
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Microfluidic encapsulation of soluble reagents with large-scale concentration gradients in a sequence of droplets for comparative analysis. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.130227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
4
|
Habibey R, Rojo Arias JE, Striebel J, Busskamp V. Microfluidics for Neuronal Cell and Circuit Engineering. Chem Rev 2022; 122:14842-14880. [PMID: 36070858 PMCID: PMC9523714 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The widespread adoption of microfluidic devices among the neuroscience and neurobiology communities has enabled addressing a broad range of questions at the molecular, cellular, circuit, and system levels. Here, we review biomedical engineering approaches that harness the power of microfluidics for bottom-up generation of neuronal cell types and for the assembly and analysis of neural circuits. Microfluidics-based approaches are instrumental to generate the knowledge necessary for the derivation of diverse neuronal cell types from human pluripotent stem cells, as they enable the isolation and subsequent examination of individual neurons of interest. Moreover, microfluidic devices allow to engineer neural circuits with specific orientations and directionality by providing control over neuronal cell polarity and permitting the isolation of axons in individual microchannels. Similarly, the use of microfluidic chips enables the construction not only of 2D but also of 3D brain, retinal, and peripheral nervous system model circuits. Such brain-on-a-chip and organoid-on-a-chip technologies are promising platforms for studying these organs as they closely recapitulate some aspects of in vivo biological processes. Microfluidic 3D neuronal models, together with 2D in vitro systems, are widely used in many applications ranging from drug development and toxicology studies to neurological disease modeling and personalized medicine. Altogether, microfluidics provide researchers with powerful systems that complement and partially replace animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rouhollah Habibey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jesús Eduardo Rojo Arias
- Wellcome─MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Striebel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Volker Busskamp
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A Review on Microfluidic Platforms Applied to Nerve Regeneration. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12073534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, microfluidics have significantly advanced nerve regeneration research. Microfluidic devices can provide an accurate simulation of in vivo microenvironment for different research purposes such as analyzing myelin growth inhibitory factors, screening drugs, assessing nerve growth factors, and exploring mechanisms of neural injury and regeneration. The microfluidic platform offers technical supports for nerve regeneration that enable precise spatio-temporal control of cells, such as neuron isolation, single-cell manipulation, neural patterning, and axon guidance. In this paper, we review the development and recent advances of microfluidic platforms for nerve regeneration research.
Collapse
|
6
|
Paduthol G, Korma TS, Agrawal A, Paul D. Dynamic generation of power function gradient profiles in a universal microfluidic gradient generator by controlling the inlet flow rates. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:592-604. [PMID: 34985077 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00938a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We report a two-inlet universal microfluidic gradient generator capable of generating gradient profiles of the functional form xp in the same device by controlling only the inlet flow rates. We have developed an analytical model to predict the inlet flow rates needed to generate a user-specified gradient profile at the outlet. We have validated this model by performing both COMSOL simulations and experiments. Our experiments show an excellent match between the target functions (x0.33, x1, x2 and x3) and the gradient profiles generated in this device. Unlike the universal gradient generators reported earlier, our device does not require changing the positions of the internal barriers for each new gradient profile, thereby making it easier for the user to operate this device.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Paduthol
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Teji Shenne Korma
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
| | - Amit Agrawal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Debjani Paul
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wong JJY, Varga BV, Káradóttir RT, Hall EAH. Electrochemically induced in vitro focal hypoxia in human neurons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:968341. [PMID: 36247014 PMCID: PMC9555746 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.968341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Focalised hypoxia is widely prevalent in diseases such as stroke, cardiac arrest, and dementia. While in some cases hypoxia improves cellular functions, it mostly induces or exacerbates pathological changes. The lack of methodologies that can simulate focal acute hypoxia, in either animal or cell culture, impedes our understanding of the cellular consequences of hypoxia. To address this gap, an electrochemical localised oxygen scavenging system (eLOS), is reported, providing an innovative platform for spatiotemporal in vitro hypoxia modulation. The electrochemical system is modelled showing O2 flux patterns and localised O2 scavenging and hypoxia regions, as a function of distance from the electrode and surrounding flux barriers, allowing an effective focal hypoxia tool to be designed for in vitro cell culture study. O2 concentration is reduced in an electrochemically defined targeted area from normoxia to hypoxia in about 6 min depending on the O2-flux boundaries. As a result, a cell culture-well was designed, where localised O2 scavenging could be induced. The impact of localised hypoxia was demonstrated on human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) and it was shown that miniature focal hypoxic insults can be induced, that evoke time-dependent HIF-1α transcription factor accumulation. This transcription is "patterned" across the culture according to the electrochemically induced spatiotemporal hypoxia gradient. A basic lacunar infarct model was also developed through the application of eLOS in a purpose designed microfluidic device. Miniature focal hypoxic insults were induced in cellular processes of fully oxygenated cell bodies, such as the axons of human cortical neurons. The results demonstrate experimentally that localised axonal hypoxic stress can lead to significant increase of neuronal death, despite the neurons remaining at normoxia. This suggests that focal hypoxic insult to axons alone is sufficient to impact surrounding neurons and may provide an in vitro model to study the impact of microinfarcts occurring in the deep cerebral white matter, as well as providing a promising tool for wider understanding of acute hypoxic insults with potential to uncover its pathophysiology in multiple diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Y Wong
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Balazs V Varga
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Elizabeth A H Hall
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Parittotokkaporn S, Dravid A, Raos BJ, Rosset S, Svirskis D, O'Carroll SJ. Stretchable microchannel-on-a-chip: A simple model for evaluating the effects of uniaxial strain on neuronal injury. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 362:109302. [PMID: 34343573 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Axonal injury is a major component of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), associated with rapid deformation of spinal tissue and axonal projections. In vitro models enable us to examine these effects and screen potential therapies in a controlled, reproducible manner. NEW METHOD A customized, stretchable microchannel system was developed using polydimethylsiloxane microchannels. Cortical and spinal embryonic rat neurons were cultured within the microchannel structures, allowing a uniaxial strain to be applied to isolated axonal processes. Global strains of up to 52% were applied to the stretchable microchannel-on-a-chip platform leading to local strains of up to 12% being experienced by axons isolated in the microchannels. RESULTS Individual axons exposed to local strains between 3.2% and 8.7% developed beading within 30-minutes of injury. At higher local strains of 9.8% and 12% individual axons ruptured within 30-minutes of injury. Axon bundles, or fascicles, were more resistant to rupture at each strain level, compared to individual axons. At lower local strain of 3.2%, axon bundles inside microchannels and neuronal cells near entrances of them progressively swelled and degenerated over a period of 7 days after injury. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) This method is simple, reliable and reproducible with good control and measurement of injury tolerance and morphological deformations using standard laboratory equipment. By measuring local strains, we observed that axonal injuries occur at a lower strain magnitude and a lower strain rate than previous methods reporting global strains, which may not accurately reflect the true axonal strain. CONCLUSIONS We describe a novel stretchable microchannel-on-a-chip platform to study the effect of varying local strain on morphological characteristics of neuronal injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sam Parittotokkaporn
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and The Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anusha Dravid
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brad J Raos
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Samuel Rosset
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Darren Svirskis
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simon J O'Carroll
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and The Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Herzog N, Johnstone A, Bellamy T, Russell N. Characterization of neuronal viability and network activity under microfluidic flow. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 358:109200. [PMID: 33932456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microfluidics technology has the potential to allow precise control of the temporal and spatial aspects of solute concentration, making it highly relevant for the study of volume transmission mechanisms in neural tissue. However, full utilization of this technology depends on understanding how microfluidic flow at the rates needed for rapid solution exchange affects neuronal viability and network activity. NEW METHOD We designed a tape-based pressurized microfluidic flow system that is simple to fabricate and can be attached to commercial microelectrode arrays. The device is multi-layered, allowing the inclusion of a porous polycarbonate membrane to isolate neuronal cultures from shear forces while maintaining diffusive exchange of solutes. We used this system to investigate how flow affected survival and spiking patterns of cultured hippocampal neurons. RESULTS Viability and network activity of the cultures were reduced in proportion to flow rate. However, shear reduction measures did not improve survival or spiking activity; media conditioning in conjunction with culture age proved to be the critical factors for network stability. Diffusion simulations indicate that dilution of a small molecule accounts for the deleterious effects of flow on neuronal cultures. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS This work establishes the experimental conditions for real time measurement of network activity during rapid solution exchange, using multi-layered chambers with reversible bonding that allow for reuse of microelectrode arrays. CONCLUSIONS With correct media conditioning, the microfluidic flow system allows drug delivery on a subsecond timescale without disruption of network activity or viability, enabling in vitro reproduction of volume transmission mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nitzan Herzog
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Alexander Johnstone
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Tomas Bellamy
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Noah Russell
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Guo Y, Gao Z, Liu Y, Li S, Zhu J, Chen P, Liu BF. Multichannel Synchronous Hydrodynamic Gating Coupling with Concentration Gradient Generator for High-Throughput Probing Dynamic Signaling of Single Cells. Anal Chem 2020; 92:12062-12070. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c02746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Guo
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Zhaolong Gao
- The Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Image Processing and Intelligent Control, School of Artificial Intelligence and Automation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yinan Liu
- Department of Genetics, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Shunji Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jinchi Zhu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Peng Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Richard C, Neild A, Cadarso VJ. The emerging role of microfluidics in multi-material 3D bioprinting. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:2044-2056. [PMID: 32459222 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc01184f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
To assist the transition of 3D bioprinting technology from simple lab-based tissue fabrication, to fully functional and implantable organs, the technology must not only provide shape control, but also functional control. This can be accomplished by replicating the cellular composition of the native tissue at the microscale, such that cell types interact to provide the desired function. There is therefore a need for precise, controllable, multi-material printing that could allow for high, possibly even single cell, resolution. This paper aims to draw attention to technological advancements made in 3D bioprinting that target the lack of multi-material, and/or multi cell-type, printing capabilities of most current devices. Unlike other reviews in the field, which largely focus on variations in single-material 3D bioprinting involving the standard methods of extrusion-based, droplet-based, laser-based, or stereolithographic methods; this review concentrates on sophisticated multi-material 3D bioprinting using multi-cartridge printheads, co-axial nozzles and microfluidic-enhanced printing nozzles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Richard
- Laboratory for Micro Systems, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen P, Li S, Guo Y, Zeng X, Liu BF. A review on microfluidics manipulation of the extracellular chemical microenvironment and its emerging application to cell analysis. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1125:94-113. [PMID: 32674786 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.05.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal manipulation of extracellular chemical environments with simultaneous monitoring of cellular responses plays an essential role in exploring fundamental biological processes and expands our understanding of underlying mechanisms. Despite the rapid progress and promising successes in manipulation strategies, many challenges remain due to the small size of cells and the rapid diffusion of chemical molecules. Fortunately, emerging microfluidic technology has become a powerful approach for precisely controlling the extracellular chemical microenvironment, which benefits from its integration capacity, automation, and high-throughput capability, as well as its high resolution down to submicron. Here, we summarize recent advances in microfluidics manipulation of the extracellular chemical microenvironment, including the following aspects: i) Spatial manipulation of chemical microenvironments realized by convection flow-, diffusion-, and droplet-based microfluidics, and surface chemical modification; ii) Temporal manipulation of chemical microenvironments enabled by flow switching/shifting, moving/flowing cells across laminar flows, integrated microvalves/pumps, and droplet manipulation; iii) Spatiotemporal manipulation of chemical microenvironments implemented by a coupling strategy and open-space microfluidics; and iv) High-throughput manipulation of chemical microenvironments. Finally, we briefly present typical applications of the above-mentioned technical advances in cell-based analyses including cell migration, cell signaling, cell differentiation, multicellular analysis, and drug screening. We further discuss the future improvement of microfluidics manipulation of extracellular chemical microenvironments to fulfill the needs of biological and biomedical research and applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Shunji Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yiran Guo
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xuemei Zeng
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Neutrophil chemotaxis plays a vital role in human immune system. Compared with traditional cell migration assays, the emergence of microfluidics provides a new research platform of cell chemotaxis study due to the advantages of visualization, precise control of chemical gradient, and small consumption of reagents. A series of microfluidic devices have been fabricated to study the behavior of neutrophils exposed on controlled, stable, and complex profiles of chemical concentration gradients. In addition, microfluidic technology offers a promising way to integrate the other functions, such as cell culture, separation and analysis into a single chip. Therefore, an overview of recent developments in microfluidic-based neutrophil chemotaxis studies is presented. Meanwhile, the strength and drawbacks of these devices are compared.
Collapse
|
14
|
A tool for designing tree-like concentration gradient generators for lab-on-a-chip applications. Chem Eng Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2019.115339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
15
|
Dravid A, Parittotokkaporn S, Aqrawe Z, O’Carroll SJ, Svirskis D. Determining Neurotrophin Gradients in Vitro To Direct Axonal Outgrowth Following Spinal Cord Injury. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:121-132. [PMID: 31825204 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A spinal cord injury can damage neuronal connections required for both motor and sensory function. Barriers to regeneration within the central nervous system, including an absence of neurotrophic stimulation, impair the ability of injured neurons to reestablish their original circuitry. Exogenous neurotrophin administration has been shown to promote axonal regeneration and outgrowth following injury. The neurotrophins possess chemotrophic properties that guide axons toward the region of highest concentration. These growth factors have demonstrated potential to be used as a therapeutic intervention for orienting axonal growth beyond the injury lesion, toward denervated targets. However, the success of this approach is dependent on the appropriate spatiotemporal distribution of these molecules to ensure detection and navigation by the axonal growth cone. A number of in vitro gradient-based assays have been employed to investigate axonal response to neurotrophic gradients. Such platforms have helped elucidate the potential of applying a concentration gradient of neurotrophins to promote directed axonal regeneration toward a functionally significant target. Here, we review these techniques and the principles of gradient detection in axonal guidance, with particular focus on the use of neurotrophins to orient the trajectory of regenerating axons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Dravid
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sam Parittotokkaporn
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Zaid Aqrawe
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simon J. O’Carroll
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Darren Svirskis
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Whitman MC, Bell JL, Nguyen EH, Engle EC. Ex Vivo Oculomotor Slice Culture from Embryonic GFP-Expressing Mice for Time-Lapse Imaging of Oculomotor Nerve Outgrowth. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 31380850 DOI: 10.3791/59911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate eye movements are crucial for vision, but the development of the ocular motor system, especially the molecular pathways controlling axon guidance, has not been fully elucidated. This is partly due to technical limitations of traditional axon guidance assays. To identify additional axon guidance cues influencing the oculomotor nerve, an ex vivo slice assay to image the oculomotor nerve in real-time as it grows towards the eye was developed. E10.5 IslMN-GFP embryos are used to generate ex vivo slices by embedding them in agarose, slicing on a vibratome, then growing them in a microscope stage-top incubator with time-lapse photomicroscopy for 24-72 h. Control slices recapitulate the in vivo timing of outgrowth of axons from the nucleus to the orbit. Small molecule inhibitors or recombinant proteins can be added to the culture media to assess the role of different axon guidance pathways. This method has the advantages of maintaining more of the local microenvironment through which axons traverse, not axotomizing the growing axons, and assessing the axons at multiple points along their trajectory. It can also identify effects on specific subsets of axons. For example, inhibition of CXCR4 causes axons still within the midbrain to grow dorsally rather than ventrally, but axons that have already exited ventrally are not affected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Whitman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital;
| | - Jessica L Bell
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
| | - Elaine H Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
| | - Elizabeth C Engle
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital; Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School; Howard Hughes Medical Institute
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang L, Li Z, Xu C, Qin J. Bioinspired Engineering of Organ-on-Chip Devices. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1174:401-440. [PMID: 31713207 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9791-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The human body can be viewed as an organism consisting of a variety of cellular and non-cellular materials interacting in a highly ordered manner. Its complex and hierarchical nature inspires the multi-level recapitulation of the human body in order to gain insights into the inner workings of life. While traditional cell culture models have led to new insights into the cellular microenvironment and biological control in vivo, deeper understanding of biological systems and human pathophysiology requires the development of novel model systems that allow for analysis of complex internal and external interactions within the cellular microenvironment in a more relevant organ context. Engineering organ-on-chip systems offers an unprecedented opportunity to unravel the complex and hierarchical nature of human organs. In this chapter, we first highlight the advances in microfluidic platforms that enable engineering of the cellular microenvironment and the transition from cells-on-chips to organs-on-chips. Then, we introduce the key features of the emerging organs-on-chips and their proof-of-concept applications in biomedical research. We also discuss the challenges and future outlooks of this state-of-the-art technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Cong Xu
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, P. R. China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. .,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Duru LN, Quan Z, Qazi TJ, Qing H. Stem cells technology: a powerful tool behind new brain treatments. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2018; 8:1564-1591. [PMID: 29916013 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-018-0548-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell research has recently become a hot research topic in biomedical research due to the foreseen unlimited potential of stem cells in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. For many years, medicine has been facing intense challenges, such as an insufficient number of organ donations that is preventing clinicians to fulfill the increasing needs. To try and overcome this regrettable matter, research has been aiming at developing strategies to facilitate the in vitro culture and study of stem cells as a tool for tissue regeneration. Meanwhile, new developments in the microfluidics technology brought forward emerging cell culture applications that are currently allowing for a better chemical and physical control of cellular microenvironment. This review presents the latest developments in stem cell research that brought new therapies to the clinics and how the convergence of the microfluidics technology with stem cell research can have positive outcomes on the fields of regenerative medicine and high-throughput screening. These advances will bring new translational solutions for drug discovery and will upgrade in vitro cell culture to a new level of accuracy and performance. We hope this review will provide new insights into the understanding of new brain treatments from the perspective of stem cell technology especially regarding regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucienne N Duru
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Quan
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Talal Jamil Qazi
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Qing
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Separation and Analysis in Biomedical and Pharmaceuticals, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Badiola-Mateos M, Hervera A, Del Río JA, Samitier J. Challenges and Future Prospects on 3D in-vitro Modeling of the Neuromuscular Circuit. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:194. [PMID: 30622944 PMCID: PMC6297173 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Movement of skeletal-muscle fibers is generated by the coordinated action of several cells taking part within the locomotion circuit (motoneurons, sensory-neurons, Schwann cells, astrocytes, microglia, and muscle-cells). Failures in any part of this circuit could impede or hinder coordinated muscle movement and cause a neuromuscular disease (NMD) or determine its severity. Studying fragments of the circuit cannot provide a comprehensive and complete view of the pathological process. We trace the historic developments of studies focused on in-vitro modeling of the spinal-locomotion circuit and how bioengineered innovative technologies show advantages for an accurate mimicking of physiological conditions of spinal-locomotion circuit. New developments on compartmentalized microfluidic culture systems (cμFCS), the use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and 3D cell-cultures are analyzed. We finally address limitations of current study models and three main challenges on neuromuscular studies: (i) mimic the whole spinal-locomotion circuit including all cell-types involved and the evaluation of independent and interdependent roles of each one; (ii) mimic the neurodegenerative response of mature neurons in-vitro as it occurs in-vivo; and (iii) develop, tune, implement, and combine cμFCS, hiPSC, and 3D-culture technologies to ultimately create patient-specific complete, translational, and reliable NMD in-vitro model. Overcoming these challenges would significantly facilitate understanding the events taking place in NMDs and accelerate the process of finding new therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maider Badiola-Mateos
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia-Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Physics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arnau Hervera
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia-Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències de la Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Antonio Del Río
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia-Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències de la Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Samitier
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia-Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Physics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yao J, Oakey J. Geometrically-mediated snap-off of water-in-oil emulsion droplets in microfluidic flow focusing devices. JOURNAL OF OIL, GAS AND PETROCHEMICAL SCIENCES 2018; 1:42-46. [PMID: 32864607 DOI: 10.30881/jogps.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic channel networks allow the control of flowing fluids within structures with length scales on the order of single or tens of micrometers (μm). This affords the opportunity to mix and separate fluids with fine precision and, in the case of immiscible multiphase flows, generate stable emulsions with well-controlled sizes and size distributions. It is generally well understood that emulsion droplet size can be regulated by carefully balancing capillary-associated parameters, such as relative fluid velocity, with the interfacial tension of the immiscible phases. Channel size and geometry, particularly that of the junction where fluids merge in microfluidic flow focusing (or "pinch flow") devices, has been shown to scale droplet size and bound the lower droplet size. Channel constrictions or "nozzles" are commonly employed to amplify the extensional flow at channel junctions, but their function has not been quantified and is, therefore, not well understood. This paper describes the use of geometry as a tunable parameter in microfluidic droplet generator design by focusing upon the effect of nozzle geometry (relative width, length and depth) upon droplet snap off behavior. Our results show that nozzle geometry can dramatically influence droplet size by shifting its snap-off position, an effect that can be anticipated by Raleigh-Plateau theory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yao
- Department of Petroleum Engineering, University of Wyoming, USA
| | - John Oakey
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Del Giudice F, Sathish S, D’Avino G, Shen AQ. “From the Edge to the Center”: Viscoelastic Migration of Particles and Cells in a Strongly Shear-Thinning Liquid Flowing in a Microchannel. Anal Chem 2017; 89:13146-13159. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b02450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Del Giudice
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics
Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
- Systems
and Process Engineering Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Fabian Way, Swansea SA1
8EN, U.K
| | - Shivani Sathish
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics
Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Gaetano D’Avino
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Universitá degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Amy Q. Shen
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics
Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang X, Liu Z, Pang Y. Concentration gradient generation methods based on microfluidic systems. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra04494a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Various concentration gradient generation methods based on microfluidic systems are summarized in this paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wang
- College of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Electronics Technology
- Beijing University of Technology
- Beijing 100124
- China
| | - Zhaomiao Liu
- College of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Electronics Technology
- Beijing University of Technology
- Beijing 100124
- China
| | - Yan Pang
- College of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Electronics Technology
- Beijing University of Technology
- Beijing 100124
- China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bhattacharjee N, Folch A. Large-scale microfluidic gradient arrays reveal axon guidance behaviors in hippocampal neurons. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2017; 3:17003. [PMID: 31057858 PMCID: PMC6445017 DOI: 10.1038/micronano.2017.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput quantitative approaches to study axon growth behaviors have remained a challenge. We have developed a 1024-chamber microfluidic gradient generator array that enables large-scale investigations of axon guidance and growth dynamics from individual primary mammalian neurons, which are exposed to gradients of diffusible molecules. Our microfluidic method (a) generates statistically rich data sets, (b) produces a stable, reproducible gradient with negligible shear stresses on the culture surface, (c) is amenable to the long-term culture of primary neurons without any unconventional protocol, and (d) eliminates the confounding influence of cell-secreted factors. Using this platform, we demonstrate that hippocampal axon guidance in response to a netrin-1 gradient is concentration-dependent-attractive at higher concentrations and repulsive at lower concentrations. We also show that the turning of the growth cone depends on the angle of incidence of the gradient. Our study highlights the potential of microfluidic devices in producing large amounts of data from morphogen and chemokine gradients that play essential roles not only in axonal navigation but also in stem cell differentiation, cell migration, and immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nirveek Bhattacharjee
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Foege N423-A, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- ()
| | - Albert Folch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Foege N423-A, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ugolini GS, Cruz-Moreira D, Visone R, Redaelli A, Rasponi M. Microfabricated Physiological Models for In Vitro Drug Screening Applications. MICROMACHINES 2016; 7:E233. [PMID: 30404405 PMCID: PMC6189704 DOI: 10.3390/mi7120233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidics and microfabrication have recently been established as promising tools for developing a new generation of in vitro cell culture microdevices. The reduced amounts of reagents employed within cell culture microdevices make them particularly appealing to drug screening processes. In addition, latest advancements in recreating physiologically relevant cell culture conditions within microfabricated devices encourage the idea of using such advanced biological models in improving the screening of drug candidates prior to in vivo testing. In this review, we discuss microfluidics-based models employed for chemical/drug screening and the strategies to mimic various physiological conditions: fine control of 3D extra-cellular matrix environment, physical and chemical cues provided to cells and organization of co-cultures. We also envision future directions for achieving multi-organ microfluidic devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Stefano Ugolini
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Daniela Cruz-Moreira
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Roberta Visone
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Alberto Redaelli
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yamada A, Renault R, Chikina A, Venzac B, Pereiro I, Coscoy S, Verhulsel M, Parrini MC, Villard C, Viovy JL, Descroix S. Transient microfluidic compartmentalization using actionable microfilaments for biochemical assays, cell culture and organs-on-chip. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:4691-4701. [PMID: 27797384 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc01143h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We report here a simple yet robust transient compartmentalization system for microfluidic platforms. Cylindrical microfilaments made of commercially available fishing lines are embedded in a microfluidic chamber and employed as removable walls, dividing the chamber into several compartments. These partitions allow tight sealing for hours, and can be removed at any time by longitudinal sliding with minimal hydrodynamic perturbation. This allows the easy implementation of various functions, previously impossible or requiring more complex instrumentation. In this study, we demonstrate the applications of our strategy, firstly to trigger chemical diffusion, then to make surface co-coating or cell co-culture on a two-dimensional substrate, and finally to form multiple cell-laden hydrogel compartments for three-dimensional cell co-culture in a microfluidic device. This technology provides easy and low-cost solutions, without the use of pneumatic valves or external equipment, for constructing well-controlled microenvironments for biochemical and cellular assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Yamada
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 75005, Paris, France. and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, 75005, Paris, France and Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Renaud Renault
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 75005, Paris, France. and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, 75005, Paris, France and Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Aleksandra Chikina
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 75005, Paris, France. and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, 75005, Paris, France and Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Bastien Venzac
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 75005, Paris, France. and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, 75005, Paris, France and Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Iago Pereiro
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 75005, Paris, France. and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, 75005, Paris, France and Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Coscoy
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 75005, Paris, France. and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Marine Verhulsel
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 75005, Paris, France. and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, 75005, Paris, France and Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Maria Carla Parrini
- Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, PSL Research University, 75005, Paris, France and ART group, Inserm U830, 75248 Paris, France
| | - Catherine Villard
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 75005, Paris, France. and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, 75005, Paris, France and Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Louis Viovy
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 75005, Paris, France. and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, 75005, Paris, France and Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Descroix
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 75005, Paris, France. and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, 75005, Paris, France and Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, 75005, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Carballo-Molina OA, Sánchez-Navarro A, López-Ornelas A, Lara-Rodarte R, Salazar P, Campos-Romo A, Ramos-Mejía V, Velasco I. Semaphorin 3C Released from a Biocompatible Hydrogel Guides and Promotes Axonal Growth of Rodent and Human Dopaminergic Neurons. Tissue Eng Part A 2016; 22:850-61. [PMID: 27174503 PMCID: PMC4913502 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2016.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy in experimental models of Parkinson's disease replaces the lost dopamine neurons (DAN), but we still need improved methods to guide dopaminergic axons (DAx) of grafted neurons to make proper connections. The protein Semaphorin 3C (Sema3C) attracts DAN axons and enhances their growth. In this work, we show that the hydrogel PuraMatrix, a self-assembling peptide-based matrix, incorporates Sema3C and releases it steadily during 4 weeks. We also tested if hydrogel-delivered Sema3C attracts DAx using a system of rat midbrain explants embedded in collagen gels. We show that Sema3C released by this hydrogel attracts DAx, in a similar way to pretectum, which is known to attract growing DAN axons. We assessed the effect of Sema3C on the growth of DAx using microfluidic devices. DAN from rat midbrain or those differentiated from human embryonic stem cells showed enhanced axonal extension when exposed to hydrogel-released Sema3C, similar to soluble Sema3C. Notably, DAN of human origin express the cognate Sema3C receptors, Neuropilin1 and Neuropilin2. These results show that PuraMatrix is able to incorporate and release Sema3C, and such delivery guides and promotes the axonal growth of DAN. This biocompatible hydrogel might be useful as a Sema3C carrier for in vivo studies in parkinsonian animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar A. Carballo-Molina
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular—Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, D.F., México
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular IFC/UNAM en el Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía “Manuel Velasco Suárez,” México, D.F., México
| | - Andrea Sánchez-Navarro
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular—Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, D.F., México
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular IFC/UNAM en el Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía “Manuel Velasco Suárez,” México, D.F., México
| | - Adolfo López-Ornelas
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular—Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, D.F., México
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular IFC/UNAM en el Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía “Manuel Velasco Suárez,” México, D.F., México
| | - Rolando Lara-Rodarte
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular—Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, D.F., México
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular IFC/UNAM en el Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía “Manuel Velasco Suárez,” México, D.F., México
| | - Patricia Salazar
- GENYO: Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía, PTS Granada, Spain
| | - Aurelio Campos-Romo
- Unidad Periférica de Neurociencias Facultad de Medicina-UNAM en el Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía “Manuel Velasco Suárez,” México, D.F., México
| | - Verónica Ramos-Mejía
- GENYO: Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía, PTS Granada, Spain
| | - Iván Velasco
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular—Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, D.F., México
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular IFC/UNAM en el Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía “Manuel Velasco Suárez,” México, D.F., México
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Cheng JW, Chang TC, Bhattacharjee N, Folch A. An open-chamber flow-focusing device for focal stimulation of micropatterned cells. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2016; 10:024122. [PMID: 27158290 PMCID: PMC4833748 DOI: 10.1063/1.4946801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices can deliver soluble factors to cell and tissue culture microenvironments with precise spatiotemporal control. However, enclosed microfluidic environments often have drawbacks such as the need for continuous culture medium perfusion which limits the duration of experiments, incongruity between microculture and macroculture, difficulty in introducing cells and tissues, and high shear stress on cells. Here, we present an open-chamber microfluidic device that delivers hydrodynamically focused streams of soluble reagents to cells over long time periods (i.e., several hours). We demonstrate the advantage of the open chamber by using conventional cell culture techniques to induce the differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes, a process that occurs in 7-10 days and is difficult to achieve in closed chamber microfluidic devices. By controlling the flow rates and altering the device geometry, we produced sharp focal streams with widths ranging from 36 μm to 187 μm. The focal streams were reproducible (∼12% variation between units) and stable (∼20% increase in stream width over 10 h of operation). Furthermore, we integrated trenches for micropatterning myoblasts and microtraps for confining single primary myofibers into the device. We demonstrate with finite element method (FEM) simulations that shear stresses within the cell trench are well below values known to be deleterious to cells, while local concentrations are maintained at ∼22% of the input concentration. Finally, we demonstrated focused delivery of cytoplasmic and nuclear dyes to micropatterned myoblasts and myofibers. The open-chamber microfluidic flow-focusing concept combined with micropatterning may be generalized to other microfluidic applications that require stringent long-term cell culture conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Cheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Tim C Chang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Nirveek Bhattacharjee
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Albert Folch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Nguyen H, Dayan P, Pujic Z, Cooper-White J, Goodhill GJ. A mathematical model explains saturating axon guidance responses to molecular gradients. eLife 2016; 5:e12248. [PMID: 26830461 PMCID: PMC4755759 DOI: 10.7554/elife.12248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Correct wiring is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Molecular gradients provide critical signals to guide growth cones, which are the motile tips of developing axons, to their targets. However, in vitro, growth cones trace highly stochastic trajectories, and exactly how molecular gradients bias their movement is unclear. Here, we introduce a mathematical model based on persistence, bias, and noise to describe this behaviour, constrained directly by measurements of the detailed statistics of growth cone movements in both attractive and repulsive gradients in a microfluidic device. This model provides a mathematical explanation for why average axon turning angles in gradients in vitro saturate very rapidly with time at relatively small values. This work introduces the most accurate predictive model of growth cone trajectories to date, and deepens our understanding of axon guidance events both in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huyen Nguyen
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia.,School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Peter Dayan
- Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zac Pujic
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Justin Cooper-White
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Geoffrey J Goodhill
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia.,School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Pujic Z, Nguyen H, Glass N, Cooper-White J, Goodhill GJ. Axon Guidance Studies Using a Microfluidics-Based Chemotropic Gradient Generator. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1407:273-285. [PMID: 27271909 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3480-5_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics can be used to generate flow-driven gradients of chemotropic guidance cues with precisely controlled steepnesses for indefinite lengths of time. Neuronal cells grown in the presence of these gradients can be studied for their response to the effects exerted by the cues. Here we describe a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidics chamber capable of producing linear gradients of soluble factors, stable for at least 18 h, suitable for axon guidance studies. Using this device we demonstrate turning of superior cervical ganglion axons by gradients of nerve growth factor (NGF). The chamber produces robust gradients, is inexpensive to mass produce, can be mounted on a tissue culture dish or glass coverslip for long term time-lapse microscopy imaging, and is suitable for immunostaining.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zac Pujic
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Huyen Nguyen
- Queensland Brain Institute and School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Nick Glass
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Justin Cooper-White
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Geoffrey J Goodhill
- Queensland Brain Institute and School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lin B, Levchenko A. Spatial manipulation with microfluidics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2015; 3:39. [PMID: 25905100 PMCID: PMC4389655 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2015.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Biochemical gradients convey information through space, time, and concentration, and are ultimately capable of spatially resolving distinct cellular phenotypes, such as differentiation, proliferation, and migration. How these gradients develop, evolve, and function during development, homeostasis, and various disease states is a subject of intense interest across a variety of disciplines. Microfluidic technologies have become essential tools for investigating gradient sensing in vitro due to their ability to precisely manipulate fluids on demand in well-controlled environments at cellular length scales. This review will highlight their utility for studying gradient sensing along with relevant applications to biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Systems Biology Institute, Yale University , West Haven, CT , USA
| | - Andre Levchenko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Systems Biology Institute, Yale University , West Haven, CT , USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Sloan TFW, Qasaimeh MA, Juncker D, Yam PT, Charron F. Integration of shallow gradients of Shh and Netrin-1 guides commissural axons. PLoS Biol 2015; 13:e1002119. [PMID: 25826604 PMCID: PMC4380419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During nervous system development, gradients of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) and Netrin-1 attract growth cones of commissural axons toward the floor plate of the embryonic spinal cord. Mice defective for either Shh or Netrin-1 signaling have commissural axon guidance defects, suggesting that both Shh and Netrin-1 are required for correct axon guidance. However, how Shh and Netrin-1 collaborate to guide axons is not known. We first quantified the steepness of the Shh gradient in the spinal cord and found that it is mostly very shallow. We then developed an in vitro microfluidic guidance assay to simulate these shallow gradients. We found that axons of dissociated commissural neurons respond to steep but not shallow gradients of Shh or Netrin-1. However, when we presented axons with combined Shh and Netrin-1 gradients, they had heightened sensitivity to the guidance cues, turning in response to shallower gradients that were unable to guide axons when only one cue was present. Furthermore, these shallow gradients polarized growth cone Src-family kinase (SFK) activity only when Shh and Netrin-1 were combined, indicating that SFKs can integrate the two guidance cues. Together, our results indicate that Shh and Netrin-1 synergize to enable growth cones to sense shallow gradients in regions of the spinal cord where the steepness of a single guidance cue is insufficient to guide axons, and we identify a novel type of synergy that occurs when the steepness (and not the concentration) of a guidance cue is limiting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler F. W. Sloan
- Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Program in Neuroengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mohammad A. Qasaimeh
- Program in Neuroengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - David Juncker
- Program in Neuroengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Patricia T. Yam
- Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Frédéric Charron
- Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Program in Neuroengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Biology, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ricoult SG, Kennedy TE, Juncker D. Substrate-bound protein gradients to study haptotaxis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2015; 3:40. [PMID: 25870855 PMCID: PMC4378366 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2015.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells navigate in response to inhomogeneous distributions of extracellular guidance cues. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying migration in response to gradients of chemical cues have been investigated for over a century. Following the introduction of micropipettes and more recently microfluidics for gradient generation, much attention and effort was devoted to study cellular chemotaxis, which is defined as guidance by gradients of chemical cues in solution. Haptotaxis, directional migration in response to gradients of substrate-bound cues, has received comparatively less attention; however, it is increasingly clear that in vivo many physiologically relevant guidance proteins - including many secreted cues - are bound to cellular surfaces or incorporated into extracellular matrix and likely function via a haptotactic mechanism. Here, we review the history of haptotaxis. We examine the importance of the reference surface, the surface in contact with the cell that is not covered by the cue, which forms a gradient opposing the gradient of the protein cue and must be considered in experimental designs and interpretation of results. We review and compare microfluidics, contact printing, light patterning, and 3D fabrication to pattern substrate-bound protein gradients in vitro. The range of methods to create substrate-bound gradients discussed herein makes possible systematic analyses of haptotactic mechanisms. Furthermore, understanding the fundamental mechanisms underlying cell motility will inform bioengineering approaches to program cell navigation and recover lost function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien G. Ricoult
- McGill Program in Neuroengineering, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Timothy E. Kennedy
- McGill Program in Neuroengineering, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David Juncker
- McGill Program in Neuroengineering, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- McGill Program in Neuroengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wang H, Chen CH, Xiang Z, Wang M, Lee C. A convection-driven long-range linear gradient generator with dynamic control. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:1445-50. [PMID: 25599134 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc01451k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
We developed a novel gradient generator to achieve long range and linear chemical gradients with a dynamic control function. The length of the gradient can be on the centimetre scale. The gradient profile can be tuned by changing the flow rates. The device can work in both high flow rate regimes with large shear stress and low flow rate regimes with minimum shear stress. The drug screening function was demonstrated by the viability test of PC-9 cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Subrepellent doses of Slit1 promote Netrin-1 chemotactic responses in subsets of axons. Neural Dev 2015; 10:5. [PMID: 25888985 PMCID: PMC4373007 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-015-0036-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Axon pathfinding is controlled by guidance cues that elicit specific attractive or repulsive responses in growth cones. It has now become clear that some cues such as Netrin-1 can trigger either attraction or repulsion in a context-dependent manner. In particular, it was recently found that the repellent Slit1 enables the attractive response of rostral thalamic axons to Netrin-1. This finding raised the intriguing possibility that Netrin-1 and Slit1, two essential guidance cues, may act more generally in an unexpected combinatorial manner to orient specific axonal populations. To address this major issue, we have used an innovative microfluidic device compatible not only with dissociated neuronal cultures but also with explant cultures to systematically and quantitatively characterize the combinatorial activity of Slit1 and Netrin-1 on rostral thalamic axons as well as on hippocampal neurons. Results We found that on rostral thalamic axons, only a subthreshold concentration of the repellent Slit1 triggered an attractive response to a gradient of Netrin-1. On hippocampal neurons, we similarly found that Slit1 alone is repulsive and a subthreshold concentration of Slit1 triggered a potent attractive or repulsive behavioral response to a gradient of Netrin-1, depending on the nature of the substrate. Conclusions Our study reveals that at subthreshold repulsive levels, Slit1 acts as a potent promoter of both Netrin-1 attractive and repulsive activities on distinct neuronal cell types, thereby opening novel perspectives on the role of combinations of cues in brain wiring. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13064-015-0036-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
35
|
Shen J, Cai C, Yu Z, Pang Y, Zhou Y, Qian L, Wei W, Huang Y. A microfluidic live cell assay to study anthrax toxin induced cell lethality assisted by conditioned medium. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8651. [PMID: 25731605 PMCID: PMC4346806 DOI: 10.1038/srep08651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
It is technically challenging to investigate the function of secreted protein in real time by supply of conditioned medium that contains secreted protein of interest. The internalization of anthrax toxin is facilitated by a secreted protein Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and its receptor, and eventually leads to cell lethality. To monitor the dynamic interplay between these components in live cells, we use an integrated microfluidic device to perform the cell viability assays with real-time controlled culture microenvironment in parallel. Conditioned medium, which contains the secreted proteins from specific cell lines, can be continuously pumped towards the cells that exposed to toxin. The exogenous DKK1 secreted from distant cells is able to rescue the sensitivity to toxin for those DKK1-knocked-down cells. This high-throughput assay allows us to precisely quantify the dynamic interaction between key components that cause cell death, and provide independent evidence of the function of DKK1 in the complex process of anthrax toxin internalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Shen
- 1] Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC), Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China [2] College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China [3] School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Changzu Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhilong Yu
- 1] Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC), Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China [2] College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yuhong Pang
- 1] Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC), Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China [2] School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- 1] Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC), Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China [2] College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Lili Qian
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Wensheng Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yanyi Huang
- 1] Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC), Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China [2] College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Romano NH, Lampe KJ, Xu H, Ferreira MM, Heilshorn SC. Microfluidic gradients reveal enhanced neurite outgrowth but impaired guidance within 3D matrices with high integrin ligand densities. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2015; 11:722-30. [PMID: 25315156 PMCID: PMC4528974 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201401574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The density of integrin-binding ligands in an extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to regulate cell migration speed by imposing a balance of traction forces between the leading and trailing edges of the cell, but the effect of cell-adhesive ligands on neurite chemoattraction is not well understood. A platform is presented here that combines gradient-generating microfluidic devices with 3D protein-engineered hydrogels to study the effect of RGD ligand density on neurite pathfinding from chick dorsal root ganglia-derived spheroids. Spheroids are encapsulated in elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) hydrogels presenting either 3.2 or 1.6 mM RGD ligands and exposed to a microfluidic gradient of nerve growth factor (NGF). While the higher ligand density matrix enhanced neurite initiation and persistence of neurite outgrowth, the lower ligand density matrix significantly improved neurite pathfinding and increased the frequency of growth cone turning up the NGF gradient. The apparent trade-off between neurite extension and neurite guidance is reminiscent of the well-known trade-off between adhesive forces at the leading and trailing edges of a migrating cell, implying that a similar matrix-mediated balance of forces regulates neurite elongation and growth cone turning. These results have implications in the design of engineered materials for in vitro models of neural tissue and in vivo nerve guidance channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hui Xu
- 476 Lomita Mall, McCullough 246, Stanford, CA 94305
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Xiao RR, Wang L, Zhang L, Liu YN, Yu XL, Huang WH. Quantifying biased response of axon to chemical gradient steepness in a microfluidic device. Anal Chem 2014; 86:11649-56. [PMID: 25381866 DOI: 10.1021/ac504159g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Axons are very sensitive to molecular gradients and can discriminate extremely small differences in gradient steepness. Microfluidic devices capable of generating chemical gradients and adjusting their steepness could be used to quantify the sensitivity of axonal response. Here, we present a versatile and robust microfluidic device that can generate substrate-bound molecular gradients with evenly varying steepness on a single chip to precisely quantify axonal response. In this device, two solutions are perfused into a central channel via two inlets while partially flowing into two peripheral channels through interconnecting grooves, which gradually decrease the fluid velocity along the central channel. Molecular gradients with evenly and gradually decreased steepness can therefore be generated with a high resolution that is less than 0.05%/mm. In addition, the overall distribution range and resolution of the gradient steepness can be highly and flexibly controlled by adjusting various parameters of the device. Using this device, we quantified the hippocampal axonal response to substrate-bound laminin and ephrin-A5 gradients with varying steepnesses. Our results provided more detailed information on how and to what extent different steepnesses guide hippocampal neuron development during the initial outgrowth. Furthermore, our results show that axons can sensitively respond to very shallow laminin and ephrin-A5 gradients, which could effectively initiate biased differentiation of hippocampal neurons in the steepness range investigated in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Rong Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University , Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ongo G, Ricoult SG, Kennedy TE, Juncker D. Ordered, random, monotonic and non-monotonic digital nanodot gradients. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106541. [PMID: 25192173 PMCID: PMC4156346 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell navigation is directed by inhomogeneous distributions of extracellular cues. It is well known that noise plays a key role in biology and is present in naturally occurring gradients at the micro- and nanoscale, yet it has not been studied with gradients in vitro. Here, we introduce novel algorithms to produce ordered and random gradients of discrete nanodots--called digital nanodot gradients (DNGs)--according to monotonic and non-monotonic density functions. The algorithms generate continuous DNGs, with dot spacing changing in two dimensions along the gradient direction according to arbitrary mathematical functions, with densities ranging from 0.02% to 44.44%. The random gradient algorithm compensates for random nanodot overlap, and the randomness and spatial homogeneity of the DNGs were confirmed with Ripley's K function. An array of 100 DNGs, each 400×400 µm2, comprising a total of 57 million 200×200 nm2 dots was designed and patterned into silicon using electron-beam lithography, then patterned as fluorescently labeled IgGs on glass using lift-off nanocontact printing. DNGs will facilitate the study of the effects of noise and randomness at the micro- and nanoscales on cell migration and growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grant Ongo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sébastien G. Ricoult
- McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- McGill Program in Neuroengineering, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Timothy E. Kennedy
- McGill Program in Neuroengineering, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - David Juncker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- McGill Program in Neuroengineering, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chung HH, Chan CK, Khire TS, Marsh GA, Clark A, Waugh RE, McGrath JL. Highly permeable silicon membranes for shear free chemotaxis and rapid cell labeling. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:2456-68. [PMID: 24850320 PMCID: PMC4540053 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc00326h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic systems are powerful tools for cell biology studies because they enable the precise addition and removal of solutes in small volumes. However, the fluid forces inherent in the use of microfluidics for cell cultures are sometimes undesirable. An important example is chemotaxis systems where fluid flow creates well-defined and steady chemotactic gradients but also pushes cells downstream. Here we demonstrate a chemotaxis system in which two chambers are separated by a molecularly thin (15 nm), transparent, and nanoporous silicon membrane. One chamber is a microfluidic channel that carries a flow-generated gradient while the other chamber is a shear-free environment for cell observation. The molecularly thin membranes provide effectively no resistance to molecular diffusion between the two chambers, making them ideal elements for creating flow-free chambers in microfluidic systems. Analytical and computational flow models that account for membrane and chamber geometry, predict shear reduction of more than five orders of magnitude. This prediction is confirmed by observing the pure diffusion of nanoparticles in the cell-hosting chamber despite high input flow (Q = 10 μL min(-1); vavg ~ 45 mm min(-1)) in the flow chamber only 15 nm away. Using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, we show that a flow-generated molecular gradient will pass through the membrane into the quiescent cell chamber. Finally we demonstrate that our device allows us to expose migrating neutrophils to a chemotactic gradient or fluorescent label without any influence from flow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry H Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Xu H, Ferreira MM, Heilshorn SC. Small-molecule axon-polarization studies enabled by a shear-free microfluidic gradient generator. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:2047-56. [PMID: 24781157 PMCID: PMC4528973 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc00162a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A deep understanding of the mechanisms behind neurite polarization and axon path-finding is important for interpreting how the human body guides neurite growth during development and response to injury. Further, it is of great clinical importance to identify diffusible chemical cues that promote neurite regeneration for nervous tissue repair. Despite the fast development of various types of concentration gradient generators, it has been challenging to fabricate neuron-friendly (i.e. shear-free and biocompatible for neuron growth and maturation) devices to create stable gradients, particularly for fast diffusing small molecules, which typically require high flow and shear rates. Here we present a finite element analysis for a polydimethylsiloxane/polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PDMS/PEG-DA) based gradient generator, describe the microfabrication process, and validate its use for neuronal axon polarization studies. This device provides a totally shear-free, biocompatible microenvironment with a linear and stable concentration gradient of small molecules such as forskolin. The gradient profile in this device can be customized by changing the composition or width of the PEG-DA barriers during direct UV photo-patterning within a permanently bonded PDMS device. Primary rat cortical neurons (embryonic E18) exposed to soluble forskolin gradients for 72 h exhibited statistically significant polarization and guidance of their axons. This device provides a useful platform for both chemotaxis and directional guidance studies, particularly for shear sensitive and non-adhesive cell cultures, while allowing fast new device design prototyping at a low cost.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, McCullough Building, Stanford, CA 94305-4045, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Srinivasan P, Zervantonakis IK, Kothapalli CR. Synergistic effects of 3D ECM and chemogradients on neurite outgrowth and guidance: a simple modeling and microfluidic framework. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99640. [PMID: 24914812 PMCID: PMC4051856 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
During nervous system development, numerous cues within the extracellular matrix microenvironment (ECM) guide the growing neurites along specific pathways to reach their intended targets. Neurite motility is controlled by extracellular signal sensing through the growth cone at the neurite tip, including chemoattractive and repulsive cues. However, it is difficult to regenerate and restore neurite tracts, lost or degraded due to an injury or disease, in the adult central nervous system. Thus, it is important to evaluate the dynamic interplay between ECM and the concentration gradients of these cues, which would elicit robust neuritogenesis. Such information is critical in understanding the processes involved in developmental biology, and in developing high-fidelity neurite regenerative strategies post-injury, and in drug discovery and targeted therapeutics for neurodegenerative conditions. Here, we quantitatively investigated this relationship using a combination of mathematical modeling and in vitro experiments, and determined the synergistic role of guidance cues and ECM on neurite outgrowth and turning. Using a biomimetic microfluidic system, we have shown that cortical neurite outgrowth and turning under chemogradients (IGF-1 or BDNF) within 3D scaffolds is highly regulated by the source concentration of the guidance cue and the physical characteristics of the scaffold. A mechanistic-driven partial differential equation model of neurite outgrowth has been proposed, which could also be used prospectively as a predictive tool. The parameters for the chemotaxis term in the model are determined from the experimental data using our microfluidic assay. Resulting model simulations demonstrate how neurite outgrowth was critically influenced by the experimental variables, which was further supported by experimental data on cell-surface-receptor expressions. The model results are in excellent agreement with the experimental findings. This integrated approach represents a framework for further elucidation of biological mechanisms underlying neuronal responses of specialized cell types, during various stages of development, and under healthy or diseased conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parthasarathy Srinivasan
- Department of Mathematics, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ioannis K. Zervantonakis
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Chandrasekhar R. Kothapalli
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kuffler DP. An assessment of current techniques for inducing axon regeneration and neurological recovery following peripheral nerve trauma. Prog Neurobiol 2014; 116:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
43
|
Sip CG, Bhattacharjee N, Folch A. Microfluidic transwell inserts for generation of tissue culture-friendly gradients in well plates. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:302-14. [PMID: 24225908 PMCID: PMC4362725 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc51052b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Gradients of biochemical molecules play a key role in many physiological processes such as axon growth, tissue morphogenesis, and trans-epithelium nutrient transport, as well as in pathophysiological phenomena such as wound healing, immune response, bacterial invasion, and cancer metastasis. In this paper, we report a microfluidic transwell insert for generating quantifiable concentration gradients in a user-friendly and modular format that is compatible with conventional cell cultures and with tissue explant cultures. The device is simply inserted into a standard 6-well plate, where it hangs self-supported at a distance of ~250 μm above the cell culture surface. The gradient is created by small microflows from the device, through an integrated track-etched porous membrane, into the cell culture well. The microfluidic transwell can deliver stable, quantifiable gradients over a large area with extremely low fluid shear stress to dissociated cells or tissue explants cultured independently on the surface of a 6-well plate. We used finite-element modeling to describe the porous membrane flow and molecular transport and to predict gradients generated by the device. Using the device, we applied a gradient of the chemotactic peptide N-formyl-met-leu-phe (fMLP) to a large population of HL-60 cells (a neutrophil cell line) and directly observed the migration with time-lapse microscopy. On quantification of the chemotactic response with an automated tracking algorithm, we found 74% of the cells moving towards the gradient. Additionally, the modular design and low fluid shear stress made it possible to apply gradients of growth factors and second messengers to mouse retinal explant cultures. With a simplified interface and well-defined gradients, the microfluidic transwell device has potential for broad applications to gradient-sensing biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Sip
- Bioengineering, University of Washington, William H. Foege Building, 1705 NE Pacific St. Campus Box 355061, Seattle, Washington, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
The precise wiring of the nervous system relies on processes by which axons navigate in a complex environment and are guided by a concerted action of attractive and repulsive factors to reach their target. Investigating these guidance processes depends critically on our ability to control in space and time the microenvironment of neurons. The implementation of microfabrication techniques in cell biology now enables a precise control of the extracellular physical and chemical environment of cultured cells. However, microtechnology is only beginning to be applied in the field of axon guidance due to specific requirements of neuronal cultures. Here we review microdevices specifically designed to study axonal guidance and compare them with the conventional assays used to probe gradient sensing in cell biology. We also discuss how innovative microdevice-based approaches will enable the investigation of important systems-level questions on the gradient sensing properties of nerve cells, such as the sensitivity and robustness in the detection of directional signals or the combinatorial response to multiple cues.
Collapse
|
45
|
Joddar B, Guy AT, Kamiguchi H, Ito Y. Spatial gradients of chemotropic factors from immobilized patterns to guide axonal growth and regeneration. Biomaterials 2013; 34:9593-601. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
|
46
|
Ricoult SG, Pla-Roca M, Safavieh R, Lopez-Ayon GM, Grütter P, Kennedy TE, Juncker D. Large dynamic range digital nanodot gradients of biomolecules made by low-cost nanocontact printing for cell haptotaxis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2013; 9:3308-3313. [PMID: 23606620 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201202915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Revised: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A novel method is introduced for ultrahigh throughput and ultralow cost patterning of biomolecules with nanometer resolution and novel 2D digital nanodot gradients (DNGs) with mathematically defined slopes are created. The technique is based on lift-off nanocontact printing while using high-resolution photopolymer stamps that are rapidly produced at a low cost through double replication from Si originals. Printed patterns with 100 nm features are shown. DNGs with varying spacing between the dots and a record dynamic range of 4400 are produced; 64 unique DNGs, each with hundreds of thousands of dots, are inked and printed in 5.5 min. The adhesive response and haptotaxis of C2C12 myoblast cells on DNGs demonstrated their biofunctionality. The great flexibility in pattern design, the massive parallel ability, the ultra low cost, and the extreme ease of polymer lift-off nanocontact printing will facilitate its use for various biological and medical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien G Ricoult
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Centre, McGill University, 740 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montréal, Québec H3A 0G1, Canada, Fax: (+)1 (514) 398 1790; Webpage: http://wikisites.mcgill.ca/djgroup/; Department of Neuroscience, McGill University, 3801 University Avenue, Montréal, Québec H3A 0G1, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Lara Rodriguez L, Schneider IC. Directed cell migration in multi-cue environments. Integr Biol (Camb) 2013; 5:1306-23. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ib40137e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ian C. Schneider
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, USA
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Harink B, Le Gac S, Truckenmüller R, van Blitterswijk C, Habibovic P. Regeneration-on-a-chip? The perspectives on use of microfluidics in regenerative medicine. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:3512-28. [PMID: 23877890 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc50293g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of regenerative medicine is to restore or establish normal function of damaged tissues or organs. Tremendous efforts are placed into development of novel regenerative strategies, involving (stem) cells, soluble factors, biomaterials or combinations thereof, as a result of the growing need caused by continuous population aging. To satisfy this need, fast and reliable assessment of (biological) performance is sought, not only to select the potentially interesting candidates, but also to rule out poor ones at an early stage of development. Microfluidics may provide a new avenue to accelerate research and development in the field of regenerative medicine as it has proven its maturity for the realization of high-throughput screening platforms. In addition, microfluidic systems offer other advantages such as the possibility to create in vivo-like microenvironments. Besides the complexity of organs or tissues that need to be regenerated, regenerative medicine brings additional challenges of complex regeneration processes and strategies. The question therefore arises whether so much complexity can be integrated into microfluidic systems without compromising reliability and throughput of assays. With this review, we aim to investigate whether microfluidics can become widely applied in regenerative medicine research and/or strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Björn Harink
- Department of Tissue Regeneration, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine, PO Box 217, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Bain LE, Jewett SA, Mukund AH, Bedair SM, Paskova TM, Ivanisevic A. Biomolecular gradients via semiconductor gradients: characterization of amino acid adsorption to InxGa1-xN surfaces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2013; 5:7236-7243. [PMID: 23841643 DOI: 10.1021/am4015555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The band gap of indium gallium nitride can be tuned by varying the compositional ratio of indium to gallium, spanning the entire visible region and extending into the near-infrared and near-ultraviolet. This tunability allows for device optimization specific to different applications, including as a biosensor or platform for studying biological interactions. However, these rely on chemically dependent interactions between the device surface and the biostructures of interest. This study presents a material gradient of changing In:Ga composition and the subsequent evaluation of amino acid adsorption to this surface. Arginine is adsorbed to the surface in conditions both above and below the isoelectric point, providing insight to the role of electrostatic interactions in interface formation. These electrostatics are the driving force of the observed adsorption behaviors, with protonated amino acid demonstrating increased adsorption as a function of native surface oxide buildup. We thus present a gradient inorganic substrate featuring varying affinity for amino acid adhesion, which can be applied in generating gradient architectures for biosensors and studying cellular behaviors without application of specialized patterning processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Bain
- UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kundu A, Micholt L, Friedrich S, Rand DR, Bartic C, Braeken D, Levchenko A. Superimposed topographic and chemical cues synergistically guide neurite outgrowth. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:3070-81. [PMID: 23752939 PMCID: PMC3820293 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc50174d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Guidance of neuronal extensions is a complex process essential for linking neurons into complex functional networks underlying the workings of the neural system. Decades of research have suggested the ability of neuronal growth cones to integrate multiple types of cues during the extension process, but also have raised numerous still unanswered questions about synergy or antagonism between the superimposed chemical and mechanical signaling inputs. In this study, using a novel microfabricated analysis platform, we investigate the response of primary mouse embryonic hippocampal neurons to superimposed topographic and soluble chemical cues. We find that an optimal spatial frequency of topographic cues exists, maximizing the precision of the neurite extension. This optimal frequency can help the extending neurites navigate a topographically complex environment, providing pronounced directional selectivity. We also demonstrate that this cue can synergistically enhance attractive and suppress repulsive guidance by the bi-functional soluble cue Netrin-1, and eliminate the repulsive guidance by a chemorepellent Semaphorin3A (Sema3A). These results suggest that topographic cues can provide optimal periodic input into the guidance signaling processes involved in growth cone chemoattraction and can synergistically interact with chemical gradients of soluble guidance cues, shedding light on complex events accompanying the development of the functional nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Kundu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Liesbeth Micholt
- Life Science Technologies Department, Imec vzw, Kapeldreef 75, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Solid State Physics and Magnetism Section, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Sarah Friedrich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Danielle R. Rand
- Life Science Technologies Department, Imec vzw, Kapeldreef 75, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carmen Bartic
- Solid State Physics and Magnetism Section, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Dries Braeken
- Life Science Technologies Department, Imec vzw, Kapeldreef 75, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andre Levchenko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| |
Collapse
|