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Prabhukhot GS, Eggleton CD, Patel J. Multispecies Bacterial Biofilms and Their Evaluation Using Bioreactors. Foods 2023; 12:4495. [PMID: 38137299 PMCID: PMC10742677 DOI: 10.3390/foods12244495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic biofilm formation within food processing industries raises a serious public health and safety concern, and places burdens on the economy. Biofilm formation on equipment surfaces is a rather complex phenomenon, wherein multiple steps are involved in bacterial biofilm formation. In this review we discuss the stages of biofilm formation, the existing literature on the impact of surface properties and shear stress on biofilms, types of bioreactors, and antimicrobial coatings. The review underscores the significance of prioritizing biofilm prevention strategies as a first line of defense, followed by control measures. Utilizing specific biofilm eradication strategies as opposed to a uniform approach is crucial because biofilms exhibit different behavioral outcomes even amongst the same species when the environmental conditions change. This review is geared towards biofilm researchers and food safety experts, and seeks to derive insights into the scope of biofilm formation, prevention, and control. The use of suitable bioreactors is paramount to understanding the mechanisms of biofilm formation. The findings provide useful information to researchers involved in bioreactor selection for biofilm investigation, and food processors in surfaces with novel antimicrobial coatings, which provide minimal bacterial attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grishma S. Prabhukhot
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA; (G.S.P.); (C.D.E.)
| | - Charles D. Eggleton
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA; (G.S.P.); (C.D.E.)
| | - Jitendra Patel
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Environmental and Microbial Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
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2
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McLeod D, Wei L, Li Z. A standard 96-well based high throughput microfluidic perfusion biofilm reactor for in situ optical analysis. Biomed Microdevices 2023; 25:26. [PMID: 37493818 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-023-00668-w] [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] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm infections represent a major public health threat due to their high tolerance to antimicrobials and the lack of specific anti-biofilm drugs. To develop such drugs, it is crucial to have high-throughput biofilm growth systems that can emulate in vivo conditions without the cost and complexity of animal models. However, no current biofilm reactor can provide in vivo-like conditions in a high throughput standard microtiter format. This paper demonstrates a novel high-throughput (HT) microfluidic perfusion biofilm reactor (HT-μPBR) compatible with a standard 96-well microtiter plate for in situ optical analysis. A snap-on liquid-tight cover for standard microtiter plates was designed and fabricated with fluidic channels to provide closed-loop recirculating perfusion. Our system takes steps toward providing in vivo-like conditions with controlled shear stress and nutrient delivery. We describe the system fabrication and usage in optical analysis of biomass and viability of Escherichia coli (E. coli) biofilms. The HT-μPBR was set to perfuse at 1 mL/min corresponding to an average shear rate of approximately [Formula: see text] on the bottom surface of a single well. Biofilms were detected on well plate bottoms and measured using a fluorescence microscope and plate reader to determine biomass and viability. Samples cultured in the HT-μPBR showed increased biomass while maintaining viability after 24 h. The HT-μPBR can further be combined with HT antibiotic susceptibility testing and additional optical techniques such as time-lapse imaging to improve understanding of the drug reaction mechanism as well as the optimization of drug combinations and delivery profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- David McLeod
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, 800 22nd St NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lai Wei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, 800 22nd St NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, 800 22nd St NW, Washington, DC, USA.
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3
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Kasahara K, Leygeber M, Seiffarth J, Ruzaeva K, Drepper T, Nöh K, Kohlheyer D. Enabling oxygen-controlled microfluidic cultures for spatiotemporal microbial single-cell analysis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1198170. [PMID: 37408642 PMCID: PMC10318409 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1198170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic cultivation devices that facilitate O2 control enable unique studies of the complex interplay between environmental O2 availability and microbial physiology at the single-cell level. Therefore, microbial single-cell analysis based on time-lapse microscopy is typically used to resolve microbial behavior at the single-cell level with spatiotemporal resolution. Time-lapse imaging then provides large image-data stacks that can be efficiently analyzed by deep learning analysis techniques, providing new insights into microbiology. This knowledge gain justifies the additional and often laborious microfluidic experiments. Obviously, the integration of on-chip O2 measurement and control during the already complex microfluidic cultivation, and the development of image analysis tools, can be a challenging endeavor. A comprehensive experimental approach to allow spatiotemporal single-cell analysis of living microorganisms under controlled O2 availability is presented here. To this end, a gas-permeable polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic cultivation chip and a low-cost 3D-printed mini-incubator were successfully used to control O2 availability inside microfluidic growth chambers during time-lapse microscopy. Dissolved O2 was monitored by imaging the fluorescence lifetime of the O2-sensitive dye RTDP using FLIM microscopy. The acquired image-data stacks from biological experiments containing phase contrast and fluorescence intensity data were analyzed using in-house developed and open-source image-analysis tools. The resulting oxygen concentration could be dynamically controlled between 0% and 100%. The system was experimentally tested by culturing and analyzing an E. coli strain expressing green fluorescent protein as an indirect intracellular oxygen indicator. The presented system allows for innovative microbiological research on microorganisms and microbial ecology with single-cell resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keitaro Kasahara
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Markus Leygeber
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Johannes Seiffarth
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
- Computational Systems Biotechnology (AVT.CSB), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Karina Ruzaeva
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
- Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science (AICES), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Drepper
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Katharina Nöh
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Dietrich Kohlheyer
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
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4
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Michaelis C, Grohmann E. Horizontal Gene Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020328. [PMID: 36830238 PMCID: PMC9952180 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Most bacteria attach to biotic or abiotic surfaces and are embedded in a complex matrix which is known as biofilm. Biofilm formation is especially worrisome in clinical settings as it hinders the treatment of infections with antibiotics due to the facilitated acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Environmental settings are now considered as pivotal for driving biofilm formation, biofilm-mediated antibiotic resistance development and dissemination. Several studies have demonstrated that environmental biofilms can be hotspots for the dissemination of ARGs. These genes can be encoded on mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as conjugative and mobilizable plasmids or integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). ARGs can be rapidly transferred through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) which has been shown to occur more frequently in biofilms than in planktonic cultures. Biofilm models are promising tools to mimic natural biofilms to study the dissemination of ARGs via HGT. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art of biofilm studies and the techniques that visualize the three main HGT mechanisms in biofilms: transformation, transduction, and conjugation.
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5
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The battle for oxygen during bacterial and fungal infections. Trends Microbiol 2022; 30:643-653. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Kiiski I, Järvinen P, Ollikainen E, Jokinen V, Sikanen T. The material-enabled oxygen control in thiol-ene microfluidic channels and its feasibility for subcellular drug metabolism assays under hypoxia in vitro. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:1820-1831. [PMID: 33949410 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01292k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Tissue oxygen levels are known to be critical to regulation of many cellular processes, including the hepatic metabolism of therapeutic drugs, but its impact is often ignored in in vitro assays. In this study, the material-induced oxygen scavenging property of off-stoichiometric thiol-enes (OSTE) was exploited to create physiologically relevant oxygen concentrations in microfluidic immobilized enzyme reactors (IMERs) incorporating human liver microsomes. This could facilitate rapid screening of, for instance, toxic drug metabolites possibly produced in hypoxic conditions typical for many liver injuries. The mechanism of OSTE-induced oxygen scavenging was examined in depth to enable precise adjustment of the on-chip oxygen concentration with the help of microfluidic flow. The oxygen scavenging rate of OSTE was shown to depend on the type and the amount of the thiol monomer used in the bulk composition, and the surface-to-volume ratio of the chip design, but not on the physical or mechanical properties of the bulk. Our data suggest that oxygen scavenging takes place at the polymer-liquid interface, likely via oxidative reactions of the excess thiol monomers released from the bulk with molecular oxygen. Based on the kinetic constants governing the oxygen scavenging rate in OSTE microchannels, a microfluidic device comprising monolithically integrated oxygen depletion and IMER units was designed and its performance validated with the help of oxygen-dependent metabolism of an antiretroviral drug, zidovudine, which yields a cytotoxic metabolite under hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iiro Kiiski
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5E), Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland.
| | - Päivi Järvinen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5E), Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland.
| | - Elisa Ollikainen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5E), Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland.
| | - Ville Jokinen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, FI-02150, Finland
| | - Tiina Sikanen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5E), Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland.
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8
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Hsu HH, Ko PL, Wu HM, Lin HC, Wang CK, Tung YC. Study 3D Endothelial Cell Network Formation under Various Oxygen Microenvironment and Hydrogel Composition Combinations Using Upside-Down Microfluidic Devices. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2006091. [PMID: 33480473 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202006091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Formation of 3D networks is a crucial process for endothelial cells during development of primary blood vessels under both normal and pathological conditions. In order to investigate effects of oxygen microenvironment and matrix composition on the 3D network formation, an upside-down microfluidic cell culture device capable of generating oxygen gradients is developed in this paper. In cell experiments, network formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) within fibrinogen-based hydrogels with different concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA) is systematically studied. In addition, five different oxygen microenvironments (uniform normoxia, 5%, and 1% O2 ; oxygen gradients under normoxia and 5% O2 ) are also applied for the cell culture. The generated oxygen gradients are characterized based on fluorescence lifetime measurements. The experimental results show increased 3D cell network length when the cells are cultured under the oxygen gradients within the hydrogels with the HA addition suggesting their roles in promoting network formation. Furthermore, the formed networks tend to align along the direction of the oxygen gradients indicating the presence of gradient-driven cellular response. The results demonstrate that the developed upside-down microfluidic device can provide an advanced platform to investigate 3D cell culture under the controlled oxygen microenvironments for various biomedical studies in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Hua Hsu
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Liang Ko
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Mei Wu
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chieh Lin
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Kai Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chung Tung
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
- College of Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, 33302, Taiwan
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9
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Subramanian S, Huiszoon RC, Chu S, Bentley WE, Ghodssi R. Microsystems for biofilm characterization and sensing - A review. Biofilm 2020; 2:100015. [PMID: 33447801 PMCID: PMC7798443 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2019.100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are the primary cause of clinical bacterial infections and are impervious to typical amounts of antibiotics, necessitating very high doses for elimination. Therefore, it is imperative to have suitable methods for characterization to develop novel methods of treatment that can complement or replace existing approaches using significantly lower doses of antibiotics. This review presents some of the current developments in microsystems for characterization and sensing of bacterial biofilms. Initially, we review current standards for studying biofilms that are based on invasive and destructive end-point biofilm characterization. Additionally, biofilm formation and growth is extremely sensitive to various growth and environmental parameters that cause large variability in biofilms between repeated experiments, making it very difficult to compare experimental repeats and characterize the temporal characteristics of these organisms. To address these challenges, recent developments in the field have moved toward systems and miniature devices that can aid in the non-invasive characterization of bacterial biofilms. Our review focuses on several types of microsystems for biofilm evaluation including optical, electrochemical, and mechanical systems. This review will show how these devices can lead to better understanding of the physiology and function of these communities of bacteria, which can eventually lead to the development of novel treatments that do not rely on high-dosage antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya Subramanian
- MEMS Sensors and Actuators Laboratory, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Ryan C. Huiszoon
- MEMS Sensors and Actuators Laboratory, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Sangwook Chu
- MEMS Sensors and Actuators Laboratory, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - William E. Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Reza Ghodssi
- MEMS Sensors and Actuators Laboratory, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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10
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Barmaki S, Obermaier D, Kankuri E, Vuola J, Franssila S, Jokinen V. A Microfluidic Chip Architecture Enabling a Hypoxic Microenvironment and Nitric Oxide Delivery in Cell Culture. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11110979. [PMID: 33143339 PMCID: PMC7692389 DOI: 10.3390/mi11110979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A hypoxic (low oxygen level) microenvironment and nitric oxide paracrine signaling play important roles in the control of both biological and pathological cell responses. In this study, we present a microfluidic chip architecture for nitric oxide delivery under a hypoxic microenvironment in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293). The chip utilizes two separate, but interdigitated microfluidic channels. The hypoxic microenvironment was created by sodium sulfite as the oxygen scavenger in one of the channels. The nitric oxide microenvironment was created by sodium nitroprusside as the light-activated nitric oxide donor in the other channel. The solutions are separated from the cell culture by a 30 µm thick gas-permeable, but liquid-impermeable polydimethylsiloxane membrane. We show that the architecture is preliminarily feasible to define the gaseous microenvironment of a cell culture in the 100 µm and 1 mm length scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samineh Barmaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-469-074-531
| | | | - Esko Kankuri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Jyrki Vuola
- Helsinki Burn Centre, Jorvi Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, 00260 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Sami Franssila
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, 00076 Espoo, Finland; (S.F.); (V.J.)
| | - Ville Jokinen
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, 00076 Espoo, Finland; (S.F.); (V.J.)
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11
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Tan HY, Toh YC. What can microfluidics do for human microbiome research? BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:051303. [PMID: 33062112 PMCID: PMC7538166 DOI: 10.1063/5.0012185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the human microbiome has been linked to various disease states, which has galvanized the efforts to modulate human health through microbiomes. Currently, human microbiome research is going through several phases to identify the constituent components of the microbiome, associate microbiome changes with physiological and pathological states, understand causative relationships, and finally translate this knowledge into therapeutics and diagnostics. The convergence of microfluidic technologies with molecular and cell profiling, microbiology, and tissue engineering can potentially be applied to these different phases of microbiome research to overcome the existing challenges faced by conventional approaches. The goal of this paper is to discuss and highlight the opportunities of applying different microfluidic technologies to specific areas of microbiome research as well as unique challenges that microfluidics must overcome when working with microbiome-relevant biological materials, e.g., micro-organisms, host tissues, and fluids. We will discuss the applicability of integrated microfluidic systems for processing biological samples for genomic sequencing analyses. For functional analysis of the microbiota, we will cover state-of-the-art microfluidic devices for microbiota cultivation and functional measurements. Finally, we highlight the use of organs-on-chips to model various microbiome-host tissue interactions. We envision that microfluidic technologies may hold great promise in advancing the knowledge on the interplay between microbiome and human health, as well as its eventual translation into microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsih-Yin Tan
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599
| | - Yi-Chin Toh
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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12
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Integrated On-Chip 3D Vascular Network Culture under Hypoxia. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11050475. [PMID: 32365889 PMCID: PMC7281659 DOI: 10.3390/mi11050475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We developed a portable device made of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for long-term 3D cell culture of vascular endothelial cells for the development of a vascular network and evaluated the device under different transitions between normoxia and hypoxia with good optical accessibility. The combination of a nested reservoir device and a bicarbonate/ascorbate buffer system accomplished on-chip incubation with 4.91 ± 0.86% pO2 and 5.19 ± 1.70% pCO2 for up to 10 days. Seventy-two hours of normoxic incubation preceding hypoxic culture increased the cell viability, network formation, and size and stability of the resulting lumens compared with those completely maintained in normoxia for the same total duration. We employed different parameters of the network (e.g., total mesh area, total length, number of branches, among others) for the comparison of different oxygen treatments in the device. The differential effect of hypoxic conditions based on the maturity of the vessels may be used as an external factor to improve vascular development in vitro.
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Metabolic Switching of Tumor Cells under Hypoxic Conditions in a Tumor-on-a-chip Model. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11040382. [PMID: 32260396 PMCID: PMC7231186 DOI: 10.3390/mi11040382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia switches the metabolism of tumor cells and induces drug resistance. Currently, no therapeutic exists that effectively and specifically targets hypoxic cells in tumors. Development of such therapeutics critically depends on the availability of in vitro models that accurately recapitulate hypoxia as found in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we report on the design and validation of an easy-to-fabricate tumor-on-a-chip microfluidic platform that robustly emulates the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. The tumor-on-a-chip model consists of a central chamber for 3D tumor cell culture and two side channels for medium perfusion. The microfluidic device is fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and oxygen diffusion in the device is blocked by an embedded sheet of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Hypoxia was confirmed using oxygen-sensitive probes and the effect on the 3D tumor cell culture investigated by a pH-sensitive dual-labeled fluorescent dextran and a fluorescently labeled glucose analogue. In contrast to control devices without PMMA, PMMA-containing devices gave rise to decreases in oxygen and pH levels as well as an increased consumption of glucose after two days of culture, indicating a rapid metabolic switch of the tumor cells under hypoxic conditions towards increased glycolysis. This platform will open new avenues for testing anti-cancer therapies targeting hypoxic areas.
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14
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Microfluidic System for Observation of Bacterial Culture and Effects on Biofilm Formation at Microscale. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10090606. [PMID: 31547458 PMCID: PMC6780771 DOI: 10.3390/mi10090606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms exist in the natural world and applied to many industries. However, due to the variety of characteristics caused by their complex components, biofilms can also lead to membrane fouling and recurrent infections which pose threats to human health. So, to make the best use of their advantages and avoid their disadvantages, knowing the best time and methods for improving or preventing biofilm formation is important. In situ observation without fluorescence labeling in microscale and according to a time scale is useful to research biofilm and confine its formation. In this study, we developed a microfluidic system for real-time observation of bacteria culture and biofilms development at microscale. We cultured E. coli ATCC 25922 on a chip at continuous flow of the velocity, which could promote bacterial formation. Biofilms formation under the condition of adding amoxicillin at different times is also discussed. In addition, the mixed strains from sludge were also cultured on chip, and possible factors in biofilm formation are discussed. Our results show that a microfluidic device could culture microorganisms in continuous flow and accelerate them to adhere to the surface, thereby promoting biofilm formation. Overall, this platform is a useful tool in research on initial biofilm formation, which can contribute to preventing biofouling and infections.
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15
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Sardelli L, Pacheco DP, Zorzetto L, Rinoldi C, Święszkowski W, Petrini P. Engineering biological gradients. J Appl Biomater Funct Mater 2019; 17:2280800019829023. [PMID: 30803308 DOI: 10.1177/2280800019829023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological gradients profoundly influence many cellular activities, such as adhesion, migration, and differentiation, which are the key to biological processes, such as inflammation, remodeling, and tissue regeneration. Thus, engineered structures containing bioinspired gradients can not only support a better understanding of these phenomena, but also guide and improve the current limits of regenerative medicine. In this review, we outline the challenges behind the engineering of devices containing chemical-physical and biomolecular gradients, classifying them according to gradient-making methods and the finalities of the systems. Different manufacturing processes can generate gradients in either in-vitro systems or scaffolds, which are suitable tools for the study of cellular behavior and for regenerative medicine; within these, rapid prototyping techniques may have a huge impact on the controlled production of gradients. The parallel need to develop characterization techniques is addressed, underlining advantages and weaknesses in the analysis of both chemical and physical gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Sardelli
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - D P Pacheco
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - L Zorzetto
- 2 Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - C Rinoldi
- 3 Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
| | - W Święszkowski
- 3 Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
| | - P Petrini
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
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16
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Microfluidic study of effects of flow velocity and nutrient concentration on biofilm accumulation and adhesive strength in the flowing and no-flowing microchannels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 46:855-868. [DOI: 10.1007/s10295-019-02161-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Biofilm accumulation in porous media can cause pore plugging and change many of the physical properties of porous media. Engineering bioplugging may have significant applications for many industrial processes, while improved knowledge on biofilm accumulation in porous media at porescale in general has broad relevance for a range of industries as well as environmental and water research. The experimental results by means of microscopic imaging over a T-shape microchannel clearly show that increase in fluid velocity could facilitate biofilm growth, but that above a velocity threshold, biofilm detachment and inhibition of biofilm formation due to high shear stress were observed. High nutrient concentration prompts the biofilm growth; however, the generated biofilm displays a weak adhesive strength. This paper provides an overview of biofilm development in a hydrodynamic environment for better prediction and modelling of bioplugging processes associated with porous systems in petroleum industry, hydrogeology and water purification.
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Rivera KR, Yokus MA, Erb PD, Pozdin VA, Daniele M. Measuring and regulating oxygen levels in microphysiological systems: design, material, and sensor considerations. Analyst 2019; 144:3190-3215. [PMID: 30968094 PMCID: PMC6564678 DOI: 10.1039/c8an02201a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
As microfabrication techniques and tissue engineering methods improve, microphysiological systems (MPS) are being engineered that recapitulate complex physiological and pathophysiological states to supplement and challenge traditional animal models. Although MPS provide unique microenvironments that transcend common 2D cell culture, without proper regulation of oxygen content, MPS often fail to provide the biomimetic environment necessary to activate and investigate fundamental pathways of cellular metabolism and sub-cellular level. Oxygen exists in the human body in various concentrations and partial pressures; moreover, it fluctuates dramatically depending on fasting, exercise, and sleep patterns. Regulating oxygen content inside MPS necessitates a sensitive biological sensor to quantify oxygen content in real-time. Measuring oxygen in a microdevice is a non-trivial requirement for studies focused on understanding how oxygen impacts cellular processes, including angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. Quantifying oxygen inside a microdevice can be achieved via an array of technologies, with each method having benefits and limitations in terms of sensitivity, limits of detection, and invasiveness that must be considered and optimized. This article will review oxygen physiology in organ systems and offer comparisons of organ-specific MPS that do and do not consider oxygen microenvironments. Materials used in microphysiological models will also be analyzed in terms of their ability to control oxygen. Finally, oxygen sensor technologies are critically compared and evaluated for use in MPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina R Rivera
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 911 Oval Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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18
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Holubowitch NE, Omosebi A, Gao X, Landon J, Liu K. Membrane-free electrochemical deoxygenation of aqueous solutions using symmetric activated carbon electrodes in flow-through cells. Electrochim Acta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2018.11.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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19
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Lee I, Woo JH, Lee M, Jeon TJ, Kim SM. Hypoxic Physiological Environments in a Gas-Regulated Microfluidic Device. MICROMACHINES 2018; 10:mi10010016. [PMID: 30597832 PMCID: PMC6356689 DOI: 10.3390/mi10010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxic environment is known as one of the critical factors in various physiological/pathological processes. It is imperative to recapitulate oxygen level in microscale for human physiology/pathology induced by hypoxia. Herein, we propose an oxygen-regulating system that can be applied to in vitro tissue models. We fabricated a microdevice with a gas-permeable membrane, allowing oxygen diffusion without direct contact to cells. We verified the formation of oxygen level less than 2% O2 concentration inside the device through computational simulation and experiments. H9c2 heart myoblasts were exposed to hypoxic condition in the device, and their cell viability were investigated. We anticipate that our system will be integrated with a platform to study hypoxia-induced human physiology and pathology as an efficient oxygen-regulating system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Insu Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea.
| | - Jin Hyuk Woo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea.
| | - Min Lee
- Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, University of California at Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at Los Angeles, 420 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Tae-Joon Jeon
- Department of Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea.
| | - Sun Min Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea.
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20
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Abstract
A micro-level technique so-called “microfluidic technology or simply microfluidic” has gained a special place as a powerful tool in bioengineering and biomedical engineering research due to its core advantages in modern science and engineering. Microfluidic technology has played a substantial role in numerous applications with special reference to bioscience, biomedical and biotechnological research. It has facilitated noteworthy development in various sectors of bio-research and upsurges the efficacy of research at the molecular level, in recent years. Microfluidic technology can manipulate sample volumes with precise control outside cellular microenvironment, at micro-level. Thus, enable the reduction of discrepancies between in vivo and in vitro environments and reduce the overall reaction time and cost. In this review, we discuss various integrations of microfluidic technologies into biotechnology and its paradigmatic significance in bio-research, supporting mechanical and chemical in vitro cellular microenvironment. Furthermore, specific innovations related to the application of microfluidics to advance microbial life, solitary and co-cultures along with a multiple-type cell culturing, cellular communications, cellular interactions, and population dynamics are also discussed.
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21
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Zuluaga-Bedoya C, Ruiz-Botero M, Ospina-Alarcón M, Garcia-Tirado J. A dynamical model of an aeration plant for wastewater treatment using a phenomenological based semi-physical modeling methodology. Comput Chem Eng 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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22
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Barmaki S, Jokinen V, Obermaier D, Blokhina D, Korhonen M, Ras RHA, Vuola J, Franssila S, Kankuri E. A microfluidic oxygen sink to create a targeted cellular hypoxic microenvironment under ambient atmospheric conditions. Acta Biomater 2018; 73:167-179. [PMID: 29649636 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Physiological oxygen levels within the tissue microenvironment are usually lower than 14%, in stem cell niches these levels can be as low as 0-1%. In cell cultures, such low oxygen levels are usually mimicked by altering the global culture environment either by O2 removal (vacuum or oxygen absorption) or by N2 supplementation for O2 replacement. To generate a targeted cellular hypoxic microenvironment under ambient atmospheric conditions, we characterised the ability of the dissolved oxygen-depleting sodium sulfite to generate an in-liquid oxygen sink. We utilised a microfluidic design to place the cultured cells in the vertical oxygen gradient and to physically separate the cells from the liquid. We demonstrate generation of a chemical in-liquid oxygen sink that modifies the surrounding O2 concentrations. O2 level control in the sink-generated hypoxia gradient is achievable by varying the thickness of the polydimethylsiloxane membrane. We show that intracellular hypoxia and hypoxia response element-dependent signalling is instigated in cells exposed to the microfluidic in-liquid O2 sink-generated hypoxia gradient. Moreover, we show that microfluidic flow controls site-specific microenvironmental kinetics of the chemical O2 sink reaction, which enables generation of intermittent hypoxia/re-oxygenation cycles. The microfluidic O2 sink chip targets hypoxia to the cell culture microenvironment exposed to the microfluidic channel architecture solely by depleting O2 while other sites in the same culture well remain unaffected. Thus, responses of both hypoxic and bystander cells can be characterised. Moreover, control of microfluidic flow enables generation of intermittent hypoxia or hypoxia/re-oxygenation cycles. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Specific manipulation of oxygen concentrations in cultured cells' microenvironment is important when mimicking low-oxygen tissue conditions and pathologies such as tissue infarction or cancer. We utilised a sodium sulfite-based in-liquid chemical reaction to consume dissolved oxygen. When this liquid was pumped into a microfluidic channel, lowered oxygen levels could be measured outside the channel through a polydimethylsiloxane PDMS membrane allowing only for gaseous exchange. We then utilised this setup to deplete oxygen from the microenvironment of cultured cells, and showed that cells responded to hypoxia on molecular level. Our setup can be used for specifically removing oxygen from the cell culture microenvironment for experimental purposes and for generating a low oxygen environment that better mimics the cells' original tissue environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samineh Barmaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ville Jokinen
- Aalto University, School of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, Espoo, Finland
| | | | - Daria Blokhina
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Korhonen
- Advanced Cell Therapy Centre, Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Robin H A Ras
- Aalto University, School of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, Espoo, Finland; Aalto University, School of Science, Department of Applied Physics, Espoo, Finland
| | - Jyrki Vuola
- Helsinki Burn Centre, Jorvi Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sami Franssila
- Aalto University, School of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, Espoo, Finland
| | - Esko Kankuri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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23
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A Microfluidic Hydrogel Chip with Orthogonal Dual Gradients of Matrix Stiffness and Oxygen for Cytotoxicity Test. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-017-2202-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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24
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Nagy K, Ábrahám Á, Keymer JE, Galajda P. Application of Microfluidics in Experimental Ecology: The Importance of Being Spatial. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:496. [PMID: 29616009 PMCID: PMC5870036 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is an emerging technology that is used more and more in biology experiments. Its capabilities of creating precisely controlled conditions in cellular dimensions make it ideal to explore cell-cell and cell-environment interactions. Thus, a wide spectrum of problems in microbial ecology can be studied using engineered microbial habitats. Moreover, artificial microfluidic ecosystems can serve as model systems to test ecology theories and principles that apply on a higher level in the hierarchy of biological organization. In this mini review we aim to demonstrate the versatility of microfluidics and the diversity of its applications that help the advance of microbiology, and in more general, experimental ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Nagy
- Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Ábrahám
- Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Science, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Juan E. Keymer
- School of Biological Sciences and School of Physics, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Péter Galajda
- Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
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25
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Lee G, Jun Y, Jang H, Yoon J, Lee J, Hong M, Chung S, Kim DH, Lee S. Enhanced oxygen permeability in membrane-bottomed concave microwells for the formation of pancreatic islet spheroids. Acta Biomater 2018; 65:185-196. [PMID: 29101017 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxygen availability is a critical factor in regulating cell viability that ultimately contributes to the normal morphogenesis and functionality of human tissues. Among various cell culture platforms, construction of 3D multicellular spheroids based on microwell arrays has been extensively applied to reconstitute in vitro human tissue models due to its precise control of tissue culture conditions as well as simple fabrication processes. However, an adequate supply of oxygen into the spheroidal cellular aggregation still remains one of the main challenges to producing healthy in vitro spheroidal tissue models. Here, we present a novel design for controlling the oxygen distribution in concave microwell arrays. We show that oxygen permeability into the microwell is tightly regulated by varying the poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) bottom thickness of the concave microwells. Moreover, we validate the enhanced performance of the engineered microwell arrays by culturing non-proliferated primary rat pancreatic islet spheroids on varying bottom thickness from 10 μm to 1050 μm. Morphological and functional analyses performed on the pancreatic islet spheroids grown for 14 days prove the long-term stability, enhanced viability, and increased hormone secretion under the sufficient oxygen delivery conditions. We expect our results could provide knowledge on oxygen distribution in 3-dimensional spheroidal cell structures and critical design concept for tissue engineering applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE In this study, we present a noble design to control the oxygen distribution in concave microwell arrays for the formation of highly functional pancreatic islet spheroids by engineering the bottom of the microwells. Our new platform significantly enhanced oxygen permeability that turned out to improve cell viability and spheroidal functionality compared to the conventional thick-bottomed 3-D culture system. Therefore, we believe that this could be a promising medical biotechnology platform to further develop high-throughput tissue screening system as well as in vivo-mimicking customised 3-D tissue culture systems.
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26
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Jorfi M, D'Avanzo C, Kim DY, Irimia D. Three-Dimensional Models of the Human Brain Development and Diseases. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:10.1002/adhm.201700723. [PMID: 28845922 PMCID: PMC5762251 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Deciphering the human brain pathophysiology remains one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Neurological disorders represent a significant proportion of diseases burden; however, the complexity of the brain physiology makes it challenging to model its diseases. Simple in vitro models have been very useful for precise measurements in controled conditions. However, existing models are limited in their ability to replicate complex interactions between various cells in the brain. Studying human brain requires sophisticated models to reconstitute the tangled architecture and functions of brain cells. Recently, advances in the development of three-dimensional (3D) brain cell culture models have begun to recapitulate various aspects of the human brain physiology in vitro and replicate basic disease processes of Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and microcephaly. In this review, we discuss the progress, advantages, limitations, and future directions of 3D cell culture systems for modeling the human brain development and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Jorfi
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, USA
| | - Carla D'Avanzo
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, USA
| | - Doo Yeon Kim
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, USA
| | - Daniel Irimia
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, USA
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27
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Gencturk E, Mutlu S, Ulgen KO. Advances in microfluidic devices made from thermoplastics used in cell biology and analyses. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2017; 11:051502. [PMID: 29152025 PMCID: PMC5654984 DOI: 10.1063/1.4998604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Silicon and glass were the main fabrication materials of microfluidic devices, however, plastics are on the rise in the past few years. Thermoplastic materials have recently been used to fabricate microfluidic platforms to perform experiments on cellular studies or environmental monitoring, with low cost disposable devices. This review describes the present state of the development and applications of microfluidic systems used in cell biology and analyses since the year 2000. Cultivation, separation/isolation, detection and analysis, and reaction studies are extensively discussed, considering only microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, fungi, zebra fish, etc.) and mammalian cell related studies in the microfluidic platforms. The advantages/disadvantages, fabrication methods, dimensions, and the purpose of creating the desired system are explained in detail. An important conclusion of this review is that these microfluidic platforms are still open for research and development, and solutions need to be found for each case separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Gencturk
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering Laboratory, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Senol Mutlu
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, BUMEMS Laboratory, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kutlu O Ulgen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering Laboratory, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
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28
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Byrne MB, Leslie MT, Patel HS, Gaskins HR, Kenis PJA. Design considerations for open-well microfluidic platforms for hypoxic cell studies. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2017; 11:054116. [PMID: 29152027 PMCID: PMC5659862 DOI: 10.1063/1.4998579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Regions of hypoxia are common in solid tumors and are associated with enhanced malignancy, metastasis, and chemo/radio resistance. Real-time hypoxic cellular experimentation is challenging due to the constant need for oxygen control. Most microfluidic platforms developed thus far for hypoxic cell studies are burdened by complex design parameters and are difficult to use for uninitiated investigators. However, open-well microfluidic platforms enable short and long term hypoxic cell studies with an ease of use workflow. Specifically, open-well platforms enable manipulation and addition of cells, media, and reagents using a micropipette for hypoxic cell studies in tunable dissolved oxygen concentrations as low 0.3 mg/l. We analyzed design considerations for open-well microfluidic platforms such as media height, membrane thickness, and impermeable barriers to determine their effects on the amount of dissolved oxygen within the platform. The oxygen concentration was determined by experimental measurements and computational simulations. To examine cell behavior under controlled oxygen conditions, hypoxia-induced changes to hypoxia inducible factor activity and the mitochondrial redox environment were studied. A fluorescent reporter construct was used to monitor the stabilization of hypoxia inducible factors 1α and 2α throughout chronic hypoxia. Reporter construct fluorescence intensity inversely correlated with dissolved oxygen in the medium, as expected. Additionally, the glutathione redox poise of the mitochondrial matrix in living cancer cells was monitored throughout acute hypoxia with a genetically encoded redox probe and was observed to undergo a reductive response to hypoxia. Overall, these studies validate an easy to use open-well platform suitable for studying complex cell behaviors in hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Heeral S Patel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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29
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Gruber P, Marques MPC, Szita N, Mayr T. Integration and application of optical chemical sensors in microbioreactors. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:2693-2712. [PMID: 28725897 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00538e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The quantification of key variables such as oxygen, pH, carbon dioxide, glucose, and temperature provides essential information for biological and biotechnological applications and their development. Microfluidic devices offer an opportunity to accelerate research and development in these areas due to their small scale, and the fine control over the microenvironment, provided that these key variables can be measured. Optical sensors are well-suited for this task. They offer non-invasive and non-destructive monitoring of the mentioned variables, and the establishment of time-course profiles without the need for sampling from the microfluidic devices. They can also be implemented in larger systems, facilitating cross-scale comparison of analytical data. This tutorial review presents an overview of the optical sensors and their technology, with a view to support current and potential new users in microfluidics and biotechnology in the implementation of such sensors. It introduces the benefits and challenges of sensor integration, including, their application for microbioreactors. Sensor formats, integration methods, device bonding options, and monitoring options are explained. Luminescent sensors for oxygen, pH, carbon dioxide, glucose and temperature are showcased. Areas where further development is needed are highlighted with the intent to guide future development efforts towards analytes for which reliable, stable, or easily integrated detection methods are not yet available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Gruber
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT, London, UK.
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30
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Zhang K, Zhang H, Wang Y, Tian Y, Zhao J, Li Y. High sensitivity and accuracy dissolved oxygen (DO) detection by using PtOEP/poly(MMA-co-TFEMA) sensing film. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2017; 170:242-246. [PMID: 27450122 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2016.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Fluorinated acrylate polymer has received great interest in recent years due to its extraordinary characteristics such as high oxygen permeability, good stability, low surface energy and refractive index. In this work, platinum octaethylporphyrin/poly(methylmethacrylate-co-trifluoroethyl methacrylate) (PtOEP/poly(MMA-co-TFEMA)) oxygen sensing film was prepared by the immobilizing of PtOEP in a poly(MMA-co-TFEMA) matrix and the technological readiness of optical properties was established based on the principle of luminescence quenching. It was found that the oxygen-sensing performance could be improved by optimizing the monomer ratio (MMA/TFEMA=1:1), tributylphosphate(TBP, 0.05mL) and PtOEP (5μg) content. Under this condition, the maximum quenching ratio I0/I100 of the oxygen sensing film is obtained to be about 8.16, Stern-Volmer equation is I0/I=1.003+2.663[O2] (R(2)=0.999), exhibiting a linear relationship, good photo-stability, high sensitivity and accuracy. Finally, the synthesized PtOEP/poly(MMA-co-TFEMA) sensing film was used for DO detection in different water samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150001 Harbin, China
| | - Honglin Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150001 Harbin, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150001 Harbin, China
| | - Yanqing Tian
- South University of Science and Technology of China, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jiupeng Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150001 Harbin, China.
| | - Yao Li
- Center for Composite Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
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31
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Tian J, Gao Y, Zhou B, Cao W, Wu X, Wen W. A valve-free 2D concentration gradient generator. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra02139a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Our designed chip with a criss-cross 3D flow path realizes a valve-free 2D concentration gradient generator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Tian
- Department of Physics
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Department of Physics
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- China
- Environmental Science Programs
| | - Bingpu Zhou
- Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering
- Faculty of Science and Technology
- University of Macau
- Taipa
- China
| | - Wenbin Cao
- Department of Physics
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wu
- Department of Physics
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- China
| | - Weijia Wen
- Department of Physics
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- China
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32
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Azeredo J, Azevedo NF, Briandet R, Cerca N, Coenye T, Costa AR, Desvaux M, Di Bonaventura G, Hébraud M, Jaglic Z, Kačániová M, Knøchel S, Lourenço A, Mergulhão F, Meyer RL, Nychas G, Simões M, Tresse O, Sternberg C. Critical review on biofilm methods. Crit Rev Microbiol 2016; 43:313-351. [PMID: 27868469 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2016.1208146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 553] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are widespread in nature and constitute an important strategy implemented by microorganisms to survive in sometimes harsh environmental conditions. They can be beneficial or have a negative impact particularly when formed in industrial settings or on medical devices. As such, research into the formation and elimination of biofilms is important for many disciplines. Several new methodologies have been recently developed for, or adapted to, biofilm studies that have contributed to deeper knowledge on biofilm physiology, structure and composition. In this review, traditional and cutting-edge methods to study biofilm biomass, viability, structure, composition and physiology are addressed. Moreover, as there is a lack of consensus among the diversity of techniques used to grow and study biofilms. This review intends to remedy this, by giving a critical perspective, highlighting the advantages and limitations of several methods. Accordingly, this review aims at helping scientists in finding the most appropriate and up-to-date methods to study their biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Azeredo
- a CEB ? Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO, Laboratórios de Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho Campus de Gualtar , Braga , Portugal
| | - Nuno F Azevedo
- b LEPABE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Romain Briandet
- c Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay , Jouy-en-Josas , France
| | - Nuno Cerca
- a CEB ? Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO, Laboratórios de Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho Campus de Gualtar , Braga , Portugal
| | - Tom Coenye
- d Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Ana Rita Costa
- a CEB ? Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO, Laboratórios de Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho Campus de Gualtar , Braga , Portugal
| | - Mickaël Desvaux
- e INRA Centre Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes , UR454 Microbiologie , Saint-Genès Champanelle , France
| | - Giovanni Di Bonaventura
- f Department of Medical, Oral, and Biotechnological Sciences, and Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT) , "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy
| | - Michel Hébraud
- e INRA Centre Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes , UR454 Microbiologie , Saint-Genès Champanelle , France
| | - Zoran Jaglic
- g Department of Food and Feed Safety, Laboratory of Food Bacteriology , Veterinary Research Institute , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Miroslava Kačániová
- h Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences , Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra , Nitra , Slovakia
| | - Susanne Knøchel
- i Department of Food Science (FOOD) , University of Copenhagen , Frederiksberg C , Denmark
| | - Anália Lourenço
- j Department of Computer Science , University of Vigo , Ourense , Spain
| | - Filipe Mergulhão
- b LEPABE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Rikke Louise Meyer
- k Aarhus University, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) , Aarhus , Denmark
| | - George Nychas
- l Agricultural University of Athens, Lab of Microbiology and Biotechnology of Foods , Athens , Greece
| | - Manuel Simões
- b LEPABE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Odile Tresse
- m LUNAM Université, Oniris, SECALIM UMR1024 INRA , Université de Nantes , Nantes , France
| | - Claus Sternberg
- n Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine , Technical University of Denmark , Lyngby, Denmark
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Lim CP, Mai PNQ, Roizman Sade D, Lam YC, Cohen Y. Biofilm development of an opportunistic model bacterium analysed at high spatiotemporal resolution in the framework of a precise flow cell. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2016; 2:16023. [PMID: 28721252 PMCID: PMC5515269 DOI: 10.1038/npjbiofilms.2016.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Life of bacteria is governed by the physical dimensions of life in microscales, which is dominated by fast diffusion and flow at low Reynolds numbers. Microbial biofilms are structurally and functionally heterogeneous and their development is suggested to be interactively related to their microenvironments. In this study, we were guided by the challenging requirements of precise tools and engineered procedures to achieve reproducible experiments at high spatial and temporal resolutions. Here, we developed a robust precise engineering approach allowing for the quantification of real-time, high-content imaging of biofilm behaviour under well-controlled flow conditions. Through the merging of engineering and microbial ecology, we present a rigorous methodology to quantify biofilm development at resolutions of single micrometre and single minute, using a newly developed flow cell. We designed and fabricated a high-precision flow cell to create defined and reproducible flow conditions. We applied high-content confocal laser scanning microscopy and developed image quantification using a model biofilm of a defined opportunistic strain, Pseudomonas putida OUS82. We observed complex patterns in the early events of biofilm formation, which were followed by total dispersal. These patterns were closely related to the flow conditions. These biofilm behavioural phenomena were found to be highly reproducible, despite the heterogeneous nature of biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Ping Lim
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Phuong Nguyen Quoc Mai
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Dan Roizman Sade
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Yee Cheong Lam
- The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Yehuda Cohen
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- The School of Biological Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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Oomen PE, Skolimowski MD, Verpoorte E. Implementing oxygen control in chip-based cell and tissue culture systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:3394-414. [PMID: 27492338 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00772d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen is essential in the energy metabolism of cells, as well as being an important regulatory parameter influencing cell differentiation and function. Interest in precise oxygen control for in vitro cultures of tissues and cells continues to grow, especially with the emergence of the organ-on-a-chip and the desire to emulate in vivo conditions. This was recently discussed in this journal in a Critical Review by Brennan et al. (Lab Chip (2014). DOI: ). Microfluidics can be used to introduce flow to facilitate nutrient supply to and waste removal from in vitro culture systems. Well-defined oxygen gradients can also be established. However, cells can quickly alter the oxygen balance in their vicinity. In this Tutorial Review, we expand on the Brennan paper to focus on the implementation of oxygen analysis in these systems to achieve continuous monitoring. Both electrochemical and optical approaches for the integration of oxygen monitoring in microfluidic tissue and cell culture systems will be discussed. Differences in oxygen requirements from one organ to the next are a challenging problem, as oxygen delivery is limited by its uptake into medium. Hence, we discuss the factors determining oxygen concentrations in solutions and consider the possible use of artificial oxygen carriers to increase dissolved oxygen concentrations. The selection of device material for applications requiring precise oxygen control is discussed in detail, focusing on oxygen permeability. Lastly, a variety of devices is presented, showing the diversity of approaches that can be employed to control and monitor oxygen concentrations in in vitro experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter E Oomen
- Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1 (XB20), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Kim BJ, Chu I, Jusuf S, Kuo T, TerAvest MA, Angenent LT, Wu M. Oxygen Tension and Riboflavin Gradients Cooperatively Regulate the Migration of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 Revealed by a Hydrogel-Based Microfluidic Device. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1438. [PMID: 27703448 PMCID: PMC5028412 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Shewanella oneidensis is a model bacterial strain for studies of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). It has two extracellular electron transfer pathways: (1) shuttling electrons via an excreted mediator riboflavin; and (2) direct contact between the c-type cytochromes at the cell membrane and the electrode. Despite the extensive use of S. oneidensis in BESs such as microbial fuel cells and biosensors, many basic microbiology questions about S. oneidensis in the context of BES remain unanswered. Here, we present studies of motility and chemotaxis of S. oneidensis under well controlled concentration gradients of two electron acceptors, oxygen and oxidized form of riboflavin (flavin+), using a newly developed microfluidic platform. Experimental results demonstrate that either oxygen or flavin+ is a chemoattractant to S. oneidensis. The chemotactic tendency of S. oneidensis in a flavin+ concentration gradient is significantly enhanced in an anaerobic in contrast to an aerobic condition. Furthermore, either a low oxygen tension or a high flavin+ concentration considerably enhances the speed of S. oneidensis. This work presents a robust microfluidic platform for generating oxygen and/or flavin+ gradients in an aqueous environment, and demonstrates that two important electron acceptors, oxygen and oxidized riboflavin, cooperatively regulate S. oneidensis migration patterns. The microfluidic tools presented as well as the knowledge gained in this work can be used to guide the future design of BESs for efficient electron production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beum Jun Kim
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Injun Chu
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Sebastian Jusuf
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Tiffany Kuo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Michaela A TerAvest
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Largus T Angenent
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell UniversityIthaca, NY, USA; Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Cornell UniversityIthaca, NY, USA
| | - Mingming Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell UniversityIthaca, NY, USA; Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Cornell UniversityIthaca, NY, USA
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Pham TD, Wallace DC, Burke PJ. Microchambers with Solid-State Phosphorescent Sensor for Measuring Single Mitochondrial Respiration. SENSORS 2016; 16:s16071065. [PMID: 27409618 PMCID: PMC4970112 DOI: 10.3390/s16071065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
It is now well established that, even within a single cell, multiple copies of the mitochondrial genome may be present (genetic heteroplasmy). It would be interesting to develop techniques to determine if and to what extent this genetic variation results in functional variation from one mitochondrion to the next (functional heteroplasmy). Measuring mitochondrial respiration can reveal the organelles’ functional capacity for Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and determine mitochondrial damage that may arise from genetic or age related defects. However, available technologies require significant quantities of mitochondria. Here, we develop a technology to assay the respiration of a single mitochondrion. Our “micro-respirometer” consists of micron sized chambers etched out of borofloat glass substrates and coated with an oxygen sensitive phosphorescent dye Pt(II) meso-tetra(pentafluorophenyl)porphine (PtTFPP) mixed with polystyrene. The chambers are sealed with a polydimethylsiloxane layer coated with oxygen impermeable Viton rubber to prevent diffusion of oxygen from the environment. As the mitochondria consume oxygen in the chamber, the phosphorescence signal increases, allowing direct determination of the respiration rate. Experiments with coupled vs. uncoupled mitochondria showed a substantial difference in respiration, confirming the validity of the microchambers as single mitochondrial respirometers. This demonstration could enable future high-throughput assays of mitochondrial respiration and benefit the study of mitochondrial functional heterogeneity, and its role in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted D Pham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| | - Douglas C Wallace
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Peter J Burke
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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Li C, Chaung W, Mozayan C, Chabra R, Wang P, Narayan RK. A New Approach for On-Demand Generation of Various Oxygen Tensions for In Vitro Hypoxia Models. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155921. [PMID: 27219067 PMCID: PMC4878792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of in vitro disease models closely mimicking the functions of human disease has captured increasing attention in recent years. Oxygen tensions and gradients play essential roles in modulating biological systems in both physiologic and pathologic events. Thus, controlling oxygen tension is critical for mimicking physiologically relevant in vivo environments for cell, tissue and organ research. We present a new approach for on-demand generation of various oxygen tensions for in vitro hypoxia models. Proof-of-concept prototypes have been developed for conventional cell culture microplate by immobilizing a novel oxygen-consuming biomaterial on the 3D-printed insert. For the first time, rapid (~3.8 minutes to reach 0.5% O2 from 20.9% O2) and precisely controlled oxygen tensions/gradients (2.68 mmHg per 50 μm distance) were generated by exposing the biocompatible biomaterial to the different depth of cell culture media. In addition, changing the position of 3D-printed inserts with immobilized biomaterials relative to the cultured cells resulted in controllable and rapid changes in oxygen tensions (<130 seconds). Compared to the current technologies, our approach allows enhanced spatiotemporal resolution and accuracy of the oxygen tensions. Additionally, it does not interfere with the testing environment while maintaining ease of use. The elegance of oxygen tension manipulation introduced by our new approach will drastically improve control and lower the technological barrier of entry for hypoxia studies. Since the biomaterials can be immobilized in any devices, including microfluidic devices and 3D-printed tissues or organs, it will serve as the basis for a new generation of experimental models previously impossible or very difficult to implement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Li
- Cushing Neuromonitoring Laboratory, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Wayne Chaung
- Center for Translational Research, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - Cameron Mozayan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - Ranjeev Chabra
- Cushing Neuromonitoring Laboratory, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - Ping Wang
- Center for Translational Research, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - Raj K. Narayan
- Cushing Neuromonitoring Laboratory, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
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Lam RHW, Cui X, Guo W, Thorsen T. High-throughput dental biofilm growth analysis for multiparametric microenvironmental biochemical conditions using microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:1652-62. [PMID: 27045372 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00072j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Dental biofilm formation is not only a precursor to tooth decay, but also induces more serious systematic health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Understanding the conditions promoting colonization and subsequent biofilm development involving complex bacteria coaggregation is particularly important. In this paper, we report a high-throughput microfluidic 'artificial teeth' device offering controls of multiple microenvironmental factors (e.g. nutrients, growth factors, dissolved gases, and seeded cell populations) for quantitative characteristics of long-term dental bacteria growth and biofilm development. This 'artificial teeth' device contains multiple (up to 128) incubation chambers to perform parallel cultivation and analyses (e.g. biofilm thickness, viable-dead cell ratio, and spatial distribution of multiple bacterial species) of bacteria samples under a matrix of different combinations of microenvironmental factors, further revealing possible developmental mechanisms of dental biofilms. Specifically, we applied the 'artificial teeth' to investigate the growth of two key dental bacteria, Streptococci species and Fusobacterium nucleatum, in the biofilm under different dissolved gas conditions and sucrose concentrations. Together, this high-throughput microfluidic platform can provide extended applications for general biofilm research, including screening of the biofilm properties developing under combinations of specified growth parameters such as seeding bacteria populations, growth medium compositions, medium flow rates and dissolved gas levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond H W Lam
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. and Centre for Robotics and Automation, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong and Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience and Nanotechnology, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xin Cui
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Weijin Guo
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Todd Thorsen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, USA.
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Abstract
Bacteria have traditionally been studied as single-cell organisms. In laboratory settings, aerobic bacteria are usually cultured in aerated flasks, where the cells are considered essentially homogenous. However, in many natural environments, bacteria and other microorganisms grow in mixed communities, often associated with surfaces. Biofilms are comprised of surface-associated microorganisms, their extracellular matrix material, and environmental chemicals that have adsorbed to the bacteria or their matrix material. While this definition of a biofilm is fairly simple, biofilms are complex and dynamic. Our understanding of the activities of individual biofilm cells and whole biofilm systems has developed rapidly, due in part to advances in molecular, analytical, and imaging tools and the miniaturization of tools designed to characterize biofilms at the enzyme level, cellular level, and systems level.
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Mäki AJ, Peltokangas M, Kreutzer J, Auvinen S, Kallio P. Modeling carbon dioxide transport in PDMS-based microfluidic cell culture devices. Chem Eng Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2015.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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41
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Lalanne-Aulet D, Piacentini A, Guillot P, Marchal P, Moreau G, Colin A. Multiscale study of bacterial growth: Experiments and model to understand the impact of gas exchange on global growth. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2015; 92:052706. [PMID: 26651722 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.92.052706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Using a millifluidics and macroscale setup, we study quantitatively the impact of gas exchange on bacterial growth. In millifluidic environments, the permeability of the incubator materials allows an unlimited oxygen supply by diffusion. Moreover, the efficiency of diffusion at small scales makes the supply instantaneous in comparison with the cell division time. In hermetic closed vials, the amount of available oxygen is low. The growth curve has the same trend but is quantitatively different from the millifluidic situation. The analysis of all the data allows us to write a quantitative modeling enabling us to capture the entire growth process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pierre Guillot
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Solvay, LOF UMR 5258, France
| | - Philippe Marchal
- Solvay, Centre de Recherches de Lyon, 85 rue des Frères Perret, Saint-Fons, France
| | - Gilles Moreau
- Solvay, Centre de Recherches de Lyon, 85 rue des Frères Perret, Saint-Fons, France
| | - Annie Colin
- ESPCI, CNRS, SIMM UMR 7615, 11 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
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Rybtke M, Hultqvist LD, Givskov M, Tolker-Nielsen T. Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Infections: Community Structure, Antimicrobial Tolerance and Immune Response. J Mol Biol 2015; 427:3628-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Pfeiffer SA, Nagl S. Microfluidic platforms employing integrated fluorescent or luminescent chemical sensors: a review of methods, scope and applications. Methods Appl Fluoresc 2015; 3:034003. [DOI: 10.1088/2050-6120/3/3/034003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Alrifaiy A, Borg J, Lindahl OA, Ramser K. A lab-on-a-chip for hypoxic patch clamp measurements combined with optical tweezers and spectroscopy- first investigations of single biological cells. Biomed Eng Online 2015; 14:36. [PMID: 25907197 PMCID: PMC4407798 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-015-0024-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The response and the reaction of the brain system to hypoxia is a vital research subject that requires special instrumentation. With this research subject in focus, a new multifunctional lab-on-a-chip (LOC) system with control over the oxygen content for studies on biological cells was developed. The chip was designed to incorporate the patch clamp technique, optical tweezers and absorption spectroscopy. The performance of the LOC was tested by a series of experiments. The oxygen content within the channels of the LOC was monitored by an oxygen sensor and verified by simultaneously studying the oxygenation state of chicken red blood cells (RBCs) with absorption spectra. The chicken RBCs were manipulated optically and steered in three dimensions towards a patch-clamp micropipette in a closed microfluidic channel. The oxygen level within the channels could be changed from a normoxic value of 18% O 2 to an anoxic value of 0.0-0.5% O 2. A time series of 3 experiments were performed, showing that the spectral transfer from the oxygenated to the deoxygenated state occurred after about 227 ± 1 s and a fully developed deoxygenated spectrum was observed after 298 ± 1 s, a mean value of 3 experiments. The tightness of the chamber to oxygen diffusion was verified by stopping the flow into the channel system while continuously recording absorption spectra showing an unchanged deoxygenated state during 5400 ± 2 s. A transfer of the oxygenated absorption spectra was achieved after 426 ± 1 s when exposing the cell to normoxic buffer. This showed the long time viability of the investigated cells. Successful patching and sealing were established on a trapped RBC and the whole-cell access (Ra) and membrane (Rm) resistances were measured to be 5.033 ± 0.412 M Ω and 889.7 ± 1.74 M Ω respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Alrifaiy
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Section of physiology, Gothenburg University - Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg, 405 30, Sweden. .,Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, 971 87, Sweden. .,CMTF, Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Luleå and Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Johan Borg
- Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, 971 87, Sweden.
| | - Olof A Lindahl
- Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, 971 87, Sweden. .,CMTF, Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Luleå and Umeå, Sweden. .,Department of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå, 901 87, Sweden. .,Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, 971 87, Sweden.
| | - Kerstin Ramser
- Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, 971 87, Sweden. .,CMTF, Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Luleå and Umeå, Sweden. .,Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, 971 87, Sweden.
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Paquet-Mercier F, Karas A, Safdar M, Aznaveh NB, Zarabadi M, Greener J. Development and calibration of a microfluidic biofilm growth cell with flow-templating and multi-modal characterization. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2015; 2014:1557-62. [PMID: 25570268 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2014.6943900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We report the development of a microfluidic flow-templating platform with multi-modal characterization for studies of biofilms and their precursor materials. A key feature is a special three inlet flow-template compartment, which confines and controls the location of biofilm growth against a template wall. Characterization compartments include Raman imaging to study the localization of the nutrient solutions, optical microscopy to quantify biofilm biomass and localization, and cyclic voltammetry for flow velocity measurements. Each compartment is tested and then utilized to make preliminary measurements.
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Marimuthu M, Kim S. Continuous oxygen supply in pump-less micro-bioreactor based on microfluidics. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-014-9101-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Kim SH, Lee GH, Park JY, Lee SH. Microplatforms for gradient field generation of various properties and biological applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 20:82-95. [PMID: 25510472 DOI: 10.1177/2211068214562247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Well-designed microfluidic platforms can be excellent tools to eliminate bottleneck problems or issues that have arisen in biological fields by providing unprecedented high-resolution control of mechanical and chemical microenvironments for cell culture. Among such microtechnologies, the precise generation of biochemical concentration gradients has been highly regarded in the biorelated scientific fields; even today, the principles and mechanisms for gradient generation continue to be refined, and the number of applications for this technique is growing. Here, we review the current status of the concentration gradient generation technologies achieved in various microplatforms and how they have been and will be applied to biological issues, particularly those that have arisen from cancer research, stem cell research, and tissue engineering. We also provide information about the advances and future challenges in the technological aspects of microscale concentration gradient generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Hwan Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Hun Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong Yull Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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48
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Brennan MD, Rexius-Hall ML, Elgass LJ, Eddington DT. Oxygen control with microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:4305-18. [PMID: 25251498 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc00853g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Cellular function and behavior are affected by the partial pressure of O2, or oxygen tension, in the microenvironment. The level of oxygenation is important, as it is a balance of oxygen availability and oxygen consumption that is necessary to maintain normoxia. Changes in oxygen tension, from above physiological oxygen tension (hyperoxia) to below physiological levels (hypoxia) or even complete absence of oxygen (anoxia), trigger potent biological responses. For instance, hypoxia has been shown to support the maintenance and promote proliferation of regenerative stem and progenitor cells. Paradoxically, hypoxia also contributes to the development of pathological conditions including systemic inflammatory response, tumorigenesis, and cardiovascular disease, such as ischemic heart disease and pulmonary hypertension. Current methods to study cellular behavior in low levels of oxygen tension include hypoxia workstations and hypoxia chambers. These culture systems do not provide oxygen gradients that are found in vivo or precise control at the microscale. Microfluidic platforms have been developed to overcome the inherent limits of these current methods, including lack of spatial control, slow equilibration, and unachievable or difficult coupling to live-cell microscopy. The various applications made possible by microfluidic systems are the topic of this review. In order to understand how the microscale can be leveraged for oxygen control of cells and tissues within microfluidic systems, some background understanding of diffusion, solubility, and transport at the microscale will be presented in addition to a discussion on the methods for measuring the oxygen tension in microfluidic channels. Finally the various methods for oxygen control within microfluidic platforms will be discussed including devices that rely on diffusion from liquid or gas, utilizing on-or-off-chip mixers, leveraging cellular oxygen uptake to deplete the oxygen, relying on chemical reactions in channels to generate oxygen gradients in a device, and electrolytic reactions to produce oxygen directly on chip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin D Brennan
- UIC Bioengineering (MC 563), 820 S Wood St W103 CSN, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Trophic interactions induce spatial self-organization of microbial consortia on rough surfaces. Sci Rep 2014; 4:6757. [PMID: 25343307 PMCID: PMC5381366 DOI: 10.1038/srep06757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatial context of microbial interactions common in natural systems is largely absent in traditional pure culture-based microbiology. The understanding of how interdependent microbial communities assemble and coexist in limited spatial domains remains sketchy. A mechanistic model of cell-level interactions among multispecies microbial populations grown on hydrated rough surfaces facilitated systematic evaluation of how trophic dependencies shape spatial self-organization of microbial consortia in complex diffusion fields. The emerging patterns were persistent irrespective of initial conditions and resilient to spatial and temporal perturbations. Surprisingly, the hydration conditions conducive for self-assembly are extremely narrow and last only while microbial cells remain motile within thin aqueous films. The resulting self-organized microbial consortia patterns could represent optimal ecological templates for the architecture that underlie sessile microbial colonies on natural surfaces. Understanding microbial spatial self-organization offers new insights into mechanisms that sustain small-scale soil microbial diversity; and may guide the engineering of functional artificial microbial consortia.
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Sato A, Kadokura K, Uchida H, Tsukada K. An in vitro hepatic zonation model with a continuous oxygen gradient in a microdevice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 453:767-71. [PMID: 25445587 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In a hepatic lobule, different sets of metabolic enzymes are expressed in the periportal (PP) and pericentral (PC) regions, forming a functional zonation, and the oxygen gradient is considered a determinant of zone formation. It is desirable to reproduce lobular microenvironment in vitro, but incubation of primary hepatocytes in conventional culture dishes has been limited at fixed oxygen concentrations due to technical difficulties. We designed a cell culture microdevice with an oxygen gradient to reproduce the hepatic microenvironment in vitro. The oxygen gradient during cell culture was monitored using a laser-assisted phosphorescence quenching method, and the cellular oxygen consumption rate could be estimated from changes in the gradient. Culture medium was continuously exchanged through microchannels installed in the device to maintain the oxygen gradient for a long term without transient hyper-oxygenation. The oxygen consumption rates of hepatocytes at 70.0mmHg and 31.4mmHg of partial oxygen pressure, which correspond to PP and PC regions in the microdevice, were 3.67×10(-10) and 3.15×10(-10)mol/s/10(6) cells, respectively. Antimycin A changed the oxygen gradient profile, indicating that cellular respiration can be estimated during cell culture. RT-PCR analysis of hepatocytes cultured under the oxygen gradient showed that mRNA expression of PEPCK and GK significantly increased in culture areas corresponding to PP and PC regions, respectively. These results indicate that the developed microdevice can reproduce the hepatic lobular microenvironment. The oxygen gradient in the microdevice can be closely controlled by changing the sizes of gas channels and the ambient oxygen concentration around the device; therefore, it could be expected to mimic the oxygen gradient of various organs, and it may be applicable to other pathological models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Sato
- Graduate School of Fundamental Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Kanae Kadokura
- Department of Applied Physics and Physico-Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Uchida
- Graduate School of Fundamental Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Kosuke Tsukada
- Graduate School of Fundamental Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan; Department of Applied Physics and Physico-Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan.
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