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Samal P, Kumar Samal JR, Rho HS, van Beurden D, van Blitterswijk C, Truckenmüller R, Giselbrecht S. Direct deep UV lithography to micropattern PMMA for stem cell culture. Mater Today Bio 2023; 22:100779. [PMID: 37701129 PMCID: PMC10494264 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Microengineering is increasingly being used for controlling the microenvironment of stem cells. Here, a novel method for fabricating structures with subcellular dimensions in commonly available thermoplastic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is shown. Microstructures are produced in PMMA substrates using Deep Ultraviolet lithography, and the effect of different developers is described. Microgrooves fabricated in PMMA are used for the neuronal differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) directly on the polymer. The fabrication of 3D, curvilinear patterned surfaces is also highlighted. A 3D multilayered microfluidic chip is fabricated using this method, which includes a porous polycarbonate (PC) membrane as cell culture substrate. Besides directly manufacturing PMMA-based microfluidic devices, an application of the novel approach is shown where a reusable PMMA master is created for replicating microstructures with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). As an application example, microchannels fabricated in PDMS are used to selectively expose mESCs to soluble factors in a localized manner. The described microfabrication process offers a remarkably simple method to fabricate for example multifunctional topographical or microfluidic culture substrates outside cleanrooms, thereby using inexpensive and widely accessible equipment. The versatility of the underlying process could find various applications also in optical systems and surface modification of biomedical implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinak Samal
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jay Rabindra Kumar Samal
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Hoon Suk Rho
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Mepsgen Co., Ltd., 7F, Hanyang Tower, 12, Beobwon-ro-11-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Denis van Beurden
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Clemens van Blitterswijk
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Roman Truckenmüller
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Giselbrecht
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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2
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Kimura H. [Development of Microphysiological Systems (MPSs) Based on Microfluidic Technology for Drug Discovery in Japan]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2023; 143:39-44. [PMID: 36596538 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.22-00161-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPSs) based on microfluidic devices are attracting attention as an alternative cell assay platform to animal experiments in drug discovery. When we use microfluidic devices for cell culture, it is possible to experiment with various culture conditions that are difficult with conventional cell culture methods, such as fabrication of microstructures for cell placement, temporal and spatial control of liquid factors and adhesive conditions, and physical stimulation by flow and expansion/contraction. MPSs, which use microfluidic technology to construct the structure and function of physiological biological tissues and organs, are being commercialized and put to practical use worldwide with the entry of venture companies and pharmaceutical companies. Although research on the practical application of MPS in Japan has lagged far behind the efforts of Western countries, the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) launched the MPS Development and Research Project in FY2017 and established a system for MPS commercialization through industry-government-academia collaboration. The project is characterized by the formation of a consortium involving many researchers not only from academia but also from manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies with the aim of commercializing MPS devices. By FY2021, the final year of this project, several MPSs were successfully positioned in various stages of commercialization. This paper introduces two MPSs that the author was involved in commercializing in collaboration with domestic companies within the project.
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3
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Ota N, Tanaka N, Sato A, Shen Y, Yalikun Y, Tanaka Y. Microenvironmental Analysis and Control for Local Cells under Confluent Conditions via a Capillary-Based Microfluidic Device. Anal Chem 2022; 94:16299-16307. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nobutoshi Ota
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka565-0871, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Tanaka
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka565-0871, Japan
| | - Asako Sato
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka565-0871, Japan
| | - Yigang Shen
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka565-0871, Japan
| | - Yaxiaer Yalikun
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara630-0192, Japan
| | - Yo Tanaka
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka565-0871, Japan
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4
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Chen P, Li S, Guo Y, Zeng X, Liu BF. A review on microfluidics manipulation of the extracellular chemical microenvironment and its emerging application to cell analysis. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1125:94-113. [PMID: 32674786 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.05.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal manipulation of extracellular chemical environments with simultaneous monitoring of cellular responses plays an essential role in exploring fundamental biological processes and expands our understanding of underlying mechanisms. Despite the rapid progress and promising successes in manipulation strategies, many challenges remain due to the small size of cells and the rapid diffusion of chemical molecules. Fortunately, emerging microfluidic technology has become a powerful approach for precisely controlling the extracellular chemical microenvironment, which benefits from its integration capacity, automation, and high-throughput capability, as well as its high resolution down to submicron. Here, we summarize recent advances in microfluidics manipulation of the extracellular chemical microenvironment, including the following aspects: i) Spatial manipulation of chemical microenvironments realized by convection flow-, diffusion-, and droplet-based microfluidics, and surface chemical modification; ii) Temporal manipulation of chemical microenvironments enabled by flow switching/shifting, moving/flowing cells across laminar flows, integrated microvalves/pumps, and droplet manipulation; iii) Spatiotemporal manipulation of chemical microenvironments implemented by a coupling strategy and open-space microfluidics; and iv) High-throughput manipulation of chemical microenvironments. Finally, we briefly present typical applications of the above-mentioned technical advances in cell-based analyses including cell migration, cell signaling, cell differentiation, multicellular analysis, and drug screening. We further discuss the future improvement of microfluidics manipulation of extracellular chemical microenvironments to fulfill the needs of biological and biomedical research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Shunji Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yiran Guo
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xuemei Zeng
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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5
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Hagiwara M, Koh I. Engineering approaches to control and design the in vitro environment towards the reconstruction of organs. Dev Growth Differ 2020; 62:158-166. [PMID: 31925787 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In vitro experimental models pertaining to human cells are considered essential for most biological experiments, such as drug development and analysis of disease mechanisms, because of their genetic consistency and ease for detailed and long-term analysis. Recent development of organoid cultures, such as intestine, liver, and kidney cultures, greatly promotes the potential of in vitro experiments. However, conventional culture methods that use manual pipetting have limitations in regenerating complex biosystems. Our body autonomously organizes cells to form a specific tissue shape, and the self-organization process occurs in an extremely systematic manner. In order to emulate this sophisticated process in vitro; first, methodologies for cell culture and organization of in vitro systems need to be updated; second, understanding the self-organizing system is a crucial issue. In this review, recent advancements in engineering technologies to control the microenvironment during cell culture are introduced. Both static and dynamic control have been developed for decades in engineering fields, and the means by which such technologies can help to elucidate and design a biosystem is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Hagiwara
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Saitama, Japan.,Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Japan
| | - Isabel Koh
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Saitama, Japan
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Cheng JW, Sip CG, Lindstedt PR, Boitano R, Bluestein BM, Gamble LJ, Folch A. “Chip-on-a-Transwell” Devices for User-Friendly Control of the Microenvironment of Cultured Cells. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 2:4998-5011. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W. Cheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195-5061, United States
| | - Christopher G. Sip
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195-5061, United States
| | - Philip R. Lindstedt
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195-5061, United States
| | - Ross Boitano
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195-5061, United States
| | - Blake M. Bluestein
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195-5061, United States
| | - Lara J. Gamble
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195-5061, United States
| | - Albert Folch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195-5061, United States
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7
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Li N, Xie T, Sun Y. Towards organogenesis and morphogenesis in vitro: harnessing engineered microenvironment and autonomous behaviors of pluripotent stem cells. Integr Biol (Camb) 2019; 10:574-586. [PMID: 30225509 DOI: 10.1039/c8ib00116b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recently, researchers have been attempting to control pluripotent stem cell fate or generate self-organized tissues from stem cells. Advances in bioengineering enable generation of organotypic structures, which capture the cellular components, spatial cell organization and even some functions of tissues or organs in development. However, only a few engineering tools have been utilized to regulate the formation and organization of spatially complex tissues derived from stem cells. Here, we provide a review of recent progress in the culture of organotypic structures in vitro, focusing on how microengineering approaches including geometric confinement, extracellular matrix (ECM) property modulation, spatially controlled biochemical factors, and external forces, can be utilized to generate organotypic structures. Moreover, we will discuss potential technologies that can be applied to further control both soluble and insoluble factors spatiotemporally in vitro. In summary, advanced engineered approaches have a great promise in generating miniaturized tissues and organs in a reproducible fashion, facilitating the cellular and molecular understanding of embryogenesis and morphogenesis processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningwei Li
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
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8
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Engineered signaling centers for the spatially controlled patterning of human pluripotent stem cells. Nat Methods 2019; 16:640-648. [DOI: 10.1038/s41592-019-0455-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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9
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Regier MC, Tokar JJ, Warrick JW, Pabon L, Berthier E, Beebe DJ, Stevens KR. User-defined morphogen patterning for directing human cell fate stratification. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6433. [PMID: 31015521 PMCID: PMC6478938 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42874-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Concentration gradients of biochemical stimuli such as morphogens play a critical role in directing cell fate patterning across species and throughout development but are not commonly recapitulated in vitro. While in vitro biomolecule gradients have been generated using customized microfluidic platforms, broad implementation has been limited because these platforms introduce new variables to cell culture such as externally driven flow, culture in a specialized matrix, or extended time for in situ long range diffusion. Here we introduce a method that enables preforming and then transferring user-controlled gradients to cells in standard "open" cultures. Our gradient patterning devices are modular and decoupled from the culture substrate. We find that gradient generation and transfer are predictable by finite element modeling and that device and loading parameters can be used to tune the stimulus pattern. Furthermore, we demonstrate use of these devices to spatially define morphogen signal gradients and direct peri-gastrulation fate stratification of human pluripotent stem cells. This method for extrinsic application of biochemical signal gradients can thus be used to spatially influence cellular fate decisions in a user-controlled manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Regier
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 98109, Seattle, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 53706, Madison, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 53792, Madison, USA
| | - Jacob J Tokar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 53706, Madison, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 53792, Madison, USA
| | - Jay W Warrick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 53706, Madison, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 53792, Madison, USA
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 53705, Madison, USA
| | - Lil Pabon
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 98109, Seattle, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, USA
| | - Erwin Berthier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 53706, Madison, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 53792, Madison, USA
| | - Kelly R Stevens
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 98109, Seattle, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, USA.
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10
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George JH, Nagel D, Waller S, Hill E, Parri HR, Coleman MD, Cui Z, Ye H. A closer look at neuron interaction with track-etched microporous membranes. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15552. [PMID: 30341335 PMCID: PMC6195627 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33710-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Microporous membranes support the growth of neurites into and through micro-channels, providing a different type of neural growth platform to conventional dish cultures. Microporous membranes are used to support various types of culture, however, the role of pore diameter in relation to neurite growth through the membrane has not been well characterised. In this study, the human cell line (SH-SY5Y) was differentiated into neuron-like cells and cultured on track-etched microporous membranes with pore and channel diameters selected to accommodate neurite width (0.8 µm to 5 µm). Whilst neurites extended through all pore diameters, the extent of neurite coverage on the non-seeded side of the membranes after 5 days in culture was found to be directly proportional to channel diameter. Neurite growth through membrane pores reduced significantly when neural cultures were non-confluent. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that neurites bridged pores and circumnavigated pore edges – such that the overall likelihood of a neurite entering a pore channel was decreased. These findings highlight the role of pore diameter, cell sheet confluence and contact guidance in directing neurite growth through pores and may be useful in applications that seek to use physical substrates to maintain separate neural populations whilst permitting neurite contact between cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian H George
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - David Nagel
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Sharlayne Waller
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Eric Hill
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - H Rhein Parri
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Michael D Coleman
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Zhanfeng Cui
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Hua Ye
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK.
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Lin C, Lin L, Mao S, Yang L, Yi L, Lin X, Wang J, Lin ZX, Lin JM. Reconstituting Glioma Perivascular Niches on a Chip for Insights into Chemoresistance of Glioma. Anal Chem 2018; 90:10326-10333. [PMID: 30094990 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b02133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we report the direct diagnosing chemoresistance of glioma stem cells (GSCs) during chemotherapy on a biomimetric microsystem that reconstitutes glioma perivascular niches on a chip. Glioma stem cells and endothelial cells were specially cocultured onto the biomimetric system to precisely control stem cell coculture for the proof-of-principle studies. The expression levels of 6- O-methylguanine was confirmed by mass spectrometer, and Bmi-1 gene was also investigated to uncover the chemoresistance of GSCs. The results demonstrated that the formation of perivascular niches effectively maintains the glioma stem cells at a pluripotent status owing to their successful cellular interactions. A stronger chemoresistance of glioma stem cells was confirmed by the formation of the GSCs neurosphere, the expression levels of 6- O-methylguanine and Bmi-1 gene. The vital role of endothelial cells in chemoresistance was demonstrated. The chemoresistance reported in this work will contribute to glioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihou Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China.,Department of Neurosurgery , First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University , Fuzhou , Fujian 350005 , China.,Department of Neurosurgery , Fujian Medical University Union Hospital , Fuzhou , Fujian 350001 , China
| | - Ling Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology , Beijing 100190 , China
| | - Sifeng Mao
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology , Fujian Medical University , Fuzhou , Fujian 350005 , China
| | - Linglu Yi
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Xuexia Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Junming Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Zhi-Xiong Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery , First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University , Fuzhou , Fujian 350005 , China
| | - Jin-Ming Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
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12
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Huang PH, Chan CY, Li P, Wang Y, Nama N, Bachman H, Huang TJ. A sharp-edge-based acoustofluidic chemical signal generator. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:1411-1421. [PMID: 29668002 PMCID: PMC6064650 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00193f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Resolving the temporal dynamics of cell signaling pathways is essential for regulating numerous downstream functions, from gene expression to cellular responses. Mapping these signaling pathways requires the exposure of cells to time-varying chemical signals; these are difficult to generate and control over a wide temporal range. Herein, we present an acoustofluidic chemical signal generator based on a sharp-edge-based micromixing strategy. The device, simply by modulating the driving signals of an acoustic transducer including the ON/OFF switching frequency, actuation time and duty cycle, is capable of generating both single-pulse and periodic chemical signals that are temporally controllable in terms of stimulation period, stimulation duration and duty cycle. We also demonstrate the device's applicability and versatility for cell signaling studies by probing the calcium (Ca2+) release dynamics of three different types of cells stimulated by ionomycin signals of different shapes. Upon short single-pulse ionomycin stimulation (∼100 ms) generated by our device, we discover that cells tend to dynamically adjust the intracellular level of Ca2+ through constantly releasing and accepting Ca2+ to the cytoplasm and from the extracellular environment, respectively. With advantages such as simple fabrication and operation, compact device design, and reliability and versatility, our device will enable decoding of the temporal characteristics of signaling dynamics for various physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Hsun Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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13
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Geraili A, Jafari P, Hassani MS, Araghi BH, Mohammadi MH, Ghafari AM, Tamrin SH, Modarres HP, Kolahchi AR, Ahadian S, Sanati-Nezhad A. Controlling Differentiation of Stem Cells for Developing Personalized Organ-on-Chip Platforms. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7. [PMID: 28910516 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Organ-on-chip (OOC) platforms have attracted attentions of pharmaceutical companies as powerful tools for screening of existing drugs and development of new drug candidates. OOCs have primarily used human cell lines or primary cells to develop biomimetic tissue models. However, the ability of human stem cells in unlimited self-renewal and differentiation into multiple lineages has made them attractive for OOCs. The microfluidic technology has enabled precise control of stem cell differentiation using soluble factors, biophysical cues, and electromagnetic signals. This study discusses different tissue- and organ-on-chip platforms (i.e., skin, brain, blood-brain barrier, bone marrow, heart, liver, lung, tumor, and vascular), with an emphasis on the critical role of stem cells in the synthesis of complex tissues. This study further recaps the design, fabrication, high-throughput performance, and improved functionality of stem-cell-based OOCs, technical challenges, obstacles against implementing their potential applications, and future perspectives related to different experimental platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Geraili
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering; Sharif University of Technology; Azadi, Tehran 14588-89694 Iran
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering; Western University; London N6A 5B9 ON Canada
| | - Parya Jafari
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering; Western University; London N6A 5B9 ON Canada
- Department of Electrical Engineering; Sharif University of Technology; Azadi, Tehran 14588-89694 Iran
| | - Mohsen Sheikh Hassani
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering; Carleton University; 1125 Colonel By Drive Ottawa K1S 5B6 ON Canada
| | - Behnaz Heidary Araghi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Sharif University of Technology; Azadi, Tehran 14588-89694 Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto ON M5S 3G9 Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario M5S 3E5 Canada
| | - Amir Mohammad Ghafari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology; Cell Science Research Center; Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology; Tehran 16635-148 Iran
| | - Sara Hasanpour Tamrin
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory (BioM); Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; University of Calgary; 2500 University Drive N.W. Calgary T2N 1N4 AB Canada
| | - Hassan Pezeshgi Modarres
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory (BioM); Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; University of Calgary; 2500 University Drive N.W. Calgary T2N 1N4 AB Canada
| | - Ahmad Rezaei Kolahchi
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory (BioM); Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; University of Calgary; 2500 University Drive N.W. Calgary T2N 1N4 AB Canada
| | - Samad Ahadian
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto ON M5S 3G9 Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario M5S 3E5 Canada
| | - Amir Sanati-Nezhad
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory (BioM); Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; University of Calgary; 2500 University Drive N.W. Calgary T2N 1N4 AB Canada
- Center for Bioengineering Research and Education; Biomedical Engineering Program; University of Calgary; Calgary T2N 1N4 AB Canada
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14
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Pumpless microfluidic system driven by hydrostatic pressure induces and maintains mouse spermatogenesis in vitro. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15459. [PMID: 29133858 PMCID: PMC5684205 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15799-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional aggregation and organ culture methods are critical for recreating in vivo cellular phenomena outside the body. Previously, we used the conventional gas liquid interphase organ culture method to induce complete mouse spermatogenesis. After incorporating microfluidic systems, we achieved a significant increase in efficiency and duration of spermatogenesis. One of the major drawbacks preventing the popularization of microfluidics, however, is the use of a power-pump to generate medium flow. In this study, we produced a pumpless microfluidic device using hydrostatic pressure and a resistance circuit to facilitate slow, longer lasting medium flow. During three months of culture, results in induction and maintenance of spermatogenesis showed no difference between pumpless and pump-driven devices. Correspondingly, the spermatogonial population was favorably maintained in the pumpless device compared to the conventional method. These results show the advantage of using microfluidic systems for organ culture experiments. Our pumpless device could be applied to a variety of other tissues and organs, and may revolutionize organ culture methods as a whole.
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15
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Kaneda S, Kawada J, Akutsu H, Ichida J, Ikeuchi Y, Fujii T. Compartmentalized embryoid body culture for induction of spatially patterned differentiation. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2017; 11:041101. [PMID: 28852428 PMCID: PMC5552387 DOI: 10.1063/1.4994989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We developed a compartmentalized culture system of single embryoid bodies (EBs) utilizing a through-hole on a membrane to induce spatially patterned differentiation. An EB derived from mouse pluripotent stem cells was immobilized on the through-hole. By introducing a stem cell maintenance medium and a differentiation medium into upper and lower culture compartments, respectively, a localized differentiated state was achieved only in the lower part of EB, which is exposed to the medium in the lower compartment. This system may enable us to reconstruct complex tissues and to recapitulate developmental processes using EBs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiro Kawada
- Center for International Research on Integrative Biomedical Systems, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Akutsu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Teruo Fujii
- Center for International Research on Integrative Biomedical Systems, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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16
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Abstract
A great breadth of questions remains in cellular biology. Some questions cannot be answered using traditional analytical techniques and so demand the development of new tools for research. In the near future, the development of highly integrated microfluidic analytical platforms will enable the acquisition of unknown biological data. These microfluidic systems must allow cell culture under controlled microenvironment and high throughput analysis. For this purpose, the integration of a variable number of newly developed micro- and nano-technologies, which enable control of topography and surface chemistry, soluble factors, mechanical forces and cell–cell contacts, as well as technology for monitoring cell phenotype and genotype with high spatial and temporal resolution will be necessary. These multifunctional devices must be accompanied by appropriate data analysis and management of the expected large datasets generated. The knowledge gained with these platforms has the potential to improve predictive models of the behavior of cells, impacting directly in better therapies for disease treatment. In this review, we give an overview of the microtechnology toolbox available for the design of high throughput microfluidic platforms for cell analysis. We discuss current microtechnologies for cell microenvironment control, different methodologies to create large arrays of cellular systems and finally techniques for monitoring cells in microfluidic devices.
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17
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Multiscale microenvironmental perturbation of pluripotent stem cell fate and self-organization. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44711. [PMID: 28303935 PMCID: PMC5356187 DOI: 10.1038/srep44711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of microfluidics with engineered three-dimensional (3D) matrices can bring new insights into the fate regulation of stem cells and their self-organization into organoids. Although there has been progress in 3D stem cell culturing, most existing in vitro methodologies do not allow for mimicking of the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of stimuli that drive morphogenetic processes in vivo. To address this, we present a perfusion-free microchip concept for the in vitro 3D perturbation of stem cell fate. Stem cells are encapsulated in a hydrogel compartment that is flanked by open reservoirs for the diffusion-driven generation of biomolecule gradients. Juxtaposing additional compartments bearing supportive cells enables investigating the influence of long range cell-cell communication. We explore the utility of the microchips in manipulating early fate choices and self-organizing characteristics of 3D-cultured mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) under neural differentiation conditions and exposure to gradients of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). mESCs respond to LIF gradients in a spatially dependent manner. At higher LIF concentrations, multicellular colonies maintain pluripotency in contrast, at lower concentrations, mESCs develop into apicobasally polarized epithelial cysts. This versatile system can help to systematically explore the role of multifactorial microenvironments in promoting self-patterning of various stem cell types.
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18
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Advances in Micro- and Nanotechnologies for Stem Cell-Based Translational Applications. STEM CELL BIOLOGY AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-29149-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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19
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Induction of Human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocyte Proliferation Revealed by Combinatorial Screening in High Density Microbioreactor Arrays. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24637. [PMID: 27097795 PMCID: PMC4838928 DOI: 10.1038/srep24637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Inducing cardiomyocyte proliferation in post-mitotic adult heart tissue is attracting significant attention as a therapeutic strategy to regenerate the heart after injury. Model animal screens have identified several candidate signalling pathways, however, it remains unclear as to what extent these pathways can be exploited, either individually or in combination, in the human system. The advent of human cardiac cells from directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) now provides the ability to interrogate human cardiac biology in vitro, but it remains difficult with existing culture formats to simply and rapidly elucidate signalling pathway penetrance and interplay. To facilitate high-throughput combinatorial screening of candidate biologicals or factors driving relevant molecular pathways, we developed a high-density microbioreactor array (HDMA) – a microfluidic cell culture array containing 8100 culture chambers. We used HDMAs to combinatorially screen Wnt, Hedgehog, IGF and FGF pathway agonists. The Wnt activator CHIR99021 was identified as the most potent molecular inducer of human cardiomyocyte proliferation, inducing cell cycle activity marked by Ki67, and an increase in cardiomyocyte numbers compared to controls. The combination of human cardiomyocytes with the HDMA provides a versatile and rapid tool for stratifying combinations of factors for heart regeneration.
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20
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Okada R, Hara T, Sato T, Kojima N, Nishina Y. The mechanism and control of Jagged1 expression in Sertoli cells. Regen Ther 2016; 3:75-81. [PMID: 31245476 PMCID: PMC6581826 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of Sertoli cells by some hormones and signaling factors is important for normal spermatogenesis. Notch signaling is considered to be necessary for normal spermatogenesis in mouse. In this study, we revealed two new facts about Sertoli cells by western blotting experiments on different types of primary cells and microdissected tubules. The first is that Sertoli cells express the Jagged1 ligand in mice testes. The second is that the expression level of Jagged1 oscillates in the seminiferous epithelial cycle. Therefore, we inferred that Jagged1 in Sertoli cells contributes to the Notch signaling involved in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we examined the regulation of Jagged1 expression and found that Jagged1 expression was suppressed by cAMP signaling and was promoted by TNF-α signaling in Sertoli cells. When cAMP and TNF-α were simultaneously added to Sertoli cells, Jagged1 expression was suppressed. Therefore, cAMP signaling dominates Jagged1 expression over TNF-α signaling. These results suggest that cAMP signaling may cause the periodicity of Jagged1 expression in the seminiferous epithelial cycle, and controlling Jagged1 expression by adding TNF-α or cAMP may contribute to normal spermatogenesis in vitro. Jagged1 was expressed in Sertoli cells in mouse testes. The expression of Jagged1 oscillated in the seminiferous epithelial cycle. The expression of Jagged1 in Sertoli cells was upregulated by TNF-α and downregulated by cAMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryu Okada
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0027, Japan
| | - Taro Hara
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0027, Japan
| | - Tomomi Sato
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0027, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Kojima
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0027, Japan
| | - Yukio Nishina
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0027, Japan
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21
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Komeya M, Kimura H, Nakamura H, Yokonishi T, Sato T, Kojima K, Hayashi K, Katagiri K, Yamanaka H, Sanjo H, Yao M, Kamimura S, Inoue K, Ogonuki N, Ogura A, Fujii T, Ogawa T. Long-term ex vivo maintenance of testis tissues producing fertile sperm in a microfluidic device. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21472. [PMID: 26892171 PMCID: PMC4759809 DOI: 10.1038/srep21472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to cell cultures, particularly to cell lines, tissues or organs removed from the body cannot be maintained for long in any culture conditions. Although it is apparent that in vivo regional homeostasis is facilitated by the microvascular system, mimicking such a system ex vivo is difficult and has not been proved effective. Using the culture system of mouse spermatogenesis, we addressed this issue and devised a simple microfluidic device in which a porous membrane separates a tissue from the flowing medium, conceptually imitating the in vivo relationship between the microvascular flow and surrounding tissue. Testis tissues cultured in this device successfully maintained spermatogenesis for 6 months. The produced sperm were functional to generate healthy offspring with micro-insemination. In addition, the tissue kept producing testosterone and responded to stimulation by luteinizing hormone. These data suggest that the microfluidic device successfully created in vivo-like conditions, in which testis tissue maintained its physiologic functions and homeostasis. The present model of the device, therefore, would provide a valuable foundation of future improvement of culture conditions for various tissues and organs, and revolutionize the organ culture method as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuru Komeya
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
| | - Hiroko Nakamura
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Yokonishi
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | - Takuya Sato
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Kojima
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Hayashi
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kumiko Katagiri
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yamanaka
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sanjo
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yao
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | | | - Kimiko Inoue
- RIKEN, Bioresource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Narumi Ogonuki
- RIKEN, Bioresource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN, Bioresource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Teruo Fujii
- Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Takehiko Ogawa
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
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22
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Wang L, Xu C, Zhu Y, Yu Y, Sun N, Zhang X, Feng K, Qin J. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived beating cardiac tissues on paper. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:4283-4290. [PMID: 26430714 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00919g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing interest in using paper as a biomaterial scaffold for cell-based applications. In this study, we made the first attempt to fabricate a paper-based array for the culture, proliferation, and direct differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into functional beating cardiac tissues and create "a beating heart on paper." This array was simply constructed by binding a cured multi-well polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold with common, commercially available paper substrates. Three types of paper material (print paper, chromatography paper and nitrocellulose membrane) were tested for adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of human-derived iPSCs. We found that hiPSCs grew well on these paper substrates, presenting a three-dimensional (3D)-like morphology with a pluripotent property. The direct differentiation of human iPSCs into functional cardiac tissues on paper was also achieved using our modified differentiation approach. The cardiac tissue retained its functional activities on the coated print paper and chromatography paper with a beating frequency of 40-70 beats per min for up to three months. Interestingly, human iPSCs could be differentiated into retinal pigment epithelium on nitrocellulose membrane under the conditions of cardiac-specific induction, indicating the potential roles of material properties and mechanical cues that are involved in regulating stem cell differentiation. Taken together, these results suggest that different grades of paper could offer great opportunities as bioactive, low-cost, and 3D in vitro platforms for stem cell-based high-throughput drug testing at the tissue/organ level and for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, CAS, Dalian, China.
| | - Cong Xu
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, CAS, Dalian, China.
| | - Yujuan Zhu
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, CAS, Dalian, China.
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, CAS, Dalian, China.
| | - Ning Sun
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhang
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, CAS, Dalian, China.
| | - Ke Feng
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, CAS, Dalian, China.
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, CAS, Dalian, China.
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23
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Park D, Lim J, Park JY, Lee SH. Concise Review: Stem Cell Microenvironment on a Chip: Current Technologies for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Biology. Stem Cells Transl Med 2015; 4:1352-68. [PMID: 26450425 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Stem cells have huge potential in many therapeutic areas. With conventional cell culture methods, however, it is difficult to achieve in vivo-like microenvironments in which a number of well-controlled stimuli are provided for growing highly sensitive stem cells. In contrast, microtechnology-based platforms offer advantages of high precision, controllability, scalability, and reproducibility, enabling imitation of the complex physiological context of in vivo. This capability may fill the gap between the present knowledge about stem cells and that required for clinical stem cell-based therapies. We reviewed the various types of microplatforms on which stem cell microenvironments are mimicked. We have assigned the various microplatforms to four categories based on their practical uses to assist stem cell biologists in using them for research. In particular, many examples are given of microplatforms used for the production of embryoid bodies and aggregates of stem cells in vitro. We also categorized microplatforms based on the types of factors controlling the behaviors of stem cells. Finally, we outline possible future directions for microplatform-based stem cell research, such as research leading to the production of well-defined environments for stem cells to be used in scaled-up systems or organs-on-a-chip, the regulation of induced pluripotent stem cells, and the study of the genetic states of stem cells on microplatforms. SIGNIFICANCE Stem cells are highly sensitive to a variety of physicochemical cues, and their fate can be easily altered by a slight change of environment; therefore, systematic analysis and discrimination of the extracellular signals and intracellular pathways controlling the fate of cells and experimental realization of sensitive and controllable niche environments are critical. This review introduces diverse microplatforms to provide in vitro stem cell niches. Microplatforms could control microenvironments around cells and have recently attracted much attention in biology including stem cell research. These microplatforms and the future directions of stem cell microenvironment are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- DoYeun Park
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeho Lim
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Health Science, Korea 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
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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24
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Qian T, Shusta EV, Palecek SP. Advances in microfluidic platforms for analyzing and regulating human pluripotent stem cells. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2015; 34:54-60. [PMID: 26313850 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices employ submillimeter length scale control of flow to achieve high-resolution spatial and temporal control over the microenvironment, providing powerful tools to elucidate mechanisms of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) regulation and to elicit desired hPSC fates. In addition, microfluidics allow control of paracrine and juxtracrine signaling, thereby enabling fabrication of microphysiological systems comprised of multiple cell types organized into organs-on-a-chip. Microfluidic cell culture systems can also be integrated with actuators and sensors, permitting construction of high-density arrays of cell-based biosensors for screening applications. This review describes recent advances in using microfluidics to understand mechanisms by which the microenvironment regulates hPSC fates and applications of microfluidics to realize the potential of hPSCs for in vitro modeling and screening applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongcheng Qian
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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25
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Chingozha L, Zhan M, Zhu C, Lu H. A generalizable, tunable microfluidic platform for delivering fast temporally varying chemical signals to probe single-cell response dynamics. Anal Chem 2014; 86:10138-47. [PMID: 25254360 PMCID: PMC4204904 DOI: 10.1021/ac5019843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
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Understanding how biological systems
transduce dynamic, soluble
chemical cues into physiological processes requires robust experimental
tools for generating diverse temporal chemical patterns. The advent
of microfluidics has seen the development of platforms for rapid fluid
exchange allowing ease of changes in the cellular microenvironment
and precise cell handling. Rapid exchange is important for exposing
systems to temporally varying signals. However, direct coupling of
macroscale fluid flow with microstructures is potentially problematic
due to the high shear stresses that inevitably add confounding mechanical
perturbation effects to the biological system of interest. Here, we
have devised a method of translating fast and precise macroscale flows
to microscale flows using a monolithically integrated perforated membrane.
We integrated a high-density cell trap array for nonadherent cells
that are challenging to handle under flow conditions with a soluble
chemical signal generator module. The platform enables fast and repeatable
switching of stimulus and buffer at low shear stresses for quantitative
live, single-cell fluorescent studies. This modular design allows
facile integration of any cell-handling chip design with any chemical
delivery module. We demonstrate the utility of this device by characterizing
heterogeneity of oscillatory response for cells exposed to alternating
Ca2+ waveforms at various periodicities. This platform
enables the analysis of cell responses to chemical perturbations at
a single-cell resolution that is necessary in understanding signal
transduction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loice Chingozha
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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26
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Sip CG, Folch A. Stable chemical bonding of porous membranes and poly(dimethylsiloxane) devices for long-term cell culture. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2014; 8:036504. [PMID: 25379080 PMCID: PMC4162454 DOI: 10.1063/1.4883075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
We have investigated the bonding stability of various silane treatments for the integration of track-etched membranes with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic devices. We compare various treatments using trialkoxysilanes or dipodal silanes to determine the effect of the organofunctional group, cross-link density, reaction solvent, and catalyst on the bond stability. We find that devices made using existing silane methods delaminated after one day when immersed in cell culture medium at 37 °C. In contrast, the dipodal silane, bis[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]amine, is shown to yield stable and functional integration of membranes with PDMS that is suitable for long-term cell culture. To demonstrate application of the technique, we fabricated an open-surface device in which cells cultured on a track-etched membrane can be stimulated at their basal side via embedded microfluidic channels. C2C12 mouse myoblasts were differentiated into myotubes over the course of two weeks on these devices to demonstrate biocompatibility. Finally, devices were imaged during the basal-side delivery of a fluorescent stain to validate the membrane operation and long-term stability of the bonding technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Sip
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98185, USA
| | - A Folch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98185, USA
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27
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Chen Q, Wu J, Zhuang Q, Lin X, Zhang J, Lin JM. Microfluidic isolation of highly pure embryonic stem cells using feeder-separated co-culture system. Sci Rep 2014; 3:2433. [PMID: 23942279 PMCID: PMC3743058 DOI: 10.1038/srep02433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineered artificial tissues from stem cells show great potential in regenerative medicine, disease therapies and organ transplantation. To date, stem cells are typically co-cultured with inactivated feeder layers to maintain their undifferentiated state, and to ensure reliable cell purity. Herein, we propose a novel microfabricated approach for feeder-separated coculture of mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) porous membrane-assembled 3D-microdevice. Normal mouse embryonic fibroblasts (mEFs) without inactivation were specifically co-cultured with mES cells, resulting in the formation of mES cell colonies on spatially controlled co-culture with feeder layers. An excellent undifferentiated state was confirmed by the expressions of Nanog, octamer binding protein 4 (Oct-4) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) after 5 days culture. As a result, with the significant advantages of efficiency and simplicity, pure mES cell populations (a purity of 89.2%) from mEFs co-cultures were easily collected without any further purification or separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushui Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory Microanalysis and Instrumentation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
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28
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Liu T, Zhang S, Xiang D, Wang Y. Induction of hepatocyte-like cells from mouse embryonic stem cells by lentivirus-mediated constitutive expression of Foxa2/Hnf4a. J Cell Biochem 2014; 114:2531-41. [PMID: 23744720 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocytes can be generated from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) using inducers such as chemical compounds and cytokines, but issues related to low differentiation efficiencies remain to be resolved. Recent work has shown that overexpression of lineage-specific transcription factors can directly cause cells phenotypic changes, including differentiation, trans-differentiation, and de-differentiation. We hypothesized that lentivirus-mediated constitutive expression of forkhead box A2 (Foxa2) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (Hnf4a) could promote inducing mouse ESCs to hepatocyte-likes cells. First, ESC lines that stably expressed Foxa2, Hnf4a, or Foxa2/Hnf4a were constructed via lentiviral expression vectors. Second, observations of cell morphology changes were made during the cell culture process, followed by experiments examining teratoma formation. Then, the effects of constitutive expression of Foxa2 and Hnf4a on hepatic differentiation and maturation were determined by measuring the marker gene expression levels of Albumin, α-fetoprotein, Cytokeratin18, and α1-antitrypsin. The results indicate that constitutive expression of Foxa2 and Hnf4a does not affect ESCs culture, teratoma formation, or the expression levels of the specific hepatocyte genes under autonomous differentiation. However, with some assistance from inducing factors, Foxa2 significantly increased the hepatic differentiation of ESCs, whereas the expression of Hnf4a alone or Foxa2/Hnf4a could not. Differentiated CCE-Foxa2 cells were more superior in expressing several liver-specific markers and protein, storing glycogen than differentiated CCE cells. Therefore, our method employing the transduction of Foxa2 would be a valuable tool for the efficient generation of functional hepatocytes derived from ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Internal Medicine 3, The Northern Region of No. 401 Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Cosson S, Lutolf MP. Hydrogel microfluidics for the patterning of pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4462. [PMID: 24662945 PMCID: PMC3964519 DOI: 10.1038/srep04462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular signaling is of utmost importance in governing many biological processes such as the patterning of the developing embryo where biomolecules regulate key cell-fate decisions. In vivo, these factors are presented in a spatiotemporally tightly controlled fashion. Although state-of-the-art microfluidic technologies allow precise biomolecule delivery in time and space, long-term (stem) cell culture at the micro-scale is often far from ideal due to medium evaporation, limited space for cell growth or shear stress. To overcome these challenges, we here introduce a concept based on hydrogel microfluidics for decoupling conventional, macro-scale cell culture from precise biomolecule delivery through a gel layer. We demonstrate the spatiotemporally controlled neuronal commitment of mouse embryonic stem cells via delivery of retinoic acid gradients. This technique should be useful for testing the effect of dose and timing of biomolecules, singly or in combination, on stem cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cosson
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Bioengineering and Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - M P Lutolf
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Bioengineering and Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Luni C, Serena E, Elvassore N. Human-on-chip for therapy development and fundamental science. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2014; 25:45-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2013.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Sip CG, Bhattacharjee N, Folch A. Microfluidic transwell inserts for generation of tissue culture-friendly gradients in well plates. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:302-14. [PMID: 24225908 PMCID: PMC4362725 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc51052b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Gradients of biochemical molecules play a key role in many physiological processes such as axon growth, tissue morphogenesis, and trans-epithelium nutrient transport, as well as in pathophysiological phenomena such as wound healing, immune response, bacterial invasion, and cancer metastasis. In this paper, we report a microfluidic transwell insert for generating quantifiable concentration gradients in a user-friendly and modular format that is compatible with conventional cell cultures and with tissue explant cultures. The device is simply inserted into a standard 6-well plate, where it hangs self-supported at a distance of ~250 μm above the cell culture surface. The gradient is created by small microflows from the device, through an integrated track-etched porous membrane, into the cell culture well. The microfluidic transwell can deliver stable, quantifiable gradients over a large area with extremely low fluid shear stress to dissociated cells or tissue explants cultured independently on the surface of a 6-well plate. We used finite-element modeling to describe the porous membrane flow and molecular transport and to predict gradients generated by the device. Using the device, we applied a gradient of the chemotactic peptide N-formyl-met-leu-phe (fMLP) to a large population of HL-60 cells (a neutrophil cell line) and directly observed the migration with time-lapse microscopy. On quantification of the chemotactic response with an automated tracking algorithm, we found 74% of the cells moving towards the gradient. Additionally, the modular design and low fluid shear stress made it possible to apply gradients of growth factors and second messengers to mouse retinal explant cultures. With a simplified interface and well-defined gradients, the microfluidic transwell device has potential for broad applications to gradient-sensing biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Sip
- Bioengineering, University of Washington, William H. Foege Building, 1705 NE Pacific St. Campus Box 355061, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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Meucci S, Travagliati M, Vittorio O, Cirillo G, Masini L, Voliani V, Picci N, Beltram F, Tredicucci A, Cecchini M. Tubeless biochip for chemical stimulation of cells in closed-bioreactors: anti-cancer activity of the catechin–dextran conjugate. RSC Adv 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra05496b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we introduce a tubeless microbioreactor for chemically stimulation of cells in microchambers, based on automatic cell valving, hydrostatic-pressure pumping and on-chip liquid reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Meucci
- NEST
- Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR
- Pisa 56127, Italy
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation@NEST
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
| | - Marco Travagliati
- NEST
- Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR
- Pisa 56127, Italy
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation@NEST
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
| | - Orazio Vittorio
- NEST
- Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR
- Pisa 56127, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy
- Health and Nutritional Sciences
- University of Calabria
- I-87036 Rende (CS), Italy
- Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden
| | - Luca Masini
- NEST
- Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR
- Pisa 56127, Italy
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation@NEST
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
| | - Valerio Voliani
- NEST
- Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR
- Pisa 56127, Italy
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation@NEST
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
| | - Nevio Picci
- Department of Pharmacy
- Health and Nutritional Sciences
- University of Calabria
- I-87036 Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Fabio Beltram
- NEST
- Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR
- Pisa 56127, Italy
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation@NEST
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
| | | | - Marco Cecchini
- NEST
- Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR
- Pisa 56127, Italy
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Titmarsh DM, Chen H, Glass NR, Cooper-White JJ. Concise review: microfluidic technology platforms: poised to accelerate development and translation of stem cell-derived therapies. Stem Cells Transl Med 2013; 3:81-90. [PMID: 24311699 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2013-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells are a powerful resource for producing a variety of cell types with utility in clinically associated applications, including preclinical drug screening and development, disease and developmental modeling, and regenerative medicine. Regardless of the type of stem cell, substantial barriers to clinical translation still exist and must be overcome to realize full clinical potential. These barriers span processes including cell isolation, expansion, and differentiation; purification, quality control, and therapeutic efficacy and safety; and the economic viability of bioprocesses for production of functional cell products. Microfluidic systems have been developed for a myriad of biological applications and have the intrinsic capability of controlling and interrogating the cellular microenvironment with unrivalled precision; therefore, they have particular relevance to overcoming such barriers to translation. Development of microfluidic technologies increasingly utilizes stem cells, addresses stem cell-relevant biological phenomena, and aligns capabilities with translational challenges and goals. In this concise review, we describe how microfluidic technologies can contribute to the translation of stem cell research outcomes, and we provide an update on innovative research efforts in this area. This timely convergence of stem cell translational challenges and microfluidic capabilities means that there is now an opportunity for both disciplines to benefit from increased interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew M Titmarsh
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and
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Abstract
With the experimental tools and knowledge that have accrued from a long history of reductionist biology, we can now start to put the pieces together and begin to understand how biological systems function as an integrated whole. Here, we describe how microfabricated tools have demonstrated promise in addressing experimental challenges in throughput, resolution, and sensitivity to support systems-based approaches to biological understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Zhan
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Loice Chingozha
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Hang Lu
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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He X, Kimura H, Fujii T. A High-Throughput Device for Patterned Differentiation of Embryoid Bodies. JOURNAL OF ROBOTICS AND MECHATRONICS 2013. [DOI: 10.20965/jrm.2013.p0623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Although ontogenesis in vivo may proceed in a spatiotemporally heterogeneous environment, in vitro differentiation of an embryoid body (EB) has been carried out in uniform conditions using conventional culture methods at low throughput. In the present study, a microfluidic device with multiple culture chambers for simultaneous patterned differentiation of multiple EBs of pluripotent stem cells is newly developed. Theoretical simulation and experiments using a suspension of fluorescent particles or fluorescent solution show that proper chemical gradients can be formed with almost no flow in the chambers. After multiple EBs are introduced into the device, these EBs move along the flow channel and into trapping cups. The EBs are pushed by air bubbles into the culture chambers. These multiple EBs can be cultured within the culture chambers after flowing culture medium removes the air bubble from the device. In our experiment, differentiation and proliferation of these multiple EBs are studied by exposing them to two different media for 6 days: one to induce differentiation and the other to keep the pluripotent and self-renewing state of the cells. It is shown that patterned differentiation of the multiple EBs is successfully conducted simultaneously in the device when these two media are perfused into the device. The results suggest that differentiation and proliferation of multiple EBs can be analyzed by applying chemical gradients in the present microfluidic device. This will be a helpful tool in a wide variety of experiments involving EBs or spheroids.
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