1
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Christensen NV, Holm R, Sanchez JD, Hansen ESS, Lerche MH, Ardenkjær-Larsen JH, Laustsen C, Bertelsen LB. A continuous flow bioreactor system for high-throughput hyperpolarized metabolic flux analysis. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 37:e5107. [PMID: 38279190 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.5107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Hyperpolarized carbon-13 labeled compounds are increasingly being used in medical MR imaging (MRI) and MR imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) research, due to its ability to monitor tissue and cell metabolism in real-time. Although radiological biomarkers are increasingly being considered as clinical indicators, biopsies are still considered the gold standard for a large variety of indications. Bioreactor systems can play an important role in biopsy examinations because of their ability to provide a physiochemical environment that is conducive for therapeutic response monitoring ex vivo. We demonstrate here a proof-of-concept bioreactor and microcoil receive array setup that allows for ex vivo preservation and metabolic NMR spectroscopy on up to three biopsy samples simultaneously, creating an easy-to-use and robust way to simultaneously run multisample carbon-13 hyperpolarization experiments. Experiments using hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate on ML-1 leukemic cells in the bioreactor setup were performed and the kinetic pyruvate-to-lactate rate constants ( k PL ) extracted. The coefficient of variation of the experimentally found k PL s for five repeated experiments was C V = 35 % . With this statistical power, treatment effects of 30%-40% change in lactate production could be easily differentiable with only a few hyperpolarization dissolutions on this setup. Furthermore, longitudinal experiments showed preservation of ML-1 cells in the bioreactor setup for at least 6 h. Rat brain tissue slices were also seen to be preserved within the bioreactor for at least 1 h. This validation serves as the basis for further optimization and upscaling of the setup, which undoubtedly has huge potential in high-throughput studies with various biomarkers and tissue types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rikke Holm
- The MR Research Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Esben S S Hansen
- The MR Research Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mathilde H Lerche
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Christoffer Laustsen
- The MR Research Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lotte Bonde Bertelsen
- The MR Research Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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2
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Ueno R, Kuninori M, Sumi T, Sadeghian RB, Takata Y, Iguchi A, Tsuda M, Yamashita F, Ichikawa K, Yokokawa R. Relationship between Adsorption and Toxicity of Nephrotoxic Drugs in Microphysiological Systems (MPS). MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:761. [PMID: 37420994 DOI: 10.3390/mi14040761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS) are an emerging technology for next-generation drug screening in non-clinical tests. Microphysiological systems are microfluidic devices that reconstitute the physiological functions of a human organ using a three-dimensional in vivo-mimicking microenvironment. In the future, MPSs are expected to reduce the number of animal experiments, improve prediction methods for drug efficacy in clinical settings, and reduce the costs of drug discovery. However, drug adsorption onto the polymers used in an MPS is a critical issue for assessment because it changes the concentration of the drug. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a basic material used for the fabrication of MPS, strongly adsorbs hydrophobic drugs. As a substitute for PDMS, cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) has emerged as an attractive material for low-adsorption MPS. However, it has difficulty bonding with different materials and, therefore, is not commonly used. In this study, we assessed the drug adsorption properties of each material constituting an MPS and subsequent changes in drug toxicity for the development of a low-adsorption MPSs using COP. The hydrophobic drug cyclosporine A showed an affinity for PDMS and induced lower cytotoxicity in PDMS-MPS but not in COP-MPS, whereas adhesive tapes used for bonding adsorbed a significant quantity of drugs, lowering their availability, and was cytotoxic. Therefore, easily-adsorbed hydrophobic drugs and bonding materials having lower cytotoxicity should be used with a low-adsorption polymer such as COP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Ueno
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
- Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd., Yokohama 240-0062, Japan
| | | | - Takumi Sumi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | | | - Yuji Takata
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
| | - Azusa Iguchi
- Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd., Yokohama 240-0062, Japan
| | - Masahiro Tsuda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Fumiyoshi Yamashita
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | | | - Ryuji Yokokawa
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
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3
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Caianiello S, Bertolaso M, Militello G. Thinking in 3 dimensions: philosophies of the microenvironment in organoids and organs-on-chip. HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 45:14. [PMID: 36949354 DOI: 10.1007/s40656-023-00560-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Organoids and organs-on-a-chip are currently the two major families of 3D advanced organotypic in vitro culture systems, aimed at reconstituting miniaturized models of physiological and pathological states of human organs. Both share the tenets of the so-called "three-dimensional thinking", a Systems Physiology approach focused on recapitulating the dynamic interactions between cells and their microenvironment. We first review the arguments underlying the "paradigm shift" toward three-dimensional thinking in the in vitro culture community. Then, through a historically informed account of the technical affordances and the epistemic commitments of these two approaches, we highlight how they embody two distinct experimental cultures. We finally argue that the current systematic effort for their integration requires not only innovative "synergistic" engineering solutions, but also conceptual integration between different perspectives on biological causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Caianiello
- Institute for the History of Philosophy and Science in the Modern Age (ISPF), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy.
- Stazione Zoologica "Anton Dohrn", Naples, Italy.
| | - Marta Bertolaso
- Faculty of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Universitá Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Militello
- Faculty of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Universitá Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
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4
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Knudsen TB, Fitzpatrick SC, De Abrew KN, Birnbaum LS, Chappelle A, Daston GP, Dolinoy DC, Elder A, Euling S, Faustman EM, Fedinick KP, Franzosa JA, Haggard DE, Haws L, Kleinstreuer NC, Buck Louis GM, Mendrick DL, Rudel R, Saili KS, Schug TT, Tanguay RL, Turley AE, Wetmore BA, White KW, Zurlinden TJ. FutureTox IV Workshop Summary: Predictive Toxicology for Healthy Children. Toxicol Sci 2021; 180:198-211. [PMID: 33555348 PMCID: PMC8041457 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
FutureTox IV, a Society of Toxicology Contemporary Concepts in Toxicology workshop, was held in November 2018. Building upon FutureTox I, II, and III, this conference focused on the latest science and technology for in vitro profiling and in silico modeling as it relates to predictive developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART). Publicly available high-throughput screening data sets are now available for broad in vitro profiling of bioactivities across large inventories of chemicals. Coupling this vast amount of mechanistic data with a deeper understanding of molecular embryology and post-natal development lays the groundwork for using new approach methodologies (NAMs) to evaluate chemical toxicity, drug efficacy, and safety assessment for embryo-fetal development. NAM is a term recently adopted in reference to any technology, methodology, approach, or combination thereof that can be used to provide information on chemical hazard and risk assessment to avoid the use of intact animals (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], Strategic plan to promote the development and implementation of alternative test methods within the tsca program, 2018, https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-06/documents/epa_alt_strat_plan_6-20-18_clean_final.pdf). There are challenges to implementing NAMs to evaluate chemicals for developmental toxicity compared with adult toxicity. This forum article reviews the 2018 workshop activities, highlighting challenges and opportunities for applying NAMs for adverse pregnancy outcomes (eg, preterm labor, malformations, low birth weight) as well as disorders manifesting postnatally (eg, neurodevelopmental impairment, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, fertility). DART is an important concern for different regulatory statutes and test guidelines. Leveraging advancements in such approaches and the accompanying efficiencies to detecting potential hazards to human development are the unifying concepts toward implementing NAMs in DART testing. Although use of NAMs for higher level regulatory decision making is still on the horizon, the conference highlighted novel testing platforms and computational models that cover multiple levels of biological organization, with the unique temporal dynamics of embryonic development, and novel approaches for estimating toxicokinetic parameters essential in supporting in vitro to in vivo extrapolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Knudsen
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Linda S Birnbaum
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anne Chappelle
- Chappelle Toxicology Consulting, LLC, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Alison Elder
- University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Susan Euling
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Children’s Health Protection, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | | | - Jill A Franzosa
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Derik E Haggard
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE);, Texas, USA
| | | | | | | | - Donna L Mendrick
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, NCTR, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Katerine S Saili
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thaddeus T Schug
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Barbara A Wetmore
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kimberly W White
- American Chemistry Council, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Todd J Zurlinden
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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5
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Karolak A, Poonja S, Rejniak KA. Morphophenotypic classification of tumor organoids as an indicator of drug exposure and penetration potential. PLoS Comput Biol 2019; 15:e1007214. [PMID: 31310602 PMCID: PMC6660094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamics of tumor progression is driven by multiple factors, which can be exogenous to the tumor (microenvironment) or intrinsic (genetic, epigenetic or due to intercellular interactions). While tumor heterogeneity has been extensively studied on the level of cell genetic profiles or cellular composition, tumor morphological diversity has not been given as much attention. The limited analysis of tumor morphophenotypes may be attributed to the lack of accurate models, both experimental and computational, capable of capturing changes in tumor morphology with fine levels of spatial detail. Using a three-dimensional, agent-based, lattice-free computational model, we generated a library of multicellular tumor organoids, the experimental analogues of in vivo tumors. By varying three biologically relevant parameters-cell radius, cell division age and cell sensitivity to contact inhibition, we showed that tumor organoids with similar growth dynamics can express distinct morphologies and possess diverse cellular compositions. Taking advantage of the high-resolution of computational modeling, we applied the quantitative measures of compactness and accessible surface area, concepts that originated from the structural biology of proteins. Based on these analyses, we demonstrated that tumor organoids with similar sizes may differ in features associated with drug effectiveness, such as potential exposure to the drug or the extent of drug penetration. Both these characteristics might lead to major differences in tumor organoid's response to therapy. This indicates that therapeutic protocols should not be based solely on tumor size, but take into account additional tumor features, such as their morphology or cellular packing density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Karolak
- Integrated Mathematical Oncology Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States of America
| | - Sharan Poonja
- Integrated Mathematical Oncology Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States of America
| | - Katarzyna A. Rejniak
- Integrated Mathematical Oncology Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States of America
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States of America
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6
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Karolak A, Markov DA, McCawley LJ, Rejniak KA. Towards personalized computational oncology: from spatial models of tumour spheroids, to organoids, to tissues. J R Soc Interface 2019; 15:rsif.2017.0703. [PMID: 29367239 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A main goal of mathematical and computational oncology is to develop quantitative tools to determine the most effective therapies for each individual patient. This involves predicting the right drug to be administered at the right time and at the right dose. Such an approach is known as precision medicine. Mathematical modelling can play an invaluable role in the development of such therapeutic strategies, since it allows for relatively fast, efficient and inexpensive simulations of a large number of treatment schedules in order to find the most effective. This review is a survey of mathematical models that explicitly take into account the spatial architecture of three-dimensional tumours and address tumour development, progression and response to treatments. In particular, we discuss models of epithelial acini, multicellular spheroids, normal and tumour spheroids and organoids, and multi-component tissues. Our intent is to showcase how these in silico models can be applied to patient-specific data to assess which therapeutic strategies will be the most efficient. We also present the concept of virtual clinical trials that integrate standard-of-care patient data, medical imaging, organ-on-chip experiments and computational models to determine personalized medical treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Karolak
- Integrated Mathematical Oncology Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Dmitry A Markov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lisa J McCawley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Katarzyna A Rejniak
- Integrated Mathematical Oncology Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA .,Department of Oncologic Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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7
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Auner AW, Tasneem KM, Markov DA, McCawley LJ, Hutson MS. Chemical-PDMS binding kinetics and implications for bioavailability in microfluidic devices. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:864-874. [PMID: 30720811 PMCID: PMC6512955 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00796a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic organ-on-chip devices constructed from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) have proven useful in studying both beneficial and adverse effects of drugs, supplements, and potential toxicants. Despite multiple advantages, one clear drawback of PDMS-based devices is binding of hydrophobic chemicals to their exposed surfaces. Chemical binding to PDMS can change the timing and extent of chemical delivery to cells in such devices, potentially altering dose-response curves. Recent efforts have quantified PDMS binding for selected chemicals. Here, we test a wider set of nineteen chemicals using UV-vis or infrared spectroscopy to characterize loss of chemical from solution in two setups with different PDMS-surface-to-solution-volume ratios. We find discernible PDMS binding for eight chemicals and show that PDMS binding is strongest for chemicals with a high octanol-water partition coefficient (log P > 1.85) and low H-bond donor number. Further, by measuring depletion and return of chemical from solution over tens to hundreds of hours and fitting these results to a first order model of binding kinetics, we characterize partitioning into PDMS in terms of binding capacities per unit surface area and both forward and reverse rate constants. These fitted parameters were used to model the impact of PDMS binding on chemical transport and bioavailability under realistic flow conditions and device geometry. The models predict that PDMS binding could alter in-device cellular exposures for both continuous and bolus dosing schemes by up to an order of magnitude compared to nominal input doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W Auner
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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8
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Faley SL, Neal EH, Wang JX, Bosworth AM, Weber CM, Balotin KM, Lippmann ES, Bellan LM. iPSC-Derived Brain Endothelium Exhibits Stable, Long-Term Barrier Function in Perfused Hydrogel Scaffolds. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 12:474-487. [PMID: 30773484 PMCID: PMC6409430 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a profound need for functional, biomimetic in vitro tissue constructs of the human blood-brain barrier and neurovascular unit (NVU) to model diseases and identify therapeutic interventions. Here, we show that induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) exhibit robust barrier functionality when cultured in 3D channels within gelatin hydrogels. We determined that BMECs cultured in 3D under perfusion conditions were 10-100 times less permeable to sodium fluorescein, 3 kDa dextran, and albumin relative to human umbilical vein endothelial cell and human dermal microvascular endothelial cell controls, and the BMECs maintained barrier function for up to 21 days. Analysis of cell-cell junctions revealed expression patterns supporting barrier formation. Finally, efflux transporter activity was maintained over 3 weeks of perfused culture. Taken together, this work lays the foundation for development of a representative 3D in vitro model of the human NVU constructed from iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Faley
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Emma H Neal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Jason X Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Allison M Bosworth
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Callie M Weber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kylie M Balotin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical School, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Chemical and Physical Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Leon M Bellan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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9
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Rogers M, Sobolik T, Schaffer DK, Samson PC, Johnson AC, Owens P, Codreanu SG, Sherrod SD, McLean JA, Wikswo JP, Richmond A. Engineered microfluidic bioreactor for examining the three-dimensional breast tumor microenvironment. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2018; 12:034102. [PMID: 29774083 PMCID: PMC5938175 DOI: 10.1063/1.5016433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of cancer cells with the stromal cells and matrix in the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in progression to metastasis. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these interactions would aid in developing new therapeutic approaches to inhibit this progression. Here, we describe the fabrication of a simple microfluidic bioreactor capable of recapitulating the three-dimensional breast tumor microenvironment. Cancer cell spheroids, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells co-cultured in this device create a robust microenvironment suitable for studying in real time the migration of cancer cells along matrix structures laid down by fibroblasts within the 3D tumor microenvironment. This system allows for ready evaluation of response to targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tammy Sobolik
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University
School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232,
USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ann Richmond
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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10
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Bosworth AM, Faley SL, Bellan LM, Lippmann ES. Modeling Neurovascular Disorders and Therapeutic Outcomes with Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 5:87. [PMID: 29441348 PMCID: PMC5797533 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2017.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurovascular unit (NVU) is composed of neurons, astrocytes, pericytes, and endothelial cells that form the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The NVU regulates material exchange between the bloodstream and the brain parenchyma, and its dysfunction is a primary or secondary cause of many cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. As such, there are substantial research thrusts in academia and industry toward building NVU models that mimic endogenous organization and function, which could be used to better understand disease mechanisms and assess drug efficacy. Human pluripotent stem cells, which can self-renew indefinitely and differentiate to almost any cell type in the body, are attractive for these models because they can provide a limitless source of individual cells from the NVU. In addition, human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer the opportunity to build NVU models with an explicit genetic background and in the context of disease susceptibility. Herein, we review how iPSCs are being used to model neurovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, with particular focus on contributions of the BBB, and discuss existing technologies and emerging opportunities to merge these iPSC progenies with biomaterials platforms to create complex NVU systems that recreate the in vivo microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Bosworth
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Shannon L Faley
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Leon M Bellan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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11
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Nawroth J, Rogal J, Weiss M, Brucker SY, Loskill P. Organ-on-a-Chip Systems for Women's Health Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7. [PMID: 28985032 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Biomedical research, for a long time, has paid little attention to the influence of sex in many areas of study, ranging from molecular and cellular biology to animal models and clinical studies on human subjects. Many studies solely rely on male cells/tissues/animals/humans, although there are profound differences in male and female physiology, which can significantly impact disease mechanisms, toxicity of compounds, and efficacy of pharmaceuticals. In vitro systems have been traditionally very limited in their capacity to recapitulate female-specific physiology and anatomy such as dynamic sex-hormone levels and the complex interdependencies of female reproductive tract organs. However, the advent of microphysiological organ-on-a-chip systems, which attempt to recreate the 3D structure and function of human organs, now gives researchers the opportunity to integrate cells and tissues from a variety of individuals. Moreover, adding a dynamic flow environment allows mimicking endocrine signaling during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as providing a controlled microfluidic environment for pharmacokinetic modeling. This review gives an introduction into preclinical and clinical research on women's health and discusses where organ-on-a-chip systems are already utilized or have the potential to deliver new insights and enable entirely new types of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Rogal
- Department of Cell and Tissue Engineering; Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB; Nobelstrasse 12 70569 Stuttgart Germany
| | - Martin Weiss
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; University Medicine Tübingen; Calwerstrasse 7 72076 Tübingen Germany
| | - Sara Y. Brucker
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; University Medicine Tübingen; Calwerstrasse 7 72076 Tübingen Germany
| | - Peter Loskill
- Department of Cell and Tissue Engineering; Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB; Nobelstrasse 12 70569 Stuttgart Germany
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12
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Miserocchi G, Mercatali L, Liverani C, De Vita A, Spadazzi C, Pieri F, Bongiovanni A, Recine F, Amadori D, Ibrahim T. Management and potentialities of primary cancer cultures in preclinical and translational studies. J Transl Med 2017; 15:229. [PMID: 29116016 PMCID: PMC5688825 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1328-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of patient-derived primary cell cultures in cancer preclinical assays has increased in recent years. The management of resected tumor tissue remains complex and a number of parameters must be respected to obtain complete sample digestion and optimal vitality yield. We provide an overview of the benefits of correct primary cell culture management using different preclinical methodologies, and describe the pros and cons of this model with respect to other kinds of samples. One important advantage is that the heterogeneity of the cell populations composing a primary culture partially reproduces the tumor microenvironment and crosstalk between malignant and healthy cells, neither of which is possible with cell lines. Moreover, the use of patient-derived specimens in innovative preclinical technologies, such as 3D systems or bioreactors, represents an important opportunity to improve the translational value of the results obtained. In vivo models could further our understanding of the crosstalk between tumor and other tissues as they enable us to observe the systemic and biological interactions of a complete organism. Although engineered mice are the most common model used in this setting, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) species has recently been recognized as an innovative experimental system. In fact, the transparent body and incomplete immune system of zebrafish embryos are especially useful for evaluating patient-derived tumor tissue interactions in healthy hosts. In conclusion, ex vivo systems represent an important tool for cancer research, but samples require correct manipulation to maximize their translational value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Miserocchi
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Piero Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Laura Mercatali
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Piero Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy.
| | - Chiara Liverani
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Piero Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Alessandro De Vita
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Piero Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Chiara Spadazzi
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Piero Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Federica Pieri
- Pathology Unit, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Via Carlo Forlanini 34, 47121, Forlì, Italy
| | - Alberto Bongiovanni
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Piero Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Federica Recine
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Piero Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Dino Amadori
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Piero Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Toni Ibrahim
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Piero Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
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Abstract
To curb the high cost of drug development, there is an urgent need to develop more predictive tissue models using human cells to determine drug efficacy and safety in advance of clinical testing. Recent insights gained through fundamental biological studies have validated the importance of dynamic cell environments and cellular communication to the expression of high fidelity organ function. Building on this knowledge, emerging organ-on-a-chip technology is poised to fill the gaps in drug screening by offering predictive human tissue models with methods of sophisticated tissue assembly. Organ-on-a-chip start-ups have begun to spawn from academic research to fill this commercial space and are attracting investment to transform the drug discovery industry. This review traces the history, examines the scientific foundation and envisages the prospect of these renowned organ-on-a-chip technologies. It serves as a guide for new members of this dynamic field to navigate the existing scientific and market space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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14
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Knudsen TB, Klieforth B, Slikker W. Programming microphysiological systems for children's health protection. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2017; 242:1586-1592. [PMID: 28658972 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217717697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS) and computer simulation models that recapitulate the underlying biology and toxicology of critical developmental transitions are emerging tools for developmental effects assessment of drugs/chemicals. Opportunities and challenges exist for their application to alternative, more public health relevant and efficient chemical toxicity testing methods. This is especially pertinent to children's health research and the evaluation of complex embryological and reproductive impacts of drug/chemical exposure. Scaling these technologies to higher throughput is a key challenge and drives the need for in silico models for quantitative prediction of developmental toxicity to inform safety assessments. One example is cellular agent-based models, constructed from extant embryology, that produce data useful to simulate critical developmental transitions and thereby predict phenotypic consequences of disruption in silico. Biologically inspired MPS models built from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS)-derived cells and synthetic matrices that recapitulate organ-specific physiologies and native tissue architectures are providing exciting new research opportunities to advance the assessment of developmental toxicity and offer the possibility of deriving a full 'human on a chip' system, or a 'Homunculus.' Impact statement This 'commentary' summarizes research needs and opportunities for engineered MPS models for developmental and reproductive toxicity testing. Emerging concepts can be taken forward to a virtual tissue modeling framework for assessing chemical (and non-chemical) stressors on human development. These models will advance children's health research, both basic and translational and new ways to evaluate complex embryological and reproductive impacts of drug and chemical exposures to inform safety assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- T B Knudsen
- 1 National Center for Computational Toxicology/EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - B Klieforth
- 2 National Center for Environmental Research/EPA, Washington, DC 20460, USA
| | - W Slikker
- 3 National Center for Toxicological Research/FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
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15
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Cui X, Hartanto Y, Zhang H. Advances in multicellular spheroids formation. J R Soc Interface 2017; 14:20160877. [PMID: 28202590 PMCID: PMC5332573 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2016.0877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional multicellular spheroids (MCSs) have a complex architectural structure, dynamic cell-cell/cell-matrix interactions and bio-mimicking in vivo microenvironment. As a fundamental building block for tissue reconstruction, MCSs have emerged as a powerful tool to narrow down the gap between the in vitro and in vivo model. In this review paper, we discussed the structure and biology of MCSs and detailed fabricating methods. Among these methods, the approach in microfluidics with hydrogel support for MCS formation is promising because it allows essential cell-cell/cell-matrix interactions in a confined space.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Cui
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Y Hartanto
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - H Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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16
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Brown JA, Codreanu SG, Shi M, Sherrod SD, Markov DA, Neely MD, Britt CM, Hoilett OS, Reiserer RS, Samson PC, McCawley LJ, Webb DJ, Bowman AB, McLean JA, Wikswo JP. Metabolic consequences of inflammatory disruption of the blood-brain barrier in an organ-on-chip model of the human neurovascular unit. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:306. [PMID: 27955696 PMCID: PMC5153753 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0760-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding blood-brain barrier responses to inflammatory stimulation (such as lipopolysaccharide mimicking a systemic infection or a cytokine cocktail that could be the result of local or systemic inflammation) is essential to understanding the effect of inflammatory stimulation on the brain. It is through the filter of the blood-brain barrier that the brain responds to outside influences, and the blood-brain barrier is a critical point of failure in neuroinflammation. It is important to note that this interaction is not a static response, but one that evolves over time. While current models have provided invaluable information regarding the interaction between cytokine stimulation, the blood-brain barrier, and the brain, these approaches—whether in vivo or in vitro—have often been only snapshots of this complex web of interactions. Methods We utilize new advances in microfluidics, organs-on-chips, and metabolomics to examine the complex relationship of inflammation and its effects on blood-brain barrier function ex vivo and the metabolic consequences of these responses and repair mechanisms. In this study, we pair a novel dual-chamber, organ-on-chip microfluidic device, the NeuroVascular Unit, with small-volume cytokine detection and mass spectrometry analysis to investigate how the blood-brain barrier responds to two different but overlapping drivers of neuroinflammation, lipopolysaccharide and a cytokine cocktail of IL-1β, TNF-α, and MCP1,2. Results In this study, we show that (1) during initial exposure to lipopolysaccharide, the blood-brain barrier is compromised as expected, with increased diffusion and reduced presence of tight junctions, but that over time, the barrier is capable of at least partial recovery; (2) a cytokine cocktail also contributes to a loss of barrier function; (3) from this time-dependent cytokine activation, metabolic signature profiles can be obtained for both the brain and vascular sides of the blood-brain barrier model; and (4) collectively, we can use metabolite analysis to identify critical pathways in inflammatory response. Conclusions Taken together, these findings present new data that allow us to study the initial effects of inflammatory stimulation on blood-brain barrier disruption, cytokine activation, and metabolic pathway changes that drive the response and recovery of the barrier during continued inflammatory exposure. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-016-0760-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn A Brown
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, 6301 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Simona G Codreanu
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Center for Innovative Technology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Mingjian Shi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Stacy D Sherrod
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, 6301 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Center for Innovative Technology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Dmitry A Markov
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, 6301 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - M Diana Neely
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Clayton M Britt
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, 6301 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Orlando S Hoilett
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, 6301 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Ronald S Reiserer
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, 6301 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Philip C Samson
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, 6301 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Lisa J McCawley
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, 6301 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Donna J Webb
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, 6301 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - John A McLean
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, 6301 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Center for Innovative Technology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - John P Wikswo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA. .,Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, 6301 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA. .,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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17
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Liu Y, Zhang L, Mo C, Cao Y, Wu W, Wang W. Caulking polydimethylsiloxane molecular networks by thermal chemical vapor deposition of Parylene-C. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:4220-4229. [PMID: 27722647 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc01086e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Surface functionalization of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is important in developing high-performance microfluidic devices. This work applied the thermal chemical vapor deposition (t-CVD) of Parylene-C onto PDMS to caulk the molecular network while retaining the original surface properties for the oxygen plasma bonding. The very low deposition rates (for example, a nominal rate of 0.12 Å min-1 at 135 °C) of Parylene-C at elevated substrate temperatures enabled the reactive Parylene-C monomers to penetrate into the PDMS matrix up to 4.6 ± 0.1 μm (135 °C), which was verified for the first time by a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDAX). The Parylene-C caulked in the molecular network of PDMS matrix guaranteed an excellent resistance to small molecule permeations. Meanwhile, only discrete nucleation islands were formed on the top surface rather than a continuous Parylene-C layer as observed under the AFM scan, which made the processed PDMS surface ready for device assembly. This surface functionalization method has better long-term stability than the other wet-type rivals. The barrier for oxygen plasma bonding in previously reported dry surface treatments was also avoided, thereby, facilitating the device assembly. The present work successfully developed a novel pcPDMS (Parylene-C caulked PDMS) technique, which overcame the bonding difficulty in the previous works but retained the low small molecule permeability as before. Caulking a molecular network through the t-CVD of Parylene-C also demonstrated a new strategy of functionalizing polymer surfaces and preparing new hybrid materials for wide lab-on-a-chip applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoping Liu
- Institute of Microelectronics, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.
| | - Lingqian Zhang
- Institute of Microelectronics, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.
| | - Chi Mo
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, AML, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Yanping Cao
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, AML, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Wengang Wu
- Institute of Microelectronics, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China. and National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, 100871, Beijing, China and Innovation Center for Micro-Nano-electronics and Integrated System, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Microelectronics, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China. and National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, 100871, Beijing, China and Innovation Center for Micro-Nano-electronics and Integrated System, 100871, Beijing, China
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18
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Samatov TR, Galatenko VV, Block A, Shkurnikov MY, Tonevitsky AG, Schumacher U. Novel biomarkers in cancer: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Semin Cancer Biol 2016; 45:50-57. [PMID: 27639751 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The major issues hampering progress in the treatment of cancer patients are distant metastases and drug resistance to chemotherapy. Metastasis formation is a very complex process, and looking at gene signatures alone is not enough to get deep insight into it. This paper reviews traditional and novel approaches to identify gene signature biomarkers and intratumoural fluid pressure both as a novel way of creating predictive markers and as an obstacle to cancer therapy. Finally recently developed in vitro systems to predict the response of individual patient derived cancer explants to chemotherapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timur R Samatov
- SRC Bioclinicum, Ugreshskaya str 2/85, 115088, Moscow, Russia; Moscow State University of Mechanical Engineering, Bolshaya Semenovskaya str 38, 107023, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir V Galatenko
- SRC Bioclinicum, Ugreshskaya str 2/85, 115088, Moscow, Russia; Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 119991, Moscow, Russia; National Research University Higher School of Economics, Kochnovsky Pass 3, 125319 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andreas Block
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maxim Yu Shkurnikov
- P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute, National Center of Medical Radiological Research, 3 Second Botkinsky Lane, Moscow, 125284, Russia
| | - Alexander G Tonevitsky
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 119991, Moscow, Russia; P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute, National Center of Medical Radiological Research, 3 Second Botkinsky Lane, Moscow, 125284, Russia
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Department of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany, Germany.
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19
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Rezaei Kolahchi A, Khadem Mohtaram N, Pezeshgi Modarres H, Mohammadi MH, Geraili A, Jafari P, Akbari M, Sanati-Nezhad A. Microfluidic-Based Multi-Organ Platforms for Drug Discovery. MICROMACHINES 2016; 7:E162. [PMID: 30404334 PMCID: PMC6189912 DOI: 10.3390/mi7090162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Development of predictive multi-organ models before implementing costly clinical trials is central for screening the toxicity, efficacy, and side effects of new therapeutic agents. Despite significant efforts that have been recently made to develop biomimetic in vitro tissue models, the clinical application of such platforms is still far from reality. Recent advances in physiologically-based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PBPK-PD) modeling, micro- and nanotechnology, and in silico modeling have enabled single- and multi-organ platforms for investigation of new chemical agents and tissue-tissue interactions. This review provides an overview of the principles of designing microfluidic-based organ-on-chip models for drug testing and highlights current state-of-the-art in developing predictive multi-organ models for studying the cross-talk of interconnected organs. We further discuss the challenges associated with establishing a predictive body-on-chip (BOC) model such as the scaling, cell types, the common medium, and principles of the study design for characterizing the interaction of drugs with multiple targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Rezaei Kolahchi
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Nima Khadem Mohtaram
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Hassan Pezeshgi Modarres
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave., Tehran 11155-9516, Iran.
| | - Armin Geraili
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave., Tehran 11155-9516, Iran.
| | - Parya Jafari
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave., Tehran 11155-9516, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Akbari
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
| | - Amir Sanati-Nezhad
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Center for Bioengineering Research and Education, Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
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20
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Pick C, Argento C, Drazer G, Frechette J. Micropatterned charge heterogeneities via vapor deposition of aminosilanes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2015; 31:10725-10733. [PMID: 26359531 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5b02771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Aminosilanes are routinely employed for charge reversal or to create coupling layers on oxide surfaces. We present a chemical vapor deposition method to pattern mica surfaces with regions of high-quality aminosilane (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, APTES) monolayers. The approach relies on the vapor deposition of an aminosilane through a patterned array of through-holes in a PDMS (poly(dimethylsiloxane)) membrane that acts as a mask. In aqueous solutions the surfaces have regular patterns of charge heterogeneities with minimal topographical variations over large areas. This versatile dry lift-off deposition method alleviates issues with multilayer formation and can be used to create charge patterns on curved surfaces. We identify the necessary steps to achieve high quality monolayers and charge reversal of the underlying mica surface: (1) hexane extraction to remove unreacted PDMS oligomers from the membrane that would otherwise deposit on and contaminate the substrate, (2) oxygen plasma treatment of the top of the membrane surfaces to generate a barrier layer that blocks APTES transport through the PDMS, and (3) low of the vapor pressure of APTES during deposition to minimize APTES condensation at the mica-membrane-vapor contact lines and to prevent multilayer formation. Under these conditions, AFM imaging shows that the monolayers have a height of 0.9 ± 0.2 nm with an increase in height up to 3 nm at the mica-membrane-vapor contact lines. Fluorescence imaging demonstrates pattern fidelity on both flat and curved surfaces, for feature sizes that vary between 6.5 and 40 μm. We verify charge reversal by measuring the double layer forces between a homogeneous (unpatterned) APTES monolayers and a mica surface in aqueous solution, and we characterize the surface potential of APTES monolayers by measuring the double-layer forces between identical APTES surfaces. We obtain a surface potential of +110 ± 6 mV at pH 4.0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Pick
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Christopher Argento
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - German Drazer
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Rutgers University , Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Joelle Frechette
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
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21
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Loskill P, Marcus SG, Mathur A, Reese WM, Healy KE. μOrgano: A Lego®-Like Plug & Play System for Modular Multi-Organ-Chips. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139587. [PMID: 26440672 PMCID: PMC4595286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human organ-on-a-chip systems for drug screening have evolved as feasible alternatives to animal models, which are unreliable, expensive, and at times erroneous. While chips featuring single organs can be of great use for both pharmaceutical testing and basic organ-level studies, the huge potential of the organ-on-a-chip technology is revealed by connecting multiple organs on one chip to create a single integrated system for sophisticated fundamental biological studies and devising therapies for disease. Furthermore, since most organ-on-a-chip systems require special protocols with organ-specific media for the differentiation and maturation of the tissues, multi-organ systems will need to be temporally customizable and flexible in terms of the time point of connection of the individual organ units. We present a customizable Lego®-like plug & play system, μOrgano, which enables initial individual culture of single organ-on-a-chip systems and subsequent connection to create integrated multi-organ microphysiological systems. As a proof of concept, the μOrgano system was used to connect multiple heart chips in series with excellent cell viability and spontaneously physiological beat rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Loskill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Sivan G. Marcus
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Anurag Mathur
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Willie Mae Reese
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Kevin E. Healy
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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22
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Hickman JA, Graeser R, de Hoogt R, Vidic S, Brito C, Gutekunst M, van der Kuip H. Three-dimensional models of cancer for pharmacology and cancer cell biology: capturing tumor complexity in vitro/ex vivo. Biotechnol J 2015; 9:1115-28. [PMID: 25174503 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201300492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancers are complex and heterogeneous pathological "organs" in a dynamic interplay with their host. Models of human cancer in vitro, used in cancer biology and drug discovery, are generally highly reductionist. These cancer models do not incorporate complexity or heterogeneity. This raises the question as to whether the cancer models' biochemical circuitry (not their genome) represents, with sufficient fidelity, a tumor in situ. Around 95% of new anticancer drugs eventually fail in clinical trial, despite robust indications of activity in existing in vitro pre-clinical models. Innovative models are required that better capture tumor biology. An important feature of all tissues, and tumors, is that cells grow in three dimensions. Advances in generating and characterizing simple and complex (with added stromal components) three-dimensional in vitro models (3D models) are reviewed in this article. The application of stirred bioreactors to permit both scale-up/scale-down of these cancer models and, importantly, methods to permit controlled changes in environment (pH, nutrients, and oxygen) are also described. The challenges of generating thin tumor slices, their utility, and potential advantages and disadvantages are discussed. These in vitro/ex vivo models represent a distinct move to capture the realities of tumor biology in situ, but significant characterization work still remains to be done in order to show that their biochemical circuitry accurately reflects that of a tumor.
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23
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Variation in diffusion of gases through PDMS due to plasma surface treatment and storage conditions. Biomed Microdevices 2014; 16:91-6. [PMID: 24065585 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-013-9808-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a commonly used polymer in the fabrication of microfluidic devices due to such features as transparency, gas permeability, and ease of patterning with soft lithography. The surface characteristics of PDMS can also be easily changed with oxygen or low pressure air plasma converting it from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic state. As part of such a transformation, surface methyl groups are removed and replaced with hydroxyl groups making the exposed surface to resemble silica, a gas impermeable substance. We have utilized Platinum(II)-tetrakis(pentaflourophenyl)porphyrin immobilized within a thin (~1.5 um thick) polystyrene matrix as an oxygen sensor, Stern-Volmer relationship, and Fick's Law of simple diffusion to measure the effects of PDMS composition, treatment, and storage on oxygen diffusion through PDMS. Results indicate that freshly oxidized PDMS showed a significantly smaller diffusion coefficient, indicating that the SiO2 layer formed on the PDMS surface created an impeding barrier. This barrier disappeared after a 3-day storage in air, but remained significant for up to 3 weeks if PDMS was maintained in contact with water. Additionally, higher density PDMS formulation (5:1 ratio) showed similar diffusion characteristics as normal (10:1 ratio) formulation, but showed 60 % smaller diffusion coefficient after plasma treatment that never recovered to pre-treatment levels even after a 3-week storage in air. Understanding how plasma surface treatments contribute to oxygen diffusion will be useful in exploiting the gas permeability of PDMS to establish defined normoxic and hypoxic oxygen conditions within microfluidic bioreactor systems.
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Vellonen KS, Malinen M, Mannermaa E, Subrizi A, Toropainen E, Lou YR, Kidron H, Yliperttula M, Urtti A. A critical assessment of in vitro tissue models for ADME and drug delivery. J Control Release 2014; 190:94-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 06/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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25
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Campbell JJ, Hume RD, Watson CJ. Engineering Mammary Gland in Vitro Models for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy. Mol Pharm 2014; 11:1971-81. [DOI: 10.1021/mp500121c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J. Campbell
- Department
of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, 27 Charles
Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K
| | - Robert D. Hume
- Department
of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QP. U.K
| | - Christine J. Watson
- Department
of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QP. U.K
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Polini A, Prodanov L, Bhise NS, Manoharan V, Dokmeci MR, Khademhosseini A. Organs-on-a-chip: a new tool for drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 9:335-52. [PMID: 24620821 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2014.886562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of emerging in vitro tissue culture platforms can be useful for predicting human response to new compounds, which has been traditionally challenging in the field of drug discovery. Recently, several in vitro tissue-like microsystems, also known as 'organs-on-a-chip', have emerged to provide new tools for better evaluating the effects of various chemicals on human tissue. AREAS COVERED The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the organs-on-a-chip systems that have been recently developed. First, the authors introduce single-organ platforms, focusing on the most studied organs such as liver, heart, blood vessels and lung. Later, the authors briefly describe tumor-on-a-chip platforms and highlight their application for testing anti-cancer drugs. Finally, the article reports a few examples of other organs integrated in microfluidic chips along with preliminary multiple-organs-on-a-chip examples. The article also highlights key fabrication points as well as the main application areas of these devices. EXPERT OPINION This field is still at an early stage and major challenges need to be addressed prior to the embracement of these technologies by the pharmaceutical industry. To produce predictive drug screening platforms, several organs have to be integrated into a single microfluidic system representative of a humanoid. The routine production of metabolic biomarkers of the organ constructs, as well as their physical environment, have to be monitored prior to and during the delivery of compounds of interest to be able to translate the findings into useful discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Polini
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine , Cambridge, MA 02139 , USA
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27
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Culbertson CT, Mickleburgh TG, Stewart-James SA, Sellens KA, Pressnall M. Micro total analysis systems: fundamental advances and biological applications. Anal Chem 2014; 86:95-118. [PMID: 24274655 PMCID: PMC3951881 DOI: 10.1021/ac403688g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom G. Mickleburgh
- Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | | | - Kathleen A. Sellens
- Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Melissa Pressnall
- Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
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Hattori K, Sugiura S, Kanamori T. Pressure-Driven Microfluidic Perfusion Culture Device for Integrated Dose-Response Assays. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 18:437-45. [DOI: 10.1177/2211068213503155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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29
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Markov DA, Lillie EM, Garbett SP, McCawley LJ. Variation in diffusion of gases through PDMS due to plasma surface treatment and storage conditions. Biomed Microdevices 2013. [PMID: 24065585 DOI: 10.1007/s10544‐013‐9808‐2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a commonly used polymer in the fabrication of microfluidic devices due to such features as transparency, gas permeability, and ease of patterning with soft lithography. The surface characteristics of PDMS can also be easily changed with oxygen or low pressure air plasma converting it from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic state. As part of such a transformation, surface methyl groups are removed and replaced with hydroxyl groups making the exposed surface to resemble silica, a gas impermeable substance. We have utilized Platinum(II)-tetrakis(pentaflourophenyl)porphyrin immobilized within a thin (~1.5 um thick) polystyrene matrix as an oxygen sensor, Stern-Volmer relationship, and Fick's Law of simple diffusion to measure the effects of PDMS composition, treatment, and storage on oxygen diffusion through PDMS. Results indicate that freshly oxidized PDMS showed a significantly smaller diffusion coefficient, indicating that the SiO2 layer formed on the PDMS surface created an impeding barrier. This barrier disappeared after a 3-day storage in air, but remained significant for up to 3 weeks if PDMS was maintained in contact with water. Additionally, higher density PDMS formulation (5:1 ratio) showed similar diffusion characteristics as normal (10:1 ratio) formulation, but showed 60 % smaller diffusion coefficient after plasma treatment that never recovered to pre-treatment levels even after a 3-week storage in air. Understanding how plasma surface treatments contribute to oxygen diffusion will be useful in exploiting the gas permeability of PDMS to establish defined normoxic and hypoxic oxygen conditions within microfluidic bioreactor systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry A Markov
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA,
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Wikswo JP, Block FE, Cliffel DE, Goodwin CR, Marasco CC, Markov DA, McLean DL, McLean JA, McKenzie JR, Reiserer RS, Samson PC, Schaffer DK, Seale KT, Sherrod SD. Engineering challenges for instrumenting and controlling integrated organ-on-chip systems. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2013; 60:682-90. [PMID: 23380852 PMCID: PMC3696887 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2013.2244891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The sophistication and success of recently reported microfabricated organs-on-chips and human organ constructs have made it possible to design scaled and interconnected organ systems that may significantly augment the current drug development pipeline and lead to advances in systems biology. Physiologically realistic live microHuman (μHu) and milliHuman (mHu) systems operating for weeks to months present exciting and important engineering challenges such as determining the appropriate size for each organ to ensure appropriate relative organ functional activity, achieving appropriate cell density, providing the requisite universal perfusion media, sensing the breadth of physiological responses, and maintaining stable control of the entire system, while maintaining fluid scaling that consists of ~5 mL for the mHu and ~5 μL for the μHu. We believe that successful mHu and μHu systems for drug development and systems biology will require low-volume microdevices that support chemical signaling, microfabricated pumps, valves and microformulators, automated optical microscopy, electrochemical sensors for rapid metabolic assessment, ion mobility-mass spectrometry for real-time molecular analysis, advanced bioinformatics, and machine learning algorithms for automated model inference and integrated electronic control. Toward this goal, we are building functional prototype components and are working toward top-down system integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. Wikswo
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, and Physics, and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1807 USA
| | - Frank E. Block
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1631 USA
| | - David E. Cliffel
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1822 USA
| | - Cody R. Goodwin
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1822 USA
| | - Christina C. Marasco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1631 USA
| | - Dmitry A. Markov
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-6840 USA
| | - David L. McLean
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1807 USA
| | - John A. McLean
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1822 USA
| | | | - Ronald S. Reiserer
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1807 USA
| | - Philip C. Samson
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1807 USA
| | - David K. Schaffer
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1807 USA
| | - Kevin T. Seale
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1631 USA
| | - Stacy D. Sherrod
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1807 USA
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