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Ko J, Song J, Lee Y, Choi N, Kim HN. Understanding organotropism in cancer metastasis using microphysiological systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1542-1556. [PMID: 38192269 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00889d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, remains a complex challenge in medical science. Stephen Paget's "seed and soil theory" introduced the concept of organotropism, suggesting that metastatic success depends on specific organ microenvironments. Understanding organotropism not only offers potential for curbing metastasis but also novel treatment strategies. Microphysiological systems (MPS), especially organ-on-a-chip models, have emerged as transformative tools in this quest. These systems, blending microfluidics, biology, and engineering, grant precise control over cell interactions within organ-specific microenvironments. MPS enable real-time monitoring, morphological analysis, and protein quantification, enhancing our comprehension of cancer dynamics, including tumor migration, vascularization, and pre-metastatic niches. In this review, we explore innovative applications of MPS in investigating cancer metastasis, particularly focusing on organotropism. This interdisciplinary approach converges the field of science, engineering, and medicine, thereby illuminating a path toward groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jiyoung Song
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yedam Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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2
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Sone K, Sakamaki Y, Hirose S, Inagaki M, Tachikawa M, Yoshino D, Funamoto K. Hypoxia suppresses glucose-induced increases in collective cell migration in vascular endothelial cell monolayers. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5164. [PMID: 38431674 PMCID: PMC10908842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55706-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood glucose levels fluctuate during daily life, and the oxygen concentration is low compared to the atmosphere. Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) maintain vascular homeostasis by sensing changes in glucose and oxygen concentrations, resulting in collective migration. However, the behaviors of ECs in response to high-glucose and hypoxic environments and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the collective migration of ECs simultaneously stimulated by changes in glucose and oxygen concentrations. Cell migration in EC monolayer formed inside the media channels of microfluidic devices was observed while varying the glucose and oxygen concentrations. The cell migration increased with increasing glucose concentration under normoxic condition but decreased under hypoxic condition, even in the presence of high glucose levels. In addition, inhibition of mitochondrial function reduced the cell migration regardless of glucose and oxygen concentrations. Thus, oxygen had a greater impact on cell migration than glucose, and aerobic energy production in mitochondria plays an important mechanistic role. These results provide new insights regarding vascular homeostasis relative to glucose and oxygen concentration changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Sone
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-12 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
- Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Yuka Sakamaki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima University, 1-78-1 Sho-machi, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan
| | - Satomi Hirose
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-12 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
- Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Mai Inagaki
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 1-78-1 Sho-machi, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan
| | - Masanori Tachikawa
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 1-78-1 Sho-machi, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yoshino
- Institute of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Kenichi Funamoto
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-12 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan.
- Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan.
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-1 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8597, Japan.
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3
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Oh JM, Shen K. Cleanroom-Free Microfluidic Device for Natural Induction of Hypoxia in 2D and 3D Tumor Models. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2755:227-247. [PMID: 38319582 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3633-6_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common and critical feature of solid tumors that contributes to the plasticity and heterogeneity of the cancer cells. Cancer cell populations take on a region-specific adaptation induced by hypoxia, and each cancer cell population will show different levels of sensitivity and resistance to cancer therapeutics. Therefore, a faithful recapitulation of tumor hypoxia that allows for accurate assessments of hypoxia-induced adaptations, heterogeneity, and response to therapy is needed to develop new therapeutic approaches. The existing hypoxic tumor models rely on complex fabrication methods and external gas sources that make them unfavorable for the early-stage screening of new therapeutics. Here, we demonstrate how to establish a cleanroom-free microfluidic device that supports both 2D and 3D hypoxic tumor modeling through natural cancer cell metabolism and confirm the induction of the hypoxic gradient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Min Oh
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keyue Shen
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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4
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Li S, Zhang J, He J, Liu W, Wang Y, Huang Z, Pang H, Chen Y. Functional PDMS Elastomers: Bulk Composites, Surface Engineering, and Precision Fabrication. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2304506. [PMID: 37814364 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-the simplest and most common silicone compound-exemplifies the central characteristics of its class and has attracted tremendous research attention. The development of PDMS-based materials is a vivid reflection of the modern industry. In recent years, PDMS has stood out as the material of choice for various emerging technologies. The rapid improvement in bulk modification strategies and multifunctional surfaces has enabled a whole new generation of PDMS-based materials and devices, facilitating, and even transforming enormous applications, including flexible electronics, superwetting surfaces, soft actuators, wearable and implantable sensors, biomedicals, and autonomous robotics. This paper reviews the latest advances in the field of PDMS-based functional materials, with a focus on the added functionality and their use as programmable materials for smart devices. Recent breakthroughs regarding instant crosslinking and additive manufacturing are featured, and exciting opportunities for future research are highlighted. This review provides a quick entrance to this rapidly evolving field and will help guide the rational design of next-generation soft materials and devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaopeng Li
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jian He
- Yizhi Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, No. 99 Danba Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
- Center for Composites, COMAC Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - YuHuang Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Maryland NanoCenter, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Zhongjie Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Huan Pang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
| | - Yiwang Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Synthesis/Key Lab of Fluorine and Silicon for Energy Materials and Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Normal University, 99 Ziyang Avenue, Nanchang, 330022, China
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5
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Roberto de Barros N, Wang C, Maity S, Peirsman A, Nasiri R, Herland A, Ermis M, Kawakita S, Gregatti Carvalho B, Hosseinzadeh Kouchehbaghi N, Donizetti Herculano R, Tirpáková Z, Mohammad Hossein Dabiri S, Lucas Tanaka J, Falcone N, Choroomi A, Chen R, Huang S, Zisblatt E, Huang Y, Rashad A, Khorsandi D, Gangrade A, Voskanian L, Zhu Y, Li B, Akbari M, Lee J, Remzi Dokmeci M, Kim HJ, Khademhosseini A. Engineered organoids for biomedical applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115142. [PMID: 37967768 PMCID: PMC10842104 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
As miniaturized and simplified stem cell-derived 3D organ-like structures, organoids are rapidly emerging as powerful tools for biomedical applications. With their potential for personalized therapeutic interventions and high-throughput drug screening, organoids have gained significant attention recently. In this review, we discuss the latest developments in engineering organoids and using materials engineering, biochemical modifications, and advanced manufacturing technologies to improve organoid culture and replicate vital anatomical structures and functions of human tissues. We then explore the diverse biomedical applications of organoids, including drug development and disease modeling, and highlight the tools and analytical techniques used to investigate organoids and their microenvironments. We also examine the latest clinical trials and patents related to organoids that show promise for future clinical translation. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives of using organoids to advance biomedical research and potentially transform personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Canran Wang
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Surjendu Maity
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Arne Peirsman
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rohollah Nasiri
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| | - Anna Herland
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| | - Menekse Ermis
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Satoru Kawakita
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Bruna Gregatti Carvalho
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-970 Campinas, Brazil
| | - Negar Hosseinzadeh Kouchehbaghi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Department of Textile Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Hafez Avenue, 1591634311 Tehran, Iran
| | - Rondinelli Donizetti Herculano
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM (ARCS), California State University, Northridge, CA 91324, USA; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bioengineering and Biomaterials Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Zuzana Tirpáková
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Komenskeho 73, 04181 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Seyed Mohammad Hossein Dabiri
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Jean Lucas Tanaka
- Butantan Institute, Viral Biotechnology Laboratory, São Paulo, SP Brazil; University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Natashya Falcone
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Auveen Choroomi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - RunRun Chen
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM (ARCS), California State University, Northridge, CA 91324, USA
| | - Shuyi Huang
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM (ARCS), California State University, Northridge, CA 91324, USA
| | - Elisheva Zisblatt
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Yixuan Huang
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Ahmad Rashad
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Danial Khorsandi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Ankit Gangrade
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Leon Voskanian
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Yangzhi Zhu
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Bingbing Li
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM (ARCS), California State University, Northridge, CA 91324, USA
| | - Mohsen Akbari
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Junmin Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Han-Jun Kim
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA.
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Slika H, Karimov Z, Alimonti P, Abou-Mrad T, De Fazio E, Alomari S, Tyler B. Preclinical Models and Technologies in Glioblastoma Research: Evolution, Current State, and Future Avenues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16316. [PMID: 38003507 PMCID: PMC10671665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary central nervous system tumor and one of the most debilitating cancers. The prognosis of patients with glioblastoma remains poor, and the management of this tumor, both in its primary and recurrent forms, remains suboptimal. Despite the tremendous efforts that are being put forward by the research community to discover novel efficacious therapeutic agents and modalities, no major paradigm shifts have been established in the field in the last decade. However, this does not mirror the abundance of relevant findings and discoveries made in preclinical glioblastoma research. Hence, developing and utilizing appropriate preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate the characteristics and behavior of human glioblastoma is of utmost importance. Herein, we offer a holistic picture of the evolution of preclinical models of glioblastoma. We further elaborate on the commonly used in vitro and vivo models, delving into their development, favorable characteristics, shortcomings, and areas of potential improvement, which aids researchers in designing future experiments and utilizing the most suitable models. Additionally, this review explores progress in the fields of humanized and immunotolerant mouse models, genetically engineered animal models, 3D in vitro models, and microfluidics and highlights promising avenues for the future of preclinical glioblastoma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Slika
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Ziya Karimov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Paolo Alimonti
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.A.); (E.D.F.)
| | - Tatiana Abou-Mrad
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon;
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Emerson De Fazio
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.A.); (E.D.F.)
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Betty Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
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7
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Landon-Brace N, Li NT, McGuigan AP. Exploring New Dimensions of Tumor Heterogeneity: The Application of Single Cell Analysis to Organoid-Based 3D In Vitro Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300903. [PMID: 37589373 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Modeling the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in vitro is essential to investigating fundamental cancer biology and developing novel treatment strategies that holistically address the factors affecting tumor progression and therapeutic response. Thus, the development of new tools for both in vitro modeling, such as patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and complex 3D in vitro models, and single cell omics analysis, such as single-cell RNA-sequencing, represents a new frontier for investigating tumor heterogeneity. Specifically, the integration of PDO-based 3D in vitro models and single cell analysis offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersecting effects of interpatient, microenvironmental, and tumor cell heterogeneity on cell phenotypes in the TME. In this review, the current use of PDOs in complex 3D in vitro models of the TME is discussed and the emerging directions in the development of these models are highlighted. Next, work that has successfully applied single cell analysis to PDO-based models is examined and important experimental considerations are identified for this approach. Finally, open questions are highlighted that may be amenable to exploration using the integration of PDO-based models and single cell analysis. Ultimately, such investigations may facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets for cancer that address the significant influence of tumor-TME interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Landon-Brace
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, M5S3E5, Canada
| | - Nancy T Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College St, Toronto, M5S3E5, Canada
| | - Alison P McGuigan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 200 College St, Toronto, M5S3E5, Canada
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8
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Mei X, Fang Q, Selvaganapathy PR. Three-dimensional oxygen concentration monitoring in hydrogels using low-cost phosphorescence lifetime imaging for tissue engineering. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 14:4759-4774. [PMID: 37791279 PMCID: PMC10545174 DOI: 10.1364/boe.493340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen concentration measurement in 3D hydrogels is vital in 3D cell culture and tissue engineering. However, standard 3D imaging systems capable of measuring oxygen concentration with adequate precision are based on advanced microscopy platforms, which are not accessible in many laboratories due to the system's complexity and the high price. In this work, we present a fast and low-cost phosphorescence lifetime imaging design for measuring the lifetime of oxygen-quenched phosphorescence emission with 0.25 µs temporal precision and sub-millimeter spatial resolution in 3D. By combining light-sheet illumination and the frequency-domain lifetime measurement using a commercial rolling-shutter CMOS camera in the structure of a conventional optical microscope, this design is highly customizable to accommodate application-specific research needs while also being low-cost as compared to advanced instruments. As a demonstration, we made a fluidic device with a gas-permeable film to create an artificial oxygen gradient in the hydrogel sample. Dye-embedded beads were distributed in the hydrogel to conduct continuous emission lifetime monitoring when nitrogen was pumped through the fluidic channel and changed oxygen distribution in the sample. The dynamics of the changes in lifetime co-related with their location in the gel of size 0.5 mm×1.5 mm×700 µm demonstrate the ability of this design to measure the oxygen concentration stably and precisely in 3D samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Mei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Qiyin Fang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - P. Ravi Selvaganapathy
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
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9
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Aratake S, Kawahara N, Funamoto K. Behavior of breast cancer cells under oxygen concentration gradients in a microfluidic device. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38083361 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10340327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is known as a chronic hypoxic environment, with spatiotemporal variation in oxygen concentration depending on the distance from blood vessels and the blood supply. In our previous studies, cancer cell behavior was observed under hypoxic conditions with spatial variation of oxygen concentration (oxygen concentration gradients); however, that under oxygen concentration gradients at low oxygen levels found in the TME has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the behavior of breast cancer cells at various oxygen concentration gradients, generated using a microfluidic device with oxygen concentration controllability. The results showed that cell distribution was altered in response to oxygen concentration, and tended to increase in a specific region at around 5% O2. Evaluation of changes in cell numbers due to proliferation, migration, and cell death indicated that proliferation strongly affected cell distribution.
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10
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Kasahara K, Leygeber M, Seiffarth J, Ruzaeva K, Drepper T, Nöh K, Kohlheyer D. Enabling oxygen-controlled microfluidic cultures for spatiotemporal microbial single-cell analysis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1198170. [PMID: 37408642 PMCID: PMC10318409 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1198170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic cultivation devices that facilitate O2 control enable unique studies of the complex interplay between environmental O2 availability and microbial physiology at the single-cell level. Therefore, microbial single-cell analysis based on time-lapse microscopy is typically used to resolve microbial behavior at the single-cell level with spatiotemporal resolution. Time-lapse imaging then provides large image-data stacks that can be efficiently analyzed by deep learning analysis techniques, providing new insights into microbiology. This knowledge gain justifies the additional and often laborious microfluidic experiments. Obviously, the integration of on-chip O2 measurement and control during the already complex microfluidic cultivation, and the development of image analysis tools, can be a challenging endeavor. A comprehensive experimental approach to allow spatiotemporal single-cell analysis of living microorganisms under controlled O2 availability is presented here. To this end, a gas-permeable polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic cultivation chip and a low-cost 3D-printed mini-incubator were successfully used to control O2 availability inside microfluidic growth chambers during time-lapse microscopy. Dissolved O2 was monitored by imaging the fluorescence lifetime of the O2-sensitive dye RTDP using FLIM microscopy. The acquired image-data stacks from biological experiments containing phase contrast and fluorescence intensity data were analyzed using in-house developed and open-source image-analysis tools. The resulting oxygen concentration could be dynamically controlled between 0% and 100%. The system was experimentally tested by culturing and analyzing an E. coli strain expressing green fluorescent protein as an indirect intracellular oxygen indicator. The presented system allows for innovative microbiological research on microorganisms and microbial ecology with single-cell resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keitaro Kasahara
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Markus Leygeber
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Johannes Seiffarth
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
- Computational Systems Biotechnology (AVT.CSB), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Karina Ruzaeva
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
- Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science (AICES), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Drepper
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Katharina Nöh
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Dietrich Kohlheyer
- IBG-1: Biotechnology, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
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Takahashi N, Yoshino D, Sugahara R, Hirose S, Sone K, Rieu JP, Funamoto K. Microfluidic platform for the reproduction of hypoxic vascular microenvironments. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5428. [PMID: 37012295 PMCID: PMC10070331 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32334-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) respond to mechanical stimuli caused by blood flow to maintain vascular homeostasis. Although the oxygen level in vascular microenvironment is lower than the atmospheric one, the cellular dynamics of ECs under hypoxic and flow exposure are not fully understood. Here, we describe a microfluidic platform for the reproduction hypoxic vascular microenvironments. Simultaneous application of hypoxic stress and fluid shear stress to the cultured cells was achieved by integrating a microfluidic device and a flow channel that adjusted the initial oxygen concentration in a cell culture medium. An EC monolayer was then formed on the media channel in the device, and the ECs were observed after exposure to hypoxic and flow conditions. The migration velocity of the ECs immediately increased after flow exposure, especially in the direction opposite to the flow direction, and gradually decreased, resulting in the lowest value under the hypoxic and flow exposure condition. The ECs after 6-h simultaneous exposure to hypoxic stress and fluid shear stress were generally aligned and elongated in the flow direction, with enhanced VE-cadherin expression and actin filament assembly. Thus, the developed microfluidic platform is useful for investigating the dynamics of ECs in vascular microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoyuki Takahashi
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-12 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
- Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yoshino
- Institute of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Ryuji Sugahara
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-12 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
- Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Satomi Hirose
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-12 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
- Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sone
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-12 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
- Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Jean-Paul Rieu
- Institut Lumière Matière, UMR5306, Université Lyon 1-CNRS, Université de Lyon, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Kenichi Funamoto
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-12 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan.
- Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan.
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-1 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8597, Japan.
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12
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Liu P, Fu L, Li B, Man M, Ji Y, Kang Q, Sun X, Shen D, Chen L. Dissolved oxygen gradient on three dimensionally printed microfluidic platform for studying its effect on fish at three levels: cell, embryo, and larva. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:21978-21989. [PMID: 36282391 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23688-0] [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: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A simple and low-cost dissolved oxygen gradient platform of three dimensionally (3D) printed microfluidic chip was developed for cultivating cells, embryos, and larvae of fish. "Christmas tree" structure channel networks generated a dissolved oxygen gradient out of two fluids fed to the device. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane with high biocompatibility was used as the substrate for cell culture in the 3D-printed microfluidic chip, which made the cell analysis easy. The embryos and larvae of fish could be cultured directly in the chip, and their development can be observed in real time with a microscope. Using zebrafish as a model, we assessed the effect of different dissolved oxygen on its cells, embryos, and larvae. Hypoxia induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in zebrafish cells, embryos, and larvae, eventually leading to cell apoptosis and developmental impairment. Hypoxia also increased nitric oxide content in zebrafish cells, which might be a defensive strategy to overcome the adverse effect of hypoxia in fish cells. This is the first platform that could comprehensively investigate the effects of different dissolved oxygen on fish at the cell, embryo, and larva levels, which has great potential in studying the responses of aquatic organisms under different oxygen concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Liu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, The Research Center for Coastal Environment Engineering and Technology, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Longwen Fu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, The Research Center for Coastal Environment Engineering and Technology, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Bowei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, The Research Center for Coastal Environment Engineering and Technology, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Mingsan Man
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, The Research Center for Coastal Environment Engineering and Technology, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Yunxia Ji
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Qi Kang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Xiyan Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, The Research Center for Coastal Environment Engineering and Technology, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Dazhong Shen
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Lingxin Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, The Research Center for Coastal Environment Engineering and Technology, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
- School of Environmental & Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, China
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13
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Martins AM, Brito A, Barbato MG, Felici A, Reis RL, Pires RA, Pashkuleva I, Decuzzi P. Efficacy of molecular and nano-therapies on brain tumor models in microfluidic devices. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 144:213227. [PMID: 36470174 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The three-dimensional (3D) organization of cells affects their mobility, proliferation, and overall response to treatment. Spheroids, organoids, and microfluidic chips are used in cancer research to reproduce in vitro the complex and dynamic malignant microenvironment. Herein, single- and double-channel microfluidic devices are used to mimic the spatial organization of brain tumors and investigate the therapeutic efficacy of molecular and nano anti-cancer agents. Human glioblastoma multiforme (U87-MG) cells were cultured into a Matrigel matrix embedded within the microfluidic devices and exposed to different doses of free docetaxel (DTXL), docetaxel-loaded spherical polymeric nanoparticles (DTXL-SPN), and the aromatic N-glucoside N-(fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-glucosamine-6-phosphate (Fmoc-Glc6P). We observed that in the single-channel microfluidic device, brain tumor cells are more susceptible to DTXL treatment as compared to conventional cell monolayers (50-fold lower IC50 values). In the double-channel device, the cytotoxicity of free DTXL and DTXL-SPN is comparable, but significantly lowered as compared to the single-channel configuration. Finally, the administration of 500 μM Fmoc-Glc6P in the double-channel microfluidic device shows a 50 % U87-MG cell survival after only 24 h, and no deleterious effect on human astrocytes over 72 h. Concluding, the proposed microfluidic chips can be used to reproduce the 3D complex spatial arrangement of solid tumors and to assess the anti-cancer efficacy of therapeutic compounds administrated in situ or systemically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Martins
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| | - Alexandra Brito
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Maria Grazia Barbato
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessia Felici
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ricardo A Pires
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Iva Pashkuleva
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Paolo Decuzzi
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
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14
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Tornberg K, Välimäki H, Valaskivi S, Mäki AJ, Jokinen M, Kreutzer J, Kallio P. Compartmentalized organ-on-a-chip structure for spatiotemporal control of oxygen microenvironments. Biomed Microdevices 2022; 24:34. [PMID: 36269438 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-022-00634-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a condition where tissue oxygen levels fall below normal levels. In locally induced hypoxia due to blood vessel blockage, oxygen delivery becomes compromised. The site where blood flow is diminished the most forms a zero-oxygen core, and different oxygenation zones form around this core with varying oxygen concentrations. Naturally, these differing oxygen microenvironments drive cells to respond according to their oxygenation status. To study these cellular processes in laboratory settings, the cellular gas microenvironments should be controlled rapidly and precisely. In this study, we propose an organ-on-a-chip device that provides control over the oxygen environments in three separate compartments as well as the possibility of rapidly changing the corresponding oxygen concentrations. The proposed device includes a microfluidic channel structure with three separate arrays of narrow microchannels that guide gas mixtures with desired oxygen concentrations to diffuse through a thin gas-permeable membrane into cell culture areas. The proposed microfluidic channel structure is characterized using a 2D ratiometric oxygen imaging system, and the measurements confirm that the oxygen concentrations at the cell culture surface can be modulated in a few minutes. The structure is capable of creating hypoxic oxygen tension, and distinct oxygen environments can be generated simultaneously in the three compartments. By combining the microfluidic channel structure with an open-well coculture device, multicellular cultures can be established together with compartmentalized oxygen environment modulation. We demonstrate that the proposed compartmentalized organ-on-a-chip structure is suitable for cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaisa Tornberg
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33720, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Hannu Välimäki
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Silmu Valaskivi
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Antti-Juhana Mäki
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Matias Jokinen
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Joose Kreutzer
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Pasi Kallio
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33720, Tampere, Finland
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15
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Simitian G, Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Sánchez-de-Diego C, Beebe DJ, Kosoff D. Microfluidics in vascular biology research: a critical review for engineers, biologists, and clinicians. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:3618-3636. [PMID: 36047330 PMCID: PMC9530010 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00352j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Neovascularization, the formation of new blood vessels, has received much research attention due to its implications for physiological processes and diseases. Most studies using traditional in vitro and in vivo platforms find challenges in recapitulating key cellular and mechanical cues of the neovascularization processes. Microfluidic in vitro models have been presented as an alternative to these limitations due to their capacity to leverage microscale physics to control cell organization and integrate biochemical and mechanical cues, such as shear stress, cell-cell interactions, or nutrient gradients, making them an ideal option for recapitulating organ physiology. Much has been written about the use of microfluidics in vascular biology models from an engineering perspective. However, a review introducing the different models, components and progress for new potential adopters of these technologies was absent in the literature. Therefore, this paper aims to approach the use of microfluidic technologies in vascular biology from a perspective of biological hallmarks to be studied and written for a wide audience ranging from clinicians to engineers. Here we review applications of microfluidics in vascular biology research, starting with design considerations and fabrication techniques. After that, we review the state of the art in recapitulating angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, according to the hallmarks recapitulated and complexity of the models. Finally, we discuss emerging research areas in neovascularization, such as drug discovery, and potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigor Simitian
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Cristina Sánchez-de-Diego
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - David Kosoff
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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16
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Messelmani T, Morisseau L, Sakai Y, Legallais C, Le Goff A, Leclerc E, Jellali R. Liver organ-on-chip models for toxicity studies and risk assessment. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:2423-2450. [PMID: 35694831 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00307d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The liver is a key organ that plays a pivotal role in metabolism and ensures a variety of functions in the body, including homeostasis, synthesis of essential components, nutrient storage, and detoxification. As the centre of metabolism for exogenous molecules, the liver is continuously exposed to a wide range of compounds, such as drugs, pesticides, and environmental pollutants. Most of these compounds can cause hepatotoxicity and lead to severe and irreversible liver damage. To study the effects of chemicals and drugs on the liver, most commonly, animal models or in vitro 2D cell cultures are used. However, data obtained from animal models lose their relevance when extrapolated to the human metabolic situation and pose ethical concerns, while 2D static cultures are poorly predictive of human in vivo metabolism and toxicity. As a result, there is a widespread need to develop relevant in vitro liver models for toxicology studies. In recent years, progress in tissue engineering, biomaterials, microfabrication, and cell biology has created opportunities for more relevant in vitro models for toxicology studies. Of these models, the liver organ-on-chip (OoC) has shown promising results by reproducing the in vivo behaviour of the cell/organ or a group of organs, the controlled physiological micro-environment, and in vivo cellular metabolic responses. In this review, we discuss the development of liver organ-on-chip technology and its use in toxicity studies. First, we introduce the physiology of the liver and summarize the traditional experimental models for toxicity studies. We then present liver OoC technology, including the general concept, materials used, cell sources, and different approaches. We review the prominent liver OoC and multi-OoC integrating the liver for drug and chemical toxicity studies. Finally, we conclude with the future challenges and directions for developing or improving liver OoC models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Messelmani
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu CS 60319, 60203 Compiègne Cedex, France.
| | - Lisa Morisseau
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu CS 60319, 60203 Compiègne Cedex, France.
| | - Yasuyuki Sakai
- CNRS IRL 2820, Laboratory for Integrated Micro Mechatronic Systems, Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Cécile Legallais
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu CS 60319, 60203 Compiègne Cedex, France.
| | - Anne Le Goff
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu CS 60319, 60203 Compiègne Cedex, France.
| | - Eric Leclerc
- CNRS IRL 2820, Laboratory for Integrated Micro Mechatronic Systems, Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan.
| | - Rachid Jellali
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu CS 60319, 60203 Compiègne Cedex, France.
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17
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Ahmed A, Mansouri M, Joshi IM, Byerley AM, Day SW, Gaborski TR, Abhyankar VV. Local extensional flows promote long-range fiber alignment in 3D collagen hydrogels. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 35735228 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac7824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Randomly oriented type I collagen (COL1) fibers in the extracellular matrix are reorganized by biophysical forces into aligned domains extending several millimeters and with varying degrees of fiber alignment. These aligned fibers can transmit traction forces, guide tumor cell migration, facilitate angiogenesis, and influence tissue morphogenesis. To create aligned COL1 domains in microfluidic cell culture models, shear flows have been used to align thin COL1 matrices (<50µm in height) in a microchannel. However, there has been limited investigation into the role of shear flows in aligning 3D hydrogels (>130µm). Here, we show that pure shear flows do not induce fiber alignment in 3D atelo COL1 hydrogels, but the simple addition of local extensional flow promotes alignment that is maintained across several millimeters, with a degree of alignment directly related to the extensional strain rate. We further advance experimental capabilities by addressing the practical challenge of accessing a 3D hydrogel formed within a microchannel by introducing a magnetically coupled modular platform that can be released to expose the microengineered hydrogel. We demonstrate the platform's capability to pattern cells and fabricate multi-layered COL1 matrices using layer-by-layer fabrication and specialized modules. Our approach provides an easy-to-use fabrication method to achieve advanced hydrogel microengineering capabilities that combine fiber alignment with biofabrication capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States of America
| | - Mehran Mansouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States of America
| | - Indranil M Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States of America
| | - Ann M Byerley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States of America
| | - Steven W Day
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States of America
| | - Thomas R Gaborski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States of America
| | - Vinay V Abhyankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States of America
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18
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Grist SM, Bennewith KL, Cheung KC. Oxygen Measurement in Microdevices. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2022; 15:221-246. [PMID: 35696522 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-061020-111458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen plays a fundamental role in respiration and metabolism, and quantifying oxygen levels is essential in many environmental, industrial, and research settings. Microdevices facilitate the study of dynamic, oxygen-dependent effects in real time. This review is organized around the key needs for oxygen measurement in microdevices, including integrability into microfabricated systems; sensor dynamic range and sensitivity; spatially resolved measurements to map oxygen over two- or three-dimensional regions of interest; and compatibility with multimodal and multianalyte measurements. After a brief overview of biological readouts of oxygen, followed by oxygen sensor types that have been implemented in microscale devices and sensing mechanisms, this review presents select recent applications in organs-on-chip in vitro models and new sensor capabilities enabling oxygen microscopy, bioprocess manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries. With the advancement of multiplexed, interconnected sensors and instruments and integration with industry workflows, intelligent microdevice-sensor systems including oxygen sensors will have further impact in environmental science, manufacturing, and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Grist
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
| | - Kevin L Bennewith
- Integrative Oncology Department, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karen C Cheung
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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19
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Oh JM, Begum HM, Liu YL, Ren Y, Shen K. Recapitulating Tumor Hypoxia in a Cleanroom-Free, Liquid-Pinning-Based Microfluidic Tumor Model. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:3107-3121. [PMID: 35678715 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In tumors, the metabolic demand of cancer cells often outpaces oxygen supply, resulting in a gradient of tumor hypoxia accompanied with heterogeneous resistance to cancer therapeutics. Models recapitulating tumor hypoxia are therefore essential for developing more effective cancer therapeutics. Existing in vitro models often fail to capture the spatial heterogeneity of tumor hypoxia or involve high-cost, complex fabrication/handling techniques. Here, we designed a highly tunable microfluidic device that induces hypoxia through natural cell metabolism and oxygen diffusion barriers. We adopted a cleanroom-free, micromilling-replica-molding strategy and a microfluidic liquid-pinning approach to streamline the fabrication and tumor model establishment. We also implemented a thin-film oxygen diffusion barrier design, which was optimized through COMSOL simulation, to support both two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) hypoxic models. We demonstrated that liquid-pinning enables an easy, injection-based micropatterning of cancer cells of a wide range of parameters, showing the high tunability of our design. Human breast cancer and prostate cancer cells were seeded and stained after 24 h of 2-D and 3-D culture to validate the natural induction of hypoxia. We further demonstrated the feasibility of the parallel microfluidic channel design to evaluate dual therapeutic conditions in the same device. Overall, our new microfluidic tumor model serves as a user-friendly, cost-effective, and highly scalable platform that provides spatiotemporal analysis of the hypoxic tumor microenvironments suitable for high-content biological studies and therapeutic discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Min Oh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Hydari Masuma Begum
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Yao Lucia Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Yuwei Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Keyue Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States.,Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States.,USC Stem Cell, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
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20
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Three-Dimensional Organotypic Cultures Reshape the microRNAs Transcriptional Program in Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102490. [PMID: 35626094 PMCID: PMC9139376 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The 3D organotypic cultures, which depend on the growth of cells over the extracellular matrix (ECM) used as a scaffold, can better mimic several characteristics of solid cancers that influence tumor biology and the response to drug therapies. Most of our current knowledge on cancer is derived from studies in 2D cultures, which lack the ECM-mediated microenvironment. Moreover, the role of miRNAs that is critical for fine-tuning of gene expression is poorly understood in 3D cultures. The aim of this study was to compare the miRNA expression profiles of breast cancer cells grown in 2D and 3D conditions. On an on-top 3D cell culture model using a basement membrane matrix enriched with laminin, collagen IV, entactin, and heparin-sulfate proteoglycans, the basal B (Hs578T) and luminal (T47D) breast cancer cells formed 3D spheroid-like stellate and rounded mass structures, respectively. Morphological changes in 3D cultures were observed as cell stretching, cell–cell, and cell–ECM interactions associated with a loss of polarity and reorganization on bulk structures. Interestingly, we found prolongations of the cytoplasmic membrane of Hs578T cells similar to tunneled nanotubes contacting between neighboring cells, suggesting the existence of cellular intercommunication processes and the possibility of fusion between spheroids. Expression profiling data revealed that 354 miRNAs were differentially expressed in 3D relative to 2D cultures in Hs578T cells. Downregulated miRNAs may contribute to a positive regulation of genes involved in hypoxia, catabolic processes, and focal adhesion, whereas overexpressed miRNAs modulate genes involved in negative regulation of the cell cycle. Target genes of the top ten modulated miRNAs were selected to construct miRNA/mRNA coregulation networks. Around 502 interactions were identified for downregulated miRNAs, including miR-935/HIF1A and miR-5189-3p/AKT that could contribute to cell migration and the response to hypoxia. Furthermore, the expression levels of miR-935 and its target HIF1A correlated with the expression found in clinical tumors and predicted poor outcomes. On the other hand, 416 interactions were identified for overexpressed miRNAs, including miR-6780b-5p/ANKRD45 and miR-7641/CDK4 that may result in cell proliferation inhibition and cell cycle arrest in quiescent layers of 3D cultures. In conclusion, 3D cultures could represent a suitable model that better resembles the miRNA transcriptional programs operating in tumors, with implications not only in the understanding of basic cancer biology in 3D microenvironments, but also in the identification of novel biomarkers of disease and potential targets for personalized therapies in cancer.
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Ayensa-Jiménez J, Doweidar MH, Sanz-Herrera JA, Doblare M. Understanding glioblastoma invasion using physically-guided neural networks with internal variables. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010019. [PMID: 35377875 PMCID: PMC9009781 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic capacities for both recreating and monitoring cell cultures have opened the door to the use of Data Science and Machine Learning tools for understanding and simulating tumor evolution under controlled conditions. In this work, we show how these techniques could be applied to study Glioblastoma, the deadliest and most frequent primary brain tumor. In particular, we study Glioblastoma invasion using the recent concept of Physically-Guided Neural Networks with Internal Variables (PGNNIV), able to combine data obtained from microfluidic devices and some physical knowledge governing the tumor evolution. The physics is introduced in the network structure by means of a nonlinear advection-diffusion-reaction partial differential equation that models the Glioblastoma evolution. On the other hand, multilayer perceptrons combined with a nodal deconvolution technique are used for learning the go or grow metabolic behavior which characterises the Glioblastoma invasion. The PGNNIV is here trained using synthetic data obtained from in silico tests created under different oxygenation conditions, using a previously validated model. The unravelling capacity of PGNNIV enables discovering complex metabolic processes in a non-parametric way, thus giving explanatory capacity to the networks, and, as a consequence, surpassing the predictive power of any parametric approach and for any kind of stimulus. Besides, the possibility of working, for a particular tumor, with different boundary and initial conditions, permits the use of PGNNIV for defining virtual therapies and for drug design, thus making the first steps towards in silico personalised medicine. In this work, we apply Physically-Guided Neural Networks with Internal Variables (PGNNIV) to the understanding of the Glioblastoma evolution process. We explain the metabolic changes between the proliferative and migrative activity of Glioblastoma cell cultures by using the go or grow activation functions as a pair of internal variables, whose dependence on the oxygen level is unravelled by some building blocks of the whole PGNNIV. Due to its model-free nature, our method is able to identify different classical mechanistic approaches and to outperform cell culture evolution predictions, as we demonstrate in the paper. Unlike Biologically-Informed Neural Networks we can assimilate data obtained from different boundary conditions and under different external stimuli to simulate the tumor progression under arbitrary conditions. We demonstrate this ability by comparing the predictions with different boundary conditions, resulting in different oxygenation conditions. This flexibility enables the use of our proposed method for personalised medical purposes, as the cell culture metabolic information, for a particular tumor, is encapsulated in a sub-network and may be used for arbitrary in silico tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacobo Ayensa-Jiménez
- Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering and Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón Institute of Health Research (IIS Aragón), Spain
| | - Mohamed H. Doweidar
- Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering and Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBERBBN), Spain
| | - Jose A. Sanz-Herrera
- Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, University of Sevilla, Spain
| | - Manuel Doblare
- Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering and Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón Institute of Health Research (IIS Aragón), Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBERBBN), Spain
- * E-mail:
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22
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Palacio-Castañeda V, Velthuijs N, Le Gac S, Verdurmen WPR. Oxygen control: the often overlooked but essential piece to create better in vitro systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1068-1092. [PMID: 35084420 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00603g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Variations in oxygen levels play key roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes, but are often not properly controlled in in vitro models, introducing a significant bias in experimental outcomes. Recent developments in microfluidic technology have introduced a paradigm shift by providing new opportunities to better mimic physiological and pathological conditions, which is achieved by both regulating and monitoring oxygen levels at the micrometre scale in miniaturized devices. In this review, we first introduce the nature and relevance of oxygen-dependent pathways in both physiological and pathological contexts. Subsequently, we discuss strategies to control oxygen in microfluidic devices, distinguishing between engineering approaches that operate at the device level during its fabrication and chemical approaches that involve the active perfusion of fluids oxygenated at a precise level or supplemented with oxygen-producing or oxygen-scavenging materials. In addition, we discuss readout approaches for monitoring oxygen levels at the cellular and tissue levels, focusing on electrochemical and optical detection schemes for high-resolution measurements directly on-chip. An overview of different applications in which microfluidic devices have been utilized to answer biological research questions is then provided. In the final section, we provide our vision for further technological refinements of oxygen-controlling devices and discuss how these devices can be employed to generate new fundamental insights regarding key scientific problems that call for emulating oxygen levels as encountered in vivo. We conclude by making the case that ultimately emulating physiological or pathological oxygen levels should become a standard feature in all in vitro cell, tissue, and organ models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Palacio-Castañeda
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Niels Velthuijs
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Séverine Le Gac
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology & TechMed Centre, Organ-on-a-chip Centre, University of Twente, Postbus 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Wouter P R Verdurmen
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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23
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Fallon ME, Mathews R, Hinds MT. In Vitro Flow Chamber Design for the Study of Endothelial Cell (Patho)Physiology. J Biomech Eng 2022; 144:020801. [PMID: 34254640 PMCID: PMC8628846 DOI: 10.1115/1.4051765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In the native vasculature, flowing blood produces a frictional force on vessel walls that affects endothelial cell function and phenotype. In the arterial system, the vasculature's local geometry directly influences variations in flow profiles and shear stress magnitudes. Straight arterial sections with pulsatile shear stress have been shown to promote an athero-protective endothelial phenotype. Conversely, areas with more complex geometry, such as arterial bifurcations and branch points with disturbed flow patterns and lower, oscillatory shear stress, typically lead to endothelial dysfunction and the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Many studies have investigated the regulation of endothelial responses to various shear stress environments. Importantly, the accurate in vitro simulation of in vivo hemodynamics is critical to the deeper understanding of mechanotransduction through the proper design and use of flow chamber devices. In this review, we describe several flow chamber apparatuses and their fluid mechanics design parameters, including parallel-plate flow chambers, cone-and-plate devices, and microfluidic devices. In addition, chamber-specific design criteria and relevant equations are defined in detail for the accurate simulation of shear stress environments to study endothelial cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E. Fallon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 S Bond Ave CH13B, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Rick Mathews
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 S Bond Ave CH13B, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Monica T. Hinds
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 S Bond Ave CH13B, Portland, OR 97239
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24
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Application of Microfluidic Systems for Breast Cancer Research. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020152. [PMID: 35208277 PMCID: PMC8877872 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control; breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. Due to early screening and advancements in therapeutic interventions, deaths from breast cancer have declined over time, although breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Most deaths are due to metastasis, as cancer cells from the primary tumor in the breast form secondary tumors in remote sites in distant organs. Over many years, the basic biological mechanisms of breast cancer initiation and progression, as well as the subsequent metastatic cascade, have been studied using cell cultures and animal models. These models, although extremely useful for delineating cellular mechanisms, are poor predictors of physiological responses, primarily due to lack of proper microenvironments. In the last decade, microfluidics has emerged as a technology that could lead to a paradigm shift in breast cancer research. With the introduction of the organ-on-a-chip concept, microfluidic-based systems have been developed to reconstitute the dominant functions of several organs. These systems enable the construction of 3D cellular co-cultures mimicking in vivo tissue-level microenvironments, including that of breast cancer. Several reviews have been presented focusing on breast cancer formation, growth and metastasis, including invasion, intravasation, and extravasation. In this review, realizing that breast cancer can recur decades following post-treatment disease-free survival, we expand the discussion to account for microfluidic applications in the important areas of breast cancer detection, dormancy, and therapeutic development. It appears that, in the future, the role of microfluidics will only increase in the effort to eradicate breast cancer.
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Kundu B, Caballero D, Abreu CM, Reis RL, Kundu SC. The Tumor Microenvironment: An Introduction to the Development of Microfluidic Devices. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1379:115-138. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-04039-9_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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26
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Tung YC, Wang CK, Huang YK, Huang CK, Peng CC, Patra B, Chen HK, Tsao PN, Ling TY. Identifying distinct oxygen diffusivity through type I pneumocyte-like cell layers using microfluidic device. Talanta 2022; 236:122882. [PMID: 34635262 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Oxygen is necessary for cellular respiration in aerobic organisms. In animals, such as human, inhaled oxygen moves from the alveoli to the blood through alveolar epithelium into pulmonary capillaries. Up to now, different studies have been reported to examine experimental oxygen diffusivity for simple membrane or single-celled organisms; however, devices capable of precisely characterizing oxygen transportation through cell layers with dimensions similar to their physiological ones have not been developed. In this study, we establish an integrated approach exploiting a multi-layer microfluidic device and relative fluorescence lifetime detection apparatus to reliably measure oxygen diffusivity through a cell layer. In the experiments, different types of cells, including A549 and 3T3 cell lines, lung stem/progenitor cells, and the differentiated type I pneumocyte-like cells, are used to form cell layers within the devices for their oxygen diffusivity evaluation. A distinct facilitated oxygen transportation behavior of the differentiated type I pneumocyte-like cells that has never been discussed before is identified using the approach. The study offered a new in vitro approach to evaluate the oxygen diffusivity across cell layers in a microfluidic device and open a door to construct more physiologically meaningful in vitro model system to study respiratory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chung Tung
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Kai Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Kang Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Kai Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chung Peng
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Bishnubrata Patra
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Kuan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan; Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10041, Taiwan
| | - Po-Nien Tsao
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10041, Taiwan; Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
| | - Thai-Yen Ling
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan; Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
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27
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Filipczak N, Joshi U, Attia SA, Berger Fridman I, Cohen S, Konry T, Torchilin V. Hypoxia-sensitive drug delivery to tumors. J Control Release 2021; 341:431-442. [PMID: 34838607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Achievement of a high dose of drug in the tumor while minimizing its systemic side effects is one of the important features of an improved drug delivery system. Thus, developing responsive carriers for site-specific delivery of chemotherapeutic agents has become a main goal of research efforts. One of the known hallmarks of cancerous tumors is hypoxia, which offers a target for selective drug delivery. The stimuli-sensitive micellar system developed by us, (PEG-azobenzene-PEI-DOPE (PAPD) has proven to be effective in vitro. The proposed construct developed, PAPD, contains an azobenzene group as a hypoxia-sensitive moiety that triggers the shedding of the PEG layer from the nanoparticle surface under conditions of hypoxia to improve cellular uptake. Using microfluidics, we show significantly improved cellular association and penetration under hypoxia in both single cells and in a 3D tumor model. Employing an in vivo model, we demonstrate slower tumor growth that did not induce systemic side effects, including weight loss in an experimental animal model, when compared to the free drug treatment. This complex-in-nature but simple-in-design system for the simultaneous delivery of siRNA to silence the P-glycoprotein and doxorubicin with active tumor targeting and proven therapeutic efficacy represents a universal platform for the delivery of other hydrophobic chemotherapeutic agents and siRNA molecules which can be further modified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Filipczak
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, ul. F. Joliot-Curie 14A, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ujjwal Joshi
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sara Aly Attia
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ilana Berger Fridman
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Smadar Cohen
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Tania Konry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vladimir Torchilin
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Oncology, Radiotherapy and Plastic surgery I.M., Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8 Trubetskaya Street, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
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28
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Palacio-Castañeda V, Oude Egberink R, Sait A, Andrée L, Sala BM, Hassani Besheli N, Oosterwijk E, Nilvebrant J, Leeuwenburgh SCG, Brock R, Verdurmen WPR. Mimicking the Biology of Engineered Protein and mRNA Nanoparticle Delivery Using a Versatile Microfluidic Platform. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111944. [PMID: 34834361 PMCID: PMC8624409 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the delivery of next-generation macromolecular drugs, such as engineered proteins and mRNA-containing nanoparticles, there is an increasing push towards the use of physiologically relevant disease models that incorporate human cells and do not face ethical dilemmas associated with animal use. Here, we illustrate the versatility and ease of use of a microfluidic platform for studying drug delivery using high-resolution microscopy in 3D. Using this microfluidic platform, we successfully demonstrate the specific targeting of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) on cells overexpressing the protein in a tumor-mimicking chip system using affibodies, with CAIX-negative cells and non-binding affibodies as controls. Furthermore, we demonstrate this system’s feasibility for testing mRNA-containing biomaterials designed to regenerate bone defects. To this end, peptide- and lipid-based mRNA formulations were successfully mixed with colloidal gelatin in microfluidic devices, while translational activity was studied by the expression of a green fluorescent protein. This microfluidic platform enables the testing of mRNA delivery from colloidal biomaterials of relatively high densities, which represents a first important step towards a bone-on-a-chip platform. Collectively, by illustrating the ease of adaptation of our microfluidic platform towards use in distinct applications, we show that our microfluidic chip represents a powerful and flexible way to investigate drug delivery in 3D disease-mimicking culture systems that recapitulate key parameters associated with in vivo drug application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Palacio-Castañeda
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (V.P.-C.); (R.O.E.); (A.S.)
| | - Rik Oude Egberink
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (V.P.-C.); (R.O.E.); (A.S.)
| | - Arbaaz Sait
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (V.P.-C.); (R.O.E.); (A.S.)
| | - Lea Andrée
- Department of Dentistry—Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (L.A.); (N.H.B.); (S.C.G.L.)
| | - Benedetta Maria Sala
- Division of Protein Engineering, Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, AlbaNova University Center, Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden; (B.M.S.); (J.N.)
| | - Negar Hassani Besheli
- Department of Dentistry—Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (L.A.); (N.H.B.); (S.C.G.L.)
| | - Egbert Oosterwijk
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 26/28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Johan Nilvebrant
- Division of Protein Engineering, Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, AlbaNova University Center, Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden; (B.M.S.); (J.N.)
| | - Sander C. G. Leeuwenburgh
- Department of Dentistry—Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (L.A.); (N.H.B.); (S.C.G.L.)
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (V.P.-C.); (R.O.E.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 329, Bahrain
- Correspondence: (R.B.); (W.P.R.V.)
| | - Wouter P. R. Verdurmen
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (V.P.-C.); (R.O.E.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (R.B.); (W.P.R.V.)
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29
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Hirose S, Tabata Y, Sone K, Takahashi N, Yoshino D, Funamoto K. P21-activated kinase regulates oxygen-dependent migration of vascular endothelial cells in monolayers. Cell Adh Migr 2021; 15:272-284. [PMID: 34550057 PMCID: PMC8475594 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2021.1978368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The collective migration of vascular endothelial cells plays important roles in homeostasis and angiogenesis. Oxygen tension in vivo is a key factor affecting the cellular dynamics. We previously reported hypoxic conditions promote the internalization of vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin and increase the collective migration of vascular endothelial cells. However, the mechanism through which cells regulate collective migration as affected by oxygen tension is not fully understood. Here, we investigated oxygen-dependent collective migration, focusing on intracellular protein p21-activated kinase (PAK) and hypoxia-inducing factor (HIF)-1α. The results indicate that the oxygen-dependent variation of the migration speed of vascular endothelial cells is mediated by the regulation of VE-cadherin through the PAK pathway, as well as other mechanisms via HIF-1α, especially under extreme hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Hirose
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Japan.,Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Japan
| | - Yugo Tabata
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Japan.,Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Japan
| | - Kazuki Sone
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Japan.,Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Japan
| | - Naoyuki Takahashi
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Japan.,Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Japan
| | - Daisuke Yoshino
- Institute of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo Japan
| | - Kenichi Funamoto
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Japan.,Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Japan.,Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Japan
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30
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Liu P, Fu L, Song Z, Man M, Yuan H, Zheng X, Kang Q, Shen D, Song J, Li B, Chen L. Three dimensionally printed nitrocellulose-based microfluidic platform for investigating the effect of oxygen gradient on cells. Analyst 2021; 146:5255-5263. [PMID: 34324622 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00927c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we present a novel nitrocellulose-based microfluidic chip with 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology to study the effect of oxygen gradient on cells. Compared with conventional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips of oxygen gradient for cell cultures that can only rely on fluorescence microscope analysis, this hybrid nitrocellulose-based microfluidic platform can provide a variety of analysis methods for cells, including flow cytometry, western blot and RT-PCR, because the nitrocellulose-based chips with cells can be taken out from the growth chambers of 3D printed microfluidic chip and then used for cell collection or lysis. These advantages allow researchers to acquire more information and data on the basic biochemical and physiological processes of cell life. The effect of oxygen gradient on the zebrafish cells (ZF4) was used as a model to show the performance and application of our platform. Hypoxia caused the increase of intercellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). Hypoxia stimulated the transcription of hypoxia-responsive genes vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and induced cell cycle arrest of ZF4 cells. The established platform is able to obtain more information from cells in response to different oxygen concentration, which has potential for analyzing the cells under a variety of pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Liu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China.
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Lee W, Yu M, Lim D, Kang T, Song Y. Programmable DNA-Based Boolean Logic Microfluidic Processing Unit. ACS NANO 2021; 15:11644-11654. [PMID: 34232017 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c02153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
As molecular computing materials, information-encoded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strands provide a logical computing process by cascaded and parallel chain reactions. However, the reactions in DNA-based combinational logic computing are mostly achieved through a manual process by adding desired DNA molecules in a single microtube or a substrate. For DNA-based Boolean logic, using microfluidic chips can afford automated operation, programmable control, and seamless combinational logic operation, similar to electronic microprocessors. In this paper, we present a programmable DNA-based microfluidic processing unit (MPU) chip that can be controlled via a personal computer for performing DNA calculations. To fabricate this DNA-based MPU, polydimethylsiloxane was cast using double-sided molding techniques for alignment between the microfluidics and valve switch. For a uniform surface, molds fabricated using a three-dimensional printer were spin-coated by a polymer. For programming control, the valve switch arms were operated by servo motors. In the MPU controlled via a personal computer or smartphone application, the molecules with two input DNAs and a logic template DNA were reacted for the basic AND and OR operations. Furthermore, the DNA molecules reacted in a cascading manner for combinational AND and OR operations. Finally, we demonstrated a 2-to-1 multiplexer and the XOR operation with a three-step cascade reaction using the simple DNA-based MPU, which can perform Boolean logic operations (AND, OR, and NOT). Through logic combination, this DNA-based Boolean logic MPU, which can be operated using programming language, is expected to facilitate the development of complex functional circuits such as arithmetic logical units and neuromorphic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonjin Lee
- Department of Nano-bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-to 119, Incheon, Korea, 22012
| | - Minsang Yu
- Department of Nano-bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-to 119, Incheon, Korea, 22012
| | - Doyeon Lim
- Department of Nano-bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-to 119, Incheon, Korea, 22012
| | - Taeseok Kang
- Department of Nano-bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-to 119, Incheon, Korea, 22012
| | - Youngjun Song
- Department of Nano-bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-to 119, Incheon, Korea, 22012
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Zheng F, Xiao Y, Liu H, Fan Y, Dao M. Patient-Specific Organoid and Organ-on-a-Chip: 3D Cell-Culture Meets 3D Printing and Numerical Simulation. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000024. [PMID: 33856745 PMCID: PMC8243895 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The last few decades have witnessed diversified in vitro models to recapitulate the architecture and function of living organs or tissues and contribute immensely to advances in life science. Two novel 3D cell culture models: 1) Organoid, promoted mainly by the developments of stem cell biology and 2) Organ-on-a-chip, enhanced primarily due to microfluidic technology, have emerged as two promising approaches to advance the understanding of basic biological principles and clinical treatments. This review describes the comparable distinct differences between these two models and provides more insights into their complementarity and integration to recognize their merits and limitations for applicable fields. The convergence of the two approaches to produce multi-organoid-on-a-chip or human organoid-on-a-chip is emerging as a new approach for building 3D models with higher physiological relevance. Furthermore, rapid advancements in 3D printing and numerical simulations, which facilitate the design, manufacture, and results-translation of 3D cell culture models, can also serve as novel tools to promote the development and propagation of organoid and organ-on-a-chip systems. Current technological challenges and limitations, as well as expert recommendations and future solutions to address the promising combinations by incorporating organoids, organ-on-a-chip, 3D printing, and numerical simulation, are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyin Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yuminghao Xiao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Ming Dao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
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Berger Fridman I, Ugolini GS, VanDelinder V, Cohen S, Konry T. High throughput microfluidic system with multiple oxygen levels for the study of hypoxia in tumor spheroids. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [PMID: 33440359 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abdb88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Replication of physiological oxygen levels is fundamental for modeling human physiology and pathology inin vitromodels. Environmental oxygen levels, applied in mostin vitromodels, poorly imitate the oxygen conditions cells experiencein vivo, where oxygen levels average ∼5%. Most solid tumors exhibit regions of hypoxic levels, promoting tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Though this phenomenon offers a specific target for cancer therapy, appropriatein vitroplatforms are still lacking. Microfluidic models offer advanced spatio-temporal control of physico-chemical parameters. However, most of the systems described to date control a single oxygen level per chip, thus offering limited experimental throughput. Here, we developed a multi-layer microfluidic device coupling the high throughput generation of 3D tumor spheroids with a linear gradient of five oxygen levels, thus enabling multiple conditions and hundreds of replicates on a single chip. We showed how the applied oxygen gradient affects the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cytotoxicity of Doxorubicin and Tirapazamine in breast tumor spheroids. Our results aligned with previous reports of increased ROS production under hypoxia and provide new insights on drug cytotoxicity levels that are closer to previously reportedin vivofindings, demonstrating the predictive potential of our system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Berger Fridman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America.,Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Giovanni Stefano Ugolini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
| | - Virginia VanDelinder
- Center for Integrated Technologies, Sandia National Laboratories, PO Box 5800, Albuquerque, NM 87185-1315, United States of America
| | - Smadar Cohen
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Tania Konry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
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Rahmanian M, Seyfoori A, Ghasemi M, Shamsi M, Kolahchi AR, Modarres HP, Sanati-Nezhad A, Majidzadeh-A K. In-vitro tumor microenvironment models containing physical and biological barriers for modelling multidrug resistance mechanisms and multidrug delivery strategies. J Control Release 2021; 334:164-177. [PMID: 33895200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The complexity and heterogeneity of the three-dimensional (3D) tumor microenvironment have brought challenges to tumor studies and cancer treatment. The complex functions and interactions of cells involved in tumor microenvironment have led to various multidrug resistance (MDR) and raised challenges for cancer treatment. Traditional tumor models are limited in their ability to simulate the resistance mechanisms and not conducive to the discovery of multidrug resistance and delivery processes. New technologies for making 3D tissue models have shown the potential to simulate the 3D tumor microenvironment and identify mechanisms underlying the MDR. This review overviews the main barriers against multidrug delivery in the tumor microenvironment and highlights the advances in microfluidic-based tumor models with the success in simulating several drug delivery barriers. It also presents the progress in modeling various genetic and epigenetic factors involved in regulating the tumor microenvironment as a noticeable insight in 3D microfluidic tumor models for recognizing multidrug resistance and delivery mechanisms. Further correlation between the results obtained from microfluidic drug resistance tumor models and the clinical MDR data would open up avenues to gain insight into the performance of different multidrug delivery treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Rahmanian
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran 1517964311, Iran
| | - Amir Seyfoori
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran 1517964311, Iran
| | - Mohsen Ghasemi
- Genetics Department, Breast Cancer Research Center (BCRC), Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran 1517964311, Iran
| | - Milad Shamsi
- Center for BioEngineering Research and Education (CBRE), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Ahmad Rezaei Kolahchi
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Hassan Pezeshgi Modarres
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Amir Sanati-Nezhad
- Center for BioEngineering Research and Education (CBRE), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Keivan Majidzadeh-A
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran 1517964311, Iran; Genetics Department, Breast Cancer Research Center (BCRC), Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran 1517964311, Iran.
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Hsu HH, Ko PL, Wu HM, Lin HC, Wang CK, Tung YC. Study 3D Endothelial Cell Network Formation under Various Oxygen Microenvironment and Hydrogel Composition Combinations Using Upside-Down Microfluidic Devices. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2006091. [PMID: 33480473 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202006091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Formation of 3D networks is a crucial process for endothelial cells during development of primary blood vessels under both normal and pathological conditions. In order to investigate effects of oxygen microenvironment and matrix composition on the 3D network formation, an upside-down microfluidic cell culture device capable of generating oxygen gradients is developed in this paper. In cell experiments, network formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) within fibrinogen-based hydrogels with different concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA) is systematically studied. In addition, five different oxygen microenvironments (uniform normoxia, 5%, and 1% O2 ; oxygen gradients under normoxia and 5% O2 ) are also applied for the cell culture. The generated oxygen gradients are characterized based on fluorescence lifetime measurements. The experimental results show increased 3D cell network length when the cells are cultured under the oxygen gradients within the hydrogels with the HA addition suggesting their roles in promoting network formation. Furthermore, the formed networks tend to align along the direction of the oxygen gradients indicating the presence of gradient-driven cellular response. The results demonstrate that the developed upside-down microfluidic device can provide an advanced platform to investigate 3D cell culture under the controlled oxygen microenvironments for various biomedical studies in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Hua Hsu
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Liang Ko
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Mei Wu
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chieh Lin
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Kai Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chung Tung
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
- College of Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, 33302, Taiwan
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36
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Barmaki S, Obermaier D, Kankuri E, Vuola J, Franssila S, Jokinen V. A Microfluidic Chip Architecture Enabling a Hypoxic Microenvironment and Nitric Oxide Delivery in Cell Culture. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11110979. [PMID: 33143339 PMCID: PMC7692389 DOI: 10.3390/mi11110979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A hypoxic (low oxygen level) microenvironment and nitric oxide paracrine signaling play important roles in the control of both biological and pathological cell responses. In this study, we present a microfluidic chip architecture for nitric oxide delivery under a hypoxic microenvironment in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293). The chip utilizes two separate, but interdigitated microfluidic channels. The hypoxic microenvironment was created by sodium sulfite as the oxygen scavenger in one of the channels. The nitric oxide microenvironment was created by sodium nitroprusside as the light-activated nitric oxide donor in the other channel. The solutions are separated from the cell culture by a 30 µm thick gas-permeable, but liquid-impermeable polydimethylsiloxane membrane. We show that the architecture is preliminarily feasible to define the gaseous microenvironment of a cell culture in the 100 µm and 1 mm length scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samineh Barmaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-469-074-531
| | | | - Esko Kankuri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Jyrki Vuola
- Helsinki Burn Centre, Jorvi Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, 00260 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Sami Franssila
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, 00076 Espoo, Finland; (S.F.); (V.J.)
| | - Ville Jokinen
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, 00076 Espoo, Finland; (S.F.); (V.J.)
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37
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Aggarwal V, Miranda O, Johnston PA, Sant S. Three dimensional engineered models to study hypoxia biology in breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 490:124-142. [PMID: 32569616 PMCID: PMC7442747 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of mortality among women worldwide. Despite the available therapeutic regimes, variable treatment response is reported among different breast cancer subtypes. Recently, the effects of the tumor microenvironment on tumor progression as well as treatment responses have been widely recognized. Hypoxia and hypoxia inducible factors in the tumor microenvironment have long been known as major players in tumor progression and survival. However, the majority of our understanding of hypoxia biology has been derived from two dimensional (2D) models. Although many hypoxia-targeted therapies have elicited promising results in vitro and in vivo, these results have not been successfully translated into clinical trials. These limitations of 2D models underscore the need to develop and integrate three dimensional (3D) models that recapitulate the complex tumor-stroma interactions in vivo. This review summarizes role of hypoxia in various hallmarks of cancer progression. We then compare traditional 2D experimental systems with novel 3D tissue-engineered models giving accounts of different bioengineering platforms available to develop 3D models and how these 3D models are being exploited to understand the role of hypoxia in breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Aggarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Oshin Miranda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Paul A Johnston
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Shilpa Sant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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38
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Kobuszewska A, Jastrzębska E, Żukowski K, Brzózka Z. Simulation of hypoxia of myocardial cells in microfluidic systems. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15524. [PMID: 32968198 PMCID: PMC7511941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72660-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The paper presents a newly designed microfluidic system that allows simulation of myocardial hypoxia by biochemical method. The geometry of the microsystem was designed in such a way, that quantitative fluorescent measurements using a spectrofluorometric plate reader was possible. Biochemical simulation of hypoxia was carried out using potent mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler—Carbonyl cyanide-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP). Two cardiac cell lines were used in the study—rat cardiomyoblasts (H9C2) and human cardiomyocytes. The effectiveness of biochemical simulation of hypoxia was studied using two fluorescent dyes: carbocyanine iodide (JC-1) and Fluo-4. Changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential and concentration of intracellular calcium ions were tested. The major novelty of this research was the applying the microfluidic system to create hypoxia conditions for cardiac cells using the biochemical approach. In further studies, the presented hypoxia model could be used to develop new methods of treatment of ischemic heart disease for example in cell therapy based on stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kobuszewska
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Jastrzębska
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Kamil Żukowski
- CEZAMAT, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Brzózka
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
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39
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Shirure VS, Lam SF, Shergill B, Chu YE, Ng NR, George SC. Quantitative design strategies for fine control of oxygen in microfluidic systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:3036-3050. [PMID: 32716448 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00350f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia, or low oxygen (O2) tension, is a central feature of important disease processes including wound healing and cancer. Subtle temporal and spatial variations (≤1% change) in the concentration of O2 can profoundly impact gene expression and cellular functions. Sodium sulfite reacts rapidly with O2 and can be used to lower the O2 concentrations in PDMS-based tissue culture systems without exposing the cell culture to the chemical reaction. By carefully considering the mass transfer and reaction kinetics of sodium sulfite and O2, we developed a flexible theoretical framework to design an experimental microfluidic system that provides fine spatial and temporal control of O2 tension. The framework packages the dimensions, fluid flow, reaction rates, concentrations, and material properties of the fluidic lines and device into dimensionless groups that facilitate scaling and design. We validated the theoretical results by experimentally measuring O2 tension throughout the experimental system using phosphorescence lifetime imaging. We then tested the system by examining the impact of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) on the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Using this system, we demonstrate that mild constant hypoxia (≤4%) induces HIF-1α mediated functional changes in the tumor cells. Furthermore, slow (>12 hours), but not rapid (<1 hour), fluctuations in O2 tension impact HIF-1α mediated proliferation and migration. Our results provide a generalized framework for fine temporal and spatial control of O2 and emphasize the need to consider mild spatial and temporal changes in O2 tension as potentially important factors in disease processes such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venktesh S Shirure
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Sandra F Lam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Bhupinder Shergill
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Yunli E Chu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Natalie R Ng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Steven C George
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Davis, CA, USA.
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40
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Sewell-Loftin MK, Katz JB, George SC, Longmore GD. Micro-strains in the extracellular matrix induce angiogenesis. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:2776-2787. [PMID: 32614340 PMCID: PMC7659465 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00145g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
An improved understanding of biomechanical factors that control tumor development, including angiogenesis, could explain why few of the promising treatment strategies discovered via in vitro models translate well into in vivo or clinical studies. The ability to manipulate and in real-time study the multiple independent biomechanical properties on cellular activity has been limited, primarily due to limitations in traditional in vitro platforms or the inability to manipulate such factors in vivo. We present a novel microfluidic platform that mimics the vascularized tumor microenvironment with independent control of interstitial flow and mechanical strain. The microtissue platform design isolates mechanically-stimulated angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment, by manipulating interstitial flow to eliminate soluble factors that could drive blood vessel growth. Our studies demonstrate that enhanced mechanical strain induced by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promotes angiogenesis in microvasculature models, even when preventing diffusion of soluble factors to the growing vasculature. Moreover, small but significant decreases in micro-strains induced by inhibited CAFs were sufficient to reduce angiogenesis. Ultimately, we believe this platform represents a significant advancement in the ability to investigate biomechanical signals while controlling for biochemical signals, with a potential to be utilized in fields beyond cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kathryn Sewell-Loftin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wallace Tumor Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1824 6th Avenue South, Room 630A, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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Nam H, Funamoto K, Jeon JS. Cancer cell migration and cancer drug screening in oxygen tension gradient chip. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:044107. [PMID: 32742536 PMCID: PMC7375834 DOI: 10.1063/5.0011216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, which is prevalent in malignant tumors, is present in a variety of cases depending on the primary tumor and metastatic site. The cancer metastasis is affected by various factors that surround and constitute a tumor microenvironment. One of the several factors, oxygen tension, can affect cancer cells and induce changes in many ways, including motility, directionality, and viability. In particular, the oxygen tension gradient is formed within a tumor cluster and oxygen is lower toward the center of the cluster from the perivascular area. The simple and efficient designing of the tumor microenvironment using microfluidic devices enables the simplified and robust platform of the complex in vivo microenvironment while observing a clear cause-and-effect between the properties of cancer cells under oxygen tension. Here, a microfluidic device with five channels including a gel channel, media channels, and gas channels is designed. MDA-MB-231cells are seeded in the microfluidic device with hydrogel to simulate their three-dimensional movement in the body. The motility and directionality of the cancer cells under the normoxic and oxygen tension gradient conditions are compared. Also, the viability of the cancer cells is analyzed for each condition when anticancer drugs are applied. Unlike the normoxic condition, under the oxygen tension gradient, cancer cells showed directionality toward higher oxygen tension and decreased viability against the certain anticancer drug. The simplified design of the tumor microenvironment through microfluidic devices enables comprehension of the response of cancer cells to varying oxygen tensions and cancer drugs in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeono Nam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
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42
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Richardson L, Kim S, Menon R, Han A. Organ-On-Chip Technology: The Future of Feto-Maternal Interface Research? Front Physiol 2020; 11:715. [PMID: 32695021 PMCID: PMC7338764 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta and fetal membrane act as a protective barrier throughout pregnancy while maintaining communication and nutrient exchange between the baby and the mother. Disruption of this barrier leads to various pregnancy complications, including preterm birth, which can have lasting negative consequences. Thus, understanding the role of the feto-maternal interface during pregnancy and parturition is vital to advancing basic and clinical research in the field of obstetrics. However, human subject studies are inherently difficult, and appropriate animal models are lacking. Due to these challenges, in vitro cell culture-based studies are most commonly utilized. However, the structure and functions of conventionally used in vitro 2D and 3D models are vastly different from the in vivo environment, making it difficult to fully understand the various factors affecting pregnancy as well as pathways and mechanisms contributing to term and preterm births. This limitation also makes it difficult to develop new therapeutics. The emergence of in vivo-like in vitro models such as organ-on-chip (OOC) platforms can better recapitulate in vivo functions and responses and has the potential to move this field forward significantly. OOC technology brings together two distinct fields, microfluidic engineering and cell/tissue biology, through which diverse human organ structures and functionalities can be built into a laboratory model that better mimics functions and responses of in vivo tissues and organs. In this review, we first provide an overview of the OOC technology, highlight two major designs commonly used in achieving multi-layer co-cultivation of cells, and introduce recently developed OOC models of the feto-maternal interface. As a vital component of this review, we aim to outline progress on the practicality and effectiveness of feto-maternal interface OOC (FM-OOC) models currently used and the advances they have fostered in obstetrics research. Lastly, we provide a perspective on the future basic research and clinical applications of FM-OOC models, and even those that integrate multiple organ systems into a single OOC system that may recreate intrauterine architecture in its entirety, which will accelerate our understanding of feto-maternal communication, induction of preterm labor, drug or toxicant permeability at this vital interface, and development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Richardson
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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Kostyuk AI, Kokova AD, Podgorny OV, Kelmanson IV, Fetisova ES, Belousov VV, Bilan DS. Genetically Encoded Tools for Research of Cell Signaling and Metabolism under Brain Hypoxia. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E516. [PMID: 32545356 PMCID: PMC7346190 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9060516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is characterized by low oxygen content in the tissues. The central nervous system (CNS) is highly vulnerable to a lack of oxygen. Prolonged hypoxia leads to the death of brain cells, which underlies the development of many pathological conditions. Despite the relevance of the topic, different approaches used to study the molecular mechanisms of hypoxia have many limitations. One promising lead is the use of various genetically encoded tools that allow for the observation of intracellular parameters in living systems. In the first part of this review, we provide the classification of oxygen/hypoxia reporters as well as describe other genetically encoded reporters for various metabolic and redox parameters that could be implemented in hypoxia studies. In the second part, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the primary hypoxia model systems and highlight inspiring examples of research in which these experimental settings were combined with genetically encoded reporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I. Kostyuk
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (A.D.K.); (O.V.P.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksandra D. Kokova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (A.D.K.); (O.V.P.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg V. Podgorny
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (A.D.K.); (O.V.P.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya V. Kelmanson
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (A.D.K.); (O.V.P.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena S. Fetisova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (A.D.K.); (O.V.P.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vsevolod V. Belousov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (A.D.K.); (O.V.P.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Georg August University Göttingen, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany
- Federal Center for Cerebrovascular Pathology and Stroke, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry S. Bilan
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (A.D.K.); (O.V.P.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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Integrated On-Chip 3D Vascular Network Culture under Hypoxia. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11050475. [PMID: 32365889 PMCID: PMC7281659 DOI: 10.3390/mi11050475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We developed a portable device made of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for long-term 3D cell culture of vascular endothelial cells for the development of a vascular network and evaluated the device under different transitions between normoxia and hypoxia with good optical accessibility. The combination of a nested reservoir device and a bicarbonate/ascorbate buffer system accomplished on-chip incubation with 4.91 ± 0.86% pO2 and 5.19 ± 1.70% pCO2 for up to 10 days. Seventy-two hours of normoxic incubation preceding hypoxic culture increased the cell viability, network formation, and size and stability of the resulting lumens compared with those completely maintained in normoxia for the same total duration. We employed different parameters of the network (e.g., total mesh area, total length, number of branches, among others) for the comparison of different oxygen treatments in the device. The differential effect of hypoxic conditions based on the maturity of the vessels may be used as an external factor to improve vascular development in vitro.
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Metabolic Switching of Tumor Cells under Hypoxic Conditions in a Tumor-on-a-chip Model. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11040382. [PMID: 32260396 PMCID: PMC7231186 DOI: 10.3390/mi11040382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia switches the metabolism of tumor cells and induces drug resistance. Currently, no therapeutic exists that effectively and specifically targets hypoxic cells in tumors. Development of such therapeutics critically depends on the availability of in vitro models that accurately recapitulate hypoxia as found in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we report on the design and validation of an easy-to-fabricate tumor-on-a-chip microfluidic platform that robustly emulates the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. The tumor-on-a-chip model consists of a central chamber for 3D tumor cell culture and two side channels for medium perfusion. The microfluidic device is fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and oxygen diffusion in the device is blocked by an embedded sheet of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Hypoxia was confirmed using oxygen-sensitive probes and the effect on the 3D tumor cell culture investigated by a pH-sensitive dual-labeled fluorescent dextran and a fluorescently labeled glucose analogue. In contrast to control devices without PMMA, PMMA-containing devices gave rise to decreases in oxygen and pH levels as well as an increased consumption of glucose after two days of culture, indicating a rapid metabolic switch of the tumor cells under hypoxic conditions towards increased glycolysis. This platform will open new avenues for testing anti-cancer therapies targeting hypoxic areas.
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Tabata Y, Yoshino D, Funamoto K, Koens R, Kamm RD, Funamoto K. Migration of vascular endothelial cells in monolayers under hypoxic exposure. Integr Biol (Camb) 2020; 11:26-35. [PMID: 31584068 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyz002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The hypoxic microenvironment existing in vivo is known to significantly affect cell morphology and dynamics, and cell group behaviour. Collective migration of vascular endothelial cells is essential for vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, and for maintenance of monolayer integrity. Although hypoxic stress increases vascular endothelial permeability, the changes in collective migration and intracellular junction morphology of vascular endothelial cells remain poorly understood. This study reveals the migration of confluent vascular endothelial cells and changes in their adherens junction, as reflected by changes in the vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin distribution, under hypoxic exposure. Vascular endothelial monolayers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were formed in microfluidic devices with controllability of oxygen tension. The oxygen tension was set to either normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (<3% O2) by supplying gas mixtures into separate gas channels. The migration velocity of HUVECs was measured using particle image velocimetry with a time series of phase-contrast microscopic images of the vascular endothelial monolayers. Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and VE-cadherin in HUVECs were observed after exposure to normoxic or hypoxic conditions using immunofluorescence staining and quantitative confocal image analysis. Changes in the migration speed of HUVECs were observed in as little as one hour after exposure to hypoxic condition, showing that the migration speed was increased 1.4-fold under hypoxia compared to that under normoxia. Nuclear translocation of HIF-1α peaked after the hypoxic gas mixture was supplied for 2 h. VE-cadherin expression was also found to be reduced. When ethanol was added to the cell culture medium, cell migration increased. By contrast, by strengthening VE-cadherin junctions with forskolin, cell migration decreased gradually in spite the effect of ethanol to stimulate migration. These results indicate that the increase of cell migration by hypoxic exposure was attributable to loosening of intercellular junction resulting from the decrease of VE-cadherin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugo Tabata
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-12 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yoshino
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kiyoe Funamoto
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Rei Koens
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-12 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kenichi Funamoto
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
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Koens R, Tabata Y, Serrano JC, Aratake S, Yoshino D, Kamm RD, Funamoto K. Microfluidic platform for three-dimensional cell culture under spatiotemporal heterogeneity of oxygen tension. APL Bioeng 2020; 4:016106. [PMID: 32161836 PMCID: PMC7060087 DOI: 10.1063/1.5127069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells in a tumor microenvironment are exposed to spatial and temporal variations in oxygen tension due to hyperproliferation and immature vascularization. Such spatiotemporal oxygen heterogeneity affects the behavior of cancer cells, leading to cancer growth and metastasis, and thus, it is essential to clarify the cellular responses of cancer cells to oxygen tension. Herein, we describe a new double-layer microfluidic device allowing the control of oxygen tension and the behavior of cancer cells under spatiotemporal oxygen heterogeneity. Two parallel gas channels were located above the media and gel channels to enhance gas exchange, and a gas-impermeable polycarbonate film was embedded in the device to prevent the diffusion of atmospheric oxygen. Variations in oxygen tension in the device with the experimental parameters and design variables were investigated computationally and validated by using oxygen-sensitive nanoparticles. The present device can generate a uniform hypoxic condition at oxygen levels down to 0.3% O2, as well as a linear oxygen gradient from 3% O2 to 17% O2 across the gel channel within 15 min. Moreover, human breast cancer cells suspended in type I collagen gel were introduced in the gel channel to observe their response under controlled oxygen tension. Hypoxic exposure activated the proliferation and motility of the cells, which showed a local maximum increase at 5% O2. Under the oxygen gradient condition, the increase in the cell number was relatively high in the central mild hypoxia region. These findings demonstrate the utility of the present device to study cellular responses in an oxygen-controlled microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rei Koens
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-12 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | | | - Jean C. Serrano
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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Pavlacky J, Polak J. Technical Feasibility and Physiological Relevance of Hypoxic Cell Culture Models. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:57. [PMID: 32153502 PMCID: PMC7046623 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is characterized as insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues and cells in the body and is prevalent in many human physiology processes and diseases. Thus, it is an attractive state to experimentally study to understand its inner mechanisms as well as to develop and test therapies against pathological conditions related to hypoxia. Animal models in vivo fail to recapitulate some of the key hallmarks of human physiology, which leads to human cell cultures; however, they are prone to bias, namely when pericellular oxygen concentration (partial pressure) does not respect oxygen dynamics in vivo. A search of the current literature on the topic revealed this was the case for many original studies pertaining to experimental models of hypoxia in vitro. Therefore, in this review, we present evidence mandating for the close control of oxygen levels in cell culture models of hypoxia. First, we discuss the basic physical laws required for understanding the oxygen dynamics in vitro, most notably the limited diffusion through a liquid medium that hampers the oxygenation of cells in conventional cultures. We then summarize up-to-date knowledge of techniques that help standardize the culture environment in a replicable fashion by increasing oxygen delivery to the cells and measuring pericellular levels. We also discuss how these tools may be applied to model both constant and intermittent hypoxia in a physiologically relevant manner, considering known values of partial pressure of tissue normoxia and hypoxia in vivo, compared to conventional cultures incubated at rigid oxygen pressure. Attention is given to the potential influence of three-dimensional tissue cultures and hypercapnia management on these models. Finally, we discuss the implications of these concepts for cell cultures, which try to emulate tissue normoxia, and conclude that the maintenance of precise oxygen levels is important in any cell culture setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Pavlacky
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Rare Diseases Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Polak
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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Grist SM, Nasseri SS, Laplatine L, Schmok JC, Yao D, Hua J, Chrostowski L, Cheung KC. Long-term monitoring in a microfluidic system to study tumour spheroid response to chronic and cycling hypoxia. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17782. [PMID: 31780697 PMCID: PMC6883080 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate the application of a microfluidic platform combining spatiotemporal oxygen control and long-term microscopy monitoring to observe tumour spheroid response to hypoxia. The platform is capable of recreating physiologically-relevant low and cycling oxygen levels not attainable in traditional cell culture environments, while image-based monitoring visualizes cell response to these physiologically-relevant conditions. Monitoring spheroid cultures during hypoxic exposure allows us to observe, for the first time, that spheroids swell and shrink in response to time-varying oxygen profiles switching between 0% and 10% O2; this swelling-shrinkage behaviour appears to be driven by swelling of individual cells within the spheroids. We also apply the system to monitoring tumour models during anticancer treatment under varying oxygen conditions. We observe higher uptake of the anticancer agent doxorubicin under a cycling hypoxia profile than under either chronic hypoxia or in vitro normoxia, and the two-photon microscopy monitoring facilitated by our system also allows us to observe heterogeneity in doxorubicin uptake within spheroids at the single-cell level. Combining optical sectioning microscopy with precise spatiotemporal oxygen control and 3D culture opens the door for a wide range of future studies on microenvironmental mechanisms driving cancer progression and resistance to anticancer therapy. These types of studies could facilitate future improvements in cancer diagnostics and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Grist
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - S Soroush Nasseri
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Loïc Laplatine
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jonathan C Schmok
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Dickson Yao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jessica Hua
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lukas Chrostowski
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Karen C Cheung
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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50
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Chen MB, Kamm RD, Moeendarbary E. Engineered Models of Metastasis with Application to Study Cancer Biomechanics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1092:189-207. [PMID: 30368754 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-95294-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional complex biomechanical interactions occur from the initial steps of tumor formation to the later phases of cancer metastasis. Conventional monolayer cultures cannot recapitulate the complex microenvironment and chemical and mechanical cues that tumor cells experience during their metastatic journey, nor the complexity of their interactions with other, noncancerous cells. As alternative approaches, various engineered models have been developed to recapitulate specific features of each step of metastasis with tunable microenvironments to test a variety of mechanistic hypotheses. Here the main recent advances in the technologies that provide deeper insight into the process of cancer dissemination are discussed, with an emphasis on three-dimensional and mechanical factors as well as interactions between multiple cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle B Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
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