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Li C, He W, Song Y, Zhang X, Sun J, Zhou Z. Advances of 3D Cell Co-Culture Technology Based on Microfluidic Chips. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:336. [PMID: 39056612 PMCID: PMC11274478 DOI: 10.3390/bios14070336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Cell co-culture technology aims to study the communication mechanism between cells and to better reveal the interactions and regulatory mechanisms involved in processes such as cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and other cellular activities. This is achieved by simulating the complex organismic environment. Such studies are of great significance for understanding the physiological and pathological processes of multicellular organisms. As an emerging cell cultivation technology, 3D cell co-culture technology, based on microfluidic chips, can efficiently, rapidly, and accurately achieve cell co-culture. This is accomplished by leveraging the unique microchannel structures and flow characteristics of microfluidic chips. The technology can simulate the native microenvironment of cell growth, providing a new technical platform for studying intercellular communication. It has been widely used in the research of oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and other fields. In this review, we summarize and provide insights into the design of cell co-culture systems on microfluidic chips, the detection methods employed in co-culture systems, and the applications of these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Li
- Engineering Research Center of TCM Intelligence Health Service, School of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (C.L.); (Y.S.); (X.Z.)
| | - Wei He
- Department of Clinical Medical Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China;
| | - Yihua Song
- Engineering Research Center of TCM Intelligence Health Service, School of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (C.L.); (Y.S.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xia Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of TCM Intelligence Health Service, School of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (C.L.); (Y.S.); (X.Z.)
| | - Jianfei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Sciences & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zuojian Zhou
- Engineering Research Center of TCM Intelligence Health Service, School of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (C.L.); (Y.S.); (X.Z.)
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2
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Lim J, Fang HW, Bupphathong S, Sung PC, Yeh CE, Huang W, Lin CH. The Edifice of Vasculature-On-Chips: A Focused Review on the Key Elements and Assembly of Angiogenesis Models. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:3548-3567. [PMID: 38712543 PMCID: PMC11167599 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01978] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The conception of vascularized organ-on-a-chip models provides researchers with the ability to supply controlled biological and physical cues that simulate the in vivo dynamic microphysiological environment of native blood vessels. The intention of this niche research area is to improve our understanding of the role of the vasculature in health or disease progression in vitro by allowing researchers to monitor angiogenic responses and cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions in real time. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the essential elements, including cells, biomaterials, microenvironmental factors, microfluidic chip design, and standard validation procedures that currently govern angiogenesis-on-a-chip assemblies. In addition, we emphasize the importance of incorporating a microvasculature component into organ-on-chip devices in critical biomedical research areas, such as tissue engineering, drug discovery, and disease modeling. Ultimately, advances in this area of research could provide innovative solutions and a personalized approach to ongoing medical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Lim
- Graduate
Institute of Nanomedicine and Medical Engineering, College of Biomedical
Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Wei Fang
- High-value
Biomaterials Research and Commercialization Center, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
- Institute
of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Sasinan Bupphathong
- Graduate
Institute of Nanomedicine and Medical Engineering, College of Biomedical
Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- High-value
Biomaterials Research and Commercialization Center, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chan Sung
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chen-En Yeh
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Wei Huang
- Department
of Orthodontics, Rutgers School of Dental
Medicine, Newark, New Jersey 07103, United States
| | - Chih-Hsin Lin
- Graduate
Institute of Nanomedicine and Medical Engineering, College of Biomedical
Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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3
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Kaminaga M, Otomo S, Tsunozaki S, Kadonosono T, Omata T. Fabrication of a Cancer Cell Aggregate Culture Device That Facilitates Observations of Nutrient and Oxygen Gradients. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:689. [PMID: 38930659 PMCID: PMC11205477 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional cell culture spheroids are commonly used for drug evaluation studies because they can produce large quantities of homogeneous cell aggregates. As the spheroids grow, nutrients supplied from outer spheroid regions render the inner spheroid areas hypoxic and hyponutrient, which makes them unobservable through confocal microscopy. In this study, we fabricated a cancer cell aggregate culture device that facilitates the observation of nutrient and oxygen gradients. An alginate gel fiber was created in the cell culture chamber to ensure a flow path for supplying the culture medium. A gradient of nutrients and oxygen was generated by positioning the flow channel close to the edge of the chamber. We devised a fabrication method that uses calcium carbonate as a source of Ca2+ for the gelation of sodium alginate, which has a slow reaction rate. We then cultured a spheroid of HCT116 cells, which were derived from human colorectal carcinoma using a fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator. Fluorescence observation suggested the formation of a hypoxic and hyponutrient region within an area approximately 500 µm away from the alginate gel fiber. This indicates the development of a cancer cell aggregate culture device that enables the observation of different nutrition and oxygen states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maho Kaminaga
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Toyota Campus, 2-1 Eisei-cho, Toyota 471-0067, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shuta Otomo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori ku, Yokohama 226-0026, Kanagawa, Japan (T.O.)
| | - Seisyu Tsunozaki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori ku, Yokohama 226-0026, Kanagawa, Japan (T.O.)
| | - Tetuya Kadonosono
- Department of Life Science & Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori ku, Yokohama 226-0026, Kanagawa, Japan;
| | - Toru Omata
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori ku, Yokohama 226-0026, Kanagawa, Japan (T.O.)
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4
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Hsu YH, Yang WC, Chen YT, Lin CY, Yang CF, Liu WW, Shivani S, Li PC. Spatially controlled diffusion range of tumor-associated angiogenic factors to develop a tumor model using a microfluidic resistive circuit. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2644-2657. [PMID: 38576341 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00891f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Developing a tumor model with vessels has been a challenge in microfluidics. This difficulty is because cancer cells can overgrow in a co-culture system. The up-regulation of anti-angiogenic factors during the initial tumor development can hinder neovascularization. The standard method is to develop a quiescent vessel network before loading a tumor construct in an adjacent chamber, which simulates the interaction between a tumor and its surrounding vessels. Here, we present a new method that allows a vessel network and a tumor to develop simultaneously in two linked chambers. The physiological environment of these two chambers is controlled by a microfluidic resistive circuit using two symmetric long microchannels. Applying the resistive circuit, a diffusion-dominated environment with a small 2-D pressure gradient is created across the two chambers with velocity <10.9 nm s-1 and Péclet number <6.3 × 10-5. This 2-D pressure gradient creates a V-shaped velocity clamp to confine the tumor-associated angiogenic factors at pores between the two chambers, and it has two functions. At the early stage, vasculogenesis is stimulated to grow a vessel network in the vessel chamber with minimal influence from the tumor that is still developed in the adjacent chamber. At the post-tumor-development stage, the induced steep concentration gradient at pores mimics vessel-tumor interactions to stimulate angiogenesis to grow vessels toward the tumor. Applying this method, we demonstrate that vasculogenic vessels can grow first, followed by stimulating angiogenesis. Angiogenic vessels can grow into stroma tissue up to 1.3 mm long, and vessels can also grow into or wrap around a 625 μm tumor spheroid or a tumor tissue developed from a cell suspension. In summary, our study suggests that the interactions between a developing vasculature and a growing tumor must be controlled differently throughout the tissue development process, including at the early stage when vessels are still forming and at the later stage when the tumor needs to interact with the vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsiang Hsu
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C.
- Graduate School of Advanced Technology, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Chih Yang
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Yi-Ting Chen
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Che-Yu Lin
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Chiou-Fong Yang
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Wei-Wen Liu
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Subhashree Shivani
- Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Pai-Chi Li
- Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
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5
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Ghoshal D, Petersen I, Ringquist R, Kramer L, Bhatia E, Hu T, Richard A, Park R, Corbin J, Agarwal S, Thomas A, Ramirez S, Tharayil J, Downey E, Ketchum F, Ochal A, Sonthi N, Lonial S, Kochenderfer JN, Tran R, Zhu M, Lam WA, Coskun AF, Roy K. Multi-Niche Human Bone Marrow On-A-Chip for Studying the Interactions of Adoptive CAR-T Cell Therapies with Multiple Myeloma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.08.588601. [PMID: 38644993 PMCID: PMC11030357 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.08.588601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM), a cancer of bone marrow plasma cells, is the second-most common hematological malignancy. However, despite immunotherapies like chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, relapse is nearly universal. The bone marrow (BM) microenvironment influences how MM cells survive, proliferate, and resist treatment. Yet, it is unclear which BM niches give rise to MM pathophysiology. Here, we present a 3D microvascularized culture system, which models the endosteal and perivascular bone marrow niches, allowing us to study MM-stroma interactions in the BM niche and model responses to therapeutic CAR-T cells. We demonstrated the prolonged survival of cell line-based and patient-derived multiple myeloma cells within our in vitro system and successfully flowed in donor-matched CAR-T cells. We then measured T cell survival, differentiation, and cytotoxicity against MM cells using a variety of analysis techniques. Our MM-on-a-chip system could elucidate the role of the BM microenvironment in MM survival and therapeutic evasion and inform the rational design of next-generation therapeutics. TEASER A multiple myeloma model can study why the disease is still challenging to treat despite options that work well in other cancers.
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6
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Kim S, Park J, Ho JN, Kim D, Lee S, Jeon JS. 3D vascularized microphysiological system for investigation of tumor-endothelial crosstalk in anti-cancer drug resistance. Biofabrication 2023; 15:045016. [PMID: 37567223 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acef99] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite the advantages of microfluidic system in drug screening, vascular systems responsible for the transport of drugs and nutrients have been hardly considered in the microfluidic-based chemotherapeutic screening. Considering the physiological characteristics of highly vascularized urinary tumors, we here investigated the chemotherapeutic response of bladder tumor cells using a vascularized tumor on a chip. The microfluidic chip was designed to have open-top region for tumor sample introduction and hydrophilic rail for spontaneous hydrogel patterning, which contributed to the construction of tumor-hydrogel-endothelium interfaces in a spatiotemporal on-demand manner. Utilizing the chip where intravascularly injected cisplatin diffuse across the endothelium and transport into tumor samples, chemotherapeutic responses of cisplatin-resistant or -susceptible bladder tumor cells were evaluated, showing the preservation of cellular drug resistance even within the chip. The open-top structure also enabled the direct harvest of tumor samples and post analysis in terms of secretome and gene expressions. Comparing the cisplatin efficacy of the cisplatin-resistant tumor cells in the presence or absence of endothelium, we found that the proliferation rates of tumor cells were increased in the vasculature-incorporated chip. These have suggested that our vascularized tumor chip allows the establishment of vascular-gel-tumor interfaces in spatiotemporal manners and further enables investigations of chemotherapeutic screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunggyu Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
| | - Joonha Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Nyoung Ho
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Danhyo Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangchul Lee
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Jessie S Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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7
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Dibble M, Di Cio' S, Luo P, Balkwill F, Gautrot JE. The impact of pericytes on the stability of microvascular networks in response to nanoparticles. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5729. [PMID: 37029151 PMCID: PMC10082022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31352-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recapitulating the normal physiology of the microvasculature is pivotal in the development of more complex in-vitro models and organ-on-chip designs. Pericytes are an important component of the vasculature, promoting vessel stability, inhibiting vascular permeability and maintaining the vascular hierarchical architecture. The use of such co-culture for the testing of therapeutics and nanoparticle safety is increasingly considered for the validation of therapeutic strategies. This report presents the use of a microfluidic model for such applications. Interactions between endothelial cells and pericytes are first explored. We identify basal conditions required to form stable and reproducible endothelial networks. We then investigate interactions between endothelial cells and pericytes via direct co-culture. In our system, pericytes prevented vessel hyperplasia and maintained vessel length in prolonged culture (> 10 days). In addition, these vessels displayed barrier function and expression of junction markers associated with vessel maturation, including VE-cadherin, β-catenin and ZO-1. Furthermore, pericytes maintained vessel integrity following stress (nutrient starvation) and prevented vessel regression, in contrast to the striking dissociation of networks in endothelial monocultures. This response was also observed when endothelial/pericyte co-cultures were exposed to high concentrations of moderately toxic cationic nanoparticles used for gene delivery. This study highlights the importance of pericytes in protecting vascular networks from stress and external agents and their importance to the design of advanced in-vitro models, including for the testing of nanotoxicity, to better recapitulate physiological response and avoid false positives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Dibble
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Stefania Di Cio'
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Piaopiao Luo
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Frances Balkwill
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Julien E Gautrot
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
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Nath B, Caprini L, Maggi C, Zizzari A, Arima V, Viola I, Di Leonardo R, Puglisi A. A microfluidic method for passive trapping of sperms in microstructures. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:773-784. [PMID: 36723114 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00997h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sperm motility is a prerequisite for male fertility. Enhancing the concentration of motile sperms in assisted reproductive technologies - for human and animal reproduction - is typically achieved through aggressive methods such as centrifugation. Here, we propose a passive technique for the amplification of motile sperm concentration, with no externally imposed forces or flows. The technique is based on the disparity between probability rates, for motile cells, of entering and escaping from complex structures. The effectiveness of the technique is demonstrated in microfluidic experiments with microstructured devices, comparing the trapping power in different geometries. In these micro-traps, we observe an enhancement of cells' concentration close to 10, with a contrast between motile and non-motile cells increased by a similar factor. Simulations of suitable interacting model sperms in realistic geometries reproduce quantitatively the experimental results, extend the range of observations and highlight the components that are key to the optimal trap design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binita Nath
- ISC-CNR, Institute for Complex Systems, Piazzale A. Moro 2, I-00185 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 2, I-00185, Rome, Italy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Silchar, Silchar - 788010, Assam, India
| | - Lorenzo Caprini
- Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Institut für Theoretische Physik II - Soft Matter, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Claudio Maggi
- NANOTEC-CNR, Institute of Nanotechnology, Soft and Living Matter Laboratory, c/o Dipt. di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 2, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zizzari
- NANOTEC-CNR, Institute of Nanotechnology, c/o Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, I-73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Valentina Arima
- NANOTEC-CNR, Institute of Nanotechnology, c/o Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, I-73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Ilenia Viola
- NANOTEC-CNR, Institute of Nanotechnology, Soft and Living Matter Laboratory, c/o Dipt. di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 2, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Leonardo
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 2, I-00185, Rome, Italy
- NANOTEC-CNR, Institute of Nanotechnology, Soft and Living Matter Laboratory, c/o Dipt. di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 2, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Puglisi
- ISC-CNR, Institute for Complex Systems, Piazzale A. Moro 2, I-00185 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 2, I-00185, Rome, Italy
- INFN, Unità di Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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9
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Nashimoto Y, Mukomoto R, Imaizumi T, Terai T, Shishido S, Ino K, Yokokawa R, Miura T, Onuma K, Inoue M, Shiku H. Electrochemical sensing of oxygen metabolism for a three-dimensional cultured model with biomimetic vascular flow. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 219:114808. [PMID: 36327566 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPSs) with three-dimensional (3D) cultured models have attracted considerable interest because of their potential to mimic human health and disease conditions. Recent MPSs have shown significant advancements in engineering perfusable vascular networks integrated with 3D culture models, realizing a more physiological environment in vitro; however, a sensing system that can monitor their activity under biomimetic vascular flow is lacking. We designed an open-top microfluidic device with sensor capabilities and demonstrated its application in analyzing oxygen metabolism in vascularized 3D tissue models. We first validated the platform by using human lung fibroblast (hLF) spheroids. Then, we applied the platform to a patient-derived cancer organoid and evaluated the changes in oxygen metabolism during drug administration through the vascular network. We found that the platform could integrate a perfusable vascular network with 3D cultured cells, and the electrochemical sensor could detect the change in oxygen metabolism in a quantitative, non-invasive, and real-time manner. This platform would become a monitoring system for 3D cultured cells integrated with a perfusable vascular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Nashimoto
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences (FRIS), Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan; Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan; Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan.
| | - Rei Mukomoto
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Takuto Imaizumi
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Takato Terai
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Shotaro Shishido
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Kosuke Ino
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Ryuji Yokokawa
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 615-8540, Japan
| | - Takashi Miura
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kunishige Onuma
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Masahiro Inoue
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Shiku
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan; Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan.
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10
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Park J, Kim S, Hong J, Jeon JS. Enabling perfusion through multicellular tumor spheroids promoting lumenization in a vascularized cancer model. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:4335-4348. [PMID: 36226506 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00597b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A tumor is composed of heterogeneous cell population, which is known as tumor stroma. In particular, blood vessels have an indispensable role in the tumor microenvironment acting as a key player in anti-cancer drug delivery. Recently, efforts have been made to accurately recapitulate the microenvironment by employing distinct cell types, however, the proper formation of perfusable tumor tissue is challenging. Here, perfusable tumor tissue is engineered by implanting multicellular tumor spheroids inside the microfluidic devices. Blood perfusion, spheroid growth, and vascular dynamics were monitored according to the spheroid composition and the contribution of internal and external vascular cells to spheroid perfusion was analyzed. Most notably, the increased penetration depth of fluorescence conjugated anti-cancer drug was observed in tri-culture spheroids. The implementation of tumor microenvironment reconstruction developed in this study not only creates a perfusable tumor vascular model but can also be utilized as a novel drug screening platform with patient-derived samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonha Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
| | - Seunggyu Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
| | - Jiman Hong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
| | - Jessie S Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
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11
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A Review of Functional Analysis of Endothelial Cells in Flow Chambers. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:jfb13030092. [PMID: 35893460 PMCID: PMC9326639 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13030092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial cells constitute the innermost layer. The cells are exposed to mechanical stress by the flow, causing them to express their functions. To elucidate the functions, methods involving seeding endothelial cells as a layer in a chamber were studied. The chambers are known as parallel plate, T-chamber, step, cone plate, and stretch. The stimulated functions or signals from endothelial cells by flows are extensively connected to other outer layers of arteries or organs. The coculture layer was developed in a chamber to investigate the interaction between smooth muscle cells in the middle layer of the blood vessel wall in vascular physiology and pathology. Additionally, the microfabrication technology used to create a chamber for a microfluidic device involves both mechanical and chemical stimulation of cells to show their dynamics in in vivo microenvironments. The purpose of this study is to summarize the blood flow (flow inducing) for the functions connecting to endothelial cells and blood vessels, and to find directions for future chamber and device developments for further understanding and application of vascular functions. The relationship between chamber design flow, cell layers, and microfluidics was studied.
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12
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Adams Y, Jensen AR. Cerebral malaria - modelling interactions at the blood-brain barrier in vitro. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275963. [PMID: 35815443 PMCID: PMC9302004 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a continuous endothelial barrier that is supported by pericytes and astrocytes and regulates the passage of solutes between the bloodstream and the brain. This structure is called the neurovascular unit and serves to protect the brain from blood-borne disease-causing agents and other risk factors. In the past decade, great strides have been made to investigate the neurovascular unit for delivery of chemotherapeutics and for understanding how pathogens can circumvent the barrier, leading to severe and, at times, fatal complications. One such complication is cerebral malaria, in which Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells disrupt the barrier function of the BBB, causing severe brain swelling. Multiple in vitro models of the BBB are available to investigate the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria and other diseases. These range from single-cell monolayer cultures to multicellular BBB organoids and highly complex cerebral organoids. Here, we review the technologies available in malaria research to investigate the interaction between P. falciparum-infected red blood cells and the BBB, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each model. Summary: This Review discusses the available in vitro models to investigate the impact of adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells on the blood–brain barrier, a process associated with cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Adams
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anja Ramstedt Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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13
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Bonanini F, Kurek D, Previdi S, Nicolas A, Hendriks D, de Ruiter S, Meyer M, Clapés Cabrer M, Dinkelberg R, García SB, Kramer B, Olivier T, Hu H, López-Iglesias C, Schavemaker F, Walinga E, Dutta D, Queiroz K, Domansky K, Ronden B, Joore J, Lanz HL, Peters PJ, Trietsch SJ, Clevers H, Vulto P. In vitro grafting of hepatic spheroids and organoids on a microfluidic vascular bed. Angiogenesis 2022; 25:455-470. [PMID: 35704148 PMCID: PMC9519670 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-022-09842-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
With recent progress in modeling liver organogenesis and regeneration, the lack of vasculature is becoming the bottleneck in progressing our ability to model human hepatic tissues in vitro. Here, we introduce a platform for routine grafting of liver and other tissues on an in vitro grown microvascular bed. The platform consists of 64 microfluidic chips patterned underneath a 384-well microtiter plate. Each chip allows the formation of a microvascular bed between two main lateral vessels by inducing angiogenesis. Chips consist of an open-top microfluidic chamber, which enables addition of a target tissue by manual or robotic pipetting. Upon grafting a liver microtissue, the microvascular bed undergoes anastomosis, resulting in a stable, perfusable vascular network. Interactions with vasculature were found in spheroids and organoids upon 7 days of co-culture with space of Disse-like architecture in between hepatocytes and endothelium. Veno-occlusive disease was induced by azathioprine exposure, leading to impeded perfusion of the vascularized spheroid. The platform holds the potential to replace animals with an in vitro alternative for routine grafting of spheroids, organoids, or (patient-derived) explants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Delilah Hendriks
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Huili Hu
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carmen López-Iglesias
- The Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Devanjali Dutta
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter J Peters
- The Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hans Clevers
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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14
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Mei J, Vasan A, Magaram U, Takemura K, Chalasani SH, Friend J. Well-free agglomeration and on-demand three-dimensional cell cluster formation using guided surface acoustic waves through a couplant layer. Biomed Microdevices 2022; 24:18. [PMID: 35596837 PMCID: PMC9124176 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-022-00617-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional cell agglomerates are broadly useful in tissue engineering and drug testing. We report a well-free method to form large (1.4-mm) multicellular clusters using 100-MHz surface acoustic waves (SAW) without direct contact with the media or cells. A fluid couplant is used to transform the SAW into acoustic streaming in the cell-laden media held in a petri dish. The couplant transmits longitudinal sound waves, forming a Lamb wave in the petri dish that, in turn, produces longitudinal sound in the media. Due to recirculation, human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells in the dish are carried to the center of the coupling location, forming a cluster in less than 10 min. A few minutes later, these clusters may then be translated and merged to form large agglomerations, and even repeatedly folded to produce a roughly spherical shape of over 1.4 mm in diameter for incubation—without damaging the existing intercellular bonds. Calcium ion signaling through these clusters and confocal images of multiprotein junctional complexes suggest a continuous tissue construct: intercellular communication. They may be formed at will, and the method is feasibly useful for formation of numerous agglomerates in a single petri dish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyang Mei
- Medically Advanced Devices Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jacobs School of Engineering and Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr MC0411, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Aditya Vasan
- Medically Advanced Devices Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jacobs School of Engineering and Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr MC0411, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Uri Magaram
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Kenjiro Takemura
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Sreekanth H Chalasani
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - James Friend
- Medically Advanced Devices Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jacobs School of Engineering and Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr MC0411, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA.
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15
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Microfluidics for 3D Cell and Tissue Cultures: Microfabricative and Ethical Aspects Updates. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101699. [PMID: 35626736 PMCID: PMC9139493 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The necessity to improve in vitro cell screening assays is becoming ever more important. Pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories and hospitals require technologies that help to speed up conventional screening and therapeutic procedures to produce more data in a short time in a realistic and reliable manner. The design of new solutions for test biomaterials and active molecules is one of the urgent problems of preclinical screening and the limited correlation between in vitro and in vivo data remains one of the major issues. The establishment of the most suitable in vitro model provides reduction in times, costs and, last but not least, in the number of animal experiments as recommended by the 3Rs (replace, reduce, refine) ethical guiding principles for testing involving animals. Although two-dimensional (2D) traditional cell screening assays are generally cheap and practical to manage, they have strong limitations, as cells, within the transition from the three-dimensional (3D) in vivo to the 2D in vitro growth conditions, do not properly mimic the real morphologies and physiology of their native tissues. In the study of human pathologies, especially, animal experiments provide data closer to what happens in the target organ or apparatus, but they imply slow and costly procedures and they generally do not fully accomplish the 3Rs recommendations, i.e., the amount of laboratory animals and the stress that they undergo must be minimized. Microfluidic devices seem to offer different advantages in relation to the mentioned issues. This review aims to describe the critical issues connected with the conventional cells culture and screening procedures, showing what happens in the in vivo physiological micro and nano environment also from a physical point of view. During the discussion, some microfluidic tools and their components are described to explain how these devices can circumvent the actual limitations described in the introduction.
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16
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Hu Z, Cao Y, Galan EA, Hao L, Zhao H, Tang J, Sang G, Wang H, Xu B, Ma S. Vascularized Tumor Spheroid-on-a-Chip Model Verifies Synergistic Vasoprotective and Chemotherapeutic Effects. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:1215-1225. [PMID: 35167260 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prolyl hydroxylases (PHD) inhibitors have been observed to improve drug distribution in mice tumors via blood vessel normalization, increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. These effects are yet to be demonstrated in human cell models. Tumor spheroids are three-dimensional cell clusters that have demonstrated great potential in drug evaluation for personalized medicine. Here, we used a perfusable vascularized tumor spheroid-on-a-chip to simulate the tumor microenvironment in vivo and demonstrated that the PHD inhibitor dimethylallyl glycine prevents the degradation of normal blood vessels while enhancing the efficacy of the anticancer drugs paclitaxel and cisplatin in human esophageal carcinoma (Eca-109) spheroids. Our results point to the potential of this model to evaluate anticancer drugs under more physiologically relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Hu
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuanxiong Cao
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Edgar A Galan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Liang Hao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Haoran Zhao
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jiyuan Tang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Gan Sang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Hanqi Wang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Bing Xu
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Shaohua Ma
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518107, China
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17
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Kameda Y, Chuaychob S, Tanaka M, Liu Y, Okada R, Fujimoto K, Nakamura T, Yokokawa R. Three-dimensional tissue model in direct contact with an on-chip vascular bed enabled by removable membranes. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:641-651. [PMID: 35018934 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00751c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) tissue culture is a powerful tool for understanding physiological events. However, 3D tissues still have limitations in their size, culture period, and maturity, which are caused by the lack of nutrients and oxygen supply through the vasculature. Here, we propose a new method for culturing a 3D tissue-a spheroid-directly on an 'on-chip vascular bed'. The method can be applied to any 3D tissue because the vascular bed is preformed, so that angiogenic factors from the tissue are not necessary to induce vasculature. The essential component of the assay system is the removable membrane that initially separates the 3D tissue culture well and the microchannel in which a uniform vascular bed is formed, and then allows the tissue to be settled directly onto the vascular bed following its removal. This in vitro system offers a new technique for evaluating the effects of vasculature on 3D tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikazu Kameda
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto Daigaku-Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan.
| | - Surachada Chuaychob
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto Daigaku-Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan.
| | - Miwa Tanaka
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto Daigaku-Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan.
| | - Ryu Okada
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto Daigaku-Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan.
| | - Kazuya Fujimoto
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto Daigaku-Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan.
| | - Takuro Nakamura
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| | - Ryuji Yokokawa
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto Daigaku-Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan.
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18
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Bang S, Lee S, Hwang KS, Kim J, Choi N, Kim HN. Three-Dimensional Axotomy and Regeneration on Open-Access Microfluidic Platform. IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2021; 21:395-404. [PMID: 34941516 DOI: 10.1109/tnb.2021.3136869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of patients are suffering from central nervous system (CNS) injury, including spinal cord injury. However, no suitable treatment is available for such patients as yet. Various platforms have been utilized to recapitulate CNS injuries. However, animal models and in vitro two-dimensional (2D)-based cell culture platforms have limitations, such as genetic heterogeneity and loss of the neural-circuit ultrastructure. To overcome these limitations, we developed a method for performing axotomy on an open-access three-dimensional (3D) neuron-culture platform. In this platform, the 3D alignment of axons in the brain tissue was recapitulated. For direct access to the cultured axons, the bottom of the 3D neuron-culture device was disassembled, enabling exposure of the neuron-laden Matrigel to the outside. The mechanical damage to the axons was recapitulated by puncturing the neuron-laden Matrigel using a pin. Thus, precise axotomy of three-dimensionally aligned axons could be performed. Furthermore, it was possible to fill the punctuated area by re-injecting Matrigel. Consequently, neurites regenerated into re-injected Matrigel. Moreover, it was confirmed that astrocytes can be co-cultured on this open-access platform without interfering with the axon alignment. The proposed open-access platform is expected to be useful for developing treatment techniques for CNS injuries.
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19
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Wu Y, Zhou Y, Qin X, Liu Y. From cell spheroids to vascularized cancer organoids: Microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip models for preclinical drug evaluations. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2021; 15:061503. [PMID: 34804315 PMCID: PMC8589468 DOI: 10.1063/5.0062697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is one of the most effective cancer treatments. Starting from the discovery of new molecular entities, it usually takes about 10 years and 2 billion U.S. dollars to bring an effective anti-cancer drug from the benchtop to patients. Due to the physiological differences between animal models and humans, more than 90% of drug candidates failed in phase I clinical trials. Thus, a more efficient drug screening system to identify feasible compounds and pre-exclude less promising drug candidates is strongly desired. For their capability to accurately construct in vitro tumor models derived from human cells to reproduce pathological and physiological processes, microfluidic tumor chips are reliable platforms for preclinical drug screening, personalized medicine, and fundamental oncology research. This review summarizes the recent progress of the microfluidic tumor chip and highlights tumor vascularization strategies. In addition, promising imaging modalities for enhancing data acquisition and machine learning-based image analysis methods to accurately quantify the dynamics of tumor spheroids are introduced. It is believed that the microfluidic tumor chip will serve as a high-throughput, biomimetic, and multi-sensor integrated system for efficient preclinical drug evaluation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
| | - Yuyuan Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
| | - Xiaochen Qin
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
| | - Yaling Liu
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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20
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Nguyen N, Thurgood P, Sekar NC, Chen S, Pirogova E, Peter K, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K. Microfluidic models of the human circulatory system: versatile platforms for exploring mechanobiology and disease modeling. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:769-786. [PMID: 34777617 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00815-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human circulatory system is a marvelous fluidic system, which is very sensitive to biophysical and biochemical cues. The current animal and cell culture models do not recapitulate the functional properties of the human circulatory system, limiting our ability to fully understand the complex biological processes underlying the dysfunction of this multifaceted system. In this review, we discuss the unique ability of microfluidic systems to recapitulate the biophysical, biochemical, and functional properties of the human circulatory system. We also describe the remarkable capacity of microfluidic technologies for exploring the complex mechanobiology of the cardiovascular system, mechanistic studying of cardiovascular diseases, and screening cardiovascular drugs with the additional benefit of reducing the need for animal models. We also discuss opportunities for further advancement in this exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngan Nguyen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nadia Chandra Sekar
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Sheng Chen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
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21
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Lee KH, Kim TH. Recent Advances in Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Generation for Drug Screening. BIOSENSORS 2021; 11:445. [PMID: 34821661 PMCID: PMC8615712 DOI: 10.3390/bios11110445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTs) have been employed in biomedical fields owing to their advantage in designing a three-dimensional (3D) solid tumor model. For controlling multicellular cancer spheroids, mimicking the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment is important to understand cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. In drug cytotoxicity assessments, MCTs provide better mimicry of conventional solid tumors that can precisely represent anticancer drug candidates' effects. To generate incubate multicellular spheroids, researchers have developed several 3D multicellular spheroid culture technologies to establish a research background and a platform using tumor modelingvia advanced materials science, and biosensing techniques for drug-screening. In application, drug screening was performed in both invasive and non-invasive manners, according to their impact on the spheroids. Here, we review the trend of 3D spheroid culture technology and culture platforms, and their combination with various biosensing techniques for drug screening in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tae-Hyung Kim
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseuk-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06974, Korea;
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22
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Zhang P, Shao N, Qin L. Recent Advances in Microfluidic Platforms for Programming Cell-Based Living Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2005944. [PMID: 34270839 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based living materials, including single cells, cell-laden fibers, cell sheets, organoids, and organs, have attracted intensive interests owing to their widespread applications in cancer therapy, regenerative medicine, drug development, and so on. Significant progress in materials, microfabrication, and cell biology have promoted the development of numerous promising microfluidic platforms for programming these cell-based living materials with a high-throughput, scalable, and efficient manner. In this review, the recent progress of novel microfluidic platforms for programming cell-based living materials is presented. First, the unique features, categories, and materials and related fabrication methods of microfluidic platforms are briefly introduced. From the viewpoint of the design principles of the microfluidic platforms, the recent significant advances of programming single cells, cell-laden fibers, cell sheets, organoids, and organs in turns are then highlighted. Last, by providing personal perspectives on challenges and future trends, this review aims to motivate researchers from the fields of materials and engineering to work together with biologists and physicians to promote the development of cell-based living materials for human healthcare-related applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Zhang
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ning Shao
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Lidong Qin
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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23
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Yao J, Li G, Jiao Y, Zheng Y, Liu Y, Wang G, Zhou L, Zhang H, Zhang X, Shuai J, Fan Q, Ye F, Lou S, Chen G, Song K, Liao Y, Liu L. Biological gel-based microchamber array for tumor cell proliferation and migration studies in well-controlled biochemical gradients. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:3004-3018. [PMID: 34159958 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00951b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer metastasis is a complex process controlled by multiple factors, including various cell-cell interactions, cell-environment coupling, and oxygen, nutrient and drug gradients that are intimately related to the heterogeneous breast tissue structure. In this study, we constructed a high-throughput in vitro biochip system containing an array of 642 microchambers arranged in a checkerboard configuration, with each chamber embedded in a composite extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of engineered collagen and Matrigel to mimic local heterogeneous environment in vivo. In addition, a controllable complex tetragonal chemical concentration profile can be achieved by imposing chemical compounds at the four boundaries of the chip, leading to distinct local nutrient and/or drug gradients in the individual microchambers. Here, the microchamber array with composite ECM (MACECM) device aims to simulate multiple tumor cell niches composed of both breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A-GFP) and metastatic breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231-RFP), which enables systematic studies of cell responses to a variety of biochemical conditions. The results obtained from the MACECM studies indicate that discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) inhibitor 7rh and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat, in association with epidermal growth factor (EGF) had no significant effects on the growth of MCF-10A-GFP cells, but had significant effects on DDR1 expression and the related migratory behavior of MDA-MB-231-RFP cells. The MACECM design not only enables the construction of a more realistic in vitro model for investigating cancer cell migration mechanisms but also has considerable potential for further development as a platform for next-generation high-throughput and therapeutic screening (e.g., anti-cancer drug evaluation) and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Yao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Smart Materials, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Guoqiang Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Smart Materials, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Yang Jiao
- Materials Science and Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, USA
| | - Yu Zheng
- Materials Science and Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, USA
| | - Yanping Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Smart Materials, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Gao Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Smart Materials, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Lianjie Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Smart Materials, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Hongfei Zhang
- Hygeia International Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xianquan Zhang
- Hygeia International Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Jianwei Shuai
- Department of Physics, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China and Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Qihui Fan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325000, China and Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Silong Lou
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Guo Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Smart Materials, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Kena Song
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Smart Materials, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China. and College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Henan 471023, China.
| | - Yong Liao
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400331, China.
| | - Liyu Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Smart Materials, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
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24
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Bessy T, Itkin T, Passaro D. Bioengineering the Bone Marrow Vascular Niche. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:645496. [PMID: 33996805 PMCID: PMC8113773 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.645496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The bone marrow (BM) tissue is the main physiological site for adult hematopoiesis. In recent years, the cellular and matrix components composing the BM have been defined with unprecedent resolution, both at the molecular and structural levels. With the expansion of this knowledge, the possibility of reproducing a BM-like structure, to ectopically support and study hematopoiesis, becomes a reality. A number of experimental systems have been implemented and have displayed the feasibility of bioengineering BM tissues, supported by cells of mesenchymal origin. Despite being known as an abundant component of the BM, the vasculature has been largely disregarded for its role in regulating tissue formation, organization and determination. Recent reports have highlighted the crucial role for vascular endothelial cells in shaping tissue development and supporting steady state, emergency and malignant hematopoiesis, both pre- and postnatally. Herein, we review the field of BM-tissue bioengineering with a particular focus on vascular system implementation and integration, starting from describing a variety of applicable in vitro models, ending up with in vivo preclinical models. Additionally, we highlight the challenges of the field and discuss the clinical perspectives in terms of adoptive transfer of vascularized BM-niche grafts in patients to support recovering hematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bessy
- Leukemia and Niche Dynamics Laboratory, Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
| | - Tomer Itkin
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Diana Passaro
- Leukemia and Niche Dynamics Laboratory, Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
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25
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Lim J, Ching H, Yoon JK, Jeon NL, Kim Y. Microvascularized tumor organoids-on-chips: advancing preclinical drug screening with pathophysiological relevance. NANO CONVERGENCE 2021; 8:12. [PMID: 33846849 PMCID: PMC8042002 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-021-00261-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent developments of organoids engineering and organ-on-a-chip microfluidic technologies have enabled the recapitulation of the major functions and architectures of microscale human tissue, including tumor pathophysiology. Nevertheless, there remain challenges in recapitulating the complexity and heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment. The integration of these engineering technologies suggests a potential strategy to overcome the limitations in reconstituting the perfusable microvascular system of large-scale tumors conserving their key functional features. Here, we review the recent progress of in vitro tumor-on-a-chip microfluidic technologies, focusing on the reconstruction of microvascularized organoid models to suggest a better platform for personalized cancer medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungeun Lim
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- George W, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Hanna Ching
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Kee Yoon
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- George W, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - YongTae Kim
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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26
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Kim S, Ko J, Lee SR, Park D, Park S, Jeon NL. Anchor-IMPACT: A standardized microfluidic platform for high-throughput antiangiogenic drug screening. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:2524-2535. [PMID: 33764506 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In vitro models are becoming more advanced to truly present physiological systems while enabling high-throughput screening and analysis. Organ-on-a-chip devices provide remarkable results through the reconstruction of a three-dimensional (3D) cellular microenvironment although they need to be further developed in terms of multiple liquid patterning principle, material properties, and scalability. Here we present a 3D anchor-based microfluidic injection-molded plastic array culture platform (Anchor-IMPACT) that enables selective, space-intensive patterning of hydrogels using anchor-island for high-throughput angiogenesis evaluation model. Anchor-IMPACT consists of a central channel and an anchor-island, integrating the array into an abbreviated 96-well plate format with a standard microscope slide size. The anchor-island enables selective 3D cell patterning without channel-to-channel contact or any hydrogel injection port using an anchor structure unlike conventional culture compartment. The hydrogel was patterned into defined regions by spontaneous capillary flow under hydrophilic conditions. We configured multiple cell patterning structures to investigate the angiogenic potency of colorectal cancer cells in Anchor-IMPACT and the morphological properties of the angiogenesis induced by the paracrine effect were evaluated. In addition, the efficacy of anticancer drugs against angiogenic sprouts was verified by following dose-dependent responses. Our results indicate that Anchor-IMPACT offers not only a model of high-throughput experimentation but also an advanced 3D cell culture platform and can significantly improve current in vitro models while providing the basis for developing predictive preclinical models for biopharmaceutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suryong Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihoon Ko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ryeol Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohyun Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyuk Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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27
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A well plate-based multiplexed platform for incorporation of organoids into an organ-on-a-chip system with a perfusable vasculature. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:2158-2189. [PMID: 33790475 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-00490-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their high spatiotemporal precision and adaptability to different host cells, organ-on-a-chip systems are showing great promise in drug discovery, developmental biology studies and disease modeling. However, many current micro-engineered biomimetic systems are limited in technological application because of culture media mixing that does not allow direct incorporation of techniques from stem cell biology, such as organoids. Here, we describe a detailed alternative method to cultivate millimeter-scale functional vascularized tissues on a biofabricated platform, termed 'integrated vasculature for assessing dynamic events', that enables facile incorporation of organoid technology. Utilizing the 3D stamping technique with a synthetic polymeric elastomer, a scaffold termed 'AngioTube' is generated with a central microchannel that has the mechanical stability to support a perfusable vascular system and the self-assembly of various parenchymal tissues. We demonstrate an increase in user familiarity and content analysis by situating the scaffold on a footprint of a 96-well plate. Uniquely, the platform can be used for facile connection of two or more tissue compartments in series through a common vasculature. Built-in micropores enable the studies of cell invasion involved in both angiogenesis and metastasis. We describe how this protocol can be applied to create both vascularized cardiac and hepatic tissues, metastatic breast cancer tissue and personalized pancreatic cancer tissue through incorporation of patient-derived organoids. Platform assembly to populating the scaffold with cells of interest into perfusable functional vascularized tissue will require 12-14 d and an additional 4 d if pre-polymer and master molds are needed.
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28
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De Chiara F, Ferret-Miñana A, Ramón-Azcón J. The Synergy between Organ-on-a-Chip and Artificial Intelligence for the Study of NAFLD: From Basic Science to Clinical Research. Biomedicines 2021; 9:248. [PMID: 33801289 PMCID: PMC7999375 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver affects about 25% of global adult population. On the long-term, it is associated with extra-hepatic compliances, multiorgan failure, and death. Various invasive and non-invasive methods are employed for its diagnosis such as liver biopsies, CT scan, MRI, and numerous scoring systems. However, the lack of accuracy and reproducibility represents one of the biggest limitations of evaluating the effectiveness of drug candidates in clinical trials. Organ-on-chips (OOC) are emerging as a cost-effective tool to reproduce in vitro the main NAFLD's pathogenic features for drug screening purposes. Those platforms have reached a high degree of complexity that generate an unprecedented amount of both structured and unstructured data that outpaced our capacity to analyze the results. The addition of artificial intelligence (AI) layer for data analysis and interpretation enables those platforms to reach their full potential. Furthermore, the use of them do not require any ethic and legal regulation. In this review, we discuss the synergy between OOC and AI as one of the most promising ways to unveil potential therapeutic targets as well as the complex mechanism(s) underlying NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco De Chiara
- Biosensors for Bioengineering Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 10–12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-M.); (J.R.-A.)
| | - Ainhoa Ferret-Miñana
- Biosensors for Bioengineering Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 10–12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-M.); (J.R.-A.)
| | - Javier Ramón-Azcón
- Biosensors for Bioengineering Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 10–12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-M.); (J.R.-A.)
- ICREA-Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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29
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Nelson MR, Ghoshal D, Mejías JC, Rubio DF, Keith E, Roy K. A multi-niche microvascularized human bone marrow (hBM) on-a-chip elucidates key roles of the endosteal niche in hBM physiology. Biomaterials 2021; 270:120683. [PMID: 33556648 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The human bone marrow (hBM) is a complex organ critical for hematopoietic and immune homeostasis, and where many cancers metastasize. Understanding the fundamental biology of the hBM in health and diseases remain difficult due to complexity of studying or manipulating the BM in humans. Accurate biomaterial-based in vitro models of the hBM microenvironment are critical to further our understanding of the BM-niche and advancing new clinical interventions. Here we report a unique, 96-well format, microfluidic hBM-on-a-chip that incorporates the endosteal, central marrow, and perivascular niches of the human BM. Osteogenic differentiation of donor human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) produced robust mineralization on the bottom surface ("bone-like endosteal layer") of the device, and subsequent seeding of human endothelial cells and MSCs in a fibrin-collagen hydrogel network ("central marrow") on the top created an interconnected 3D microvascular network ("perivascular niche"). The 96-well format allows eight independent "chips" to be studied in one plate, thereby increasing throughput and reproducibility. We show that this complex, multi-niche microtissue accurately mimics hBM composition and microphysiology, while providing key insights on hematopoietic progenitor dynamics. Presence of the endosteal niche decreased the proliferation and increased maintenance of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Upon exposure to radiation, HSCs in the hBM-chips containing endosteal niches were less frequently apoptotic, suggesting a potentially radio-protective role of the osteoblast surface. Our methods and results provide a broad platform for creating complex, multi-niche, high-throughput microphysiological (MPS) systems. Specifically, this hBM-on-a-chip opens new opportunities in human bone marrow research and therapeutics development, and can be used to better understand normal and impaired hematopoiesis, and various hBM pathologies, including cancer and BM failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Nelson
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Delta Ghoshal
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Joscelyn C Mejías
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - David Frey Rubio
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Emily Keith
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Krishnendu Roy
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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30
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Piantino M, Figarol A, Matsusaki M. Three-Dimensional in vitro Models of Healthy and Tumor Brain Microvasculature for Drug and Toxicity Screening. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2021; 3:656254. [PMID: 35295158 PMCID: PMC8915870 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.656254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue vascularization is essential for its oxygenation and the homogenous diffusion of nutrients. Cutting-edge studies are focusing on the vascularization of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models of human tissues. The reproduction of the brain vasculature is particularly challenging as numerous cell types are involved. Moreover, the blood-brain barrier, which acts as a selective filter between the vascular system and the brain, is a complex structure to replicate. Nevertheless, tremendous advances have been made in recent years, and several works have proposed promising 3D in vitro models of the brain microvasculature. They incorporate cell co-cultures organized in 3D scaffolds, often consisting of components of the native extracellular matrix (ECM), to obtain a micro-environment similar to the in vivo physiological state. These models are particularly useful for studying adverse effects on the healthy brain vasculature. They provide insights into the molecular and cellular events involved in the pathological evolutions of this vasculature, such as those supporting the appearance of brain cancers. Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is the most common form of brain cancer and one of the most vascularized solid tumors. It is characterized by a high aggressiveness and therapy resistance. Current conventional therapies are unable to prevent the high risk of recurrence of the disease. Most of the new drug candidates fail to pass clinical trials, despite the promising results shown in vitro. The conventional in vitro models are unable to efficiently reproduce the specific features of GBM tumors. Recent studies have indeed suggested a high heterogeneity of the tumor brain vasculature, with the coexistence of intact and leaky regions resulting from the constant remodeling of the ECM by glioma cells. In this review paper, after summarizing the advances in 3D in vitro brain vasculature models, we focus on the latest achievements in vascularized GBM modeling, and the potential applications for both healthy and pathological models as platforms for drug screening and toxicological assays. Particular attention will be paid to discuss the relevance of these models in terms of cell-cell, cell-ECM interactions, vascularization and permeability properties, which are crucial parameters for improving in vitro testing accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Piantino
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Agathe Figarol
- Institut Jean Lamour, UMR 7198 CNRS, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Michiya Matsusaki
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Michiya Matsusaki
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31
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Liu J, Zheng H, Dai X, Poh PSP, Machens HG, Schilling AF. Transparent PDMS Bioreactors for the Fabrication and Analysis of Multi-Layer Pre-vascularized Hydrogels Under Continuous Perfusion. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:568934. [PMID: 33425863 PMCID: PMC7785876 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.568934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering in combination with stem cell technology has the potential to revolutionize human healthcare. It aims at the generation of artificial tissues that can mimic the original with complex functions for medical applications. However, even the best current designs are limited in size, if the transport of nutrients and oxygen to the cells and the removal of cellular metabolites waste is mainly dependent on passive diffusion. Incorporation of functional biomimetic vasculature within tissue engineered constructs can overcome this shortcoming. Here, we developed a novel strategy using 3D printing and injection molding technology to customize multilayer hydrogel constructs with pre-vascularized structures in transparent Polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) bioreactors. These bioreactors can be directly connected to continuous perfusion systems without complicated construct assembling. Mimicking natural layer-structures of vascular walls, multilayer vessel constructs were fabricated with cell-laden fibrin and collagen gels, respectively. The multilayer design allows functional organization of multiple cell types, i.e., mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in outer layer, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) the inner layer and smooth muscle cells in between MSCs and HUVECs layers. Multiplex layers with different cell types showed clear boundaries and growth along the hydrogel layers. This work demonstrates a rapid, cost-effective, and practical method to fabricate customized 3D-multilayer vascular models. It allows precise design of parameters like length, thickness, diameter of lumens and the whole vessel constructs resembling the natural tissue in detail without the need of sophisticated skills or equipment. The ready-to-use bioreactor with hydrogel constructs could be used for biomedical applications including pre-vascularization for transplantable engineered tissue or studies of vascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Clinic for Trauma Surgery, Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Huaiyuan Zheng
- Department of Hand Surgery, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyi Dai
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Patrina S P Poh
- Julius Wolff Institut, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Günther Machens
- Department of Hand Surgery and Plastic Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Arndt F Schilling
- Clinic for Trauma Surgery, Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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32
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Mejías JC, Nelson MR, Liseth O, Roy K. A 96-well format microvascularized human lung-on-a-chip platform for microphysiological modeling of fibrotic diseases. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:3601-3611. [PMID: 32990704 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00644k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Development of organoids and microfluidic on-chip models has enabled studies of organ-level disease pathophysiologies in vitro. However, current lung-on-a-chip platforms are primarily monolayer epithelial-endothelial co-cultures, separated by a thin membrane, lacking microvasculature-networks or interstitial-fibroblasts. Here we report the design, microfabrication, and characterization of a unique microphysiological on-chip device that recapitulates the human lung interstitium-airway interface through a 3D vascular network, and normal or diseased fibroblasts encapsulated within a fibrin-collagen hydrogel underneath an airlifted airway epithelium. By incorporating fibroblasts from donors with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), or healthy-donor fibroblasts treated with TGF-β1, we successfully created a fibrotic, alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive disease phenotype which led to fibrosis-like transformation in club cells and ciliated cells in the airway. Using this device platform, we further modeled the cystic fibrosis (CF) epithelium and recruitment of neutrophils to the vascular networks. Our results suggest that this microphysiological model of the human lung could enable more pathophysiologically relevant studies of complex pulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joscelyn C Mejías
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory, Marcus Center for Therapeutic Cell Characterization and Manufacturing (MCM3), Center for ImmunoEngineering, NSF ERC for Cell Manufacturing Technologies (CMaT), The Georgia Institute of Technology, EBB 3018, 950 Atlantic Dr, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Michael R Nelson
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory, Marcus Center for Therapeutic Cell Characterization and Manufacturing (MCM3), Center for ImmunoEngineering, NSF ERC for Cell Manufacturing Technologies (CMaT), The Georgia Institute of Technology, EBB 3018, 950 Atlantic Dr, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Olivia Liseth
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory, Marcus Center for Therapeutic Cell Characterization and Manufacturing (MCM3), Center for ImmunoEngineering, NSF ERC for Cell Manufacturing Technologies (CMaT), The Georgia Institute of Technology, EBB 3018, 950 Atlantic Dr, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Krishnendu Roy
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory, Marcus Center for Therapeutic Cell Characterization and Manufacturing (MCM3), Center for ImmunoEngineering, NSF ERC for Cell Manufacturing Technologies (CMaT), The Georgia Institute of Technology, EBB 3018, 950 Atlantic Dr, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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33
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Lin DSY, Rajasekar S, Marway MK, Zhang B. From Model System to Therapy: Scalable Production of Perfusable Vascularized Liver Spheroids in "Open-Top" 384-Well Plate. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 7:2964-2972. [PMID: 34275295 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Vasculature is a key component of many biological tissues and helps to regulate a wide range of biological processes. Modeling vascular networks or the vascular interface in organ-on-a-chip systems is an essential aspect of this technology. In many organ-on-a-chip devices, however, the engineered vasculatures are usually designed to be encapsulated inside closed microfluidic channels, making it difficult to physically access or extract the tissues for downstream applications and analysis. One unexploited benefit of tissue extraction is the potential of vascularizing, perfusing, and maturing the tissue in well-controlled, organ-on-a-chip microenvironments and then subsequently extracting that product for in vivo therapeutic implantation. Moreover, for both modeling and therapeutic applications, the scalability of the tissue production process is important. Here we demonstrate the scalable production of perfusable and extractable vascularized tissues in an "open-top" 384-well plate (referred to as IFlowPlate), showing that this system could be used to examine nanoparticle delivery to targeted tissues through the microvascular network and to model vascular angiogenesis. Furthermore, tissue spheroids, such as hepatic spheroids, can be vascularized in a scalable manner and then subsequently extracted for in vivo implantation. This simple multiple-well plate platform could not only improve the experimental throughputs of organ-on-a-chip systems but could potentially help expand the application of model systems to regenerative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn S Y Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Shravanthi Rajasekar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Mandeep Kaur Marway
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada.,School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
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34
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Zhang T, Lih D, Nagao RJ, Xue J, Berthier E, Himmelfarb J, Zheng Y, Theberge AB. Open microfluidic coculture reveals paracrine signaling from human kidney epithelial cells promotes kidney specificity of endothelial cells. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2020; 319:F41-F51. [PMID: 32390509 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00069.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) from different human organs possess organ-specific characteristics that support specific tissue regeneration and organ development. EC specificity is identified by both intrinsic and extrinsic cues, among which the parenchyma and organ-specific microenvironment are critical contributors. These extrinsic cues are, however, largely lost during ex vivo cultures. Outstanding challenges remain to understand and reestablish EC organ specificity for in vitro studies to recapitulate human organ-specific physiology. Here, we designed an open microfluidic platform to study the role of human kidney tubular epithelial cells in supporting EC specificity. The platform consists of two independent cell culture regions segregated with a half wall; culture media are added to connect the two culture regions at a desired time point, and signaling molecules can travel across the half wall (paracrine signaling). Specifically, we report that in the microscale coculture device, primary human kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells (HPTECs) rescued primary human kidney peritubular microvascular EC (HKMEC) monolayer integrity and fenestra formation and that HPTECs upregulated key HKMEC kidney-specific genes (hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 homeobox B, adherens junctions-associated protein 1, and potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily J member 16) and endothelial activation genes (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, matrix metalloproteinase-7, and matrix metalloproteinase-10) in coculture. Coculturing with HPTECs also promoted kidney-specific genotype expression in human umbilical vein ECs and human pluripotent stem cell-derived ECs. Compared with culture in HPTEC conditioned media, coculture of ECs with HPTECs showed increased upregulation of kidney-specific genes, suggesting potential bidirectional paracrine signaling. Importantly, our device is compatible with standard pipettes, incubators, and imaging readouts and could also be easily adapted to study cell signaling between other rare or sensitive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianzi Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Daniel Lih
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ryan J Nagao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jun Xue
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Erwin Berthier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jonathan Himmelfarb
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ashleigh B Theberge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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35
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Han S, Kim S, Chen Z, Shin HK, Lee SY, Moon HE, Paek SH, Park S. 3D Bioprinted Vascularized Tumour for Drug Testing. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2993. [PMID: 32340319 PMCID: PMC7215771 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
An in vitro screening system for anti-cancer drugs cannot exactly reflect the efficacy of drugs in vivo, without mimicking the tumour microenvironment (TME), which comprises cancer cells interacting with blood vessels and fibroblasts. Additionally, the tumour size should be controlled to obtain reliable and quantitative drug responses. Herein, we report a bioprinting method for recapitulating the TME with a controllable spheroid size. The TME was constructed by printing a blood vessel layer consisting of fibroblasts and endothelial cells in gelatine, alginate, and fibrinogen, followed by seeding multicellular tumour spheroids (MCTSs) of glioblastoma cells (U87 MG) onto the blood vessel layer. Under MCTSs, sprouts of blood vessels were generated and surrounding MCTSs thereby increasing the spheroid size. The combined treatment involving the anti-cancer drug temozolomide (TMZ) and the angiogenic inhibitor sunitinib was more effective than TMZ alone for MCTSs surrounded by blood vessels, which indicates the feasibility of the TME for in vitro testing of drug efficacy. These results suggest that the bioprinted vascularized tumour is highly useful for understanding tumour biology, as well as for in vitro drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokgyu Han
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (S.H.); (Z.C.)
| | - Sein Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea;
| | - Zhenzhong Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (S.H.); (Z.C.)
| | - Hwa Kyoung Shin
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea;
- Korean Medical Science Research Center for Healthy-Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
- Graduate Training Program of Korean Medicine for Healthy-Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Seo-Yeon Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Korea;
| | - Hyo Eun Moon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (H.E.M.); (S.H.P.)
- Cancer Research Institute, Hypoxia Ischemia Disease Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Sun Ha Paek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (H.E.M.); (S.H.P.)
- Cancer Research Institute, Hypoxia Ischemia Disease Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Sungsu Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (S.H.); (Z.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea;
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics (iQB), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
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Recapitulating the Vasculature Using Organ-On-Chip Technology. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:bioengineering7010017. [PMID: 32085464 PMCID: PMC7175276 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of Vasculature-on-Chip has progressed rapidly over the last decade and recently, a wealth of fabrication possibilities has emerged that can be used for engineering vessels on a chip. All these fabrication methods have their own advantages and disadvantages but, more importantly, the capability of recapitulating the in vivo vasculature differs greatly between them. The first part of this review discusses the biological background of the in vivo vasculature and all the associated processes. We then evaluate the biological relevance of different fabrication methods proposed for Vasculature-on-Chip, we indicate their possibilities and limitations, and we assess which fabrication methods are capable of recapitulating the intrinsic complexity of the vasculature. This review illustrates the complexity involved in developing in vitro vasculature and provides an overview of fabrication methods for Vasculature-on-Chip in relation to the biological relevance of such methods.
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37
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Miniaturized Platform for Individual Coral Polyps Culture and Monitoring. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11020127. [PMID: 31979337 PMCID: PMC7074014 DOI: 10.3390/mi11020127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Methodologies for coral polyps culture and real-time monitoring are important in investigating the effects of the global environmental changes on coral reefs and marine biology. However, the traditional cultivation method is limited in its ability to provide a rapid and dynamic microenvironment to effectively exchange the chemical substances and simulate the natural environment change. Here, an integrated microdevice with continuous perfusion and temperature-control in the microenvironment was fabricated for dynamic individual coral polyps culture. For a realistic mimicry of the marine ecological environment, we constructed the micro-well based microfluidics platform that created a fluid flow environment with a low shear rate and high substance transfer, and developed a sensitive temperature control system for the long-term culture of individual coral polyps. This miniaturized platform was applied to study the individual coral polyps in response to the temperature change for evaluating the coral death caused by El Nino. The experimental results demonstrated that the microfluidics platform could provide the necessary growth environment for coral polyps as expected so that in turn the biological activity of individual coral polyps can quickly be recovered. The separation between the algae and host polyp cells were observed in the high culture temperature range and the coral polyp metabolism was negatively affected. We believe that our culture platform for individual coral polyps can provide a reliable analytical approach for model and mechanism investigations of coral bleaching and reef conservation.
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38
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Liu WW, Li PC. Photoacoustic imaging of cells in a three-dimensional microenvironment. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:3. [PMID: 31948442 PMCID: PMC6966874 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0594-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging live cells in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system yields more accurate information and spatial visualization of the interplay of cells and the surrounding matrix components compared to using a two-dimensional (2D) cell culture system. However, the thickness of 3D cultures results in a high degree of scattering that makes it difficult for the light to penetrate deeply to allow clear optical imaging. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a powerful imaging modality that relies on a PA effect generated when light is absorbed by exogenous contrast agents or endogenous molecules in a medium. It combines a high optical contrast with a high acoustic spatiotemporal resolution, allowing the noninvasive visualization of 3D cellular scaffolds at considerable depths with a high resolution and no image distortion. Moreover, advances in targeted contrast agents have also made PA imaging capable of molecular and cellular characterization for use in preclinical personalized diagnostics or PA imaging-guided therapeutics. Here we review the applications and challenges of PA imaging in a 3D cellular microenvironment. Potential future developments of PA imaging in preclinical applications are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wen Liu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pai-Chi Li
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Parrish J, Lim K, Zhang B, Radisic M, Woodfield TBF. New Frontiers for Biofabrication and Bioreactor Design in Microphysiological System Development. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:1327-1343. [PMID: 31202544 PMCID: PMC6874730 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPSs) have been proposed as an improved tool to recreate the complex biological features of the native niche with the goal of improving in vitro-in vivo extrapolation. In just over a decade, MPS technologies have progressed from single-tissue chips to multitissue plates with integrated pumps for perfusion. Concurrently, techniques for biofabrication of complex 3D constructs for regenerative medicine and 3D in vitro models have evolved into a diverse toolbox for micrometer-scale deposition of cells and cell-laden bioinks. However, as the complexity of biological models increases, experimental throughput is often compromised. This review discusses the existing disparity between MPS complexity and throughput, then examines an MPS-terminated biofabrication line to identify the hurdles and potential approaches to overcoming this disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon Parrish
- Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReaTE) Group, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand; New Zealand Medical Technologies Centre of Research Excellence (MedTech CoRE), Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Khoon Lim
- Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReaTE) Group, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand; New Zealand Medical Technologies Centre of Research Excellence (MedTech CoRE), Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Heart and Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tim B F Woodfield
- Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReaTE) Group, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand; New Zealand Medical Technologies Centre of Research Excellence (MedTech CoRE), Auckland, New Zealand.
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Ko J, Ahn J, Kim S, Lee Y, Lee J, Park D, Jeon NL. Tumor spheroid-on-a-chip: a standardized microfluidic culture platform for investigating tumor angiogenesis. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:2822-2833. [PMID: 31360969 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00140a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The field of microfluidics-based three-dimensional (3D) cell culture system is rapidly progressing from academic proof-of-concept studies to valid solutions to real-world problems. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based platform has been widely adopted as in vitro platforms for mimicking tumor microenvironment. However, PDMS has not been welcomed as a standardized commercial application for preclinical screening due to inherent material limitations that make it difficult to scale-up production. Here, we present an injection-molded plastic array 3D spheroid culture platform (Sphero-IMPACT). The platform is made of polystyrene (PS) in a standardized 96-well plate format with a user-friendly interface. This interface describes a simpler design that incorporates a tapered hole in the center of the rail to pattern a large spheroid with 3D extracellular matrix and various cell types. This hole is designed to accommodate standard pipette tip for automated system. The platform that mediate open microfluidics allows implement spontaneous fluid patterning with high repeatability from the end user. To demonstrate versatile use of the platform, we developed 3D perfusable blood vessel network and tumor spheroid assays. In addition, we established a tumor spheroid induced angiogenesis model that can be applicable for drug screening. Sphero-IMPACT has the potential to provide a robust and reproducible in vitro assay related to vascularized cancer research. This easy-to-use, ready-to-use platform can be translated into an enhanced preclinical model that faithfully reflects the complex tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jungho Ahn
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Suryong Kim
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Younggyun Lee
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jungseub Lee
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dohyun Park
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea. and Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea and Institute of Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
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41
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Ko J, Lee Y, Lee S, Lee S, Jeon NL. Human Ocular Angiogenesis-Inspired Vascular Models on an Injection-Molded Microfluidic Chip. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1900328. [PMID: 31199057 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201900328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenic sprouting, which is the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, is orchestrated by cues from the cellular microenvironment, such as spatially controlled gradients of angiogenic factors. However, current in vitro models are less scalable for in-depth studies of angiogenesis. In this study, a plastic-based microfluidic chip is developed to reconstruct in vitro 3D vascular networks. The main disadvantages of the preexisting system are identified, namely, the low productivity and difficulty of experiments, and a breakthrough is suggested while minimizing disadvantages. The selection of plastic materials contributes to the productivity and usability of in vitro devices. By adopting this material, this chip offers simple fluid patterning, facilitating the construction of a cell-culture microenvironment. Compared with previous systems, the chip, which can form both inward and outwardly radial vascular sprouting, demonstrates the growth of functional, morphologically integral microvessels. The developed angiogenic model yields dose-dependent results for antiangiogenic drug screening. This model may contribute significantly not only to vascular studies under normal and pathological conditions, but also to fundamental research on the ocular neovascularization. Furthermore, it can be applied as a tool for more practical, extended preclinical research, providing an alternative to animal experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Younggyun Lee
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Somin Lee
- Program for BioengineeringSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Seung‐Ryeol Lee
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Program for BioengineeringSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Institute of Advanced Machines and DesignSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Institute of BioengineeringSeoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
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Paek J, Park SE, Lu Q, Park KT, Cho M, Oh JM, Kwon KW, Yi YS, Song JW, Edelstein HI, Ishibashi J, Yang W, Myerson JW, Kiseleva RY, Aprelev P, Hood ED, Stambolian D, Seale P, Muzykantov VR, Huh D. Microphysiological Engineering of Self-Assembled and Perfusable Microvascular Beds for the Production of Vascularized Three-Dimensional Human Microtissues. ACS NANO 2019; 13:7627-7643. [PMID: 31194909 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b00686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The vasculature is an essential component of the circulatory system that plays a vital role in the development, homeostasis, and disease of various organs in the human body. The ability to emulate the architecture and transport function of blood vessels in the integrated context of their associated organs represents an important requirement for studying a wide range of physiological processes. Traditional in vitro models of the vasculature, however, largely fail to offer such capabilities. Here we combine microfluidic three-dimensional (3D) cell culture with the principle of vasculogenic self-assembly to engineer perfusable 3D microvascular beds in vitro. Our system is created in a micropatterned hydrogel construct housed in an elastomeric microdevice that enables coculture of primary human vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts to achieve de novo formation, anastomosis, and controlled perfusion of 3D vascular networks. An open-top chamber design adopted in this hybrid platform also makes it possible to integrate the microengineered 3D vasculature with other cell types to recapitulate organ-specific cellular heterogeneity and structural organization of vascularized human tissues. Using these capabilities, we developed stem cell-derived microphysiological models of vascularized human adipose tissue and the blood-retinal barrier. Our approach was also leveraged to construct a 3D organotypic model of vascularized human lung adenocarcinoma as a high-content drug screening platform to simulate intravascular delivery, tumor-killing effects, and vascular toxicity of a clinical chemotherapeutic agent. Furthermore, we demonstrated the potential of our platform for applications in nanomedicine by creating microengineered models of vascular inflammation to evaluate a nanoengineered drug delivery system based on active targeting liposomal nanocarriers. These results represent a significant improvement in our ability to model the complexity of native human tissues and may provide a basis for developing predictive preclinical models for biopharmaceutical applications.
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43
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Torisawa YS. Microfluidic Organs-on-Chips to Reconstitute Cellular Microenvironments. Bioanalysis 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-6229-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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44
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Li K, Yang X, Gao X. Probing tumor microtissue formation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition on a well-mesh microchip. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2019; 13:014102. [PMID: 30867873 PMCID: PMC6404933 DOI: 10.1063/1.5064838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional cultures of tumor microtissues and biomimetic simulation of tumor microenvironments are of great significance in the study of tumorigenesis and development processes. In this study, a well-mesh microchip was developed to realize the formation and culture of tumor microtissues in vitro. Human lung adenocarcinoma HCC827 cells and large-cell lung cancer NCI-H460 cells were used. The size and morphology of the microtissues have been observed. In addition, we constructed an in situ three-dimensional co-culture model with tumor cell microtissues (HCC827 or NCI-H460 cells), extracellular matrix (Matrigel), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. HCC827 microtissue epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the established well-mesh microchip also was investigated, and the results showed that recombinant transforming growth factor could activate the Snail and Akt gene and promote migration and EMT with the decrease of E-cadherin expression for HCC827. This well-mesh microchip features simple operation and easy observation, and could provide a new method for the study of tumor cells and tumor microenvironments in vitro. Therefore, this model has potential application value in organ-on-chip technology, tissue engineering, and drug evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xinghua Gao
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: . Tel.: +86-69982223
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45
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Álvarez-García YR, Ramos-Cruz KP, Agostini-Infanzón RJ, Stallcop LE, Beebe DJ, Warrick JW, Domenech M. Open multi-culture platform for simple and flexible study of multi-cell type interactions. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:3184-3195. [PMID: 30204194 PMCID: PMC8815088 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00560e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The study of multi-cell-type (MCT) interactions has the potential to significantly impact our understanding of tissue and disease biology. Such studies require innovative culture tools for unraveling the contributions of each cell type. Micro- and macro-scale platforms for MCT culture each have different advantages and disadvantages owing to their widely different capabilities, availability, and ease-of-use. However, as evidenced in the literature, there are very few examples of MCT studies and culture platforms, suggesting both biological and technical barriers. We have developed an open multi-culture platform to promote more rapid progress by integrating advantages of both micro- and macro-scale culture devices. The proposed open multi-culture platform addresses technical barriers by allowing easy customization, independent control of basic physical culture parameters, and incorporation of multiple culture modalities (e.g., 2D, 3D, transwell, and spheroid). The design also permits the user to obtain independent endpoints for each culture region. We demonstrate use of the platform in two example studies where we evaluated how cell ratio and cell types influence the response of triple negative breast cancer cells to heat damage and Hedgehog signaling. We also show that the platform can improve soluble factor transport between cell types compared to compartmentalized macro- and micro-scale alternatives. Last, we examine current and future challenges of the platform. We envision simple, yet flexible and customizable, platforms such as this will be important for advancing in vitro study of tissue and tumor biology.
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Lee S, Ko J, Park D, Lee SR, Chung M, Lee Y, Jeon NL. Microfluidic-based vascularized microphysiological systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:2686-2709. [PMID: 30110034 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00285a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems have emerged in the last decade to provide an alternative to in vivo models in basic science and pharmaceutical research. In the field of vascular biology, in particular, there has been a lack of a suitable in vitro model exhibiting a three-dimensional structure and the physiological function of vasculature integrated with organ-on-a-chip models. The rapid development of organ-on-a-chip technology is well positioned to fulfill unmet needs. Recently, functional integration of vasculature with diverse microphysiological systems has been increasing. This recent trend corresponds to emerging research interest in how the vascular system contributes to various physiological and pathological conditions. This innovative platform has undergone significant development, but adoption of this technology by end-users and researchers in biology is still a work in progress. Therefore, it is critical to focus on simplification and standardization to promote the distribution and acceptance of this technology by the end-users. In this review, we will introduce the latest developments in vascularized microphysiological systems and summarize their outlook in basic research and drug screening applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somin Lee
- Program for Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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Parrish J, Lim KS, Baer K, Hooper GJ, Woodfield TBF. A 96-well microplate bioreactor platform supporting individual dual perfusion and high-throughput assessment of simple or biofabricated 3D tissue models. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:2757-2775. [PMID: 30117514 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00485d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Traditional 2D monolayer cell cultures and submillimeter 3D tissue construct cultures used widely in tissue engineering are limited in their ability to extrapolate experimental data to predict in vivo responses due to their simplistic organization and lack of stimuli. The rise of biofabrication and bioreactor technologies has sought to address this through the development of techniques to spatially organize components of a tissue construct, and devices to supply these tissue constructs with an increasingly in vivo-like environment. Current bioreactors supporting both parenchymal and barrier tissue constructs in interconnected systems for body-on-a-chip platforms have chosen to emphasize study throughput or system/tissue complexity. Here, we report a platform to address this disparity in throughput and both system complexity (by supporting multiple in situ assessment methods) and tissue complexity (by adopting a construct-agnostic format). We introduce an ANSI/SLAS-compliant microplate and docking station fabricated via stereolithography (SLA), or precision machining, to provide up to 96 samples (Ø6 × 10 mm) with two individually-addressable fluid circuits (192 total), loading access, and inspection window for imaging during perfusion. Biofabricated ovarian cancer models were developed to demonstrate the in situ assessment capabilities via microscopy and a perfused resazurin-based metabolic activity assay. In situ microscopy highlighted flexibility of the sample housing to accommodate a range of sample geometries. Utility for drug screening was demonstrated by exposing the ovarian cancer models to an anticancer drug (doxorubicin) and generating the dose-response curve in situ, while achieving an assay quality similar to static wellplate culture. The potential for quantitative analysis of temporal tissue development and screening studies was confirmed by imaging soft- (gelatin) and hard-tissue (calcium chloride) analogs inside the bioreactor via spectral computed tomography (CT) scanning. As a proof-of-concept for particle tracing studies, flowing microparticles were visualized to inform the design of hydrogel constructs. Finally, the ability for mechanistic yet high-throughput screening was demonstrated in a vascular coculture model adopting endothelial and mesenchymal stem cells (HUVEC-MSC), encapsulated in gelatin-norbornene (gel-NOR) hydrogel cast into SLA-printed well inserts. This study illustrates the potential of a scalable dual perfusion bioreactor platform for parenchymal and barrier tissue constructs to support a broad range of multi-organ-on-a-chip applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Parrish
- Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReaTE) Group, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Musculoskeletal Medicine, Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
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Sano E, Mori C, Nashimoto Y, Yokokawa R, Kotera H, Torisawa YS. Engineering of vascularized 3D cell constructs to model cellular interactions through a vascular network. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2018; 12:042204. [PMID: 29861815 PMCID: PMC5955719 DOI: 10.1063/1.5027183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Current in vitro 3D culture models lack a vascular system to transport oxygen and nutrients, as well as cells, which is essential to maintain cellular viability and functions. Here, we describe a microfluidic method to generate a perfusable vascular network that can form inside 3D multicellular spheroids and functionally connect to microchannels. Multicellular spheroids containing endothelial cells and lung fibroblasts were embedded within a hydrogel inside a microchannel, and then, endothelial cells were seeded into both sides of the hydrogel so that angiogenic sprouts from the cell spheroids and the microchannels were anastomosed to form a 3D vascular network. Solution containing cells and reagents can be perfused inside the cell spheroids through the vascular network by injecting it into a microchannel. This method can be used to study cancer cell migration towards 3D co-culture spheroids through a vascular network. We recapitulated a bone-like microenvironment by culturing multicellular spheroids containing osteo-differentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as well as endothelial cells, and fibroblasts in the device. After the formation of vascularized spheroids, breast cancer cells were injected into a microchannel connected to a vascular network and cultured for 7 days on-chip to monitor cellular migration. We demonstrated that migration rates of the breast cancer cells towards multicellular spheroids via blood vessels were significantly higher in the bone-like microenvironment compared with the microenvironment formed by undifferentiated MSCs. These findings demonstrate the potential value of the 3D vascularized spheroids-on-a-chip for modeling in vivo-like cellular microenvironments, drug delivery through blood vessels, and cellular interactions through a vascular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Sano
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
| | - Chihiro Mori
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
| | - Yuji Nashimoto
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
| | - Ryuji Yokokawa
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Kotera
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
| | - Yu-suke Torisawa
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: . Tel.: +81-75-383-3701. Fax: +81-75-383-3681
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Bannerman AD, Ze Lu RX, Korolj A, Kim LH, Radisic M. The use of microfabrication technology to address the challenges of building physiologically relevant vasculature. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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McLean IC, Schwerdtfeger LA, Tobet SA, Henry CS. Powering ex vivo tissue models in microfluidic systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:1399-1410. [PMID: 29697131 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00241j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
This Frontiers review analyzes the rapidly growing microfluidic strategies that have been employed in attempts to create physio relevant 'organ-on-chip' models using primary tissue removed from a body (human or animal). Tissue harvested immediately from an organism, and cultured under artificial conditions is referred to as ex vivo tissue. The use of primary (organotypic) tissue offers unique benefits over traditional cell culture experiments, and microfluidic technology can be used to further exploit these advantages. Defining the utility of particular models, determining necessary constituents for acceptable modeling of in vivo physiology, and describing the role of microfluidic systems in tissue modeling processes is paramount to the future of organotypic models ex vivo. Virtually all tissues within the body are characterized by a large diversity of cellular composition, morphology, and blood supply (e.g., nutrient needs including oxygen). Microfluidic technology can provide a means to help maintain tissue in more physiologically relevant environments, for tissue relevant time-frames (e.g., matching the natural rates of cell turnover), and at in vivo oxygen tensions that can be controlled within modern microfluidic culture systems. Models for ex vivo tissues continue to emerge and grow in efficacy as mimics of in vivo physiology. This review addresses developments in microfluidic devices for the study of tissues ex vivo that can serve as an important bridge to translational value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C McLean
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
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