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Chen YS, Huang CH, Pai PC, Seo J, Lei KF. A Review on Microfluidics-Based Impedance Biosensors. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13010083. [PMID: 36671918 PMCID: PMC9855525 DOI: 10.3390/bios13010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Electrical impedance biosensors are powerful and continuously being developed for various biological sensing applications. In this line, the sensitivity of impedance biosensors embedded with microfluidic technologies, such as sheath flow focusing, dielectrophoretic focusing, and interdigitated electrode arrays, can still be greatly improved. In particular, reagent consumption reduction and analysis time-shortening features can highly increase the analytical capabilities of such biosensors. Moreover, the reliability and efficiency of analyses are benefited by microfluidics-enabled automation. Through the use of mature microfluidic technology, complicated biological processes can be shrunk and integrated into a single microfluidic system (e.g., lab-on-a-chip or micro-total analysis systems). By incorporating electrical impedance biosensors, hand-held and bench-top microfluidic systems can be easily developed and operated by personnel without professional training. Furthermore, the impedance spectrum provides broad information regarding cell size, membrane capacitance, cytoplasmic conductivity, and cytoplasmic permittivity without the need for fluorescent labeling, magnetic modifications, or other cellular treatments. In this review article, a comprehensive summary of microfluidics-based impedance biosensors is presented. The structure of this article is based on the different substrate material categorizations. Moreover, the development trend of microfluidics-based impedance biosensors is discussed, along with difficulties and challenges that may be encountered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shih Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Ching Pai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Jungmok Seo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Kin Fong Lei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea
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2
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Head T, Cady NC. Monitoring and modulation of the tumor microenvironment for enhanced cancer modeling. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:598-613. [PMID: 35088603 PMCID: PMC9014523 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221074293] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatments utilizing biologic or cytotoxic drugs compose the frontline of therapy, and though gains in treatment efficacy have been persistent in recent decades, much work remains in understanding cancer progression and treatment. Compounding this situation is the low rate of success when translating preclinical drug candidates to the clinic, which raises costs and development timelines. This underperformance is due in part to the poor recapitulation of the tumor microenvironment, a critical component of cancer biology, in cancer model systems. New technologies capable of both accurately observing and manipulating the tumor microenvironment are needed to effectively model cancer response to treatment. In this review, conventional cancer models are summarized, and a primer on emerging techniques for monitoring and modulating the tumor microenvironment is presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristen Head
- College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering,
State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY 12203, USA
| | - Nathaniel C Cady
- College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering,
State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY 12203, USA
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3
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Pitsalidis C, Pappa AM, Boys AJ, Fu Y, Moysidou CM, van Niekerk D, Saez J, Savva A, Iandolo D, Owens RM. Organic Bioelectronics for In Vitro Systems. Chem Rev 2021; 122:4700-4790. [PMID: 34910876 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectronics have made strides in improving clinical diagnostics and precision medicine. The potential of bioelectronics for bidirectional interfacing with biology through continuous, label-free monitoring on one side and precise control of biological activity on the other has extended their application scope to in vitro systems. The advent of microfluidics and the considerable advances in reliability and complexity of in vitro models promise to eventually significantly reduce or replace animal studies, currently the gold standard in drug discovery and toxicology testing. Bioelectronics are anticipated to play a major role in this transition offering a much needed technology to push forward the drug discovery paradigm. Organic electronic materials, notably conjugated polymers, having demonstrated technological maturity in fields such as solar cells and light emitting diodes given their outstanding characteristics and versatility in processing, are the obvious route forward for bioelectronics due to their biomimetic nature, among other merits. This review highlights the advances in conjugated polymers for interfacing with biological tissue in vitro, aiming ultimately to develop next generation in vitro systems. We showcase in vitro interfacing across multiple length scales, involving biological models of varying complexity, from cell components to complex 3D cell cultures. The state of the art, the possibilities, and the challenges of conjugated polymers toward clinical translation of in vitro systems are also discussed throughout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Pitsalidis
- Department of Physics, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi 127788, UAE.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K
| | - Anna-Maria Pappa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi 127788, UAE
| | - Alexander J Boys
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K
| | - Ying Fu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K.,Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1RD, U.K
| | - Chrysanthi-Maria Moysidou
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K
| | - Douglas van Niekerk
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K
| | - Janire Saez
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K.,Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, BIOMICs Microfluidics Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Avenida Miguel de Unamuno, 3, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, E-48011 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Achilleas Savva
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K
| | - Donata Iandolo
- INSERM, U1059 Sainbiose, Université Jean Monnet, Mines Saint-Étienne, Université de Lyon, 42023 Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Róisín M Owens
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K
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4
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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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5
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Lei KF, Ho YC, Huang CH, Huang CH, Pai PC. Characterization of stem cell-like property in cancer cells based on single-cell impedance measurement in a microfluidic platform. Talanta 2021; 229:122259. [PMID: 33838770 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Investigation of stem cell-like property in cancer cells is important for the development of new therapeutic drugs targeting at malignant tumors. Currently, the standard approach for identifying cancer stem cell-like cells relies on the recognition of stem cell surface markers. However, the reliability remains controversial among biologists. In the current work, a dielectrophoretic and impedimetric hybrid microfluidic platform was developed for capturing single cells and characterizing their stem cell-like property. Single cells were captured in 20 μm trapping wells by dielectrophoretic force and their impedance spectra were measured by an impedance analyzer. The result showed that different cancer cell lines could be differentiated by impedance magnitude ranging between 2 and 20 kHz. Moreover, cancer cells and cancer stem cell-like cells could be categorized by a 2-dimensional graph of the impedance magnitudes at 2 and 20 kHz. The stem cell-like property in cancer cells was verified by stem cell surface markers and single-cell derived colony assay. Comparing with bio-chemical approach, i.e., surface markers, bio-physical approach, i.e., cell impedance, is a label-free technique to identify cancer stem cell-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kin Fong Lei
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Chen Ho
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hao Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hao Huang
- PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ping Ching Pai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
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6
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De Leon SE, Cleuren L, Oo ZY, Stoddart PR, McArthur SL. Extending In-Plane Impedance Measurements from 2D to 3D Cultures: Design Considerations. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:11. [PMID: 33450860 PMCID: PMC7828367 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures have recently emerged as tools for biologically modelling the human body. As 3D models make their way into laboratories there is a need to develop characterisation techniques that are sensitive enough to monitor the cells in real time and without the need for chemical labels. Impedance spectroscopy has been shown to address both of these challenges, but there has been little research into the full impedance spectrum and how the different components of the system affect the impedance signal. Here we investigate the impedance of human fibroblast cells in 2D and 3D collagen gel cultures across a broad range of frequencies (10 Hz to 5 MHz) using a commercial well with in-plane electrodes. At low frequencies in both 2D and 3D models it was observed that protein adsorption influences the magnitude of the impedance for the cell-free samples. This effect was eliminated once cells were introduced to the systems. Cell proliferation could be monitored in 2D at intermediate frequencies (30 kHz). However, the in-plane electrodes were unable to detect any changes in the impedance at any frequency when the cells were cultured in the 3D collagen gel. The results suggest that in designing impedance measurement devices, both the nature and distribution of the cells within the 3D culture as well as the architecture of the electrodes are key variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorel E. De Leon
- Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia; (S.E.D.L.); (Z.Y.O.); (P.R.S.)
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Lana Cleuren
- PXL University College, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium;
| | - Zay Yar Oo
- Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia; (S.E.D.L.); (Z.Y.O.); (P.R.S.)
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Paul R. Stoddart
- Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia; (S.E.D.L.); (Z.Y.O.); (P.R.S.)
| | - Sally L. McArthur
- Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia; (S.E.D.L.); (Z.Y.O.); (P.R.S.)
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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7
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Li YCE, Lee IC. The Current Trends of Biosensors in Tissue Engineering. BIOSENSORS 2020; 10:E88. [PMID: 32756393 PMCID: PMC7459738 DOI: 10.3390/bios10080088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Biosensors constitute selective, sensitive, and rapid tools for disease diagnosis in tissue engineering applications. Compared to standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analytical technology, biosensors provide a strategy to real-time and on-site monitor micro biophysiological signals via a combination of biological, chemical, and physical technologies. This review summarizes the recent and significant advances made in various biosensor technologies for different applications of biological and biomedical interest, especially on tissue engineering applications. Different fabrication techniques utilized for tissue engineering purposes, such as computer numeric control (CNC), photolithographic, casting, and 3D printing technologies are also discussed. Key developments in the cell/tissue-based biosensors, biomolecular sensing strategies, and the expansion of several biochip approaches such as organs-on-chips, paper based-biochips, and flexible biosensors are available. Cell polarity and cell behaviors such as proliferation, differentiation, stimulation response, and metabolism detection are included. Biosensors for diagnosing tissue disease modes such as brain, heart, lung, and liver systems and for bioimaging are discussed. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced by current biosensing techniques and highlight future prospects of biosensors for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chen Ethan Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung 40724, Taiwan
| | - I-Chi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
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8
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Huang CH, Lei KF. Impedimetric quantification of migration speed of cancer cells migrating along a Matrigel-filled microchannel. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1121:67-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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9
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Tadini-Buoninsegni F, Palchetti I. Label-Free Bioelectrochemical Methods for Evaluation of Anticancer Drug Effects at a Molecular Level. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20071812. [PMID: 32218227 PMCID: PMC7181070 DOI: 10.3390/s20071812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a multifactorial family of diseases that is still a leading cause of death worldwide. More than 100 different types of cancer affecting over 60 human organs are known. Chemotherapy plays a central role for treating cancer. The development of new anticancer drugs or new uses for existing drugs is an exciting and increasing research area. This is particularly important since drug resistance and side effects can limit the efficacy of the chemotherapy. Thus, there is a need for multiplexed, cost-effective, rapid, and novel screening methods that can help to elucidate the mechanism of the action of anticancer drugs and the identification of novel drug candidates. This review focuses on different label-free bioelectrochemical approaches, in particular, impedance-based methods, the solid supported membranes technique, and the DNA-based electrochemical sensor, that can be used to evaluate the effects of anticancer drugs on nucleic acids, membrane transporters, and living cells. Some relevant examples of anticancer drug interactions are presented which demonstrate the usefulness of such methods for the characterization of the mechanism of action of anticancer drugs that are targeted against various biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilaria Palchetti
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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10
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De León SE, Pupovac A, McArthur SL. Three-Dimensional (3D) cell culture monitoring: Opportunities and challenges for impedance spectroscopy. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:1230-1240. [PMID: 31956986 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture has developed rapidly over the past 5-10 years with the goal of better replicating human physiology and tissue complexity in the laboratory. Quantifying cellular responses is fundamental in understanding how cells and tissues respond during their growth cycle and in response to external stimuli. There is a need to develop and validate tools that can give insight into cell number, viability, and distribution in real-time, nondestructively and without the use of stains or other labelling processes. Impedance spectroscopy can address all of these challenges and is currently used both commercially and in academic laboratories to measure cellular processes in 2D cell culture systems. However, its use in 3D cultures is not straight forward due to the complexity of the electrical circuit model of 3D tissues. In addition, there are challenges in the design and integration of electrodes within 3D cell culture systems. Researchers have used a range of strategies to implement impedance spectroscopy in 3D systems. This review examines electrode design, integration, and outcomes of a range of impedance spectroscopy studies and multiparametric systems relevant to 3D cell cultures. While these systems provide whole culture data, impedance tomography approaches have shown how this technique can be used to achieve spatial resolution. This review demonstrates how impedance spectroscopy and tomography can be used to provide real-time sensing in 3D cell cultures, but challenges remain in integrating electrodes without affecting cell culture functionality. If these challenges can be addressed and more realistic electrical models for 3D tissues developed, the implementation of impedance-based systems will be able to provide real-time, quantitative tracking of 3D cell culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorel E De León
- Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia.,Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aleta Pupovac
- Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia.,Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,CSIRO Probing Biosystems Future Science Platform, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally L McArthur
- Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia.,Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,CSIRO Probing Biosystems Future Science Platform, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Jing B, Luo Y, Lin B, Li J, Wang ZA, Du Y. Establishment and application of a dynamic tumor-vessel microsystem for studying different stages of tumor metastasis and evaluating anti-tumor drugs. RSC Adv 2019; 9:17137-17147. [PMID: 35519877 PMCID: PMC9064461 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra02069a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is one of the main causes of cancer-related death, and it is difficult to study the whole process of tumor metastasis in vivo due to the complex physiological environment in the body. Therefore, it's crucial to develop simple and physiologically relevant in vitro cancer models to study the metastasis process, especially different phases of tumor metastasis. A novel microfluidic tumor-vessel co-culture system was established to reproduce the different phases of cancer metastasis (proliferation, migration, intravasation and adherence) individually in vitro for the first time. It was observed that blood vessels with fluid flow had big impact on metastasis of liver cancer cells HepG2 and breast ones MDA-MB-231. In particular, it was found that both HepG2 and MDA-MB-231 cells migrated in the direction of “blood flow”. Furthermore, MDA-MB-231 cells invaded through paracellular mode disrupting the intercellular endothelial junctions, whereas HepG2 cells engaged in transcellular intravasation through transcellular process. Compared with traditional assays, much more potent inhibition of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) on different phases of tumor metastasis was observed on the microsystem. In summary, the microfluidic device yielded abundant information about each phase of tumor metastasis, and would provide a powerful platform for use in drug screening, toxicology studies, and personalized medicine in future. The different stages of the cancer metastasis were reproduced individually on a novel tumor-vessel co-culture microsystem.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Production & Formulation Engineering, PLA, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 P. R. China +86-10-8254-5070.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 P. R. China
| | - Yong Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology China
| | - Bingcheng Lin
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Dalian China
| | - Jianjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Production & Formulation Engineering, PLA, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 P. R. China +86-10-8254-5070
| | - Zhuo A Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Production & Formulation Engineering, PLA, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 P. R. China +86-10-8254-5070
| | - Yuguang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Production & Formulation Engineering, PLA, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 P. R. China +86-10-8254-5070
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12
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Zhao L, Shi M, Liu Y, Zheng X, Xiu J, Liu Y, Tian L, Wang H, Zhang M, Zhang X. Systematic Analysis of Different Cell Spheroids with a Microfluidic Device Using Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy and Gene Expression Profiling. Anal Chem 2019; 91:4307-4311. [PMID: 30869520 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The 3D cell spheroid is an emerging tool that allows better recapitulating of in vivo scenarios with multiple factors such as tissue-like morphology and membrane protein expression that intimately coordinates with enzyme activity, thus providing a psychological environment for tumorigenesis study. For analyzing different spheroids, conventional optical imaging may be hampered by the need for fluorescent labeling, which could cause toxicity side effects. As an alternative approach, scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) enables label-free imaging. However, SECM for cell spheroid imaging is currently suffering from incapability of systematically analyzing the cell aggregates from spheroid generation, electrochemical signal gaining, and the gene expression on different individual cell spheroids. Herein, we developed a top-removable microfluidic device for cell aggregate yielding and SECM imaging methodology to analyze heterotypic 3D cell spheroids on a single device. This technique allows not only on-chip culturing of cell aggregates but also SECM imaging of the spheroids after opening the chip and subsequent qPCR assay of corresponding clusters. Through employment of the micropit arrays (85 × 4) with a top withdrawable microfluidic layer, uniformly sized breast tumor cell and fibroblast spheroids can be simultaneously produced on a single device. By leveraging voltage-switching mode SECM at different potentials of dual mediators, we evaluated alkaline phosphatase without disturbance of substrate morphology for distinguishing the tumor aggregates from stroma. Moreover, this method also enables gene expression profiling on individual tumor or stromal spheroids. Therefore, this new strategy can seamlessly bridge SECM measurements and molecular biological analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhao
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Health, Research Center for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology , University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083 , China
| | - Mi Shi
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Health, Research Center for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology , University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083 , China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Health, Research Center for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology , University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083 , China
| | - Xiaonan Zheng
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Health, Research Center for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology , University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083 , China
| | - Jidong Xiu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Health, Research Center for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology , University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083 , China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Health, Research Center for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology , University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083 , China
| | - Lu Tian
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Health, Research Center for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology , University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083 , China
| | - Hongjuan Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Health, Research Center for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology , University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083 , China
| | - Meiqin Zhang
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Health, Research Center for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology , University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083 , China
| | - Xueji Zhang
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Health, Research Center for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology , University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083 , China
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13
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Tsai MT, Huang BH, Yeh CC, Lei KF, Tsang NM. Non-Invasive Quantification of the Growth of Cancer Cell Colonies by a Portable Optical Coherence Tomography. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10010035. [PMID: 30621072 PMCID: PMC6356435 DOI: 10.3390/mi10010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Investigation of tumor development is essential in cancer research. In the laboratory, living cell culture is a standard bio-technology for studying cellular response under tested conditions to predict in vivo cellular response. In particular, the colony formation assay has become a standard experiment for characterizing the tumor development in vitro. However, quantification of the growth of cell colonies under a microscope is difficult because they are suspended in a three-dimensional environment. Thus, optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging was develop in this study to monitor the growth of cell colonies. Cancer cell line of Huh 7 was used and the cells were applied on a layer of agarose hydrogel, i.e., a non-adherent surface. Then, cell colonies were gradually formed on the surface. The OCT technique was used to scan the cell colonies every day to obtain quantitative data for describing their growth. The results revealed the average volume increased with time due to the formation of cell colonies day-by-day. Additionally, the distribution of cell colony volume was analyzed to show the detailed information of the growth of the cell colonies. In summary, the OCT provides a non-invasive quantification technique for monitoring the growth of the cell colonies. From the OCT images, objective and precise information is obtained for higher prediction of the in vivo tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Tsan Tsai
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 33305, Taiwan.
| | - Bo-Huei Huang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Chih Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
| | - Kin Fong Lei
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 33305, Taiwan.
| | - Ngan-Ming Tsang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 33305, Taiwan.
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
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Yaman S, Anil-Inevi M, Ozcivici E, Tekin HC. Magnetic Force-Based Microfluidic Techniques for Cellular and Tissue Bioengineering. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:192. [PMID: 30619842 PMCID: PMC6305723 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Live cell manipulation is an important biotechnological tool for cellular and tissue level bioengineering applications due to its capacity for guiding cells for separation, isolation, concentration, and patterning. Magnetic force-based cell manipulation methods offer several advantages, such as low adverse effects on cell viability and low interference with the cellular environment. Furthermore, magnetic-based operations can be readily combined with microfluidic principles by precisely allowing control over the spatiotemporal distribution of physical and chemical factors for cell manipulation. In this review, we present recent applications of magnetic force-based cell manipulation in cellular and tissue bioengineering with an emphasis on applications with microfluidic components. Following an introduction of the theoretical background of magnetic manipulation, components of magnetic force-based cell manipulation systems are described. Thereafter, different applications, including separation of certain cell fractions, enrichment of rare cells, and guidance of cells into specific macro- or micro-arrangements to mimic natural cell organization and function, are explained. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and limitations of magnetic cell manipulation technologies in microfluidic devices with an outlook on future developments in the field.
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15
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Liu YC, Lee IC, Lei KF. Toward the Development of an Artificial Brain on a Micropatterned and Material-Regulated Biochip by Guiding and Promoting the Differentiation and Neurite Outgrowth of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:5269-5277. [PMID: 29400947 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b17863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
An in vitro model mimicking the in vivo environment of the brain must be developed to study neural communication and regeneration and to obtain an understanding of cellular and molecular responses. In this work, a multilayered neural network was successfully constructed on a biochip by guiding and promoting neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation and network formation. The biochip consisted of 3 × 3 arrays of cultured wells connected with channels. Neurospheroids were cultured on polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films in the culture wells. Neurite outgrowth and neural differentiation were guided and promoted by the micropatterns and the PEM films. After 5 days in culture, a 3 × 3 neural network was constructed on the biochip. The function and the connections of the network were evaluated by immunocytochemistry and impedance measurements. Neurons were generated and produced functional and recyclable synaptic vesicles. Moreover, the electrical connections of the neural network were confirmed by measuring the impedance across the neurospheroids. The current work facilitates the development of an artificial brain on a chip for investigations of electrical stimulations and recordings of multilayered neural communication and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Chiang Liu
- Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, ‡Graduate Institute of Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering, ∥Graduate Institute of Medical Mechatronics, and ⊥Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University , Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Neurosurgery Department and #Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou , Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - I-Chi Lee
- Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, ‡Graduate Institute of Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering, ∥Graduate Institute of Medical Mechatronics, and ⊥Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University , Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Neurosurgery Department and #Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou , Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Kin Fong Lei
- Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, ‡Graduate Institute of Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering, ∥Graduate Institute of Medical Mechatronics, and ⊥Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University , Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Neurosurgery Department and #Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou , Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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16
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Wu H, Yang Y, Bagnaninchi PO, Jia J. Electrical impedance tomography for real-time and label-free cellular viability assays of 3D tumour spheroids. Analyst 2018; 143:4189-4198. [DOI: 10.1039/c8an00729b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Real-time and label-free screening of the cell viability of 3D tumour spheroids by electrical impedance tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hancong Wu
- School of Engineering
- The University of Edinburgh
- UK
| | - Yunjie Yang
- School of Engineering
- The University of Edinburgh
- UK
| | - Pierre O. Bagnaninchi
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine
- The University of Edinburgh
- UK
| | - Jiabin Jia
- School of Engineering
- The University of Edinburgh
- UK
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17
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Costa EC, de Melo-Diogo D, Moreira AF, Carvalho MP, Correia IJ. Spheroids Formation on Non-Adhesive Surfaces by Liquid Overlay Technique: Considerations and Practical Approaches. Biotechnol J 2017; 13. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201700417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabete C. Costa
- CICS-UBI − Health Sciences Research Centre; Universidade da Beira Interior; 6200-506 Covilhã Portugal
| | - Duarte de Melo-Diogo
- CICS-UBI − Health Sciences Research Centre; Universidade da Beira Interior; 6200-506 Covilhã Portugal
| | - André F. Moreira
- CICS-UBI − Health Sciences Research Centre; Universidade da Beira Interior; 6200-506 Covilhã Portugal
| | - Marco P. Carvalho
- CICS-UBI − Health Sciences Research Centre; Universidade da Beira Interior; 6200-506 Covilhã Portugal
| | - Ilídio J. Correia
- CICS-UBI − Health Sciences Research Centre; Universidade da Beira Interior; 6200-506 Covilhã Portugal
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18
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Lei KF, Liu TK, Tsang NM. Towards a high throughput impedimetric screening of chemosensitivity of cancer cells suspended in hydrogel and cultured in a paper substrate. Biosens Bioelectron 2017; 100:355-360. [PMID: 28946107 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2017.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In order to achieve high predictive value of cell chemosensitivity test for clinical efficacy, cancer cells were suggested to be encapsulated and cultured in hydrogel to mimic the natural microenvironment of tumors. However, handling 3D cells/hydrogel culture construct is tedious and cellular response is difficult to be quantitatively analyzed. In the current study, a novel platform for conducting 3D cell culture and analyzing cell viability has been developed towards a high throughput drug screening. Cells encapsulated in the hydrogel were cultured in the microwells of a paper substrate. The substrate was then immersed in the culture medium containing drug for 2 days. At 24 and 48h during the culture course, the paper substrate was placed on the measurement electrodes for conducting the impedance measurement in order to quantify the cell viability in the hydrogel. Cell viability of two human hepatoma cell lines (Huh7 and Hep-G2) was quantitatively investigated under the treatment of two drugs (doxorubicin and etoposide). The results represented by IC50 values revealed that Huh7 cells had a higher drug resistance than Hep-G2 cells and doxorubicin had a higher efficacy than etoposide for treating hepatocellular carcinoma. The current work has demonstrated a high throughput, convenient, and quantitative platform for the investigation of chemosensitivity of cells cultured in the 3D environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kin Fong Lei
- Graduate Institute of Medical Mechatronics, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Radiation Oncology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Tai-Kun Liu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Mechatronics, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ngan-Ming Tsang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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