1
|
Sahin MA, Shehzad M, Destgeer G. Stopping Microfluidic Flow. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2307956. [PMID: 38143295 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202307956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
A cross-comparison of three stop-flow configurations-such as low-pressure (LSF), high-pressure open-circuit (OC-HSF), and high-pressure short-circuit (SC-HSF) stop-flow-is presented to rapidly bring a high velocity flow O(m s-1) within a microchannel to a standstill O(µm s-1). The performance of three stop-flow configurations is assessed by measuring residual flow velocities within microchannels having three orders of magnitude different flow resistances. The LSF configuration outperforms the OC-HSF and SC-HSF configurations within a high flow resistance microchannel and results in a residual velocity of <10 µm s-1. The OC-HSF configuration results in a residual velocity of <150 µm s-1 within a low flow resistance microchannel. The SC-HSF configuration results in a residual velocity of <200 µm s-1 across the three orders-of-magnitude different flow resistance microchannels, and <100 µm s-1 for the low flow resistance channel. It is hypothesized that residual velocity results from compliance in fluidic circuits, which is further investigated by varying the elasticity of microchannel walls and connecting tubing. A numerical model is developed to estimate the expanded volumes of the compliant microchannel and connecting tubings under a pressure gradient and to calculate the distance traveled by the sample fluid. A comparison of the numerically and experimentally obtained traveling distances confirms the hypothesis that the residual velocities are an outcome of the compliance in the fluidic circuit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Akif Sahin
- Control and Manipulation of Microscale Living Objects, Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Computation, Information and Technology (CIT), Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Technical University of Munich, Einsteinstraße 25, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Muhammad Shehzad
- Control and Manipulation of Microscale Living Objects, Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Computation, Information and Technology (CIT), Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Technical University of Munich, Einsteinstraße 25, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Ghulam Destgeer
- Control and Manipulation of Microscale Living Objects, Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Computation, Information and Technology (CIT), Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Technical University of Munich, Einsteinstraße 25, 81675, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jee Lee H, Vallier J, Lu H. Microfluidic Localized Hydrogel Polymerization Enables Simultaneous Recording of Neural Activity and Behavior in C. elegans. REACT CHEM ENG 2024; 9:666-676. [PMID: 38680986 PMCID: PMC11046317 DOI: 10.1039/d3re00516j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Monitoring an animal's brain activity during motion provides a means to interpret the brain activity in the context of movement. However, it is challenging to obtain information about the animal's movement during neural imaging in the popular model organism C. elegans due to its small size. Here, we present a microfluidic tool to immobilize only the head region of C. elegans for simultaneous recording of neuronal activity and tail movement. We combine hydrogel photopolymerization and microfluidics to realize controlled head immobilization in a semi-continuous fashion. To optimize the immobilization process, we characterize the hydrogel polymerization under different experimental conditions, including under the effect of fluid flow. We show that the Damköhler number specifically defined for our reactive transport phenomena can predict the success of such photopolymerized hydrogels used for sample immobilization. In addition to simultaneous recording of neural activity and behavior in C. elegans, we demonstrate our method's capability to temporarily reconfigure fluid flow and deliver chemical stimuli to the animal's nose to examine the animal's responses. We envision this approach to be useful for similar recordings for other small motile organisms, as well as scenarios where microfluidics and polymerization are used to control flow and rection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jee Lee
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Julia Vallier
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Hang Lu
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ouedraogo LJ, Trznadel MJ, Kling M, Nasirian V, Borst AG, Shirsavar MA, Makowski A, McNamara MC, Montazami R, Hashemi NN. Hydrodynamic Assembly of Astrocyte Cells in Conductive Hollow Microfibers. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300455. [PMID: 37953458 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300455] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
The manufacturing of 3D cell scaffoldings provides advantages for modeling diseases and injuries as it enables the creation of physiologically relevant platforms. A triple-flow microfluidic device is developed to rapidly fabricate alginate/graphene hollow microfibers based on the gelation of alginate induced with CaCl2 . This five-channel microdevice actualizes continuous mild fabrication of hollow fibers under an optimized flow rate ratio of 300:200:100 µL min-1 . The polymer solution is 2.5% alginate in 0.1% graphene and a 30% polyethylene glycol solution is used as the sheath and core solutions. The biocompatibility of these conductive microfibers by encapsulating mouse astrocyte cells (C8D1A) within the scaffolds is investigated. The cells can successfully survive both the manufacturing process and prolonged encapsulation for up to 8 days, where there is between 18-53% of live cells on both the alginate microfibers and alginate/graphene microfibers. These unique 3D hollow scaffolds can significantly enhance the available surface area for nutrient transport to the cells. In addition, these conductive hollow scaffolds illustrate unique advantages such as 0.728 cm3 gr-1 porosity and two times more electrical conductivity in comparison to alginate scaffolds. The results confirm the potential of these scaffolds as a microenvironment that supports cell growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lionel J Ouedraogo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Mychal J Trznadel
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - McKayla Kling
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Vahid Nasirian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Alexandra G Borst
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | | | - Andrew Makowski
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Marilyn C McNamara
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Reza Montazami
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Nicole N Hashemi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nasirian V, Niaraki-Asli AE, Aykar SS, Taghavimehr M, Montazami R, Hashemi NN. Capacitance of Flexible Polymer/Graphene Microstructures with High Mechanical Strength. 3D PRINTING AND ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING 2024; 11:242-250. [PMID: 38389687 PMCID: PMC10880642 DOI: 10.1089/3dp.2022.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Carbon-modified fibrous structures with high biocompatibility have attracted much attention due to their low cost, sustainability, abundance, and excellent electrical properties. However, some carbon-based materials possess low specific capacitance and electrochemical performance, which pose significant challenges in developing electronic microdevices. In this study, we report a microfluidic-based technique of manufacturing alginate hollow microfibers incorporated by water dispersed modified graphene (bovine serum albumin-graphene). These architectures successfully exhibited enhanced conductivity ∼20 times higher than alginate hollow microfibers without any significant change in the inner dimension of the hollow region (220.0 ± 10.0 μm) compared with pure alginate hollow microfibers. In the presence of graphene, higher specific surface permeability, active ion adsorption sites, and shorter pathways were created. These continuous ion transport networks resulted in improved electrochemical performance. The desired electrochemical properties of the microfibers make alginate/graphene hollow fibers an excellent choice for further use in the development of flexible capacitors with the potential to be used in smart health electronics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Nasirian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Saurabh S. Aykar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Reza Montazami
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Nicole N. Hashemi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Farahinia A, Zhang W, Badea I. Recent Developments in Inertial and Centrifugal Microfluidic Systems along with the Involved Forces for Cancer Cell Separation: A Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23115300. [PMID: 37300027 DOI: 10.3390/s23115300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of cancers is a significant challenge in the healthcare context today. Spreading circulating tumor cells (CTCs) throughout the body will eventually lead to cancer metastasis and produce new tumors near the healthy tissues. Therefore, separating these invading cells and extracting cues from them is extremely important for determining the rate of cancer progression inside the body and for the development of individualized treatments, especially at the beginning of the metastasis process. The continuous and fast separation of CTCs has recently been achieved using numerous separation techniques, some of which involve multiple high-level operational protocols. Although a simple blood test can detect the presence of CTCs in the blood circulation system, the detection is still restricted due to the scarcity and heterogeneity of CTCs. The development of more reliable and effective techniques is thus highly desired. The technology of microfluidic devices is promising among many other bio-chemical and bio-physical technologies. This paper reviews recent developments in the two types of microfluidic devices, which are based on the size and/or density of cells, for separating cancer cells. The goal of this review is to identify knowledge or technology gaps and to suggest future works.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Farahinia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Ildiko Badea
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abrishamkar A, Nilghaz A, Saadatmand M, Naeimirad M, deMello AJ. Microfluidic-assisted fiber production: Potentials, limitations, and prospects. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:061504. [PMID: 36406340 PMCID: PMC9674390 DOI: 10.1063/5.0129108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Besides the conventional fiber production methods, microfluidics has emerged as a promising approach for the engineered spinning of fibrous materials and offers excellent potential for fiber manufacturing in a controlled and straightforward manner. This method facilitates low-speed prototype synthesis of fibers for diverse applications while providing superior control over reaction conditions, efficient use of precursor solutions, reagent mixing, and process parameters. This article reviews recent advances in microfluidic technology for the fabrication of fibrous materials with different morphologies and a variety of properties aimed at various applications. First, the basic principles, as well as the latest developments and achievements of microfluidic-based techniques for fiber production, are introduced. Specifically, microfluidic platforms made of glass, polymers, and/or metals, including but not limited to microfluidic chips, capillary-based devices, and three-dimensional printed devices are summarized. Then, fiber production from various materials, such as alginate, gelatin, silk, collagen, and chitosan, using different microfluidic platforms with a broad range of cross-linking agents and mechanisms is described. Therefore, microfluidic spun fibers with diverse diameters ranging from submicrometer scales to hundreds of micrometers and structures, such as cylindrical, hollow, grooved, flat, core-shell, heterogeneous, helical, and peapod-like morphologies, with tunable sizes and mechanical properties are discussed in detail. Subsequently, the practical applications of microfluidic spun fibers are highlighted in sensors for biomedical or optical purposes, scaffolds for culture or encapsulation of cells in tissue engineering, and drug delivery. Finally, different limitations and challenges of the current microfluidic technologies, as well as the future perspectives and concluding remarks, are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Azadeh Nilghaz
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Maryam Saadatmand
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 11155-9465 Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Naeimirad
- Department of Materials and Textile Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Razi University, 67144-14971 Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Andrew J. deMello
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg1, 8049 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Aykar SS, Alimoradi N, Taghavimehr M, Montazami R, Hashemi NN. Microfluidic Seeding of Cells on the Inner Surface of Alginate Hollow Microfibers. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102701. [PMID: 35142451 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mimicking microvascular tissue microenvironment in vitro calls for a cytocompatible technique of manufacturing biocompatible hollow microfibers suitable for cell-encapsulation/seeding in and around them. The techniques reported to date either have a limit on the microfiber dimensions or undergo a complex manufacturing process. Here, a microfluidic-based method for cell seeding inside alginate hollow microfibers is designed whereby mouse astrocytes (C8-D1A) are passively seeded on the inner surface of these hollow microfibers. Collagen I and poly-d-lysine, as cell attachment additives, are tested to assess cell adhesion and viability; the results are compared with nonadditive-based hollow microfibers (BARE). The BARE furnishes better cell attachment and higher cell viability immediately after manufacturing, and an increasing trend in the cell viability is observed between Day 0 and Day 2. Swelling analysis using percentage initial weight and width is performed on BARE microfibers furnishing a maximum of 124.1% and 106.1%, respectively. Degradation analysis using weight observed a 62% loss after 3 days, with 46% occurring in the first 12 h. In the frequency sweep test performed, the storage modulus (G') remains comparatively higher than the loss modulus (G″) in the frequency range 0-20 Hz, indicating high elastic behavior of the hollow microfibers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh S Aykar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Nima Alimoradi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | | | - Reza Montazami
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Nicole N Hashemi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bhat MP, Thendral V, Uthappa UT, Lee KH, Kigga M, Altalhi T, Kurkuri MD, Kant K. Recent Advances in Microfluidic Platform for Physical and Immunological Detection and Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:220. [PMID: 35448280 PMCID: PMC9025399 DOI: 10.3390/bios12040220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
CTCs (circulating tumor cells) are well-known for their use in clinical trials for tumor diagnosis. Capturing and isolating these CTCs from whole blood samples has enormous benefits in cancer diagnosis and treatment. In general, various approaches are being used to separate malignant cells, including immunomagnets, macroscale filters, centrifuges, dielectrophoresis, and immunological approaches. These procedures, on the other hand, are time-consuming and necessitate multiple high-level operational protocols. In addition, considering their low efficiency and throughput, the processes of capturing and isolating CTCs face tremendous challenges. Meanwhile, recent advances in microfluidic devices promise unprecedented advantages for capturing and isolating CTCs with greater efficiency, sensitivity, selectivity and accuracy. In this regard, this review article focuses primarily on the various fabrication methodologies involved in microfluidic devices and techniques specifically used to capture and isolate CTCs using various physical and biological methods as well as their conceptual ideas, advantages and disadvantages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Padmalaya Bhat
- Centre for Research in Functional Materials (CRFM), Jain Global Campus, Jain University, Bengaluru 562112, Karnataka, India; (M.P.B.); (V.T.); (M.K.)
- Agricultural Automation Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea;
| | - Venkatachalam Thendral
- Centre for Research in Functional Materials (CRFM), Jain Global Campus, Jain University, Bengaluru 562112, Karnataka, India; (M.P.B.); (V.T.); (M.K.)
| | | | - Kyeong-Hwan Lee
- Agricultural Automation Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea;
- Department of Convergence Biosystems Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Madhuprasad Kigga
- Centre for Research in Functional Materials (CRFM), Jain Global Campus, Jain University, Bengaluru 562112, Karnataka, India; (M.P.B.); (V.T.); (M.K.)
| | - Tariq Altalhi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mahaveer D. Kurkuri
- Centre for Research in Functional Materials (CRFM), Jain Global Campus, Jain University, Bengaluru 562112, Karnataka, India; (M.P.B.); (V.T.); (M.K.)
| | - Krishna Kant
- Departamento de Química Física, Campus Universitario, CINBIO Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
McNamara MC, Aykar SS, Alimoradi N, Niaraki Asli AE, Pemathilaka RL, Wrede AH, Montazami R, Hashemi NN. Behavior of Neural Cells Post Manufacturing and After Prolonged Encapsulation within Conductive Graphene-Laden Alginate Microfibers. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2101026. [PMID: 34626101 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101026] [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: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Engineering conductive 3D cell scaffoldings offer advantages toward the creation of physiologically relevant platforms with integrated real-time sensing capabilities. Dopaminergic neural cells are encapsulated into graphene-laden alginate microfibers using a microfluidic approach, which is unmatched for creating highly-tunable microfibers. Incorporating graphene increases the conductivity of the alginate microfibers by 148%, creating a similar conductivity to native brain tissue. The cell encapsulation procedure has an efficiency of 50%, and of those cells, ≈30% remain for the entire 6-day observation period. To understand how the microfluidic encapsulation affects cell genetics, tyrosine hydroxylase, tubulin beta 3 class 3, interleukin 1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor alfa are analyzed primarily with real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and secondarily with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immediately after manufacturing, after encapsulation in polymer matrix for 6 days, and after encapsulation in the graphene-polymer composite for 6 days. Preliminary data shows that the manufacturing process and combination with alginate matrix affect the expression of the studied genes immediately after manufacturing. In addition, the introduction of graphene further changes gene expressions. Long-term encapsulation of neural cells in alginate and 6-day exposure to graphene also leads to changes in gene expressions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn C McNamara
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Saurabh S Aykar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Nima Alimoradi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | | | | | - Alex H Wrede
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Reza Montazami
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Nicole N Hashemi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tian Y, Wang Z, Wang L. Hollow fibers: from fabrication to applications. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:9166-9177. [PMID: 34519322 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc02991f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hollow fibers have attracted more and more attention due to their broad range of applications in numerous fields. We review the latest advance and summarize the fabrication methods, types and applications of hollow fibers. We mainly introduce the fabrication methods of hollow fibers, including co-extrusion/co-axial spinning methods, template methods, 3D printing methods, electrospinning methods, self-crimping methods and gas foaming process. Meanwhile, we summarize four types of hollow fibers: one-layered hollow fibers, multi-layered hollow fibers, multi-hollow fibers and branched hollow fibers. Next, we focus on the main applications of hollow fibers, such as gas separation, cell culture, microfluidic channels, artificial tubular tissues, etc. Finally, we present the prospects of the future trend of development. The review would promote the further development of hollow fibers and benefit their advance in sensing, bioreactors, electrochemical catalysis, energy conversion, microfluidics, gas separation, air purification, drug delivery, functional materials, cell culture and tissue engineering. This review has great significance for the design of new functional materials and development of devices and systems in the related fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tian
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, 110169 Shenyang, China.,Foshan Graduate School of Northeastern University, Foshan, 528300, China.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Zhaoyang Wang
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, 110169 Shenyang, China.,Foshan Graduate School of Northeastern University, Foshan, 528300, China
| | - Liqiu Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
McNamara MC, Aykar SS, Montazami R, Hashemi NN. Targeted Microfluidic Manufacturing to Mimic Biological Microenvironments: Cell-Encapsulated Hollow Fibers. ACS Macro Lett 2021; 10:732-736. [PMID: 35549107 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.1c00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
At present, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses a challenge for treating a wide range of central nervous system disorders; reliable BBB models are still needed to understand and manipulate the transfer of molecules into the brain, thereby improving the efficiency of treatments. In this study, hollow, cell-laden microfibers are fabricated and investigated as a starting point for generating BBB models. The genetic effects of the manufacturing process are analyzed to understand the implications of encapsulating cells in this manner. These fibers are created using different manufacturing parameters to understand the effects on wall thickness and overall diameter. Then, dopaminergic rat cells are encapsulated into hollow fibers, which maintained at least 60% live cells throughout the three-day observation period. Lastly, genetic changes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and tubulin beta 3 class III (TUBB-3) are investigated to elucidate the effects on cell health and behavior; while the TH levels in encapsulated cells were similar to control cells, showing similar levels of TH synthesis, TUBB-3 was downregulated, indicating lower amounts of cellular neurogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn C McNamara
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Saurabh S Aykar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Reza Montazami
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Nicole N Hashemi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| |
Collapse
|