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Olaizola-Rodrigo C, Castro-Abril H, Perisé-Badía I, Pancorbo L, Ochoa I, Monge R, Oliván S. Reducing Inert Materials for Optimal Cell-Cell and Cell-Matrix Interactions within Microphysiological Systems. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:262. [PMID: 38786472 PMCID: PMC11118140 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9050262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In the pursuit of achieving a more realistic in vitro simulation of human biological tissues, microfluidics has emerged as a promising technology. Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) devices, a product of this technology, contain miniature tissues within microfluidic chips, aiming to closely mimic the in vivo environment. However, a notable drawback is the presence of inert material between compartments, hindering complete contact between biological tissues. Current membranes, often made of PDMS or plastic materials, prevent full interaction between cell types and nutrients. Furthermore, their non-physiological mechanical properties and composition may induce unexpected cell responses. Therefore, it is essential to minimize the contact area between cells and the inert materials while simultaneously maximizing the direct contact between cells and matrices in different compartments. The main objective of this work is to minimize inert materials within the microfluidic chip while preserving proper cellular distribution. Two microfluidic devices were designed, each with a specific focus on maximizing direct cell-matrix or cell-cell interactions. The first chip, designed to increase direct cell-cell interactions, incorporates a nylon mesh with regular pores of 150 microns. The second chip minimizes interference from inert materials, thereby aiming to increase direct cell-matrix contact. It features an inert membrane with optimized macropores of 1 mm of diameter for collagen hydrogel deposition. Biological validation of both devices has been conducted through the implementation of cell migration and cell-to-cell interaction assays, as well as the development of epithelia, from isolated cells or spheroids. This endeavor contributes to the advancement of microfluidic technology, aimed at enhancing the precision and biological relevance of in vitro simulations in pursuit of more biomimetic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Olaizola-Rodrigo
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (C.O.-R.); (H.C.-A.); (I.P.-B.); (S.O.)
- BEOnChip S.L., 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Héctor Castro-Abril
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (C.O.-R.); (H.C.-A.); (I.P.-B.); (S.O.)
- Laboratorio de Biomiméticos, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Ismael Perisé-Badía
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (C.O.-R.); (H.C.-A.); (I.P.-B.); (S.O.)
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Lara Pancorbo
- BEOnChip S.L., 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (C.O.-R.); (H.C.-A.); (I.P.-B.); (S.O.)
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Monge
- BEOnChip S.L., 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Sara Oliván
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (C.O.-R.); (H.C.-A.); (I.P.-B.); (S.O.)
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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Yu M, Li YJ, Yang YN, Xue CD, Xin GY, Liu B, Qin KR. A microfluidic array enabling generation of identical biochemical stimulating signals to trapped biological cells for single-cell dynamics. Talanta 2024; 267:125172. [PMID: 37699267 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125172] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic-based analyses of single-cell dynamics in response to dynamic biochemical signals are emerging as pivotal approaches for investigating the effects of extracellular microenvironmental biochemical factors on cellular structure, function, and behavior. However, current devices often fail to consistently apply identical dynamic biochemical signals to trapped cells. In this study, we introduce a novel radially distributed single-cell trapping microfluidic array, designed to quantitatively and consistently apply identical biochemical stimulating signals to each trapped cell. Numerical simulations were employed to optimize microchannel geometry, enhancing trapping efficiency while minimizing signal distortion. Experimental validation demonstrated the trapping success rate and the single-cell trapping efficiency exceeding 99% and 85%, respectively. The microarray's capability to deliver identical dynamic biochemical stimulating signals, with various waveforms, to each unit was confirmed through fluorescein transport tests. Furthermore, we examined the intracellular calcium dynamics of U-2 OS human osteosarcoma cells in response to dynamic ATP signals, observing both single-peak calcium responses and calcium oscillations, which were modelled by a second-order system with a natural frequency of 1.6 mHz. Overall, our proposed microfluidic array offers a robust and valuable framework for advancing the understanding of single-cell dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Yu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Rd., Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Yong-Jiang Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Rd., Dalian, 116024, China.
| | - Yu-Nong Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Rd., Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Chun-Dong Xue
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Rd., Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Gui-Yang Xin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Rd., Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Rd., Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Kai-Rong Qin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Rd., Dalian, 116024, China.
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Zhou Y, Sun M, Xuanyuan T, Zhang J, Liu X, Liu W. Straightforward Cell Patterning with Ultra-Low Background Using Polydimethylsiloxane Through-Hole Membranes. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300267. [PMID: 37580176 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300267] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Micropatterning is becoming an increasingly popular tool to realize microscale cell positioning and decipher cell activities and functions under specific microenvironments. However, a facile methodology for building a highly precise cell pattern still remains challenging. In this study, A simple and straightforward method for stable and efficient cell patterning with ultra-low background using polydimethylsiloxane through-hole membranes is developed. The patterning process is conveniently on the basis of membrane peeling and routine pipetting. Cell patterning in high quality involving over 97% patterning coincidence and zero residue on the background is achieved. The high repeatability and stability of the established method for multiple types of cell arrangements with different spatial profiles is demonstrated. The customizable cell patterning with ultra-low background and high diversity is confirmed to be quite feasible and reliable. Furthermore, the applicability of the patterning method for investigating the fundamental cell activities is also verified experimentally. The authors believe this microengineering advancement has valuable applications in many microscale cell manipulation-associated research fields including cell biology, cell engineering, cell imaging, and cell sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Meilin Sun
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Tingting Xuanyuan
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Xufang Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Wenming Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
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Smith E, Zagnoni M, Sandison ME. Cellular microarrays for assessing single-cell phenotypic changes in vascular cell populations. Biomed Microdevices 2023; 25:11. [PMID: 36928445 PMCID: PMC10020314 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-023-00651-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Microengineering technologies provide bespoke tools for single-cell studies, including microarray approaches. There are many challenges when culturing adherent single cells in confined geometries for extended periods, including the ability of migratory cells to overcome confining cell-repellent surfaces with time. Following studies suggesting clonal expansion of only a few vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) contributes to plaque formation, the investigation of vSMCs at the single-cell level is central to furthering our understanding of atherosclerosis. Herein, we present a medium throughput cellular microarray, for the tracking of single, freshly-isolated vSMCs as they undergo phenotypic modulation in vitro. Our solution facilitates long-term cell confinement (> 3 weeks) utilising novel application of surface functionalisation methods to define individual culture microwells. We demonstrate successful tracking of hundreds of native vSMCs isolated from rat aortic and carotid artery tissue, monitoring their proliferative capacity and uptake of oxidised low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) by live-cell microscopy. After 7 days in vitro, the majority of viable SMCs remained as single non-proliferating cells (51% aorta, 78% carotid). However, a sub-population of vSMCs demonstrated high proliferative capacity (≥ 10 progeny; 18% aorta, 5% carotid), in line with reports that a limited number of medial SMCs selectively expand to populate atherosclerotic lesions. Furthermore, we show that, when exposed to oxLDL, proliferative cells uptake higher levels of lipoproteins, whilst also expressing greater levels of galectin-3. Our microwell array approach enables long-term characterisation of multiple phenotypic characteristics and the identification of new cellular sub-populations in migratory, proliferative adherent cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Smith
- Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Royal College Building, University of Strathclyde, G1 1XW, Glasgow, UK
- Biomedical Engineering, Wolfson Centre, University of Strathclyde, G4 0NW, Glasgow, UK
| | - M Zagnoni
- Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Royal College Building, University of Strathclyde, G1 1XW, Glasgow, UK
| | - M E Sandison
- Biomedical Engineering, Wolfson Centre, University of Strathclyde, G4 0NW, Glasgow, UK.
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Ray P, Chakraborty R, Banik O, Banoth E, Kumar P. Surface Engineering of a Bioartificial Membrane for Its Application in Bioengineering Devices. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:3606-3629. [PMID: 36743049 PMCID: PMC9893455 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Membrane technology is playing a crucial role in cutting-edge innovations in the biomedical field. One such innovation is the surface engineering of a membrane for enhanced longevity, efficient separation, and better throughput. Hence, surface engineering is widely used while developing membranes for its use in bioartificial organ development, separation processes, extracorporeal devices, etc. Chemical-based surface modifications are usually performed by functional group/biomolecule grafting, surface moiety modification, and altercation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Further, creation of micro/nanogrooves, pillars, channel networks, and other topologies is achieved to modify physio-mechanical processes. These surface modifications facilitate improved cellular attachment, directional migration, and communication among the neighboring cells and enhanced diffusional transport of nutrients, gases, and waste across the membrane. These modifications, apart from improving functional efficiency, also help in overcoming fouling issues, biofilm formation, and infection incidences. Multiple strategies are adopted, like lysozyme enzymatic action, topographical modifications, nanomaterial coating, and antibiotic/antibacterial agent doping in the membrane to counter the challenges of biofilm formation, fouling challenges, and microbial invasion. Therefore, in the current review, we have comprehensibly discussed different types of membranes, their fabrication and surface modifications, antifouling/antibacterial strategies, and their applications in bioengineering. Thus, this review would benefit bioengineers and membrane scientists who aim to improve membranes for applications in tissue engineering, bioseparation, extra corporeal membrane devices, wound healing, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragyan Ray
- BioDesign
and Medical Devices Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Medical
Engineering, National Institute of Technology,
Rourkela, Sector-1, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Ruchira Chakraborty
- BioDesign
and Medical Devices Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Medical
Engineering, National Institute of Technology,
Rourkela, Sector-1, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Oindrila Banik
- BioDesign
and Medical Devices Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Medical
Engineering, National Institute of Technology,
Rourkela, Sector-1, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
- Opto-Biomedical
Microsystem Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Sector-1, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Earu Banoth
- Opto-Biomedical
Microsystem Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Sector-1, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Prasoon Kumar
- BioDesign
and Medical Devices Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Medical
Engineering, National Institute of Technology,
Rourkela, Sector-1, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
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Zheng G, Gu F, Cui Y, Lu L, Hu X, Wang L, Wang Y. A microfluidic droplet array demonstrating high-throughput screening in individual lipid-producing microalgae. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1227:340322. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.340322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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