1
|
Sharkey C, White R, Finocchiaro M, Thomas J, Estevam J, Konry T. Advancing Point-of-Care Applications with Droplet Microfluidics: From Single-Cell to Multicellular Analysis. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2024; 26:119-139. [PMID: 38316063 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-110222-102142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in single-cell and multicellular microfluidics technology have provided powerful tools for studying cancer biology and immunology. The ability to create controlled microenvironments, perform high-throughput screenings, and monitor cellular interactions at the single-cell level has significantly advanced our understanding of tumor biology and immune responses. We discuss cutting-edge multicellular and single-cell microfluidic technologies and methodologies utilized to investigate cancer-immune cell interactions and assess the effectiveness of immunotherapies. We explore the advantages and limitations of the wide range of 3D spheroid and single-cell microfluidic models recently developed, highlighting the various approaches in device generation and applications in immunotherapy screening for potential opportunities for point-of-care approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sharkey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachel White
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Michael Finocchiaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Judene Thomas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jose Estevam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Tania Konry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kim SE, Yun S, Doh J, Kim HN. Imaging-Based Efficacy Evaluation of Cancer Immunotherapy in Engineered Tumor Platforms and Tumor Organoids. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400475. [PMID: 38815251 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400475] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is used to treat tumors by modulating the immune system. Although the anticancer efficacy of cancer immunotherapy has been evaluated prior to clinical trials, conventional in vivo animal and endpoint models inadequately replicate the intricate process of tumor elimination and reflect human-specific immune systems. Therefore, more sophisticated models that mimic the complex tumor-immune microenvironment must be employed to assess the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Additionally, using real-time imaging technology, a step-by-step evaluation can be applied, allowing for a more precise assessment of treatment efficacy. Here, an overview of the various imaging-based evaluation platforms recently developed for cancer immunotherapeutic applications is presented. Specifically, a fundamental technique is discussed for stably observing immune cell-based tumor cell killing using direct imaging, a microwell that reproduces a confined space for spatial observation, a droplet assay that facilitates cell-cell interactions, and a 3D microphysiological system that reconstructs the vascular environment. Furthermore, it is suggested that future evaluation platforms pursue more human-like immune systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Eun Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, South Korea
| | - Suji Yun
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Junsang Doh
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Research Institute of Advanced Materials, Institute of Engineering Research, Bio-MAX institute, Soft Foundry Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, South Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu Y, Gai J, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Liu Y. Acoustofluidic Actuation of Living Cells. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:466. [PMID: 38675277 PMCID: PMC11052308 DOI: 10.3390/mi15040466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Acoutofluidics is an increasingly developing and maturing technical discipline. With the advantages of being label-free, non-contact, bio-friendly, high-resolution, and remote-controllable, it is very suitable for the operation of living cells. After decades of fundamental laboratory research, its technical principles have become increasingly clear, and its manufacturing technology has gradually become popularized. Presently, various imaginative applications continue to emerge and are constantly being improved. Here, we introduce the development of acoustofluidic actuation technology from the perspective of related manipulation applications on living cells. Among them, we focus on the main development directions such as acoustofluidic sorting, acoustofluidic tissue engineering, acoustofluidic microscopy, and acoustofluidic biophysical therapy. This review aims to provide a concise summary of the current state of research and bridge past developments with future directions, offering researchers a comprehensive overview and sparking innovation in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA;
| | - Junyang Gai
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia;
| | - Yuwen Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA;
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Engineering, Dali University, Dali 671000, China
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhong R, Sullivan M, Upreti N, Chen R, De Ganzó A, Yang K, Yang S, Jin K, He Y, Li K, Xia J, Ma Z, Lee LP, Konry T, Huang TJ. Cellular immunity analysis by a modular acoustofluidic platform: CIAMAP. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadj9964. [PMID: 38134285 PMCID: PMC10745697 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj9964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The study of molecular mechanisms at the single-cell level holds immense potential for enhancing immunotherapy and understanding neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases by identifying previously concealed pathways within a diverse range of paired cells. However, existing single-cell pairing platforms have limitations in low pairing efficiency, complex manual operation procedures, and single-use functionality. Here, we report a multiparametric cellular immunity analysis by a modular acoustofluidic platform: CIAMAP. This platform enables users to efficiently sort and collect effector-target (i.e., NK92-K562) cell pairs and monitor the real-time dynamics of immunological response formation. Furthermore, we conducted transcriptional and protein expression analyses to evaluate the pathways that mediate effector cytotoxicity toward target cells, as well as the synergistic effect of doxorubicin on the cellular immune response. Our CIAMAP can provide promising building blocks for high-throughput quantitative single-cell level coculture to understand intercellular communication while also empowering immunotherapy by precision analysis of immunological synapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Zhong
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Matthew Sullivan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Neil Upreti
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Roy Chen
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Agustin De Ganzó
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kaichun Yang
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Shujie Yang
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ke Jin
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Ye He
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Ke Li
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Jianping Xia
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Zhiteng Ma
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Luke P. Lee
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry and Nano Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Tania Konry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tony Jun Huang
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hou Y, Yao H, Lin JM. Recent advancements in single-cell metabolic analysis for pharmacological research. J Pharm Anal 2023; 13:1102-1116. [PMID: 38024859 PMCID: PMC10658044 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular heterogeneity is crucial for understanding tissue biology and disease pathophysiology. Pharmacological research is being advanced by single-cell metabolic analysis, which offers a technique to identify variations in RNA, proteins, metabolites, and drug molecules in cells. In this review, the recent advancement of single-cell metabolic analysis techniques and their applications in drug metabolism and drug response are summarized. High-precision and controlled single-cell isolation and manipulation are provided by microfluidics-based methods, such as droplet microfluidics, microchamber, open microfluidic probe, and digital microfluidics. They are used in tandem with variety of detection techniques, including optical imaging, Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical detection, RNA sequencing, and mass spectrometry, to evaluate single-cell metabolic changes in response to drug administration. The advantages and disadvantages of different techniques are discussed along with the challenges and future directions for single-cell analysis. These techniques are employed in pharmaceutical analysis for studying drug response and resistance pathway, therapeutic targets discovery, and in vitro disease model evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hongren Yao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jin-Ming Lin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Han X, Xu X, Yang C, Liu G. Microfluidic design in single-cell sequencing and application to cancer precision medicine. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100591. [PMID: 37725985 PMCID: PMC10545941 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing (SCS) is a crucial tool to reveal the genetic and functional heterogeneity of tumors, providing unique insights into the clonal evolution, microenvironment, drug resistance, and metastatic progression of cancers. Microfluidics is a critical component of many SCS technologies and workflows, conferring advantages in throughput, economy, and automation. Here, we review the current landscape of microfluidic architectures and sequencing techniques for single-cell omics analysis and highlight how these have enabled recent applications in oncology research. We also discuss the challenges and the promise of microfluidics-based single-cell analysis in the future of precision oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Han
- CUHK(SZ)-Boyalife Joint Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Programme, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; Ciechanover Institute of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Xing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P.R. China; Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related 12 Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Chaoyang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P.R. China; Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related 12 Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China.
| | - Guozhen Liu
- CUHK(SZ)-Boyalife Joint Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Programme, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; Ciechanover Institute of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gong L, Cretella A, Lin Y. Microfluidic systems for particle capture and release: A review. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 236:115426. [PMID: 37276636 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology has emerged as a promising tool in various applications, including biosensing, disease diagnosis, and environmental monitoring. One of the notable features of microfluidic devices is their ability to selectively capture and release specific cells, biomolecules, bacteria, and particles. Compared to traditional bulk analysis instruments, microfluidic capture-and-release platforms offer several advantages, such as contactless operation, label-free detection, high accuracy, good sensitivity, and minimal reagent requirements. However, despite significant efforts dedicated to developing innovative capture mechanisms in the past, the release and recovery efficiency of trapped particles have often been overlooked. Many previous studies have focused primarily on particle capture techniques and their efficiency, disregarding the crucial role of successful particle release for subsequent analysis. In reality, the ability to effectively release trapped particles is particularly essential to ensure ongoing, high-throughput analysis. To address this gap, this review aims to highlight the importance of both capture and release mechanisms in microfluidic systems and assess their effectiveness. The methods are classified into two categories: those based on physical principles and those using biochemical approaches. Furthermore, the review offers a comprehensive summary of recent applications of microfluidic platforms specifically designed for particle capture and release. It outlines the designs and performance of these devices, highlighting their advantages and limitations in various target applications and purposes. Finally, the review concludes with discussions on the current challenges faced in the field and presents potential future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Gong
- Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Andrew Cretella
- Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Yang Lin
- Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang S, Sun ST, Zhang XY, Ding HR, Yuan Y, He JJ, Wang MS, Yang B, Li YB. The Evolution of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Technology and Application: Progress and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032943. [PMID: 36769267 PMCID: PMC9918030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As an emerging sequencing technology, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) has become a powerful tool for describing cell subpopulation classification and cell heterogeneity by achieving high-throughput and multidimensional analysis of individual cells and circumventing the shortcomings of traditional sequencing for detecting the average transcript level of cell populations. It has been applied to life science and medicine research fields such as tracking dynamic cell differentiation, revealing sensitive effector cells, and key molecular events of diseases. This review focuses on the recent technological innovations in scRNA-Seq, highlighting the latest research results with scRNA-Seq as the core technology in frontier research areas such as embryology, histology, oncology, and immunology. In addition, this review outlines the prospects for its innovative application in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research and discusses the key issues currently being addressed by scRNA-Seq and its great potential for exploring disease diagnostic targets and uncovering drug therapeutic targets in combination with multiomics technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bin Yang
- Correspondence: (B.Y.); (Y.-B.L.)
| | - Yu-Bo Li
- Correspondence: (B.Y.); (Y.-B.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Warr CA, Crawford NG, Nordin GP, Pitt WG. Surface Modification of 3D Printed Microfluidic Devices for Controlled Wetting in Two-Phase Flow. MICROMACHINES 2022; 14:6. [PMID: 36677067 PMCID: PMC9866927 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices (MFDs) printed in 3-D geometry using digital light projection to polymerize monomers often have surfaces that are not as hydrophobic as MFDs made from polydimethylsiloxane. Droplet microfluidics in these types of devices are subject to droplet adhesion and aqueous spreading on less hydrophobic MFD surfaces. We have developed a post-processing technique using hydrophobic monomers that renders the surfaces of these devices much more hydrophobic. The technique is fast and easy, and involves flowing monomer without initiator into the channels and then exposing the entire device to UV light that generates radicals from the initiator molecules remaining in the original 3-D polymerization. After treatment the channels can be cleared and the surface is more hydrophobic, as evidenced by higher contact angles with aqueous droplets. We hypothesize that radicals generated near the previously printed surfaces initiate polymerization of the hydrophobic monomers on the surfaces without bulk polymerization extending into the channels. The most hydrophobic surfaces were produced by treatment with an alkyl acrylate and a fluorinated acrylate. This technique could be used for surface treatment with other types of monomers to impart unique characteristics to channels in MFDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chandler A. Warr
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Nicole G. Crawford
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Gregory P. Nordin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - William G. Pitt
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| |
Collapse
|