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Silva-Lance F, Montejano-Montelongo I, Bautista E, Nielsen LK, Johansson PI, Marin de Mas I. Integrating Genome-Scale Metabolic Models with Patient Plasma Metabolome to Study Endothelial Metabolism In Situ. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5406. [PMID: 38791446 PMCID: PMC11121795 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105406] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Patient blood samples are invaluable in clinical omics databases, yet current methodologies often fail to fully uncover the molecular mechanisms driving patient pathology. While genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) show promise in systems medicine by integrating various omics data, having only exometabolomic data remains a limiting factor. To address this gap, we introduce a comprehensive pipeline integrating GEMs with patient plasma metabolome. This pipeline constructs case-specific GEMs using literature-based and patient-specific metabolomic data. Novel computational methods, including adaptive sampling and an in-house developed algorithm for the rational exploration of the sampled space of solutions, enhance integration accuracy while improving computational performance. Model characterization involves task analysis in combination with clustering methods to identify critical cellular functions. The new pipeline was applied to a cohort of trauma patients to investigate shock-induced endotheliopathy using patient plasma metabolome data. By analyzing endothelial cell metabolism comprehensively, the pipeline identified critical therapeutic targets and biomarkers that can potentially contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies. Our study demonstrates the efficacy of integrating patient plasma metabolome data into computational models to analyze endothelial cell metabolism in disease contexts. This approach offers a deeper understanding of metabolic dysregulations and provides insights into diseases with metabolic components and potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Silva-Lance
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Danish Technical University, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Eric Bautista
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Danish Technical University, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lars K. Nielsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Danish Technical University, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
- CAG Center for Endotheliomics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pär I. Johansson
- CAG Center for Endotheliomics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Igor Marin de Mas
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Danish Technical University, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
- CAG Center for Endotheliomics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Ranjbar J, Yang Y, Harper AGS. Developing human tissue engineered arterial constructs to simulate human in vivo thrombus formation. Platelets 2023; 34:2153823. [PMID: 36550074 DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2022.2153823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Thrombus formation is highly dependent upon the physico-chemical environment in which it is triggered. Our ability to understand how thrombus formation is initiated, regulated, and resolved in the human body is dependent upon our ability to replicate the mechanical and biological properties of the arterial wall. Current in vitro thrombosis models principally use reductionist approaches to model the complex biochemical and cellular milieu present in the arterial wall, and so researcher have favored the use of in vivo models. The field of vascular tissue engineering has developed a range of techniques for culturing artificial human arteries for use as vascular grafts. These techniques therefore provide a basis for developing more sophisticated 3D replicas of the arterial wall that can be used in in vitro thrombosis models. In this review, we consider how tissue engineering approaches can be used to generate 3D models of the arterial wall that improve upon current in vivo and in vitro approaches. We consider the current benefits and limitations of reported 3D tissue engineered models and consider what additional evidence is required to validate them as alternatives to current in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying Yang
- School of Pharmacy & Bioengineering, Keele University, Keele, UK
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3
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Ranjbar J, Njoroge W, Gibbins JM, Roach P, Yang Y, Harper AGS. Developing Biomimetic Hydrogels of the Arterial Wall as a Prothrombotic Substrate for In Vitro Human Thrombosis Models. Gels 2023; 9:477. [PMID: 37367147 DOI: 10.3390/gels9060477] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Current in vitro thrombosis models utilise simplistic 2D surfaces coated with purified components of the subendothelial matrix. The lack of a realistic humanised model has led to greater study of thrombus formation in in vivo tests in animals. Here we aimed to develop 3D hydrogel-based replicas of the medial and adventitial layers of the human artery to produce a surface that can optimally support thrombus formation under physiological flow conditions. These tissue-engineered medial- (TEML) and adventitial-layer (TEAL) hydrogels were developed by culturing human coronary artery smooth muscle cells and human aortic adventitial fibroblasts within collagen hydrogels, both individually and in co-culture. Platelet aggregation upon these hydrogels was studied using a custom-made parallel flow chamber. When cultured in the presence of ascorbic acid, the medial-layer hydrogels were able to produce sufficient neo-collagen to support effective platelet aggregation under arterial flow conditions. Both TEML and TEAL hydrogels possessed measurable tissue factor activity and could trigger coagulation of platelet-poor plasma in a factor VII-dependent manner. Biomimetic hydrogel replicas of the subendothelial layers of the human artery are effective substrates for a humanised in vitro thrombosis model that could reduce animal experimentation by replacing current in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Ranjbar
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Wanjiku Njoroge
- School of Pharmacy & Bioengineering, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Jonathan M Gibbins
- Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | - Paul Roach
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Ying Yang
- School of Pharmacy & Bioengineering, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
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4
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Druzak S, Iffrig E, Roberts BR, Zhang T, Fibben KS, Sakurai Y, Verkerke HP, Rostad CA, Chahroudi A, Schneider F, Wong AKH, Roberts AM, Chandler JD, Kim SO, Mosunjac M, Mosunjac M, Geller R, Albizua I, Stowell SR, Arthur CM, Anderson EJ, Ivanova AA, Ahn J, Liu X, Maner-Smith K, Bowen T, Paiardini M, Bosinger SE, Roback JD, Kulpa DA, Silvestri G, Lam WA, Ortlund EA, Maier CL. Multiplatform analyses reveal distinct drivers of systemic pathogenesis in adult versus pediatric severe acute COVID-19. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1638. [PMID: 37015925 PMCID: PMC10073144 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37269-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of multi-organ dysfunction associated with severe acute SARS-CoV-2 infection remains poorly understood. Endothelial damage and microvascular thrombosis have been identified as drivers of COVID-19 severity, yet the mechanisms underlying these processes remain elusive. Here we show alterations in fluid shear stress-responsive pathways in critically ill COVID-19 adults as compared to non-COVID critically ill adults using a multiomics approach. Mechanistic in-vitro studies, using microvasculature-on-chip devices, reveal that plasma from critically ill COVID-19 adults induces fibrinogen-dependent red blood cell aggregation that mechanically damages the microvascular glycocalyx. This mechanism appears unique to COVID-19, as plasma from non-COVID sepsis patients demonstrates greater red blood cell membrane stiffness but induces less significant alterations in overall blood rheology. Multiomics analyses in pediatric patients with acute COVID-19 or the post-infectious multi-inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) demonstrate little overlap in plasma cytokine and metabolite changes compared to adult COVID-19 patients. Instead, pediatric acute COVID-19 and MIS-C patients show alterations strongly associated with cytokine upregulation. These findings link high fibrinogen and red blood cell aggregation with endotheliopathy in adult COVID-19 patients and highlight differences in the key mediators of pathogenesis between adult and pediatric populations.
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Grants
- T32 GM142617 NIGMS NIH HHS
- P51 OD011132 NIH HHS
- R35 HL145000 NHLBI NIH HHS
- K99 HL150626 NHLBI NIH HHS
- T32 GM135060 NIGMS NIH HHS
- F31 DK126435 NIDDK NIH HHS
- R01 DK115213 NIDDK NIH HHS
- R38 AI140299 NIAID NIH HHS
- A F31 training fellowship from the National Institutes of Health National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH/NIDDK), F31DK126435, supported S.A.D during the duration of this work. Stimulating Access to Research in Residency of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R38AI140299 supported E.I. R35HL145000 supported E.I, Y.S, K.S.F and W.A.L. National Institutes of Health National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH/NHLBI) HL150658, awarded to J.D.C. A training grant supported by the Biochemistry and Cell Developmental Biology program (BCDB) at Emory university, T32GM135060-02S1, to S.O.K. NIH/NIDDK Grant R01-DK115213 and Winship Synergy Award to E.A.O. NIH/NHLBI K99 HL150626-01 awarded to C.L.M. The lipidomics and metabolomics experiments were supported by the Emory Integrated Metabolomics and Lipidomics Core, which is subsidized by the Emory University School of Medicine and is one of the Emory Integrated Core Facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Druzak
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Iffrig
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Blaine R Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- Emory Integrated Metabolomics and Lipidomics Core, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kirby S Fibben
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yumiko Sakurai
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hans P Verkerke
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christina A Rostad
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ann Chahroudi
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Frank Schneider
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrew Kam Ho Wong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anne M Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joshua D Chandler
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Susan O Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mario Mosunjac
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marina Mosunjac
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rachel Geller
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Igor Albizua
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sean R Stowell
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Connie M Arthur
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Evan J Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anna A Ivanova
- Emory Integrated Metabolomics and Lipidomics Core, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jun Ahn
- Emory Integrated Metabolomics and Lipidomics Core, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xueyun Liu
- Emory Integrated Metabolomics and Lipidomics Core, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristal Maner-Smith
- Emory Integrated Metabolomics and Lipidomics Core, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Thomas Bowen
- Emory Integrated Metabolomics and Lipidomics Core, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mirko Paiardini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Steve E Bosinger
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John D Roback
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Deanna A Kulpa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Guido Silvestri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wilbur A Lam
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Eric A Ortlund
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory Integrated Metabolomics and Lipidomics Core, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Cheryl L Maier
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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5
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Nguyen T, Ho L, Moinuddin SM, Sarkar T, Saha D, Ahsan F. Multicellular Cell Seeding on a Chip: New Design and Optimization towards Commercialization. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12080587. [PMID: 36004984 PMCID: PMC9405756 DOI: 10.3390/bios12080587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper shows both experimental and in-depth theoretical studies (including simulations and analytical solutions) on a microfluidic platform to optimize its design and use for 3D multicellular co-culture applications, e.g., creating a tissue-on-chip model for investigating diseases such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). A tissue microfluidic chip usually has more than two channels to seed cells and supply media. These channels are often separated by barriers made of micro-posts. The optimization for the structures of these micro-posts and their spacing distances is not considered previously, especially for the aspects of rapid and cost-efficient fabrication toward scaling up and commercialization. Our experimental and theoretical (COMSOL simulations and analytical solutions) results showed the followings: (i) The cell seeding was performed successfully for this platform when the pressure drops across the two posts were significantly larger than those across the channel width. The circular posts can be used in the position of hexagonal or other shapes. (ii) In this work, circular posts are fabricated and used for the first time. They offer an excellent barrier effect, i.e., prevent the liquid and gel from migrating from one channel to another. (iii) As for rapid and cost-efficient production, our computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) simulation confirms that circular-post fabrication is much easier and more rapid than hexagonal posts when utilizing micro-machining techniques, e.g., micro-milling for creating the master mold, i.e., the shim for polymer injection molding. The findings open up a possibility for rapid, cost-efficient, large-scale fabrication of the tissue chips using micro-milling instead of expensive clean-room (soft) lithography techniques, hence enhancing the production of biochips via thermoplastic polymer injection molding and realizing commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trieu Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA; (T.N.); (L.H.); (S.M.M.); (T.S.)
- East Bay Institute for Research & Education (EBIRE), Mather, CA 95655, USA;
| | - Linh Ho
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA; (T.N.); (L.H.); (S.M.M.); (T.S.)
| | - Sakib M. Moinuddin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA; (T.N.); (L.H.); (S.M.M.); (T.S.)
- East Bay Institute for Research & Education (EBIRE), Mather, CA 95655, USA;
| | - Tanoy Sarkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA; (T.N.); (L.H.); (S.M.M.); (T.S.)
| | - Dipongkor Saha
- East Bay Institute for Research & Education (EBIRE), Mather, CA 95655, USA;
| | - Fakhrul Ahsan
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA; (T.N.); (L.H.); (S.M.M.); (T.S.)
- East Bay Institute for Research & Education (EBIRE), Mather, CA 95655, USA;
- MedLuidics, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
- Correspondence:
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Tissue Engineering Approaches to Uncover Therapeutic Targets for Endothelial Dysfunction in Pathological Microenvironments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137416. [PMID: 35806421 PMCID: PMC9266895 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cell dysfunction plays a central role in many pathologies, rendering it crucial to understand the underlying mechanism for potential therapeutics. Tissue engineering offers opportunities for in vitro studies of endothelial dysfunction in pathological mimicry environments. Here, we begin by analyzing hydrogel biomaterials as a platform for understanding the roles of the extracellular matrix and hypoxia in vascular formation. We next examine how three-dimensional bioprinting has been applied to recapitulate healthy and diseased tissue constructs in a highly controllable and patient-specific manner. Similarly, studies have utilized organs-on-a-chip technology to understand endothelial dysfunction's contribution to pathologies in tissue-specific cellular components under well-controlled physicochemical cues. Finally, we consider studies using the in vitro construction of multicellular blood vessels, termed tissue-engineered blood vessels, and the spontaneous assembly of microvascular networks in organoids to delineate pathological endothelial dysfunction.
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7
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Neto E, Monteiro AC, Leite Pereira C, Simões M, Conde JP, Chu V, Sarmento B, Lamghari M. Micropathological Chip Modeling the Neurovascular Unit Response to Inflammatory Bone Condition. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102305. [PMID: 35158409 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip in vitro platforms accurately mimic complex microenvironments offering the ability to recapitulate and dissect mechanisms of physiological and pathological settings, revealing their major importance to develop new therapeutic targets. Bone diseases, such as osteoarthritis, are extremely complex, comprising of the action of inflammatory mediators leading to unbalanced bone homeostasis and de-regulation of sensory innervation and angiogenesis. Although there are models to mimic bone vascularization or innervation, in vitro platforms merging the complexity of bone, vasculature, innervation, and inflammation are missing. Therefore, in this study a microfluidic-based neuro-vascularized bone chip (NVB chip) is proposed to 1) model the mechanistic interactions between innervation and angiogenesis in the inflammatory bone niche, and 2) explore, as a screening tool, novel strategies targeting inflammatory diseases, using a nano-based drug delivery system. It is possible to set the design of the platform and achieve the optimized conditions to address the neurovascular network under inflammation. Moreover, this system is validated by delivering anti-inflammatory drug-loaded nanoparticles to counteract the neuronal growth associated with pain perception. This reliable in vitro tool will allow understanding the bone neurovascular system, enlightening novel mechanisms behind the inflammatory bone diseases, bone destruction, and pain opening new avenues for new therapies discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estrela Neto
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde Universidade do Porto Rua Alfredo Allen, 208 Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
- INEB – Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica Universidade do Porto Rua Alfredo Allen, 208 Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
| | - Ana Carolina Monteiro
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde Universidade do Porto Rua Alfredo Allen, 208 Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
- INEB – Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica Universidade do Porto Rua Alfredo Allen, 208 Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
| | - Catarina Leite Pereira
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde Universidade do Porto Rua Alfredo Allen, 208 Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
- INEB – Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica Universidade do Porto Rua Alfredo Allen, 208 Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
| | - Miguel Simões
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde Universidade do Porto Rua Alfredo Allen, 208 Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
- INEB – Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica Universidade do Porto Rua Alfredo Allen, 208 Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
| | - João Pedro Conde
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores (INESC) Microsystems and Nanotechnologies Rua Alves Redol, 9 1000‐029 Lisboa Portugal
| | - Virginia Chu
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores (INESC) Microsystems and Nanotechnologies Rua Alves Redol, 9 1000‐029 Lisboa Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde Universidade do Porto Rua Alfredo Allen, 208 Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
- INEB – Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica Universidade do Porto Rua Alfredo Allen, 208 Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
- CESPU Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde Rua Central da Gandra, 137 Gandra 4585‐116 Portugal
| | - Meriem Lamghari
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde Universidade do Porto Rua Alfredo Allen, 208 Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
- INEB – Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica Universidade do Porto Rua Alfredo Allen, 208 Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
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8
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Blanchard JW, Victor MB, Tsai LH. Dissecting the complexities of Alzheimer disease with in vitro models of the human brain. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 18:25-39. [PMID: 34750588 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00578-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia. It is marked by severe memory loss and cognitive decline, and currently has limited effective treatment options. Although individuals with AD have common neuropathological hallmarks, emerging data suggest that the disease has a complex polygenic aetiology, and more than 25 genetic loci have been linked to an elevated risk of AD and dementia. Nevertheless, our ability to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie genetic susceptibility to AD, and its progression and severity, remains limited. Here, we discuss ongoing efforts to leverage genomic data from patients using cellular reprogramming technologies to recapitulate complex brain systems and build in vitro discovery platforms. Much attention has already been given to methodologies to derive major brain cell types from pluripotent stem cells. We therefore focus on technologies that combine multiple cell types to recreate anatomical and physiological properties of human brain tissue in vitro. We discuss the advances in the field for modelling four domains that have come into view as key contributors to the pathogenesis of AD: the blood-brain barrier, myelination, neuroinflammation and neuronal circuits. We also highlight opportunities for the field to further interrogate the complex genetic and environmental factors of AD using in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel W Blanchard
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matheus B Victor
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Mansouri M, Leipzig ND. Advances in removing mass transport limitations for more physiologically relevant in vitro 3D cell constructs. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2021; 2:021305. [PMID: 38505119 PMCID: PMC10903443 DOI: 10.1063/5.0048837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Spheroids and organoids are promising models for biomedical applications ranging from human disease modeling to drug discovery. A main goal of these 3D cell-based platforms is to recapitulate important physiological parameters of their in vivo organ counterparts. One way to achieve improved biomimetic architectures and functions is to culture cells at higher density and larger total numbers. However, poor nutrient and waste transport lead to low stability, survival, and functionality over extended periods of time, presenting outstanding challenges in this field. Fortunately, important improvements in culture strategies have enhanced the survival and function of cells within engineered microtissues/organs. Here, we first discuss the challenges of growing large spheroids/organoids with a focus on mass transport limitations, then highlight recent tools and methodologies that are available for producing and sustaining functional 3D in vitro models. This information points toward the fact that there is a critical need for the continued development of novel cell culture strategies that address mass transport in a physiologically relevant human setting to generate long-lasting and large-sized spheroids/organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Mansouri
- Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, USA
| | - Nic D. Leipzig
- Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, USA
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10
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Kim YT, Choi JS, Choi E, Shin H. Additive manufacturing of a 3D vascular chip based on cytocompatible hydrogel. Eur Polym J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2021.110451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Aich A, Lamarre Y, Sacomani DP, Kashima S, Covas DT, de la Torre LG. Microfluidics in Sickle Cell Disease Research: State of the Art and a Perspective Beyond the Flow Problem. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 7:558982. [PMID: 33763448 PMCID: PMC7982466 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.558982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the monogenic hemoglobinopathy where mutated sickle hemoglobin molecules polymerize to form long fibers under deoxygenated state and deform red blood cells (RBCs) into predominantly sickle form. Sickled RBCs stick to the vascular bed and obstruct blood flow in extreme conditions, leading to acute painful vaso-occlusion crises (VOCs) – the leading cause of mortality in SCD. Being a blood disorder of deformed RBCs, SCD manifests a wide-range of organ-specific clinical complications of life (in addition to chronic pain) such as stroke, acute chest syndrome (ACS) and pulmonary hypertension in the lung, nephropathy, auto-splenectomy, and splenomegaly, hand-foot syndrome, leg ulcer, stress erythropoiesis, osteonecrosis and osteoporosis. The physiological inception for VOC was initially thought to be only a fluid flow problem in microvascular space originated from increased viscosity due to aggregates of sickled RBCs; however, over the last three decades, multiple molecular and cellular mechanisms have been identified that aid the VOC in vivo. Activation of adhesion molecules in vascular endothelium and on RBC membranes, activated neutrophils and platelets, increased viscosity of the blood, and fluid physics driving sickled and deformed RBCs to the vascular wall (known as margination of flow) – all of these come together to orchestrate VOC. Microfluidic technology in sickle research was primarily adopted to benefit from mimicking the microvascular network to observe RBC flow under low oxygen conditions as models of VOC. However, over the last decade, microfluidics has evolved as a valuable tool to extract biophysical characteristics of sickle red cells, measure deformability of sickle red cells under simulated oxygen gradient and shear, drug testing, in vitro models of intercellular interaction on endothelialized or adhesion molecule-functionalized channels to understand adhesion in sickle microenvironment, characterizing biomechanics and microrheology, biomarker identification, and last but not least, for developing point-of-care diagnostic technologies for low resource setting. Several of these platforms have already demonstrated true potential to be translated from bench to bedside. Emerging microfluidics-based technologies for studying heterotypic cell–cell interactions, organ-on-chip application and drug dosage screening can be employed to sickle research field due to their wide-ranging advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Aich
- Intel Corporation, Hillsboro, OR, United States
| | - Yann Lamarre
- Center for Cell-based Therapy, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Daniel Pereira Sacomani
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Simone Kashima
- Center for Cell-based Therapy, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Dimas Tadeu Covas
- Center for Cell-based Therapy, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lucimara Gaziola de la Torre
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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Mansoorifar A, Gordon R, Bergan R, Bertassoni LE. Bone-on-a-chip: microfluidic technologies and microphysiologic models of bone tissue. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2021; 31:2006796. [PMID: 35422682 PMCID: PMC9007546 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202006796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Bone is an active organ that continuously undergoes an orchestrated process of remodeling throughout life. Bone tissue is uniquely capable of adapting to loading, hormonal, and other changes happening in the body, as well as repairing bone that becomes damaged to maintain tissue integrity. On the other hand, diseases such as osteoporosis and metastatic cancers disrupt normal bone homeostasis leading to compromised function. Historically, our ability to investigate processes related to either physiologic or diseased bone tissue has been limited by traditional models that fail to emulate the complexity of native bone. Organ-on-a-chip models are based on technological advances in tissue engineering and microfluidics, enabling the reproduction of key features specific to tissue microenvironments within a microfabricated device. Compared to conventional in-vitro and in-vivo bone models, microfluidic models, and especially organs-on-a-chip platforms, provide more biomimetic tissue culture conditions, with increased predictive power for clinical assays. In this review, we will report microfluidic and organ-on-a-chip technologies designed for understanding the biology of bone as well as bone-related diseases and treatments. Finally, we discuss the limitations of the current models and point toward future directions for microfluidics and organ-on-a-chip technologies in bone research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Mansoorifar
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ryan Gordon
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Raymond Bergan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Luiz E. Bertassoni
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center (CEDAR), Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
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Thromboinflammation Model-on-A-Chip by Whole Blood Microfluidics on Fixed Human Endothelium. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11020203. [PMID: 33573079 PMCID: PMC7911484 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11020203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic devices have an established role in the study of platelets and coagulation factors in thrombosis, with potential diagnostic applications. However, few microfluidic devices have assessed the contribution of neutrophils to thrombus formation, despite increasing knowledge of neutrophils’ importance in cardiovascular thrombosis. We describe a thromboinflammation model which uses straight channels, lined with fixed human umbilical vein endothelial cells, after treatment with tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Re-calcified whole blood is perfused over the endothelium at venous and arterial shear rate. Neutrophil adhesion, platelet and fibrin thrombus formation, is measured over time by the addition of fluorescent antibodies to a whole blood sample. Fixed endothelium retains surface expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and E-Selectin. Neutrophils adhere preferentially to platelet thrombi on the endothelium. Inhibitors of neutrophil adhesion and anti-inflammatory agents, such as isoquercetin, decrease neutrophil adhesion. Our model offers the advantage of the use of (1) fixed endothelium, (2) whole blood, instead of isolated neutrophils, and (3) a small amount of blood (1 mL). The characteristics of this thromboinflammation model provide the potential for further development for drug screening and point-of-care applications.
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Yang Y, Geng J, Zhang H, Chen C, Li W, Qian Z, Li S. Image-guided simulation in comparison with laser speckle contrast imaging for full-field observation of blood flow in a microvasculature model. Microvasc Res 2021; 133:104092. [PMID: 33007315 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2020.104092] [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: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The in vitro reconstruction of the microvascular network model provides a reproducible platform for hemodynamic study with great biological relevance. In the present study, microvascular models with different parametric features were designed under the guidance of Murray's law and derived from representative natural vascular network topography in vivo. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to numerically simulate blood velocity distributions inside of the designed microvasculature models. Full-field blood flow in the vascular network was visualized in vivo using a laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) system, from which the measured relative velocity was compared with CFD computed flow distribution. The results have shown that, in comparison with the simplified flow patterns obtained from idealized geometries, the irregular vascular topography is expected to lead to nonuniform and poor regional blood velocity distribution. The velocity distribution acquired by in vivo LSCI experiment is in good agreement with that of numerical simulation, indicating the technical feasibility of using biomimetic microchannels as a reasonable approximation of the microcirculatory flow conditions. This study provides a new paradigm that can be well suited to the study of microvascular blood flow properties and can further expand to mimic other in-vivo scenarios for accurately recapitulating the physical and hemodynamic environment of the microcirculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamin Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China.
| | - Jinfa Geng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Chunxiao Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Weitao Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Zhiyu Qian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Siwen Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Trevisan BM, Porada CD, Atala A, Almeida-Porada G. Microfluidic devices for studying coagulation biology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 112:1-7. [PMID: 32563678 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The ability to study the behavior of cells, proteins, and cell-cell or cell-protein interactions under dynamic forces such as shear stress under fluid flow, provides a more accurate understanding of the physiopathology of hemostasis. This review touches upon the traditional methods for studying blood coagulation and platelet aggregation and provides an overview on cellular and protein response to shear stress. We also elaborate on the biological aspects of how cells recognize mechanical forces and convert them into biochemical signals that can drive various signaling pathways. We give a detailed description of the various types of microfluidic devices that are employed to study the complex processes of platelet aggregation and blood coagulation under flow conditions as well as to investigate endothelial shear-response. We also highlight works mimicking artificial vessels as platforms to study the mechanisms of coagulation, and finish our review by describing anticipated clinical uses of microfluidics devices and their standardization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brady M Trevisan
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Fetal Research and Therapy Program Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Christopher D Porada
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Fetal Research and Therapy Program Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Fetal Research and Therapy Program Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Graça Almeida-Porada
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Fetal Research and Therapy Program Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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Connolly S, Newport D, McGourty K. The mechanical responses of advecting cells in confined flow. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:031501. [PMID: 32454924 PMCID: PMC7200165 DOI: 10.1063/5.0005154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Fluid dynamics have long influenced cells in suspension. Red blood cells and white blood cells are advected through biological microchannels in both the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems and, as a result, are subject to a wide variety of complex fluidic forces as they pass through. In vivo, microfluidic forces influence different biological processes such as the spreading of infection, cancer metastasis, and cell viability, highlighting the importance of fluid dynamics in the blood and lymphatic vessels. This suggests that in vitro devices carrying cell suspensions may influence the viability and functionality of cells. Lab-on-a-chip, flow cytometry, and cell therapies involve cell suspensions flowing through microchannels of approximately 100-800 μ m. This review begins by examining the current fundamental theories and techniques behind the fluidic forces and inertial focusing acting on cells in suspension, before exploring studies that have investigated how these fluidic forces affect the reactions of suspended cells. In light of these studies' findings, both in vivo and in vitro fluidic cell microenvironments shall also be discussed before concluding with recommendations for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Connolly
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - D Newport
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
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Abstract
Angiogenesis is a natural and vital phenomenon of neovascularization that occurs from pre-existing vasculature, being present in many physiological processes, namely in development, reproduction and regeneration. Being a highly dynamic and tightly regulated process, its abnormal expression can be on the basis of several pathologies. For that reason, angiogenesis has been a subject of major interest among the scientific community, being transverse to different areas and founding particular attention in tissue engineering and cancer research fields. Microfluidics has emerged as a powerful tool for modelling this phenomenon, thereby surpassing the limitations associated to conventional angiogenic models. Holding a tremendous flexibility in terms of experimental design towards a specific goal, microfluidic systems can offer an unlimited number of opportunities for investigating angiogenesis in many relevant scenarios, namely from its fundamental comprehension in normal physiological processes to the identification and testing of new therapeutic targets involved on pathological angiogenesis. Additionally, microvascular 3D in vitro models are now opening up new prospects in different fields, being used for investigating and establishing guidelines for the development of next generation of 3D functional vascularized grafts. The promising applications of this emerging technology in angiogenesis studies are herein overviewed, encompassing fundamental and applied research.
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Abstract
Microfluidic technology has affirmed itself as a powerful tool in medical and biological research by offering the possibility of managing biological samples in tiny channels and chambers. Among the different applications, the use of microfluidics for cell cultures has attracted much interest from scientists worldwide. Traditional cell culture methods need high quantities of samples and reagents that are strongly reduced in miniaturized systems. In addition, the microenvironment is better controlled by scaling down. In this paper, we provide an overview of the aspects related to the design of a novel microfluidic culture chamber, the fabrication approach based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) soft-lithography, and the most critical issues in shrinking the size of the system.
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Korin N, Sznitman J. Preface to Special Topic: Bio-Transport Processes and Drug Delivery in Physiological Micro-Devices. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2018; 12:042101. [PMID: 30147816 PMCID: PMC6082667 DOI: 10.1063/1.5050428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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Nguyen N, Thurgood P, Zhu JY, Pirogova E, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K. "Do-it-in-classroom" fabrication of microfluidic systems by replica moulding of pasta structures. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2018; 12:044115. [PMID: 30174774 PMCID: PMC6102117 DOI: 10.1063/1.5042684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Here, we describe a novel method for fabrication of microfluidic structures in classroom environments. This method is based on replica moulding of pasta structures in polydimethylsiloxane. Placing pasta structures on a petroleum jelly base layer enables templating round-shaped structures with controllable cross-sectional profiles. The pasta structures can be easily deformed and combined to create more complex 3D microfluidic structures. Proof-of-concept experiments indicate the capability of this method for studying the mixing of neighbouring flows, generation of droplets, lateral migration of particles, as well as culturing, shear stress stimulation, and imaging of cells. Our "do-it-in-classroom" method bridges the gap between the classroom and the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngan Nguyen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Jiu Yang Zhu
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Khashayar Khoshmanesh
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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