1
|
Newton JD, Song Y, Park S, Kanagarajah KR, Wong AP, Young EWK. Tunable In Situ Synthesis of Ultrathin Extracellular Matrix-Derived Membranes in Organ-on-a-Chip Devices. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2401158. [PMID: 38587309 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401158] [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: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Thin cell culture membranes in organ-on-a-chip (OOC) devices are used to model a wide range of thin tissues. While early and most current platforms use microporous or fibrous elastomeric or thermoplastic membranes, there is an emerging class of devices using extra-cellular matrix (ECM) protein-based membranes to improve their biological relevance. These ECM-based membranes present physiologically relevant properties, but they are difficult to integrate into OOC devices due to their relative fragility. Additionally, the specialized fabrication methods developed to date make comparison between methods difficult. This work presents the development and characterization of a method to produce ultrathin matrix-derived membranes (UMM) in OOC devices that requires only a preassembled thermoplastic device and a micropipette, decoupling the device and UMM fabrication processes. Control over the thickness and permeability of the UMM is demonstrated, along with integration of the UMM in a device enabling high-resolution on-chip microscopy. The reliability of the UMM fabrication method is leveraged to develop a medium-throughput well-plate format device with 32 independent UMM-integrated samples. Finally, proof-of-concept cell culture experiments are demonstrated. Due to its simplicity and controllability, the presented method has the potential to overcome technical barriers preventing wider adoption of physiologically relevant ECM-based membranes in OOC devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy D Newton
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Yuetong Song
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, 656 Bay Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Road, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Siwan Park
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Kayshani R Kanagarajah
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, 656 Bay Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Road, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Amy P Wong
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, 656 Bay Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Road, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Edmond W K Young
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fardous RS, Alshmmari S, Tawfik E, Khadra I, Ramadan Q, Zourob M. An Integrated and Modular Compartmentalized Microfluidic System with Tunable Electrospun Porous Membranes for Epithelialized Organs-on-a-Chip. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 39047263 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c08864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
A modular and 3D compartmentalized microfluidic system with electrospun porous membranes (PMs) for epithelialized organ-on-a-chip systems is presented. Our novel approach involves direct deposition of polymer nanofibers onto a patterned poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrate using electrospinning, resulting in an integrated PM within the microfluidic chip. The in situ deposition of the PM eliminates the need for additional assembly processes. To demonstrate the high throughput membrane integration capability of our approach, we successfully deposited nanofibers onto various chip designs with complex microfluidic planar structures and expanded dimensions. We characterized and tested the fully PMMA chip by growing an epithelial monolayer using the Caco-2 cell line to study drug permeability. A comprehensive analysis of the bulk and surface properties of the membrane's fibers made of PMMA and polystyrene (PS) was conducted to determine the polymer with the best performance for cell culture and drug transport applications. The PMMA-based membrane, with a PMMA/PVP ratio of 5:1, allowed for the fabrication of a uniform membrane structure along the aligned nanofibers. By modulating the fiber diameter and total thickness of the membrane, we could adjust the membrane's porosity for specific cell culture applications. The PMMA-PVP nanofibers exhibited a low polydispersity index value, indicating monodispersed nanofibers and a more homogeneous and uniform fiber network. Both types of membranes demonstrated excellent mechanical integrity under medium perfusion flow rates. However, the PMMA-PVP composition offered a tailored porous structure with modulable porosity based on the fiber diameter and thickness. Our developed platform enables dynamic in vitro modeling of the epithelial barrier and has applications in drug transport and in vitro microphysiological systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roa S Fardous
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University, Glasgow G4 0RE, U.K
- Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Kingdome Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Alshmmari
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, Jena 07745, Germany
- Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Kingdome Saudi Arabia
| | - Essam Tawfik
- Advanced Diagnostics & Therapeutics Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12354, Kingdome Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Khadra
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University, Glasgow G4 0RE, U.K
| | - Qasem Ramadan
- Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Kingdome Saudi Arabia
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Walker SN, Lucas K, Dewey MJ, Badylak S, Hussey G, Flax J, McGrath JL. Rapid Assessment of Biomarkers on Single Extracellular Vesicles Using 'Catch and Display' on Ultrathin Nanoporous Silicon Nitride Membranes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.29.589900. [PMID: 38746341 PMCID: PMC11092443 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.29.589900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are particles secreted by all cells that carry bioactive cargo and facilitate intercellular communication with roles in normal physiology and disease pathogenesis. EVs have tremendous diagnostic and therapeutic potential and accordingly, the EV field has grown exponentially in recent years. Bulk assays lack the sensitivity to detect rare EV subsets relevant to disease, and while single EV analysis techniques remedy this, they are undermined by complicated detection schemes often coupled with prohibitive instrumentation. To address these issues, we propose a microfluidic technique for EV characterization called 'catch and display for liquid biopsy (CAD-LB)'. CAD-LB rapidly captures fluorescently labeled EVs in the similarly-sized pores of an ultrathin silicon nitride membrane. Minimally processed sample is introduced via pipette injection into a simple microfluidic device which is directly imaged using fluorescence microscopy for a rapid assessment of EV number and biomarker colocalization. In this work, nanoparticles were first used to define the accuracy and dynamic range for counting and colocalization by CAD-LB. Following this, the same assessments were made for purified EVs and for unpurified EVs in plasma. Biomarker detection was validated using CD9 in which Western blot analysis confirmed that CAD-LB faithfully recapitulated differing expression levels among samples. We further verified that CAD-LB captured the known increase in EV-associated ICAM-1 following the cytokine stimulation of endothelial cells. Finally, to demonstrate CAD-LB's clinical potential, we show that EV biomarkers indicative of immunotherapy responsiveness are successfully detected in the plasma of bladder cancer patients undergoing immune checkpoint blockade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel N. Walker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, United States
| | - Kilean Lucas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, United States
| | - Marley J. Dewey
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
| | - Stephen Badylak
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
| | - George Hussey
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
| | - Jonathan Flax
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, United States
- Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| | - James L. McGrath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gao Y, Zhong M, Yu J, Zhao Z, Yu C, Yu Q, Yao F, Li J, Zhang H. Large-Scale Fabrication of Freestanding Polymer Ultrathin Porous Membranes for Transparent Transwell Coculture Systems. ACS NANO 2024; 18:8168-8179. [PMID: 38437515 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in cell coculture systems with porous membranes have facilitated the simulation of human-like in vitro microenvironments for diverse biomedical applications. However, conventional Transwell membranes face limitations in low porosity (ca. 6%) and optical opacity due to their large thickness (ca. 10 μm). In this study, we demonstrated a one-step, large-scale fabrication of freestanding polymer ultrathin porous (PUP) membranes with thicknesses of hundreds of nanometers. PUP membranes were produced by using a gap-controlled bar-coating process combined with polymer blend phase separation. They are 20 times thinner than Transwell membranes, possessing 3-fold higher porosity and exhibiting high transparency. These membranes demonstrate outstanding molecular permeability and significantly reduce the cell-cell distance, thereby facilitating efficient signal exchange pathways between cells. This research enables the establishment of a cutting-edge in vitro cell coculture system, enhancing optical transparency, and streamlining the large-scale manufacturing of porous membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Gao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Mengyao Zhong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiajun Yu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chaojie Yu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qingyu Yu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Fanglian Yao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Junjie Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mancinelli E, Zushi N, Takuma M, Cheng Chau CC, Parpas G, Fujie T, Pensabene V. Porous Polymeric Nanofilms for Recreating the Basement Membrane in an Endothelial Barrier-on-Chip. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:13006-13017. [PMID: 38414331 PMCID: PMC10941076 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c16134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Organs-on-chips (OoCs) support an organotypic human cell culture in vitro. Precise representation of basement membranes (BMs) is critical for mimicking physiological functions of tissue interfaces. Artificial membranes in polyester (PES) and polycarbonate (PC) commonly used in in vitro models and OoCs do not replicate the characteristics of the natural BMs, such as submicrometric thickness, selective permeability, and elasticity. This study introduces porous poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PDLLA) nanofilms for replicating BMs in in vitro models and demonstrates their integration into microfluidic chips. Using roll-to-roll gravure coating and polymer phase separation, we fabricated transparent ∼200 nm thick PDLLA films. These nanofilms are 60 times thinner and 27 times more elastic than PES membranes and show uniformly distributed pores of controlled diameter (0.4 to 1.6 μm), which favor cell compartmentalization and exchange of large water-soluble molecules. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on PDLLA nanofilms stretched across microchannels exhibited 97% viability, enhanced adhesion, and a higher proliferation rate compared to their performance on PES membranes and glass substrates. After 5 days of culture, HUVECs formed a functional barrier on suspended PDLLA nanofilms, confirmed by a more than 10-fold increase in transendothelial electrical resistance and blocked 150 kDa dextran diffusion. When integrated between two microfluidic channels and exposed to physiological shear stress, despite their ultrathin thickness, PDLLA nanofilms upheld their integrity and efficiently maintained separation of the channels. The successful formation of an adherent endothelium and the coculture of HUVECs and human astrocytes on either side of the suspended nanofilm validate it as an artificial BM for OoCs. Its submicrometric thickness guarantees intimate contact, a key feature to mimic the blood-brain barrier and to study paracrine signaling between the two cell types. In summary, porous PDLLA nanofilms hold the potential for improving the accuracy and physiological relevance of the OoC as in vitro models and drug discovery tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Mancinelli
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Nanami Zushi
- School
of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute
of Technology, B-50, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
| | - Megumi Takuma
- School
of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute
of Technology, B-50, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
| | - Chalmers Chi Cheng Chau
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- School
of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre for Structural
Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - George Parpas
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- Leeds
Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United
Kingdom
| | - Toshinori Fujie
- School
of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute
of Technology, B-50, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
- Living Systems
Materialogy (LiSM) Research Group, International Research Frontiers
Initiative (IRFI), Tokyo Institute of Technology, R3-23, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Virginia Pensabene
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- Faculty
of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St
James’s University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Corral-Nájera K, Chauhan G, Serna-Saldívar SO, Martínez-Chapa SO, Aeinehvand MM. Polymeric and biological membranes for organ-on-a-chip devices. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:107. [PMID: 37649779 PMCID: PMC10462672 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00579-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Membranes are fundamental elements within organ-on-a-chip (OOC) platforms, as they provide adherent cells with support, allow nutrients (and other relevant molecules) to permeate/exchange through membrane pores, and enable the delivery of mechanical or chemical stimuli. Through OOC platforms, physiological processes can be studied in vitro, whereas OOC membranes broaden knowledge of how mechanical and chemical cues affect cells and organs. OOCs with membranes are in vitro microfluidic models that are used to replace animal testing for various applications, such as drug discovery and disease modeling. In this review, the relevance of OOCs with membranes is discussed as well as their scaffold and actuation roles, properties (physical and material), and fabrication methods in different organ models. The purpose was to aid readers with membrane selection for the development of OOCs with specific applications in the fields of mechanistic, pathological, and drug testing studies. Mechanical stimulation from liquid flow and cyclic strain, as well as their effects on the cell's increased physiological relevance (IPR), are described in the first section. The review also contains methods to fabricate synthetic and ECM (extracellular matrix) protein membranes, their characteristics (e.g., thickness and porosity, which can be adjusted depending on the application, as shown in the graphical abstract), and the biological materials used for their coatings. The discussion section joins and describes the roles of membranes for different research purposes and their advantages and challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kendra Corral-Nájera
- School of Engineering and Science, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, 64849 Mexico
| | - Gaurav Chauhan
- School of Engineering and Science, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, 64849 Mexico
| | - Sergio O. Serna-Saldívar
- School of Engineering and Science, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, 64849 Mexico
| | - Sergio O. Martínez-Chapa
- School of Engineering and Science, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, 64849 Mexico
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Aeinehvand
- School of Engineering and Science, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, 64849 Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rickabaugh E, Weatherston D, Harris TI, Jones JA, Vargis E. Engineering a Biomimetic In Vitro Model of Bruch's Membrane Using Hagfish Slime Intermediate Filament Proteins. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5051-5061. [PMID: 37458693 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Bruch's membrane resides in the subretinal tissue and regulates the flow of nutrients and waste between the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and vascular layers of the eye. With age, Bruch's membrane becomes thicker, stiffer, and less permeable, which impedes its function as a boundary layer in the subretina. These changes contribute to pathologies such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To better understand how aging in Bruch's membrane affects surrounding tissues and to determine the relationship between aging and disease, an in vitro model of Bruch's membrane is needed. An accurate model of Bruch's membrane must be a proteinaceous, semipermeable, and nonporous biomaterial with similar mechanical properties to in vivo conditions. Additionally, this model must support RPE cell growth. While models of subretinal tissue exist, they typically differ from in vivo Bruch's membrane in one or more of these properties. This study evaluates the capability of membranes created from recombinant hagfish intermediate filament (rHIF) proteins to accurately replicate Bruch's membrane in an in vitro model of the subretinal tissue. The physical characteristics of these rHIF membranes were evaluated using mechanical testing, permeability assays, brightfield microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The capacity of the membranes to support RPE cell culture was determined using brightfield and fluorescent microscopy, as well as immunocytochemical staining. This study demonstrates that rHIF protein membranes are an appropriate biomaterial to accurately mimic both healthy and aged Bruch's membrane for in vitro modeling of the subretinal tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilee Rickabaugh
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, 4105 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322-4105 United States
| | - Dillon Weatherston
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, 4105 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322-4105 United States
| | - Thomas I Harris
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322-5305, United States
| | - Justin A Jones
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322-5305, United States
| | - Elizabeth Vargis
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, 4105 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322-4105 United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ebrahim NA, Mwizerwa ON, Ekwueme EC, Muss TE, Ersland EE, Oba T, Oku K, Nishino M, Hikimoto D, Miyoshi H, Tomotoshi K, Neville CM, Sundback CA. Porous honeycomb film membranes enhance endothelial barrier integrity in human vascular wall bilayer model compared to standard track-etched membranes. J Biomed Mater Res A 2023; 111:701-713. [PMID: 36807502 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37517] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
In vitro vascular wall bilayer models for drug testing and disease modeling must emulate the physical and biological properties of healthy vascular tissue and its endothelial barrier function. Both endothelial cell (EC)-vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) interaction across the internal elastic lamina (IEL) and blood vessel stiffness impact endothelial barrier integrity. Polymeric porous track-etched membranes (TEM) typically represent the IEL in laboratory vascular bilayer models. However, TEM stiffness exceeds that of diseased blood vessels, and the membrane pore architecture limits EC-SMC interaction. The mechanical properties of compliant honeycomb film (HCF) membranes better simulate the Young's modulus of healthy blood vessels, and HCFs are thinner (4 vs. 10 μm) and more porous (57 vs. 6.5%) than TEMs. We compared endothelial barrier integrity in vascular wall bilayer models with human ECs and SMCs statically cultured on opposite sides of HCFs and TEMs (5 μm pores) for up to 12 days. Highly segregated localization of tight junction (ZO-1) and adherens junction (VE-cadherin) proteins and quiescent F-actin cytoskeletons demonstrated superior and earlier maturation of interendothelial junctions. Quantifying barrier integrity based on transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), membranes showed only minor but significant TEER differences despite enhanced junctional protein localization on HCF. Elongated ECs on HCF likely experienced greater paracellular diffusion than blocky ECs on TEM. Also, larger populations of plaques of connexin 43 subunit-containing gap junctions suggested enhanced EC-SMC communication across the more porous, thinner HCF. Compared with standard TEMs, engineered vascular wall bilayers cultured on HCFs better replicate physiologic endothelial barrier integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neven A Ebrahim
- Department of Surgery, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Olive N Mwizerwa
- Department of Surgery, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emmanuel C Ekwueme
- Department of Surgery, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tessa E Muss
- Department of Surgery, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erik E Ersland
- Department of Surgery, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Takahiro Oba
- Bioscience & Engineering Laboratories, FUJIFILM Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Keisuke Oku
- Bioscience & Engineering Laboratories, FUJIFILM Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masafumi Nishino
- Bioscience & Engineering Laboratories, FUJIFILM Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Daichi Hikimoto
- Bioscience & Engineering Laboratories, FUJIFILM Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hayato Miyoshi
- Bioscience & Engineering Laboratories, FUJIFILM Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Tomotoshi
- Bioscience & Engineering Laboratories, FUJIFILM Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Craig M Neville
- Department of Surgery, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cathryn A Sundback
- Department of Surgery, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Optimization of Parylene C and Parylene N thin films for use in cellular co-culture and tissue barrier models. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4262. [PMID: 36918711 PMCID: PMC10015097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31305-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Parylene has been used widely used as a coating on medical devices. It has also been used to fabricate thin films and porous membranes upon which to grow cells. Porous membranes are integral components of in vitro tissue barrier and co-culture models, and their interaction with cells and tissues affects the performance and physiological relevance of these model systems. Parylene C and Parylene N are two biocompatible Parylene variants with potential for use in these models, but their effect on cellular behavior is not as well understood as more commonly used cell culture substrates, such as tissue culture treated polystyrene and glass. Here, we use a simple approach for benchtop oxygen plasma treatment and investigate the changes in cell spreading and extracellular matrix deposition as well as the physical and chemical changes in material surface properties. Our results support and build on previous findings of positive effects of plasma treatment on Parylene biocompatibility while showing a more pronounced improvement for Parylene C compared to Parylene N. We measured relatively minor changes in surface roughness following plasma treatments, but significant changes in oxygen concentration at the surface persisted for 7 days and was likely the dominant factor in improving cellular behavior. Overall, this study offers facile and relatively low-cost plasma treatment protocols that provide persistent improvements in cell-substrate interactions on Parylene that match and exceed tissue culture polystyrene.
Collapse
|
10
|
Advances in cell coculture membranes recapitulating in vivo microenvironments. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:214-227. [PMID: 36030108 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Porous membranes play a critical role in in vitro heterogeneous cell coculture systems because they recapitulate the in vivo microenvironment to mediate physical and biochemical crosstalk between cells. While the conventionally available Transwell® system has been widely used for heterogeneous cell coculture, there are drawbacks to precise control over cell-cell interactions and separation for implantation. The size and numbers of the pores and the thickness of the porous membranes are crucial in determining the efficiency of paracrine signaling and direct junctions between cocultured cells, and significantly impact on the performance of heterogeneous cell cultures. These opportunities and challenges have motivated the design of advanced coculture platforms through improvement of the structural and functional properties of porous membranes.
Collapse
|
11
|
Choi JW, Youn J, Kim DS, Park TE. Human iPS-derived blood-brain barrier model exhibiting enhanced barrier properties empowered by engineered basement membrane. Biomaterials 2023; 293:121983. [PMID: 36610323 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The basement membrane (BM) of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a thin extracellular matrix (ECM) sheet underneath the brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), plays crucial roles in regulating the unique physiological barrier function of the BBB, which represents a major obstacle for brain drug delivery. Owing to the difficulty in mimicking the unique biophysical and chemical features of BM in in vitro systems, current in vitro BBB models have suffered from poor physiological relevance. Here, we describe a highly ameliorated human BBB model accomplished by an ultra-thin ECM hydrogel-based engineered basement membrane (nEBM), which is supported by a sparse electrospun nanofiber scaffold that offers in vivo BM-like microenvironment to BMECs. BBB model reconstituted on a nEBM recapitulates the physical barrier function of the in vivo human BBB through ECM mechano-response to physiological relevant stiffness (∼500 kPa) and exhibits high efflux pump activity. These features of the proposed BBB model enable modelling of ischemic stroke, reproducing the dynamic changes of BBB, immune cell infiltration, and drug response. Therefore, the proposed BBB model represents a powerful tool for predicting the BBB permeation of drugs and developing therapeutic strategies for brain diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Won Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseung Youn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Sung Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea; Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Markov PA, Vinogradov II, Kostromina E, Eremin PS, Gilmutdinova IR, Kudryashova IS, Greben A, Rachin AP, Nechaev AN. A wound dressing based on a track-etched membrane modified by a biopolymer nanoframe: physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
|
13
|
Wang Y, Duan Y, Tian F, Zhou Z, Liu Y, Wang W, Gao B, Tang Y. Ultrathin and handleable nanofibrous net as a novel biomimetic basement membrane material for endothelial barrier formation. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 219:112775. [PMID: 36108364 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Many strategies have been adopted to develop porous membranes to reconstitute basement membrane in vitro, which play a key role in the development of in vitro biomimetic models. However, the development of an artificial basement membrane combines cytocompatibility and nano-thickness is still challenging. Herein, a monolayer nanofibrous net patch was fabricated by combining microfabrication and electrospinning as a biomimetic basement membrane material, which was demonstrated for endothelial barrier formation. The nanofibrous net patches with different fiber densities were obtained by controlling electrospinning time. The net was with high porosity and ultrathin thickness approximate to the diameter of nanofibers, which is comparable to that of the native basement membrane. The morphology, proliferation and cell-cell/cell-substrate interactions of endothelial cells on the nanofibrous nets were studied and compared with track-etched polycarbonate membrane and traditional multilayer nanofibers membrane. In addition, the results of TEER measurement and permeability test demonstrated that the endothelial barrier formed on the nanofibrous net patch displayed stronger barrier integrity and function. Therefore, the proposed nanofibrous net patch shows great potential as a novel biomimetic basement membrane, which is promising to be applied for in vitro tissue mimetic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Wang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yujie Duan
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Feng Tian
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zehui Zhou
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yurong Liu
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenlong Wang
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Botao Gao
- Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yadong Tang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Youn J, Kim DS. Engineering porous membranes mimicking in vivo basement membrane for organ-on-chips applications. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:051301. [PMID: 36275917 PMCID: PMC9586704 DOI: 10.1063/5.0101397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Porous membrane-based microfluidic chips are frequently used for developing in vitro tissue-barrier models, the so-called tissue barriers-on-chips (TBoCs). The porous membrane in a TBoC plays a crucial role as an alternative to an in vivo basement membrane (BM). To improve the physiological relevance of an artificial porous membrane, it should possess complex BM-like characteristics from both biophysical and biochemical perspectives. For practical use, artificial membranes should have high mechanical robustness, and their fabrication processes should be conducive to mass production. There have been numerous approaches to accomplishing these requirements in BM-like porous membranes. Extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogels have emerged as physiologically relevant materials for developing artificial BMs; they remarkably improve the phenotypes and functions of both cells and their layers when compared to previous synthetic porous membranes. However, for practical use, the poor mechanical robustness of ECM membranes needs to be improved. Recently, an advanced ECM membrane reinforced with a nanofiber scaffold has been introduced that possesses both BM-like characteristics and practical applicability. This advanced ECM membrane is expected to promote not only in vivo-like cellular functions but also cellular responses to drugs, which in turn further facilitates the practical applications of TBoCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaeseung Youn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Furer LA, Abad ÁD, Manser P, Hannig Y, Schuerle S, Fortunato G, Buerki-Thurnherr T. Novel electrospun chitosan/PEO membranes for more predictive nanoparticle transport studies at biological barriers. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:12136-12152. [PMID: 35968642 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr01742c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The design of safe and effective nanoparticles (NPs) for commercial and medical applications requires a profound understanding of NP translocation and effects at biological barriers. To gain mechanistic insights, physiologically relevant and accurate human in vitro biobarrier models are indispensable. However, current transfer models largely rely on artificial porous polymer membranes for the cultivation of cells, which do not provide a close mimic of the natural basal membrane and intrinsically provide limited permeability for NPs. In this study, electrospinning is exploited to develop thin chitosan/polyethylene oxide (PEO) membranes with a high porosity and nanofibrous morphology for more predictive NP transfer studies. The nanofiber membranes allow the cultivation of a tight and functional placental monolayer (BeWo trophoblasts). Translocation studies with differently sized molecules and NPs (Na-fluorescein; 40 kDa FITC-Dextran; 25 nm PMMA; 70, 180 and 520 nm polystyrene NPs) across empty and cell containing membranes reveal a considerably enhanced permeability compared to commercial microporous membranes. Importantly, the transfer data of NPs is highly similar to data from ex vivo perfusion studies of intact human placental tissue. Therefore, the newly developed membranes may decisively contribute to establish physiologically relevant in vitro biobarrier transfer models with superior permeability for a wide range of molecules and particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lea A Furer
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
- ETH Zürich, Responsive Biomedical Systems Lab, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ángela Díaz Abad
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Pius Manser
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Yvette Hannig
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Simone Schuerle
- ETH Zürich, Responsive Biomedical Systems Lab, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppino Fortunato
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Volpe A, Conte Capodacqua FM, Garzarelli V, Primiceri E, Chiriacò MS, Gaudiuso C, Ferrara F, Ancona A. Femtosecond Laser Fabrication of Microporous Membranes for Biological Applications. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1371. [PMID: 36143994 PMCID: PMC9505411 DOI: 10.3390/mi13091371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The possibility of fabricating micrometric pore size membranes is gaining great interest in many applications, from studying cell signaling, to filtration. Currently, many technologies are reported to fabricate such microsystems, the choice of which depends strictly on the substrate material and on the final application. Here, we demonstrate the capability with a single femtosecond laser source and experimental setup to fabricate micromembranes both on polymeric and multilayer metallic substrate, without the need for moulds, mask, and complex facilities. In particular, the flexibility of laser drilling was exploited to obtain microfilters with pore size of 8 and 18 µm in diameter, on metallic and polymeric substrate, respectively, and controlled distribution. For evaluating the possibility to use such laser-fabricated membranes into biological assay, their biocompatibility has been investigated. To this aim, as a proof of concept, we tested the two materials into viability tests. The culture of mammalian cells on these microfabricated membranes were studied showing their compatibility with cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Volpe
- Physics Department, Università degli Studi di Bari & Politecnico di Bari, Via Orabona 4, 7016 Bari, Italy
- Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies (IFN), National Research Council, Via Amendola 173, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Garzarelli
- CNR NANOTEC—Institute of Nanotechnology, Via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Department of Mathematics & Physics E. de Giorgi, University of Salento, Via Arnesano, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | | | | | - Caterina Gaudiuso
- Physics Department, Università degli Studi di Bari & Politecnico di Bari, Via Orabona 4, 7016 Bari, Italy
- Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies (IFN), National Research Council, Via Amendola 173, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrara
- CNR NANOTEC—Institute of Nanotechnology, Via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Antonio Ancona
- Physics Department, Università degli Studi di Bari & Politecnico di Bari, Via Orabona 4, 7016 Bari, Italy
- Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies (IFN), National Research Council, Via Amendola 173, 70126 Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Heidari Moghadam A, Bayati V, Orazizadeh M, Rashno M. Redesigning of 3-Dimensional Vascular-Muscle Structure Using ADSCs/HUVECs Co-Culture and VEGF on Engineered Skeletal Muscle ECM. CELL JOURNAL 2022; 24:380-390. [PMID: 36043406 PMCID: PMC9428474 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2022.8098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study is to determine the myogenic effects of skeletal muscle extracellular matrix, vascular endothelial growth factor and human umbilical vein endothelial cells on adipose-derived stem cells to achieve a 3-dimensional engineered vascular-muscle structure. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present experimental research was designed based on two main groups, i.e. monoculture of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and co-culture of ADSCs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a ratio of 1:1. Skeletal muscle tissue was isolated, decellularized and its surface was electrospun using polycaprolactone/gelatin parallel nanofibers and then matrix topography was evaluated through H and E, trichrome staining and SEM. The expression of MyHC2 gene and tropomyosin protein were examined through real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence, respectively. Finally, the morphology of mesenchymal and endothelial cells and their relationship with each other and with the engineered scaffold were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS According to H and E and Masson's Trichrome staining, muscle tissue was completely decellularized. SEM showed parallel Polycaprolactone (PCL)/gelatin nanofibers with an average diameter of about 300 nm. The immunofluorescence proved that tropomyosin was positive in the ADSCs monoculture and the ADSCs/HUVECs coculture in horse serum (HS) and HS/VEGF groups. There was a significant difference in the expression of the MyHC2 gene between the ADSCs and ADSCs/HUVECs culture groups (P<0.05) and between the 2D and 3D models in HS/ VEGF differentiation groups (P<001). Moreover, a significant increase existed between the HS/VEGF group and other groups in terms of endothelial cells growth and proliferation as well as their relationship with differentiated myoblasts (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Co-culture of ADSCs/HUVECs on the engineered cell-free muscle scaffold and the dual effects of VEGF can lead to formation of a favorable engineered vascular-muscular tissue. These engineered structures can be used as an acceptable tool for tissue implantation in muscle injuries and regeneration, especially in challenging injuries such as volumetric muscle loss, which also require vascular repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Heidari Moghadam
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical
Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Vahid Bayati
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical
Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran,P.O.Box: 45Cellular and Molecular Research CenterMedical Basic Sciences Research InstituteAhvaz Jundishapur
University of Medical SciencesAhvazIran
| | - Mahmoud Orazizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical
Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rashno
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical
Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Allahyari Z, Casillo SM, Perry SJ, Peredo AP, Gholizadeh S, Gaborski TR. Disrupted Surfaces of Porous Membranes Reduce Nuclear YAP Localization and Enhance Adipogenesis through Morphological Changes. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:1791-1798. [PMID: 35363465 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The disrupted surface of porous membranes, commonly used in tissue-chip and cellular coculture systems, is known to weaken cell-substrate interactions. Here, we investigated whether disrupted surfaces of membranes with micron and submicron scale pores affect yes-associated protein (YAP) localization and differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells. We found that these substrates reduce YAP nuclear localization through decreased cell spreading, consistent with reduced cell-substrate interactions, and in turn enhance adipogenesis while decreasing osteogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Allahyari
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, New York 14623, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, New York 14623, United States
| | - Stephanie M Casillo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, New York 14623, United States
| | - Spencer J Perry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, New York 14623, United States
| | - Ana P Peredo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, New York 14623, United States
| | - Shayan Gholizadeh
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, New York 14623, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, New York 14623, United States
| | - Thomas R Gaborski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, New York 14623, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Aazmi A, Zhou H, Lv W, Yu M, Xu X, Yang H, Zhang YS, Ma L. Vascularizing the brain in vitro. iScience 2022; 25:104110. [PMID: 35378862 PMCID: PMC8976127 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is arguably the most fascinating and complex organ in the human body. Recreating the brain in vitro is an ambition restricted by our limited understanding of its structure and interacting elements. One of these interacting parts, the brain microvasculature, is distinguished by a highly selective barrier known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), limiting the transport of substances between the blood and the nervous system. Numerous in vitro models have been used to mimic the BBB and constructed by implementing a variety of microfabrication and microfluidic techniques. However, currently available models still cannot accurately imitate the in vivo characteristics of BBB. In this article, we review recent BBB models by analyzing each parameter affecting the accuracy of these models. Furthermore, we propose an investigation of the synergy between BBB models and neuronal tissue biofabrication, which results in more advanced models, including neurovascular unit microfluidic models and vascularized brain organoid-based models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Aazmi
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongzhao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weikang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mengfei Yu
- The Affiliated Stomatologic Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Huayong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Youn J, Hong H, Shin W, Kim D, Kim HJ, Kim DS. Thin and stretchable extracellular matrix (ECM) membrane reinforced by nanofiber scaffolds for developing in vitro barrier models. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac4dd7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
An extracellular matrix (ECM) membrane made up of ECM hydrogels has great potentials to develop a physiologically relevant organ-on-a-chip because of its biochemical and biophysical similarity to in vivo basement membranes (BMs). However, the limited mechanical stability of the ECM hydrogels makes it difficult to utilize the ECM membrane in long-term and dynamic cell/tissue cultures. This study proposes an ultra-thin but robust and transparent ECM membrane reinforced with silk fibroin (SF)/polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers, which is achieved by in situ self-assembly throughout a freestanding SF/PCL nanofiber scaffold. The SF/PCL nanofiber-reinforced ECM (NaRE) membrane shows biophysical characteristics reminiscent of native BMs, including small thickness (< 5 μm), high permeability (< 9 × 10−5 cm s-1), and nanofibrillar architecture (~10 to 100 nm). With the BM-like characteristics, the nanofiber reinforcement ensured that the NaRE membrane stably supported the construction of various types of in vitro barrier models, from epithelial or endothelial barrier models to complex co-culture models, even over two weeks of cell culture periods. Furthermore, the stretchability of the NaRE membrane allowed emulating the native organ-like cyclic stretching motions (10 to 15%) and was demonstrated to manipulate the cell and tissue-level functions of the in vitro barrier model.
Collapse
|
21
|
Salminen AT, Tithof J, Izhiman Y, Masters EA, McCloskey MC, Gaborski TR, Kelley DH, Pietropaoli AP, Waugh RE, McGrath JL. Endothelial cell apicobasal polarity coordinates distinct responses to luminally versus abluminally delivered TNF-α in a microvascular mimetic. Integr Biol (Camb) 2021; 12:275-289. [PMID: 33164044 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) are an active component of the immune system and interact directly with inflammatory cytokines. While ECs are known to be polarized cells, the potential role of apicobasal polarity in response to inflammatory mediators has been scarcely studied. Acute inflammation is vital in maintaining healthy tissue in response to infection; however, chronic inflammation can lead to the production of systemic inflammatory cytokines and deregulated leukocyte trafficking, even in the absence of a local infection. Elevated levels of cytokines in circulation underlie the pathogenesis of sepsis, the leading cause of intensive care death. Because ECs constitute a key barrier between circulation (luminal interface) and tissue (abluminal interface), we hypothesize that ECs respond differentially to inflammatory challenge originating in the tissue versus circulation as in local and systemic inflammation, respectively. To begin this investigation, we stimulated ECs abluminally and luminally with the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) to mimic a key feature of local and systemic inflammation, respectively, in a microvascular mimetic (μSiM-MVM). Polarized IL-8 secretion and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) transmigration were quantified to characterize the EC response to luminal versus abluminal TNF-α. We observed that ECs uniformly secrete IL-8 in response to abluminal TNF-α and is followed by PMN transmigration. The response to abluminal treatment was coupled with the formation of ICAM-1-rich membrane ruffles on the apical surface of ECs. In contrast, luminally stimulated ECs secreted five times more IL-8 into the luminal compartment than the abluminal compartment and sequestered PMNs on the apical EC surface. Our results identify clear differences in the response of ECs to TNF-α originating from the abluminal versus luminal side of a monolayer for the first time and may provide novel insight into future inflammatory disease intervention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alec T Salminen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey Tithof
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Yara Izhiman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Elysia A Masters
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Molly C McCloskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Thomas R Gaborski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Douglas H Kelley
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Anthony P Pietropaoli
- Medicine, Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Richard E Waugh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - James L McGrath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lucas K, Dehghani M, Khire T, Gaborski T, Flax JD, Waugh RE, McGrath JL. A predictive model of nanoparticle capture on ultrathin nanoporous membranes. J Memb Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.119357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
23
|
Tasiopoulos CP, Gustafsson L, van der Wijngaart W, Hedhammar M. Fibrillar Nanomembranes of Recombinant Spider Silk Protein Support Cell Co-culture in an In Vitro Blood Vessel Wall Model. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:3332-3339. [PMID: 34169711 PMCID: PMC8290846 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Basement membrane
is a thin but dense network of self-assembled
extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibrils that anchors and physically
separates epithelial/endothelial cells from the underlying connective
tissue. Current replicas of the basement membrane utilize either synthetic
or biological polymers but have not yet recapitulated its geometric
and functional complexity highly enough to yield representative in vitro co-culture tissue models. In an attempt to model
the vessel wall, we seeded endothelial and smooth muscle cells on
either side of 470 ± 110 nm thin, mechanically robust, and nanofibrillar
membranes of recombinant spider silk protein. On the apical side,
a confluent endothelium formed within 4 days, with the ability to
regulate the permeation of representative molecules (3 and 10 kDa
dextran and IgG). On the basolateral side, smooth muscle cells produced
a thicker ECM with enhanced barrier properties compared to conventional
tissue culture inserts. The membranes withstood 520 ± 80 Pa pressure
difference, which is of the same magnitude as capillary blood pressure in vivo. This use of protein nanomembranes with relevant
properties for co-culture opens up for developing advanced in vitro tissue models for drug screening and potent substrates
in organ-on-a-chip systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christos Panagiotis Tasiopoulos
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Health, Department of Protein Science, AlbaNova University Center, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Roslagstullsbacken 21, 114 21 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linnea Gustafsson
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Malvinas väg 10, 114 28 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wouter van der Wijngaart
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Malvinas väg 10, 114 28 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - My Hedhammar
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Health, Department of Protein Science, AlbaNova University Center, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Roslagstullsbacken 21, 114 21 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Li F, Wang X, Chen L, Li Z, Zhang T, Wang T. Efficient development of silk fibroin membranes on liquid surface for potential use in biomedical materials. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 182:237-243. [PMID: 33836192 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Silk fibroin (SF) protein is versatile for the application of biomaterials due to its excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, the efficient way to fabricate SF membranes with special structure is still challenging. Here, we develop an efficient and simple way to create SF membranes on the liquid (i.e. subphase) surface. It is essential to prepare highly concentrated SF solution with low surface tension by dissolving the degummed SF powders in 6% (w/v) LiBr/methanol solution by one step. 95 wt% polyethylene glycol (PEG) 200 and 30 wt% (NH4)2SO4 are the subphases, on which the SF solution spreads quickly, generating nonporous and microporous SF membranes (SFM-1 and SFM-2), respectively. PEG 200 causes more ordered molecular packing (β-sheets) in SFM-1. While Fast diffusion and denaturation of SF on (NH4)2SO4 solution lead to the formation of microporous, water-unstable membrane SFM-2. Both membranes have good transparency, hydrophilicty, and mechanical properties. To fabricate antibacterial biomaterials, we design a composite membrane by SFM-1 and SFM-2 sandwiching a layer of hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) to provide antibacterial functions. The sandwich membrane has good cell viability and antibacterial properties, showing potential use for biomedical materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Biomaterial Fiber and Modern Textile, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Biomaterial Fiber and Modern Textile, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Biomaterial Fiber and Modern Textile, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; SKL of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Biomaterial Fiber and Modern Textile, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tonghua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Biomaterial Fiber and Modern Textile, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Biomaterial Fiber and Modern Textile, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sun M, Han K, Hu R, Liu D, Fu W, Liu W. Advances in Micro/Nanoporous Membranes for Biomedical Engineering. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001545. [PMID: 33511718 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Porous membrane materials at the micro/nanoscale have exhibited practical and potential value for extensive biological and medical applications associated with filtration and isolation, cell separation and sorting, micro-arrangement, in-vitro tissue reconstruction, high-throughput manipulation and analysis, and real-time sensing. Herein, an overview of technological development of micro/nanoporous membranes (M/N-PMs) is provided. Various membrane types and the progress documented in membrane fabrication techniques, including the electrochemical-etching, laser-based technology, microcontact printing, electron beam lithography, imprinting, capillary force lithography, spin coating, and microfluidic molding are described. Their key features, achievements, and limitations associated with micro/nanoporous membrane (M/N-PM) preparation are discussed. The recently popularized applications of M/N-PMs in biomedical engineering involving the separation of cells and biomolecules, bioparticle operations, biomimicking, micropatterning, bioassay, and biosensing are explored too. Finally, the challenges that need to be overcome for M/N-PM fabrication and future applications are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meilin Sun
- School of Basic Medical Science Central South University Changsha Hunan 410013 China
| | - Kai Han
- School of Basic Medical Science Central South University Changsha Hunan 410013 China
| | - Rui Hu
- School of Basic Medical Science Central South University Changsha Hunan 410013 China
| | - Dan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science Central South University Changsha Hunan 410013 China
| | - Wenzhu Fu
- 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
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Madejski GR, Ahmad SD, Musgrave J, Flax J, Madejski JG, Rowley DA, DeLouise LA, Berger AJ, Knox WH, McGrath JL. Silicon Nanomembrane Filtration and Imaging for the Evaluation of Microplastic Entrainment along a Municipal Water Delivery Route. SUSTAINABILITY 2020; 12:10655. [PMID: 36938128 PMCID: PMC10022737 DOI: 10.3390/su122410655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
To better understand the origin of microplastics in municipal drinking water, we evaluated 50 mL water samples from different stages of the City of Rochester's drinking water production and transport route, from Hemlock Lake to the University of Rochester. We directly filtered samples using silicon nitride nanomembrane filters with precisely patterned slit-shaped pores, capturing many of the smallest particulates (<20 μm) that could be absorbed by the human body. We employed machine learning algorithms to quantify the shapes and quantity of debris at different stages of the water transport process, while automatically segregating out fibrous structures from particulate. Particulate concentrations ranged from 13 to 720 particles/mL at different stages of the water transport process and fibrous pollution ranged from 0.4 to 8.3 fibers/mL. A subset of the debris (0.2-8.6%) stained positively with Nile red dye which identifies them as hydrophobic polymers. Further spectroscopic analysis also indicated the presence of many non-plastic particulates, including rust, silicates, and calcium scale. While water leaving the Hemlock Lake facility is mostly devoid of debris, transport through many miles of piping results in the entrainment of a significant amount of debris, including plastics, although in-route reservoirs and end-stage filtration serve to reduce these concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R. Madejski
- 306 Goergen Hall, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Correspondence: (G.R.M.); (J.L.M.); Tel.: +1-585-460-3113 (G.R.M.); +1-585-273-5489 (J.L.M.)
| | - S. Danial Ahmad
- 306 Goergen Hall, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Jonathan Musgrave
- 508 Goergen Hall, The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Jonathan Flax
- 306 Goergen Hall, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Joseph G. Madejski
- 306 Goergen Hall, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - David A. Rowley
- Rochester Water Bureau, 7412 Rix Hill Rd, Hemlock, NY 14466, USA
| | - Lisa A. DeLouise
- 306 Goergen Hall, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Andrew J. Berger
- 405 Goergen Hall, The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Wayne H. Knox
- 508 Goergen Hall, The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - James L. McGrath
- 306 Goergen Hall, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Correspondence: (G.R.M.); (J.L.M.); Tel.: +1-585-460-3113 (G.R.M.); +1-585-273-5489 (J.L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gholizadeh S, Allahyari Z, Carter R, Delgadillo LF, Blaquiere M, Nouguier-Morin F, Marchi N, Gaborski TR. Robust and Gradient Thickness Porous Membranes for In Vitro Modeling of Physiological Barriers. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2020; 5:2000474. [PMID: 33709013 PMCID: PMC7942760 DOI: 10.1002/admt.202000474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Porous membranes are fundamental elements for tissue-chip barrier and co-culture models. However, the exaggerated thickness of commonly available membranes may represent a stumbling block impeding a more accurate in vitro modeling. Existing techniques to fabricate membranes such as solvent cast, spin-coating, sputtering and PE-CVD result in uniform thickness films. Here, we developed a robust method to generate ultrathin porous parylene C (UPP) membranes not just with precise thicknesses down to 300 nm, but with variable gradients in thicknesses, while at the same time having porosities up to 25%. We also show surface etching and increased roughness lead to improved cell attachment. Next, we examined the mechanical properties of UPP membranes with varying porosity and thickness and fit our data to previously published models, which can help determine practical upper limits of porosity and lower limits of thickness. Lastly, we validate a straightforward approach allowing the successful integration of the UPP membranes into a prototyped 3D-printed scaffold, demonstrating mechanical robustness and allowing cell adhesion under varying flow conditions. Collectively, our results support the integration and the use of UPP membranes to examine cell-cell interaction in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Gholizadeh
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Zahra Allahyari
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Robert Carter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Luis F Delgadillo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14620, USA
| | - Marine Blaquiere
- Cerebrovascular and Glia Research, Institute of Functional Genomics (CNRS UMR5203, INSERM U1191, and University of Montpellier), Montpellier, 34094, France
| | - Frederic Nouguier-Morin
- Cerebrovascular and Glia Research, Institute of Functional Genomics (CNRS UMR5203, INSERM U1191, and University of Montpellier), Montpellier, 34094, France
| | - Nicola Marchi
- Cerebrovascular and Glia Research, Institute of Functional Genomics (CNRS UMR5203, INSERM U1191, and University of Montpellier), Montpellier, 34094, France
| | - Thomas R Gaborski
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Salminen AT, Allahyari Z, Gholizadeh S, McCloskey MC, Ajalik R, Cottle RN, Gaborski TR, McGrath JL. In vitro Studies of Transendothelial Migration for Biological and Drug Discovery. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2020; 2:600616. [PMID: 35047883 PMCID: PMC8757899 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2020.600616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory diseases and cancer metastases lack concrete pharmaceuticals for their effective treatment despite great strides in advancing our understanding of disease progression. One feature of these disease pathogeneses that remains to be fully explored, both biologically and pharmaceutically, is the passage of cancer and immune cells from the blood to the underlying tissue in the process of extravasation. Regardless of migratory cell type, all steps in extravasation involve molecular interactions that serve as a rich landscape of targets for pharmaceutical inhibition or promotion. Transendothelial migration (TEM), or the migration of the cell through the vascular endothelium, is a particularly promising area of interest as it constitutes the final and most involved step in the extravasation cascade. While in vivo models of cancer metastasis and inflammatory diseases have contributed to our current understanding of TEM, the knowledge surrounding this phenomenon would be significantly lacking without the use of in vitro platforms. In addition to the ease of use, low cost, and high controllability, in vitro platforms permit the use of human cell lines to represent certain features of disease pathology better, as seen in the clinic. These benefits over traditional pre-clinical models for efficacy and toxicity testing are especially important in the modern pursuit of novel drug candidates. Here, we review the cellular and molecular events involved in leukocyte and cancer cell extravasation, with a keen focus on TEM, as discovered by seminal and progressive in vitro platforms. In vitro studies of TEM, specifically, showcase the great experimental progress at the lab bench and highlight the historical success of in vitro platforms for biological discovery. This success shows the potential for applying these platforms for pharmaceutical compound screening. In addition to immune and cancer cell TEM, we discuss the promise of hepatocyte transplantation, a process in which systemically delivered hepatocytes must transmigrate across the liver sinusoidal endothelium to successfully engraft and restore liver function. Lastly, we concisely summarize the evolving field of porous membranes for the study of TEM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alec T. Salminen
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Zahra Allahyari
- Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Shayan Gholizadeh
- Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Molly C. McCloskey
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Raquel Ajalik
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Renee N. Cottle
- Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Thomas R. Gaborski
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - James L. McGrath
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mireles M, Soule CW, Dehghani M, Gaborski TR. Use of Nanosphere Self-Assembly to Pattern Nanoporous Membranes for the Study of Extracellular Vesicles. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2020; 2:4427-4436. [PMID: 33693309 PMCID: PMC7943038 DOI: 10.1039/d0na00142b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nanoscale biocomponents naturally released by cells, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), have recently gained interest due to their therapeutic and diagnostic potential. Membrane based isolation and co-culture systems have been utilized in an effort to study EVs and their effects. Nevertheless, improved platforms for the study of small EVs are still needed. Suitable membranes, for isolation and co-culture systems, require pore sizes to reach into the nanoscale. These pore sizes cannot be achieved through traditional lithographic techniques and conventional thick nanoporous membranes commonly exhibit low permeability. Here we utilized nanospheres, similar in size and shape to the targeted small EVs, as patterning features for the fabrication of freestanding SiN membranes (120 nm thick) released in minutes through a sacrificial ZnO layer. We evaluated the feasibility of separating subpopulation of EVs based on size using these membranes. The membrane used here showed an effective size cut-off of 300 nm with the majority of the EVs ≤200 nm. This work provides a convenient platform with great potential for studying subpopulations of EVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Mireles
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochesterNYUSA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of RochesterRochesterNYUSA
| | - Cody W. Soule
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochesterNYUSA
| | - Mehdi Dehghani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochesterNYUSA
| | - Thomas R. Gaborski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochesterNYUSA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of RochesterRochesterNYUSA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Siller IG, Epping NM, Lavrentieva A, Scheper T, Bahnemann J. Customizable 3D-Printed (Co-)Cultivation Systems for In Vitro Study of Angiogenesis. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E4290. [PMID: 32992945 PMCID: PMC7579111 DOI: 10.3390/ma13194290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Due to the ever-increasing resolution of 3D printing technology, additive manufacturing is now even used to produce complex devices for laboratory applications. Personalized experimental devices or entire cultivation systems of almost unlimited complexity can potentially be manufactured within hours from start to finish-an enormous potential for experimental parallelization in a highly controllable environment. This study presents customized 3D-printed co-cultivation systems, which qualify for angiogenesis studies. In these systems, endothelial and mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) were indirectly co-cultivated-that is, both cell types were physically separated through a rigid, 3D-printed barrier in the middle, while still sharing the same cell culture medium that allows for the exchange of signalling molecules. Biochemical-based cytotoxicity assays initially confirmed that the 3D printing material does not exert any negative effects on cells. Since the material also enables phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy, the behaviour of cells could be observed over the entire cultivation via both. Microscopic observations and subsequent quantitative analysis revealed that endothelial cells form tubular-like structures as angiogenic feature when indirectly co-cultured alongside AD-MSCs in the 3D-printed co-cultivation system. In addition, further 3D-printed devices are also introduced that address different issues and aspire to help in varying experimental setups. Our results mark an important step forward for the integration of customized 3D-printed systems as self-contained test systems or equipment in biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Janina Bahnemann
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstraße 5, 30167 Hannover, Germany; (I.G.S.); (N.-M.E.); (A.L.); (T.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Heidari-Moghadam A, Bayati V, Orazizadeh M, Rashno M. Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells in Designing An In Vitro Vascular-Muscle Cellular Model Using Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. CELL JOURNAL 2020; 22:19-28. [PMID: 32779430 PMCID: PMC7481900 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2020.7034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Objective Researchers have been interested in the creation of a favorable cellular model for use in vascular-muscle
tissue engineering. The main objective of this study is to determine the myogenic effects of vascular endothelial growth
factor (VEGF) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to achieve
an in vitro vascular-muscle cellular model.
Materials and Methods The present experimental research was conducted on two primary groups, namely ADSCs
monoculture and ADSCs/HUVECs co-culture that were divided into control, horse serum (HS), and HS/VEGF
differentiation subgroups. HUVECs were co-cultured by ADSC in a ratio of 1:1. The myogenic differentiation was
evaluated using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence in different
experimental groups. The interaction between ADSCs and HUVECs, as well as the role of ADSCs conditional medium,
was investigated for endothelial tube formation assay.
Results Immunofluorescence staining indicated that Tropomyosin was positive in ADSCs and ADSCs and HUVECs
co-culture groups on HS and HS/VEGF culture medium. Furthermore, the MyHC2 gene expression significantly
increased in HS and HS/VEGF groups in comparison with the control group (P<0.001). More importantly, there was a
significant difference in the mRNA expression of this gene between ADSCs and ADSCs and HUVECs co-culture groups
on HS/VEGF culture medium (P<0.05). Current data revealed that the co-culture of ADSCs and HUVECs could develop
endothelial network formation in the VEGF-loaded group. Also, the ADSCs-conditioned medium improved the viability
and formation of the endothelial tube in the HS and VEGF groups, respectively.
Conclusion It was concluded that ADSCs/HUVECs co-culture and dual effects of VEGF can lead to the formation
of differentiated myoblasts in proximity to endothelial network formations. These in vitro cellular models could be
potentially used in vascular-muscle tissue engineering implanted into organ defects where muscle tissue and vascular
regeneration were required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Heidari-Moghadam
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Vahid Bayati
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Electronic Address: .,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Orazizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rashno
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sabirova A, Pisig F, Rayapuram N, Hirt H, Nunes SP. Nanofabrication of Isoporous Membranes for Cell Fractionation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6138. [PMID: 32273573 PMCID: PMC7145805 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62937-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell fractionations and other biological separations frequently require several steps. They could be much more effectively done by filtration, if isoporous membranes would be available with high pore density, and sharp pore size distribution in the micro- and nanoscale. We propose a combination of two scalable methods, photolithography and dry reactive ion etching, to fabricate a series of polyester membranes with isopores of size 0.7 to 50 μm and high pore density with a demonstrated total area of 38.5 cm2. The membranes have pore sizes in the micro- and submicro-range, and pore density 10-fold higher than track-etched analogues, which are the only commercially available isoporous polymeric films. Permeances of 220,000 L m−2 h−1bar−1 were measured with pore size 787 nm. The method does not require organic solvents and can be applied to many homopolymeric materials. The pore reduction from 2 to 0.7 μm was obtained by adding a step of chemical vapor deposition. The isoporous system was successfully demonstrated for the organelle fractionation of Arabidopsis homogenates and could be potentially extended to other biological fractionations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ainur Sabirova
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Florencio Pisig
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Nanofabrication Core Laboratory, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naganand Rayapuram
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Center for Desert Agriculture, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heribert Hirt
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Center for Desert Agriculture, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suzana P Nunes
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chluba C, Siemsen K, Bechtold C, Zamponi C, Selhuber-Unkel C, Quandt E, Lima de Miranda R. Microfabricated bioelectrodes on self-expandable NiTi thin film devices for implants and diagnostic instruments. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 153:112034. [PMID: 31989946 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
State of the art minimally invasive treatments and diagnostics of neurological and cardiovascular diseases demand for flexible instruments and implants that enable sensing and stimulation of bioelectric signals. Besides medical applications, implantable bioelectronic brain-computer interfaces are envisioned as the next step in communication and data transfer. Conventional microelectrode arrays used for these types of applications are based on polymer substrates that are not suitable for biostable, rigid and self-expanding devices. Here, we present fully integrated bioelectrodes on superelastic NiTi carriers fabricated by microsystem technology processes. The insulation between the metallic NiTi structure and the Pt electrode layer is realized by different oxide layers (SiOx, TaOx and Yttrium stabilized Zirconia YSZ). Key properties of bioelectronic implants such as dissolution in body fluids, biocompatibility, mechanical properties and bioelectrical sensing/stimulation capabilities have been investigated by in vitro methods. Particular devices with YSZ are biostable and biocompatible, enabling sensing and stimulation. The major advantage of this system is the combination of medically approved materials and novel fabrication technology that enables miniaturization and integration beyond the state-of-the-art processes. The results demonstrate that this functionalization of superelastic NiTi is an enabling technology for the development of new kinds of bioelectronic devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Chluba
- Institute for Materials Science, Kiel University, Germany; Acquandas GmbH, Kiel, Germany.
| | - K Siemsen
- Institute for Materials Science, Kiel University, Germany
| | | | - C Zamponi
- Institute for Materials Science, Kiel University, Germany; Acquandas GmbH, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - E Quandt
- Institute for Materials Science, Kiel University, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Khire TS, Salminen AT, Swamy H, Lucas KS, McCloskey MC, Ajalik RE, Chung HH, Gaborski TR, Waugh RE, Glading AJ, McGrath JL. Microvascular Mimetics for the Study of Leukocyte-Endothelial Interactions. Cell Mol Bioeng 2020; 13:125-139. [PMID: 32175026 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-020-00611-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pathophysiological increase in microvascular permeability plays a well-known role in the onset and progression of diseases like sepsis and atherosclerosis. However, how interactions between neutrophils and the endothelium alter vessel permeability is often debated. Methods In this study, we introduce a microfluidic, silicon-membrane enabled vascular mimetic (μSiM-MVM) for investigating the role of neutrophils in inflammation-associated microvascular permeability. In utilizing optically transparent silicon nanomembrane technology, we build on previous microvascular models by enabling in situ observations of neutrophil-endothelium interactions. To evaluate the effects of neutrophil transmigration on microvascular model permeability, we established and validated electrical (transendothelial electrical resistance and impedance) and small molecule permeability assays that allow for the in situ quantification of temporal changes in endothelium junctional integrity. Results Analysis of neutrophil-expressed β1 integrins revealed a prominent role of neutrophil transmigration and basement membrane interactions in increased microvascular permeability. By utilizing blocking antibodies specific to the β1 subunit, we found that the observed increase in microvascular permeability due to neutrophil transmigration is constrained when neutrophil-basement membrane interactions are blocked. Having demonstrated the value of in situ measurements of small molecule permeability, we then developed and validated a quantitative framework that can be used to interpret barrier permeability for comparisons to conventional Transwell™ values. Conclusions Overall, our results demonstrate the potential of the μSiM-MVM in elucidating mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disease, and provide evidence for a role for neutrophils in inflammation-associated endothelial barrier disruption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tejas S Khire
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627 USA
| | - Alec T Salminen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627 USA
| | - Harsha Swamy
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627 USA
| | - Kilean S Lucas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627 USA
| | - Molly C McCloskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627 USA
| | - Raquel E Ajalik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627 USA
| | - Henry H Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623 USA
| | - Thomas R Gaborski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627 USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623 USA
| | - Richard E Waugh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627 USA
| | - Angela J Glading
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627 USA
| | - James L McGrath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627 USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hudecz D, Khire T, Chung HL, Adumeau L, Glavin D, Luke E, Nielsen MS, Dawson KA, McGrath JL, Yan Y. Ultrathin Silicon Membranes for in Situ Optical Analysis of Nanoparticle Translocation across a Human Blood-Brain Barrier Model. ACS NANO 2020; 14:1111-1122. [PMID: 31914314 PMCID: PMC7049097 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b08870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Here we present a blood-brain barrier (BBB) model that enables high-resolution imaging of nanoparticle (NP) interactions with endothelial cells and the capture of rare NP translocation events. The enabling technology is an ultrathin silicon nitride (SiN) membrane (0.5 μm pore size, 20% porosity, 400 nm thickness) integrated into a dual-chamber platform that facilitates imaging at low working distances (∼50 μm). The platform, the μSiM-BBB (microfluidic silicon membrane-BBB), features human brain endothelial cells and primary astrocytes grown on opposite sides of the membrane. The human brain endothelial cells form tight junctions on the ultrathin membranes and exhibit a significantly higher resistance to FITC-dextran diffusion than commercial membranes. The enhanced optical properties of the SiN membrane allow high-resolution live-cell imaging of three types of NPs, namely, 40 nm PS-COOH, 100 nm PS-COOH, and apolipoprotein E-conjugated 100 nm SiO2, interacting with the BBB. Despite the excellent barrier properties of the endothelial layer, we are able to document rare NP translocation events of NPs localized to lysosomal compartments of astrocytes on the "brain side" of the device. Although the translocation is always low, our data suggest that size and targeting ligand are important parameters for NP translocation across the BBB. As a platform that enables the detection of rare transmission across tight BBB layers, the μSiM-BBB is an important tool for the design of nanoparticle-based delivery of drugs to the central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diána Hudecz
- Centre for BioNano Interactions, School of Chemistry, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Present address: Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tejas Khire
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Hung Li Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Laurent Adumeau
- Centre for BioNano Interactions, School of Chemistry, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Dale Glavin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Emma Luke
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Morten S. Nielsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Lundbeck Foundation, Research Initiative on Brain Barriers and Drug Delivery, Scherfigsvej 7, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kenneth A. Dawson
- Centre for BioNano Interactions, School of Chemistry, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - James L. McGrath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Yan Yan
- Centre for BioNano Interactions, School of Chemistry, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Allahyari Z, Gholizadeh S, Chung HH, Delgadillo LF, Gaborski TR. Micropatterned Poly(ethylene glycol) Islands Disrupt Endothelial Cell-Substrate Interactions Differently from Microporous Membranes. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 6:959-968. [PMID: 32582838 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b01584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Porous membranes are ubiquitous in cell co-culture and tissue-on-a-chip studies. These materials are predominantly chosen for their semi-permeable and size exclusion properties to restrict or permit transmigration and cell-cell communication. However, previous studies have shown pore size, spacing and orientation affect cell behavior including extracellular matrix production and migration. The mechanism behind this behavior is not fully understood. In this study, we fabricated micropatterned non-fouling polyethylene glycol (PEG) islands to mimic pore openings in order to decouple the effect of surface discontinuity from potential grip on the vertical contact area provided by pore wall edges. Similar to previous findings on porous membranes, we found that the PEG islands hindered fibronectin fibrillogenesis with cells on patterned substrates producing shorter fibrils. Additionally, cell migration speed over micropatterned PEG islands was greater than unpatterned controls, suggesting that disruption of cell-substrate interactions by PEG islands promoted a more dynamic and migratory behavior, similarly to enhanced cell migration on microporous membranes. Preferred cellular directionality during migration was nearly indistinguishable between substrates with identically patterned PEG islands and previously reported behavior over micropores of the same geometry, further confirming disruption of cell-substrate interactions as a common mechanism behind the cellular responses on these substrates. Interestingly, compared to respective controls, there were differences in cell spreading and a lower increase in migration speed over PEG islands compared prior results on micropores with identical feature size and spacing. This suggests that membrane pores not only disrupt cell-substrate interactions, but also provide additional physical factors that affect cellular response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Allahyari
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Shayan Gholizadeh
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Henry H Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Luis F Delgadillo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, 201 Robert B. Goergen Hall, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Thomas R Gaborski
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, 201 Robert B. Goergen Hall, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Dehghani M, Lucas K, Flax J, McGrath J, Gaborski T. Tangential flow microfluidics for the capture and release of nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles on conventional and ultrathin membranes. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2019; 4:1900539. [PMID: 32395607 PMCID: PMC7212937 DOI: 10.1002/admt.201900539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Membranes have been used extensively for the purification and separation of biological species. A persistent challenge is the purification of species from concentrated feed solutions such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) from biological fluids. We investigated a new method to isolate micro- and nano-scale species termed tangential flow for analyte capture (TFAC), which is an extension of traditional tangential flow filtration (TFF). Initially, EV purification from plasma on ultrathin nanomembranes was compared between both normal flow filtration (NFF) and TFAC. NFF resulted in rapid formation of a protein cake which completely obscured any captured EVs and also prevented further transport across the membrane. On the other hand, TFAC showed capture of CD63 positive small EVs (sEVs) with minimal contamination. We explored the use of TFAC to capture target species over membrane pores, wash and then release in a physical process that does not rely upon affinity or chemical interactions. This process of TFAC was studied with model particles on both ultrathin nanomembranes and conventional thickness membranes (polycarbonate track-etch). Successful capture and release of model particles was observed using both membranes. Ultrathin nanomembranes showed higher efficiency of capture and release with significantly lower pressures indicating that ultrathin nanomembranes are well-suited for TFAC of delicate nanoscale particles such as EVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Dehghani
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Kilean Lucas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan Flax
- Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical School, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - James McGrath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Thomas Gaborski
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Masters EA, Salminen AT, Begolo S, Luke EN, Barrett SC, Overby CT, Gill AL, de Mesy Bentley KL, Awad HA, Gill SR, Schwarz EM, McGrath JL. An in vitro platform for elucidating the molecular genetics of S. aureus invasion of the osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network during chronic osteomyelitis. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2019; 21:102039. [PMID: 31247310 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2019.102039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis is a devasting disease that often leads to amputation. Recent findings have shown that S. aureus is capable of invading the osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network (OLCN) of cortical bone during chronic osteomyelitis. Normally a 1 μm non-motile cocci, S. aureus deforms smaller than 0.5 μm in the sub-micron channels of the OLCN. Here we present the μSiM-CA (Microfluidic - Silicon Membrane - Canalicular Array) as an in vitro screening platform for the genetic mechanisms of S. aureus invasion. The μSiM-CA platform features an ultrathin silicon membrane with defined pores that mimic the openings of canaliculi. While we anticipated that S. aureus lacking the accessory gene regulator (agr) quorum-sensing system would not be capable of invading the OLCN, we found no differences in propagation compared to wild type in the μSiM-CA. However the μSiM-CA proved predictive as we also found that the agr mutant strain invaded the OLCN of murine tibiae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elysia A Masters
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Alec T Salminen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | | | - Emma N Luke
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Sydney C Barrett
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Clyde T Overby
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Ann Lindley Gill
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Karen L de Mesy Bentley
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Hani A Awad
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Steven R Gill
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Edward M Schwarz
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - James L McGrath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Mossu A, Rosito M, Khire T, Li Chung H, Nishihara H, Gruber I, Luke E, Dehouck L, Sallusto F, Gosselet F, McGrath JL, Engelhardt B. A silicon nanomembrane platform for the visualization of immune cell trafficking across the human blood-brain barrier under flow. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2019; 39:395-410. [PMID: 30565961 PMCID: PMC6421249 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x18820584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Here we report on the development of a breakthrough microfluidic human in vitro cerebrovascular barrier (CVB) model featuring stem cell-derived brain-like endothelial cells (BLECs) and nanoporous silicon nitride (NPN) membranes (µSiM-CVB). The nanoscale thinness of NPN membranes combined with their high permeability and optical transparency makes them an ideal scaffold for the assembly of an in vitro microfluidic model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) featuring cellular elements of the neurovascular unit (NVU). Dual-chamber devices divided by NPN membranes yield tight barrier properties in BLECs and allow an abluminal pericyte-co-culture to be replaced with pericyte-conditioned media. With the benefit of physiological flow and superior imaging quality, the µSiM-CVB platform captures each phase of the multi-step T-cell migration across the BBB in live cell imaging. The small volume of <100 µL of the µSiM-CVB will enable in vitro investigations of rare patient-derived immune cells with the human BBB. The µSiM-CVB is a breakthrough in vitro human BBB model to enable live and high-quality imaging of human immune cell interactions with the BBB under physiological flow. We expect it to become a valuable new tool for the study of cerebrovascular pathologies ranging from neuroinflammation to metastatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Mossu
- 1 Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Rosito
- 1 Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tejas Khire
- 2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Hung Li Chung
- 2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | - Isabelle Gruber
- 1 Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emma Luke
- 2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Lucie Dehouck
- 3 Blood Brain Barrier Laboratory, University of Artois, Lens, France
| | - Federica Sallusto
- 4 Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,5 Institute for Microbiology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabien Gosselet
- 3 Blood Brain Barrier Laboratory, University of Artois, Lens, France
| | - James L McGrath
- 2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Salminen AT, Zhang J, Madejski GR, Khire TS, Waugh RE, McGrath JL, Gaborski TR. Ultrathin Dual-Scale Nano- and Microporous Membranes for Vascular Transmigration Models. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1804111. [PMID: 30632319 PMCID: PMC6530565 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201804111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Selective cellular transmigration across the microvascular endothelium regulates innate and adaptive immune responses, stem cell localization, and cancer cell metastasis. Integration of traditional microporous membranes into microfluidic vascular models permits the rapid assay of transmigration events but suffers from poor reproduction of the cell permeable basement membrane. Current microporous membranes in these systems have large nonporous regions between micropores that inhibit cell communication and nutrient exchange on the basolateral surface reducing their physiological relevance. Here, the use of 100 nm thick continuously nanoporous silicon nitride membranes as a base substrate for lithographic fabrication of 3 µm pores is presented, resulting in a highly porous (≈30%), dual-scale nano- and microporous membrane for use in an improved vascular transmigration model. Ultrathin membranes are patterned using a precision laser writer for cost-effective, rapid micropore design iterations. The optically transparent dual-scale membranes enable complete observation of leukocyte egress across a variety of pore densities. A maximal density of ≈14 micropores per cell is discovered beyond which cell-substrate interactions are compromised giving rise to endothelial cell losses under flow. Addition of a subluminal extracellular matrix rescues cell adhesion, allowing for the creation of shear-primed endothelial barrier models on nearly 30% continuously porous substrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alec T Salminen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Jingkai Zhang
- Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Gregory R Madejski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Tejas S Khire
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Richard E Waugh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - James L McGrath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Thomas R Gaborski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Rathod ML, Ahn J, Saha B, Purwar P, Lee Y, Jeon NL, Lee J. PDMS Sylgard 527-Based Freely Suspended Ultrathin Membranes Exhibiting Mechanistic Characteristics of Vascular Basement Membranes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:40388-40400. [PMID: 30360091 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In the past, significant effort has been made to develop ultrathin membranes exhibiting physiologically relevant mechanical properties, such as thickness and elasticity of native basement membranes. However, most of these fabricated membranes have a relatively high elastic modulus, ∼MPa-GPa, relevant only to retinal and epithelial basement membranes. Vascular basement membranes exhibiting relatively low elastic modulus, ∼kPa, on the contrary, have seldom been mimicked. Membranes demonstrating high compliance, with moduli ranging in ∼kPa along with sub-microscale thicknesses have rarely been reported, and would be ideal to mimic vascular basement membranes in vitro. To address this, we fabricate ultrathin membranes demonstrating the mechanistic features exhibited by their vascular biological counterparts. Salient features of the fabricated ultrathin membranes include free suspension, physiologically relevant thickness ∼sub-micrometers, relatively low modulus ∼kPa, and sufficiently large culture area ∼20 mm2. To fabricate such ultrathin membranes, undiluted PDMS Sylgard 527 was utilized as opposed to the conventional diluted polymer-solvent mixture approach. In addition, the necessity to have a sacrificial layer for releasing membranes from the underlying substrates was also eliminated in our approach. The novelty of our work lies in achieving the distinct combination of membranes having thickness in sub-micrometers and the associated elasticity in kilopascal using undiluted polymer, which past approaches with dilution have not been able to accomplish. The ultrathin membranes with average thickness of 972 nm (thick) and 570 nm (thin) were estimated to have an elastic modulus of 45 and 214 kPa, respectively. Contact angle measurements revealed the ultrathin membranes exhibited hybrophobic characteristics in unpeeled state and transformed to hydrophilic behavior when freely suspended. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured on the polymeric ultrathin membranes, and the temporal cell response to change in local compliance of the membranes was studied by evaluating the cell spread area, density, percentage area coverage, and spread rate. After 24 h, single cells, pairs, and group of three to four cells were noticed on highly compliant thick membranes, having average thickness of 972 nm and modulus of 45 kPa. On the contrary, the cell monolayer was noted on the glass slide acting as a control. For the thin membranes featuring average thickness of 570 nm and modulus of 214 kPa, the cells tend to exhibit response similar to that on control with initiation of monolayer formation. Our results indicate, the local compliance, in turn, the membrane thickness governs the cell behavior and this can have vital implications during disease initiation and progression, wound healing, and cancer cell metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitesh L Rathod
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 151-744 , South Korea
| | - Jungho Ahn
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 151-744 , South Korea
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering , Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta , Georgia 30332 , United States
| | - Biswajit Saha
- Chemical Engineering Department , National Institute of Technology , Rourkela , Odisha , India 769008
| | - Prashant Purwar
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 151-744 , South Korea
| | - Yejin Lee
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 151-744 , South Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 151-744 , South Korea
| | - Junghoon Lee
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 151-744 , South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Korolj A, Laschinger C, James C, Hu E, Velikonja C, Smith N, Gu I, Ahadian S, Willette R, Radisic M, Zhang B. Curvature facilitates podocyte culture in a biomimetic platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:3112-3128. [PMID: 30264844 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00495a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Most kidney diseases begin with abnormalities in glomerular podocytes, motivating the need for podocyte models to study pathophysiological mechanisms and new treatment options. However, podocytes cultured in vitro face a limited ability to maintain appreciable extents of differentiation hallmarks, raising concerns over the relevance of study results. Many key properties such as nephrin expression and morphology reach plateaus that are far from the in vivo levels. Here, we demonstrate that a biomimetic topography, consisting of microhemispheres arrayed over the cell culture substrate, promotes podocyte differentiation in vitro. We define new methods for fabricating microscale curvature on various substrates, including a thin porous membrane. By growing podocytes on our topographic substrates, we found that these biophysical cues augmented nephrin gene expression, supported full-size nephrin protein expression, encouraged structural arrangement of F-actin and nephrin within the cell, and promoted process formation and even interdigitation compared to the flat substrates. Furthermore, the topography facilitated nephrin localization on curved structures while nuclei lay in the valleys between them. The improved differentiation was also evidenced by tracking barrier function to albumin over time using our custom topomembranes. Overall, our work presents accessible methods for incorporating microcurvature on various common substrates, and demonstrates the importance of biophysical stimulation in supporting higher-fidelity podocyte cultivation in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Korolj
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Chung HH, Mireles M, Kwarta BJ, Gaborski TR. Use of porous membranes in tissue barrier and co-culture models. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:1671-1689. [PMID: 29845145 PMCID: PMC5997570 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc01248a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Porous membranes enable the partitioning of cellular microenvironments in vitro, while still allowing physical and biochemical crosstalk between cells, a feature that is often necessary for recapitulating physiological functions. This article provides an overview of the different membranes used in tissue barrier and cellular co-culture models with a focus on experimental design and control of these systems. Specifically, we discuss how the structural, mechanical, chemical, and even the optical and transport properties of different membranes bestow specific advantages and disadvantages through the context of physiological relevance. This review also explores how membrane pore properties affect perfusion and solute permeability by developing an analytical framework to guide the design and use of tissue barrier or co-culture models. Ultimately, this review offers insight into the important aspects one must consider when using porous membranes in tissue barrier and lab-on-a-chip applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry H Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Silicon nanomembranes are ultrathin, highly permeable, optically transparent and biocompatible substrates for the construction of barrier tissue models. Trans-epithelial/endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) is often used as a non-invasive, sensitive and quantitative technique to assess barrier function. The current study characterizes the electrical behavior of devices featuring silicon nanomembranes to facilitate their application in TEER studies. In conventional practice with commercial systems, raw resistance values are multiplied by the area of the membrane supporting cell growth to normalize TEER measurements. We demonstrate that under most circumstances, this multiplication does not 'normalize' TEER values as is assumed, and that the assumption is worse if applied to nanomembrane chips with a limited active area. To compare the TEER values from nanomembrane devices to those obtained from conventional polymer track-etched (TE) membranes, we develop finite element models (FEM) of the electrical behavior of the two membrane systems. Using FEM and parallel cell-culture experiments on both types of membranes, we successfully model the evolution of resistance values during the growth of endothelial monolayers. Further, by exploring the relationship between the models we develop a 'correction' function, which when applied to nanomembrane TEER, maps to experiments on conventional TE membranes. In summary, our work advances the the utility of silicon nanomembranes as substrates for barrier tissue models by developing an interpretation of TEER values compatible with conventional systems.
Collapse
|
45
|
Chung HH, Casillo SM, Perry SJ, Gaborski TR. Porous Substrates Promote Endothelial Migration at the Expense of Fibronectin Fibrillogenesis. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 4:222-230. [PMID: 29713681 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Porous substrates have gained increased usage in cell studies and tissue mimetic applications because they can partition distinct cell types while still allowing important biochemical crosstalk. In the presented work, we investigated how porous substrates with micron and submicron features influence early cell migration and the associated ECM establishment, which can critically affect the rate of cell coverage on the substrate and the ensuing tissue organization. We showed through time-lapse microscopy that cell speed and migratory distance on membranes with 0.5 μm pores were nearly two-fold of those observed on nonporous membranes, while values on membranes with 3.0 μm pores fell in between. Although the cell directionality ratio and the persistence time was unaffected by the presence of pores, the cells did exhibit directionality preferences based on the hexagonal pore patterning. Fibronectin fibrillogenesis exhibited a distinct inverse relationship to cell speed, as the fibrils formed on the nonporous control were significantly longer than those on both types of porous substrates. We further confirmed on a per cell basis that there is a negative correlation between fibronectin fibril length and cell speed. The observed trade-off between early cell coverage and ECM establishment thus warrants consideration in the selection or the engineering of the ideal porous substrate for tissue mimetic applications and may help guide future cell studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry H Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, New York 14623, United States
| | - Stephanie M Casillo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, New York 14623, United States
| | - Spencer J Perry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, New York 14623, United States
| | - Thomas R Gaborski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, New York 14623, United States
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Casillo SM, Peredo AP, Perry SJ, Chung HH, Gaborski TR. Membrane Pore Spacing Can Modulate Endothelial Cell-Substrate and Cell-Cell Interactions. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 3:243-248. [PMID: 28993815 PMCID: PMC5630150 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical cues and substrate interaction affect the manner in which cells adhere, spread, migrate and form tissues. With increased interest in tissue-on-a-chip and co-culture systems utilizing porous membranes, it is important to understand the role of disrupted surfaces on cellular behavior. Using a transparent glass membrane with defined pore geometries, we investigated endothelial fibronectin fibrillogenesis and formation of focal adhesions as well as development of intercellular junctions. Cells formed fewer focal adhesions and had shorter fibronectin fibrils on porous membranes compared to non-porous controls, which was similar to cell behavior on continuous soft substrates with Young's moduli seven orders of magnitude lower than glass. Additionally, porous membranes promoted enhanced cell-cell interactions as evidenced by earlier formation of tight junctions. These findings suggest that porous membranes with discontinuous surfaces promote reduced cell-matrix interactions similarly to soft substrates and may enhance tissue and barrier formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Henry H. Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Thomas R. Gaborski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| |
Collapse
|