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Calzuola ST, Newman G, Feaugas T, Perrault CM, Blondé JB, Roy E, Porrini C, Stojanovic GM, Vidic J. Membrane-based microfluidic systems for medical and biological applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2024. [PMID: 38954466 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00251b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices with integrated membranes that enable control of mass transport in constrained environments have shown considerable growth over the last decade. Membranes are a key component in several industrial processes such as chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological, food, and metallurgy separation processes as well as waste management applications, allowing for modular and compact systems. Moreover, the miniaturization of a process through microfluidic devices leads to process intensification together with reagents, waste and cost reduction, and energy and space savings. The combination of membrane technology and microfluidic devices allows therefore magnification of their respective advantages, providing more valuable solutions not only for industrial processes but also for reproducing biological processes. This review focuses on membrane-based microfluidic devices for biomedical science with an emphasis on microfluidic artificial organs and organs-on-chip. We provide the basic concepts of membrane technology and the laws governing mass transport. The role of the membrane in biomedical microfluidic devices, along with the required properties, available materials, and current challenges are summarized. We believe that the present review may be a starting point and a resource for researchers who aim to replicate a biological phenomenon on-chip by applying membrane technology, for moving forward the biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Tea Calzuola
- UMR7646 Laboratoire d'hydrodynamique (LadHyX), Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France.
- Eden Tech, Paris, France
| | - Gwenyth Newman
- Eden Tech, Paris, France
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas Feaugas
- Eden Tech, Paris, France
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Goran M Stojanovic
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, T. D. Obradovića 6, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jasmina Vidic
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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2
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Ugodnikov A, Persson H, Simmons CA. Bridging barriers: advances and challenges in modeling biological barriers and measuring barrier integrity in organ-on-chip systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3199-3225. [PMID: 38689569 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01027a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, skin, and intestinal mucosal barrier play key roles in homeostasis, disease physiology, and drug delivery - as such, it is important to create representative in vitro models to improve understanding of barrier biology and serve as tools for therapeutic development. Microfluidic cell culture and organ-on-a-chip (OOC) systems enable barrier modelling with greater physiological fidelity than conventional platforms by mimicking key environmental aspects such as fluid shear, accurate microscale dimensions, mechanical cues, extracellular matrix, and geometrically defined co-culture. As the prevalence of barrier-on-chip models increases, so does the importance of tools that can accurately assess barrier integrity and function without disturbing the carefully engineered microenvironment. In this review, we first provide a background on biological barriers and the physiological features that are emulated through in vitro barrier models. Then, we outline molecular permeability and electrical sensing barrier integrity assessment methods, and the related challenges specific to barrier-on-chip implementation. Finally, we discuss future directions in the field, as well important priorities to consider such as fabrication costs, standardization, and bridging gaps between disciplines and stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Ugodnikov
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Henrik Persson
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
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3
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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:e2401158. [PMID: 38587309 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 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.
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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
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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.
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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
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5
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Yoon H, Sabaté Del Río J, Cho SW, Park TE. Recent advances in micro-physiological systems for investigating tumor metastasis and organotropism. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1351-1366. [PMID: 38303676 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01033c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis involves complex processes that traditional 2D cultures and animal models struggle to fully replicate. Metastatic tumors undergo a multitude of transformations, including genetic diversification, adaptation to diverse microenvironments, and modified drug responses, contributing significantly to cancer-related mortality. Micro-physiological systems (MPS) technology emerges as a promising approach to emulate the metastatic process by integrating critical biochemical, biomechanical, and geometrical cues at a microscale. These systems are particularly advantageous simulating metastasis organotropism, the phenomenon where tumors exhibit a preference for metastasizing to particular organs. Organotropism is influenced by various factors, such as tumor cell characteristics, unique organ microenvironments, and organ-specific vascular conditions, all of which can be effectively examined using MPS. This review surveys the recent developments in MPS research from the past five years, with a specific focus on their applications in replicating tumor metastasis and organotropism. Furthermore, we discuss the current limitations in MPS-based studies of organotropism and propose strategies for more accurately replicating and analyzing the intricate aspects of organ-specific metastasis, which is pivotal in the development of targeted therapeutic approaches against metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejeong Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jonathan Sabaté Del Río
- Center for Algorithmic and Robotized Synthesis (CARS), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Woo Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, 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.
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6
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Mustafayev F, Youn J, Hanif A, Kim DS. A Perforated Plate-Based Cell Showering Device for Uniform Cell Distribution over Various Culture Substrates. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:620-627. [PMID: 38048415 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell distribution is one of the primary factors that can affect cell morphology and behaviors, as it determines cell-cell interactions. Despite the importance of cell distribution, the seeding process of in vitro cell culture still highly relies on the traditional method using manual pipetting. Because manual pipetting cannot ensure a uniform cell distribution and has the possibility of compromising experimental reproducibility, an accurate and systemic seeding method that enables uniform cell seeding over versatile culture substrates is required. Here, we developed a perforated plate-based cell seeding device called the CellShower, which enabled uniform cell seeding over a large area of cell culture substrates. The working principles of the CellShower are based on the laminar filling flow and capillary force in microfluidics, and the design of the CellShower was optimized with numerical simulations. The versatility of the CellShower in view of uniform cell seeding was demonstrated by applying it to various types of culture substrates from a conventional culture dish to culture substrates having nanotopography, porous structures, and 3D concave structures. The CellShower and its operating principles are expected to contribute to enhancing the accuracy and reproducibility of biological experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Mustafayev
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseung Youn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37763, Republic of Korea
| | - Adeela Hanif
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37763, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Sung Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37763, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, 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
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7
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Kim D, Youn J, Lee J, Kim H, Kim DS. Recent Progress in Fabrication of Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes for Developing Physiological In Vitro Organ/Tissue Models. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300244. [PMID: 37590903 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300244] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Nanofiber membranes (NFMs), which have an extracellular matrix-mimicking structure and unique physical properties, have garnered great attention as biomimetic materials for developing physiologically relevant in vitro organ/tissue models. Recent progress in NFM fabrication techniques immensely contributes to the development of NFM-based cell culture platforms for constructing physiological organ/tissue models. However, despite the significance of the NFM fabrication technique, an in-depth discussion of the fabrication technique and its future aspect is insufficient. This review provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art of NFM fabrication techniques from electrospinning techniques to postprocessing techniques for the fabrication of various types of NFM-based cell culture platforms. Moreover, the advantages of the NFM-based culture platforms in the construction of organ/tissue models are discussed especially for tissue barrier models, spheroids/organoids, and biomimetic organ/tissue constructs. Finally, the review concludes with perspectives on challenges and future directions for fabrication and utilization of NFMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dohui Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseung Youn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisang Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonji Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Sung Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
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8
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Sun L, Bian F, Xu D, Luo Y, Wang Y, Zhao Y. Tailoring biomaterials for biomimetic organs-on-chips. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:4724-4745. [PMID: 37697735 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh00755c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Organs-on-chips are microengineered microfluidic living cell culture devices with continuously perfused chambers penetrating to cells. By mimicking the biological features of the multicellular constructions, interactions among organs, vascular perfusion, physicochemical microenvironments, and so on, these devices are imparted with some key pathophysiological function levels of living organs that are difficult to be achieved in conventional 2D or 3D culture systems. In this technology, biomaterials are extremely important because they affect the microstructures and functionalities of the organ cells and the development of the organs-on-chip functions. Thus, herein, we provide an overview on the advances of biomaterials for the construction of organs-on-chips. After introducing the general components, structures, and fabrication techniques of the biomaterials, we focus on the studies of the functions and applications of these biomaterials in the organs-on-chips systems. Applications of the biomaterial-based organs-on-chips as alternative animal models for pharmaceutical, chemical, and environmental tests are described and highlighted. The prospects for exciting future directions and the challenges of biomaterials for realizing the further functionalization of organs-on-chips are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Feika Bian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Dongyu Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Yuan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Yongan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
- Southeast University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518071, China
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Youn J, Rhyou J, Kim D, Lee J, Choi JW, Park TE, Kim DS. Facile and adhesive-free method for bonding nanofiber membrane onto thermoplastic polystyrene substrate to fabricate 3D cell culture platforms. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100648. [PMID: 37214546 PMCID: PMC10192924 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100648] [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] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanofiber (NF) membranes have been highlighted as functional materials for biomedical applications owing to their high surface-to-volume ratios, high permeabilities, and extracellular matrix-like biomimetic structures. Because many in vitro platforms for biomedical applications are made of thermoplastic polymers (TP), a simple and leak-free method for bonding NF membranes onto TP platforms is essential. Here, we propose a facile but leak-free localized thermal bonding method for integrating 2D or 3D-structured NF membrane onto a TP supporting substrate while preserving the pristine nanofibrous structure of the membrane, based on localized preheating of the substrate. A methodology for determining the optimal preheating temperature was devised based on a numerical simulation model considering the melting temperature of the NF material and was experimentally validated by evaluating bonding stability and durability under cell culture conditions. The thermally-bonded interface between the NF membrane and TP substrate was maintained stably for 3 weeks allowing the successful construction of an intestinal barrier model. The applicability of the localized thermal bonding method was also demonstrated on various combinations of TP materials (e.g., polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate) and geometries of the supporting substrate, including a culture insert and microfluidic chip. We expect the proposed localized thermal bonding method to contribute toward broadening and realizing the practical applications of functional NF membranes in various biomedical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeseung Youn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, South Korea
| | - Junyeol Rhyou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, South Korea
| | - Dohui Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, South Korea
| | - Jisang Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, South Korea
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, South Korea
| | - Dong Sung Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, South Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, South Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
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Koohzad F, Asoodeh A. Cross-Linked Electrospun pH-Sensitive Nanofibers Adsorbed with Temporin-Ra for Promoting Wound Healing. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:15172-15184. [PMID: 36939098 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c23268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bioresponsive nanodrug delivery systems have excellent potential in tissue engineering applications. Poly-anionic and poly-cationic biopolymers have provided a superior platform for designing pH-sensitive drug delivery systems. In this regard, hyaluronic acid-chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol complex nanofibers with high quality and reproducibility were produced by optimizing the solution preparation process. In addition, the synthesized composite nanofiber, with 66.82 kN/mm toughness, 200% swelling ratio, and 60% porosity, exhibited excellent properties to meet the requirements of the ideal wound dressing. Green cross-linking with citric acid prevented the destruction of the nanofiber even after prolonged immersion in biological solutions. ζ potential studies demonstrated that the synthesized nanofiber has a negative surface charge (∼-30) at physiological pH. The pKa of the temporin-Ra peptide is about 10, and as a result the peptide molecules have a net positive charge in physiological conditions. Therefore, peptide molecules immobilized on the synthesized scaffold based on surface adsorption. In vivo evaluation has proven that the wound bed has an alkaline environment, facilitating peptide release from the nanofiber scaffold. Electrospun nanofibers can imitate the architecture of the extracellular matrix for accelerating wound healing. In vitro investigation showed better adhesion, proliferation, migration, and fibroblast cell growth on peptide-loaded nanofiber samples than other groups. In vivo studies on full-thickness wounds in the mouse model indicated that the designed nanofiber was gradually absorbed without causing dryness or infection. On day 6, the peptide-loaded nanofiber revealed 60% wound closure compared to the control group (17%). In addition, based on histological studies, the composite nanofiber demonstrated excellent tissue repair ability, hence these active nanofiber mats can be a good alternative to existing wound dressings. Gene expression studies show that the antimicrobial peptide promotes the inflammatory phase of wound healing in a shorter time frame by accelerating the tumor necrosis factor-α cytokine response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Koohzad
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
| | - Ahmad Asoodeh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
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11
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Han H, Jang J. Recent advances in biofabricated gut models to understand the gut-brain axis in neurological diseases. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:931411. [PMID: 36188186 PMCID: PMC9515506 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2022.931411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has accumulated that gut microbiome dysbiosis could be linked to neurological diseases, including both neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. With the high prevalence of neurological diseases, there is an urgent need to elucidate the underlying mechanisms between the microbiome, gut, and brain. However, the standardized aniikmal models for these studies have critical disadvantages for their translation into clinical application, such as limited physiological relevance due to interspecies differences and difficulty interpreting causality from complex systemic interactions. Therefore, alternative in vitro gut–brain axis models are highly required to understand their related pathophysiology and set novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we outline state-of-the-art biofabrication technologies for modeling in vitro human intestines. Existing 3D gut models are categorized according to their topographical and anatomical similarities to the native gut. In addition, we deliberate future research directions to develop more functional in vitro intestinal models to study the gut–brain axis in neurological diseases rather than simply recreating the morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hohyeon Han
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea
| | - Jinah Jang
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea
- Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea
- Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
- Correspondence: Jinah Jang
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12
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeseung Youn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
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