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Serrano JC, Gillrie MR, Li R, Ishamuddin SH, Moeendarbary E, Kamm RD. Microfluidic-Based Reconstitution of Functional Lymphatic Microvasculature: Elucidating the Role of Lymphatics in Health and Disease. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302903. [PMID: 38059806 PMCID: PMC10837354 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302903] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The knowledge of the blood microvasculature and its functional role in health and disease has grown significantly attributable to decades of research and numerous advances in cell biology and tissue engineering; however, the lymphatics (the secondary vascular system) has not garnered similar attention, in part due to a lack of relevant in vitro models that mimic its pathophysiological functions. Here, a microfluidic-based approach is adopted to achieve precise control over the biological transport of growth factors and interstitial flow that drive the in vivo growth of lymphatic capillaries (lymphangiogenesis). The engineered on-chip lymphatics with in vivo-like morphology exhibit tissue-scale functionality with drainage rates of interstitial proteins and molecules comparable to in vivo standards. Computational and scaling analyses of the underlying transport phenomena elucidate the critical role of the three-dimensional geometry and lymphatic endothelium in recapitulating physiological drainage. Finally, the engineered on-chip lymphatics enabled studies of lymphatic-immune interactions that revealed inflammation-driven responses by the lymphatics to recruit immune cells via chemotactic signals similar to in vivo, pathological events. This on-chip lymphatics platform permits the interrogation of various lymphatic biological functions, as well as screening of lymphatic-based therapies such as interstitial absorption of protein therapeutics and lymphatic immunomodulation for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean C. Serrano
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Mark R. Gillrie
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
- Department of Medicine University of CalgaryCalgaryABT2N 1N4Canada
| | - Ran Li
- Center for Systems Biology Massachusetts General Hospital Research InstituteBostonMA02114USA
| | - Sarah H. Ishamuddin
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
- 199 Biotechnologies LtdGloucester RoadLondonW2 6LDUK
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
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Suarez AC, Hammel JH, Munson JM. Modeling lymphangiogenesis: Pairing in vitro and in vivo metrics. Microcirculation 2023; 30:e12802. [PMID: 36760223 PMCID: PMC10121924 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis is the mechanism by which the lymphatic system develops and expands new vessels facilitating fluid drainage and immune cell trafficking. Models to study lymphangiogenesis are necessary for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and to identify or test new therapeutic agents that target lymphangiogenesis. Across the lymphatic literature, multiple models have been developed to study lymphangiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, lymphangiogenesis can be modeled with varying complexity, from monolayers to hydrogels to explants, with common metrics for characterizing proliferation, migration, and sprouting of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and vessels. In comparison, in vivo models of lymphangiogenesis often use genetically modified zebrafish and mice, with in situ mouse models in the ear, cornea, hind leg, and tail. In vivo metrics, such as activation of LECs, number of new lymphatic vessels, and sprouting, mirror those most used in vitro, with the addition of lymphatic vessel hyperplasia and drainage. The impacts of lymphangiogenesis vary by context of tissue and pathology. Therapeutic targeting of lymphangiogenesis can have paradoxical effects depending on the pathology including lymphedema, cancer, organ transplant, and inflammation. In this review, we describe and compare lymphangiogenic outcomes and metrics between in vitro and in vivo studies, specifically reviewing only those publications in which both testing formats are used. We find that in vitro studies correlate well with in vivo in wound healing and development, but not in the reproductive tract or the complex tumor microenvironment. Considerations for improving in vitro models are to increase complexity with perfusable microfluidic devices, co-cultures with tissue-specific support cells, the inclusion of fluid flow, and pairing in vitro models of differing complexities. We believe that these changes would strengthen the correlation between in vitro and in vivo outcomes, giving more insight into lymphangiogenesis in healthy and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen C. Suarez
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jennifer H. Hammel
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jennifer M. Munson
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
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Chang CW, Shih HC, Cortes-Medina MG, Beshay PE, Avendano A, Seibel AJ, Liao WH, Tung YC, Song JW. Extracellular Matrix-Derived Biophysical Cues Mediate Interstitial Flow-Induced Sprouting Angiogenesis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:15047-15058. [PMID: 36916875 PMCID: PMC11078157 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c15180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sprouting angiogenesis is orchestrated by an intricate balance of biochemical and mechanical cues in the local tissue microenvironment. Interstitial flow has been established as a potent regulator of angiogenesis. Similarly, extracellular matrix (ECM) physical properties, such as stiffness and microarchitecture, have also emerged as important mediators of angiogenesis. However, the interplay between interstitial flow and ECM physical properties in the initiation and control of angiogenesis is poorly understood. Using a three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic tissue analogue of angiogenic sprouting with defined interstitial flow superimposed over ECM with well-characterized physical properties, we found that the addition of hyaluronan (HA) to collagen-based matrices significantly enhances sprouting induced by interstitial flow compared to responses in collagen-only hydrogels. We confirmed that both the stiffness and matrix pore size of collagen-only hydrogels were increased by the addition of HA. Interestingly, interstitial flow-potentiated sprouting responses in collagen/HA matrices were not affected when functionally blocking the HA receptor CD44. In contrast, enzymatic depletion of HA in collagen/HA matrices with hyaluronidase (HAdase) resulted in decreased stiffness, pore size, and interstitial flow-mediated sprouting to the levels observed in collagen-only matrices. Taken together, these results suggest that HA enhances interstitial flow-mediated angiogenic sprouting through its alterations to collagen ECM stiffness and pore size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wen Chang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Hsiu-Chen Shih
- Research Center for Applied Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115-29, Taiwan
| | - Marcos G Cortes-Medina
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Peter E Beshay
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Alex Avendano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Alex J Seibel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Wei-Hao Liao
- Research Center for Applied Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115-29, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chung Tung
- Research Center for Applied Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115-29, Taiwan
| | - Jonathan W Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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Asiyabi MM, Vahidi B. In silico analysis of a hierarchical microfluidic vascular network: Detecting the location of angiogenic sprouting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 39:e3654. [PMID: 36209469 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lack of oxygen is one of the leading causes of failure in engineered tissue. Therefore, angiogenesis will be necessary for the survival of larger tissues in vivo. In addition, a proper lymphatic system that plays an essential role in relieving inflammation and maintaining tissue homeostasis is of great importance for tissue regeneration and repair. Many biomechanical parameters are involved in controlling angiogenesis and capillary network generation, which are challenging to study and control in experimental studies or in vitro. In the present study, using numerical modeling, the effect of various geometric and biomechanical parameters in creating suitable conditions for angiogenesis was investigated. Furthermore, sprouting points were predicted using flow dynamics. For this purpose, a porous scaffold, flow channels with parametric geometry that followed Murray's law, and a drainage channel were considered. Results suggested that the geometry of the microfluidic channels and the characteristics of the vessel wall and scaffold plays a complementary role in determining the transmural pressure. It was found that a twofold increase in the vascular hydraulic conductivity can reduce the minimum transmural pressure by up to 28% and increase the drainage flow rate by 44%. In addition, the minimum magnitude of transmural pressure tends to zero for scaffold's hydraulic conductivity values smaller than 10-11 m3 s kg-1 . The results of this study can be used in optimizing the design of the relevant microfluidic systems to induce angiogenesis and avoid leakage in the constructed implantable tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Mahdinezhad Asiyabi
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahman Vahidi
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Beshay PE, Cortes-Medina MG, Menyhert MM, Song JW. The biophysics of cancer: emerging insights from micro- and nanoscale tools. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022; 2:2100056. [PMID: 35156093 PMCID: PMC8827905 DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex and dynamic disease that is aberrant both biologically and physically. There is growing appreciation that physical abnormalities with both cancer cells and their microenvironment that span multiple length scales are important drivers for cancer growth and metastasis. The scope of this review is to highlight the key advancements in micro- and nano-scale tools for delineating the cause and consequences of the aberrant physical properties of tumors. We focus our review on three important physical aspects of cancer: 1) solid mechanical properties, 2) fluid mechanical properties, and 3) mechanical alterations to cancer cells. Beyond posing physical barriers to the delivery of cancer therapeutics, these properties are also known to influence numerous biological processes, including cancer cell invasion and migration leading to metastasis, and response and resistance to therapy. We comment on how micro- and nanoscale tools have transformed our fundamental understanding of the physical dynamics of cancer progression and their potential for bridging towards future applications at the interface of oncology and physical sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E. Beshay
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | | | - Miles M. Menyhert
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Jonathan W. Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210,The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
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Alderfer L, Hall E, Hanjaya-Putra D. Harnessing biomaterials for lymphatic system modulation. Acta Biomater 2021; 133:34-45. [PMID: 34118451 PMCID: PMC9113193 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic system plays an integral part in regulating immune cell trafficking and the transport of macromolecules. However, its influence on disease progression and drug uptake is understood less than that of the vascular system. To bridge this knowledge gap, biomaterials can be used to investigate the lymphatic system and to provide novel understanding into complex disease processes, including cancer metastasis and inflammation. Insight gained from these mechanistic studies can be further used to design innovative biomaterials to modulate the immune system, improve drug delivery, and promote tissue regeneration. This review article focuses on recent advances in (i) biomaterials used for lymphatic vessel formation, (ii) models for studying lymphatic-immune cells interactions, (iii) pharmaceuticals and their interactions with the lymphatic system, (iv) and strategies for drug delivery via the lymphatic system. Finally, several challenges regarding adopting biomaterials for immunomodulation and future perspectives are discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The lymphatic system plays an integral part in regulating immune cell trafficking and the transport of macromolecules. However, its influence on disease progression and drug uptake is understood less than that of the vascular system. This review article focuses on recent progresses in biomaterials to investigate the lymphatic system and to provide novel understanding into complex disease states. Insight gained from these mechanistic studies can be further used to design innovative biomaterials to modulate the immune system, improve drug delivery, and promote tissue regeneration. Finally, a number of challenges in adopting biomaterials for immunomodulation and future perspectives are discussed.
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Dessalles CA, Leclech C, Castagnino A, Barakat AI. Integration of substrate- and flow-derived stresses in endothelial cell mechanobiology. Commun Biol 2021; 4:764. [PMID: 34155305 PMCID: PMC8217569 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02285-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) lining all blood vessels are subjected to large mechanical stresses that regulate their structure and function in health and disease. Here, we review EC responses to substrate-derived biophysical cues, namely topography, curvature, and stiffness, as well as to flow-derived stresses, notably shear stress, pressure, and tensile stresses. Because these mechanical cues in vivo are coupled and are exerted simultaneously on ECs, we also review the effects of multiple cues and describe burgeoning in vitro approaches for elucidating how ECs integrate and interpret various mechanical stimuli. We conclude by highlighting key open questions and upcoming challenges in the field of EC mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A Dessalles
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole polytechnique, Institut polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Claire Leclech
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole polytechnique, Institut polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Alessia Castagnino
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole polytechnique, Institut polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Abdul I Barakat
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole polytechnique, Institut polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France.
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8
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Moses SR, Adorno JJ, Palmer AF, Song JW. Vessel-on-a-chip models for studying microvascular physiology, transport, and function in vitro. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 320:C92-C105. [PMID: 33176110 PMCID: PMC7846973 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00355.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
To understand how the microvasculature grows and remodels, researchers require reproducible systems that emulate the function of living tissue. Innovative contributions toward fulfilling this important need have been made by engineered microvessels assembled in vitro with microfabrication techniques. Microfabricated vessels, commonly referred to as "vessels-on-a-chip," are from a class of cell culture technologies that uniquely integrate microscale flow phenomena, tissue-level biomolecular transport, cell-cell interactions, and proper three-dimensional (3-D) extracellular matrix environments under well-defined culture conditions. Here, we discuss the enabling attributes of microfabricated vessels that make these models more physiological compared with established cell culture techniques and the potential of these models for advancing microvascular research. This review highlights the key features of microvascular transport and physiology, critically discusses the strengths and limitations of different microfabrication strategies for studying the microvasculature, and provides a perspective on current challenges and future opportunities for vessel-on-a-chip models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah R Moses
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jonathan J Adorno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Andre F Palmer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jonathan W Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Butcher JT, Murfee WL, Stapleton PA. Emerging topics in microvascular research: Advancing our understanding by interdisciplinary exploration. Microcirculation 2020; 26:e12558. [PMID: 31090984 PMCID: PMC6916537 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Historically, major advances in microvascular research have been made by integrating physiology and bioengineering approaches. This Special Topics Issue focuses on providing a spotlight on emerging areas of microvascular research, showcasing how interdisciplinary collaborations and application of novel techniques can impact our understanding of tissue‐specific microvascular remodeling by integrating cell behaviors across scales. The authors in this issue investigate pericyte physiology, perturbations to uteroplacental blood flow, bone microvascular alterations in aging, molecular markers of revascularization, and microfluidic devices to mimic the lymphatic system. The articles highlight the continued importance of expanding our understanding of the microvascular system in health, and disease extends microvascular boundaries in the face of current paradigms, and illustrates how emerging leaders in the field are creating new scientific niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T. Butcher
- Vascular Biology CenterMedical College of Georgia at Augusta UniversityAugustaGeorgia
| | - Walter L. Murfee
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFlorida
| | - Phoebe A. Stapleton
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyErnest Mario School of PharmacyRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew Jersey
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences InstituteRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew Jersey
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Luque‐González MA, Reis RL, Kundu SC, Caballero D. Human Microcirculation‐on‐Chip Models in Cancer Research: Key Integration of Lymphatic and Blood Vasculatures. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e2000045. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angélica Luque‐González
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and BiomimeticsUniversity of MinhoHeadquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative MedicineICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra 4805‐017 Barco Braga/Guimarães Portugal
| | - Rui Luis Reis
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and BiomimeticsUniversity of MinhoHeadquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative MedicineICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra 4805‐017 Barco Braga/Guimarães Portugal
| | - Subhas Chandra Kundu
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and BiomimeticsUniversity of MinhoHeadquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative MedicineICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra 4805‐017 Barco Braga/Guimarães Portugal
| | - David Caballero
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and BiomimeticsUniversity of MinhoHeadquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative MedicineICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra 4805‐017 Barco Braga/Guimarães Portugal
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Offeddu GS, Shin Y, Kamm RD. Microphysiological models of neurological disorders for drug development. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2019.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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12
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Abstract
Undoubtedly, plastics have changed human existence. These pervasive products are used in nearly every field to include technological, biomedical, and domestic applications. Post-consumer plastic waste disposal leading to plastic pollution in landfills, waterways, and oceans represents a worldwide environmental challenge. Accumulation and continued material fragmentation from micro- to nanoplastics has identified concerns pertaining to environmental and human exposures and toxicity. While many studies have focused on particle fate and identification, the toxicological considerations must focus on the biological relevance of particle deposition within a particular organism, compartment, organ, and tissue. Further, concerns exist regarding the physical and chemical properties of the plastic particles during their production and/or degradation. In this mini-review we will discuss (1) particle characterization and assessment, (2) environmental concerns, and (3) human toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- PA Stapleton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, 160 Frelinghuysen Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, 170 Frelinghuysen Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Correspondence:; Tel: +8484450142
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