Microfluidic Organ-Chips and Stem Cell Models in the Fight Against COVID-19

Evaluation of Pm2.5 Influence on Human Lung Cancer Cells Using a Microfluidic Platform

In this study, we developed a microfluidic device that is able to monitor cell biology under continuous PM2.5 treatment. The effects of PM2.5 on human alveolar basal epithelial cells, A549 cells, and uncovered several significant findings were investigated. The results showed that PM2.5 exposure did not lead to a notable decrease in cell viability, indicating that PM2.5 did not cause cellular injury or death. However, the study found that PM2.5 exposure increased the invasion and migration abilities of A549 cells, suggesting that PM2.5 might promote cell invasiveness. Results of RNA sequencing revealed 423 genes that displayed significant differential expression in response to PM2.5 exposure, with a particular focus on pathways associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial dysfunction. Real-time detection demonstrated an increase in ROS production in A549 cells after exposure to PM2.5. JC1 assay, which indicated a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in A549 cells exposed to PM2.5. The disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential further supports the detrimental effects of PM2.5 on A549 cells. These findings highlight several adverse effects of PM2.5 on A549 cells, including enhanced invasion and migration capabilities, altered gene expression related to ROS pathways, increased ROS production and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. These findings contribute to our understanding of the potential mechanisms through which PM2.5 can impact cellular function and health.

Emergent trends in organ-on-a-chip applications for investigating metastasis within tumor microenvironment: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis

Background

With the burgeoning advancements in disease modeling, drug development, and precision medicine, organ-on-a-chip has risen to the forefront of biomedical research. Specifically in tumor research, this technology has exhibited exceptional potential in elucidating the dynamics of metastasis within the tumor microenvironment. Recognizing the significance of this field, our study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global scientific contributions related to organ-on-a-chip.

Methods

Publications pertaining to organ-on-a-chip from 2014 to 2023 were retrieved at the Web of Science Core Collection database. Rigorous analyses of 2305 articles were conducted using tools including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R-bibliometrix.

Results

Over the 10-year span, global publications exhibited a consistent uptrend, anticipating continued growth. The United States and China were identified as dominant contributors, characterized by strong collaborative networks and substantial research investments. Predominant institutions encompass Harvard University, MIT, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Leading figures in the domain, such as Dr. Donald Ingber and Dr. Yu Shrike Zhang, emerge as pivotal collaboration prospects. Lab on a Chip, Micromachines, and Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology were the principal publishing journals. Pertinent keywords encompassed Microfluidic, Microphysiological System, Tissue Engineering, Organoid, In Vitro, Drug Screening, Hydrogel, Tumor Microenvironment, and Bioprinting. Emerging research avenues were identified as "Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis," "Application of organ-on-a-chip in drug discovery and testing" and "Advancements in personalized medicine applications".

Conclusion

The organ-on-a-chip domain has demonstrated a transformative impact on understanding disease mechanisms and drug interactions, particularly within the tumor microenvironment. This bibliometric analysis underscores the ever-increasing importance of this field, guiding researchers and clinicians towards potential collaborative avenues and research directions.

Complex in vitro Model: A Transformative Model in Drug Development and Precision Medicine

In vitro and in vivo models play integral roles in preclinical drug research, evaluation, and precision medicine. In vitro models primarily involve research platforms based on cultured cells, typically in the form of two-dimensional (2D) cell models. However, notable disparities exist between 2D cultured cells and in vivo cells across various aspects, rendering the former inadequate for replicating the physiologically relevant functions of human or animal organs and tissues. Consequently, these models failed to accurately reflect real-life scenarios post-drug administration. Complex in vitro models (CIVMs) refer to in vitro models that integrate a multicellular environment and a three-dimensional (3D) structure using bio-polymer or tissue-derived matrices. These models seek to reconstruct the organ- or tissue-specific characteristics of the extracellular microenvironment. The utilization of CIVMs allows for enhanced physiological correlation of cultured cells, thereby better mimicking in vivo conditions without ethical concerns associated with animal experimentation. Consequently, CIVMs have gained prominence in disease research and drug development. This review aimed to comprehensively examine and analyze the various types, manufacturing techniques, and applications of CIVM in the domains of drug discovery, drug development, and precision medicine. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the progress made in CIVMs and their potential future use in these fields.

Alternatives to animal models to study bacterial infections

Animal testing has made a significant and unequalled contribution to important discoveries and advancements in the fields of research, medicine, vaccine development, and drug discovery. Each year, millions of animals are sacrificed for various experiments, and this is an ongoing process. However, the debate on the ethical and sensible usage of animals in in vivo experimentation is equally important. The need to explore and adopt newer alternatives to animals so as to comply with the goal of reduce, refine, and replace needs attention. Besides the ever-increasing debate on ethical issues, animal research has additional drawbacks (need of trained labour, requirement of breeding area, lengthy protocols, high expenses, transport barriers, difficulty to extrapolate data from animals to humans, etc.). With this scenario, the present review has been framed to give a comprehensive insight into the possible alternative options worth exploring in this direction especially targeting replacements for animal models of bacterial infections. There have been some excellent reviews discussing on the alternate methods for replacing and reducing animals in drug research. However, reviews that discuss the replacements in the field of medical bacteriology with emphasis on animal bacterial infection models are purely limited. The present review discusses on the use of (a) non-mammalian models and (b) alternative systems such as microfluidic chip-based models and microdosing aiming to give a detailed insight into the prospects of these alternative platforms to reduce the number of animals being used in infection studies. This would enlighten the scientific community working in this direction to be well acquainted with the available new approaches and alternatives so that the 3R strategy can be successfully implemented in the field of antibacterial drug research and testing.