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Wang H, Li X, Shi P, You X, Zhao G. Establishment and evaluation of on-chip intestinal barrier biosystems based on microfluidic techniques. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101079. [PMID: 38774450 PMCID: PMC11107260 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101079] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
As a booming engineering technology, the microfluidic chip has been widely applied for replicating the complexity of human intestinal micro-physiological ecosystems in vitro. Biosensors, 3D imaging, and multi-omics have been applied to engineer more sophisticated intestinal barrier-on-chip platforms, allowing the improved monitoring of physiological processes and enhancing chip performance. In this review, we report cutting-edge advances in the microfluidic techniques applied for the establishment and evaluation of intestinal barrier platforms. We discuss different design principles and microfabrication strategies for the establishment of microfluidic gut barrier models in vitro. Further, we comprehensively cover the complex cell types (e.g., epithelium, intestinal organoids, endothelium, microbes, and immune cells) and controllable extracellular microenvironment parameters (e.g., oxygen gradient, peristalsis, bioflow, and gut-organ axis) used to recapitulate the main structural and functional complexity of gut barriers. We also present the current multidisciplinary technologies and indicators used for evaluating the morphological structure and barrier integrity of established gut barrier models in vitro. Finally, we highlight the challenges and future perspectives for accelerating the broader applications of these platforms in disease simulation, drug development, and personalized medicine. Hence, this review provides a comprehensive guide for the development and evaluation of microfluidic-based gut barrier platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Master Lab for Innovative Application of Nature Products, National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Pengcheng Shi
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
| | - Xiaoyan You
- Master Lab for Innovative Application of Nature Products, National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Tianjin, 300308, China
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
| | - Guoping Zhao
- Master Lab for Innovative Application of Nature Products, National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Tianjin, 300308, China
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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Holzreuter MA, Segerink LI. Innovative electrode and chip designs for transendothelial electrical resistance measurements in organs-on-chips. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1121-1134. [PMID: 38165817 PMCID: PMC10898416 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00901g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Many different epithelial and endothelial barriers in the human body ensure the proper functioning of our organs by controlling which substances can pass from one side to another. In recent years, organs-on-chips (OoC) have become a popular tool to study such barriers in vitro. To assess the proper functioning of these barriers, we can measure the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) which indicates how easily ions can cross the cell layer when a current is applied between electrodes on either side. TEER measurements are a convenient method to quantify the barrier properties since it is a non-invasive and label-free technique. Direct integration of electrodes for TEER measurements into OoC allows for continuous monitoring of the barrier, and fixed integration of the electrodes improves the reproducibility of the measurements. In this review, we will give an overview of different electrode and channel designs that have been used to measure the TEER in OoC. After giving some insight into why biological barriers are an important field of study, we will explain the theory and practice behind measuring the TEER in in vitro systems. Next, this review gives an overview of the state of the art in the field of integrated electrodes for TEER measurements in OoC, with a special focus on alternative chip and electrode designs. Finally, we outline some of the remaining challenges and provide some suggestions on how to overcome these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel A Holzreuter
- BIOS Lab on a Chip group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, The Netherlands.
| | - Loes I Segerink
- BIOS Lab on a Chip group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, The Netherlands.
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Hajam MI, Khan MM. Microfluidics: a concise review of the history, principles, design, applications, and future outlook. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:218-251. [PMID: 38108438 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01463k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technologies have garnered significant attention due to their ability to rapidly process samples and precisely manipulate fluids in assays, making them an attractive alternative to conventional experimental methods. With the potential for revolutionary capabilities in the future, this concise review provides readers with insights into the fascinating world of microfluidics. It begins by introducing the subject's historical background, allowing readers to familiarize themselves with the basics. The review then delves into the fundamental principles, discussing the underlying phenomena at play. Additionally, it highlights the different aspects of microfluidic device design, classification, and fabrication. Furthermore, the paper explores various applications, the global market, recent advancements, and challenges in the field. Finally, the review presents a positive outlook on trends and draws lessons to support the future flourishing of microfluidic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Irfan Hajam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, India.
| | - Mohammad Mohsin Khan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, India.
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Li C, Holman JB, Shi Z, Qiu B, Ding W. On-chip modeling of tumor evolution: Advances, challenges and opportunities. Mater Today Bio 2023; 21:100724. [PMID: 37483380 PMCID: PMC10359640 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor evolution is the accumulation of various tumor cell behaviors from tumorigenesis to tumor metastasis and is regulated by the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the mechanism of solid tumor progression has not been completely elucidated, and thus, the development of tumor therapy is still limited. Recently, Tumor chips constructed by culturing tumor cells and stromal cells on microfluidic chips have demonstrated great potential in modeling solid tumors and visualizing tumor cell behaviors to exploit tumor progression. Herein, we review the methods of developing engineered solid tumors on microfluidic chips in terms of tumor types, cell resources and patterns, the extracellular matrix and the components of the TME, and summarize the recent advances of microfluidic chips in demonstrating tumor cell behaviors, including proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, migration, intravasation, extravasation and immune escape of tumor cells. We also outline the combination of tumor organoids and microfluidic chips to elaborate tumor organoid-on-a-chip platforms, as well as the practical limitations that must be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengpan Li
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Joseph Benjamin Holman
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Zhengdi Shi
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Bensheng Qiu
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Weiping Ding
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
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Tevlek A, Kecili S, Ozcelik OS, Kulah H, Tekin HC. Spheroid Engineering in Microfluidic Devices. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:3630-3649. [PMID: 36743071 PMCID: PMC9893254 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture techniques are commonly employed to investigate biophysical and biochemical cellular responses. However, these culture methods, having monolayer cells, lack cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, mimicking the cell microenvironment and multicellular organization. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture methods enable equal transportation of nutrients, gas, and growth factors among cells and their microenvironment. Therefore, 3D cultures show similar cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation properties to in vivo. A spheroid is defined as self-assembled 3D cell aggregates, and it closely mimics a cell microenvironment in vitro thanks to cell-cell/matrix interactions, which enables its use in several important applications in medical and clinical research. To fabricate a spheroid, conventional methods such as liquid overlay, hanging drop, and so forth are available. However, these labor-intensive methods result in low-throughput fabrication and uncontrollable spheroid sizes. On the other hand, microfluidic methods enable inexpensive and rapid fabrication of spheroids with high precision. Furthermore, fabricated spheroids can also be cultured in microfluidic devices for controllable cell perfusion, simulation of fluid shear effects, and mimicking of the microenvironment-like in vivo conditions. This review focuses on recent microfluidic spheroid fabrication techniques and also organ-on-a-chip applications of spheroids, which are used in different disease modeling and drug development studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atakan Tevlek
- METU
MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Seren Kecili
- The
Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute
of Technology, Urla, Izmir 35430, Turkey
| | - Ozge S. Ozcelik
- The
Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute
of Technology, Urla, Izmir 35430, Turkey
| | - Haluk Kulah
- METU
MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- The
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - H. Cumhur Tekin
- METU
MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- The
Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute
of Technology, Urla, Izmir 35430, Turkey
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Etxeberria L, Messelmani T, Badiola JH, Llobera A, Fernandez L, Vilas-Vilela JL, Leclerc E, Legallais C, Jellali R, Zaldua AM. Validation of HepG2/C3A Cell Cultures in Cyclic Olefin Copolymer Based Microfluidic Bioreactors. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14214478. [PMID: 36365472 PMCID: PMC9655789 DOI: 10.3390/polym14214478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-chip (OoC) technology is one of the most promising in vitro tools to replace the traditional animal experiment-based paradigms of risk assessment. However, the use of OoC in drug discovery and toxicity studies remain still limited by the low capacity for high-throughput production and the incompatibility with standard laboratory equipment. Moreover, polydimethylsiloxanes, the material of choice for OoC, has several drawbacks, particularly the high absorption of drugs and chemicals. In this work, we report the development of a microfluidic device, using a process adapted for mass production, to culture liver cell line in dynamic conditions. The device, made of cyclic olefin copolymers, was manufactured by injection moulding and integrates Luer lock connectors compatible with standard medical and laboratory instruments. Then, the COC device was used for culturing HepG2/C3a cells. The functionality and behaviour of cultures were assessed by albumin secretion, cell proliferation, viability and actin cytoskeleton development. The cells in COC device proliferated well and remained functional for 9 days of culture. Furthermore, HepG2/C3a cells in the COC biochips showed similar behaviour to cells in PDMS biochips. The present study provides a proof-of-concept for the use of COC biochip in liver cells culture and illustrate their potential to develop OoC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leire Etxeberria
- Leartiker S. Coop., Xemein Etorbidea 12, 48270 Markina-Xemein, Spain
- microLIQUID S.L, Goiru 9, 20500 Arrasate-Mondragon, Spain
- Macromolecular Chemistry Research Group (labquimac), Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Correspondence: (L.E.); (R.J.)
| | - Taha Messelmani
- CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu-CS 60319, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203 Compiègne, France
| | - Jon Haitz Badiola
- Leartiker S. Coop., Xemein Etorbidea 12, 48270 Markina-Xemein, Spain
| | - Andreu Llobera
- microLIQUID S.L, Goiru 9, 20500 Arrasate-Mondragon, Spain
| | - Luis Fernandez
- microLIQUID S.L, Goiru 9, 20500 Arrasate-Mondragon, Spain
| | - José Luis Vilas-Vilela
- Macromolecular Chemistry Research Group (labquimac), Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- BC Materials, Basque Center for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures, UPV/EHU Science Park, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Eric Leclerc
- CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu-CS 60319, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203 Compiègne, France
- CNRS IRL 2820, Laboratory for Integrated Micro Mechatronic Systems, Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Cécile Legallais
- CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu-CS 60319, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203 Compiègne, France
| | - Rachid Jellali
- CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu-CS 60319, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203 Compiègne, France
- Correspondence: (L.E.); (R.J.)
| | - Ane Miren Zaldua
- Leartiker S. Coop., Xemein Etorbidea 12, 48270 Markina-Xemein, Spain
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Lv L, You Y, Liu Y, Yang Z. Advanced Research in Cellular Pharmacokinetics and its Cutting-edge Technologies. Curr Pharm Des 2022; 28:3095-3104. [PMID: 36082865 DOI: 10.2174/1381612828666220907102606] [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: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacokinetics (PK), as a significant part of pharmacology, runs through the overall process of the preclinical and clinical research on drugs and plays a significant role in determining the material basis of efficacy and mechanism research. However, due to the limitations of classical PK, cellular PK was put forward and developed rapidly. Many novel and original technologies have been innovatively applied to cellular PK research, thereby providing powerful technical support. As a novel field of PK research, cellular PK expands the research object and enriches the theoretical framework of PK. It provides a new perspective for elucidating the mechanism of drug action and the dynamic process of drug in the body. Furthermore, it provides a scientific basis and guiding significance for the development of new drugs and clinical rational drug use. Cellular PK can explain the dynamic process of certain drugs (e.g., antineoplastic drugs and antibiotics) and the disposition kinetics characteristics in some specific tissues (e.g., brain and tumor) in a clearer and more accurate manner. It is a beneficial supplement and the perfection of traditional PK. In the future, traditional and cellular PKs will complement each other well and improve into an all-around research system in drug developments. Briefly, this paper reviews the conceptual development of cellular PK and key associated technologies, explores its main functions and applications, and looks forward to the important pioneering significance and promising value for the development of PK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjuan Lv
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuyang You
- School of Automation, Beijing Institute of Technology, China
| | - Yeju Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhihong Yang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
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Microsystems for Cell Cultures. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12040190. [PMID: 35448250 PMCID: PMC9029303 DOI: 10.3390/bios12040190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Yu P, Duan Z, Liu S, Pachon I, Ma J, Hemstreet GP, Zhang Y. Drug-Induced Nephrotoxicity Assessment in 3D Cellular Models. MICROMACHINES 2021; 13:mi13010003. [PMID: 35056167 PMCID: PMC8780064 DOI: 10.3390/mi13010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The kidneys are often involved in adverse effects and toxicity caused by exposure to foreign compounds, chemicals, and drugs. Early predictions of these influences are essential to facilitate new, safe drugs to enter the market. However, in current drug treatments, drug-induced nephrotoxicity accounts for 1/4 of reported serious adverse reactions, and 1/3 of them are attributable to antibiotics. Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is driven by multiple mechanisms, including altered glomerular hemodynamics, renal tubular cytotoxicity, inflammation, crystal nephropathy, and thrombotic microangiopathy. Although the functional proteins expressed by renal tubules that mediate drug sensitivity are well known, current in vitro 2D cell models do not faithfully replicate the morphology and intact renal tubule function, and therefore, they do not replicate in vivo nephrotoxicity. The kidney is delicate and complex, consisting of a filter unit and a tubular part, which together contain more than 20 different cell types. The tubular epithelium is highly polarized, and maintaining cellular polarity is essential for the optimal function and response to environmental signals. Cell polarity depends on the communication between cells, including paracrine and autocrine signals, as well as biomechanical and chemotaxis processes. These processes affect kidney cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. For drug disposal research, the microenvironment is essential for predicting toxic reactions. This article reviews the mechanism of drug-induced kidney injury, the types of nephrotoxicity models (in vivo and in vitro models), and the research progress related to drug-induced nephrotoxicity in three-dimensional (3D) cellular culture models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Yu
- Difficult & Complicated Liver Diseases and Artificial Liver Center, Fourth Department of Liver Disease, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (P.Y.); (Z.D.); (S.L.)
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Treatment Research, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zhongping Duan
- Difficult & Complicated Liver Diseases and Artificial Liver Center, Fourth Department of Liver Disease, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (P.Y.); (Z.D.); (S.L.)
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Treatment Research, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Difficult & Complicated Liver Diseases and Artificial Liver Center, Fourth Department of Liver Disease, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (P.Y.); (Z.D.); (S.L.)
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Treatment Research, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Ivan Pachon
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
| | - Jianxing Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
| | | | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-336-713-1189
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