1
|
Okorafor CC, Shastri S, Wen K, Ebong EE. Mechanisms of triple-negative breast cancer extravasation: Impact of the physical environment and endothelial glycocalyx. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23785. [PMID: 38949120 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400380r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of death for those afflicted with cancer. In cancer metastasis, the cancer cells break off from the primary tumor, penetrate nearby blood vessels, and attach and extravasate out of the vessels to form secondary tumors at distant organs. This makes extravasation a critical step of the metastatic cascade. Herein, with a focus on triple-negative breast cancer, the role that the prospective secondary tumor microenvironment's mechanical properties play in circulating tumor cells' extravasation is reviewed. Specifically, the effects of the physically regulated vascular endothelial glycocalyx barrier element, vascular flow factors, and subendothelial extracellular matrix mechanical properties on cancer cell extravasation are examined. The ultimate goal of this review is to clarify the physical mechanisms that drive triple-negative breast cancer extravasation, as these mechanisms may be potential new targets for anti-metastasis therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinedu C Okorafor
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sanjana Shastri
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ke Wen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eno E Ebong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang C, Yin D, Zhang H, Badea I, Yang SM, Zhang W. Cell Migration Assays and Their Application to Wound Healing Assays-A Critical Review. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:720. [PMID: 38930690 PMCID: PMC11205366 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, cell migration assays (CMAs) have emerged as a tool to study the migration of cells along with their physiological responses under various stimuli, including both mechanical and bio-chemical properties. CMAs are a generic system in that they support various biological applications, such as wound healing assays. In this paper, we review the development of the CMA in the context of its application to wound healing assays. As such, the wound healing assay will be used to derive the requirements on CMAs. This paper will provide a comprehensive and critical review of the development of CMAs along with their application to wound healing assays. One salient feature of our methodology in this paper is the application of the so-called design thinking; namely we define the requirements of CMAs first and then take them as a benchmark for various developments of CMAs in the literature. The state-of-the-art CMAs are compared with this benchmark to derive the knowledge and technological gap with CMAs in the literature. We will also discuss future research directions for the CMA together with its application to wound healing assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China;
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Di Yin
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (D.Y.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (D.Y.); (H.Z.)
| | - Ildiko Badea
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada;
| | - Shih-Mo Yang
- School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China;
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li X, Zhu H, Gu B, Yao C, Gu Y, Xu W, Zhang J, He J, Liu X, Li D. Advancing Intelligent Organ-on-a-Chip Systems with Comprehensive In Situ Bioanalysis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2305268. [PMID: 37688520 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305268] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
In vitro models are essential to a broad range of biomedical research, such as pathological studies, drug development, and personalized medicine. As a potentially transformative paradigm for 3D in vitro models, organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology has been extensively developed to recapitulate sophisticated architectures and dynamic microenvironments of human organs by applying the principles of life sciences and leveraging micro- and nanoscale engineering capabilities. A pivotal function of OOC devices is to support multifaceted and timely characterization of cultured cells and their microenvironments. However, in-depth analysis of OOC models typically requires biomedical assay procedures that are labor-intensive and interruptive. Herein, the latest advances toward intelligent OOC (iOOC) systems, where sensors integrated with OOC devices continuously report cellular and microenvironmental information for comprehensive in situ bioanalysis, are examined. It is proposed that the multimodal data in iOOC systems can support closed-loop control of the in vitro models and offer holistic biomedical insights for diverse applications. Essential techniques for establishing iOOC systems are surveyed, encompassing in situ sensing, data processing, and dynamic modulation. Eventually, the future development of iOOC systems featuring cross-disciplinary strategies is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Bingsong Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Cong Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Yuyang Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Wangkai Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Jiankang He
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Dichen Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ferronato GDA, Vit FF, da Silveira JC. 3D culture applied to reproduction in females: possibilities and perspectives. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230039. [PMID: 38510565 PMCID: PMC10954237 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro cell culture is a well-established technique present in numerous laboratories in diverse areas. In reproduction, gametes, embryos, and reproductive tissues, such as the ovary and endometrium, can be cultured. These cultures are essential for embryo development studies, understanding signaling pathways, developing drugs for reproductive diseases, and in vitro embryo production (IVP). Although many culture systems are successful, they still have limitations to overcome. Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems can be close to physiological conditions, allowing greater interaction between cells and cells with the surrounding environment, maintenance of the cells' natural morphology, and expression of genes and proteins such as in vivo. Additionally, three-dimensional culture systems can stimulated extracellular matrix generating responses due to the mechanical force produced. Different techniques can be used to perform 3D culture systems, such as hydrogel matrix, hanging drop, low attachment surface, scaffold, levitation, liquid marble, and 3D printing. These systems demonstrate satisfactory results in follicle culture, allowing the culture from the pre-antral to antral phase, maintaining the follicular morphology, and increasing the development rates of embryos. Here, we review some of the different techniques of 3D culture systems and their applications to the culture of follicles and embryos, bringing new possibilities to the future of assisted reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Franciele Flores Vit
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Reyes DR, Esch MB, Ewart L, Nasiri R, Herland A, Sung K, Piergiovanni M, Lucchesi C, Shoemaker JT, Vukasinovic J, Nakae H, Hickman J, Pant K, Taylor A, Heinz N, Ashammakhi N. From animal testing to in vitro systems: advancing standardization in microphysiological systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1076-1087. [PMID: 38372151 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00994g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Limitations with cell cultures and experimental animal-based studies have had the scientific and industrial communities searching for new approaches that can provide reliable human models for applications such as drug development, toxicological assessment, and in vitro pre-clinical evaluation. This has resulted in the development of microfluidic-based cultures that may better represent organs and organ systems in vivo than conventional monolayer cell cultures. Although there is considerable interest from industry and regulatory bodies in this technology, several challenges need to be addressed for it to reach its full potential. Among those is a lack of guidelines and standards. Therefore, a multidisciplinary team of stakeholders was formed, with members from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), European Union, academia, and industry, to provide a framework for future development of guidelines/standards governing engineering concepts of organ-on-a-chip models. The result of this work is presented here for interested parties, stakeholders, and other standards development organizations (SDOs) to foster further discussion and enhance the impact and benefits of these efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darwin R Reyes
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | - Mandy B Esch
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | | | | | - Anna Herland
- Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kyung Sung
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Hiroki Nakae
- JMAC Japan bio Measurement & Analysis Consortium, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Anne Taylor
- Xona Microfluidics, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Niki Heinz
- Altis Biosystems, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nureddin Ashammakhi
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, and College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hidalgo-Alvarez V, Madl CM. Leveraging Biomaterial Platforms to Study Aging-Related Neural and Muscular Degeneration. Biomolecules 2024; 14:69. [PMID: 38254669 PMCID: PMC10813704 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010069] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex multifactorial process that results in tissue function impairment across the whole organism. One of the common consequences of this process is the loss of muscle mass and the associated decline in muscle function, known as sarcopenia. Aging also presents with an increased risk of developing other pathological conditions such as neurodegeneration. Muscular and neuronal degeneration cause mobility issues and cognitive impairment, hence having a major impact on the quality of life of the older population. The development of novel therapies that can ameliorate the effects of aging is currently hindered by our limited knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and the use of models that fail to recapitulate the structure and composition of the cell microenvironment. The emergence of bioengineering techniques based on the use of biomimetic materials and biofabrication methods has opened the possibility of generating 3D models of muscular and nervous tissues that better mimic the native extracellular matrix. These platforms are particularly advantageous for drug testing and mechanistic studies. In this review, we discuss the developments made in the creation of 3D models of aging-related neuronal and muscular degeneration and we provide a perspective on the future directions for the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher M. Madl
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kheiri S, Chen Z, Yakavets I, Rakhshani F, Young EWK, Kumacheva E. Integrating spheroid-on-a-chip with tubeless rocker platform: A high-throughput biological screening platform. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2200621. [PMID: 37436706 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202200621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Spheroid-on-a-chip platforms are emerging as promising in vitro models that enable screening of the efficacy of biologically active ingredients. Generally, the supply of liquids to spheroids occurs in the steady flow mode with the use of syringe pumps; however, the utilization of tubing and connections, especially for multiplexing and high-throughput screening applications, makes spheroid-on-a-chip platforms labor- and cost-intensive. Gravity-induced flow using rocker platforms overcomes these challenges. Here, a robust gravity-driven technique was developed to culture arrays of cancer cell spheroids and dermal fibroblast spheroids in a high-throughput manner using a rocker platform. The efficiency of the developed rocker-based platform was benchmarked to syringe pumps for generating multicellular spheroids and their use for screening biologically active ingredients. Cell viability, internal spheroid structure as well as the effect of vitamin C on spheroids' protein synthesis was studied. The rocker-based platform not only offers comparable or enhanced performance in terms of cell viability, spheroids formation, and protein production by dermal fibroblast spheroids but also, from a practical perspective, offers a smaller footprint, requires a lower cost, and offers an easier method for handling. These results support the application of rocker-based microfluidic spheroid-on-a-chip platforms for in vitro screening in a high-throughput manner with industrial scaling-up opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sina Kheiri
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhengkun Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ilya Yakavets
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Faeze Rakhshani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edmond W K Young
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
van Rijt A, Stefanek E, Valente K. Preclinical Testing Techniques: Paving the Way for New Oncology Screening Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4466. [PMID: 37760435 PMCID: PMC10526899 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior to clinical trials, preclinical testing of oncology drug candidates is performed by evaluating drug candidates with in vitro and in vivo platforms. For in vivo testing, animal models are used to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of drug candidates. However, animal models often display poor translational results as many drugs that pass preclinical testing fail when tested with humans, with oncology drugs exhibiting especially poor acceptance rates. The FDA Modernization Act 2.0 promotes alternative preclinical testing techniques, presenting the opportunity to use higher complexity in vitro models as an alternative to in vivo testing, including three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models. Three-dimensional tissue cultures address many of the shortcomings of 2D cultures by more closely replicating the tumour microenvironment through a combination of physiologically relevant drug diffusion, paracrine signalling, cellular phenotype, and vascularization that can better mimic native human tissue. This review will discuss the common forms of 3D cell culture, including cell spheroids, organoids, organs-on-a-chip, and 3D bioprinted tissues. Their advantages and limitations will be presented, aiming to discuss the use of these 3D models to accurately represent human tissue and as an alternative to animal testing. The use of 3D culture platforms for preclinical drug development is expected to accelerate as these platforms continue to improve in complexity, reliability, and translational predictivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia van Rijt
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
| | - Evan Stefanek
- VoxCell BioInnovation Inc., Victoria, BC V8T 5L2, Canada;
| | - Karolina Valente
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Raj M K, Priyadarshani J, Karan P, Bandyopadhyay S, Bhattacharya S, Chakraborty S. Bio-inspired microfluidics: A review. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:051503. [PMID: 37781135 PMCID: PMC10539033 DOI: 10.1063/5.0161809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Biomicrofluidics, a subdomain of microfluidics, has been inspired by several ideas from nature. However, while the basic inspiration for the same may be drawn from the living world, the translation of all relevant essential functionalities to an artificially engineered framework does not remain trivial. Here, we review the recent progress in bio-inspired microfluidic systems via harnessing the integration of experimental and simulation tools delving into the interface of engineering and biology. Development of "on-chip" technologies as well as their multifarious applications is subsequently discussed, accompanying the relevant advancements in materials and fabrication technology. Pointers toward new directions in research, including an amalgamated fusion of data-driven modeling (such as artificial intelligence and machine learning) and physics-based paradigm, to come up with a human physiological replica on a synthetic bio-chip with due accounting of personalized features, are suggested. These are likely to facilitate physiologically replicating disease modeling on an artificially engineered biochip as well as advance drug development and screening in an expedited route with the minimization of animal and human trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Raj M
- Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600036, India
| | - Jyotsana Priyadarshani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics Section (BMe), KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300, 3001 Louvain, Belgium
| | - Pratyaksh Karan
- Géosciences Rennes Univ Rennes, CNRS, Géosciences Rennes, UMR 6118, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Saumyadwip Bandyopadhyay
- Advanced Technology Development Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Soumya Bhattacharya
- Achira Labs Private Limited, 66b, 13th Cross Rd., Dollar Layout, 3–Phase, JP Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560078, India
| | - Suman Chakraborty
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Corral-Nájera K, Chauhan G, Serna-Saldívar SO, Martínez-Chapa SO, Aeinehvand MM. Polymeric and biological membranes for organ-on-a-chip devices. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:107. [PMID: 37649779 PMCID: PMC10462672 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00579-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Membranes are fundamental elements within organ-on-a-chip (OOC) platforms, as they provide adherent cells with support, allow nutrients (and other relevant molecules) to permeate/exchange through membrane pores, and enable the delivery of mechanical or chemical stimuli. Through OOC platforms, physiological processes can be studied in vitro, whereas OOC membranes broaden knowledge of how mechanical and chemical cues affect cells and organs. OOCs with membranes are in vitro microfluidic models that are used to replace animal testing for various applications, such as drug discovery and disease modeling. In this review, the relevance of OOCs with membranes is discussed as well as their scaffold and actuation roles, properties (physical and material), and fabrication methods in different organ models. The purpose was to aid readers with membrane selection for the development of OOCs with specific applications in the fields of mechanistic, pathological, and drug testing studies. Mechanical stimulation from liquid flow and cyclic strain, as well as their effects on the cell's increased physiological relevance (IPR), are described in the first section. The review also contains methods to fabricate synthetic and ECM (extracellular matrix) protein membranes, their characteristics (e.g., thickness and porosity, which can be adjusted depending on the application, as shown in the graphical abstract), and the biological materials used for their coatings. The discussion section joins and describes the roles of membranes for different research purposes and their advantages and challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kendra Corral-Nájera
- School of Engineering and Science, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, 64849 Mexico
| | - Gaurav Chauhan
- School of Engineering and Science, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, 64849 Mexico
| | - Sergio O. Serna-Saldívar
- School of Engineering and Science, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, 64849 Mexico
| | - Sergio O. Martínez-Chapa
- School of Engineering and Science, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, 64849 Mexico
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Aeinehvand
- School of Engineering and Science, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, 64849 Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cauli E, Polidoro MA, Marzorati S, Bernardi C, Rasponi M, Lleo A. Cancer-on-chip: a 3D model for the study of the tumor microenvironment. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:53. [PMID: 37592292 PMCID: PMC10436436 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00372-6] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The approval of anticancer therapeutic strategies is still slowed down by the lack of models able to faithfully reproduce in vivo cancer physiology. On one hand, the conventional in vitro models fail to recapitulate the organ and tissue structures, the fluid flows, and the mechanical stimuli characterizing the human body compartments. On the other hand, in vivo animal models cannot reproduce the typical human tumor microenvironment, essential to study cancer behavior and progression. This study reviews the cancer-on-chips as one of the most promising tools to model and investigate the tumor microenvironment and metastasis. We also described how cancer-on-chip devices have been developed and implemented to study the most common primary cancers and their metastatic sites. Pros and cons of this technology are then discussed highlighting the future challenges to close the gap between the pre-clinical and clinical studies and accelerate the approval of new anticancer therapies in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Cauli
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy.
- Accelera Srl, Nerviano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michela Anna Polidoro
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Marzorati
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yau A, Jogdand A, Chen Y. Blood-brain-barrier modeling with tissue chips for research applications in space and on Earth. FRONTIERS IN SPACE TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 4:1176943. [PMID: 38915909 PMCID: PMC11195916 DOI: 10.3389/frspt.2023.1176943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Tissue chip technology has revolutionized biomedical applications and the medical science field for the past few decades. Currently, tissue chips are one of the most powerful research tools aiding in in vitro work to accurately predict the outcome of studies when compared to monolayer two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. While 2D cell cultures held prominence for a long time, their lack of biomimicry has resulted in a transition to 3D cell cultures, including tissue chips technology, to overcome the discrepancies often seen in in vitro studies. Due to their wide range of applications, different organ systems have been studied over the years, one of which is the blood brain barrier (BBB) which is discussed in this review. The BBB is an incredible protective unit of the body, keeping out pathogens from entering the brain through vasculature. However, there are some microbes and certain diseases that disrupt the function of this barrier which can lead to detrimental outcomes. Over the past few years, various designs of the BBB have been proposed and modeled to study drug delivery and disease modeling on Earth. More recently, researchers have started to utilize tissue chips in space to study the effects of microgravity on human health. BBB tissue chips in space can be a tool to understand function mechanisms and therapeutics. This review addresses the limitations of monolayer cell culture which could be overcome with utilizing tissue chips technology. Current BBB models on Earth and how they are fabricated as well as what influences the BBB cell culture in tissue chips are discussed. Then, this article reviews how application of these technologies together with incorporating biosensors in space would be beneficial to help in predicting a more accurate physiological response in specific tissue or organ chips. Finally, the current platforms used in space and some solutions to overcome some shortcomings for future BBB tissue chip research are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yupeng Chen
- Nanomedicine Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tong Z, Esser L, Galettis P, Rudd D, Easton CD, Nilghaz A, Peng B, Zhu D, Thissen H, Martin JH, Voelcker NH. Fluoropolymer Functionalization of Organ-on-Chip Platform Increases Detection Sensitivity for Cannabinoids. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:779. [PMID: 37622865 PMCID: PMC10452156 DOI: 10.3390/bios13080779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology is applied across various research areas including organ-on-chip (OOC) systems. The main material used for microfluidics is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a silicone elastomer material that is biocompatible, transparent, and easy to use for OOC systems with well-defined microstructures. However, PDMS-based OOC systems can absorb hydrophobic and small molecules, making it difficult and erroneous to make quantitative analytical assessments for such compounds. In this paper, we explore the use of a synthetic fluoropolymer, poly(4,5-difluoro-2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-dioxole-co-tetrafluoroethylene) (Teflon™ AF 2400), with excellent "non-stick" properties to functionalize OOC systems. Cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), are classes of hydrophobic compounds with a great potential for the treatment of anxiety, depression, pain, and cancer. By using CBD as a testing compound, we examined and systematically quantified CBD absorption into PDMS by means of an LC-MS/MS analysis. In comparison to the unmodified PDMS microchannels, an increase of approximately 30× in the CBD signal was detected with the fluoropolymer surface modification after 3 h of static incubation. Under perfusion conditions, we observed an increase of nearly 15× in the CBD signals from the surface-modified microchannels than from the unmodified microchannels. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that fluoropolymer-modified microchannels are compatible for culturing hCMEC/D3 endothelial cells and for CBD perfusion experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziqiu Tong
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (Z.T.); (D.R.); (A.N.); (B.P.); (D.Z.)
| | - Lars Esser
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (L.E.); (C.D.E.); (H.T.)
| | - Peter Galettis
- Centre for Drug Repurposing & Medicines Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
- Centre Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - David Rudd
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (Z.T.); (D.R.); (A.N.); (B.P.); (D.Z.)
| | - Christopher D. Easton
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (L.E.); (C.D.E.); (H.T.)
| | - Azadeh Nilghaz
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (Z.T.); (D.R.); (A.N.); (B.P.); (D.Z.)
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Pounds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Bo Peng
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (Z.T.); (D.R.); (A.N.); (B.P.); (D.Z.)
- Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Douer Zhu
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (Z.T.); (D.R.); (A.N.); (B.P.); (D.Z.)
| | - Helmut Thissen
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (L.E.); (C.D.E.); (H.T.)
| | - Jennifer H. Martin
- Centre for Drug Repurposing & Medicines Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
- Centre Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Nicolas H. Voelcker
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (Z.T.); (D.R.); (A.N.); (B.P.); (D.Z.)
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
McDuffie D, Alver CG, Suthar B, Helm M, Oliver D, Burgess RA, Barr D, Thomas E, Agarwal A. Acrylic-based culture plate format perfusion device to establish liver endothelial-epithelial interface. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:3106-3119. [PMID: 37313651 PMCID: PMC10351567 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00382e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microphysiological Systems (MPSs) or organs-on-chips, are microfluidic devices used to model human physiology in vitro. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is the most widely used material for organs-on-chips due to its established fabrication methods and biocompatibility properties. However, non-specific binding of small molecules limits PDMS for drug screening applications. Here, we designed a novel acrylic-based MPS to capture the physiological architecture that is observed universally in tissues across the body: the endothelial-epithelial interface (EEI). To reconstruct the EEI biology, we designed a membrane-based chip that features endothelial cells on the underside of the membrane exposed to mechanical shear from the path of media flow, and epithelial cells on the opposite side of the membrane protected from flow, as they are in vivo. We used a liver model with a hepatic progenitor cell line and human umbilical vein endothelial cells to assess the biological efficacy of the MPS. We computationally modeled the physics that govern the function of perfusion through the MPS. Empirically, efficacy was measured by comparing differentiation of the hepatic progenitor cells between the MPS and 2D culture conditions. We demonstrated that the MPS significantly improved hepatocyte differentiation, increased extracellular protein transport, and raised hepatocyte sensitivity to drug treatment. Our results strongly suggest that physiological perfusion has a profound effect on proper hepatocyte function, and the modular chip design motivates opportunities for future study of multi-organ interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis McDuffie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
| | - Charles G Alver
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
| | - Bhumi Suthar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
| | - Madeline Helm
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
| | - David Oliver
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
| | - R Alan Burgess
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - David Barr
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Emmanuel Thomas
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, USA
| | - Ashutosh Agarwal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, USA
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yokoi F, Deguchi S, Takayama K. Organ-on-a-chip models for elucidating the cellular biology of infectious diseases. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023:119504. [PMID: 37245539 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are caused by the invasion of pathogens into a host. To explore the mechanisms of pathogen infections and cellular responses, human models that can accurately recapitulate human pathophysiology are needed. Organ-on-a-chip is a type of advanced in vitro model system that cultures cells in microfluidic devices to replicate physiologically relevant microenvironments such as 3D structures, shear stress, and mechanical stimulation. Recently, organ-on-a-chips have been widely adopted to examine the pathophysiology of infectious diseases in detail. Here, we will summarize recent advances in infectious disease research of visceral organs such as the lung, intestine, liver, and kidneys, using organ-on-a-chips.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuki Yokoi
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Sayaka Deguchi
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo 100-0004, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
A Cataño J, Farthing S, Mascarenhas Z, Lake N, Yarlagadda PKDV, Li Z, Toh YC. A User-Centric 3D-Printed Modular Peristaltic Pump for Microfluidic Perfusion Applications. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:mi14050930. [PMID: 37241553 DOI: 10.3390/mi14050930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology has enabled studies on dynamic physiological conditions as well as being deployed in drug testing applications. A microfluidic pump is an essential component to perform perfusion cell culture in OoC devices. However, it is challenging to have a single pump that can fulfil both the customization function needed to mimic a myriad of physiological flow rates and profiles found in vivo and multiplexing requirements (i.e., low cost, small footprint) for drug testing operations. The advent of 3D printing technology and open-source programmable electronic controllers presents an opportunity to democratize the fabrication of mini-peristaltic pumps suitable for microfluidic applications at a fraction of the cost of commercial microfluidic pumps. However, existing 3D-printed peristaltic pumps have mainly focused on demonstrating the feasibility of using 3D printing to fabricate the structural components of the pump and neglected user experience and customization capability. Here, we present a user-centric programmable 3D-printed mini-peristaltic pump with a compact design and low manufacturing cost (~USD 175) suitable for perfusion OoC culture applications. The pump consists of a user-friendly, wired electronic module that controls the operation of a peristaltic pump module. The peristaltic pump module comprises an air-sealed stepper motor connected to a 3D-printed peristaltic assembly, which can withstand the high-humidity environment of a cell culture incubator. We demonstrated that this pump allows users to either program the electronic module or use different-sized tubing to deliver a wide range of flow rates and flow profiles. The pump also has multiplexing capability as it can accommodate multiple tubing. The performance and user-friendliness of this low-cost, compact pump can be easily deployed for various OoC applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Cataño
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove 4059, Australia
| | - Steven Farthing
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
| | - Zeus Mascarenhas
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
| | - Nathaniel Lake
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
| | - Prasad K D V Yarlagadda
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove 4059, Australia
- School of Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central 4300, Australia
| | - Zhiyong Li
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove 4059, Australia
| | - Yi-Chin Toh
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove 4059, Australia
- Max Planck Queensland Centre (MPQC) for the Materials Science of Extracellular Matrices, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove 4059, Australia
- Centre for Microbiome Research, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mu X, Gerhard-Herman MD, Zhang YS. Building Blood Vessel Chips with Enhanced Physiological Relevance. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 8:2201778. [PMID: 37693798 PMCID: PMC10489284 DOI: 10.1002/admt.202201778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Blood vessel chips are bioengineered microdevices, consisting of biomaterials, human cells, and microstructures, which recapitulate essential vascular structure and physiology and allow a well-controlled microenvironment and spatial-temporal readouts. Blood vessel chips afford promising opportunities to understand molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying a range of vascular diseases. The physiological relevance is key to these blood vessel chips that rely on bioinspired strategies and bioengineering approaches to translate vascular physiology into artificial units. Here, we discuss several critical aspects of vascular physiology, including morphology, material composition, mechanical properties, flow dynamics, and mass transport, which provide essential guidelines and a valuable source of bioinspiration for the rational design of blood vessel chips. We also review state-of-art blood vessel chips that exhibit important physiological features of the vessel and reveal crucial insights into the biological processes and disease pathogenesis, including rare diseases, with notable implications for drug screening and clinical trials. We envision that the advances in biomaterials, biofabrication, and stem cells improve the physiological relevance of blood vessel chips, which, along with the close collaborations between clinicians and bioengineers, enable their widespread utility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Mu
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Marie Denise Gerhard-Herman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Xiang X, Wang X, Shang Y, Ding Y. Microfluidic intestine-on-a-chip: Current progress and further perspectives of probiotic-foodborne pathogen interactions. Trends Food Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
|
19
|
Wang Y, Gao Y, Pan Y, Zhou D, Liu Y, Yin Y, Yang J, Wang Y, Song Y. Emerging trends in organ-on-a-chip systems for drug screening. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
|
20
|
Nolan J, Pearce OMT, Screen HRC, Knight MM, Verbruggen SW. Organ-on-a-Chip and Microfluidic Platforms for Oncology in the UK. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:635. [PMID: 36765593 PMCID: PMC9913518 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-chip systems are capable of replicating complex tissue structures and physiological phenomena. The fine control of biochemical and biomechanical cues within these microphysiological systems provides opportunities for cancer researchers to build complex models of the tumour microenvironment. Interest in applying organ chips to investigate mechanisms such as metastatsis and to test therapeutics has grown rapidly, and this review draws together the published research using these microfluidic platforms to study cancer. We focus on both in-house systems and commercial platforms being used in the UK for fundamental discovery science and therapeutics testing. We cover the wide variety of cancers being investigated, ranging from common carcinomas to rare sarcomas, as well as secondary cancers. We also cover the broad sweep of different matrix microenvironments, physiological mechanical stimuli and immunological effects being replicated in these models. We examine microfluidic models specifically, rather than organoids or complex tissue or cell co-cultures, which have been reviewed elsewhere. However, there is increasing interest in incorporating organoids, spheroids and other tissue cultures into microfluidic organ chips and this overlap is included. Our review includes a commentary on cancer organ-chip models being developed and used in the UK, including work conducted by members of the UK Organ-on-a-Chip Technologies Network. We conclude with a reflection on the likely future of this rapidly expanding field of oncological research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Nolan
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive In Vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Barts Cancer Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UK
| | - Oliver M. T. Pearce
- Barts Cancer Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UK
| | - Hazel R. C. Screen
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive In Vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Martin M. Knight
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive In Vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Stefaan W. Verbruggen
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive In Vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hrynevich A, Li Y, Cedillo-Servin G, Malda J, Castilho M. (Bio)fabrication of microfluidic devices and organs-on-a-chip. 3D Print Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-89831-7.00001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
|
22
|
Abdelkarim M, Perez-Davalos L, Abdelkader Y, Abostait A, Labouta HI. Critical design parameters to develop biomimetic organ-on-a-chip models for the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of nanoparticles. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:13-30. [PMID: 36440475 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2152000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) models are based on microfluidics and can recapitulate the healthy and diseased microstructure of organs1 and tissues and the dynamic microenvironment inside the human body. However, the use of OOC models to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) is still in the early stages. AREAS COVERED The different design parameters of the microfluidic chip and the mechanical forces generated by fluid flow play a pivotal role in simulating the human environment. This review discusses the role of different key parameters on the performance of OOC models. These include the flow pattern, flow rate, shear stress (magnitude, rate, and distribution), viscosity of the media, and the microchannel dimensions and shape. We also discuss how the shear stress and other mechanical forces affect the transport of NPs across biological barriers, cell uptake, and their biocompatibility. EXPERT OPINION We describe several good practices and design parameters to consider for future OOC research. We submit that following these recommendations will help realize the full potential of the OOC models in the preclinical evaluation of novel therapies, including NPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Abdelkarim
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, R3T 5V6, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Luis Perez-Davalos
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yasmin Abdelkader
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, 12622, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amr Abostait
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Hagar I Labouta
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, R3T 5V6, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, R3E 3P4, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, 21521, Alexandria, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Emerging biomaterials and technologies to control stem cell fate and patterning in engineered 3D tissues and organoids. Biointerphases 2022; 17:060801. [DOI: 10.1116/6.0002034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to create complex three-dimensional cellular models that can effectively replicate the structure and function of human organs and tissues in vitro has the potential to revolutionize medicine. Such models could facilitate the interrogation of developmental and disease processes underpinning fundamental discovery science, vastly accelerate drug development and screening, or even be used to create tissues for implantation into the body. Realization of this potential, however, requires the recreation of complex biochemical, biophysical, and cellular patterns of 3D tissues and remains a key challenge in the field. Recent advances are being driven by improved knowledge of tissue morphogenesis and architecture and technological developments in bioengineering and materials science that can create the multidimensional and dynamic systems required to produce complex tissue microenvironments. In this article, we discuss challenges for in vitro models of tissues and organs and summarize the current state-of-the art in biomaterials and bioengineered systems that aim to address these challenges. This includes both top-down technologies, such as 3D photopatterning, magnetism, acoustic forces, and cell origami, as well as bottom-up patterning using 3D bioprinting, microfluidics, cell sheet technology, or composite scaffolds. We illustrate the varying ways that these can be applied to suit the needs of different tissues and applications by focussing on specific examples of patterning the bone-tendon interface, kidney organoids, and brain cancer models. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future prospects in applying materials science and bioengineering to develop high-quality 3D tissue structures for in vitro studies.
Collapse
|
24
|
Niu D, Zhang Y, Chen J, Li D, He C, Liu H. Mechanobiology Platform Realized Using Photomechanical Mxene Nanocomposites: Bilayer Photoactuator Design and In Vitro Mechanical Forces Stimulation. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:6869. [PMID: 36234210 PMCID: PMC9570783 DOI: 10.3390/ma15196869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction is the process by which cells convert external forces and physical constraints into biochemical signals that control several aspects of cellular behavior. A number of approaches have been proposed to investigate the mechanisms of mechanotransduction; however, it remains a great challenge to develop a platform for dynamic multivariate mechanical stimulation of single cells and small colonies of cells. In this study, we combined polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and PDMS/Mxene nanoplatelets (MNPs) to construct a soft bilayer nanocomposite for extracellular mechanical stimulation. Fast backlash actuation of the bilayer as a result of near-infrared irradiation caused mechanical force stimulation of cells in a controllable manner. The excellent controllability of the light intensity and frequency allowed backlash bending acceleration and frequency to be manipulated. As gastric gland carcinoma cell line MKN-45 was the research subject, mechanical force loading conditions could trigger apoptosis of the cells in a stimulation duration time-dependent manner. Cell apoptotic rates were positively related to the duration time. In the case of 6 min mechanical force loading, apoptotic cell percentage rose to 34.46% from 5.5% of the control. This approach helps apply extracellular mechanical forces, even with predesigned loading cycles, and provides a solution to study cell mechanotransduction in complex force conditions. It is also a promising therapeutic technique for combining physical therapy and biomechanics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Niu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research on High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, Medical College, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang 712082, China
| | - Jinlan Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Dachao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Chunmeng He
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Hongzhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- The Joint Key Laboratory of Graphene, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hiratsuka K, Miyoshi T, Kroll KT, Gupta NR, Valerius MT, Ferrante T, Yamashita M, Lewis JA, Morizane R. Organoid-on-a-chip model of human ARPKD reveals mechanosensing pathomechanisms for drug discovery. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq0866. [PMID: 36129975 PMCID: PMC9491724 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq0866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Organoids serve as a novel tool for disease modeling in three-dimensional multicellular contexts. Static organoids, however, lack the requisite biophysical microenvironment such as fluid flow, limiting their ability to faithfully recapitulate disease pathology. Here, we unite organoids with organ-on-a-chip technology to unravel disease pathology and develop therapies for autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. PKHD1-mutant organoids-on-a-chip are subjected to flow that induces clinically relevant phenotypes of distal nephron dilatation. Transcriptomics discover 229 signal pathways that are not identified by static models. Mechanosensing molecules, RAC1 and FOS, are identified as potential therapeutic targets and validated by patient kidney samples. On the basis of this insight, we tested two U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved and one investigational new drugs that target RAC1 and FOS in our organoid-on-a-chip model, which suppressed cyst formation. Our observations highlight the vast potential of organoid-on-a-chip models to elucidate complex disease mechanisms for therapeutic testing and discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Hiratsuka
- Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tomoya Miyoshi
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katharina T. Kroll
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Navin R. Gupta
- Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - M. Todd Valerius
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Thomas Ferrante
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michifumi Yamashita
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Lewis
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ryuji Morizane
- Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI), Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Harnessing conserved signaling and metabolic pathways to enhance the maturation of functional engineered tissues. NPJ Regen Med 2022; 7:44. [PMID: 36057642 PMCID: PMC9440900 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00246-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of induced-pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell types offers promise for basic science, drug testing, disease modeling, personalized medicine, and translatable cell therapies across many tissue types. However, in practice many iPSC-derived cells have presented as immature in physiological function, and despite efforts to recapitulate adult maturity, most have yet to meet the necessary benchmarks for the intended tissues. Here, we summarize the available state of knowledge surrounding the physiological mechanisms underlying cell maturation in several key tissues. Common signaling consolidators, as well as potential synergies between critical signaling pathways are explored. Finally, current practices in physiologically relevant tissue engineering and experimental design are critically examined, with the goal of integrating greater decision paradigms and frameworks towards achieving efficient maturation strategies, which in turn may produce higher-valued iPSC-derived tissues.
Collapse
|
27
|
McKinley JP, Montes AR, Wang MN, Kamath AR, Jimenez G, Lim J, Marathe SA, Mofrad MRK, O’Connell GD. Design of a flexing organ-chip to model in situ loading of the intervertebral disc. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:054111. [PMID: 36330201 PMCID: PMC9625834 DOI: 10.1063/5.0103141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The leading cause of disability of all ages worldwide is severe lower back pain. To address this untreated epidemic, further investigation is needed into the leading cause of back pain, intervertebral disc degeneration. In particular, microphysiological systems modeling critical tissues in a degenerative disc, like the annulus fibrosus (AF), are needed to investigate the effects of complex multiaxial strains on AF cells. By replicating these mechanobiological effects unique to the AF that are not yet understood, we can advance therapies for early-stage degeneration at the cellular level. To this end, we designed, fabricated, and collected proof-of-concept data for a novel microphysiological device called the flexing annulus-on-a-chip (AoC). We used computational models and experimental measurements to characterize the device's ability to mimic complex physiologically relevant strains. As a result, these strains proved to be controllable, multi-directional, and uniformly distributed with magnitudes ranging from - 10 % to 12% in the axial, radial, and circumferential directions, which differ greatly from applied strains possible in uniaxial devices. Furthermore, after withstanding accelerated life testing (66 K cycles of 10% strain) and maintaining 2000 bovine AF cells without loading for more than three weeks the AoC proved capable of long-term cell culture. Additionally, after strain (3.5% strain for 75 cycles at 0.5 Hz) was applied to a monolayer of AF cells in the AoC, a population remained adhered to the channel with spread morphology. The AoC can also be tailored for other annular structures in the body such as cardiovascular vessels, lymphatic vessels, and the cervix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P. McKinley
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Andre R. Montes
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Maple N. Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Anuya R. Kamath
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Gissell Jimenez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Jianhua Lim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Siddharth A. Marathe
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Mohammad R. K. Mofrad
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Grace D. O’Connell
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
de Graaf MNS, Vivas A, van der Meer AD, Mummery CL, Orlova VV. Pressure-Driven Perfusion System to Control, Multiplex and Recirculate Cell Culture Medium for Organs-on-Chips. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13081359. [PMID: 36014281 PMCID: PMC9416133 DOI: 10.3390/mi13081359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Organ-on-chip (OoC) devices are increasingly used to mimic the tissue microenvironment of cells in intact organs. This includes microchannels to mimic, for example, fluidic flow through blood vessels. Present methods for controlling microfluidic flow in these systems rely on gravity, rocker systems or external pressure pumps. For many purposes, pressure pumps give the most consistent flow profiles, but they are not well-suited for high throughput as might be required for testing drug responses. Here, we describe a method which allows for multiplexing of microfluidic channels in OoC devices plus the accompanying custom software necessary to run the system. Moreover, we show the approach is also suitable for recirculation of culture medium, an essential cost consideration when expensive culture reagents are used and are not "spent" through uptake by the cells during transient unidirectional flow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mees N. S. de Graaf
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Aisen Vivas
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Center for Nanotechnology, Technical Medical Centre, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Andries D. van der Meer
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Christine L. Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Valeria V. Orlova
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yan J, Li Z, Guo J, Liu S, Guo J. Organ-on-a-chip: A new tool for in vitro research. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 216:114626. [PMID: 35969963 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip (OOC, organ chip) technology can closely simulate the human microenvironment, synthesize organ-like functional units on a fluidic chip substrate, and simulate the physiology of tissues and organs. It will become an increasingly important platform for in vitro drug development and screening. Most importantly, organ-on-a-chip technology, incorporating 3D cell cultures, overcomes the traditional drawbacks of 2D (flat) cell-culture technology in vitro and in vivo animal trials, neither of which generate completely reliable results when it comes to the actual human subject. It is expected that organ chips will allow huge reductions in the incidence of failure in late-stage human trials, thus slashing the cost of drug development and speeding up the introduction of drugs that are effective. There have been three key enabling technologies that have made organ chip technology possible: 3D bioprinting, fluidic chips, and 3D cell culture, of which the last has allowed cells to be cultivated under more physiologically realistic growth conditions than 2D culture. The fusion of these advanced technologies and the addition of new research methods and algorithms has enabled the construction of chip types with different structures and different uses, providing a wide range of controllable microenvironments, both for research at the cellular level and for more reliable analysis of the action of drugs on the human body. This paper summarizes some research progress of organ-on-a-chip in recent years, outlines the key technologies used and the achievements in drug screening, and makes some suggestions concerning the current challenges and future development of organ-on-a-chip technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Yan
- The M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, The College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, #1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziwei Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fuling Central Hospital of Chongqing City, Chongqing, 408008, China
| | - Jiuchuan Guo
- The M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, The College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, #1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Shan Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Jinhong Guo
- The M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, The College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, #1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Milani N, Parrott N, Ortiz Franyuti D, Godoy P, Galetin A, Gertz M, Fowler S. Application of a gut-liver-on-a-chip device and mechanistic modelling to the quantitative in vitro pharmacokinetic study of mycophenolate mofetil. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:2853-2868. [PMID: 35833849 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00276k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS) consisting of multiple linked organ-on-a-chip (OoC) components are highly promising tools with potential to provide more relevant in vitro to in vivo translation of drug disposition, efficacy and toxicity. A gut-liver OoC system was employed with Caco2 cells in co-culture with HT29 cells in the intestinal compartment and single donor primary hepatocytes in the hepatic compartment for the investigation of intestinal permeability, metabolism (intestinal and hepatic) and potential interplay of those processes. The prodrug mycophenolate mofetil was tested for quantitative evaluation of the gut-liver OoC due to the contribution of both gut and liver in its metabolism. Conversion of mycophenolate mofetil to active drug mycophenolic acid and further metabolism to a glucuronide metabolite was assessed over time in the gut apical, gut basolateral and liver compartments. Mechanistic modelling of experimental data was performed to estimate clearance and permeability parameters for the prodrug, active drug and glucuronide metabolite. Integration of gut-liver OoC data with in silico modelling allowed investigation of the complex combination of intestinal and hepatic processes, which is not possible with standard single tissue in vitro systems. A comprehensive evaluation of the mechanistic model, including structural model and parameter identifiability and global sensitivity analysis, enabled a robust experimental design and estimation of in vitro pharmacokinetic parameters. We propose that similar methodologies may be applied to other multi-organ microphysiological systems used for drug metabolism studies or wherever quantitative knowledge of changing drug concentration with time enables better understanding of biological effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicoló Milani
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
- Centre for Applied Pharmacokinetic Research, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Neil Parrott
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Daniela Ortiz Franyuti
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Patricio Godoy
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Aleksandra Galetin
- Centre for Applied Pharmacokinetic Research, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Michael Gertz
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Stephen Fowler
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Modeling an Optimal 3D Skin-on-Chip within Microfluidic Devices for Pharmacological Studies. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071417. [PMID: 35890312 PMCID: PMC9316928 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical research remains hampered by an inadequate representation of human tissue environments which results in inaccurate predictions of a drug candidate’s effects and target’s suitability. While human 2D and 3D cell cultures and organoids have been extensively improved to mimic the precise structure and function of human tissues, major challenges persist since only few of these models adequately represent the complexity of human tissues. The development of skin-on-chip technology has allowed the transition from static 3D cultures to dynamic 3D cultures resembling human physiology. The integration of vasculature, immune system, or the resident microbiome in the next generation of SoC, with continuous detection of changes in metabolism, would potentially overcome the current limitations, providing reliable and robust results and mimicking the complex human skin. This review aims to provide an overview of the biological skin constituents and mechanical requirements that should be incorporated in a human skin-on-chip, permitting pharmacological, toxicological, and cosmetic tests closer to reality.
Collapse
|
32
|
Mechanical Forces Govern Interactions of Host Cells with Intracellular Bacterial Pathogens. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2022; 86:e0009420. [PMID: 35285720 PMCID: PMC9199418 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00094-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To combat infectious diseases, it is important to understand how host cells interact with bacterial pathogens. Signals conveyed from pathogen to host, and vice versa, may be either chemical or mechanical. While the molecular and biochemical basis of host-pathogen interactions has been extensively explored, relatively less is known about mechanical signals and responses in the context of those interactions. Nevertheless, a wide variety of bacterial pathogens appear to have developed mechanisms to alter the cellular biomechanics of their hosts in order to promote their survival and dissemination, and in turn many host responses to infection rely on mechanical alterations in host cells and tissues to limit the spread of infection. In this review, we present recent findings on how mechanical forces generated by host cells can promote or obstruct the dissemination of intracellular bacterial pathogens. In addition, we discuss how in vivo extracellular mechanical signals influence interactions between host cells and intracellular bacterial pathogens. Examples of such signals include shear stresses caused by fluid flow over the surface of cells and variable stiffness of the extracellular matrix on which cells are anchored. We highlight bioengineering-inspired tools and techniques that can be used to measure host cell mechanics during infection. These allow for the interrogation of how mechanical signals can modulate infection alongside biochemical signals. We hope that this review will inspire the microbiology community to embrace those tools in future studies so that host cell biomechanics can be more readily explored in the context of infection studies.
Collapse
|
33
|
Filippi M, Buchner T, Yasa O, Weirich S, Katzschmann RK. Microfluidic Tissue Engineering and Bio-Actuation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2108427. [PMID: 35194852 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202108427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bio-hybrid technologies aim to replicate the unique capabilities of biological systems that could surpass advanced artificial technologies. Soft bio-hybrid robots consist of synthetic and living materials and have the potential to self-assemble, regenerate, work autonomously, and interact safely with other species and the environment. Cells require a sufficient exchange of nutrients and gases, which is guaranteed by convection and diffusive transport through liquid media. The functional development and long-term survival of biological tissues in vitro can be improved by dynamic flow culture, but only microfluidic flow control can develop tissue with fine structuring and regulation at the microscale. Full control of tissue growth at the microscale will eventually lead to functional macroscale constructs, which are needed as the biological component of soft bio-hybrid technologies. This review summarizes recent progress in microfluidic techniques to engineer biological tissues, focusing on the use of muscle cells for robotic bio-actuation. Moreover, the instances in which bio-actuation technologies greatly benefit from fusion with microfluidics are highlighted, which include: the microfabrication of matrices, biomimicry of cell microenvironments, tissue maturation, perfusion, and vascularization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Filippi
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Buchner
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Oncay Yasa
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Weirich
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Robert K Katzschmann
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Perfusion in Organ-on-Chip Models and Its Applicability to the Replication of Spermatogenesis In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105402. [PMID: 35628214 PMCID: PMC9141186 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ/organoid-on-a-chip (OoC) technologies aim to replicate aspects of the in vivo environment in vitro, at the scale of microns. Mimicking the spatial in vivo structure is important and can provide a deeper understanding of the cell–cell interactions and the mechanisms that lead to normal/abnormal function of a given organ. It is also important for disease models and drug/toxin testing. Incorporating active fluid flow in chip models enables many more possibilities. Active flow can provide physical cues, improve intercellular communication, and allow for the dynamic control of the environment, by enabling the efficient introduction of biological factors, drugs, or toxins. All of this is in addition to the fundamental role of flow in supplying nutrition and removing waste metabolites. This review presents an overview of the different types of fluid flow and how they are incorporated in various OoC models. The review then describes various methods and techniques of incorporating perfusion networks into OoC models, including self-assembly, bioprinting techniques, and utilizing sacrificial gels. The second part of the review focuses on the replication of spermatogenesis in vitro; the complex process whereby spermatogonial stem cells differentiate into mature sperm. A general overview is given of the various approaches that have been used. The few studies that incorporated microfluidics or vasculature are also described. Finally, a future perspective is given on elements from perfusion-based models that are currently used in models of other organs and can be applied to the field of in vitro spermatogenesis. For example, adopting tubular blood vessel models to mimic the morphology of the seminiferous tubules and incorporating vasculature in testis-on-a-chip models. Improving these models would improve our understanding of the process of spermatogenesis. It may also potentially provide novel therapeutic strategies for pre-pubertal cancer patients who need aggressive chemotherapy that can render them sterile, as well asfor a subset of non-obstructive azoospermic patients with maturation arrest, whose testes do not produce sperm but still contain some of the progenitor cells.
Collapse
|
35
|
Lai WH, Mu H, Lu Y, Chen H, Wen JW, Wu HJ, Cheng CM, Huang J. Dual-cell culture system with identical culture environment for comparison of anti-cancer drug toxicity. Chem Eng Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2022.117555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
36
|
Monteiro MV, Zhang YS, Gaspar VM, Mano JF. 3D-bioprinted cancer-on-a-chip: level-up organotypic in vitro models. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:432-447. [PMID: 34556340 PMCID: PMC8916962 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Combinatorial conjugation of organ-on-a-chip platforms with additive manufacturing technologies is rapidly emerging as a disruptive approach for upgrading cancer-on-a-chip systems towards anatomic-sized dynamic in vitro models. This valuable technological synergy has potential for giving rise to truly physiomimetic 3D models that better emulate tumor microenvironment elements, bioarchitecture, and response to multidimensional flow dynamics. Herein, we showcase the most recent advances in bioengineering 3D-bioprinted cancer-on-a-chip platforms and provide a comprehensive discussion on design guidelines and possibilities for high-throughput analysis. Such hybrid platforms represent a new generation of highly sophisticated 3D tumor models with improved biomimicry and predictability of therapeutics performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Monteiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Vítor M Gaspar
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wang Y, Kanagaraj NK, Pylatiuk C, Mikut R, Peravali R, Reischl M. High-Throughput Data Acquisition Platform for Multi-Larvae Touch-Response Behavior Screening of Zebrafish*. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2021.3134281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
38
|
Zoio P, Oliva A. Skin-on-a-Chip Technology: Microengineering Physiologically Relevant In Vitro Skin Models. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030682. [PMID: 35336056 PMCID: PMC8955316 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The increased demand for physiologically relevant in vitro human skin models for testing pharmaceutical drugs has led to significant advancements in skin engineering. One of the most promising approaches is the use of in vitro microfluidic systems to generate advanced skin models, commonly known as skin-on-a-chip (SoC) devices. These devices allow the simulation of key mechanical, functional and structural features of the human skin, better mimicking the native microenvironment. Importantly, contrary to conventional cell culture techniques, SoC devices can perfuse the skin tissue, either by the inclusion of perfusable lumens or by the use of microfluidic channels acting as engineered vasculature. Moreover, integrating sensors on the SoC device allows real-time, non-destructive monitoring of skin function and the effect of topically and systemically applied drugs. In this Review, the major challenges and key prerequisites for the creation of physiologically relevant SoC devices for drug testing are considered. Technical (e.g., SoC fabrication and sensor integration) and biological (e.g., cell sourcing and scaffold materials) aspects are discussed. Recent advancements in SoC devices are here presented, and their main achievements and drawbacks are compared and discussed. Finally, this review highlights the current challenges that need to be overcome for the clinical translation of SoC devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Zoio
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica (ITQB), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República, Estação Agronómica Nacional, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
| | - Abel Oliva
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica (ITQB), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República, Estação Agronómica Nacional, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (IBET), 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Microfluidic Organ-on-a-Chip Devices for Liver Disease Modeling In Vitro. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13030428. [PMID: 35334720 PMCID: PMC8950395 DOI: 10.3390/mi13030428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mortality from liver disease conditions continues to be very high. As liver diseases manifest and progress silently, prompt measures after diagnosis are essential in the treatment of these conditions. Microfluidic organs-on-chip platforms have significant potential for the study of the pathophysiology of liver diseases in vitro. Different liver-on-a-chip microphysiological platforms have been reported to study cell-signaling pathways such as those activating stellate cells within liver diseases. Moreover, the drug efficacy for liver conditions might be evaluated on a cellular metabolic level. Here, we present a comprehensive review of microphysiological platforms used for modelling liver diseases. First, we briefly introduce the concept and importance of organs-on-a-chip in studying liver diseases in vitro, reflecting on existing reviews of healthy liver-on-a-chip platforms. Second, the techniques of cell cultures used in the microfluidic devices, including 2D, 3D, and spheroid cells, are explained. Next, the types of liver diseases (NAFLD, ALD, hepatitis infections, and drug injury) on-chip are explained for a further comprehensive overview of the design and methods of developing liver diseases in vitro. Finally, some challenges in design and existing solutions to them are reviewed
Collapse
|
40
|
Ogundipe V, Plukker J, Links T, Coppes R. Thyroid Gland Organoids: Current models and insights for application in tissue engineering. Tissue Eng Part A 2022; 28:500-510. [PMID: 35262402 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2021.0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of treatment of thyroid disease and consequential hypothyroidism has been increasing over the past few years. To maintain adequate thyroid hormone levels, these patients require daily supplementation with levothyroxine (L-T4) for the rest of their lives. However, a large part of these patients experiences difficulties due to the medication, which causes a decrease in their quality of life. Regenerative medicine through tissue engineering could provide a potential therapy by establishing tissue engineering models, such as those employing thyroid-derived organoids. The development of such treatment options may replace the need for additional hormonal replacement therapy. This review aims to highlight the current knowledge on thyroid regenerative medicine using organoids for tissue engineering, and to discuss insights into potential methods to optimize thyroid engineering culture systems. Finally, we will describe several challenges faced when utilising these models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Ogundipe
- University Medical Centre Groningen, 10173, Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands;
| | - John Plukker
- University Medical Centre Groningen, 10173, Surgical Oncology, Groningen, Netherlands;
| | - Thera Links
- University Medical Centre Groningen, 10173, Endocrinology, Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands;
| | - Rob Coppes
- University Medical Centre Groningen, 10173, Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Sytems, Groningen, Netherlands;
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Özkayar G, Lötters JC, Tichem M, Ghatkesar MK. Toward a modular, integrated, miniaturized, and portable microfluidic flow control architecture for organs-on-chips applications. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:021302. [PMID: 35464136 PMCID: PMC9018096 DOI: 10.1063/5.0074156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic organs-on-chips (OoCs) technology has emerged as the trend for in vitro functional modeling of organs in recent years. Simplifying the complexities of the human organs under controlled perfusion of required fluids paves the way for accurate prediction of human organ functionalities and their response to interventions like exposure to drugs. However, in the state-of-the-art OoC, the existing methods to control fluids use external bulky peripheral components and systems much larger than the chips used in experiments. A new generation of compact microfluidic flow control systems is needed to overcome this challenge. This study first presents a structured classification of OoC devices according to their types and microfluidic complexities. Next, we suggest three fundamental fluid flow control mechanisms and define component configurations for different levels of OoC complexity for each respective mechanism. Finally, we propose an architecture integrating modular microfluidic flow control components and OoC devices on a single platform. We emphasize the need for miniaturization of flow control components to achieve portability, minimize sample usage, minimize dead volume, improve the flowing time of fluids to the OoC cell chamber, and enable long-duration experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gürhan Özkayar
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marcel Tichem
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Murali K. Ghatkesar
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Fibroblast Derived Skin Wound Healing Modeling on Chip under the Influence of Micro-Capillary Shear Stress. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020305. [PMID: 35208429 PMCID: PMC8876720 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast cell migration plays a crucial role in the wound-healing process. Hence, its quantitative investigation is important to understand the mechanism of the wound-healing process. The dynamic nature of the wound-healing process can be easily implemented using a microfluidic-based wound-healing assay. This work presented the use of a microfluidics device to simulate traumatic wounds on fibroblast cell monolayers by utilizing trypsin flow and PDMS barrier. In this study, a microfluidic chip with a transparent silk film is reported. The placement of film provides 3D cell culture conditions that mimic a 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) like environment and allows real-time monitoring of cells. A numerical study was conducted to evaluate the influence of dynamic medium-induced shear stress on the base and wall of the microchannel. This could facilitate the optimization of the inlet flow conditions of the media in the channel. At the same time, it could help in identifying stress spots in the channel. The scaffolds were placed in those spots for evaluating the influence of shear forces on the migratory behavior of fibroblast cells. The in vitro microfluidic assembly was then evaluated for cell migration under the influence of external shear forces during the wound-healing phenomena. A faster wound healing was obtained at the end of 24 h of the creation of the wound in the presence of optimal shear stress. On increasing the shear stress beyond a threshold limit, it dissociates fibroblast cells from the surface of the substrate, thereby decelerating the wound-healing process. The above phenomena were transformed in both coplanar microfluidics surfaces (by realizing in the multichannel interlinked model) and transitional microfluidics channels (by realizing in the sandwich model).
Collapse
|
43
|
Implementing organ-on-chip in a next-generation risk assessment of chemicals: a review. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:711-741. [PMID: 35103818 PMCID: PMC8850248 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03234-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Organ-on-chip (OoC) technology is full of engineering and biological challenges, but it has the potential to revolutionize the Next-Generation Risk Assessment of novel ingredients for consumer products and chemicals. A successful incorporation of OoC technology into the Next-Generation Risk Assessment toolbox depends on the robustness of the microfluidic devices and the organ tissue models used. Recent advances in standardized device manufacturing, organ tissue cultivation and growth protocols offer the ability to bridge the gaps towards the implementation of organ-on-chip technology. Next-Generation Risk Assessment is an exposure-led and hypothesis-driven tiered approach to risk assessment using detailed human exposure information and the application of appropriate new (non-animal) toxicological testing approaches. Organ-on-chip presents a promising in vitro approach by combining human cell culturing with dynamic microfluidics to improve physiological emulation. Here, we critically review commercial organ-on-chip devices, as well as recent tissue culture model studies of the skin, intestinal barrier and liver as the main metabolic organ to be used on-chip for Next-Generation Risk Assessment. Finally, microfluidically linked tissue combinations such as skin-liver and intestine-liver in organ-on-chip devices are reviewed as they form a relevant aspect for advancing toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic studies. We point to recent achievements and challenges to overcome, to advance non-animal, human-relevant safety studies.
Collapse
|
44
|
From organ-on-chip to body-on-chip: The next generation of microfluidics platforms for in vitro drug efficacy and toxicity testing. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 187:41-91. [PMID: 35094781 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The high failure rate in drug development is often attributed to the lack of accurate pre-clinical models that may lead to false discoveries and inconclusive data when the compounds are eventually tested in clinical phase. With the evolution of cell culture technologies, drug testing systems have widely improved, and today, with the emergence of microfluidics devices, drug screening seems to be at the dawn of an important revolution. An organ-on-chip allows the culture of living cells in continuously perfused microchambers to reproduce physiological functions of a particular tissue or organ. The advantages of such systems are not only their ability to recapitulate the complex biochemical interactions between different human cell types but also to incorporate physical forces, including shear stress and mechanical stretching or compression. To improve this model, and to reproduce the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination process of an exogenous compound, organ-on-chips can even be linked fluidically to mimic physiological interactions between different organs, leading to the development of body-on-chips. Although these technologies are still at a young age and need to address a certain number of limitations, they already demonstrated their relevance to study the effect of drugs or toxins on organs, displaying a similar response to what is observed in vivo. The purpose of this review is to present the evolution from organ-on-chip to body-on-chip, examine their current use for drug testing and discuss their advantages and future challenges they will face in order to become an essential pillar of pharmaceutical research.
Collapse
|
45
|
Joint-on-chip platforms: entering a new era of in vitro models for arthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:217-231. [DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00736-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
46
|
Arjmand B, Kokabi Hamidpour S, Rabbani Z, Tayanloo-Beik A, Rahim F, Aghayan HR, Larijani B. Organ on a Chip: A Novel in vitro Biomimetic Strategy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Modeling. Front Neurol 2022; 12:788462. [PMID: 35111126 PMCID: PMC8802668 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.788462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a pernicious neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with the progressive degeneration of motor neurons, the disruption of impulse transmission from motor neurons to muscle cells, and the development of mobility impairments. Clinically, muscle paralysis can spread to other parts of the body. Hence it may have adverse effects on swallowing, speaking, and even breathing, which serves as major problems facing these patients. According to the available evidence, no definite treatment has been found for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that results in a significant outcome, although some pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are currently applied that are accompanied by some positive effects. In other words, available therapies are only used to relieve symptoms without any significant treatment effects that highlight the importance of seeking more novel therapies. Unfortunately, the process of discovering new drugs with high therapeutic potential for ALS treatment is fraught with challenges. The lack of a broad view of the disease process from early to late-stage and insufficiency of preclinical studies for providing validated results prior to conducting clinical trials are other reasons for the ALS drug discovery failure. However, increasing the combined application of different fields of regenerative medicine, especially tissue engineering and stem cell therapy can be considered as a step forward to develop more novel technologies. For instance, organ on a chip is one of these technologies that can provide a platform to promote a comprehensive understanding of neuromuscular junction biology and screen candidate drugs for ALS in combination with pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). The structure of this technology is based on the use of essential components such as iPSC- derived motor neurons and iPSC-derived skeletal muscle cells on a single miniaturized chip for ALS modeling. Accordingly, an organ on a chip not only can mimic ALS complexities but also can be considered as a more cost-effective and time-saving disease modeling platform in comparison with others. Hence, it can be concluded that lab on a chip can make a major contribution as a biomimetic micro-physiological system in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Babak Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Babak Arjmand
| | - Shayesteh Kokabi Hamidpour
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rabbani
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Tayanloo-Beik
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fakher Rahim
- Health Research Institute, Thalassemia, and Hemoglobinopathies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Aghayan
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Bagher Larijani
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Prince E, Kheiri S, Wang Y, Xu F, Cruickshank J, Topolskaia V, Tao H, Young EWK, McGuigan AP, Cescon DW, Kumacheva E. Microfluidic Arrays of Breast Tumor Spheroids for Drug Screening and Personalized Cancer Therapies. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101085. [PMID: 34636180 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
One of the obstacles limiting progress in the development of effective cancer therapies is the shortage of preclinical models that capture the dynamic nature of tumor microenvironments. Interstitial flow strongly impacts tumor response to chemotherapy; however, conventional in vitro cancer models largely disregard this key feature. Here, a proof of principle microfluidic platform for the generation of large arrays of breast tumor spheroids that are grown under close-to-physiological flow in a biomimetic hydrogel is reported. This cancer spheroids-on-a-chip model is used for time- and labor-efficient studies of the effects of drug dose and supply rate on the chemosensitivity of breast tumor spheroids. The capability to grow large arrays of tumor spheroids from patient-derived cells of different breast cancer subtypes is shown, and the correlation between in vivo drug efficacy and on-chip spheroid drug response is demonstrated. The proposed platform can serve as an in vitro preclinical model for the development of personalized cancer therapies and effective screening of new anticancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Prince
- Department of Chemistry University of Toronto 80 St. George St Toronto Ontario M5P 2Y2 Canada
| | - Sina Kheiri
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering University of Toronto 5 King's College Circle Toronto Ontario M5S 3G8 Canada
| | - Yihe Wang
- Department of Chemistry University of Toronto 80 St. George St Toronto Ontario M5P 2Y2 Canada
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Chemistry University of Toronto 80 St. George St Toronto Ontario M5P 2Y2 Canada
| | - Jennifer Cruickshank
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre University Health Network 610 University Ave Toronto Ontario M5G 2C1 Canada
| | - Valentina Topolskaia
- Department of Chemistry University of Toronto 80 St. George St Toronto Ontario M5P 2Y2 Canada
| | - Huachen Tao
- Department of Chemistry University of Toronto 80 St. George St Toronto Ontario M5P 2Y2 Canada
| | - Edmond W. K. Young
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering University of Toronto 5 King's College Circle Toronto Ontario M5S 3G8 Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto 164 College St Toronto Ontario M5S 3G9 Canada
| | - Alison. P. McGuigan
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto 164 College St Toronto Ontario M5S 3G9 Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry University of Toronto 200 College St Toronto Ontario M5S 3E5 Canada
| | - David W. Cescon
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre University Health Network 610 University Ave Toronto Ontario M5G 2C1 Canada
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry University of Toronto 80 St. George St Toronto Ontario M5P 2Y2 Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto 164 College St Toronto Ontario M5S 3G9 Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry University of Toronto 200 College St Toronto Ontario M5S 3E5 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Tandon I, Ozkizilcik A, Ravishankar P, Balachandran K. Aortic valve cell microenvironment: Considerations for developing a valve-on-chip. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2021; 2:041303. [PMID: 38504720 PMCID: PMC10903420 DOI: 10.1063/5.0063608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac valves are sophisticated, dynamic structures residing in a complex mechanical and hemodynamic environment. Cardiac valve disease is an active and progressive disease resulting in severe socioeconomic burden, especially in the elderly. Valve disease also leads to a 50% increase in the possibility of associated cardiovascular events. Yet, valve replacement remains the standard of treatment with early detection, mitigation, and alternate therapeutic strategies still lacking. Effective study models are required to further elucidate disease mechanisms and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Organ-on-chip models offer a unique and powerful environment that incorporates the ease and reproducibility of in vitro systems along with the complexity and physiological recapitulation of the in vivo system. The key to developing effective valve-on-chip models is maintaining the cell and tissue-level microenvironment relevant to the study application. This review outlines the various components and factors that comprise and/or affect the cell microenvironment that ought to be considered while constructing a valve-on-chip model. This review also dives into the advancements made toward constructing valve-on-chip models with a specific focus on the aortic valve, that is, in vitro studies incorporating three-dimensional co-culture models that incorporate relevant extracellular matrices and mechanical and hemodynamic cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Tandon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Asya Ozkizilcik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Prashanth Ravishankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Kartik Balachandran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lagowala DA, Kwon S, Sidhaye VK, Kim DH. Human microphysiological models of airway and alveolar epithelia. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2021; 321:L1072-L1088. [PMID: 34612064 PMCID: PMC8715018 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00103.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human organ-on-a-chip models are powerful tools for preclinical research that can be used to study the mechanisms of disease and evaluate new targets for therapeutic intervention. Lung-on-a-chip models have been one of the most well-characterized designs in this field and can be altered to evaluate various types of respiratory disease and to assess treatment candidates prior to clinical testing. These systems are capable of overcoming the flaws of conventional two-dimensional (2-D) cell culture and in vivo animal testing due to their ability to accurately recapitulate the in vivo microenvironment of human tissue with tunable material properties, microfluidic integration, delivery of precise mechanical and biochemical cues, and designs with organ-specific architecture. In this review, we first describe an overview of currently available lung-on-a-chip designs. We then present how recent innovations in human stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and microfabrication can be used to create more predictive human lung-on-a-chip models for studying respiratory disease. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future directions of lung-on-a-chip designs for in vitro disease modeling with a particular focus on immune and multiorgan interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dave Anuj Lagowala
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Seoyoung Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Venkataramana K Sidhaye
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Tajeddin A, Mustafaoglu N. Design and Fabrication of Organ-on-Chips: Promises and Challenges. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:1443. [PMID: 34945293 PMCID: PMC8707724 DOI: 10.3390/mi12121443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The advent of the miniaturization approach has influenced the research trends in almost all disciplines. Bioengineering is one of the fields benefiting from the new possibilities of microfabrication techniques, especially in cell and tissue culture, disease modeling, and drug discovery. The limitations of existing 2D cell culture techniques, the high time and cost requirements, and the considerable failure rates have led to the idea of 3D cell culture environments capable of providing physiologically relevant tissue functions in vitro. Organ-on-chips are microfluidic devices used in this context as a potential alternative to in vivo animal testing to reduce the cost and time required for drug evaluation. This emerging technology contributes significantly to the development of various research areas, including, but not limited to, tissue engineering and drug discovery. However, it also brings many challenges. Further development of the technology requires interdisciplinary studies as some problems are associated with the materials and their manufacturing techniques. Therefore, in this paper, organ-on-chip technologies are presented, focusing on the design and fabrication requirements. Then, state-of-the-art materials and microfabrication techniques are described in detail to show their advantages and also their limitations. A comparison and identification of gaps for current use and further studies are therefore the subject of the final discussion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Tajeddin
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla 34596, Istanbul, Turkey;
| | - Nur Mustafaoglu
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla 34596, Istanbul, Turkey;
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Sabanci University, Tuzla 34596, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|