1
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Cheng YW, Hsieh YC, Sun YS, Wang YH, Yang YW, Lo KY. Using microfluidic and conventional platforms to evaluate the effects of lanthanides on spheroid formation. Toxicology 2024; 508:153931. [PMID: 39222830 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis contributes to the increased mortality rate of cancer, but the intricate mechanisms remain unclear. Cancer cells from a primary tumor invade nearby tissues and access the lymphatic or circulatory system. If these cells manage to survive and extravasate from the vasculature into distant tissues and ultimately adapt to survive, they will proliferate and facilitate malignant tumor formation. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures offer a rapid and convenient method for validating the efficacy of anticancer drugs within a reasonable cost range, but their utility is limited because of tumors' high heterogeneity in vivo and spatial complexities. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that mimic the physiological conditions of cancer cells in vivo have gained considerable interest. In these cultures, cells assemble into spheroids through gravity, magnetic forces, or their low-adhesion to the plates. Although these approaches address some of the limitations of 2D cultures, they often require a considerable amount of time and cost. Therefore, this study aims to enhance the effectiveness of 3D culture techniques by using microfluidic systems to provide a high-throughput and sensitive pipeline for drug screening. Using these systems, we studied the effects of lanthanide elements, which have garnered interest in cancer treatment, on spheroid formation and cell spreading. Our findings suggest that these elements alter the compactness of cell spheroids and decrease cell mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Cheng
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University Taipei City 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Hsieh
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University Taipei City 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Shin Sun
- Department of Physics, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsun Wang
- Department of Physics, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Yang
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City 100225, Taiwan.
| | - Kai-Yin Lo
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University Taipei City 10617, Taiwan.
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2
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Hernández-Hatibi S, Guerrero PE, García-Aznar JM, García-Gareta E. Polydopamine Interfacial Coating for Stable Tumor-on-a-Chip Models: Application for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:5169-5180. [PMID: 39083627 PMCID: PMC11323005 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Addressing current challenges in solid tumor research requires advanced in vitro three-dimensional (3D) cellular models that replicate the inherently 3D architecture and microenvironment of tumor tissue, including the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, tumor cells exert mechanical forces that can disrupt the physical integrity of the matrix in long-term 3D culture. Therefore, it is necessary to find the optimal balance between cellular forces and the preservation of matrix integrity. This work proposes using polydopamine (PDA) coating for 3D microfluidic cultures of pancreatic cancer cells to overcome matrix adhesion challenges to sustain representative tumor 3D cultures. Using PDA's distinctive adhesion and biocompatibility, our model uses type I collagen hydrogels seeded with different pancreatic cancer cell lines, prompting distinct levels of matrix deformation and contraction. Optimizing the PDA coating enhances the adhesion and stability of collagen hydrogels within microfluidic devices, achieving a balance between the disruptive forces of tumor cells on matrix integrity and the maintenance of long-term 3D cultures. The findings reveal how this tension appears to be a critical determinant in spheroid morphology and growth dynamics. Stable and prolonged 3D culture platforms are crucial for understanding solid tumor cell behavior, dynamics, and responses within a controlled microenvironment. This advancement ultimately offers a powerful tool for drug screening, personalized medicine, and wider cancer therapeutics strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Hernández-Hatibi
- Multiscale
in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragon
Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering and
Architecture, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
| | - Pedro Enrique Guerrero
- Multiscale
in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragon
Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering and
Architecture, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
| | - José Manuel García-Aznar
- Multiscale
in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragon
Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering and
Architecture, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
- Aragon
Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
| | - Elena García-Gareta
- Multiscale
in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragon
Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering and
Architecture, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
- Aragon
Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
- Division
of Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
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3
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Kim S, Lam PY, Jayaraman A, Han A. Uniform sized cancer spheroids production using hydrogel-based droplet microfluidics: a review. Biomed Microdevices 2024; 26:26. [PMID: 38806765 PMCID: PMC11241584 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-024-00712-3] [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] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models have been extensively utilized in various mechanistic studies as well as for drug development studies as superior in vitro platforms than conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models. This is especially the case in cancer biology, where 3D cancer models, such as spheroids or organoids, have been utilized extensively to understand the mechanisms of cancer development. Recently, many sophisticated 3D models such as organ-on-a-chip models are emerging as advanced in vitro models that can more accurately mimic the in vivo tissue functions. Despite such advancements, spheroids are still considered as a powerful 3D cancer model due to the relatively simple structure and compatibility with existing laboratory instruments, and also can provide orders of magnitude higher throughput than complex in vitro models, an extremely important aspects for drug development. However, creating well-defined spheroids remain challenging, both in terms of throughputs in generation as well as reproducibility in size and shape that can make it challenging for drug testing applications. In the past decades, droplet microfluidics utilizing hydrogels have been highlighted due to their potentials. Importantly, core-shell structured gel droplets can avoid spheroid-to-spheroid adhesion that can cause large variations in assays while also enabling long-term cultivation of spheroids with higher uniformity by protecting the core organoid area from external environment while the outer porous gel layer still allows nutrient exchange. Hence, core-shell gel droplet-based spheroid formation can improve the predictivity and reproducibility of drug screening assays. This review paper will focus on droplet microfluidics-based technologies for cancer spheroid production using various gel materials and structures. In addition, we will discuss emerging technologies that have the potential to advance the production of spheroids, prospects of such technologies, and remaining challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Po Yi Lam
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Arul Jayaraman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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4
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Żuchowska A, Baranowska P, Flont M, Brzózka Z, Jastrzębska E. Review: 3D cell models for organ-on-a-chip applications. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1301:342413. [PMID: 38553129 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) cultures do not fully reflect the human organs' physiology and the real effectiveness of the used therapy. Therefore, three-dimensional (3D) models are increasingly used in bioanalytical science. Organ-on-a-chip systems are used to obtain cellular in vitro models, better reflecting the human body's in vivo characteristics and allowing us to obtain more reliable results than standard preclinical models. Such 3D models can be used to understand the behavior of tissues/organs in response to selected biophysical and biochemical factors, pathological conditions (the mechanisms of their formation), drug screening, or inter-organ interactions. This review characterizes 3D models obtained in microfluidic systems. These include spheroids/aggregates, hydrogel cultures, multilayers, organoids, or cultures on biomaterials. Next, the methods of formation of different 3D cultures in Organ-on-a-chip systems are presented, and examples of such Organ-on-a-chip systems are discussed. Finally, current applications of 3D cell-on-a-chip systems and future perspectives are covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Żuchowska
- Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Patrycja Baranowska
- Center for Advanced Materials and Technologies CEZAMAT, Warsaw University of Technology, Poleczki 19, 02-822, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Flont
- Center for Advanced Materials and Technologies CEZAMAT, Warsaw University of Technology, Poleczki 19, 02-822, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Brzózka
- Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Jastrzębska
- Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664, Warsaw, Poland.
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5
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Giannitelli SM, Peluzzi V, Raniolo S, Roscilli G, Trombetta M, Mozetic P, Rainer A. On-chip recapitulation of the tumor microenvironment: A decade of progress. Biomaterials 2024; 306:122482. [PMID: 38301325 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
One of the hurdles to the development of new anticancer therapies is the lack of in vitro models which faithfully reproduce the in vivo tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the dynamic relationships between the components of the TME in a controllable, scalable, and reliable setting would indeed support the discovery of biological targets impacting cancer diagnosis and therapy. Cancer research is increasingly shifting from traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture toward three-dimensional (3D) culture models, which have been demonstrated to increase the significance and predictive value of in vitro data. In this scenario, microphysiological systems (also known as organs-on-chip) have emerged as a relevant technological platform enabling more predictive investigation of cell-cell and cell-ECM interplay in cancer, attracting a significant research effort in the last years. This review illustrates one decade of progress in the field of tumor-microenvironment-on-chip (TMOC) approaches, exploiting either cell-laden microfluidic chambers or microfluidic confined tumor spheroids to model the TME. TMOCs have been designed to recapitulate several aspects of the TME, including tumor cells, the tumor-associated stroma, the immune system, and the vascular component. Significantly, the last aspect has emerged for its pivotal role in orchestrating cellular interactions and modulating drug pharmacokinetics on-chip. A further advancement has been represented by integration of TMOCs into multi-organ microphysiological systems, with the final aim to follow the metastatic cascade to target organs and to study the effects of chemotherapies at a systemic level. We highlight that the increased degree of complexity achieved by the most advanced TMOC models has enabled scientists to shed new light on the role of microenvironmental factors in tumor progression, metastatic cascade, and response to drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Giannitelli
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - V Peluzzi
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - S Raniolo
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - G Roscilli
- Takis s.r.l., Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - M Trombetta
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - P Mozetic
- Institute of Nanotechnology (NANOTEC), National Research Council, via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
| | - A Rainer
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Rome, Italy.
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6
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Jiang L, Guo K, Chen Y, Xiang N. Droplet Microfluidics for Current Cancer Research: From Single-Cell Analysis to 3D Cell Culture. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1335-1354. [PMID: 38420753 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Differences in drug resistance and treatment response caused by the heterogeneity of cancer cells are the primary reasons for poor cancer therapy outcomes in patients. In addition, current in vitro anticancer drug-screening methods rely on two-dimensional monolayer-cultured cancer cells, which cannot accurately predict drug behavior in vivo. Therefore, a powerful tool to study the heterogeneity of cancer cells and produce effective in vitro tumor models is warranted to leverage cancer research. Droplet microfluidics has become a powerful platform for the single-cell analysis of cancer cells and three-dimensional cell culture of in vitro tumor spheroids. In this review, we discuss the use of droplet microfluidics in cancer research. Droplet microfluidic technologies, including single- or double-emulsion droplet generation and passive- or active-droplet manipulation, are concisely discussed. Recent advances in droplet microfluidics for single-cell analysis of cancer cells, circulating tumor cells, and scaffold-free/based 3D cell culture of tumor spheroids have been systematically introduced. Finally, the challenges that must be overcome for the further application of droplet microfluidics in cancer research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Kefan Guo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Nan Xiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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7
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Xu NY, Li J, Wang ML, Chen XY, Tang R, Liu XQ. Fabrication of a Coculture Organoid Model in the Biomimetic Matrix of Alginate to Investigate Breast Cancer Progression in a TAMs-Leading Immune Microenvironment. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:11275-11288. [PMID: 38383056 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The current research models of breast cancer are usually limited in their capacity to recapitulate the tumor microenvironment in vitro. The lack of an extracellular matrix (ECM) oversimplifies cell-cell or cell-ECM cross-talks. Moreover, the lack of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), that can comprise up to 50% of some solid neoplasms, poses a major problem for recognizing various hallmarks of cancer. To address these concerns, a type of direct breast cancer cells (BCCs)-TAMs coculture organoid model was well developed by a sequential culture method in this study. Alginate cryogels were fabricated with appropriate physical and mechanical properties to serve as an alternative ECM. Then, our previous experience was leveraged to polarize TAMs inside of the cryogels for creating an in vitro immune microenvironment. The direct coculture significantly enhanced BCCs organoid growth and cancer aggressive phenotypes, including the stemness, migration, ECM remodeling, and cytokine secretion. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis and protein-protein interaction networks implied certain pathways (PI3K-Akt pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, etc.) and targets (TNF, PPARG, TLR2, etc.) during breast cancer progression in a TAM-leading immune microenvironment. Future studies to advance treatment strategies for BCC patients may benefit from using this facile model to reveal and target the interactions between cancer signaling and the immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian-Yuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Mei-Ling Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Xue-Yu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Ruizhi Tang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei Province, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, P. R. China
| | - Xi-Qiu Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
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8
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Domingues M, Leite Pereira C, Sarmento B, Castro F. Mimicking 3D breast tumor-stromal interactions to screen novel cancer therapeutics. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 190:106560. [PMID: 37557927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Most of the 3D breast tumor models used in drug screening studies only comprise tumor cells, keeping out other essential cell players of the tumor microenvironment. Tumor-associated macrophages and fibroblasts are frequently correlated with tumor progression and therapy resistance, and targeting these cells at the tumor site has been appointed as a promising therapeutic strategy. However, the translation of new therapies to the clinic has been hampered by the absence of cellular models that more closely mimic the features of in vivo breast tumor microenvironment. Therefore, the development of innovative 3D models able to provide consistent and predictive responses about the in vivo efficacy of novel therapeutics is still an unmet preclinical need. Herein, we have established an in vitro 3D heterotypic spheroid model including MCF-7 breast tumor cells, human mammary fibroblasts and human macrophages. To establish this model, different cell densities have been combined and characterized through the evaluation of the spheroid size and metabolic activity, as well as histological and immunohistochemistry analysis of the 3D multicellular structures. The final optimized 3D model consisted in a multicellular spheroid seeded at the initial density of 5000 cells and cell ratio of 1:2:1 (MCF-7:monocytes:fibroblasts). Our model recapitulates several features of the breast tumor microenvironment, including the formation of a necrotic core, spatial organization, and extracellular matrix production. Further, it was validated as a platform for drug screening studies, using paclitaxel, a currently approved drug for breast cancer treatment, and Gefitinib, a chemotherapeutic approved for lung cancer and in preclinical evaluation for breast cancer. Generally, the impact on the cell viability of the 3D model was less evident than in 2D model, reinforcing the relevance of such complex 3D models in addressing novel treatment approaches. Overall, the use of a 3D heterotypic spheroid of breast cancer could be a valuable tool to predict the therapeutic effect of new treatments for breast cancer patients, by recapitulating key features of the breast cancer microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Domingues
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; FEUP - Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, Porto 4200-465, Portugal
| | - Catarina Leite Pereira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; CESPU - Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra 1317, Gandra 4585-116, Portugal.
| | - Flávia Castro
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
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9
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Hetzel LA, Ali A, Corbo V, Hankemeier T. Microfluidics and Organoids, the Power Couple of Developmental Biology and Oncology Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10882. [PMID: 37446057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Organoids are an advanced cell model that hold the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of in vivo cellular processes. This model can be used in understanding organ development, disease progression, and treatment efficacy. As the scientific world embraces the model, it must also establish the best practices for cultivating organoids and utilizing them to the greatest potential in assays. Microfluidic devices are emerging as a solution to overcome the challenges of organoids and adapt assays. Unfortunately, the various applications of organoids often depend on specific features in a device. In this review, we discuss the options and considerations for features and materials depending on the application and development of the organoid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ann Hetzel
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ahmed Ali
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, ARC-Net Research Centre, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Thomas Hankemeier
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
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10
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Hou Y, Zheng Y, Zheng X, Sun Y, Yi X, Wu Z, Lin JM. Multidimensional controllable fabrication of tumor spheroids based on a microfluidic device. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2654-2663. [PMID: 37190976 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00251a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) are in vitro solid tumor models with physiological relevance. To achieve robust process control, a MCTS fabrication method that combines cell membrane engineering and droplet microfluidic techniques is designed. The fluidic control and the chemical interactions between biotin and streptavidin enable artificial cell aggregation to be accomplished in seconds. Then, spheroids with a uniform size are fabricated within alginate microcapsules. Microfluidic mixing-based cell aggregation regulates the cell aggregate size and the spheroid composition, and the microcapsules regulate the size of spheroids from 120 to 180 μm. The method shows applicability for various cancer cell lines, including HCT116, HepG2, and A549. In addition, composite colon cancer spheroids consisting of HCT116 and NIH3T3 with predetermined cell ratios and uniform distributions are produced. The generated MCTSs are assessed using the ELISA and UPLC-MS/MS techniques. The release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance differ in the monotypic and cocultured colon cancer models. Our method provides a robust way to produce consistent and customized MCTSs in cancer research and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hou
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| | - Yajing Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaonan Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| | - Yucheng Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| | - Xizhen Yi
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| | - Zengnan Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| | - Jin-Ming Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
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11
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Wang Y, Liu M, Zhang Y, Liu H, Han L. Recent methods of droplet microfluidics and their applications in spheroids and organoids. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1080-1096. [PMID: 36628972 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00493c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidic techniques have long been known as a high-throughput approach for cell manipulation. The capacity to compartmentalize cells into picolitre droplets in microfluidic devices has opened up a range of new ways to extract information from cells. Spheroids and organoids are crucial in vitro three-dimensional cell culture models that physiologically mimic natural tissues and organs. With the aid of developments in cell biology and materials science, droplet microfluidics has been applied to construct spheroids and organoids in numerous formats. In this article, we divide droplet microfluidic approaches for managing spheroids and organoids into three categories based on the droplet module format: liquid droplet, microparticle, and microcapsule. We discuss current advances in the use of droplet microfluidics for the generation of tumour spheroids, stem cell spheroids, and organoids, as well as the downstream applications of these methods in high-throughput screening and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihe Wang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 P. R. China.
| | - Mengqi Liu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 P. R. China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 P. R. China.
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 P. R. China.
| | - Lin Han
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 P. R. China.
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Biomarker and Artificial Intelligence Application, Jinan, 250100 P. R. China
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12
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Tevlek A, Kecili S, Ozcelik OS, Kulah H, Tekin HC. Spheroid Engineering in Microfluidic Devices. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:3630-3649. [PMID: 36743071 PMCID: PMC9893254 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture techniques are commonly employed to investigate biophysical and biochemical cellular responses. However, these culture methods, having monolayer cells, lack cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, mimicking the cell microenvironment and multicellular organization. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture methods enable equal transportation of nutrients, gas, and growth factors among cells and their microenvironment. Therefore, 3D cultures show similar cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation properties to in vivo. A spheroid is defined as self-assembled 3D cell aggregates, and it closely mimics a cell microenvironment in vitro thanks to cell-cell/matrix interactions, which enables its use in several important applications in medical and clinical research. To fabricate a spheroid, conventional methods such as liquid overlay, hanging drop, and so forth are available. However, these labor-intensive methods result in low-throughput fabrication and uncontrollable spheroid sizes. On the other hand, microfluidic methods enable inexpensive and rapid fabrication of spheroids with high precision. Furthermore, fabricated spheroids can also be cultured in microfluidic devices for controllable cell perfusion, simulation of fluid shear effects, and mimicking of the microenvironment-like in vivo conditions. This review focuses on recent microfluidic spheroid fabrication techniques and also organ-on-a-chip applications of spheroids, which are used in different disease modeling and drug development studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atakan Tevlek
- METU
MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Seren Kecili
- The
Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute
of Technology, Urla, Izmir 35430, Turkey
| | - Ozge S. Ozcelik
- The
Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute
of Technology, Urla, Izmir 35430, Turkey
| | - Haluk Kulah
- METU
MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- The
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - H. Cumhur Tekin
- METU
MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- The
Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute
of Technology, Urla, Izmir 35430, Turkey
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13
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Rojek K, Ćwiklińska M, Kuczak J, Guzowski J. Microfluidic Formulation of Topological Hydrogels for Microtissue Engineering. Chem Rev 2022; 122:16839-16909. [PMID: 36108106 PMCID: PMC9706502 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics has recently emerged as a powerful tool in generation of submillimeter-sized cell aggregates capable of performing tissue-specific functions, so-called microtissues, for applications in drug testing, regenerative medicine, and cell therapies. In this work, we review the most recent advances in the field, with particular focus on the formulation of cell-encapsulating microgels of small "dimensionalities": "0D" (particles), "1D" (fibers), "2D" (sheets), etc., and with nontrivial internal topologies, typically consisting of multiple compartments loaded with different types of cells and/or biopolymers. Such structures, which we refer to as topological hydrogels or topological microgels (examples including core-shell or Janus microbeads and microfibers, hollow or porous microstructures, or granular hydrogels) can be precisely tailored with high reproducibility and throughput by using microfluidics and used to provide controlled "initial conditions" for cell proliferation and maturation into functional tissue-like microstructures. Microfluidic methods of formulation of topological biomaterials have enabled significant progress in engineering of miniature tissues and organs, such as pancreas, liver, muscle, bone, heart, neural tissue, or vasculature, as well as in fabrication of tailored microenvironments for stem-cell expansion and differentiation, or in cancer modeling, including generation of vascularized tumors for personalized drug testing. We review the available microfluidic fabrication methods by exploiting various cross-linking mechanisms and various routes toward compartmentalization and critically discuss the available tissue-specific applications. Finally, we list the remaining challenges such as simplification of the microfluidic workflow for its widespread use in biomedical research, bench-to-bedside transition including production upscaling, further in vivo validation, generation of more precise organ-like models, as well as incorporation of induced pluripotent stem cells as a step toward clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna
O. Rojek
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Ćwiklińska
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Julia Kuczak
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Guzowski
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
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14
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Clua‐Ferré L, De Chiara F, Rodríguez‐Comas J, Comelles J, Martinez E, Godeau AL, García‐Alamán A, Gasa R, Ramón‐Azcón J. Collagen-Tannic Acid Spheroids for β-Cell Encapsulation Fabricated Using a 3D Bioprinter. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2022; 7:2101696. [PMID: 37182094 PMCID: PMC10170414 DOI: 10.1002/admt.202101696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Type 1 Diabetes results from autoimmune response elicited against β-cell antigens. Nowadays, insulin injections remain the leading therapeutic option. However, injection treatment fails to emulate the highly dynamic insulin release that β-cells provide. 3D cell-laden microspheres have been proposed during the last years as a major platform for bioengineering insulin-secreting constructs for tissue graft implantation and a model for in vitro drug screening platforms. Current microsphere fabrication technologies have several drawbacks: the need for an oil phase containing surfactants, diameter inconsistency of the microspheres, and high time-consuming processes. These technologies have widely used alginate for its rapid gelation, high processability, and low cost. However, its low biocompatible properties do not provide effective cell attachment. This study proposes a high-throughput methodology using a 3D bioprinter that employs an ECM-like microenvironment for effective cell-laden microsphere production to overcome these limitations. Crosslinking the resulting microspheres with tannic acid prevents collagenase degradation and enhances spherical structural consistency while allowing the diffusion of nutrients and oxygen. The approach allows customization of microsphere diameter with extremely low variability. In conclusion, a novel bio-printing procedure is developed to fabricate large amounts of reproducible microspheres capable of secreting insulin in response to extracellular glucose stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Clua‐Ferré
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)Baldiri I Reixac, 10–12Barcelona08028Spain
| | - Francesco De Chiara
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)Baldiri I Reixac, 10–12Barcelona08028Spain
| | - Júlia Rodríguez‐Comas
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)Baldiri I Reixac, 10–12Barcelona08028Spain
| | - Jordi Comelles
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)Baldiri I Reixac, 10–12Barcelona08028Spain
- Department of Electronics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Barcelona (UB)c/Martí i Franquès 1–11BarcelonaE08028Spain
| | - Elena Martinez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)Baldiri I Reixac, 10–12Barcelona08028Spain
- Department of Electronics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Barcelona (UB)c/Martí i Franquès 1–11BarcelonaE08028Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER)Av. Monforte de Lemos 3–5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0MadridE28029Spain
| | - Amelie Luise Godeau
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)Baldiri I Reixac, 10–12Barcelona08028Spain
| | - Ainhoa García‐Alamán
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM)Madrid28029Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)Barcelona08036Spain
| | - Rosa Gasa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM)Madrid28029Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)Barcelona08036Spain
| | - Javier Ramón‐Azcón
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)Baldiri I Reixac, 10–12Barcelona08028Spain
- Institució Catalana de Reserca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA)Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23BarcelonaE08010Spain
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15
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Wei C, Yu C, Li S, Li T, Meng J, Li J. Easy-to-Operate Co-Flow Step Emulsification Device for High-Throughput Three-Dimensional Cell Culture. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12050350. [PMID: 35624651 PMCID: PMC9138713 DOI: 10.3390/bios12050350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cell culture plays an essential role in tissue engineering and high-throughput drug screening. Compared with two-dimensional (2D) in vitro culture, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture can mimic cells in vivo more accurately, including complex cellular organizations, heterogeneity, and cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. This article presents a droplet-based microfluidic chip that integrates cell distribution, 3D in vitro cell culture, and in situ cell monitoring in a single device. Using the microfluidic “co-flow step emulsification” approach, we have successfully prepared close-packed droplet arrays with an ultra-high-volume fraction (72%) which can prevent cells from adhering to the chip surface so as to achieve a 3D cell culture and make scalable and high-throughput cell culture possible. The proposed device could produce droplets from 55.29 ± 1.52 to 95.64 ± 3.35 μm, enabling the diverse encapsulation of cells of different sizes and quantities. Furthermore, the cost for each microfluidic CFSE chip is approximately USD 3, making it a low-cost approach for 3D cell culture. The proposed device is successfully applied in the 3D culture of saccharomyces cerevisiae cells with an occurrence rate for proliferation of 80.34 ± 3.77%. With low-cost, easy-to-operate, high-throughput, and miniaturization characteristics, the proposed device meets the requirements for 3D in vitro cell culture and is expected to be applied in biological fields such as drug toxicology and pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyang Wei
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Robotic Sensing and Human-Robot Interactions, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132, China; (C.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Chengzhuang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China; (C.Y.); (J.M.)
| | - Shanshan Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Robotic Sensing and Human-Robot Interactions, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132, China; (C.W.); (S.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China; (C.Y.); (J.M.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Food Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Tiejun Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Robotic Sensing and Human-Robot Interactions, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132, China; (C.W.); (S.L.)
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (J.L.); Tel.: +86-22-60202605 (T.L.); +86-22-60201070 (J.L.)
| | - Jiyu Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China; (C.Y.); (J.M.)
| | - Junwei Li
- Institute of Biophysics, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
- Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Langfang 065000, China
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (J.L.); Tel.: +86-22-60202605 (T.L.); +86-22-60201070 (J.L.)
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16
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Ro J, Kim J, Cho YK. Recent advances in spheroid-based microfluidic models to mimic the tumour microenvironment. Analyst 2022; 147:2023-2034. [PMID: 35485712 DOI: 10.1039/d2an00172a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) multicellular spheroid models can recapitulate the human tumour microenvironment with more accuracy than conventional cell culture models, as they include complex architectural structures and dynamic cellular interactions. Among the diverse platforms for spheroid formation, microfluidic platforms have been extensively applied to study spheroids because they can mimic the in vivo microenvironment. This review provides an overview of the advantages of 3D spheroid cultures with a summary of the recent applications for tumour microenvironment-focused cellular interactions, as well as the studies on spheroids and external stimuli. These 3D tumour spheroid-based microfluidic devices will provide a platform for a better understanding of cellular and external interactions, as well as the discovery of cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooyoung Ro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Korea. .,Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan, Korea
| | - Junyoung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Korea.
| | - Yoon-Kyoung Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Korea. .,Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan, Korea
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17
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Abstract
Cell manipulation in droplets has emerged as one of the great successes of microfluidic technologies, with the development of single-cell screening. However, the droplet format has also served to go beyond single-cell studies, namely by considering the interactions between different cells or between cells and their physical or chemical environment. These studies pose specific challenges linked to the need for long-term culture of adherent cells or the diverse types of measurements associated with complex biological phenomena. Here we review the emergence of droplet microfluidic methods for culturing cells and studying their interactions. We begin by characterizing the quantitative aspects that determine the ability to encapsulate cells, transport molecules, and provide sufficient nutrients within the droplets. This is followed by an evaluation of the biological constraints such as the control of the biochemical environment and promoting the anchorage of adherent cells. This first part ends with a description of measurement methods that have been developed. The second part of the manuscript focuses on applications of these technologies for cancer studies, immunology, and stem cells while paying special attention to the biological relevance of the cellular assays and providing guidelines on improving this relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Sart
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gustave Ronteix
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Shreyansh Jain
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gabriel Amselem
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Charles N Baroud
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
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18
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He J, Chen C, Chen L, Cheng R, Sun J, Liu X, Wang L, Zhu C, Hu S, Xue Y, Lu J, Yang H, Cui W, Shi Q. Honeycomb-Like Hydrogel Microspheres for 3D Bulk Construction of Tumor Models. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2022; 2022:9809763. [PMID: 35233536 PMCID: PMC8848337 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9809763] [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: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A two-dimensional (2D) cell culture-based model is widely applied to study tumorigenic mechanisms and drug screening. However, it cannot authentically simulate the three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment of solid tumors and provide reliable and predictable data in response to in vivo, thus leading to the research illusions and failure of drug screening. In this study, honeycomb-like gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel microspheres are developed by synchronous photocrosslinking microfluidic technique to construct a 3D model of osteosarcoma. The in vitro study shows that osteosarcoma cells (K7M2) cultured in 3D GelMA microspheres have stronger tumorous stemness, proliferation and migration abilities, more osteoclastogenetic ability, and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs (DOX) than that of cells in 2D cultures. More importantly, the 3D-cultured K7M2 cells show more tumorigenicity in immunologically sound mice, characterized by shorter tumorigenesis time, larger tumor volume, severe bone destruction, and higher mortality. In conclusion, honeycomb-like porous microsphere scaffolds are constructed with uniform structure by microfluidic technology to massively produce tumor cells with original phenotypes. Those microspheres could recapitulate the physiology microenvironment of tumors, maintain cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and thus provide an effective and convenient strategy for tumor pathogenesis and drug screening research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen He
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, China,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, China
| | - Chichi Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, China
| | - Ruoyu Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, China
| | - Xingzhi Liu
- School of Nanotech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, 388 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, China
| | - Can Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, China
| | - Sihan Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, China,Department of Orthopedics, Wuxi Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214026, China
| | - Yuan Xue
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, China,Department of Orthopedics, Wuxi Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214026, China
| | - Jian Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, China
| | - Huiling Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, China
| | - Wenguo Cui
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Qin Shi
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, China,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, China
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Zhao P, Wang J, Chen C, Wang J, Liu G, Nandakumar K, Li Y, Wang L. Microfluidic Applications in Drug Development: Fabrication of Drug Carriers and Drug Toxicity Screening. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:200. [PMID: 35208324 PMCID: PMC8877367 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology has been highly useful in nanovolume sample preparation, separation, synthesis, purification, detection and assay, which are advantageous in drug development. This review highlights the recent developments and trends in microfluidic applications in two areas of drug development. First, we focus on how microfluidics has been developed as a facile tool for the fabrication of drug carriers including microparticles and nanoparticles. Second, we discuss how microfluidic chips could be used as an independent platform or integrated with other technologies in drug toxicity screening. Challenges and future perspectives of microfluidic applications in drug development have also been provided considering the present technological limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhao
- Energy Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China; (P.Z.); (J.W.); (C.C.); (J.W.); (G.L.); (K.N.)
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jianchun Wang
- Energy Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China; (P.Z.); (J.W.); (C.C.); (J.W.); (G.L.); (K.N.)
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China
| | - Chengmin Chen
- Energy Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China; (P.Z.); (J.W.); (C.C.); (J.W.); (G.L.); (K.N.)
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jianmei Wang
- Energy Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China; (P.Z.); (J.W.); (C.C.); (J.W.); (G.L.); (K.N.)
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China
| | - Guangxia Liu
- Energy Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China; (P.Z.); (J.W.); (C.C.); (J.W.); (G.L.); (K.N.)
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China
| | - Krishnaswamy Nandakumar
- Energy Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China; (P.Z.); (J.W.); (C.C.); (J.W.); (G.L.); (K.N.)
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Energy Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China; (P.Z.); (J.W.); (C.C.); (J.W.); (G.L.); (K.N.)
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China
| | - Liqiu Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
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20
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Hayaei Tehrani RS, Hajari MA, Ghorbaninejad Z, Esfandiari F. Droplet microfluidic devices for organized stem cell differentiation into germ cells: capabilities and challenges. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:1245-1271. [PMID: 35059040 PMCID: PMC8724463 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00907-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Demystifying the mechanisms that underlie germline development and gamete production is critical for expanding advanced therapies for infertile couples who cannot benefit from current infertility treatments. However, the low number of germ cells, particularly in the early stages of development, represents a serious challenge in obtaining sufficient materials required for research purposes. In this regard, pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have provided an opportunity for producing an unlimited source of germ cells in vitro. Achieving this ambition is highly dependent on accurate stem cell niche reconstitution which is achievable through applying advanced cell engineering approaches. Recently, hydrogel microparticles (HMPs), as either microcarriers or microcapsules, have shown promising potential in providing an excellent 3-dimensional (3D) biomimetic microenvironment alongside the systematic bioactive agent delivery. In this review, recent studies of utilizing various HMP-based cell engineering strategies for appropriate niche reconstitution and efficient in vitro differentiation are highlighted with a special focus on the capabilities of droplet-based microfluidic (DBM) technology. We believe that a deep understanding of the current limitations and potentials of the DBM systems in integration with stem cell biology provides a bright future for germ cell research. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12551-021-00907-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Sadat Hayaei Tehrani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, 16635-148, 1665659911 Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Hajari
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeynab Ghorbaninejad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, 16635-148, 1665659911 Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Esfandiari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, 16635-148, 1665659911 Tehran, Iran
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Zhuang P, Chiang YH, Fernanda MS, He M. Using Spheroids as Building Blocks Towards 3D Bioprinting of Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Bioprint 2021; 7:444. [PMID: 34805601 PMCID: PMC8600307 DOI: 10.18063/ijb.v7i4.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer still ranks as a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Although considerable efforts have been dedicated to anticancer therapeutics, progress is still slow, partially due to the absence of robust prediction models. Multicellular tumor spheroids, as a major three-dimensional (3D) culture model exhibiting features of avascular tumors, gained great popularity in pathophysiological studies and high throughput drug screening. However, limited control over cellular and structural organization is still the key challenge in achieving in vivo like tissue microenvironment. 3D bioprinting has made great strides toward tissue/organ mimicry, due to its outstanding spatial control through combining both cells and materials, scalability, and reproducibility. Prospectively, harnessing the power from both 3D bioprinting and multicellular spheroids would likely generate more faithful tumor models and advance our understanding on the mechanism of tumor progression. In this review, the emerging concept on using spheroids as a building block in 3D bioprinting for tumor modeling is illustrated. We begin by describing the context of the tumor microenvironment, followed by an introduction of various methodologies for tumor spheroid formation, with their specific merits and drawbacks. Thereafter, we present an overview of existing 3D printed tumor models using spheroids as a focus. We provide a compilation of the contemporary literature sources and summarize the overall advancements in technology and possibilities of using spheroids as building blocks in 3D printed tissue modeling, with a particular emphasis on tumor models. Future outlooks about the wonderous advancements of integrated 3D spheroidal printing conclude this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhuang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA
| | - Yi-Hua Chiang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA
| | | | - Mei He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA
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22
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Thai VL, Griffin KH, Thorpe SW, Randall RL, Leach JK. Tissue engineered platforms for studying primary and metastatic neoplasm behavior in bone. J Biomech 2021; 115:110189. [PMID: 33385867 PMCID: PMC7855491 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.110189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 560,000 lives each year. Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant tumor of bone in children and young adults, while bone is a common site of metastasis for tumors initiating from other tissues. The heterogeneity, continual evolution, and complexity of this disease at different stages of tumor progression drives a critical need for physiologically relevant models that capture the dynamic cancer microenvironment and advance chemotherapy techniques. Monolayer cultures have been favored for cell-based research for decades due to their simplicity and scalability. However, the nature of these models makes it impossible to fully describe the biomechanical and biochemical cues present in 3-dimensional (3D) microenvironments, such as ECM stiffness, degradability, surface topography, and adhesivity. Biomaterials have emerged as valuable tools to model the behavior of various cancers by creating highly tunable 3D systems for studying neoplasm behavior, screening chemotherapeutic drugs, and developing novel treatment delivery techniques. This review highlights the recent application of biomaterials toward the development of tumor models, details methods for their tunability, and discusses the clinical and therapeutic applications of these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Thai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Katherine H Griffin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Steven W Thorpe
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States
| | - R Lor Randall
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States
| | - J Kent Leach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States.
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23
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Choi C, Kim S, Cha C. Dual-functional alginate crosslinker: Independent control of crosslinking density and cell adhesive properties of hydrogels via separate conjugation pathways. Carbohydr Polym 2021; 252:117128. [PMID: 33183590 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.117128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alginate is an abundant natural polysaccharide widely utilized in various biomedical applications. Alginate also possesses numerous hydroxyl and carboxylate functional groups that allow chemical modifications to introduce different functionalities. However, it is difficult to apply various chemical reactions to alginate due to limited solubility in organic solvents. Herein, functional moieties for radical polymerization and cell adhesion were separately conjugated to hydroxyl and carboxylate groups of alginate, respectively, in order to independently control the crosslinking density and cell adhesive properties of hydrogels. Sodium counterions of alginate are first substituted with tetrabutylammonium ions to facilitate the dissolution in an organic solvent, followed by in situ conjugations of (1) cell adhesion molecules (CAM) via carbodiimide-mediated amide formation and (2) methacrylate via ring-opening nucleophilic reaction. The resulting CAM-linked methacrylic alginate was able to not only crosslink different monomers to form hydrogels with varying mechanical properties, but also induce stable cell adhesion to the hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cholong Choi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea; Center for Multidimensional Programmable Matter, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Suntae Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea; Center for Multidimensional Programmable Matter, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaenyung Cha
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea; Center for Multidimensional Programmable Matter, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Wang A, Madden LA, Paunov VN. Advanced biomedical applications based on emerging 3D cell culturing platforms. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:10487-10501. [PMID: 33136103 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb01658f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is of great value to develop reliable in vitro models for cell biology and toxicology. However, ethical issues and the decreasing number of donors restrict the further use of traditional animal models in various fields, including the emerging fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The huge gap created by the restrictions in animal models has pushed the development of the increasingly recognized three-dimensional (3D) cell culture, which enables cells to closely simulate authentic cellular behaviour such as close cell-to-cell interactions and can achieve higher functionality. Furthermore, 3D cell culturing is superior to the traditional 2D cell culture, which has obvious limitations and cannot closely mimic the structure and architecture of tissues. In this study, we review several methods used to form 3D multicellular spheroids. The extracellular microenvironment of 3D spheroids plays a role in many aspects of biological sciences, including cell signalling, cell growth, cancer cell generation, and anti-cancer drugs. More recently, they have been explored as basic construction units for tissue and organ engineering. We review this field with a focus on the previous research in different areas using spheroid models, emphasizing aqueous two-phase system (ATPS)-based techniques. Multi-cellular spheroids have great potential in the study of biological systems and can closely mimic the in vivo environment. New technologies to form and analyse spheroids such as the aqueous two-phase system and magnetic levitation are rapidly overcoming the technical limitations of spheroids and expanding their applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK.
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25
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Cell subtype-dependent formation of breast tumor spheroids and their variable responses to chemotherapeutics within microfluidics-generated 3D microgels with tunable mechanics. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 112:110932. [PMID: 32409080 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.110932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor spheroids have been considered valuable miniaturized three dimensional (3D) tissue models for fundamental biological investigation as well as drug screening applications. Most tumor spheroids are generated utilizing the inherent aggregate behavior of tumor cells, and the effect of microenvironmental factors such as extracellular matrix (ECM) on tumor spheroid formation has not been extensively elucidated to date. Herein, uniform-sized spherical microgels encapsulated with different subtypes of breast tumor cells, based on tumor aggressiveness, are developed by flow-focusing microfluidics technology. Mechanical properties of microgels are controlled in a wide range via polymer concentration, and their influence on tumor physiology and spheroid formation is shown to be highly dependent on cell subtype. Specifically, the formation of polyploid/multinucleated giant cancer cells is a key early step in determining initial proliferation and eventual tumor spheroid generation within microgels with varying mechanics. In addition, chemotherapeutic screening performed on these tumor spheroids in microgels also display significantly variable cytotoxic effects based on microgel mechanics for each cell subtype, further highlighting the importance of microenvironmental factors on tumor spheroid physiology.
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26
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Song K, Li G, Zu X, Du Z, Liu L, Hu Z. The Fabrication and Application Mechanism of Microfluidic Systems for High Throughput Biomedical Screening: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E297. [PMID: 32168977 PMCID: PMC7143183 DOI: 10.3390/mi11030297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic systems have been widely explored based on microfluidic technology, and it has been widely used for biomedical screening. The key parts are the fabrication of the base scaffold, the construction of the matrix environment in the 3D system, and the application mechanism. In recent years, a variety of new materials have emerged, meanwhile, some new technologies have been developed. In this review, we highlight the properties of high throughput and the biomedical application of the microfluidic chip and focus on the recent progress of the fabrication and application mechanism. The emergence of various biocompatible materials has provided more available raw materials for microfluidic chips. The material is not confined to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and the extracellular microenvironment is not limited by a natural matrix. The mechanism is also developed in diverse ways, including its special physical structure and external field effects, such as dielectrophoresis, magnetophoresis, and acoustophoresis. Furthermore, the cell/organ-based microfluidic system provides a new platform for drug screening due to imitating the anatomic and physiologic properties in vivo. Although microfluidic technology is currently mostly in the laboratory stage, it has great potential for commercial applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kena Song
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, He’nan 471023, China; (K.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.D.)
| | - Guoqiang Li
- College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China; (G.L.); (L.L.)
| | - Xiangyang Zu
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, He’nan 471023, China; (K.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.D.)
| | - Zhe Du
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, He’nan 471023, China; (K.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.D.)
| | - Liyu Liu
- College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China; (G.L.); (L.L.)
| | - Zhigang Hu
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, He’nan 471023, China; (K.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.D.)
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27
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Salehi SS, Shamloo A, Hannani SK. Microfluidic technologies to engineer mesenchymal stem cell aggregates-applications and benefits. Biophys Rev 2020; 12:123-133. [PMID: 31953794 PMCID: PMC7040154 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-020-00613-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional cell culture and the forming multicellular aggregates are superior over traditional monolayer approaches due to better mimicking of in vivo conditions and hence functions of a tissue. A considerable amount of attention has been devoted to devising efficient methods for the rapid formation of uniform-sized multicellular aggregates. Microfluidic technology describes a platform of techniques comprising microchannels to manipulate the small number of reagents with unique properties and capabilities suitable for biological studies. The focus of this review is to highlight recent studies of using microfluidics, especially droplet-based types for the formation, culture, and harvesting of mesenchymal stem cell aggregates and their subsequent application in stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and drug screening. Droplet-based microfluidics can be used to form microgels as carriers for delivering cells and to provide biological cues to the target tissue so as to be minimally invasive. Stem cell-laden microgels with a shape-forming property can be used as smart building blocks by injecting them into the injured tissue thereby constituting the cornerstone of tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amir Shamloo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
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28
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Kim S, Cha C. Enhanced mechanical and electrical properties of heteroscaled hydrogels infused with aqueous-dispersible hybrid nanofibers. Biofabrication 2019; 12:015020. [DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab5385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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29
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Wechsler ME, Stephenson RE, Murphy AC, Oldenkamp HF, Singh A, Peppas NA. Engineered microscale hydrogels for drug delivery, cell therapy, and sequencing. Biomed Microdevices 2019; 21:31. [PMID: 30904963 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-019-0358-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Engineered microscale hydrogels have emerged as promising therapeutic approaches for the treatment of various diseases. These microgels find wide application in the biomedical field because of the ease of injectability, controlled release of therapeutics, flexible means of synthesis, associated tunability, and can be engineered as stimuli-responsive. While bulk hydrogels of several length-scale dimensions have been used for over two decades in drug delivery applications, their use as microscale carriers of drug and cell-based therapies is relatively new. Herein, we critically summarize the fundamentals of hydrogels based on their equilibrium and dynamics of their molecular structure, as well as solute diffusion as it relates to drug delivery. In addition, examples of common microgel synthesis techniques are provided. The ability to tune microscale hydrogels to obtain controlled release of therapeutics is discussed, along with microgel considerations for cell encapsulation as it relates to the development of cell-based therapies. We conclude with an outlook on the use of microgels for cell sequencing, and the convergence of the use of microscale hydrogels for drug delivery, cell therapy, and cell sequencing based systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa E Wechsler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Regan E Stephenson
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Andrew C Murphy
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Heidi F Oldenkamp
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ankur Singh
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas A Peppas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, and Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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