1
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Adeoye DI, Wang Y, Davis JJ, Roper MG. Automated cellular stimulation with integrated pneumatic valves and fluidic capacitors. Analyst 2023; 148:1227-1234. [PMID: 36786685 PMCID: PMC10023383 DOI: 10.1039/d2an01985j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technologies have proven to be a reliable tool in profiling dynamic insulin secretion from islets of Langerhans. Most of these systems rely on external pressure sources to induce flow, leading to difficulties moving to more elaborate systems. To reduce complexity, a microfluidic system was developed that used a single vacuum source at the outlet to drive fluidic transport of immunoassay reagents and stimulation solutions throughout the device. A downside to this approach is the lack of flow control over the reagents delivered to the islet chamber. To address this challenge, 4-layer pneumatic valves were integrated into the perfusion lines to automate and control the delivery of stimulants; however, it was found that as the valves closed, spikes in the flow would lead to abnormal insulin secretion profiles. Fluidic capacitors were then incorporated after the valves and found to remove the spikes. The combination of the valves and capacitors resulted in automated collection of insulin secretion profiles from single murine islets that were similar to those previously reported in the literature. In the future, these integrated fluidic components may enable more complex channel designs to be used with a relatively simple flow control solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damilola I Adeoye
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida State University, 95 Chieftain Way, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida State University, 95 Chieftain Way, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Joshua J Davis
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida State University, 95 Chieftain Way, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Michael G Roper
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida State University, 95 Chieftain Way, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA. .,Program in Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, 95 Chieftain Way, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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2
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Microfluidic Technology for Evaluating and Preserving Islet Function for Islet Transplant in Type 1 Diabetes. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40472-022-00377-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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3
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Yin J, Meng H, Lin J, Ji W, Xu T, Liu H. Pancreatic islet organoids-on-a-chip: how far have we gone? J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:308. [PMID: 35764957 PMCID: PMC9238112 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease caused by dysfunction or disruption of pancreatic islets. The advent and development of microfluidic organoids-on-a-chip platforms have facilitated reproduce of complex and dynamic environment for tissue or organ development and complex disease processes. For the research and treatment of DM, the platforms have been widely used to investigate the physiology and pathophysiology of islets. In this review, we first highlight how pancreatic islet organoids-on-a-chip have improved the reproducibility of stem cell differentiation and organoid culture. We further discuss the efficiency of microfluidics in the functional evaluation of pancreatic islet organoids, such as single-islet-sensitivity detection, long-term real-time monitoring, and automatic glucose adjustment to provide relevant stimulation. Then, we present the applications of islet-on-a-chip technology in disease modeling, drug screening and cell replacement therapy. Finally, we summarize the development and challenges of islet-on-a-chip and discuss the prospects of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiang Yin
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Meng
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Wei Ji
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. .,School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Huisheng Liu
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. .,Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. .,School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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4
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In Vitro Disease Models of the Endocrine Pancreas. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101415. [PMID: 34680532 PMCID: PMC8533367 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ethical constraints and shortcomings of animal models, combined with the demand to study disease pathogenesis under controlled conditions, are giving rise to a new field at the interface of tissue engineering and pathophysiology, which focuses on the development of in vitro models of disease. In vitro models are defined as synthetic experimental systems that contain living human cells and mimic tissue- and organ-level physiology in vitro by taking advantage of recent advances in tissue engineering and microfabrication. This review provides an overview of in vitro models and focuses specifically on in vitro disease models of the endocrine pancreas and diabetes. First, we briefly review the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the human pancreas, with an emphasis on islets of Langerhans and beta cell dysfunction. We then discuss different types of in vitro models and fundamental elements that should be considered when developing an in vitro disease model. Finally, we review the current state and breakthroughs in the field of pancreatic in vitro models and conclude with some challenges that need to be addressed in the future development of in vitro models.
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5
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Wu Jin P, Rousset N, Hierlemann A, Misun PM. A Microfluidic Hanging-Drop-Based Islet Perifusion System for Studying Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion From Multiple Individual Pancreatic Islets. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:674431. [PMID: 34055765 PMCID: PMC8149801 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.674431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Islet perifusion systems can be used to monitor the highly dynamic insulin release of pancreatic islets in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) assays. Here, we present a new generation of the microfluidic hanging-drop-based islet perifusion platform that was developed to study the alterations in insulin secretion dynamics from single pancreatic islet microtissues at high temporal resolution. The platform was completely redesigned to increase experimental throughput and to reduce operational complexity. The experimental throughput was increased fourfold by implementing a network of interconnected hanging drops, which allows for performing GSIS assays with four individual islet microtissues in parallel with a sampling interval of 30 s. We introduced a self-regulating drop-height mechanism that enables continuous flow and maintains a constant liquid volume in the chip, which enables simple and robust operation. Upon glucose stimulation, reproducible biphasic insulin release was simultaneously observed from all islets in the system. The measured insulin concentrations showed low sample-to-sample variation as a consequence of precise liquid handling with stable drop volumes, equal flow rates in the channels, and accurately controlled sampling volumes in all four drops. The presented device will be a valuable tool in islet and diabetes research for studying dynamic insulin secretion from individual pancreatic islets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andreas Hierlemann
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrick M. Misun
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
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6
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Lewis PL, Wells JM. Engineering-inspired approaches to study β-cell function and diabetes. Stem Cells 2021; 39:522-535. [PMID: 33497522 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Strategies to mitigate the pathologies from diabetes range from simply administering insulin to prescribing complex drug/biologic regimens combined with lifestyle changes. There is a substantial effort to better understand β-cell physiology during diabetes pathogenesis as a means to develop improved therapies. The convergence of multiple fields ranging from developmental biology to microfluidic engineering has led to the development of new experimental systems to better study complex aspects of diabetes and β-cell biology. Here we discuss the available insulin-secreting cell types used in research, ranging from primary human β-cells, to cell lines, to pluripotent stem cell-derived β-like cells. Each of these sources possess inherent strengths and weaknesses pertinent to specific applications, especially in the context of engineered platforms. We then outline how insulin-expressing cells have been used in engineered platforms and how recent advances allow for better mimicry of in vivo conditions. Chief among these conditions are β-cell interactions with other endocrine organs. This facet is beginning to be thoroughly addressed by the organ-on-a-chip community, but holds enormous potential in the development of novel diabetes therapeutics. Furthermore, high throughput strategies focused on studying β-cell biology, improving β-cell differentiation, or proliferation have led to enormous contributions in the field and will no doubt be instrumental in bringing new diabetes therapeutics to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip L Lewis
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - James M Wells
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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7
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Abadpour S, Aizenshtadt A, Olsen PA, Shoji K, Wilson SR, Krauss S, Scholz H. Pancreas-on-a-Chip Technology for Transplantation Applications. Curr Diab Rep 2020; 20:72. [PMID: 33206261 PMCID: PMC7674381 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-020-01357-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Human pancreas-on-a-chip (PoC) technology is quickly advancing as a platform for complex in vitro modeling of islet physiology. This review summarizes the current progress and evaluates the possibility of using this technology for clinical islet transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS PoC microfluidic platforms have mainly shown proof of principle for long-term culturing of islets to study islet function in a standardized format. Advancement in microfluidic design by using imaging-compatible biomaterials and biosensor technology might provide a novel future tool for predicting islet transplantation outcome. Progress in combining islets with other tissue types gives a possibility to study diabetic interventions in a minimal equivalent in vitro environment. Although the field of PoC is still in its infancy, considerable progress in the development of functional systems has brought the technology on the verge of a general applicable tool that may be used to study islet quality and to replace animal testing in the development of diabetes interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadab Abadpour
- Department of Transplant Medicine and Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Post Box 4950, Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aleksandra Aizenshtadt
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petter Angell Olsen
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kayoko Shoji
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Steven Ray Wilson
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefan Krauss
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanne Scholz
- Department of Transplant Medicine and Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Post Box 4950, Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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8
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Tran R, Moraes C, Hoesli CA. Developmentally-Inspired Biomimetic Culture Models to Produce Functional Islet-Like Cells From Pluripotent Precursors. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:583970. [PMID: 33117786 PMCID: PMC7576674 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.583970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-producing beta cells sourced from pluripotent stem cells hold great potential as a virtually unlimited cell source to treat diabetes. Directed pancreatic differentiation protocols aim to mimic various stimuli present during embryonic development through sequential changes of in vitro culture conditions. This is commonly accomplished by the timed addition of soluble signaling factors, in conjunction with cell-handling steps such as the formation of 3D cell aggregates. Interestingly, when stem cells at the pancreatic progenitor stage are transplanted, they form functional insulin-producing cells, suggesting that in vivo microenvironmental cues promote beta cell specification. Among these cues, biophysical stimuli have only recently emerged in the context of optimizing pancreatic differentiation protocols. This review focuses on studies of cell–microenvironment interactions and their impact on differentiating pancreatic cells when considering cell signaling, cell–cell and cell–ECM interactions. We highlight the development of in vitro cell culture models that allow systematic studies of pancreatic cell mechanobiology in response to extracellular matrix proteins, biomechanical effects, soluble factor modulation of biomechanics, substrate stiffness, fluid flow and topography. Finally, we explore how these new mechanical insights could lead to novel pancreatic differentiation protocols that improve efficiency, maturity, and throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Tran
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Corinne A Hoesli
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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9
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Walker JT, Haliyur R, Nelson HA, Ishahak M, Poffenberger G, Aramandla R, Reihsmann C, Luchsinger JR, Saunders DC, Wang P, Garcia-Ocaña A, Bottino R, Agarwal A, Powers AC, Brissova M. Integrated human pseudoislet system and microfluidic platform demonstrate differences in GPCR signaling in islet cells. JCI Insight 2020; 5:137017. [PMID: 32352931 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.137017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic islets secrete insulin from β cells and glucagon from α cells, and dysregulated secretion of these hormones is a central component of diabetes. Thus, an improved understanding of the pathways governing coordinated β and α cell hormone secretion will provide insight into islet dysfunction in diabetes. However, the 3D multicellular islet architecture, essential for coordinated islet function, presents experimental challenges for mechanistic studies of intracellular signaling pathways in primary islet cells. Here, we developed an integrated approach to study the function of primary human islet cells using genetically modified pseudoislets that resemble native islets across multiple parameters. Further, we developed a microperifusion system that allowed synchronous acquisition of GCaMP6f biosensor signal and hormone secretory profiles. We demonstrate the utility of this experimental approach by studying the effects of Gi and Gq GPCR pathways on insulin and glucagon secretion by expressing the designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) hM4Di or hM3Dq. Activation of Gi signaling reduced insulin and glucagon secretion, while activation of Gq signaling stimulated glucagon secretion but had both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on insulin secretion, which occur through changes in intracellular Ca2+. The experimental approach of combining pseudoislets with a microfluidic system allowed the coregistration of intracellular signaling dynamics and hormone secretion and demonstrated differences in GPCR signaling pathways between human β and α cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Walker
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rachana Haliyur
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Heather A Nelson
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Matthew Ishahak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Gregory Poffenberger
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Radhika Aramandla
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Conrad Reihsmann
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Joseph R Luchsinger
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Diane C Saunders
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Peng Wang
- Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adolfo Garcia-Ocaña
- Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rita Bottino
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny-Singer Research Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ashutosh Agarwal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Alvin C Powers
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville Tennessee, USA
| | - Marcela Brissova
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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10
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Jun Y, Lee J, Choi S, Yang JH, Sander M, Chung S, Lee SH. In vivo-mimicking microfluidic perfusion culture of pancreatic islet spheroids. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaax4520. [PMID: 31807701 PMCID: PMC6881167 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax4520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Native pancreatic islets interact with neighboring cells by establishing three-dimensional (3D) structures, and are surrounded by perfusion at an interstitial flow level. However, flow effects are generally ignored in islet culture models, although cell perfusion is known to improve the cell microenvironment and to mimic in vivo physiology better than static culture systems. Here, we have developed functional islet spheroids using a microfluidic chip that mimics interstitial flow conditions with reduced shear cell damage. Dynamic culture, compared to static culture, enhanced islet health and maintenance of islet endothelial cells, reconstituting the main component of islet extracellular matrix within spheroids. Optimized flow condition allowed localization of secreted soluble factors near spheroids, facilitating diffusion-mediated paracrine interactions within islets, and enabled long-term maintenance of islet morphology and function for a month. The proposed model can aid islet preconditioning before transplantation and has potential applications as an in vitro model for diabetic drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesl Jun
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - JaeSeo Lee
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongkyun Choi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hun Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Next & Bio Inc., Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Maike Sander
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Seok Chung
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Lee
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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11
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Glieberman AL, Pope BD, Zimmerman JF, Liu Q, Ferrier JP, Kenty JHR, Schrell AM, Mukhitov N, Shores KL, Tepole AB, Melton DA, Roper MG, Parker KK. Synchronized stimulation and continuous insulin sensing in a microfluidic human Islet on a Chip designed for scalable manufacturing. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:2993-3010. [PMID: 31464325 PMCID: PMC6814249 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00253g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic β cell function is compromised in diabetes and is typically assessed by measuring insulin secretion during glucose stimulation. Traditionally, measurement of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion involves manual liquid handling, heterogeneous stimulus delivery, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays that require large numbers of islets and processing time. Though microfluidic devices have been developed to address some of these limitations, traditional methods for islet testing remain the most common due to the learning curve for adopting microfluidic devices and the incompatibility of most device materials with large-scale manufacturing. We designed and built a thermoplastic, microfluidic-based Islet on a Chip compatible with commercial fabrication methods, that automates islet loading, stimulation, and insulin sensing. Inspired by the perfusion of native islets by designated arterioles and capillaries, the chip delivers synchronized glucose pulses to islets positioned in parallel channels. By flowing suspensions of human cadaveric islets onto the chip, we confirmed automatic capture of islets. Fluorescent glucose tracking demonstrated that stimulus delivery was synchronized within a two-minute window independent of the presence or size of captured islets. Insulin secretion was continuously sensed by an automated, on-chip immunoassay and quantified by fluorescence anisotropy. By integrating scalable manufacturing materials, on-line, continuous insulin measurement, and precise spatiotemporal stimulation into an easy-to-use design, the Islet on a Chip should accelerate efforts to study and develop effective treatments for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L Glieberman
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Pierce Hall, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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12
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Lee SH, Hong S, Song J, Cho B, Han EJ, Kondapavulur S, Kim D, Lee LP. Microphysiological Analysis Platform of Pancreatic Islet β-Cell Spheroids. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7. [PMID: 29283208 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201701111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The hallmarks of diabetics are insufficient secretion of insulin and dysregulation of glucagon. It is critical to understand release mechanisms of insulin, glucagon, and other hormones from the islets of Langerhans. In spite of remarkable advancements in diabetes research and practice, robust and reproducible models that can measure pancreatic β-cell function are lacking. Here, a microphysiological analysis platform (MAP) that allows the uniform 3D spheroid formation of pancreatic β-cell islets, large-scale morphological phenotyping, and gene expression mapping of chronic glycemia and lipidemia development is reported. The MAP enables the scaffold-free formation of densely packed β-cell spheroids (i.e., multiple array of 110 bioreactors) surrounded with a perfusion flow network inspired by physiologically relevant microenvironment. The MAP permits dynamic perturbations on the β-cell spheroids and the precise controls of glycemia and lipidemia, which allow us to confirm that cellular apoptosis in the β-cell spheroid under hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia is mostly dependent to a reactive oxygen species-induced caspase-mediated pathway. The β-cells' MAP might provide a potential new map in the pathophysiological mechanisms of β cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hun Lee
- Department of Bioengineering; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley CA 94720 USA
- Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - SoonGweon Hong
- Department of Bioengineering; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley CA 94720 USA
- Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Jihwan Song
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; Hanbat National University; Daejeon 34158 South Korea
- Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Byungrae Cho
- Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley CA 94720 USA
- UC Berkeley and UCSF Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering; Berkeley/San Francisco CA 94720 USA
| | - Esther J. Han
- Department of Chemistry; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Sravani Kondapavulur
- Department of Bioengineering; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Dongchoul Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; Sogang University; Seoul 04107 South Korea
| | - Luke P. Lee
- Department of Bioengineering; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley CA 94720 USA
- Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley CA 94720 USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley CA 94720 USA
- Biophysics Graduate Program; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley CA 94720 USA
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13
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Microfluidic systems for studying dynamic function of adipocytes and adipose tissue. Anal Bioanal Chem 2017; 410:791-800. [PMID: 29214530 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-017-0741-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in organ-on-a-chip and related technologies have highlighted the extraordinary potential for microfluidics to not only make lasting impacts in the understanding of biological systems but also to create new and important in vitro culture platforms. Adipose tissue (fat), in particular, is one that should be amenable to microfluidic mimics of its microenvironment. While the tissue was traditionally considered important only for energy storage, it is now understood to be an integral part of the endocrine system that secretes hormones and responds to various stimuli. As such, adipocyte function is central to the understanding of pathological conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Despite the importance of the tissue, only recently have significant strides been made in studying dynamic function of adipocytes or adipose tissues on microfluidic devices. In this critical review, we highlight new developments in the special class of microfluidic systems aimed at culture and interrogation of adipose tissue, a sub-field of microfluidics that we contend is only in its infancy. We close by reflecting on these studies as we forecast a promising future, where microfluidic technologies should be capable of mimicking the adipose tissue microenvironment and provide novel insights into its physiological roles in the normal and diseased states. Graphical abstract This critical review focuses on recent developments and challenges in applying microfluidic systems to the culture and analysis of adipocytes and adipose tissue.
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14
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Daoud J, Heileman K, Shapka S, Rosenberg L, Tabrizian M. Dielectric spectroscopy for monitoring human pancreatic islet differentiation within cell-seeded scaffolds in a perfusion bioreactor system. Analyst 2016; 140:6295-305. [PMID: 26280028 DOI: 10.1039/c5an00525f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The long-term in vitro culture and differentiation of human pancreatic islets is still hindered by the inability to emulate a suitable microenvironment mimicking physiological extracellular matrix (ECM) support and nutrient/oxygen perfusion. This is further amplified by the current lack of a non-invasive and rapid monitoring system to readily evaluate cellular processes. In this study, we realized a viable method for non-invasively monitoring isolated human pancreatic islets in vitro. Islets are induced to dedifferentiate into proliferative duct-like structures (DLS) in preparation for potential and subsequent re-differentiation into functional islet-like structures (ILS) in a process reminiscent of islet regeneration strategies. This long-term in vitro process is conducted within a three-dimensional microenvironment involving islets embedded in an optimized ECM gel supported by microfabricated three-dimensional scaffolds. The islet-scaffold is then housed and continuously perfused within chambers of a bioreactor platform. The process in its entirety is monitored through dielectric spectroscopy measurements, yielding an accurate representation of cellular morphology, functionality, and volume fraction. This non-invasive and real-time monitoring tool can be further manipulated to elucidate important information about the optimized cellular microenvironment required for maintaining long-term culture and achieve efficient differentiation for islet regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Daoud
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada.
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15
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Nourmohammadzadeh M, Xing Y, Lee JW, Bochenek MA, Mendoza-Elias JE, McGarrigle JJ, Marchese E, Chun-Chieh Y, Eddington DT, Oberholzer J, Wang Y. A microfluidic array for real-time live-cell imaging of human and rodent pancreatic islets. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:1466-72. [PMID: 26999734 PMCID: PMC6286192 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01173f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we present a microfluidic array for high-resolution imaging of individual pancreatic islets. The device is based on hydrodynamic trapping principle and enables real-time analysis of islet cellular responses to insulin secretagogues. This device has significant advantages over our previously published perifusion chamber device including significantly increased analytical power and assay sensitivity, as well as improved spatiotemporal resolution. The islet array, with live-cell multiparametric imaging integration, provides a better tool to understand the physiological and pathophysiological changes of pancreatic islets through the analysis of single islet responses. This platform demonstrates the feasibility of array-based islet cellular analysis and opens up a new modality to conduct informative and quantitive evaluation of islets and cell-based screening for new diabetes treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Nourmohammadzadeh
- Department of Surgery/Transplant, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612 USA. and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607 USA
| | - Yuan Xing
- Department of Surgery/Transplant, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612 USA. and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607 USA
| | - Jin Wuk Lee
- Department of Electroengineering, Northern Illinois University, Chicago, IL, 60115 USA
| | - Matthew A Bochenek
- Department of Surgery/Transplant, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612 USA. and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607 USA
| | - Joshua E Mendoza-Elias
- Department of Surgery/Transplant, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612 USA. and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607 USA
| | - James J McGarrigle
- Department of Surgery/Transplant, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612 USA.
| | - Enza Marchese
- Department of Surgery/Transplant, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612 USA.
| | - Yeh Chun-Chieh
- Department of Surgery/Transplant, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612 USA.
| | - David T Eddington
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607 USA
| | - José Oberholzer
- Department of Surgery/Transplant, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612 USA. and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607 USA
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Surgery/Transplant, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612 USA. and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607 USA
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16
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Blaauboer BJ, Boobis AR, Bradford B, Cockburn A, Constable A, Daneshian M, Edwards G, Garthoff JA, Jeffery B, Krul C, Schuermans J. Considering new methodologies in strategies for safety assessment of foods and food ingredients. Food Chem Toxicol 2016; 91:19-35. [PMID: 26939913 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Toxicology and safety assessment are changing and require new strategies for evaluating risk that are less depending on apical toxicity endpoints in animal models and relying more on knowledge of the mechanism of toxicity. This manuscript describes a number of developments that could contribute to this change and implement this in a stepwise roadmap that can be applied for the evaluation of food and food ingredients. The roadmap was evaluated in four case studies by using literature and existing data. This preliminary evaluation was shown to be useful. However, this experience should be extended by including examples where experimental work needs to be included. To further implement these new insights in toxicology and safety assessment for the area of food and food ingredients, the recommendation is that stakeholders take action in addressing gaps in our knowledge, e.g. with regard to the applicability of the roadmap for mixtures and food matrices. Further development of the threshold of toxicological concern is needed, as well as cooperation with other sectors where similar schemes are under development. Moreover, a more comprehensive evaluation of the roadmap, also including the identification of the need for in vitro experimental work is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas J Blaauboer
- Utrecht University, Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, PO Box 80.177, 3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alan R Boobis
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Centre for Pharmacology & Therapeutics, London, W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Bobbie Bradford
- Unilever, Safety & Environmental Assurance Centre, London, EC4Y 0DY, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Cockburn
- University of Newcastle, Toxico-Logical Consulting Ltd, The Old Boiler House, Moor Place Park, Kettle Green Lane, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, SG10 6AA, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Constable
- Nestlé Research Centre, Vers-Chez-les-Blanc, 1000, Lausanne 26, Switzerland
| | - Mardas Daneshian
- University of Konstanz, Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing-Europe CAAT-Europe, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Gareth Edwards
- Consultant, 63 Woodlands Road., Sonning Common, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 9TD, United Kingdom
| | | | - Brett Jeffery
- Mars, Global Chemical Food Safety Group, Slough, SL1 4JX, United Kingdom
| | - Cyrille Krul
- University of Applied Sciences, Research Centre Technology & Innovation, Dept. Innovative Testing in Life Sciences & Chemistry, PO Box 12011, 3501 AA, Utrecht, The Netherlands; TNO Healthy Living, PO box 360, 3700 AJ Zeist, The Netherlands
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17
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Castiello FR, Heileman K, Tabrizian M. Microfluidic perfusion systems for secretion fingerprint analysis of pancreatic islets: applications, challenges and opportunities. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:409-31. [PMID: 26732665 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01046b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
A secretome signature is a heterogeneous profile of secretions present in a single cell type. From the secretome signature a smaller panel of proteins, namely a secretion fingerprint, can be chosen to feasibly monitor specific cellular activity. Based on a thorough appraisal of the literature, this review explores the possibility of defining and using a secretion fingerprint to gauge the functionality of pancreatic islets of Langerhans. It covers the state of the art regarding microfluidic perfusion systems used in pancreatic islet research. Candidate analytical tools to be integrated within microfluidic perfusion systems for dynamic secretory fingerprint monitoring were identified. These analytical tools include patch clamp, amperometry/voltametry, impedance spectroscopy, field effect transistors and surface plasmon resonance. Coupled with these tools, microfluidic devices can ultimately find applications in determining islet quality for transplantation, islet regeneration and drug screening of therapeutic agents for the treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Rafael Castiello
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Khalil Heileman
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Maryam Tabrizian
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.
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18
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Luni C, Serena E, Elvassore N. Human-on-chip for therapy development and fundamental science. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2014; 25:45-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2013.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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19
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Yum K, Hong SG, Healy KE, Lee LP. Physiologically relevant organs on chips. Biotechnol J 2013; 9:16-27. [PMID: 24357624 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201300187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in integrating microengineering and tissue engineering have generated promising microengineered physiological models for experimental medicine and pharmaceutical research. Here we review the recent development of microengineered physiological systems, or also known as "ogans-on-chips", that reconstitute the physiologically critical features of specific human tissues and organs and their interactions. This technology uses microengineering approaches to construct organ-specific microenvironments, reconstituting tissue structures, tissue-tissue interactions and interfaces, and dynamic mechanical and biochemical stimuli found in specific organs, to direct cells to assemble into functional tissues. We first discuss microengineering approaches to reproduce the key elements of physiologically important, dynamic mechanical microenvironments, biochemical microenvironments, and microarchitectures of specific tissues and organs in microfluidic cell culture systems. This is followed by examples of microengineered individual organ models that incorporate the key elements of physiological microenvironments into single microfluidic cell culture systems to reproduce organ-level functions. Finally, microengineered multiple organ systems that simulate multiple organ interactions to better represent human physiology, including human responses to drugs, is covered in this review. This emerging organs-on-chips technology has the potential to become an alternative to 2D and 3D cell culture and animal models for experimental medicine, human disease modeling, drug development, and toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungsuk Yum
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Texas, Arlington, TX, USA
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20
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Huang Y, Williams JC, Johnson SM. Brain slice on a chip: opportunities and challenges of applying microfluidic technology to intact tissues. LAB ON A CHIP 2012; 12:2103-2117. [PMID: 22534786 DOI: 10.1039/c2lc21142d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Isolated brain tissue, especially brain slices, are valuable experimental tools for studying neuronal function at the network, cellular, synaptic, and single channel levels. Neuroscientists have refined the methods for preserving brain slice viability and function and converged on principles that strongly resemble the approach taken by engineers in developing microfluidic devices. With respect to brain slices, microfluidic technology may 1) overcome the traditional limitations of conventional interface and submerged slice chambers and improve oxygen/nutrient penetration into slices, 2) provide better spatiotemporal control over solution flow/drug delivery to specific slice regions, and 3) permit successful integration with modern optical and electrophysiological techniques. In this review, we highlight the unique advantages of microfluidic devices for in vitro brain slice research, describe recent advances in the integration of microfluidic devices with optical and electrophysiological instrumentation, and discuss clinical applications of microfluidic technology as applied to brain slices and other non-neuronal tissues. We hope that this review will serve as an interdisciplinary guide for both neuroscientists studying brain tissue in vitro and engineers as they further develop microfluidic chamber technology for neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Huang
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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21
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Wang Y, Lee D, Zhang L, Jeon H, Mendoza-Elias JE, Harvat TA, Hassan SZ, Zhou A, Eddington DT, Oberholzer J. Systematic prevention of bubble formation and accumulation for long-term culture of pancreatic islet cells in microfluidic device. Biomed Microdevices 2012; 14:419-26. [PMID: 22252566 PMCID: PMC3303988 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-011-9618-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Reliable long-term cell culture in microfluidic system is limited by air bubble formation and accumulation. In this study, we developed a bubble removal system capable of both trapping and discharging air bubbles in a consistent and reliable manner. Combined with PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) hydrophilic surface treatment and vacuum filling, a microfluidic perifusion system equipped with the bubble trap was successfully applied for long-term culture of mouse pancreatic islets with no bubble formation and no flow interruption. In addition to demonstrating normal cell viability and islet morphology, post-cultured islets exhibited normal insulin secretion kinetics, intracellular calcium signaling, and changes in mitochondrial potentials in response to glucose challenge. This design could be easily adapted by other microfluidic systems due to its simple design, ease of fabrication, and portability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Department of Transplant/Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dongyoung Lee
- Department of Transplant/Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lisa Zhang
- Department of Transplant/Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hyojin Jeon
- Department of Transplant/Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joshua E. Mendoza-Elias
- Department of Transplant/Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tricia A. Harvat
- Department of Transplant/Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sarah Z. Hassan
- Department of Transplant/Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amanda Zhou
- Department of Transplant/Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David T. Eddington
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
| | - José Oberholzer
- Department of Transplant/Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
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22
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van der Meer AD, van den Berg A. Organs-on-chips: breaking the in vitro impasse. Integr Biol (Camb) 2012; 4:461-70. [PMID: 22388577 DOI: 10.1039/c2ib00176d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In vitro models of biological tissues are indispensable tools for unraveling human physiology and pathogenesis. They usually consist of a single layer of a single cell type, which makes them robust and suitable for parallelized research. However, due to their simplicity, in vitro models are also less valid as true reflections of the complex biological tissues of the human body. Even though the realism of the models can be increased by including more cell types, this will inevitably lead to a decrease in robustness and throughput. The constant trade-off between realism and simplicity has led to an impasse in the development of new in vitro models. Organs-on-chips, a class of microengineered in vitro tissue models, have the potential to break the in vitro impasse. These models combine an artificially engineered, physiologically realistic cell culture microenvironment with the potential for parallelization and increased throughput. They are robust, because the engineered physiological, organ-level features such as tissue organization, geometry, soluble gradients and mechanical stimulation are well-defined and controlled. Moreover, their microfluidic properties and integrated sensors pave the way for high-throughput studies. In this review, we define the in vitro impasse, we explain why organs-on-chips have the potential to break the impasse and we formulate a view on the future of the field. We focus on the design philosophy of organs-on-chips, the integration of technology and biology and on how to connect to the potential end-users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andries D van der Meer
- BIOS/Lab on a Chip group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, The Netherlands
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23
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Lo JF, Wang Y, Blake A, Yu G, Harvat TA, Jeon H, Oberholzer J, Eddington DT. Islet preconditioning via multimodal microfluidic modulation of intermittent hypoxia. Anal Chem 2012; 84:1987-93. [PMID: 22296179 DOI: 10.1021/ac2030909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Simultaneous stimulation of ex vivo pancreatic islets with dynamic oxygen and glucose is a critical technique for studying how hypoxia alters glucose-stimulated response, especially in transplant environments. Standard techniques using a hypoxic chamber cannot provide both oxygen and glucose modulations, while monitoring stimulus-secretion coupling factors in real-time. Using novel microfluidic device with integrated glucose and oxygen modulations, we quantified hypoxic impairment of islet response by calcium influx, mitochondrial potentials, and insulin secretion. Glucose-induced calcium response magnitude and phase were suppressed by hypoxia, while mitochondrial hyperpolarization and insulin secretion decreased in coordination. More importantly, hypoxic response was improved by preconditioning islets to intermittent hypoxia (IH, 1 min/1 min 5-21% cycling for 1 h), translating to improved insulin secretion. Moreover, blocking mitochondrial K(ATP) channels removed preconditioning benefits of IH, similar to mechanisms in preconditioned cardiomyocytes. Additionally, the multimodal device can be applied to a variety of dynamic oxygen-metabolic studies in other ex vivo tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe F Lo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
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24
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Moraes C, Mehta G, Lesher-Perez SC, Takayama S. Organs-on-a-chip: a focus on compartmentalized microdevices. Ann Biomed Eng 2011; 40:1211-27. [PMID: 22065201 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-011-0455-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Advances in microengineering technologies have enabled a variety of insights into biomedical sciences that would not have been possible with conventional techniques. Engineering microenvironments that simulate in vivo organ systems may provide critical insight into the cellular basis for pathophysiologies, development, and homeostasis in various organs, while curtailing the high experimental costs and complexities associated with in vivo studies. In this article, we aim to survey recent attempts to extend tissue-engineered platforms toward simulating organ structure and function, and discuss the various approaches and technologies utilized in these systems. We specifically focus on microtechnologies that exploit phenomena associated with compartmentalization to create model culture systems that better represent the in vivo organ microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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