1
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Kinnear C, Said A, Meng G, Zhao Y, Wang EY, Rafatian N, Parmar N, Wei W, Billia F, Simmons CA, Radisic M, Ellis J, Mital S. Myosin inhibitor reverses hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in genotypically diverse pediatric iPSC-cardiomyocytes to mirror variant correction. Cell Rep Med 2024:101520. [PMID: 38642550 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in MYH7 and MYBPC3 account for the majority of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Targeted drugs like myosin ATPase inhibitors have not been evaluated in children. We generate patient and variant-corrected iPSC-cardiomyocytes (CMs) from pediatric HCM patients harboring single variants in MYH7 (V606M; R453C), MYBPC3 (G148R) or digenic variants (MYBPC3 P955fs, TNNI3 A157V). We also generate CMs harboring MYBPC3 mono- and biallelic variants using CRISPR editing of a healthy control. Compared with isogenic and healthy controls, variant-positive CMs show sarcomere disorganization, higher contractility, calcium transients, and ATPase activity. However, only MYH7 and biallelic MYBPC3 variant-positive CMs show stronger myosin-actin binding. Targeted myosin ATPase inhibitors show complete rescue of the phenotype in variant-positive CMs and in cardiac Biowires to mirror isogenic controls. The response is superior to verapamil or metoprolol. Myosin inhibitors can be effective in genotypically diverse HCM highlighting the need for myosin inhibitor drug trials in pediatric HCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Kinnear
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Abdelrahman Said
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Guoliang Meng
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Erika Y Wang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Neha Parmar
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Wei Wei
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Filio Billia
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada; Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada; Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada; Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - James Ellis
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Seema Mital
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
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2
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Kieda J, Shakeri A, Landau S, Wang EY, Zhao Y, Lai BF, Okhovatian S, Wang Y, Jiang R, Radisic M. Advances in cardiac tissue engineering and heart-on-a-chip. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:492-511. [PMID: 37909362 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in both cardiac tissue engineering and hearts-on-a-chip are grounded in new biomaterial development as well as the employment of innovative fabrication techniques that enable precise control of the mechanical, electrical, and structural properties of the cardiac tissues being modelled. The elongated structure of cardiomyocytes requires tuning of substrate properties and application of biophysical stimuli to drive its mature phenotype. Landmark advances have already been achieved with induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac patches that advanced to human testing. Heart-on-a-chip platforms are now commonly used by a number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Here, we provide an overview of cardiac physiology in order to better define the requirements for functional tissue recapitulation. We then discuss the biomaterials most commonly used in both cardiac tissue engineering and heart-on-a-chip, followed by the discussion of recent representative studies in both fields. We outline significant challenges common to both fields, specifically: scalable tissue fabrication and platform standardization, improving cellular fidelity through effective tissue vascularization, achieving adult tissue maturation, and ultimately developing cryopreservation protocols so that the tissues are available off the shelf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Kieda
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amid Shakeri
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shira Landau
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erika Yan Wang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin Fook Lai
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard Jiang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Karamzadeh V, Shen ML, Ravanbakhsh H, Sohrabi-Kashani A, Okhovatian S, Savoji H, Radisic M, Juncker D. High-Resolution Additive Manufacturing of a Biodegradable Elastomer with A Low-Cost LCD 3D Printer. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303708. [PMID: 37990819 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Artificial organs and organs-on-a-chip (OoC) are of great clinical and scientific interest and have recently been made by additive manufacturing, but depend on, and benefit from, biocompatible, biodegradable, and soft materials. Poly(octamethylene maleate (anhydride) citrate (POMaC) meets these criteria and has gained popularity, and as in principle, it can be photocured and is amenable to vat-photopolymerization (VP) 3D printing, but only low-resolution structures have been produced so far. Here, a VP-POMaC ink is introduced and 3D printing of 80 µm positive features and complex 3D structures is demonstrated using low-cost (≈US$300) liquid-crystal display (LCD) printers. The ink includes POMaC, a diluent and porogen additive to reduce viscosity within the range of VP, and a crosslinker to speed up reaction kinetics. The mechanical properties of the cured ink are tuned to match the elastic moduli of different tissues simply by varying the porogen concentration. The biocompatibility is assessed by cell culture which yielded 80% viability and the potential for tissue engineering illustrated with a 3D-printed gyroid seeded with cells. VP-POMaC and low-cost LCD printers make the additive manufacturing of high resolution, elastomeric, and biodegradable constructs widely accessible, paving the way for a myriad of applications in tissue engineering and 3D cell culture as demonstrated here, and possibly in OoC, implants, wearables, and soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Karamzadeh
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- McGill Genome Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Molly L Shen
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- McGill Genome Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Hossein Ravanbakhsh
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- McGill Genome Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - Ahmad Sohrabi-Kashani
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- McGill Genome Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Houman Savoji
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
- Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Montreal TransMedTech Institute, Montreal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - David Juncker
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- McGill Genome Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
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4
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Lu RXZ, Rafatian N, Zhao Y, Wagner KT, Beroncal EL, Li B, Lee C, Chen J, Churcher E, Vosoughi D, Liu C, Wang Y, Baker A, Trahtemberg U, Li B, Pierro A, Andreazza AC, dos Santos CC, Radisic M. Cardiac tissue model of immune-induced dysfunction reveals the role of free mitochondrial DNA and the therapeutic effects of exosomes. Sci Adv 2024; 10:eadk0164. [PMID: 38536913 PMCID: PMC10971762 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite tremendous progress in the development of mature heart-on-a-chip models, human cell-based models of myocardial inflammation are lacking. Here, we bioengineered a vascularized heart-on-a-chip with circulating immune cells to model severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced acute myocarditis. We observed hallmarks of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-induced myocardial inflammation, as the presence of immune cells augmented the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, triggered progressive impairment of contractile function, and altered intracellular calcium transients. An elevation of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) was measured first in the heart-on-a-chip and then validated in COVID-19 patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction, demonstrating that mitochondrial damage is an important pathophysiological hallmark of inflammation-induced cardiac dysfunction. Leveraging this platform in the context of SARS-CoV-2-induced myocardial inflammation, we established that administration of endothelial cell-derived exosomes effectively rescued the contractile deficit, normalized calcium handling, elevated the contraction force, and reduced the ccf-mtDNA and cytokine release via Toll-like receptor-nuclear factor κB signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Xing Ze Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, MITO2i, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Karl T. Wagner
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Erika L. Beroncal
- Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, MITO2i, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bo Li
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Carol Lee
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Jingan Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Eryn Churcher
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Daniel Vosoughi
- Latner Thoracic Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Chuan Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Andrew Baker
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Uriel Trahtemberg
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
- Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Bowen Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Agostino Pierro
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - Ana C. Andreazza
- Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, MITO2i, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Claudia C. dos Santos
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, MITO2i, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3D5, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1
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5
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Ashrafi E, Radisic M, Elliott JAW. Systematic cryopreservation study of cardiac myoblasts in suspension. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295131. [PMID: 38446773 PMCID: PMC10917286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
H9c2 myoblasts are a cell line derived from embryonic rat heart tissue and demonstrate the ability to differentiate to cardiac myotubes upon reduction of the serum concentration (from 10% to 1%) and addition of all-trans retinoic acid in the growth medium. H9c2 cells are increasingly being used as an easy-to-culture proxy for some functions of cardiomyocytes. The cryobiology of cardiac cells including H9c2 myoblasts has not been studied as extensively as that of some cell types. Consequently, it is important to characterize the cryobiological response and systematically develop well-optimized cryopreservation protocols for H9c2 cells to have optimal and consistent viability and functionality after thaw for high quality studies with this cell type. In this work, an interrupted slow cooling protocol (graded freezing) was applied to characterize H9c2 response throughout the cooling profile. Important factors that affect the cell response were examined, and final protocols that provided the highest post-thaw viability are reported. One protocol uses the common cryoprotectant dimethyl sulfoxide combined with hydroxyethyl starch, which will be suitable for applications in which the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide is not an issue; and the other protocol uses glycerol as a substitute when there is a desire to avoid dimethyl sulfoxide. Both protocols achieved comparable post-thaw viabilities (higher than 80%) based on SYTO 13/GelRed flow cytometry results. H9c2 cells cryopreserved by either protocol showed ability to differentiate to cardiac myotubes comparable to fresh (unfrozen) H9c2 cells, and their differentiation to cardiac myotubes was confirmed with i) change in cell morphology, ii) expression of cardiac marker troponin I, and iii) increase in mitochondrial mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Ashrafi
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janet A. W. Elliott
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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6
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Wu Q, Xue R, Zhao Y, Ramsay K, Wang EY, Savoji H, Veres T, Cartmell SH, Radisic M. Automated fabrication of a scalable heart-on-a-chip device by 3D printing of thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposite and hot embossing. Bioact Mater 2024; 33:46-60. [PMID: 38024233 PMCID: PMC10654006 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The successful translation of organ-on-a-chip devices requires the development of an automated workflow for device fabrication, which is challenged by the need for precise deposition of multiple classes of materials in micro-meter scaled configurations. Many current heart-on-a-chip devices are produced manually, requiring the expertise and dexterity of skilled operators. Here, we devised an automated and scalable fabrication method to engineer a Biowire II multiwell platform to generate human iPSC-derived cardiac tissues. This high-throughput heart-on-a-chip platform incorporated fluorescent nanocomposite microwires as force sensors, produced from quantum dots and thermoplastic elastomer, and 3D printed on top of a polystyrene tissue culture base patterned by hot embossing. An array of built-in carbon electrodes was embedded in a single step into the base, flanking the microwells on both sides. The facile and rapid 3D printing approach efficiently and seamlessly scaled up the Biowire II system from an 8-well chip to a 24-well and a 96-well format, resulting in an increase of platform fabrication efficiency by 17,5000-69,000% per well. The device's compatibility with long-term electrical stimulation in each well facilitated the targeted generation of mature human iPSC-derived cardiac tissues, evident through a positive force-frequency relationship, post-rest potentiation, and well-aligned sarcomeric apparatus. This system's ease of use and its capacity to gauge drug responses in matured cardiac tissue make it a powerful and reliable platform for rapid preclinical drug screening and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Ruikang Xue
- Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering and The Henry Royce Institute, Royce Hub Building, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Kaitlyn Ramsay
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Erika Yan Wang
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Houman Savoji
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1J4, Canada
- Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Montreal TransMedTech Institute, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Teodor Veres
- National Research Council of Canada, Boucherville, QC, J4B 6Y4, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Sarah H. Cartmell
- Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering and The Henry Royce Institute, Royce Hub Building, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
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7
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Bannerman D, Pascual-Gil S, Campbell S, Jiang R, Wu Q, Okhovatian S, Wagner KT, Montgomery M, Laflamme MA, Davenport Huyer L, Radisic M. Itaconate and citrate releasing polymer attenuates foreign body response in biofabricated cardiac patches. Mater Today Bio 2024; 24:100917. [PMID: 38234461 PMCID: PMC10792972 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Application of cardiac patches to the heart surface can be undertaken to provide support and facilitate regeneration of the damaged cardiac tissue following ischemic injury. Biomaterial composition is an important consideration in the design of cardiac patch materials as it governs host response to ultimately prevent the undesirable fibrotic response. Here, we investigate a novel patch material, poly (itaconate-co-citrate-co-octanediol) (PICO), in the context of cardiac implantation. Citric acid (CA) and itaconic acid (ITA), the molecular components of PICO, provided a level of protection for cardiac cells during ischemic reperfusion injury in vitro. Biofabricated PICO patches were shown to degrade in accelerated and hydrolytic conditions, with CA and ITA being released upon degradation. Furthermore, the host response to PICO patches after implantation on rat epicardium in vivo was explored and compared to two biocompatible cardiac patch materials, poly (octamethylene (anhydride) citrate) (POMaC) and poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). PICO patches resulted in less macrophage infiltration and lower foreign body giant cell reaction compared to the other materials, with corresponding reduction in smooth muscle actin-positive vessel infiltration into the implant region. Overall, this work demonstrates that PICO patches release CA and ITA upon degradation, both of which demonstrate cardioprotective effects on cardiac cells after ischemic injury, and that PICO patches generate a reduced inflammatory response upon implantation to the heart compared to other materials, signifying promise for use in cardiac patch applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Bannerman
- Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simon Pascual-Gil
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Scott Campbell
- Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Richard Jiang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Qinghua Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karl T. Wagner
- Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Miles Montgomery
- Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael A. Laflamme
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Locke Davenport Huyer
- Applied Oral Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Health Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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8
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Cho S, Dadson K, Sung HK, Ayansola O, Mirzaesmaeili A, Noskovicova N, Zhao Y, Cheung K, Radisic M, Hinz B, Sater AAA, Hsu HH, Lopaschuk GD, Sweeney G. Cardioprotection by the adiponectin receptor agonist ALY688 in a preclinical mouse model of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116119. [PMID: 38181714 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Adiponectin has been shown to mediate cardioprotective effects and levels are typically reduced in patients with cardiometabolic disease. Hence, there has been intense interest in developing adiponectin-based therapeutics. The aim of this translational research study was to examine the functional significance of targeting adiponectin signaling with the adiponectin receptor agonist ALY688 in a mouse model of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and the mechanisms of cardiac remodeling leading to cardioprotection. METHODS AND RESULTS Wild-type mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) to induce left ventricular pressure overload (PO), or sham surgery, with or without daily subcutaneous ALY688-SR administration. Temporal analysis of cardiac function was conducted via weekly echocardiography for 5 weeks and we observed that ALY688 attenuated the PO-induced dysfunction. ALY688 also reduced cardiac hypertrophic remodeling, assessed via LV mass, heart weight to body weight ratio, cardiomyocyte cross sectional area, ANP and BNP levels. ALY688 also attenuated PO-induced changes in myosin light and heavy chain expression. Collagen content and myofibroblast profile indicated that fibrosis was attenuated by ALY688 with TIMP1 and scleraxis/periostin identified as potential mechanistic contributors. ALY688 reduced PO-induced elevation in circulating cytokines including IL-5, IL-13 and IL-17, and the chemoattractants MCP-1, MIP-1β, MIP-1alpha and MIP-3α. Assessment of myocardial transcript levels indicated that ALY688 suppressed PO-induced elevations in IL-6, TLR-4 and IL-1β, collectively indicating anti-inflammatory effects. Targeted metabolomic profiling indicated that ALY688 increased fatty acid mobilization and oxidation, increased betaine and putrescine plus decreased sphingomyelin and lysophospholipids, a profile indicative of improved insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the adiponectin mimetic peptide ALY688 reduced PO-induced fibrosis, hypertrophy, inflammation and metabolic dysfunction and represents a promising therapeutic approach for treating HFrEF in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungji Cho
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keith Dadson
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Ali Mirzaesmaeili
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nina Noskovicova
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3E2, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Krisco Cheung
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3E2, Canada; Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Ali A Abdul Sater
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Henry H Hsu
- Allysta Pharmaceuticals Inc. Bellevue, WA, USA
| | - Gary D Lopaschuk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gary Sweeney
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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9
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Strohm EM, Callaghan NI, Ding Y, Latifi N, Rafatian N, Funakoshi S, Fernandes I, Reitz CJ, Di Paola M, Gramolini AO, Radisic M, Keller G, Kolios MC, Simmons CA. Noninvasive Quantification of Contractile Dynamics in Cardiac Cells, Spheroids, and Organs-on-a-Chip Using High-Frequency Ultrasound. ACS Nano 2024; 18:314-327. [PMID: 38147684 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based models that mimic in vivo heart physiology are poised to make significant advances in cardiac disease modeling and drug discovery. In these systems, cardiomyocyte (CM) contractility is an important functional metric, but current measurement methods are inaccurate and low-throughput or require complex setups. To address this need, we developed a standalone noninvasive, label-free ultrasound technique operating at 40-200 MHz to measure the contractile kinetics of cardiac models, ranging from single adult CMs to 3D microtissue constructs in standard cell culture formats. The high temporal resolution of 1000 fps resolved the beat profile of single mouse CMs paced at up to 9 Hz, revealing limitations of lower speed optical based measurements to resolve beat kinetics or characterize aberrant beats. Coupling of ultrasound with traction force microscopy enabled the measurement of the CM longitudinal modulus and facile estimation of adult mouse CM contractile forces of 2.34 ± 1.40 μN, comparable to more complex measurement techniques. Similarly, the beat rate, rhythm, and drug responses of CM spheroid and microtissue models were measured, including in configurations without optical access. In conclusion, ultrasound can be used for the rapid characterization of CM contractile function in a wide range of commonly studied configurations ranging from single cells to 3D tissue constructs using standard well plates and custom microdevices, with applications in cardiac drug discovery and cardiotoxicity evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Strohm
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Neal I Callaghan
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Yu Ding
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Neda Latifi
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Shunsuke Funakoshi
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ian Fernandes
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Cristine J Reitz
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Michelle Di Paola
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Anthony O Gramolini
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Gordon Keller
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Michael C Kolios
- Department of Physics, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G9, Canada
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10
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Shakeri A, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Landau S, Perera K, Lee J, Radisic M. Engineering Organ-on-a-Chip Systems for Vascular Diseases. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:2241-2255. [PMID: 37823265 PMCID: PMC10842627 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.318233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and thrombosis, are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Traditional in vitro models for studying vascular diseases have limitations, as they do not fully recapitulate the complexity of the in vivo microenvironment. Organ-on-a-chip systems have emerged as a promising approach for modeling vascular diseases by incorporating multiple cell types, mechanical and biochemical cues, and fluid flow in a microscale platform. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in engineering organ-on-a-chip systems for modeling vascular diseases, including the use of microfluidic channels, ECM (extracellular matrix) scaffolds, and patient-specific cells. We also discuss the limitations and future perspectives of organ-on-a-chip for modeling vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amid Shakeri
- Institute of Biomaterials Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3G9; Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto; Ontario, M5G 2C4; Canada
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Biomaterials Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3G9; Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto; Ontario, M5G 2C4; Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomaterials Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3G9; Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto; Ontario, M5G 2C4; Canada
| | - Shira Landau
- Institute of Biomaterials Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3G9; Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto; Ontario, M5G 2C4; Canada
| | - Kevin Perera
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonguk Lee
- Institute of Biomaterials Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3G9; Canada
- KITE - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3G9; Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto; Ontario, M5G 2C4; Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3E5; Canada
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11
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Abstract
Cardiovascular tissue constructs provide unique design requirements due to their functional responses to substrate mechanical properties and cyclic stretching behavior of cardiac tissue that requires the use of durable elastic materials. Given the diversity of polyester synthesis approaches, an opportunity exists to develop a new class of biocompatible, elastic, and immunomodulatory cardiovascular polymers. Furthermore, elastomeric polyester materials have the capability to provide tailored biomechanical synergy with native tissue and hence reduce inflammatory response in vivo and better support tissue maturation in vitro. In this review, we highlight underlying chemistry and design strategies of polyester elastomers optimized for cardiac tissue scaffolds. The major advantages of these materials such as their tunable elasticity, desirable biodegradation, and potential for incorporation of bioactive compounds are further expanded. Unique fabrication methods using polyester materials such as micromolding, 3D stamping, electrospinning, laser ablation, and 3D printing are discussed. Moreover, applications of these biomaterials in cardiovascular organ-on-a-chip devices and patches are analyzed. Finally, we outline unaddressed challenges in the field that need further study to enable the impactful translation of soft polyesters to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomaterials Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3G9; Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto; Ontario, M5G 2C4; Canada
| | - Amid Shakeri
- Institute of Biomaterials Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3G9; Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto; Ontario, M5G 2C4; Canada
| | - Locke Davenport Huyer
- Department of Applied Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculties of Medicine and Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3G9; Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto; Ontario, M5G 2C4; Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto; Ontario, M5S 3E5; Canada
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12
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Radisic M. Hydrogel implant rehabilitates muscles through electrical stimulation. Nature 2023; 623:37-38. [PMID: 37914943 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-03211-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
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13
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Wauchop M, Rafatian N, Zhao Y, Chen W, Gagliardi M, Massé S, Cox BJ, Lai P, Liang T, Landau S, Protze S, Gao XD, Wang EY, Tung KC, Laksman Z, Lu RXZ, Keller G, Nanthakumar K, Radisic M, Backx PH. Maturation of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes in a heart-on-a-chip device enables modeling of dilated cardiomyopathy caused by R222Q-SCN5A mutation. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122255. [PMID: 37651922 PMCID: PMC10942743 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
To better understand sodium channel (SCN5A)-related cardiomyopathies, we generated ventricular cardiomyocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells obtained from a dilated cardiomyopathy patient harbouring the R222Q mutation, which is only expressed in adult SCN5A isoforms. Because the adult SCN5A isoform was poorly expressed, without functional differences between R222Q and control in both embryoid bodies and cell sheet preparations (cultured for 29-35 days), we created heart-on-a-chip biowires which promote myocardial maturation. Indeed, biowires expressed primarily adult SCN5A with R222Q preparations displaying (arrhythmogenic) short action potentials, altered Na+ channel biophysical properties and lower contractility compared to corrected controls. Comprehensive RNA sequencing revealed differential gene regulation between R222Q and control biowires in cellular pathways related to sarcoplasmic reticulum and dystroglycan complex as well as biological processes related to calcium ion regulation and action potential. Additionally, R222Q biowires had marked reductions in actin expression accompanied by profound sarcoplasmic disarray, without differences in cell composition (fibroblast, endothelial cells, and cardiomyocytes) compared to corrected biowires. In conclusion, we demonstrate that in addition to altering cardiac electrophysiology and Na+ current, the R222Q mutation also causes profound sarcomere disruptions and mechanical destabilization. Possible mechanisms for these observations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Wauchop
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Division of Cardiology and Peter Munk Cardiac Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Wenliang Chen
- Division of Cardiology and Peter Munk Cardiac Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Mark Gagliardi
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Stéphane Massé
- Division of Cardiology and Peter Munk Cardiac Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; The Hull Family Cardiac Fibrillation Management Laboratory, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Brian J Cox
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Patrick Lai
- Division of Cardiology and Peter Munk Cardiac Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; The Hull Family Cardiac Fibrillation Management Laboratory, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Timothy Liang
- Division of Cardiology and Peter Munk Cardiac Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; The Hull Family Cardiac Fibrillation Management Laboratory, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Shira Landau
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Stephanie Protze
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Xiao Dong Gao
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Erika Yan Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Kelvin Chan Tung
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Zachary Laksman
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6E 1M7, Canada
| | - Rick Xing Ze Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Gordon Keller
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Kumaraswamy Nanthakumar
- Division of Cardiology and Peter Munk Cardiac Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; The Hull Family Cardiac Fibrillation Management Laboratory, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada.
| | - Milica Radisic
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 3E5.
| | - Peter H Backx
- Division of Cardiology and Peter Munk Cardiac Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada; Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.
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14
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Lu RXZ, Rafatian N, Zhao Y, Wagner KT, Beroncal EL, Li B, Lee C, Chen J, Churcher E, Vosoughi D, Wang Y, Baker A, Trahtemberg U, Li B, Pierro A, Andreazza AC, Dos Santos CC, Radisic M. Heart-on-a-chip model of immune-induced cardiac dysfunction reveals the role of free mitochondrial DNA and therapeutic effects of endothelial exosomes. bioRxiv 2023:2023.08.09.552495. [PMID: 37609237 PMCID: PMC10441383 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.09.552495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease continues to take more human lives than all cancer combined, prompting the need for improved research models and treatment options. Despite a significant progress in development of mature heart-on-a-chip models of fibrosis and cardiomyopathies starting from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), human cell-based models of myocardial inflammation are lacking. Here, we bioengineered a vascularized heart-on-a-chip system with circulating immune cells to model SARS-CoV-2-induced acute myocarditis. Briefly, we observed hallmarks of COVID-19-induced myocardial inflammation in the heart-on-a-chip model, as the presence of immune cells augmented the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, triggered progressive impairment of contractile function and altered intracellular calcium transient activities. An elevation of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) was measured first in the in vitro heart-on-a-chip model and then validated in COVID-19 patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), demonstrating that mitochondrial damage is an important pathophysiological hallmark of inflammation induced cardiac dysfunction. Leveraging this platform in the context of SARS-CoV-2 induced myocardial inflammation, we established that administration of human umbilical vein-derived EVs effectively rescued the contractile deficit, normalized intracellular calcium handling, elevated the contraction force and reduced the ccf- mtDNA and chemokine release via TLR-NF-kB signaling axis.
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15
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Wu Q, Zhang P, O'Leary G, Zhao Y, Xu Y, Rafatian N, Okhovatian S, Landau S, Valiante TA, Travas-Sejdic J, Radisic M. Flexible 3D printed microwires and 3D microelectrodes for heart-on-a-chip engineering. Biofabrication 2023. [PMID: 37230083 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acd8f4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We developed a heart-on-a-chip platform that integrates highly flexible, vertical, 3D micropillar electrodes for electrophysiological recording and elastic microwires for the tissue's contractile force assessment. The high aspect ratio microelectrodes were 3D-printed into the device using a conductive polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). A pair of flexible, quantum dots/thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposite microwires were 3D printed to anchor the tissue and enable continuous contractile force assessment. The 3D microelectrodes and flexible microwires enabled unobstructed human iPSC-based cardiac tissue formation and contraction, suspended above the device surface, under both spontaneous beating and upon pacing with a separate set of integrated carbon electrodes. Recording of extracellular field potentials using the PEDOT:PSS micropillars was demonstrated with and without epinephrine as a model drug, non-invasively, along with in situ monitoring of tissue contractile properties and calcium transients. Uniquely, the platform provides integrated profiling of electrical and contractile tissue properties, which is critical for proper evaluation of complex, mechanically and electrically active tissues, such as the heart muscle under both physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Wu
- Institute of biomedical engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College st., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, CANADA
| | - Peikai Zhang
- The University of Auckland, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand, Auckland, 1142, NEW ZEALAND
| | - Gerard O'Leary
- Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, 135 Nassau St, Toronto, ON, Toronto, M5T 1M8, CANADA
| | - Yimu Zhao
- University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, CANADA
| | - Yinghao Xu
- Polytechnique Montreal, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1J4, CANADA
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Institute of biomedical engineering, University of Toronto, 164 college st., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, CANADA
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of biomedical engineering, University of Toronto, 164 college st., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, CANADA
| | - Shira Landau
- Institute of biomedical engineering, University of Toronto, 164 college st., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, CANADA
| | - Taufik A Valiante
- Krembil Brain Institute , University Health Network, 135 Nassau St, Toronto, ON Toronto, CAN, Toronto, M5T 1M8, CANADA
| | - Jadranka Travas-Sejdic
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Auckland, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, Auckland, Auckland, Auckland, 1142, NEW ZEALAND
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of biomedical engineering, University of Toronto, 164 college st., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, CANADA
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16
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17
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Zhao Y, Wang EY, Lai FBL, Cheung K, Radisic M. Organs-on-a-chip: a union of tissue engineering and microfabrication. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:410-424. [PMID: 36725464 PMCID: PMC9985977 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We review the emergence of the new field of organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) engineering, from the parent fields of tissue engineering and microfluidics. We place into perspective the tools and capabilities brought into the OOAC field by early tissue engineers and microfluidics experts. Liver-on-a-chip and heart-on-a-chip are used as two case studies of systems that heavily relied on tissue engineering techniques and that were amongst the first OOAC models to be implemented, motivated by the need to better assess toxicity to human tissues in preclinical drug development. We review current challenges in OOAC that often stem from the same challenges in the parent fields, such as stable vascularization and drug absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Erika Yan Wang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Fook B L Lai
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Krisco Cheung
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada.
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18
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Vizely K, Wagner KT, Mandla S, Gustafson D, Fish JE, Radisic M. Angiopoietin-1 derived peptide hydrogel promotes molecular hallmarks of regeneration and wound healing in dermal fibroblasts. iScience 2023; 26:105984. [PMID: 36818306 PMCID: PMC9932487 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.105984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
By providing an ideal environment for healing, biomaterials can be designed to facilitate and encourage wound regeneration. As the wound healing process is complex, there needs to be consideration for the cell types playing major roles, such as fibroblasts. As a major cell type in the dermis, fibroblasts have a large impact on the processes and outcomes of wound healing. Prevopisly, conjugating the angiopoietin-1 derived Q-peptide (QHREDGS) to a collagen-chitosan hydrogel created a biomaterial with in vivo success in accelerating wound healing. This study utilized solvent cast Q-peptide conjugated collagen-chitosan seeded with fibroblast monolayers to investigate the direct impact of the material on this major cell type. After 24 h, fibroblasts had a significant change in release of anti-inflammatory, pro-healing, and ECM deposition cytokines, with demonstrated immunomodulatory effects on macrophages and upregulated expression of critical wound healing genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Vizely
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Karl T. Wagner
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Serena Mandla
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Dakota Gustafson
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto,ON M5G 2C4, Canada,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Jason E. Fish
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto,ON M5G 2C4, Canada,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada,Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto,ON M5G 2C4, Canada,Corresponding author
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19
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Liu C, Campbell SB, Li J, Bannerman D, Pascual-Gil S, Kieda J, Wu Q, Herman PR, Radisic M. High Throughput Omnidirectional Printing of Tubular Microstructures from Elastomeric Polymers. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2201346. [PMID: 36165232 PMCID: PMC9742311 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Bioelastomers are extensively used in biomedical applications due to their desirable mechanical strength, tunable properties, and chemical versatility; however, three-dimensional (3D) printing bioelastomers into microscale structures has proven elusive. Herein, a high throughput omnidirectional printing approach via coaxial extrusion is described that fabricates perfusable elastomeric microtubes of unprecedently small inner diameter (350-550 µm) and wall thickness (40-60 µm). The versatility of this approach is shown through the printing of two different polymeric elastomers, followed by photocrosslinking and removal of the fugitive inner phase. Designed experiments are used to tune the microtube dimensions and stiffness to match that of native ex vivo rat vasculature. This approach affords the fabrication of multiple biomimetic shapes resembling cochlea and kidney glomerulus and affords facile, high-throughput generation of perfusable structures that can be seeded with endothelial cells for biomedical applications. Post-printing laser micromachining is performed to generate micro-sized holes (520 µm) in the tube wall to tune microstructure permeability. Importantly, for organ-on-a-chip applications, the described approach takes only 3.6 min to print microtubes (without microholes) over an entire 96-well plate device, in contrast to comparable hole-free structures that take between 1.5 and 6.5 days to fabricate using a manual 3D stamping approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott B. Campbell
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jianzhao Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dawn Bannerman
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simon Pascual-Gil
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Kieda
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qinghua Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter R. Herman
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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20
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Mohammadi MH, Okhovatian S, Savoji H, Campbell SB, Lai BFL, Wu J, Pascual-Gil S, Bannerman D, Rafatian N, Li RK, Radisic M. Toward Hierarchical Assembly of Aligned Cell Sheets into a Conical Cardiac Ventricle Using Microfabricated Elastomers. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2101165. [PMID: 35798316 PMCID: PMC9691564 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite current efforts in organ-on-chip engineering to construct miniature cardiac models, they often lack some physiological aspects of the heart, including fiber orientation. This motivates the development of bioartificial left ventricle models that mimic the myofiber orientation of the native ventricle. Herein, an approach relying on microfabricated elastomers that enables hierarchical assembly of 2D aligned cell sheets into a functional conical cardiac ventricle is described. Soft lithography and injection molding techniques are used to fabricate micro-grooves on an elastomeric polymer scaffold with three different orientations ranging from -60° to +60°, each on a separate trapezoidal construct. The width of the micro-grooves is optimized to direct the majority of cells along the groove direction and while periodic breaks are used to promote cell-cell contact. The scaffold is wrapped around a central mandrel to obtain a conical-shaped left ventricle model inspired by the size of a human left ventricle 19 weeks post-gestation. Rectangular micro-scale holes are incorporated to alleviate oxygen diffusional limitations within the 3D scaffold. Cardiomyocytes within the 3D left ventricle constructs showed high viability in all layers after 7 days of cultivation. The hierarchically assembled left ventricle also provided functional readouts such as calcium transients and ejection fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Houman Savoji
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Sainte Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal TransMedTech Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Scott B. Campbell
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin Fook Lun Lai
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jun Wu
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simon Pascual-Gil
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dawn Bannerman
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ren-Ke Li
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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21
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Mohammadi MH, Okhovatian S, Savoji H, Campbell SB, Lai BFL, Wu J, Pascual‐Gil S, Bannerman D, Rafatian N, Li R, Radisic M. Toward Hierarchical Assembly of Aligned Cell Sheets into a Conical Cardiac Ventricle Using Microfabricated Elastomers (Adv. Biology 11/2022). Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202270111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Wang EY, Zhao Y, Okhovatian S, Smith JB, Radisic M. Intersection of stem cell biology and engineering towards next generation in vitro models of human fibrosis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1005051. [PMID: 36338120 PMCID: PMC9630603 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1005051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Human fibrotic diseases constitute a major health problem worldwide. Fibrosis involves significant etiological heterogeneity and encompasses a wide spectrum of diseases affecting various organs. To date, many fibrosis targeted therapeutic agents failed due to inadequate efficacy and poor prognosis. In order to dissect disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic solutions for fibrosis patients, in vitro disease models have gone a long way in terms of platform development. The introduction of engineered organ-on-a-chip platforms has brought a revolutionary dimension to the current fibrosis studies and discovery of anti-fibrotic therapeutics. Advances in human induced pluripotent stem cells and tissue engineering technologies are enabling significant progress in this field. Some of the most recent breakthroughs and emerging challenges are discussed, with an emphasis on engineering strategies for platform design, development, and application of machine learning on these models for anti-fibrotic drug discovery. In this review, we discuss engineered designs to model fibrosis and how biosensor and machine learning technologies combine to facilitate mechanistic studies of fibrosis and pre-clinical drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Yan Wang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jacob B. Smith
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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23
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Sparks HD, Mandla S, Vizely K, Rosin N, Radisic M, Biernaskie J. Application of an instructive hydrogel accelerates re-epithelialization of xenografted human skin wounds. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14233. [PMID: 35987767 PMCID: PMC9392759 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18204-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor quality (eg. excessive scarring) or delayed closure of skin wounds can have profound physical and pyschosocial effects on patients as well as pose an enormous economic burden on the healthcare system. An effective means of improving both the rate and quality of wound healing is needed for all patients suffering from skin injury. Despite wound care being a multi-billion-dollar industry, effective treatments aimed at rapidly restoring the skin barrier function or mitigating the severity of fibrotic scar remain elusive. Previously, a hydrogel conjugated angiopoietin-1 derived peptide (QHREDGS; Q-peptide) was shown to increase keratinocyte migration and improve wound healing in diabetic mice. Here, we evaluated the effect of this Q-Peptide Hydrogel on human skin wound healing using a mouse xenograft model. First, we confirmed that the Q-Peptide Hydrogel promoted the migration of adult human keratinocytes and modulated their cytokine profile in vitro. Next, utilizing our human to mouse split-thickness skin xenograft model, we found improved healing of wounded human epidermis following Q-Peptide Hydrogel treatment. Importantly, Q-Peptide Hydrogel treatment enhanced this wound re-epithelialization via increased keratinocyte migration and survival, rather than a sustained increase in proliferation. Overall, these data provide strong evidence that topical application of QHREDGS peptide-modified hydrogels results in accelerated wound closure that may lead to improved outcomes for patients.
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24
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Okhovatian S, Mohammadi MH, Rafatian N, Radisic M. Engineering Models of the Heart Left Ventricle. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:2144-2160. [PMID: 35523206 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite capturing the imagination of scientists for decades, the goal of creating an artificial heart for transplantation proved to be significantly more challenging than initially anticipated. Toward this goal, recent ground-breaking studies demonstrate the development of functional left ventricular (LV) models. LV models are artificially constructed 3D chambers that are capable of containing liquid within the engineered cavity and exhibit the functionality of native LV including contraction, ejection of fluid, and electrical impulse propagation. Various hydrogels and polymers have been used in manufacturing of LV models, relying on techniques such as electrospinning, bioprinting, casting, and molding. Most studies scaled down the models based on the dimensions of the human or rat ventricle. Initially, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were the cell type of choice for construction the LV models. Yet, as the stem cell biology field advanced, recent studies focused on the use of cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. In this review, we first describe the physiological characteristics of the human heart, to establish the parameter space for modeling. We then elaborate on current advances in the field and compare recently developed LV models among themselves and with the native human left ventricle. Fabrication methods, cell types, biomaterials, functional properties, and disease modeling capability are some of the major parameters that have distinguished these models. We also highlight some of the current challenges in this field, such as vascularization, cell composition and fidelity, and discuss potential solutions to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomaterials Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Institute of Biomaterials Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada.,Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
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25
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Gustafson D, Ngai M, Wu R, Hou H, Schoffel AC, Erice C, Mandla S, Billia F, Wilson MD, Radisic M, Fan E, Trahtemberg U, Baker A, McIntosh C, Fan CPS, Dos Santos CC, Kain KC, Hanneman K, Thavendiranathan P, Fish JE, Howe KL. Cardiovascular signatures of COVID-19 predict mortality and identify barrier stabilizing therapies. EBioMedicine 2022; 78:103982. [PMID: 35405523 PMCID: PMC8989492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.103982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endothelial cell (EC) activation, endotheliitis, vascular permeability, and thrombosis have been observed in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), indicating that the vasculature is affected during the acute stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection. It remains unknown whether circulating vascular markers are sufficient to predict clinical outcomes, are unique to COVID-19, and if vascular permeability can be therapeutically targeted. Methods Prospectively evaluating the prevalence of circulating inflammatory, cardiac, and EC activation markers as well as developing a microRNA atlas in 241 unvaccinated patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection allowed for prognostic value assessment using a Random Forest model machine learning approach. Subsequent ex vivo experiments assessed EC permeability responses to patient plasma and were used to uncover modulated gene regulatory networks from which rational therapeutic design was inferred. Findings Multiple inflammatory and EC activation biomarkers were associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients and in severity-matched SARS-CoV-2-negative patients, while dysregulation of specific microRNAs at presentation was specific for poor COVID-19-related outcomes and revealed disease-relevant pathways. Integrating the datasets using a machine learning approach further enhanced clinical risk prediction for in-hospital mortality. Exposure of ECs to COVID-19 patient plasma resulted in severity-specific gene expression responses and EC barrier dysfunction, which was ameliorated using angiopoietin-1 mimetic or recombinant Slit2-N. Interpretation Integration of multi-omics data identified microRNA and vascular biomarkers prognostic of in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients and revealed that vascular stabilizing therapies should be explored as a treatment for endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19, and other severe diseases where endothelial dysfunction has a central role in pathogenesis. Funding Information This work was directly supported by grant funding from the Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada and the Peter Munk Cardiac Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakota Gustafson
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michelle Ngai
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ruilin Wu
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Huayun Hou
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Clara Erice
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Serena Mandla
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Filio Billia
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael D Wilson
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eddy Fan
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Uriel Trahtemberg
- Keenan Research Center for Biomedical Research, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Critical Care Department, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Andrew Baker
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Critical Care Department, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Chris McIntosh
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Vector Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chun-Po S Fan
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Claudia C Dos Santos
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Keenan Research Center for Biomedical Research, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kevin C Kain
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kate Hanneman
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paaladinesh Thavendiranathan
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Ted Rogers Program in Cardiotoxicity Prevention, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jason E Fish
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Kathryn L Howe
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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26
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Lu RXZ, Lai BFL, Rafatian N, Gustafson D, Campbell SB, Banerjee A, Kozak R, Mossman K, Mubareka S, Howe KL, Fish JE, Radisic M. Vasculature-on-a-chip platform with innate immunity enables identification of angiopoietin-1 derived peptide as a therapeutic for SARS-CoV-2 induced inflammation. Lab Chip 2022; 22:1171-1186. [PMID: 35142777 PMCID: PMC9207819 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00817j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was primarily identified as a novel disease causing acute respiratory syndrome. However, as the pandemic progressed various cases of secondary organ infection and damage by severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been reported, including a breakdown of the vascular barrier. As SARS-CoV-2 gains access to blood circulation through the lungs, the virus is first encountered by the layer of endothelial cells and immune cells that participate in host defense. Here, we developed an approach to study SARS-CoV-2 infection using vasculature-on-a-chip. We first modeled the interaction of virus alone with the endothelialized vasculature-on-a-chip, followed by the studies of the interaction of the virus exposed-endothelial cells with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In an endothelial model grown on a permeable microfluidic bioscaffold under flow conditions, both human coronavirus (HCoV)-NL63 and SARS-CoV-2 presence diminished endothelial barrier function by disrupting VE-cadherin junctions and elevating the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and angiopoietin-2. Inflammatory cytokine markers were markedly more elevated upon SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to HCoV-NL63 infection. Introduction of PBMCs with monocytes into the vasculature-on-a-chip upon SARS-CoV-2 infection further exacerbated cytokine-induced endothelial dysfunction, demonstrating the compounding effects of inter-cellular crosstalk between endothelial cells and monocytes in facilitating the hyperinflammatory state. Considering the harmful effects of SARS-CoV-2 on endothelial cells, even without active virus proliferation inside the cells, a potential therapeutic approach is critical. We identified angiopoietin-1 derived peptide, QHREDGS, as a potential therapeutic capable of profoundly attenuating the inflammatory state of the cells consistent with the levels in non-infected controls, thereby improving the barrier function and endothelial cell survival against SARS-CoV-2 infection in the presence of PBMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Xing Ze Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada.
| | - Benjamin Fook Lun Lai
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada.
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada.
| | - Dakota Gustafson
- Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Scott B Campbell
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada.
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Arinjay Banerjee
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N5E3, Canada
| | - Robert Kozak
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Karen Mossman
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Samira Mubareka
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Kathryn L Howe
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason E Fish
- Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada.
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada
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27
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Abstract
Extensive progress has been made in developing engineered models for elucidating human cardiac disease. Cardiac fibrosis is often associated with all forms of cardiac disease and has a direct deleterious effect on cardiac function. As currently there is no effective therapeutic strategy specifically designed to target fibrosis, in vitro diagnostic platforms for drug testing have generated significant interest. In this context, we have developed an innovative approach to generate human cardiac fibrotic tissues on Biowire II platform and established a compound screening system. The disease model is constructed to recapitulate contractile, biomechanical, and electrophysiological complexities of fibrotic myocardium. Additionally, an integrated model with fibrotic and healthy cardiac tissues coupled together can be created to mimic focal fibrosis. The methods for constructing the Biowire fibrotic model will be described here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Yan Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jacob Smith
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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28
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Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Discovering new therapies to treat heart disease requires improved understanding of cardiac physiology at a cellular level. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are plasma membrane-bound nano- and microparticles secreted by cells and known to play key roles in intercellular communication, often through transfer of biomolecular cargo. Advances in EV research have established techniques for EV isolation from tissue culture media or biofluids, as well as standards for quantitation and biomolecular characterization. EVs released by cardiac cells are known to be involved in regulating cardiac physiology as well as in the progression of myocardial diseases. Due to difficulty accessing the heart in vivo, advanced in vitro cardiac 'tissues-on-a-chip' have become a recent focus for studying EVs in the heart. These physiologically relevant models are producing new insight into the role of EVs in cardiac physiology and disease while providing a useful platform for screening novel EV-based therapeutics for cardiac tissue regeneration post-injury. Numerous hurdles have stalled the clinical translation of EV therapeutics for heart patients, but tissue-on-a-chip models are playing an important role in bridging the translational gap, improving mechanistic understanding of EV signalling in cardiac physiology, disease, and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl T Wagner
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A1
| | - Milica Radisic
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A1
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Lock R, Al Asafen H, Fleischer S, Tamargo M, Zhao Y, Radisic M, Vunjak-Novakovic G. A framework for developing sex-specific engineered heart models. Nat Rev Mater 2021; 7:295-313. [PMID: 34691764 PMCID: PMC8527305 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-021-00381-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The convergence of tissue engineering and patient-specific stem cell biology has enabled the engineering of in vitro tissue models that allow the study of patient-tailored treatment modalities. However, sex-related disparities in health and disease, from systemic hormonal influences to cellular-level differences, are often overlooked in stem cell biology, tissue engineering and preclinical screening. The cardiovascular system, in particular, shows considerable sex-related differences, which need to be considered in cardiac tissue engineering. In this Review, we analyse sex-related properties of the heart muscle in the context of health and disease, and discuss a framework for including sex-based differences in human cardiac tissue engineering. We highlight how sex-based features can be implemented at the cellular and tissue levels, and how sex-specific cardiac models could advance the study of cardiovascular diseases. Finally, we define design criteria for sex-specific cardiac tissue engineering and provide an outlook to future research possibilities beyond the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Lock
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| | - Hadel Al Asafen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Sharon Fleischer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| | - Manuel Tamargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
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30
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Vunjak-Novakovic G, Ronaldson-Bouchard K, Radisic M. Organs-on-a-chip models for biological research. Cell 2021; 184:4597-4611. [PMID: 34478657 PMCID: PMC8417425 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We explore the utility of bioengineered human tissues-individually or connected into physiological units-for biological research. While much smaller and simpler than their native counterparts, these tissues are complex enough to approximate distinct tissue phenotypes: molecular, structural, and functional. Unlike organoids, which form spontaneously and recapitulate development, "organs-on-a-chip" are engineered to display some specific functions of whole organs. Looking back, we discuss the key developments of this emerging technology. Thinking forward, we focus on the challenges faced to fully establish, validate, and utilize the fidelity of these models for biological research.
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31
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Lu RXZ, Radisic M. Organ-on-a-chip platforms for evaluation of environmental nanoparticle toxicity. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:2801-2819. [PMID: 33665510 PMCID: PMC7900603 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite showing a great promise in the field of nanomedicine, nanoparticles have gained a significant attention from regulatory agencies regarding their possible adverse health effects upon environmental exposure. Whether those nanoparticles are generated through intentional or unintentional means, the constant exposure to nanomaterials can inevitably lead to unintended consequences based on epidemiological data, yet the current understanding of nanotoxicity is insufficient relative to the rate of their emission in the environment and the lack of predictive platforms that mimic the human physiology. This calls for a development of more physiologically relevant models, which permit the comprehensive and systematic examination of toxic properties of nanoparticles. With the advancement in microfabrication techniques, scientists have shifted their focus on the development of an engineered system that acts as an intermediate between a well-plate system and animal models, known as organ-on-a-chips. The ability of organ-on-a-chip models to recapitulate in vivo like microenvironment and responses offers a new avenue for nanotoxicological research. In this review, we aim to provide overview of assessing potential risks of nanoparticle exposure using organ-on-a-chip systems and their potential to delineate biological mechanisms of epidemiological findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Xing Ze Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Heart and Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence, Toronto, ON, Canada
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32
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33
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Wang EY, Kuzmanov U, Smith JB, Dou W, Rafatian N, Lai BFL, Lu RXZ, Wu Q, Yazbeck J, Zhang XO, Sun Y, Gramolini A, Radisic M. An organ-on-a-chip model for pre-clinical drug evaluation in progressive non-genetic cardiomyopathy. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2021; 160:97-110. [PMID: 34216608 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II) presents a critical mediator in various pathological conditions such as non-genetic cardiomyopathy. Osmotic pump infusion in rodents is a commonly used approach to model cardiomyopathy associated with Ang II. However, profound differences in electrophysiology and pharmacokinetics between rodent and human cardiomyocytes may limit predictability of animal-based experiments. This study investigates the application of an Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) system in modeling Ang II-induced progressive cardiomyopathy. The disease model is constructed to recapitulate myocardial response to Ang II in a temporal manner. The long-term tissue cultivation and non-invasive functional readouts enable monitoring of both acute and chronic cardiac responses to Ang II stimulation. Along with mapping of cytokine secretion and proteomic profiles, this model presents an opportunity to quantitatively measure the dynamic pathological changes that could not be otherwise identified in animals. Further, we present this model as a testbed to evaluate compounds that target Ang II-induced cardiac remodeling. Through assessing the effects of losartan, relaxin, and saracatinib, the drug screening data implicated multifaceted cardioprotective effects of relaxin in restoring contractile function and reducing fibrotic remodeling. Overall, this study provides a controllable platform where cardiac activities can be explicitly observed and tested over the pathological process. The facile and high-content screening can facilitate the evaluation of potential drug candidates in the pre-clinical stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Yan Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Uros Kuzmanov
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Jacob B Smith
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Wenkun Dou
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Benjamin Fook Lun Lai
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Rick Xing Ze Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Qinghua Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Joshua Yazbeck
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Xiao-Ou Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Anthony Gramolini
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada; Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada.
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34
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Bannerman D, Pascual-Gil S, Floryan M, Radisic M. Bioengineering strategies to control epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition for studies of cardiac development and disease. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:021504. [PMID: 33948525 PMCID: PMC8068500 DOI: 10.1063/5.0033710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that occurs in a wide range of tissues and environments, in response to numerous factors and conditions, and plays a critical role in development, disease, and regeneration. The process involves epithelia transitioning into a mobile state and becoming mesenchymal cells. The investigation of EMT processes has been important for understanding developmental biology and disease progression, enabling the advancement of treatment approaches for a variety of disorders such as cancer and myocardial infarction. More recently, tissue engineering efforts have also recognized the importance of controlling the EMT process. In this review, we provide an overview of the EMT process and the signaling pathways and factors that control it, followed by a discussion of bioengineering strategies to control EMT. Important biological, biomaterial, biochemical, and physical factors and properties that have been utilized to control EMT are described, as well as the studies that have investigated the modulation of EMT in tissue engineering and regenerative approaches in vivo, with a specific focus on the heart. Novel tools that can be used to characterize and assess EMT are discussed and finally, we close with a perspective on new bioengineering methods that have the potential to transform our ability to control EMT, ultimately leading to new therapies.
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35
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Rafatian N, Vizely K, Al Asafen H, Korolj A, Radisic M. Drawing Inspiration from Developmental Biology for Cardiac Tissue Engineers. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000190. [PMID: 34008910 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A sound understanding of developmental biology is part of the foundation of effective stem cell-derived tissue engineering. Here, the key concepts of cardiac development that are successfully applied in a bioinspired approach to growing engineered cardiac tissues, are reviewed. The native cardiac milieu is studied extensively from embryonic to adult phenotypes, as it provides a resource of factors, mechanisms, and protocols to consider when working toward establishing living tissues in vitro. It begins with the various cell types that constitute the cardiac tissue. It is discussed how myocytes interact with other cell types and their microenvironment and how they change over time from the embryonic to the adult states, with a view on how such changes affect the tissue function and may be used in engineered tissue models. Key embryonic signaling pathways that have been leveraged in the design of culture media and differentiation protocols are presented. The cellular microenvironment, from extracellular matrix chemical and physical properties, to the dynamic mechanical and electrical forces that are exerted on tissues is explored. It is shown that how such microenvironmental factors can inform the design of biomaterials, scaffolds, stimulation bioreactors, and maturation readouts, and suggest considerations for ongoing biomimetic advancement of engineered cardiac tissues and regeneration strategies for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naimeh Rafatian
- Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Katrina Vizely
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Hadel Al Asafen
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Anastasia Korolj
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
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36
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Huyer LD, Mandla S, Wang Y, Campbell S, Yee B, Euler C, Lai BF, Bannerman D, Lin DSY, Montgomery M, Nemr K, Bender T, Epelman S, Mahadevan R, Radisic M. Macrophage immunomodulation through new polymers that recapitulate functional effects of itaconate as a power house of innate immunity. Adv Funct Mater 2021; 31:2003341. [PMID: 33708036 PMCID: PMC7942808 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202003341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Itaconate (ITA) is an emerging powerhouse of innate immunity with therapeutic potential that is limited in its ability to be administered in a soluble form. We developed a library of polyester materials that incorporate ITA into polymer backbones resulting in materials with inherent immunoregulatory behavior. Harnessing hydrolytic degradation release from polyester backbones, ITA polymers resulted in the mechanism specific immunoregulatory properties on macrophage polarization in vitro. In a functional assay, the polymer-released ITA inhibited bacterial growth on acetate. Translation to an in vivo model of biomaterial associated inflammation, intraperitoneal injection of ITA polymers demonstrated a rapid resolution of inflammation in comparison to a control polymer silicone, demonstrating the value of sustained biomimetic presentation of ITA.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Davenport Huyer
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S. Mandla
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Y. Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S. Campbell
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - B. Yee
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - C. Euler
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - B. F. Lai
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - D. Bannerman
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - D. S. Y. Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M. Montgomery
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - K. Nemr
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - T. Bender
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S. Epelman
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - R. Mahadevan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M. Radisic
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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37
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Davenport Huyer L, Radisic M. An Organ-on-a-Chip System to Study Anaerobic Bacteria in Intestinal Health and Disease. Med 2021; 2:16-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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38
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Sparks HD, Sigaeva T, Tarraf S, Mandla S, Pope H, Hee O, Di Martino ES, Biernaskie J, Radisic M, Scott WM. Biomechanics of Wound Healing in an Equine Limb Model: Effect of Location and Treatment with a Peptide-Modified Collagen-Chitosan Hydrogel. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 7:265-278. [PMID: 33342210 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The equine distal limb wound healing model, characterized by delayed re-epithelialization and a fibroproliferative response to wounding similar to that observed in humans, is a valuable tool for the study of biomaterials poised for translation into both the veterinary and human medical markets. In the current study, we developed a novel method of biaxial biomechanical testing to assess the functional outcomes of healed wounds in a modified equine model and discovered significant functional and structural differences in both unwounded and injured skin at different locations on the distal limb that must be considered when using this model in future work. Namely, the medial skin was thicker and displayed earlier collagen engagement, medial wounds experienced a greater proportion of wound contraction during closure, and proximal wounds produced significantly more exuberant granulation tissue. Using this new knowledge of the equine model of aberrant wound healing, we then investigated the effect of a peptide-modified collagen-chitosan hydrogel on wound healing. Here, we found that a single treatment with the QHREDGS (glutamine-histidine-arginine-glutamic acid-aspartic acid-glycine-serine) peptide-modified hydrogel (Q-peptide hydrogel) resulted in a higher rate of wound closure and was able to modulate the biomechanical function toward a more compliant healed tissue without observable negative effects. Thus, we conclude that the use of a Q-peptide hydrogel provides a safe and effective means of improving the rate and quality of wound healing in a large animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly D Sparks
- Department of Veterinary Clinical & Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Taisiya Sigaeva
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.,Department of Civil Engineering and Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Samar Tarraf
- Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Serena Mandla
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S3G9, Canada.,Toronto General Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S3G9, Canada
| | - Hannah Pope
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Olivia Hee
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Elena S Di Martino
- Department of Civil Engineering and Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S3G9, Canada.,Toronto General Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S3G9, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S3G9, Canada
| | - W Michael Scott
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
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39
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Lai Benjamin FL, Lu Rick X, Hu Y, Davenport HL, Dou W, Wang EY, Radulovich N, Tsao MS, Sun Y, Radisic M. Recapitulating pancreatic tumor microenvironment through synergistic use of patient organoids and organ-on-a-chip vasculature. Adv Funct Mater 2020; 30:2000545. [PMID: 33692660 PMCID: PMC7939064 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202000545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumor progression relies heavily on the interaction between the neoplastic epithelial cells and their surrounding stromal partners. This cell cross-talk affects stromal development, and ultimately the heterogeneity impacts drug efflux and efficacy. To mimic this evolving paradigm, we have micro-engineered a three-dimensional (3D) vascularized pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissue in a tri-culture system composed of patient derived pancreatic organoids, primary human fibroblasts and endothelial cells on a perfusable InVADE platform situated in a 96-well plate. Uniquely, through synergistic engineering we combined the benefits of cellular fidelity of patient tumor derived organoids with the addressability of a plastic organ-on-a-chip platform. Validation of this platform included demonstrating the growth of pancreatic tumor organoids by monitoring the change in metabolic activity of the tissue. Investigation of tumor microenvironmental behavior highlighted the role of fibroblasts in symbiosis with patient organoid cells, resulting in a six-fold increase of collagen deposition and a corresponding increase in tissue stiffness in comparison to fibroblast free controls. The value of a perfusable vascular network was evident in drug screening, as perfusion of gemcitabine into a stiffened matrix did not show the dose-dependent effects on tumor viability as those under static conditions. These findings demonstrate the importance of studying the dynamic synergistic relationship between patient cells with stromal fibroblasts, in a 3D perfused vascular network, to accurately understand and recapitulate the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Lai Benjamin
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - X Lu Rick
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yangshuo Hu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Huyer Locke Davenport
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wenkun Dou
- Material Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erika Y Wang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nikolina Radulovich
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ming S Tsao
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yu Sun
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Material Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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40
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Wagner KT, Nash TR, Liu B, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Radisic M. Extracellular Vesicles in Cardiac Regeneration: Potential Applications for Tissues-on-a-Chip. Trends Biotechnol 2020; 39:755-773. [PMID: 32958383 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Strategies to regenerate cardiac tissue postinjury are limited and heart transplantation remains the only 'cure' for a failing heart. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane-bound cell secretions important in intercellular signaling, have been shown to play a crucial role in regulating heart function. A mechanistic understanding of the role of EVs in the heart remains elusive due to the challenges in studying the native human heart. Tissue-on-a-chip platforms, comprising functional, physiologically relevant human tissue models, are an emerging technology that has yet to be fully applied to the study of EVs. In this review, we summarize recent advances in cardiac tissue-on-a-chip (CTC) platforms and discuss how they are uniquely situated to advance our understanding of EVs in cardiac disease and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl T Wagner
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Trevor R Nash
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bohao Liu
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Milica Radisic
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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41
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Campbell SB, Wu Q, Yazbeck J, Liu C, Okhovatian S, Radisic M. Beyond Polydimethylsiloxane: Alternative Materials for Fabrication of Organ-on-a-Chip Devices and Microphysiological Systems. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 7:2880-2899. [PMID: 34275293 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is the predominant material used for organ-on-a-chip devices and microphysiological systems (MPSs) due to its ease-of-use, elasticity, optical transparency, and inexpensive microfabrication. However, the absorption of small hydrophobic molecules by PDMS and the limited capacity for high-throughput manufacturing of PDMS-laden devices severely limit the application of these systems in personalized medicine, drug discovery, in vitro pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling, and the investigation of cellular responses to drugs. Consequently, the relatively young field of organ-on-a-chip devices and MPSs is gradually beginning to make the transition to alternative, nonabsorptive materials for these crucial applications. This review examines some of the first steps that have been made in the development of organ-on-a-chip devices and MPSs composed of such alternative materials, including elastomers, hydrogels, thermoplastic polymers, and inorganic materials. It also provides an outlook on where PDMS-alternative devices are trending and the obstacles that must be overcome in the development of versatile devices based on alternative materials to PDMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott B Campbell
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Qinghua Wu
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Joshua Yazbeck
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Chuan Liu
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada.,Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
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42
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Bannerman AD, Davenport Huyer L, Montgomery M, Zhao N, Velikonja C, Bender TP, Radisic M. Elastic Biomaterial Scaffold with Spatially Varying Adhesive Design. Adv Biosyst 2020; 4:e2000046. [PMID: 32567253 PMCID: PMC7665997 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In order to secure biomaterials to tissue surfaces, sutures or glues are commonly used. Of interest is the development of a biomaterial patch for applications in tissue engineering and regeneration that incorporates an adhesive component to simplify patch application and ensure sufficient adhesion. A separate region dedicated to fulfilling the specific requirements of an application such as mechanical support or tissue delivery is also desirable. Here, the design and fabrication of a unique patch are presented with distinct regions for adhesion and function, resulting in a biomaterial patch resembling the Band-Aid. The adhesive region contains a novel polymer, synthesized to incorporate a molecule capable of adhesion to tissue, dopamine. The desired polymer composition for patch development is selected based on chemical assessment and evaluation of key physical properties such as swelling and elastic modulus, which are tailored for use in soft tissue applications. The selected polymer formulation, referred to as the adhesive patch (AP) polymer, demonstrates negligible cytotoxicity and improves adhesive capability to rat cardiac tissue compared to currently used patch materials. Finally, the AP polymer is used in the patch, designed to possess distinct adhesive and nonadhesive domains, presenting a novel design for the next generation of biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dawn Bannerman
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Locke Davenport Huyer
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Miles Montgomery
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Nicholas Zhao
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Claire Velikonja
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Timothy P Bender
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
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43
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Xie R, Korolj A, Liu C, Song X, Lu RXZ, Zhang B, Ramachandran A, Liang Q, Radisic M. h-FIBER: Microfluidic Topographical Hollow Fiber for Studies of Glomerular Filtration Barrier. ACS Cent Sci 2020; 6:903-912. [PMID: 32607437 PMCID: PMC7318083 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.9b01097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Kidney-on-a-chip devices may revolutionize the discovery of new therapies. However, fabricating a 3D glomerulus remains a challenge, due to a requirement for a microscale soft material with complex topography to support cell culture in a native configuration. Here, we describe the use of microfluidic spinning to recapitulate complex concave and convex topographies over multiple length scales, required for biofabrication of a biomimetic 3D glomerulus. We produced a microfluidic extruded topographic hollow fiber (h-FIBER), consisting of a vessel-like perfusable tubular channel for endothelial cell cultivation, and a glomerulus-like knot with microconvex topography on its surface for podocyte cultivation. Meter long h-FIBERs were produced in microfluidics within minutes, followed by chemically induced inflation for generation of topographical cues on the 3D scaffold surface. The h-FIBERs were assembled into a hot-embossed plastic 96-well plate. Long-term perfusion, podocyte barrier formation, endothelialization, and permeability tests were easily performed by a standard pipetting technique on the platform. Following long-term culture (1 month), a functional filtration barrier, measured by the transfer of albumin from the blood vessel side to the ultrafiltrate side, suggested the establishment of an engineered glomerulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxiao Xie
- MOE
Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology,
Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods & Instrumentation,
Department of Chemistry, Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
- Institute
for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Anastasia Korolj
- Institute
for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A1, Canada
| | - Chuan Liu
- Institute
for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Xin Song
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A1, Canada
| | - Rick Xing Ze Lu
- Institute
for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Institute
for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Arun Ramachandran
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A1, Canada
| | - Qionglin Liang
- MOE
Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology,
Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods & Instrumentation,
Department of Chemistry, Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute
for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A1, Canada
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Thavandiran N, Hale C, Blit P, Sandberg ML, McElvain ME, Gagliardi M, Sun B, Witty A, Graham G, Do VTH, Bakooshli MA, Le H, Ostblom J, McEwen S, Chau E, Prowse A, Fernandes I, Norman A, Gilbert PM, Keller G, Tagari P, Xu H, Radisic M, Zandstra PW. Functional arrays of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac microtissues. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6919. [PMID: 32332814 PMCID: PMC7181791 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62955-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
To accelerate the cardiac drug discovery pipeline, we set out to develop a platform that would be capable of quantifying tissue-level functions such as contractile force and be amenable to standard multiwell-plate manipulations. We report a 96-well-based array of 3D human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived cardiac microtissues - termed Cardiac MicroRings (CaMiRi) - in custom 3D-print-molded multiwell plates capable of contractile force measurement. Within each well, two elastomeric microcantilevers are situated above a circumferential ramp. The wells are seeded with cell-laden collagen, which, in response to the gradual slope of the circumferential ramp, self-organizes around tip-gated microcantilevers to form contracting CaMiRi. The contractile force exerted by the CaMiRi is measured and calculated using the deflection of the cantilevers. Platform responses were robust and comparable across wells, and we used it to determine an optimal tissue formulation. We validated the contractile force response of CaMiRi using selected cardiotropic compounds with known effects. Additionally, we developed automated protocols for CaMiRi seeding, image acquisition, and analysis to enable the measurement of contractile force with increased throughput. The unique tissue fabrication properties of the platform, and the consequent effects on tissue function, were demonstrated upon adding hPSC-derived epicardial cells to the system. This platform represents an open-source contractile force screening system useful for drug screening and tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimalan Thavandiran
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Hale
- Amgen Discovery Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mark Gagliardi
- McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bo Sun
- McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alec Witty
- McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Mohsen Afshar Bakooshli
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hon Le
- Amgen Discovery Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joel Ostblom
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samuel McEwen
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erik Chau
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Ian Fernandes
- McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Penney M Gilbert
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gordon Keller
- McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Philip Tagari
- Amgen Discovery Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Han Xu
- A2 Biotherapeutics Inc., Agoura Hills, CA, USA.
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Heart and Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Peter W Zandstra
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,CCRM, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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45
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D'Costa K, Kosic M, Lam A, Moradipour A, Zhao Y, Radisic M. Biomaterials and Culture Systems for Development of Organoid and Organ-on-a-Chip Models. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 48:2002-2027. [PMID: 32285341 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02498-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The development of novel 3D tissue culture systems has enabled the in vitro study of in vivo processes, thereby overcoming many of the limitations of previous 2D tissue culture systems. Advances in biomaterials, including the discovery of novel synthetic polymers has allowed for the generation of physiologically relevant in vitro 3D culture models. A large number of 3D culture systems, aided by novel organ-on-a-chip and bioreactor technologies have been developed to improve reproducibility and scalability of in vitro organ models. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and the increasing number of protocols to generate iPSC-derived cell types has allowed for the generation of novel 3D models with minimal ethical limitations. The production of iPSC-derived 3D cultures has revolutionized the field of developmental biology and in particular, the study of fetal brain development. Furthermore, physiologically relevant 3D cultures generated from PSCs or adult stem cells (ASCs) have greatly advanced in vitro disease modelling and drug discovery. This review focuses on advances in 3D culture systems over the past years to model fetal development, disease pathology and support drug discovery in vitro, with a specific focus on the enabling role of biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya D'Costa
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Milena Kosic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Angus Lam
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Azeen Moradipour
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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46
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Kinnear C, Agrawal R, Loo C, Pahnke A, Rodrigues DC, Thompson T, Akinrinade O, Ahadian S, Keeley F, Radisic M, Mital S, Ellis J. Everolimus Rescues the Phenotype of Elastin Insufficiency in Patient Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:1325-1339. [PMID: 32212852 PMCID: PMC7176340 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.119.313936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objective: Elastin gene deletion or mutation leads to arterial stenoses due to vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. Human induced pluripotent stem cells–derived SMCs can model the elastin insufficiency phenotype in vitro but show only partial rescue with rapamycin. Our objective was to identify drug candidates with superior efficacy in rescuing the SMC phenotype in elastin insufficiency patients. Approach and Results: SMCs generated from induced pluripotent stem cells from 5 elastin insufficiency patients with severe recurrent vascular stenoses (3 Williams syndrome and 2 elastin mutations) were phenotypically immature, hyperproliferative, poorly responsive to endothelin, and exerted reduced tension in 3-dimensional smooth muscle biowires. Elastin mRNA and protein were reduced in SMCs from patients compared to healthy control SMCs. Fourteen drug candidates were tested on patient SMCs. Of the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors studied, everolimus restored differentiation, rescued proliferation, and improved endothelin-induced calcium flux in all patient SMCs except one Williams syndrome. Of the calcium channel blockers, verapamil increased SMC differentiation and reduced proliferation in Williams syndrome patient cells but not in elastin mutation patients and had no effect on endothelin response. Combination treatment with everolimus and verapamil was not superior to everolimus alone. Other drug candidates had limited efficacy. Conclusions: Everolimus caused the most consistent improvement in SMC differentiation, proliferation and in SMC function in patients with both syndromic and nonsyndromic elastin insufficiency, and offers the best candidate for drug repurposing for treatment of elastin insufficiency associated vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Kinnear
- From the Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (C.K., R.A., O.A., S.M.)
| | - Rahul Agrawal
- From the Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (C.K., R.A., O.A., S.M.)
| | - Caitlin Loo
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (C.L., D.C.R., T.T., J.E.).,Department of Molecular Genetics (C.L., J.E.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aric Pahnke
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (A.P., S.A., M.R.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry (A.P., S.A., M.R.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deivid Carvalho Rodrigues
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (C.L., D.C.R., T.T., J.E.)
| | - Tadeo Thompson
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (C.L., D.C.R., T.T., J.E.)
| | - Oyediran Akinrinade
- From the Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (C.K., R.A., O.A., S.M.)
| | - Samad Ahadian
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (A.P., S.A., M.R.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry (A.P., S.A., M.R.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fred Keeley
- Department of Biochemistry (F.K.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (F.K.)
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (A.P., S.A., M.R.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry (A.P., S.A., M.R.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Seema Mital
- From the Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (C.K., R.A., O.A., S.M.).,Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children (S.M.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Ellis
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (C.L., D.C.R., T.T., J.E.).,Department of Molecular Genetics (C.L., J.E.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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47
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Mirani B, Pagan E, Shojaei S, Dabiri SMH, Savoji H, Mehrali M, Sam M, Alsaif J, Bhiladvala RB, Dolatshahi-Pirouz A, Radisic M, Akbari M. Facile Method for Fabrication of Meter-Long Multifunctional Hydrogel Fibers with Controllable Biophysical and Biochemical Features. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2020; 12:9080-9089. [PMID: 32053340 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b23063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogel structures with microscale morphological features have extensive application in tissue engineering owing to their capacity to induce desired cellular behavior. Herein, we describe a novel biofabrication method for fabrication of grooved solid and hollow hydrogel fibers with control over their cross-sectional shape, surface morphology, porosity, and material composition. These fibers were further configured into three-dimensional structures using textile technologies such as weaving, braiding, and embroidering methods. Additionally, the capacity of these fibers to integrate various biochemical and biophysical cues was shown via incorporating drug-loaded microspheres, conductive materials, and magnetic particles, extending their application to smart drug delivery, wearable or implantable medical devices, and soft robotics. The efficacy of the grooved fibers to induce cellular alignment was evaluated on various cell types including myoblasts, cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and glioma cells. In particular, these fibers were shown to induce controlled myogenic differentiation and morphological changes, depending on their groove size, in C2C12 myoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Mirani
- Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering , University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia V8P 5C2 , Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC) , University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia V8P 5C2 , Canada
| | - Erik Pagan
- Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering , University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia V8P 5C2 , Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC) , University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia V8P 5C2 , Canada
| | - Shahla Shojaei
- Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering , University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia V8P 5C2 , Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC) , University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia V8P 5C2 , Canada
| | - Seyed Mohammad Hossein Dabiri
- Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering , University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia V8P 5C2 , Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC) , University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia V8P 5C2 , Canada
| | - Houman Savoji
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3G9 , Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute , University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario M5G 2M9 , Canada
| | - Mehdi Mehrali
- Department of Health Technology, Institute of Biotherapeutic Engineering and Drug Targeting, Center for Intestinal Absorption and Transport of Biopharmaceuticals , Technical University of Denmark , Kongens Lyngby 2800 , Denmark
| | - Mahshid Sam
- Nanoscale Transport, Mechanics & Materials Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering , University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia V8P 5C2 , Canada
| | - Jehad Alsaif
- Nanoscale Transport, Mechanics & Materials Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering , University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia V8P 5C2 , Canada
| | - Rustom B Bhiladvala
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC) , University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia V8P 5C2 , Canada
- Nanoscale Transport, Mechanics & Materials Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering , University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia V8P 5C2 , Canada
| | - Alireza Dolatshahi-Pirouz
- Department of Health Technology, Institute of Biotherapeutic Engineering and Drug Targeting, Center for Intestinal Absorption and Transport of Biopharmaceuticals , Technical University of Denmark , Kongens Lyngby 2800 , Denmark
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3G9 , Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute , University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario M5G 2M9 , Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3E5 , Canada
| | - Mohsen Akbari
- Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering , University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia V8P 5C2 , Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC) , University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia V8P 5C2 , Canada
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48
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Savoji H, Davenport Huyer L, Mohammadi MH, Lun Lai BF, Rafatian N, Bannerman D, Shoaib M, Bobicki ER, Ramachandran A, Radisic M. 3D Printing of Vascular Tubes Using Bioelastomer Prepolymers by Freeform Reversible Embedding. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:1333-1343. [PMID: 33455372 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bioelastomers have been extensively used in tissue engineering applications because of favorable mechanical stability, tunable properties, and chemical versatility. As these materials generally possess low elastic modulus and relatively long gelation time, it is challenging to 3D print them using traditional techniques. Instead, the field of 3D printing has focused preferentially on hydrogels and rigid polyester materials. To develop a versatile approach for 3D printing of elastomers, we used freeform reversible embedding of suspended prepolymers. A family of novel fast photocrosslinakble bioelastomer prepolymers were synthesized from dimethyl itaconate, 1,8-octanediol, and triethyl citrate. Tensile testing confirmed their elastic properties with Young's moduli in the range of 11-53 kPa. These materials supported cultivation of viable cells and enabled adhesion and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Tubular structures were created by embedding the 3D printed microtubes within a secondary hydrogel that served as a temporary support. Upon photocrosslinking and porogen leaching, the polymers were permeable to small molecules (TRITC-dextran). The polymer microtubes were assembled on the 96-well plates custom made by hot-embossing, as a tool to connect multiple organs-on-a-chip. The endothelialization of the tubes was performed to confirm that these microtubes can be utilized as vascular tubes to support parenchymal tissues seeded on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houman Savoji
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 170 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada.,Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Locke Davenport Huyer
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 170 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada.,Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada.,Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Benjamin Fook Lun Lai
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 170 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Dawn Bannerman
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 170 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada.,Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Mohammad Shoaib
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Erin R Bobicki
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Arun Ramachandran
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 170 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada.,Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
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49
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Zhao Y, Rafatian N, Wang EY, Wu Q, Lai BFL, Lu RX, Savoji H, Radisic M. Towards chamber specific heart-on-a-chip for drug testing applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 165-166:60-76. [PMID: 31917972 PMCID: PMC7338250 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Modeling of human organs has long been a task for scientists in order to lower the costs of therapeutic development and understand the pathological onset of human disease. For decades, despite marked differences in genetics and etiology, animal models remained the norm for drug discovery and disease modeling. Innovative biofabrication techniques have facilitated the development of organ-on-a-chip technology that has great potential to complement conventional animal models. However, human organ as a whole, more specifically the human heart, is difficult to regenerate in vitro, in terms of its chamber specific orientation and its electrical functional complexity. Recent progress with the development of induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation protocols, made recapitulating the complexity of the human heart possible through the generation of cells representative of atrial & ventricular tissue, the sinoatrial node, atrioventricular node and Purkinje fibers. Current heart-on-a-chip approaches incorporate biological, electrical, mechanical, and topographical cues to facilitate tissue maturation, therefore improving the predictive power for the chamber-specific therapeutic effects targeting adult human. In this review, we will give a summary of current advances in heart-on-a-chip technology and provide a comprehensive outlook on the challenges involved in the development of human physiologically relevant heart-on-a-chip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimu Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Division of Cardiology and Peter Munk Cardiac Center, University of Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2N2, Canada
| | - Erika Yan Wang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Qinghua Wu
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Benjamin F L Lai
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Rick Xingze Lu
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Houman Savoji
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada.
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50
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Zhao Y, Rafatian N, Wang EY, Feric NT, Lai BFL, Knee-Walden EJ, Backx PH, Radisic M. Engineering microenvironment for human cardiac tissue assembly in heart-on-a-chip platform. Matrix Biol 2020; 85-86:189-204. [PMID: 30981898 PMCID: PMC6788963 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip systems have the potential to revolutionize drug screening and disease modeling through the use of human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. The predictive power of these tissue models critically depends on the functional assembly and maturation of human cells that are used as building blocks for organ-on-a-chip systems. To resemble a more adult-like phenotype on these heart-on-a-chip systems, the surrounding micro-environment of individual cardiomyocyte needs to be controlled. Herein, we investigated the impact of four microenvironmental cues: cell seeding density, types and percentages of non-myocyte populations, the types of hydrogels used for tissue inoculation and the electrical conditioning regimes on the structural and functional assembly of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac tissues. Utilizing a novel, plastic and open-access heart-on-a-chip system that is capable of continuous non-invasive monitoring of tissue contractions, we were able to study how different micro-environmental cues affect the assembly of the cardiomyocytes into a functional cardiac tissue. We have defined conditions that resulted in tissues exhibiting hallmarks of the mature human myocardium, such as positive force-frequency relationship and post-rest potentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimu Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5; Canada
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Division of Cardiology and Peter Munk Cardiac Center, University of Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2N2, Canada
| | - Erika Y Wang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Nicole T Feric
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; TARA Biosystems, Inc., New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Benjamin F L Lai
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Ericka J Knee-Walden
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Peter H Backx
- Division of Cardiology and Peter Munk Cardiac Center, University of Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2N2, Canada; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada; Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4; Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5; Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4; Canada.
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