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Liang CC, Chen PY, Liu NC, Lee IC. Comparison between dynamic versus static models and real-time monitoring of neuronal dysfunction in an amyloid-β induced neuronal toxic model on a chip platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1887-1902. [PMID: 38414410 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00507k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidics-based organs-on-a-chip offer a promising method for dynamic and 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture to evaluate the cell behaviors within the biomimetic environment. The purpose of this study was to establish neural network connections in a 3D neural stem cell (NSC)-based system with an interstitial level of flow for simulating the brain microenvironment toward a dynamic amyloid-β (Aβ) induced neuronal toxic model on a chip and to compare the biological effects and neurite dysfunction between static and dynamic systems. The brain-on-a-chip system consisted of an impedance analyzing layer, a structured well with a connected channel, and an interface coating with polypeptide films fabricated with modification based on our previous study. The cytotoxicity and percentage of neuron/astrocyte differentiation were all compared in both static and dynamic brain-on-a-chip systems. Reactive oxygen species production, neuron marker expression and neurotransmitter-acetylcholine release were all compared to evaluate functional neurite losses in both static and dynamic systems with/without Aβ addition. Moreover, real-time impedance recording was used to consecutively monitor the neurite connection/disconnection in both static and dynamic brain-on-a-chip systems. The NSC-based dynamic brain-on-a-chip may enable the application of different neurodegenerative disease in vitro models for pathogenesis studies, drug discovery and novel therapeutic method development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Chun Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan.
| | - Po-Yen Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 20742, USA
| | - Nien-Che Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan.
| | - I-Chi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan.
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Liu NC, Liang CC, Li YCE, Lee IC. A Real-Time Sensing System for Monitoring Neural Network Degeneration in an Alzheimer’s Disease-on-a-Chip Model. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14051022. [PMID: 35631608 PMCID: PMC9148060 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14051022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-based in vitro models may provide potential therapeutic strategies and allow drug screening for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Herein, we develop a neural stem cell (NSC) spheroid-based biochip that is characterized by a brain-like structure, well-defined neural differentiation, and neural network formation, representing a brain-on-a-chip. This system consisted of microelectrode arrays with a multichannel platform and allowed the real-time monitoring of network formation and degeneration by impedance analysis. The parameters of this platform for the real-time tracking of network development and organization were established based on our previous study. Subsequently, β-amyloid (Aβ) was added into the brain-on-a-chip system to generate an AD-on-a-chip model, and toxic effects on neurons and the degeneration of synapses were observed. The AD-on-a-chip model may help us to investigate the neurotoxicity of Aβ on neurons and neural networks in real time. Aβ causes neural damage and accumulates around neurites or inside neurospheroids, as observed by immunostaining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After incubation with Aβ, reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased, synapse function decreased, and the neurotransmitter-acetylcholine (ACh) concentration decreased were observed. Most importantly, the real-time analysis system monitored the impedance value variation in the system with Aβ incubation, providing consecutive network disconnection data that are consistent with biological data. This platform provides simple, real-time, and convenient sensing to monitor the network microenvironment. The proposed AD-on-a-chip model enhances the understanding of neurological pathology, and the development of this model provides an alternative for the study of drug discovery and cell–protein interactions in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nien-Che Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan; (N.-C.L.); (C.-C.L.)
| | - Chu-Chun Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan; (N.-C.L.); (C.-C.L.)
| | - Yi-Chen Ethan Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung 407102, Taiwan;
| | - I-Chi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan; (N.-C.L.); (C.-C.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Huang B, Peng J, Huang X, Liang F, Wang L, Shi J, Yamada A, Chen Y. Generation of Interconnected Neural Clusters in Multiscale Scaffolds from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:55939-55952. [PMID: 34788005 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c18465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The development of in vitro neural networks depends to a large extent on the scaffold properties, including the scaffold stiffness, porosity, and dimensionality. Herein, we developed a method to generate interconnected neural clusters in a multiscale scaffold consisting of a honeycomb microframe covered on both sides with a monolayer of cross-linked gelatin nanofibers. Cortical neural precursor cells were first produced from human-induced pluripotent stem cells and then loaded into the scaffold for a long period of differentiation toward cortical neural cells. As a result, neurons and astrocytes self-organized in the scaffold to form clusters in each of the honeycomb compartments with remarkable inter-cluster connections. These cells highly expressed neuron- and astrocyte-specific proteins, including NF200, tau, synapsin I, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, and showed spatially correlated neural activities. Two types of neural clusters, that is, spheroid-like and hourglass-like clusters, were found, indicating the complexity of neural-scaffold interaction and the variability of three-dimensional neural organization. Furthermore, we incorporated a reconstituted basement membrane into the scaffold and performed co-culture of the neural network with brain microvascular endothelial cells. As a proof of concept, an improved neurovascular unit model was tested, showing large astrocytic end-feet on the back side of the endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boxin Huang
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Juan Peng
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Xiaochen Huang
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Feng Liang
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Li Wang
- MesoBioTech, 231 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France
| | - Jian Shi
- MesoBioTech, 231 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France
| | - Ayako Yamada
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Yong Chen
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
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Charelli LE, Ferreira JPD, Naveira-Cotta CP, Balbino TA. Engineering mechanobiology through organoids-on-chip: A strategy to boost therapeutics. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2021; 15:883-899. [PMID: 34339588 DOI: 10.1002/term.3234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical environment of living cells is as critical as chemical signaling. Mechanical stimuli play a pivotal role in organogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Unbalances in mechanotransduction pathways often lead to diseases, such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite its inherent relevance, there is a lack of proper mechanoresponsive in vitro study systems. In this context, there is an urge to engineer innovative, robust, dynamic, and reliable organotypic technologies to better connect cellular processes to organ-level function and multi-tissue cross-talk. Mechanically active organoid-on-chip has the potential to surpass this challenge. These systems converge microfabrication, microfluidics, biophysics, and tissue engineering fields to emulate key features of living organisms, hence, reducing costs, time, and animal testing. In this review, we intended to present cutting-edge organ-on-chip platforms that integrate biomechanical stimuli as well as novel multicellular culture, such as organoids. We focused on its application in two main fields: precision medicine and drug development. Moreover, we also discussed the state of the art for the development of an engineered model to assess patient-derived tumor organoid metastatic potential. Finally, we highlighted the current drawbacks and emerging opportunities to match the industry needs. We envision the use of mechanoresponsive organotypic-on-chip microdevices as an indispensable tool for precision medicine, drug development, disease modeling, tissue engineering, and developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia E Charelli
- Nanotechnology Engineering Program, Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering, COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Mechanical Engineering Department POLI & COPPE/UFRJ, Laboratory of Nano & Microfluidics and Microsystems-LabMEMS, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - João P D Ferreira
- Undergraduate Program in Nanotechnology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carolina P Naveira-Cotta
- Mechanical Engineering Department POLI & COPPE/UFRJ, Laboratory of Nano & Microfluidics and Microsystems-LabMEMS, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tiago A Balbino
- Nanotechnology Engineering Program, Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering, COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Fu X, Yang H, Li Z, Liu NC, Lee PS, Li K, Li S, Ding M, Ho JS, Li YCE, Lee IC, Chen PY. Cation-Induced Assembly of Conductive MXene Fibers for Wearable Heater, Wireless Communication, and Stem Cell Differentiation. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 9:2129-2139. [PMID: 34297522 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Emerging wearable electronics, wireless communication, and tissue engineering require the development of conductive fiber-shaped electrodes and biointerfaces. Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets serve as promising building block units for the construction of highly conductive fibers with integrated functionalities, yet a facile and scalable fabrication scheme is highly required. Herein, a cation-induced assembly process is developed for the scalable fabrication of conductive fibers with MXene sheaths and alginate cores (abbreviated as MXene@A). The fabrication scheme of MXene@A fibers includes the fast extrusion of alginate fibers followed by electrostatic assembly of MXene nanosheets, enabling high-speed fiber production. When multiple fabrication parameters are optimized, the MXene@A fibers exhibit a superior electrical conductivity of 1083 S cm-1, which can be integrated as Joule heaters into textiles for wearable thermal management. By triggering reversible de/hydration of alginate cores upon heating, the MXene@A fibers can be repeatedly contracted and generate large contraction stress that is >40 times higher than the ones of mammalian skeletal muscle. Furthermore, the MXene@A springs demonstrate large contraction strains up to 65.5% and are then fabricated into a reconfigurable dipole antenna to wirelessly monitor the surrounding heat sources. In the end, with the biocompatibility of MXene nanosheets, the MXene@A fibers enable the guidance of neural stem/progenitor cells differentiation and the promotion of neurite outgrowth. With a cation-induced assembly process, our multifunctional MXene@A fibers exhibit high scalability for future manufacturing and hold the prospect to inspire other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Fu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - Haitao Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - Zhipeng Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
| | - Nien-Che Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shan Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung 40724, Taiwan
| | - Kerui Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - Shuo Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - Meng Ding
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - John S Ho
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
| | - Yi-Chen Ethan Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung 40724, Taiwan
| | - I-Chi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yen Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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Li YCE, Lee IC. The Current Trends of Biosensors in Tissue Engineering. BIOSENSORS 2020; 10:E88. [PMID: 32756393 PMCID: PMC7459738 DOI: 10.3390/bios10080088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Biosensors constitute selective, sensitive, and rapid tools for disease diagnosis in tissue engineering applications. Compared to standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analytical technology, biosensors provide a strategy to real-time and on-site monitor micro biophysiological signals via a combination of biological, chemical, and physical technologies. This review summarizes the recent and significant advances made in various biosensor technologies for different applications of biological and biomedical interest, especially on tissue engineering applications. Different fabrication techniques utilized for tissue engineering purposes, such as computer numeric control (CNC), photolithographic, casting, and 3D printing technologies are also discussed. Key developments in the cell/tissue-based biosensors, biomolecular sensing strategies, and the expansion of several biochip approaches such as organs-on-chips, paper based-biochips, and flexible biosensors are available. Cell polarity and cell behaviors such as proliferation, differentiation, stimulation response, and metabolism detection are included. Biosensors for diagnosing tissue disease modes such as brain, heart, lung, and liver systems and for bioimaging are discussed. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced by current biosensing techniques and highlight future prospects of biosensors for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chen Ethan Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung 40724, Taiwan
| | - I-Chi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
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A self-assembled layer-by-layer surface modification to fabricate the neuron-rich model from neural stem/precursor cells. J Formos Med Assoc 2019; 119:430-438. [PMID: 31466839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE In vitro neural cell-based models have been widely used to mimic the in vivo neural tissue environments and quantitatively understand the effects of pharmaceutical molecules on neural diseases. Recently, several biomimetic neural tissue models have been widely developed by using biomaterials or surface modification. However, the complex protocols of material synthesis or surface modification lack an easy execution to fabricate the neuron favorite environment. METHODS In this study, we utilized a layer-by-layer technique as a surface modification method for regulating the behaviors of neural stem/precursor cells (NSPCs) on material surfaces. Polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) via alternate deposition of poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly (sodium-4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) were used to culture NSPCs. After incubation for 7 days, the neuronal differentiation of NSPCs and synapse function of differentiated neurons were identified by immunocytochemistry for lineage specific markers. RESULTS Compared with the only PAH film, the PSS-ending film (neuron-rich model) was shown to significantly promote differentiation of NSPCs into neurons (more than 50%), form a neuronal network structure; and differentiated neurons exhibiting functional synaptic activity. CONCLUSION This study shows that the PEMs provided an easily alternative approach to modify the surface properties; and might be a method to obtain a neuron-rich model for the biological/pharmaceutical applications.
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Park D, Lee J, Chung JJ, Jung Y, Kim SH. Integrating Organs-on-Chips: Multiplexing, Scaling, Vascularization, and Innervation. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 38:99-112. [PMID: 31345572 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Organs-on-chips (OoCs) have attracted significant attention because they can be designed to mimic in vivo environments. Beyond constructing a single OoC, recent efforts have tried to integrate multiple OoCs to broaden potential applications such as disease modeling and drug discoveries. However, various challenges remain for integrating OoCs towards in vivo-like operation, such as incorporating various connections for integrating multiple OoCs. We review multiplexed OoCs and challenges they face: scaling, vascularization, and innervation. In our opinion, future OoCs will be constructed to have increased predictive power for in vivo phenomena and will ultimately become a mainstream tool for high quality biomedical and pharmaceutical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- DoYeun Park
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseo Lee
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Justin J Chung
- Biomaterials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngmee Jung
- Biomaterials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; Biomaterials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.
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