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Xuan L, Hou Y, Liang L, Wu J, Fan K, Lian L, Qiu J, Miao Y, Ravanbakhsh H, Xu M, Tang G. Microgels for Cell Delivery in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2024; 16:218. [PMID: 38884868 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01421-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Microgels prepared from natural or synthetic hydrogel materials have aroused extensive attention as multifunctional cells or drug carriers, that are promising for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Microgels can also be aggregated into microporous scaffolds, promoting cell infiltration and proliferation for tissue repair. This review gives an overview of recent developments in the fabrication techniques and applications of microgels. A series of conventional and novel strategies including emulsification, microfluidic, lithography, electrospray, centrifugation, gas-shearing, three-dimensional bioprinting, etc. are discussed in depth. The characteristics and applications of microgels and microgel-based scaffolds for cell culture and delivery are elaborated with an emphasis on the advantages of these carriers in cell therapy. Additionally, we expound on the ongoing and foreseeable applications and current limitations of microgels and their aggregate in the field of biomedical engineering. Through stimulating innovative ideas, the present review paves new avenues for expanding the application of microgels in cell delivery techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyan Xuan
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Hou
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Liang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Jialin Wu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Fan
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Lian
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Jianhua Qiu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingling Miao
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Hossein Ravanbakhsh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA.
| | - Mingen Xu
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guosheng Tang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Kim S, Lam PY, Jayaraman A, Han A. Uniform sized cancer spheroids production using hydrogel-based droplet microfluidics: a review. Biomed Microdevices 2024; 26:26. [PMID: 38806765 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-024-00712-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models have been extensively utilized in various mechanistic studies as well as for drug development studies as superior in vitro platforms than conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models. This is especially the case in cancer biology, where 3D cancer models, such as spheroids or organoids, have been utilized extensively to understand the mechanisms of cancer development. Recently, many sophisticated 3D models such as organ-on-a-chip models are emerging as advanced in vitro models that can more accurately mimic the in vivo tissue functions. Despite such advancements, spheroids are still considered as a powerful 3D cancer model due to the relatively simple structure and compatibility with existing laboratory instruments, and also can provide orders of magnitude higher throughput than complex in vitro models, an extremely important aspects for drug development. However, creating well-defined spheroids remain challenging, both in terms of throughputs in generation as well as reproducibility in size and shape that can make it challenging for drug testing applications. In the past decades, droplet microfluidics utilizing hydrogels have been highlighted due to their potentials. Importantly, core-shell structured gel droplets can avoid spheroid-to-spheroid adhesion that can cause large variations in assays while also enabling long-term cultivation of spheroids with higher uniformity by protecting the core organoid area from external environment while the outer porous gel layer still allows nutrient exchange. Hence, core-shell gel droplet-based spheroid formation can improve the predictivity and reproducibility of drug screening assays. This review paper will focus on droplet microfluidics-based technologies for cancer spheroid production using various gel materials and structures. In addition, we will discuss emerging technologies that have the potential to advance the production of spheroids, prospects of such technologies, and remaining challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Po Yi Lam
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Arul Jayaraman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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3
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Deo KA, Murali A, Tronolone JJ, Mandrona C, Lee HP, Rajput S, Hargett SE, Selahi A, Sun Y, Alge DL, Jain A, Gaharwar AK. Granular Biphasic Colloidal Hydrogels for 3D Bioprinting. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2303810. [PMID: 38749006 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Granular hydrogels composed of hydrogel microparticles are promising candidates for 3D bioprinting due to their ability to protect encapsulated cells. However, to achieve high print fidelity, hydrogel microparticles need to jam to exhibit shear-thinning characteristics, which is crucial for 3D printing. Unfortunately, this overpacking can significantly impact cell viability, thereby negating the primary advantage of using hydrogel microparticles to shield cells from shear forces. To overcome this challenge, a novel solution: a biphasic, granular colloidal bioink designed to optimize cell viability and printing fidelity is introduced. The biphasic ink consists of cell-laden polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel microparticles embedded in a continuous gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-nanosilicate colloidal network. Here, it is demonstrated that this biphasic bioink offers outstanding rheological properties, print fidelity, and structural stability. Furthermore, its utility for engineering complex tissues with multiple cell types and heterogeneous microenvironments is demonstrated, by incorporating β-islet cells into the PEG microparticles and endothelial cells in the GelMA-nanosilicate colloidal network. Using this approach, it is possible to induce cell patterning, enhance vascularization, and direct cellular function. The proposed biphasic bioink holds significant potential for numerous emerging biomedical applications, including tissue engineering and disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaivalya A Deo
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Aparna Murali
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - James J Tronolone
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Cole Mandrona
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Hung Pang Lee
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Satyam Rajput
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Sarah E Hargett
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Amirali Selahi
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Yuxiang Sun
- Nutrition, College of Agriculture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Daniel L Alge
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Material Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Abhishek Jain
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
- Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Akhilesh K Gaharwar
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Material Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics & Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Center for Remote Health Technologies and Systems, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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Wang H, Tao J, Wu Z, Weiland K, Wang Z, Masania K, Wang B. Fabrication of Living Entangled Network Composites Enabled by Mycelium. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2309370. [PMID: 38477443 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Organic polymer-based composite materials with favorable mechanical performance and functionalities are keystones to various modern industries; however, the environmental pollution stemming from their processing poses a great challenge. In this study, by finding an autonomous phase separating ability of fungal mycelium, a new material fabrication approach is introduced that leverages such biological metabolism-driven, mycelial growth-induced phase separation to bypass high-energy cost and labor-intensive synthetic methods. The resulting self-regenerative composites, featuring an entangled network structure of mycelium and assembled organic polymers, exhibit remarkable self-healing properties, being capable of reversing complete separation and restoring ≈90% of the original strength. These composites further show exceptional mechanical strength, with a high specific strength of 8.15 MPa g.cm-3 , and low water absorption properties (≈33% after 15 days of immersion). This approach spearheads the development of state-of-the-art living composites, which directly utilize bioactive materials to "self-grow" into materials endowed with exceptional mechanical and functional properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Shaping Matter Lab, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2629 HS, Netherlands
| | - Jie Tao
- School of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211106, China
| | - Zhangyu Wu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Kathrin Weiland
- Shaping Matter Lab, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2629 HS, Netherlands
| | - Zuankai Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Kunal Masania
- Shaping Matter Lab, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2629 HS, Netherlands
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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An C, Zhang S, Xu J, Zhang Y, Dou Z, Shao F, Long C, yang J, Wang H, Liu J. The microparticulate inks for bioprinting applications. Mater Today Bio 2024; 24:100930. [PMID: 38293631 PMCID: PMC10825055 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has emerged as a groundbreaking technology for fabricating intricate and functional tissue constructs. Central to this technology are the bioinks, which provide structural support and mimic the extracellular environment, which is crucial for cellular executive function. This review summarizes the latest developments in microparticulate inks for 3D bioprinting and presents their inherent challenges. We categorize micro-particulate materials, including polymeric microparticles, tissue-derived microparticles, and bioactive inorganic microparticles, and introduce the microparticle ink formulations, including granular microparticles inks consisting of densely packed microparticles and composite microparticle inks comprising microparticles and interstitial matrix. The formulations of these microparticle inks are also delved into highlighting their capabilities as modular entities in 3D bioprinting. Finally, existing challenges and prospective research trajectories for advancing the design of microparticle inks for bioprinting are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfeng An
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Shiying Zhang
- School of Dentistry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jiqing Xu
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Zhenzhen Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Fei Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Canling Long
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Jianhua yang
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Huanan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
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Cai B, Kilian D, Ramos Mejia D, Rios RJ, Ali A, Heilshorn SC. Diffusion-Based 3D Bioprinting Strategies. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306470. [PMID: 38145962 PMCID: PMC10885663 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
3D bioprinting has enabled the fabrication of tissue-mimetic constructs with freeform designs that include living cells. In the development of new bioprinting techniques, the controlled use of diffusion has become an emerging strategy to tailor the properties and geometry of printed constructs. Specifically, the diffusion of molecules with specialized functions, including crosslinkers, catalysts, growth factors, or viscosity-modulating agents, across the interface of printed constructs will directly affect material properties such as microstructure, stiffness, and biochemistry, all of which can impact cell phenotype. For example, diffusion-induced gelation is employed to generate constructs with multiple materials, dynamic mechanical properties, and perfusable geometries. In general, these diffusion-based bioprinting strategies can be categorized into those based on inward diffusion (i.e., into the printed ink from the surrounding air, solution, or support bath), outward diffusion (i.e., from the printed ink into the surroundings), or diffusion within the printed construct (i.e., from one zone to another). This review provides an overview of recent advances in diffusion-based bioprinting strategies, discusses emerging methods to characterize and predict diffusion in bioprinting, and highlights promising next steps in applying diffusion-based strategies to overcome current limitations in biofabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Cai
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringStanford University476 Lomita MallStanfordCA94305USA
| | - David Kilian
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringStanford University476 Lomita MallStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Daniel Ramos Mejia
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringStanford University476 Lomita MallStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Ricardo J. Rios
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringStanford University476 Lomita MallStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Ashal Ali
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringStanford University476 Lomita MallStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Sarah C. Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringStanford University476 Lomita MallStanfordCA94305USA
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Gao H, Jiang W, Zhang W, Jiang M, Xin F. Customized spatial niches for synthetic microbial consortia. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1463-1466. [PMID: 37270330 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The construction of synthetic microbial consortia has been considered a new frontier. However, maintaining artificial microbial communities remains challenging because the dominant strain eventually outcompetes the others. Inspired by natural ecosystems, one promising approach to assemble stable consortia is to construct spatial niches partitioning subpopulations and overlapping abiotic requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, P.R. China
| | - Wankui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, P.R. China
| | - Wenming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, P.R. China; Jiangsu Academy of Chemical Inherent Safety, Nanjing, 211800, P.R. China.
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, P.R. China; Jiangsu Academy of Chemical Inherent Safety, Nanjing, 211800, P.R. China
| | - Fengxue Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, P.R. China; Jiangsu Academy of Chemical Inherent Safety, Nanjing, 211800, P.R. China.
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8
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Tang RC, Shang L, Scumpia PO, Di Carlo D. Injectable Microporous Annealed Crescent-Shaped (MAC) Particle Hydrogel Scaffold for Enhanced Cell Infiltration. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2302477. [PMID: 37985462 PMCID: PMC11102933 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels are widely used for tissue engineering applications to support cellular growth, yet the tightly woven structure often restricts cell infiltration and expansion. Consequently, granular hydrogels with microporous architectures have emerged as a new class of biomaterial. Particularly, the development of microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogel scaffolds has shown improved stability and integration with host tissue. However, the predominant use of spherically shaped particles limits scaffold porosity, potentially limiting the level of cell infiltration. Here, a novel microporous annealed crescent-shaped particle (MAC) scaffold that is predicted to have improved porosity and pore interconnectivity in silico is presented. With microfluidic fabrication, tunable cavity sizes that optimize interstitial void space features are achieved. In vitro, cells incorporated into MAC scaffolds form extensive 3D multicellular networks. In vivo, the injectable MAC scaffold significantly enhances cell infiltration compared to spherical MAP scaffolds, resulting in increased numbers of myofibroblasts and leukocytes present within the gel without relying on external biomolecular chemoattractants. The results shed light on the critical role of particle shape in cell recruitment, laying the foundation for MAC scaffolds as a next-generation granular hydrogel for diverse tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Chian Tang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lily Shang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Philip O Scumpia
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine David Geffen School of Medicine University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Dermatology, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Dino Di Carlo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- California Nano Systems Institute (CNSI) University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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Vitalis C, Wenzel T. Leveraging interactions in microfluidic droplets for enhanced biotechnology screens. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 82:102966. [PMID: 37390513 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic droplet screens serve as an innovative platform for high-throughput biotechnology, enabling significant advancements in discovery, product optimization, and analysis. This review sheds light on the emerging trends of interaction assays in microfluidic droplets, underscoring the unique suitability of droplets for these applications. Encompassing a diverse range of biological entities such as antibodies, enzymes, DNA, RNA, various microbial and mammalian cell types, drugs, and other molecules, these assays demonstrate their versatility and scope. Recent methodological breakthroughs have escalated these screens to novel scales of bioanalysis and biotechnological product design. Moreover, we highlight pioneering advancements that extend droplet-based screens into new domains: cargo delivery within human bodies, application of synthetic gene circuits in natural environments, 3D printing, and the development of droplet structures responsive to environmental signals. The potential of this field is profound and only set to increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolus Vitalis
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul 7820244, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tobias Wenzel
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul 7820244, Santiago, Chile.
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