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Ko J, Song J, Lee Y, Choi N, Kim HN. Understanding organotropism in cancer metastasis using microphysiological systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1542-1556. [PMID: 38192269 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00889d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, remains a complex challenge in medical science. Stephen Paget's "seed and soil theory" introduced the concept of organotropism, suggesting that metastatic success depends on specific organ microenvironments. Understanding organotropism not only offers potential for curbing metastasis but also novel treatment strategies. Microphysiological systems (MPS), especially organ-on-a-chip models, have emerged as transformative tools in this quest. These systems, blending microfluidics, biology, and engineering, grant precise control over cell interactions within organ-specific microenvironments. MPS enable real-time monitoring, morphological analysis, and protein quantification, enhancing our comprehension of cancer dynamics, including tumor migration, vascularization, and pre-metastatic niches. In this review, we explore innovative applications of MPS in investigating cancer metastasis, particularly focusing on organotropism. This interdisciplinary approach converges the field of science, engineering, and medicine, thereby illuminating a path toward groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jiyoung Song
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yedam Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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Nekoonam N, Vera G, Goralczyk A, Mayoussi F, Zhu P, Böcherer D, Shakeel A, Helmer D. Controllable Wetting Transitions on Photoswitchable Physical Gels. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37217181 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c22979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Softness plays a key role in the deformation of soft elastic substrates at the three-phase contact line, and the acting forces lead to the formation of a wetting ridge due to elastocapillarity. The change in wetting ridge and surface profiles at different softness has a great impact on the droplet behavior in different phenomena. Commonly used materials to study soft wetting are swollen polymeric gels or polymer brushes. These materials offer no possibility to change the softness on demand. Therefore, adjustable surfaces with tunable softness are highly sought-after to achieve on-demand transition between wetting states on soft surfaces. Here, we present a photorheological physical soft gel with adjustable stiffness based on the spiropyran photoswitch that shows the formation of wetting ridges upon droplet deposition. The presented photoswitchable gels allow the creation of reversibly switchable softness patterns with microscale resolution using UV light-switching of the spiropyran molecule. Gels with varying softness are analyzed, showing a decrease in the wetting ridge height at higher gel stiffness. Furthermore, wetting ridges before and after photoswitching are visualized using confocal microscopy, showing the transition in the wetting properties from soft wetting to liquid/liquid wetting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Nekoonam
- Laboratory of Process Technology, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Grace Vera
- Laboratory of Process Technology, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Andreas Goralczyk
- Laboratory of Process Technology, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Fadoua Mayoussi
- Laboratory of Process Technology, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Pang Zhu
- Laboratory of Process Technology, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - David Böcherer
- Laboratory of Process Technology, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Ahmad Shakeel
- Laboratory of Process Technology, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Dorothea Helmer
- Laboratory of Process Technology, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Freiburg Center of Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT), University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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Shakiba D, Genin GM, Zustiak SP. Mechanobiology of cancer cell responsiveness to chemotherapy and immunotherapy: Mechanistic insights and biomaterial platforms. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114771. [PMID: 36889646 PMCID: PMC10133187 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114771] [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] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are central to how cancer treatments such as chemotherapeutics and immunotherapies interact with cells and tissues. At the simplest level, electrostatic forces underlie the binding events that are critical to therapeutic function. However, a growing body of literature points to mechanical factors that also affect whether a drug or an immune cell can reach a target, and to interactions between a cell and its environment affecting therapeutic efficacy. These factors affect cell processes ranging from cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix remodeling to transduction of signals by the nucleus to metastasis of cells. This review presents and critiques the state of the art of our understanding of how mechanobiology impacts drug and immunotherapy resistance and responsiveness, and of the in vitro systems that have been of value in the discovery of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaram Shakiba
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Guy M Genin
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Silviya P Zustiak
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Hou C, Gu Y, Yuan W, Zhang W, Xiu X, Lin J, Gao Y, Liu P, Chen X, Song L. Application of microfluidic chips in the simulation of the urinary system microenvironment. Mater Today Bio 2023; 19:100553. [PMID: 36747584 PMCID: PMC9898763 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100553] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The urinary system, comprising the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, has a unique mechanical and fluid microenvironment, which is essential to the urinary system growth and development. Microfluidic models, based on micromachining and tissue engineering technology, can integrate pathophysiological characteristics, maintain cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and accurately simulate the vital characteristics of human tissue microenvironments. Additionally, these models facilitate improved visualization and integration and meet the requirements of the laminar flow environment of the urinary system. However, several challenges continue to impede the development of a tissue microenvironment with controllable conditions closely resemble physiological conditions. In this review, we describe the biochemical and physical microenvironment of the urinary system and explore the feasibility of microfluidic technology in simulating the urinary microenvironment and pathophysiological characteristics in vitro. Moreover, we summarize the current research progress on adapting microfluidic chips for constructing the urinary microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and suggest directions for future development and application of microfluidic technology in constructing the urinary microenvironment in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhao Hou
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China,Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Yubo Gu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China,Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China,Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Wukai Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xianjie Xiu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China,Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahao Lin
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China,Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Gao
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Peichuan Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China,Corresponding author.
| | - Lujie Song
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China,Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China,Corresponding author. Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China.
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Wang D, Gust M, Ferrell N. Kidney-on-a-Chip: Mechanical Stimulation and Sensor Integration. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:6889. [PMID: 36146238 PMCID: PMC9503911 DOI: 10.3390/s22186889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bioengineered in vitro models of the kidney offer unprecedented opportunities to better mimic the in vivo microenvironment. Kidney-on-a-chip technology reproduces 2D or 3D features which can replicate features of the tissue architecture, composition, and dynamic mechanical forces experienced by cells in vivo. Kidney cells are exposed to mechanical stimuli such as substrate stiffness, shear stress, compression, and stretch, which regulate multiple cellular functions. Incorporating mechanical stimuli in kidney-on-a-chip is critically important for recapitulating the physiological or pathological microenvironment. This review will explore approaches to applying mechanical stimuli to different cell types using kidney-on-a-chip models and how these systems are used to study kidney physiology, model disease, and screen for drug toxicity. We further discuss sensor integration into kidney-on-a-chip for monitoring cellular responses to mechanical or other pathological stimuli. We discuss the advantages, limitations, and challenges associated with incorporating mechanical stimuli in kidney-on-a-chip models for a variety of applications. Overall, this review aims to highlight the importance of mechanical stimuli and sensor integration in the design and implementation of kidney-on-a-chip devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Matthew Gust
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Nicholas Ferrell
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Carvalho E, Morais M, Ferreira H, Silva M, Guimarães S, Pêgo A. A paradigm shift: Bioengineering meets mechanobiology towards overcoming remyelination failure. Biomaterials 2022; 283:121427. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Kim Y, Song J, Lee Y, Cho S, Kim S, Lee SR, Park S, Shin Y, Jeon NL. High-throughput injection molded microfluidic device for single-cell analysis of spatiotemporal dynamics. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:3150-3158. [PMID: 34180916 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01245a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell level analysis of various cellular behaviors has been aided by recent developments in microfluidic technology. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic devices have been widely used to elucidate cell differentiation and migration under spatiotemporal stimulation. However, microfluidic devices fabricated with PDMS have inherent limitations due to material issues and non-scalable fabrication process. In this study, we designed and fabricated an injection molded microfluidic device that enables real-time chemical profile control. This device is made of polystyrene (PS), engineered with channel dimensions optimized for injection molding to achieve functionality and compatibility with single cell observation. We demonstrated the spatiotemporal dynamics in the device with computational simulation and experiments. In temporal dynamics, we observed extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation of PC12 cells by stimulating the cells with growth factors (GFs). Also, we confirmed yes-associated protein (YAP) phase separation of HEK293 cells under stimulation using sorbitol. In spatial dynamics, we observed the migration of NIH 3T3 cells (transfected with Lifeact-GFP) under different spatiotemporal stimulations of PDGF. Using the injection molded plastic devices, we obtained comprehensive data more easily than before while using less time compared to previous PDMS models. This easy-to-use plastic microfluidic device promises to open a new approach for investigating the mechanisms of cell behavior at the single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngtaek Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jiyoung Song
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Younggyun Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sunghyun Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Suryong Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung-Ryeol Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seonghyuk Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yongdae Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. and Institute of BioEngineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. and Institute of BioEngineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea and Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Surface Creasing-Induced Micropatterned GelMA Using Heating-Hydration Fabrication for Effective Vascularization. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2021; 18:759-773. [PMID: 34387853 PMCID: PMC8440774 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-021-00345-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surface modification is used to modify the biomaterials for the regulation of cell culture using different approaches, such as chemical graft and mechanical treatment. However, those conventional methodologies often require precise fabrication in a high resolution involving either high cost or laborious steps to remove chemical residues that are toxic to the cells. METHODS A novel and simple method was proposed and evaluated to rapidly generate surface ceases on the gelatin methacrylate (gelMA) surface using the heating-hydration process. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured on the gelMA surface. The surface binding was characterized using the RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) antibodies and cell adhesion pattern captured by scanning electron microscopy. The effect of the heating-hydration parameters on the creasing formation was investigated. The morphology of HUVECs cultured on such micropatterned gelMA was characterized and compared. RESULTS It is found that the hydration solution, gelMA mixture, and hydration rate are the major factors that influence the cracking sizes in the range from 20 to 120 µm which resulted in capillary-like patterns on the gelMA surface. Low concentration of gelMA, high water concentration of cooling agent, and slow hydration rate result in the long creases, and heating of at least 60 min is required for complete dehydration. Strong fluorescence was around the creases with RGD-staining. Consequently, micropatterned gelMA demonstrated good biocompatibility with endothelial cells with more than 95% cell viability and continuous cell proliferation throughout 2 weeks as well as a good trace of neovascular formation. In comparison, normal gelMA surface did not exhibit RGD-fluorescent signals, and the cultured HUVECs on it were rounded with no spreading for network formation. CONCLUSION The heating-hydration approach can successfully and easily produce the micropatterned gelMA that allows rapid and effective vascularization to potentially improve the functionalities of the tissue-engineered construct.
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Zhao X, Ou G, Lei M, Zhang Y, Li L, Ge A, Wang Y, Li Y, Liu BF. Rapid generation of hybrid biochemical/mechanical cues in heterogeneous droplets for high-throughput screening of cellular responses. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:2691-2701. [PMID: 34165109 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00209k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Cells in their native microenvironment are subjected to varying combinations of biochemical cues and mechanical cues in a wide range. Although many signaling pathways have been found to be responsive for extracellular cues, little is known about how biochemical cues crosstalk with mechanical cues in a complex microenvironment. Here, we introduced heterogeneous droplets on a microchip, which were rapidly assembled by combining wettability-patterned microchip and programmed droplet manipulations, for a high-throughput cell screening of the varying combinations of biochemical cues and mechanical cues. This platform constructed a heterogeneous droplet/microgel array with orthogonal gradual chemicals and materials, which was further applied to analyze the cellular Wnt/β-catenin signaling in response to varying combinations of Wnt ligands and substrate stiffness. Thus, this device provides a powerful multiplexed bioassay platform for drug development, tissue engineering, and stem cell screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhao
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Gaozhi Ou
- School of Sports, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Mengcheng Lei
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518100, China
| | - Lina Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Anle Ge
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Yachao Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Yiwei Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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Soheilmoghaddam F, Rumble M, Cooper-White J. High-Throughput Routes to Biomaterials Discovery. Chem Rev 2021; 121:10792-10864. [PMID: 34213880 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Many existing clinical treatments are limited in their ability to completely restore decreased or lost tissue and organ function, an unenviable situation only further exacerbated by a globally aging population. As a result, the demand for new medical interventions has increased substantially over the past 20 years, with the burgeoning fields of gene therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine showing promise to offer solutions for full repair or replacement of damaged or aging tissues. Success in these fields, however, inherently relies on biomaterials that are engendered with the ability to provide the necessary biological cues mimicking native extracellular matrixes that support cell fate. Accelerating the development of such "directive" biomaterials requires a shift in current design practices toward those that enable rapid synthesis and characterization of polymeric materials and the coupling of these processes with techniques that enable similarly rapid quantification and optimization of the interactions between these new material systems and target cells and tissues. This manuscript reviews recent advances in combinatorial and high-throughput (HT) technologies applied to polymeric biomaterial synthesis, fabrication, and chemical, physical, and biological screening with targeted end-point applications in the fields of gene therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Limitations of, and future opportunities for, the further application of these research tools and methodologies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Soheilmoghaddam
- Tissue Engineering and Microfluidics Laboratory (TEaM), Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072.,School of Chemical Engineering, University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072
| | - Madeleine Rumble
- Tissue Engineering and Microfluidics Laboratory (TEaM), Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072.,School of Chemical Engineering, University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072
| | - Justin Cooper-White
- Tissue Engineering and Microfluidics Laboratory (TEaM), Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072.,School of Chemical Engineering, University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072
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Ustun M, Rahmani Dabbagh S, Ilci IS, Bagci-Onder T, Tasoglu S. Glioma-on-a-Chip Models. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:490. [PMID: 33926127 PMCID: PMC8145995 DOI: 10.3390/mi12050490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Glioma, as an aggressive type of cancer, accounts for virtually 80% of malignant brain tumors. Despite advances in therapeutic approaches, the long-term survival of glioma patients is poor (it is usually fatal within 12-14 months). Glioma-on-chip platforms, with continuous perfusion, mimic in vivo metabolic functions of cancer cells for analytical purposes. This offers an unprecedented opportunity for understanding the underlying reasons that arise glioma, determining the most effective radiotherapy approach, testing different drug combinations, and screening conceivable side effects of drugs on other organs. Glioma-on-chip technologies can ultimately enhance the efficacy of treatments, promote the survival rate of patients, and pave a path for personalized medicine. In this perspective paper, we briefly review the latest developments of glioma-on-chip technologies, such as therapy applications, drug screening, and cell behavior studies, and discuss the current challenges as well as future research directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Ustun
- Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering, Koc University, Sariyer, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey;
| | - Sajjad Rahmani Dabbagh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, Sariyer, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey;
- Koç University Arçelik Research Center for Creative Industries (KUAR), Koç University, Sariyer, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Irem Sultan Ilci
- Department of Bioengineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34220 Istanbul, Turkey;
| | - Tugba Bagci-Onder
- Brain Cancer Research and Therapy Lab, Koç University School of Medicine, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey;
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koç University, Sariyer, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Savas Tasoglu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, Sariyer, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey;
- Koç University Arçelik Research Center for Creative Industries (KUAR), Koç University, Sariyer, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koç University, Sariyer, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Bogazici University, Bebek, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
- Boğaziçi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Boğaziçi University, Çengelköy, 34684 Istanbul, Turkey
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12
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Lowen JM, Leach JK. Functionally graded biomaterials for use as model systems and replacement tissues. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2020; 30:1909089. [PMID: 33456431 PMCID: PMC7810245 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201909089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of native tissues requires complex materials to provide suitable substitutes for model systems and replacement tissues. Functionally graded materials have the potential to address this challenge by mimicking the gradients in heterogeneous tissues such as porosity, mineralization, and fiber alignment to influence strength, ductility, and cell signaling. Advancements in microfluidics, electrospinning, and 3D printing enable the creation of increasingly complex gradient materials that further our understanding of physiological gradients. The combination of these methods enables rapid prototyping of constructs with high spatial resolution. However, successful translation of these gradients requires both spatial and temporal presentation of cues to model the complexity of native tissues that few materials have demonstrated. This review highlights recent strategies to engineer functionally graded materials for the modeling and repair of heterogeneous tissues, together with a description of how cells interact with various gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M. Lowen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616
| | - J. Kent Leach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817
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Zhu H, Yang H, Ma Y, Lu TJ, Xu F, Genin GM, Lin M. Spatiotemporally Controlled Photoresponsive Hydrogels: Design and Predictive Modeling from Processing through Application. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2020; 30:2000639. [PMID: 32802013 PMCID: PMC7418561 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202000639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Photoresponsive hydrogels (PRHs) are soft materials whose mechanical and chemical properties can be tuned spatially and temporally with relative ease. Both photo-crosslinkable and photodegradable hydrogels find utility in a range of biomedical applications that require tissue-like properties or programmable responses. Progress in engineering with PRHs is facilitated by the development of theoretical tools that enable optimization of their photochemistry, polymer matrices, nanofillers, and architecture. This review brings together models and design principles that enable key applications of PRHs in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and soft robotics, and highlights ongoing challenges in both modeling and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyuan Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering & Biomechanics Center (BEBC)Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
| | - Haiqian Yang
- Bioinspired Engineering & Biomechanics Center (BEBC)Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
| | - Yufei Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering & Biomechanics Center (BEBC)Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
| | - Tian Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical StructuresNanjing University of Aeronautics and AstronauticsNanjing210016P. R. China
- MOE Key Laboratory for Multifunctional Materials and StructuresXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering & Biomechanics Center (BEBC)Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
| | - Guy M. Genin
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering & Biomechanics Center (BEBC)Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials ScienceWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMO63130USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering MechanobiologyWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMO63130USA
| | - Min Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering & Biomechanics Center (BEBC)Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
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14
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Mao S, Pang Y, Liu T, Shao Y, He J, Yang H, Mao Y, Sun W. Bioprinting of in vitro tumor models for personalized cancer treatment: a review. Biofabrication 2020; 12:042001. [PMID: 32470967 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab97c0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Studying biological characteristics of tumors and evaluating the treatment effects require appropriate in vitro tumor models. However, the occurrence, progression, and migration of tumors involve spatiotemporal changes, cell-microenvironment and cell-cell interactions, and signal transmission in cells, which makes the construction of in vitro tumor models extremely challenging. In the past few years, advances in biomaterials and tissue engineering methods, especially development of the bioprinting technology, have paved the way for innovative platform technologies for in vitro cancer research. Bioprinting can accurately control the distribution of cells, active molecules, and biomaterials. Furthermore, this technology recapitulates the key characteristics of the tumor microenvironment and constructs in vitro tumor models with bionic structures and physiological systems. These models can be used as robust platforms to study tumor initiation, interaction with the microenvironment, angiogenesis, motility and invasion, as well as intra- and extravasation. Bioprinted tumor models can also be used for high-throughput drug screening and validation and provide the possibility for personalized cancer treatment research. This review describes the basic characteristics of the tumor and its microenvironment and focuses on the importance and relevance of bioprinting technology in the construction of tumor models. Research progress in the bioprinting of monocellular, multicellular, and personalized tumor models is discussed, and comprehensive application of bioprinting in preclinical drug screening and innovative therapy is reviewed. Finally, we offer our perspective on the shortcomings of the existing models and explore new technologies to outline the direction of future development and application prospects of next-generation tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Mao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomanufacturing Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China. Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, People's Republic of China. 'Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems' 111 -Innovation International Talents Base, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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15
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Yamahira S, Satoh T, Yanagawa F, Tamura M, Takagi T, Nakatani E, Kusama Y, Sumaru K, Sugiura S, Kanamori T. Stepwise construction of dynamic microscale concentration gradients around hydrogel-encapsulated cells in a microfluidic perfusion culture device. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:200027. [PMID: 32874617 PMCID: PMC7428233 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Inside living organisms, concentration gradients dynamically change over time as biological processes progress. Therefore, methods to construct dynamic microscale concentration gradients in a spatially controlled manner are needed to provide more realistic research environments. Here, we report a novel method for the construction of dynamic microscale concentration gradients in a stepwise manner around cells in micropatterned hydrogel. In our method, cells are encapsulated in a photodegradable hydrogel formed inside a microfluidic perfusion culture device, and perfusion microchannels are then fabricated in the hydrogel by micropatterned photodegradation. The cells in the micropatterned hydrogel can then be cultured by perfusing culture medium through the fabricated microchannels. By using this method, we demonstrate the simultaneous construction of two dynamic concentration gradients, which allowed us to expose the cells encapsulated in the hydrogel to a dynamic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Yamahira
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Taku Satoh
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Fumiki Yanagawa
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Masato Tamura
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Takagi
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Eri Nakatani
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
- Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan
| | - Yuta Kusama
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
- Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan
| | - Kimio Sumaru
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Shinji Sugiura
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Kanamori
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
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16
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Chen P, Li S, Guo Y, Zeng X, Liu BF. A review on microfluidics manipulation of the extracellular chemical microenvironment and its emerging application to cell analysis. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1125:94-113. [PMID: 32674786 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.05.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal manipulation of extracellular chemical environments with simultaneous monitoring of cellular responses plays an essential role in exploring fundamental biological processes and expands our understanding of underlying mechanisms. Despite the rapid progress and promising successes in manipulation strategies, many challenges remain due to the small size of cells and the rapid diffusion of chemical molecules. Fortunately, emerging microfluidic technology has become a powerful approach for precisely controlling the extracellular chemical microenvironment, which benefits from its integration capacity, automation, and high-throughput capability, as well as its high resolution down to submicron. Here, we summarize recent advances in microfluidics manipulation of the extracellular chemical microenvironment, including the following aspects: i) Spatial manipulation of chemical microenvironments realized by convection flow-, diffusion-, and droplet-based microfluidics, and surface chemical modification; ii) Temporal manipulation of chemical microenvironments enabled by flow switching/shifting, moving/flowing cells across laminar flows, integrated microvalves/pumps, and droplet manipulation; iii) Spatiotemporal manipulation of chemical microenvironments implemented by a coupling strategy and open-space microfluidics; and iv) High-throughput manipulation of chemical microenvironments. Finally, we briefly present typical applications of the above-mentioned technical advances in cell-based analyses including cell migration, cell signaling, cell differentiation, multicellular analysis, and drug screening. We further discuss the future improvement of microfluidics manipulation of extracellular chemical microenvironments to fulfill the needs of biological and biomedical research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Shunji Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yiran Guo
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xuemei Zeng
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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17
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Perrodin P, Sella C, Thouin L. Electrochemical Generation of Steady-State Linear Concentration Gradients within Microfluidic Channels Perpendicular to the Flow Field. Anal Chem 2020; 92:7699-7707. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c00645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Perrodin
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Sella
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Thouin
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005, Paris, France
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18
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Wan L, Neumann CA, LeDuc PR. Tumor-on-a-chip for integrating a 3D tumor microenvironment: chemical and mechanical factors. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:873-888. [PMID: 32025687 PMCID: PMC7067141 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00550a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Tumor progression, including metastasis, is significantly influenced by factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME) such as mechanical force, shear stress, chemotaxis, and hypoxia. At present, most cancer studies investigate tumor metastasis by conventional cell culture methods and animal models, which are limited in data interpretation. Although patient tissue analysis, such as human patient-derived xenografts (PDX), can provide important clinical relevant information, they may not be feasible for functional studies as they are costly and time-consuming. Thus, in vitro three-dimensional (3D) models are rapidly being developed that mimic TME and allow functional investigations of metastatic mechanisms and drug responses. One of those new 3D models is tumor-on-a-chip technology that provides a powerful in vitro platform for cancer research, with the ability to mimic the complex physiological architecture and precise spatiotemporal control. Tumor-on-a-chip technology can provide integrated features including 3D scaffolding, multicellular culture, and a vasculature system to simulate dynamic flow in vivo. Here, we review a select set of recent achievements in tumor-on-a-chip approaches and present potential directions for tumor-on-a-chip systems in the future for areas including mechanical and chemical mimetic systems. We also discuss challenges and perspectives in both biological factors and engineering methods for tumor-on-a-chip progress. These approaches will allow in the future for the tumor-on-a-chip systems to test therapeutic approaches for individuals through using their cancerous cells gathered through approaches like biopsies, which then will contribute toward personalized medicine treatments for improving their outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Wan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213 US.
| | - C A Neumann
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Magee Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213 US.
| | - P R LeDuc
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213 US.
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19
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Lin Z, Luo G, Du W, Kong T, Liu C, Liu Z. Recent Advances in Microfluidic Platforms Applied in Cancer Metastasis: Circulating Tumor Cells' (CTCs) Isolation and Tumor-On-A-Chip. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1903899. [PMID: 31747120 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201903899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide despite the enormous efforts that are made in the development of cancer biology and anticancer therapeutic treatment. Furthermore, recent studies in oncology have focused on the complex cancer metastatic process as metastatic disease contributes to more than 90% of tumor-related death. In the metastatic process, isolation and analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a vital role in diagnosis and prognosis of cancer patients at an early stage. To obtain relevant information on cancer metastasis and progression from CTCs, reliable approaches are required for CTC detection and isolation. Additionally, experimental platforms mimicking the tumor microenvironment in vitro give a better understanding of the metastatic microenvironment and antimetastatic drugs' screening. With the advancement of microfabrication and rapid prototyping, microfluidic techniques are now increasingly being exploited to study cancer metastasis as they allow precise control of fluids in small volume and rapid sample processing at relatively low cost and with high sensitivity. Recent advancements in microfluidic platforms utilized in various methods for CTCs' isolation and tumor models recapitulating the metastatic microenvironment (tumor-on-a-chip) are comprehensively reviewed. Future perspectives on microfluidics for cancer metastasis are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjie Lin
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Guanyi Luo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Weixiang Du
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Tiantian Kong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Changkun Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhou Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
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20
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An S, Han SY, Cho SW. Hydrogel-integrated Microfluidic Systems for Advanced Stem Cell Engineering. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-019-3402-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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21
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Dou J, Mao S, Li H, Lin JM. Combination Stiffness Gradient with Chemical Stimulation Directs Glioma Cell Migration on a Microfluidic Chip. Anal Chem 2019; 92:892-898. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b03681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Dou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Sifeng Mao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Haifang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jin-Ming Lin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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22
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23
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Huang J, Lin F, Xiong C. Mechanical characterization of single cells based on microfluidic techniques. Trends Analyt Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2019.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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24
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Matellan C, Del Río Hernández AE. Engineering the cellular mechanical microenvironment - from bulk mechanics to the nanoscale. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:132/9/jcs229013. [PMID: 31040223 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.229013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of mechanobiology studies how mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), such as stiffness, and other mechanical stimuli regulate cell behaviour. Recent advancements in the field and the development of novel biomaterials and nanofabrication techniques have enabled researchers to recapitulate the mechanical properties of the microenvironment with an increasing degree of complexity on more biologically relevant dimensions and time scales. In this Review, we discuss different strategies to engineer substrates that mimic the mechanical properties of the ECM and outline how these substrates have been applied to gain further insight into the biomechanical interaction between the cell and its microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Matellan
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Armando E Del Río Hernández
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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25
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Jang H, Kim J, Shin JH, Fredberg JJ, Park CY, Park Y. Traction microscopy with integrated microfluidics: responses of the multi-cellular island to gradients of HGF. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:1579-1588. [PMID: 30924490 PMCID: PMC7161022 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00173e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Collective cellular migration plays a central role in development, regeneration, and metastasis. In these processes, mechanical interactions between cells are fundamental but measurement of these interactions is often hampered by technical limitations. To overcome some of these limitations, here we describe a system that integrates microfluidics with traction microscopy (TM). Using this system we can measure simultaneously, and in real time, migration speeds, tractions, and intercellular tension throughout an island of confluent Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The cell island is exposed to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) at a controlled gradient of concentrations; HGF is known to elicit epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell scattering. As expected, the rate of expansion of the cell island was dependent on the concentration of HGF. Higher concentrations of HGF reduced intercellular tensions, as expected during EMT. A novel finding, however, is that the effects of HGF concentration and its gradient were seen within an island. This integrated experimental system thus provides an integrated tool to better understand cellular forces during collective cellular migration under chemical gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwanseok Jang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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26
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Engineered systems to study the synergistic signaling between integrin-mediated mechanotransduction and growth factors (Review). Biointerphases 2018; 13:06D302. [DOI: 10.1116/1.5045231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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27
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Ergir E, Bachmann B, Redl H, Forte G, Ertl P. Small Force, Big Impact: Next Generation Organ-on-a-Chip Systems Incorporating Biomechanical Cues. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1417. [PMID: 30356887 PMCID: PMC6190857 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanobiology-on-a-chip is a growing field focusing on how mechanical inputs modulate physico-chemical output in microphysiological systems. It is well known that biomechanical cues trigger a variety of molecular events and adjustment of mechanical forces is therefore essential for mimicking in vivo physiologies in organ-on-a-chip technology. Biomechanical inputs in organ-on-a-chip systems can range from variations in extracellular matrix type and stiffness and applied shear stresses to active stretch/strain or compression forces using integrated flexible membranes. The main advantages of these organ-on-a-chip systems are therefore (a) the control over spatiotemporal organization of in vivo-like tissue architectures, (b) the ability to precisely control the amount, duration and intensity of the biomechanical stimuli, and (c) the capability of monitoring in real time the effects of applied mechanical forces on cell, tissue and organ functions. Consequently, over the last decade a variety of microfluidic devices have been introduced to recreate physiological microenvironments that also account for the influence of physical forces on biological functions. In this review we present recent advances in mechanobiological lab-on-a-chip systems and report on lessons learned from these current mechanobiological models. Additionally, future developments needed to engineer next-generation physiological and pathological organ-on-a-chip models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Ergir
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Bachmann
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
- AUVA Research Centre, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
- Kompetenzzentrum für MechanoBiologie (INTERREG V-A Austria – Czech Republic Programme, ATCZ133), Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Redl
- AUVA Research Centre, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
- Kompetenzzentrum für MechanoBiologie (INTERREG V-A Austria – Czech Republic Programme, ATCZ133), Vienna, Austria
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
- Competence Center for Mechanobiology (INTERREG V-A Austria – Czech Republic Programme, ATCZ133), Brno, Czechia
- Department of Biomaterials Science, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Peter Ertl
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
- Kompetenzzentrum für MechanoBiologie (INTERREG V-A Austria – Czech Republic Programme, ATCZ133), Vienna, Austria
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28
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Smith Callahan LA. Gradient Material Strategies for Hydrogel Optimization in Tissue Engineering Applications. High Throughput 2018; 7:E1. [PMID: 29485612 PMCID: PMC5876527 DOI: 10.3390/ht7010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although a number of combinatorial/high-throughput approaches have been developed for biomaterial hydrogel optimization, a gradient sample approach is particularly well suited to identify hydrogel property thresholds that alter cellular behavior in response to interacting with the hydrogel due to reduced variation in material preparation and the ability to screen biological response over a range instead of discrete samples each containing only one condition. This review highlights recent work on cell-hydrogel interactions using a gradient material sample approach. Fabrication strategies for composition, material and mechanical property, and bioactive signaling gradient hydrogels that can be used to examine cell-hydrogel interactions will be discussed. The effects of gradients in hydrogel samples on cellular adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation will then be examined, providing an assessment of the current state of the field and the potential of wider use of the gradient sample approach to accelerate our understanding of matrices on cellular behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Smith Callahan
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Nanomedicine and Biomedical Engineering, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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29
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Yao H, Wang J, Mi S. Photo Processing for Biomedical Hydrogels Design and Functionality: A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2017; 10:E11. [PMID: 30966045 PMCID: PMC6415176 DOI: 10.3390/polym10010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
A large number of opportunities for biomedical hydrogel design and functionality through photo-processing have stretched the limits of innovation. As both photochemical understanding and engineering technologies continue to develop, more complicated geometries and spatiotemporal manipulations can be realized through photo-exposure, producing multifunctional hydrogels with specific chemical, biological and physical characteristics for the achievement of biomedical goals. This report describes the role that light has recently played in the synthesis and functionalization of biomedical hydrogels and primarily the design of photoresponsive hydrogels via different chemical reactions (photo crosslinking and photo degradation) and conventional light curing processes (micropatterning, stereolithography and two/multiphoton techniques) as well as typical biomedical applications of the hydrogels (cell culture, differentiation and in vivo vascularization) and their promising future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Yao
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Jieqiong Wang
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Shengli Mi
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
- Open FIESTA Center, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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Lim HJ, Mosley MC, Kurosu Y, Smith Callahan LA. Concentration dependent survival and neural differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells cultured on polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate hydrogels possessing a continuous concentration gradient of n-cadherin derived peptide His-Ala-Val-Asp-Lle. Acta Biomater 2017; 56:153-160. [PMID: 27915022 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.11.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
N-cadherin cell-cell signaling plays a key role in the structure and function of the nervous system. However, few studies have incorporated bioactive signaling from n-cadherin into tissue engineering matrices. The present study uses a continuous gradient approach in polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate hydrogels to identify concentration dependent effects of n-cadherin peptide, His-Ala-Val-Asp-Lle (HAVDI), on murine embryonic stem cell survival and neural differentiation. The n-cadherin peptide was found to affect the expression of pluripotency marker, alkaline phosphatase, in murine embryonic stem cells cultured on n-cadherin peptide containing hydrogels in a concentration dependent manner. Increasing n-cadherin peptide concentrations in the hydrogels elicited a biphasic response in neurite extension length and mRNA expression of neural differentiation marker, neuron-specific class III β-tubulin, in murine embryonic stem cells cultured on the hydrogels. High concentrations of n-cadherin peptide in the hydrogels were found to increase the expression of apoptotic marker, caspase 3/7, in murine embryonic stem cells compared to that of murine embryonic stem cell cultures on hydrogels containing lower concentrations of n-cadherin peptide. Increasing the n-cadherin peptide concentration in the hydrogels facilitated greater survival of murine embryonic stem cells exposed to increasing oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide exposure. The combinatorial approach presented in this work demonstrates concentration dependent effects of n-cadherin signaling on mouse embryonic stem cell behavior, underscoring the need for the greater use of systematic approaches in tissue engineering matrix design in order to understand and optimize bioactive signaling in the matrix for tissue formation. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Single cell encapsulation is common in tissue engineering matrices. This eliminates cellular access to cell-cell signaling. N-cadherin, a cell-cell signaling molecule, plays a vital role in the development of neural tissues, but has not been well studied as a bioactive signaling element in neural tissue engineering matrices. The present study uses a systematic continuous gradient approach to identify concentration dependent effects of n-cadherin derived peptide, HAVDI, on the survival and neural differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells. This work underscores the need for greater use to combinatorial strategies to understand the effect complex bioactive signaling, such as n-cadherin, and the need to optimize the concentration of such bioactive signaling within tissue engineering matrices for maximal cellular response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ju Lim
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States; Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States
| | - Matthew C Mosley
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States; Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States
| | - Yuki Kurosu
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States; Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States
| | - Laura A Smith Callahan
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States; Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States; The Department of Nanomedicine and Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States; The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States.
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Wang X, Liu Z, Pang Y. Concentration gradient generation methods based on microfluidic systems. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra04494a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Various concentration gradient generation methods based on microfluidic systems are summarized in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wang
- College of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Electronics Technology
- Beijing University of Technology
- Beijing 100124
- China
| | - Zhaomiao Liu
- College of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Electronics Technology
- Beijing University of Technology
- Beijing 100124
- China
| | - Yan Pang
- College of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Electronics Technology
- Beijing University of Technology
- Beijing 100124
- China
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32
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Ma Y, Pan JZ, Zhao SP, Lou Q, Zhu Y, Fang Q. Microdroplet chain array for cell migration assays. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:4658-4665. [PMID: 27833945 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00823b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Establishing cell migration assays in multiple different microenvironments is important in the study of tissue repair and regeneration, cancer progression, atherosclerosis, and arthritis. In this work, we developed a miniaturized and massive parallel microfluidic platform for multiple cell migration assays combining the traditional membrane-based cell migration technique and the droplet-based microfluidic technique. Nanoliter-scale droplets are flexibly assembled as building blocks based on a porous membrane to form microdroplet chains with diverse configurations for different assay modes. Multiple operations including in-droplet 2D/3D cell culture, cell co-culture and cell migration induced by a chemoattractant concentration gradient in droplet chains could be flexibly performed with reagent consumption in the nanoliter range for each assay and an assay scale-up to 81 assays in parallel in one microchip. We have applied the present platform to multiple modes of cell migration assays including the accurate cell migration assay, competitive cell migration assay, biomimetic chemotaxis assay, and multifactor cell migration assay based on the organ-on-a-chip concept, for demonstrating its versatility, applicability, and potential in cell migration-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ma
- Institute of Microanalytical Systems, Department of Chemistry and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Jian-Zhang Pan
- Institute of Microanalytical Systems, Department of Chemistry and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Shi-Ping Zhao
- Institute of Microanalytical Systems, Department of Chemistry and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Qi Lou
- Institute of Microanalytical Systems, Department of Chemistry and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Ying Zhu
- Institute of Microanalytical Systems, Department of Chemistry and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Qun Fang
- Institute of Microanalytical Systems, Department of Chemistry and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Mak M, Spill F, Kamm RD, Zaman MH. Single-Cell Migration in Complex Microenvironments: Mechanics and Signaling Dynamics. J Biomech Eng 2016; 138:021004. [PMID: 26639083 DOI: 10.1115/1.4032188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cells are highly dynamic and mechanical automata powered by molecular motors that respond to external cues. Intracellular signaling pathways, either chemical or mechanical, can be activated and spatially coordinated to induce polarized cell states and directional migration. Physiologically, cells navigate through complex microenvironments, typically in three-dimensional (3D) fibrillar networks. In diseases, such as metastatic cancer, they invade across physiological barriers and remodel their local environments through force, matrix degradation, synthesis, and reorganization. Important external factors such as dimensionality, confinement, topographical cues, stiffness, and flow impact the behavior of migrating cells and can each regulate motility. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of single-cell migration in complex microenvironments.
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Portillo-Lara R, Annabi N. Microengineered cancer-on-a-chip platforms to study the metastatic microenvironment. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:4063-4081. [PMID: 27605305 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00718j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
More than 90% of cancer-related deaths can be attributed to the occurrence of metastatic diseases. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of the multicellular, biochemical and biophysical stimuli from the tumor microenvironment during carcinogenesis, treatment failure, and metastasis. Therefore, there is a need for experimental platforms that are able to recapitulate the complex pathophysiological features of the metastatic microenvironment. Recent advancements in biomaterials, microfluidics, and tissue engineering have led to the development of living multicellular microculture systems, which are maintained in controllable microenvironments and function with organ level complexity. The applications of these "on-chip" technologies for detection, separation, characterization and three dimensional (3D) propagation of cancer cells have been extensively reviewed in previous works. In this contribution, we focus on integrative microengineered platforms that allow the study of multiple aspects of the metastatic microenvironment, including the physicochemical cues from the tumor associated stroma, the heterocellular interactions that drive trans-endothelial migration and angiogenesis, the environmental stresses that metastatic cancer cells encounter during migration, and the physicochemical gradients that direct cell motility and invasion. We discuss the application of these systems as in vitro assays to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of cancer metastasis, as well as their use as human relevant platforms for drug screening in biomimetic microenvironments. We then conclude with our commentaries on current progress and future perspectives of microengineered systems for fundamental and translational cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Portillo-Lara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 451 Snell Engineering Building, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA. and Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - N Annabi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 451 Snell Engineering Building, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA. and Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA and Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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35
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Oliveira AF, Pessoa ACSN, Bastos RG, de la Torre LG. Microfluidic tools toward industrial biotechnology. Biotechnol Prog 2016; 32:1372-1389. [DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aline F. Oliveira
- Department of Bioprocesses and Materials Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas; 500 Albert Einstein avenue Campinas P.O. Box 6066
| | - Amanda C. S. N. Pessoa
- Department of Bioprocesses and Materials Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas; 500 Albert Einstein avenue Campinas P.O. Box 6066
| | - Reinaldo G. Bastos
- Department of Agroindustrial Technology and Rural Socioeconomy, Center of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos; Km 174 Anhanguera Highway Araras P.O. Box 153
| | - Lucimara G. de la Torre
- Department of Bioprocesses and Materials Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas; 500 Albert Einstein avenue Campinas P.O. Box 6066
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36
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Ravikrishnan A, Ozdemir T, Bah M, Baskerville KA, Shah SI, Rajasekaran AK, Jia X. Regulation of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Using Biomimetic Fibrous Scaffolds. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:17915-26. [PMID: 27322677 PMCID: PMC5070665 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b05646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-studied biological process that takes place during embryogenesis, carcinogenesis, and tissue fibrosis. During EMT, the polarized epithelial cells with a cuboidal architecture adopt an elongated fibroblast-like morphology. This process is accompanied by the expression of many EMT-specific molecular markers. Although the molecular mechanism leading to EMT has been well-established, the effects of matrix topography and microstructure have not been clearly elucidated. Synthetic scaffolds mimicking the meshlike structure of the basement membrane with an average fiber diameter of 0.5 and 5 μm were produced via the electrospinning of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and were used to test the significance of fiber diameter on EMT. Cell-adhesive peptide motifs were conjugated to the fiber surface to facilitate cell attachment. Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells grown on these substrates showed distinct phenotypes. On 0.5 μm substrates, cells grew as compact colonies with an epithelial phenotype. On 5 μm scaffolds, cells were more individually dispersed and appeared more fibroblastic. Upon the addition of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), an EMT inducer, cells grown on the 0.5 μm scaffold underwent pronounced scattering, as evidenced by the alteration of cell morphology, localization of focal adhesion complex, weakening of cell-cell adhesion, and up-regulation of mesenchymal markers. In contrast, HGF did not induce a pronounced scattering of MDCK cells cultured on the 5.0 μm scaffold. Collectively, our results show that the alteration of the fiber diameter of proteins found in the basement membrane may create enough disturbances in epithelial organization and scattering that might have important implications in disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anitha Ravikrishnan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Tugba Ozdemir
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Mohamed Bah
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | | | - S. Ismat Shah
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Ayyappan K. Rajasekaran
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Therapy Architects, LLC, Helen F Graham Cancer Center, Newark, DE, 19718, USA
| | - Xinqiao Jia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Xinqiao Jia, 201 DuPont Hall, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA. Phone: 302-831-6553, Fax: 302-831-4545,
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37
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Smith Callahan LA. Combinatorial Method/High Throughput Strategies for Hydrogel Optimization in Tissue Engineering Applications. Gels 2016; 2:E18. [PMID: 30674150 PMCID: PMC6318679 DOI: 10.3390/gels2020018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Combinatorial method/high throughput strategies, which have long been used in the pharmaceutical industry, have recently been applied to hydrogel optimization for tissue engineering applications. Although many combinatorial methods have been developed, few are suitable for use in tissue engineering hydrogel optimization. Currently, only three approaches (design of experiment, arrays and continuous gradients) have been utilized. This review highlights recent work with each approach. The benefits and disadvantages of design of experiment, array and continuous gradient approaches depending on study objectives and the general advantages of using combinatorial methods for hydrogel optimization over traditional optimization strategies will be discussed. Fabrication considerations for combinatorial method/high throughput samples will additionally be addressed to provide an assessment of the current state of the field, and potential future contributions to expedited material optimization and design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Smith Callahan
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery & Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biomedical Engineering, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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38
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Emmert M, Witzel P, Heinrich D. Challenges in tissue engineering - towards cell control inside artificial scaffolds. SOFT MATTER 2016; 12:4287-4294. [PMID: 27139622 DOI: 10.1039/c5sm02844b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Control of living cells is vital for the survival of organisms. Each cell inside an organism is exposed to diverse external mechano-chemical cues, all coordinated in a spatio-temporal pattern triggering individual cell functions. This complex interplay between external chemical cues and mechanical 3D environments is translated into intracellular signaling loops. Here, we describe how external mechano-chemical cues control cell functions, especially cell migration, and influence intracellular information transport. In particular, this work focuses on the quantitative analysis of (1) intracellular vesicle transport to understand intracellular state changes in response to external cues, (2) cellular sensing of external chemotactic cues, and (3) the cells' ability to migrate in 3D structured environments, artificially fabricated to mimic the 3D environment of tissue in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Emmert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Neunerplatz 2, 97082 Würzburg, Germany. and Julius-Maximilians University Würzburg, Chemical Technology of Material Synthesis, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - P Witzel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Neunerplatz 2, 97082 Würzburg, Germany. and Julius-Maximilians University Würzburg, Chemical Technology of Material Synthesis, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - D Heinrich
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Neunerplatz 2, 97082 Würzburg, Germany. and Leiden Institute of Physics LION, Leiden University, Niels Bohrweg 2, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Wang L, Zhao C, Wijnperlé D, Duits MHG, Mugele F. Design of a hybrid advective-diffusive microfluidic system with ellipsometric detection for studying adsorption. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2016; 10:034113. [PMID: 27375818 PMCID: PMC4902818 DOI: 10.1063/1.4953105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Establishing and maintaining concentration gradients that are stable in space and time is critical for applications that require screening the adsorption behavior of organic or inorganic species onto solid surfaces for wide ranges of fluid compositions. In this work, we present a design of a simple and compact microfluidic device based on steady-state diffusion of the analyte, between two control channels where liquid is pumped through. The device generates a near-linear distribution of concentrations. We demonstrate this via experiments with dye solutions and comparison to finite-element numerical simulations. In a subsequent step, the device is combined with total internal reflection ellipsometry to study the adsorption of (cat)ions on silica surfaces from CsCl solutions at variable pH. Such a combined setup permits a fast determination of an adsorption isotherm. The measured optical thickness is compared to calculations from a triple layer model for the ion distribution, where surface complexation reactions of the silica are taken into account. Our results show a clear enhancement of the ion adsorption with increasing pH, which can be well described with reasonable values for the equilibrium constants of the surface reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Physics of Complex Fluids Group, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente , P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Cunlu Zhao
- Physics of Complex Fluids Group, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente , P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Wijnperlé
- Physics of Complex Fluids Group, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente , P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Michel H G Duits
- Physics of Complex Fluids Group, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente , P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Frieder Mugele
- Physics of Complex Fluids Group, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente , P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
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Tong X, Jiang J, Zhu D, Yang F. Hydrogels with Dual Gradients of Mechanical and Biochemical Cues for Deciphering Cell-Niche Interactions. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2016; 2:845-852. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.6b00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Danqing Zhu
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur
Drive, Edwards R105, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Fan Yang
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur
Drive, Edwards R105, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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High-throughput screening approaches and combinatorial development of biomaterials using microfluidics. Acta Biomater 2016; 34:1-20. [PMID: 26361719 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
From the first microfluidic devices used for analysis of single metabolic by-products to highly complex multicompartmental co-culture organ-on-chip platforms, efforts of many multidisciplinary teams around the world have been invested in overcoming the limitations of conventional research methods in the biomedical field. Close spatial and temporal control over fluids and physical parameters, integration of sensors for direct read-out as well as the possibility to increase throughput of screening through parallelization, multiplexing and automation are some of the advantages of microfluidic over conventional, 2D tissue culture in vitro systems. Moreover, small volumes and relatively small cell numbers used in experimental set-ups involving microfluidics, can potentially decrease research cost. On the other hand, these small volumes and numbers of cells also mean that many of the conventional molecular biology or biochemistry assays cannot be directly applied to experiments that are performed in microfluidic platforms. Development of different types of assays and evidence that such assays are indeed a suitable alternative to conventional ones is a step that needs to be taken in order to have microfluidics-based platforms fully adopted in biomedical research. In this review, rather than providing a comprehensive overview of the literature on microfluidics, we aim to discuss developments in the field of microfluidics that can aid advancement of biomedical research, with emphasis on the field of biomaterials. Three important topics will be discussed, being: screening, in particular high-throughput and combinatorial screening; mimicking of natural microenvironment ranging from 3D hydrogel-based cellular niches to organ-on-chip devices; and production of biomaterials with closely controlled properties. While important technical aspects of various platforms will be discussed, the focus is mainly on their applications, including the state-of-the-art, future perspectives and challenges. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Microfluidics, being a technology characterized by the engineered manipulation of fluids at the submillimeter scale, offers some interesting tools that can advance biomedical research and development. Screening platforms based on microfluidic technologies that allow high-throughput and combinatorial screening may lead to breakthrough discoveries not only in basic research but also relevant to clinical application. This is further strengthened by the fact that reliability of such screens may improve, since microfluidic systems allow close mimicking of physiological conditions. Finally, microfluidic systems are also very promising as micro factories of a new generation of natural or synthetic biomaterials and constructs, with finely controlled properties.
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42
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A review of chemical gradient systems for cell analysis. Anal Chim Acta 2016; 907:7-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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