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Brasino DSK, Speese SD, Schilling K, Schutt CE, Barton MC. A Linkable, Polycarbonate Gut Microbiome-Distal Tumor Chip Platform for Interrogating Cancer Promoting Mechanisms. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2309220. [PMID: 39023197 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Gut microbiome composition is tied to diseases ranging from arthritis to cancer to depression. However, mechanisms of action are poorly understood, limiting development of relevant therapeutics. Organ-on-chip platforms, which model minimal functional units of tissues and can tightly control communication between them, are ideal platforms to study these relationships. Many gut microbiome models are published to date but devices are typically fabricated using oxygen permeable polydimethylsiloxane, requiring interventions to support anaerobic bacteria. To address this challenge, a platform is developed where the chips are fabricated entirely from gas-impermeable polycarbonate without tapes or gaskets. These chips replicate polarized villus-like structures of the native tissue. Further, they enable co-cultures of commensal anaerobic bacteria Blautia coccoides on the surface of gut epithelia for two days within a standard incubator. Another complication of commonly used materials in organ-on-chip devices is high ad-/absorption, limiting applications in high-resolution microscopy and biomolecule interaction studies. For future communication studies between gut microbiota and distal tumors, an additional polycarbonate chip design is developed to support hydrogel-embedded tissue culture. These chips enable high-resolution microscopy with all relevant processing done on-chip. Designed for facile linking, this platform will make a variety of mechanistic studies possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle S K Brasino
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Sean D Speese
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Kevin Schilling
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Carolyn E Schutt
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Michelle C Barton
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
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Smith S, Sypabekova M, Kim S. Double-Sided Tape in Microfluidics: A Cost-Effective Method in Device Fabrication. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:249. [PMID: 38785723 PMCID: PMC11118809 DOI: 10.3390/bios14050249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The demand for easy-to-use, affordable, accessible, and reliable technology is increasing in biological, chemical, and medical research. Microfluidic devices have the potential to meet these standards by offering cost-effective, highly sensitive, and highly specific diagnostic tests with rapid performance and minimal sample volumes. Traditional microfluidic device fabrication methods, such as photolithography and soft lithography, are time-consuming and require specialized equipment and expertise, making them costly and less accessible to researchers and clinicians and limiting the applicability and potential of microfluidic devices. To address this, researchers have turned to using new low-cost materials, such as double-sided tape for microfluidic device fabrication, which offers simple and low-cost processes. The innovation of low-cost and easy-to-make microfluidic devices improves the potential for more devices to be transitioned from laboratories to commercialized products found in stores, offices, and homes. This review serves as a comprehensive summary of the growing interest in and use of double-sided tape-based microfluidic devices in the last 20 years. It discusses the advantages of using double-sided tape, the fabrication techniques used to create and bond microfluidic devices, and the limitations of this approach in certain applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Seunghyun Kim
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA; (S.S.); (M.S.)
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Delgado P, Luna CA, Dissanayaka A, Oshinowo O, Waggoner JJ, Schley S, Fernandez T, Myers DR. An economical in-class sticker microfluidic activity develops student expertise in microscale physics and device manufacturing. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2176-2192. [PMID: 38328814 PMCID: PMC11019833 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00912b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Educating new students in miniaturization science remains challenging due to the non-intuitive behavior of microscale objects and specialized layer-by-layer assembly approaches. In our analysis of the existing literature, we noted that it remains difficult to have low cost activities that elicit deep learning. Furthermore, few activities have stated learning goals and measurements of effectiveness. To that end, we created a new educational activity that enables students to build and test microfluidic mixers, valves, and bubble generators in the classroom setting with inexpensive, widely-available materials. Although undergraduate and graduate engineering students are able to successfully construct the devices, our activity is unique in that the focus is not on successfully building and operating each device. Instead, it is to gain understanding about miniaturization science, device design, and construction so as to be able to do so independently. Our data show that the activity is appropriate for developing the conceptual understanding of graduate and advanced undergraduate students (n = 57), as well as makes a lasting impression on the students. We also report on observations related to student patterns of misunderstanding and how miniaturization science provides a unique opportunity for educational researchers to elicit and study misconceptions. More broadly, since this activity teaches participants a viable approach to creating microsystems and can be implemented in nearly any global setting, our work democratizes the education of miniaturization science. Noting the broad potential of point-of-care technologies in the global setting, such an activity could empower local experts to address their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Delgado
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - C Alessandra Luna
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anjana Dissanayaka
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Oluwamayokun Oshinowo
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jesse J Waggoner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sara Schley
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Todd Fernandez
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - David R Myers
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Kim D, Youn J, Lee J, Kim H, Kim DS. Recent Progress in Fabrication of Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes for Developing Physiological In Vitro Organ/Tissue Models. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300244. [PMID: 37590903 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300244] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Nanofiber membranes (NFMs), which have an extracellular matrix-mimicking structure and unique physical properties, have garnered great attention as biomimetic materials for developing physiologically relevant in vitro organ/tissue models. Recent progress in NFM fabrication techniques immensely contributes to the development of NFM-based cell culture platforms for constructing physiological organ/tissue models. However, despite the significance of the NFM fabrication technique, an in-depth discussion of the fabrication technique and its future aspect is insufficient. This review provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art of NFM fabrication techniques from electrospinning techniques to postprocessing techniques for the fabrication of various types of NFM-based cell culture platforms. Moreover, the advantages of the NFM-based culture platforms in the construction of organ/tissue models are discussed especially for tissue barrier models, spheroids/organoids, and biomimetic organ/tissue constructs. Finally, the review concludes with perspectives on challenges and future directions for fabrication and utilization of NFMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dohui Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseung Youn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisang Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonji Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Sung Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
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Rosado-Galindo H, Domenech M. Substrate topographies modulate the secretory activity of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:208. [PMID: 37605275 PMCID: PMC10441765 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03450-0] [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: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) secrete a diversity of factors with broad therapeutic potential, yet current culture methods limit potency outcomes. In this study, we used topographical cues on polystyrene films to investigate their impact on the secretory profile and potency of bone marrow-derived MSCs (hBM-MSCs). hBM-MSCs from four donors were cultured on topographic substrates depicting defined roughness, curvature, grooves and various levels of wettability. METHODS The topographical PS-based array was developed using razor printing, polishing and plasma treatment methods. hBM-MSCs from four donors were purchased from RoosterBio and used in co-culture with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Cell Applications Inc. in an immunopotency assay to measure immunosuppressive capacity. Cells were cultured on low serum (2%) for 24-48 h prior to analysis. Image-based analysis was used for cell quantification and morphology assessment. Metabolic activity of BM-hMSCs was measured as the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate using an extracellular flux analyzer. Conditioned media samples of BM-hMSCs were used to quantify secreted factors, and the data were analyzed using R statistics. Enriched bioprocesses were identify using the Gene Ontology tool enrichGO from the clusterprofiler. One-way and two-way ANOVAs were carried out to identify significant changes between the conditions. Results were deemed statistically significant for combined P < 0.05 for at least three independent experiments. RESULTS Cell viability was not significantly affected in the topographical substrates, and cell elongation was enhanced at least twofold in microgrooves and surfaces with a low contact angle. Increased cell elongation correlated with a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to a glycolytic state which is indicative of a high-energy state. Differential protein expression and gene ontology analyses identified bioprocesses enriched across donors associated with immune modulation and tissue regeneration. The growth of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was suppressed in hBM-MSCs co-cultures, confirming enhanced immunosuppressive potency. YAP/TAZ levels were found to be reduced on these topographies confirming a mechanosensing effect on cells and suggesting a potential role in the immunomodulatory function of hMSCs. CONCLUSIONS This work demonstrates the potential of topographical cues as a culture strategy to improve the secretory capacity and enrich for an immunomodulatory phenotype in hBM-MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heizel Rosado-Galindo
- Bioengineering Program, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Road 108, KM 1.1., Mayagüez, PR, 00680, USA
| | - Maribella Domenech
- Bioengineering Program, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Road 108, KM 1.1., Mayagüez, PR, 00680, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Road 108, KM 1.1., Mayagüez, PR, 00680, USA.
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Youn J, Rhyou J, Kim D, Lee J, Choi JW, Park TE, Kim DS. Facile and adhesive-free method for bonding nanofiber membrane onto thermoplastic polystyrene substrate to fabricate 3D cell culture platforms. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100648. [PMID: 37214546 PMCID: PMC10192924 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100648] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanofiber (NF) membranes have been highlighted as functional materials for biomedical applications owing to their high surface-to-volume ratios, high permeabilities, and extracellular matrix-like biomimetic structures. Because many in vitro platforms for biomedical applications are made of thermoplastic polymers (TP), a simple and leak-free method for bonding NF membranes onto TP platforms is essential. Here, we propose a facile but leak-free localized thermal bonding method for integrating 2D or 3D-structured NF membrane onto a TP supporting substrate while preserving the pristine nanofibrous structure of the membrane, based on localized preheating of the substrate. A methodology for determining the optimal preheating temperature was devised based on a numerical simulation model considering the melting temperature of the NF material and was experimentally validated by evaluating bonding stability and durability under cell culture conditions. The thermally-bonded interface between the NF membrane and TP substrate was maintained stably for 3 weeks allowing the successful construction of an intestinal barrier model. The applicability of the localized thermal bonding method was also demonstrated on various combinations of TP materials (e.g., polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate) and geometries of the supporting substrate, including a culture insert and microfluidic chip. We expect the proposed localized thermal bonding method to contribute toward broadening and realizing the practical applications of functional NF membranes in various biomedical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeseung Youn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, South Korea
| | - Junyeol Rhyou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, South Korea
| | - Dohui Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, South Korea
| | - Jisang Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, South Korea
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, South Korea
| | - Dong Sung Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, South Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, South Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
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Rosado-Galindo H, Domenech M. Surface roughness modulates EGFR signaling and stemness of triple-negative breast cancer cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1124250. [PMID: 36968199 PMCID: PMC10030610 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1124250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer stem cells (CSC), a major culprit of drug-resistant phenotypes and tumor relapse, represent less than 2 % of the bulk of TNBC cells, making them difficult to isolate, study, and thus, limiting our understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. Current methods for CSC enrichment, such as 3D spheroid culture, genetic modification, and stem cell conditioning, are time consuming, expensive, and unsuitable for high-throughput assays. One way to address these limitations is to use topographical stimuli to enhance CSC populations in planar culture. Physical cues in the breast tumor microenvironment can influence cell behavior through changes in the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we used topographical cues on polystyrene films to investigate their effect on the proteome and stemness of standard TNBC cell lines. Methods: The topographical polystyrene-based array was generated using razor printing and polishing methods. Proteome data were analyzed and enriched bioprocesses were identified using R software. Stemness was assessed measuring CD44, CD24 and ALDH markers using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, detection assays, and further validated with mammosphere assay. EGF/EGFR expression and activity was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence and antibody membrane array. A dose-response assay was performed to further investigate the effect of surface topography on the sensitivity of cells to the EGFR inhibitor. Results: Surface roughness enriched the CSC population and modulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling activity in TNBC cells. Enhanced proliferation of MDA-MB-468 cells in roughness correlated with upregulation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligand, which in turn corresponded with a 3-fold increase in the expression of EGFR and a 42% increase in its phosphorylation compared to standard smooth culture surfaces. The results also demonstrated that phenotypic changes associated with topographical (roughness) stimuli significantly decreased the drug sensitivity to the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib. In addition, the proportion of CD44+/CD24-/ALDH+ was enhanced on surface roughness in both MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cell lines. We also demonstrated that YAP/TAZ activation decreased in a roughness-dependent manner, confirming the mechanosensing effect of the topographies on the oncogenic activity of the cells. Discussion: Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of surface roughness as a culture strategy to influence oncogenic activity in TNBC cells and enrich CSC populations in planar cultures. Such a culture strategy may benefit high-throughput screening studies seeking to identify compounds with broader tumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maribella Domenech
- Bioengineering Program, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
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8
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Delgado P, Oshinowo O, Fay ME, Luna CA, Dissanayaka A, Dorbala P, Ravindran A, Shen L, Myers DR. Universal pre-mixing dry-film stickers capable of retrofitting existing microfluidics. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:014104. [PMID: 36687143 PMCID: PMC9848651 DOI: 10.1063/5.0122771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Integrating microfluidic mixers into lab-on-a-chip devices remains challenging yet important for numerous applications including dilutions, extractions, addition of reagents or drugs, and particle synthesis. High-efficiency mixers utilize large or intricate geometries that are difficult to manufacture and co-implement with lab-on-a-chip processes, leading to cumbersome two-chip solutions. We present a universal dry-film microfluidic mixing sticker that can retrofit pre-existing microfluidics and maintain high mixing performance over a range of Reynolds numbers and input mixing ratios. To attach our pre-mixing sticker module, remove the backing material and press the sticker onto an existing microfluidic/substrate. Our innovation centers around the multilayer use of laser-cut commercially available silicone-adhesive-coated polymer sheets as microfluidic layers to create geometrically complex, easy to assemble designs that can be adhered to a variety of surfaces, namely, existing microfluidic devices. Our approach enabled us to assemble the traditional yet difficult to manufacture "F-mixer" in minutes and conceptually extend this design to create a novel space-saving spiral F-mixer. Computational fluid dynamic simulations and experimental results confirmed that both designs maintained high performance for 0.1 < Re < 10 and disparate input mixing ratios of 1:10. We tested the integration of our system by using the pre-mixer to fluorescently tag proteins encapsulated in an existing microfluidic. When integrated with another microfluidic, our pre-mixing sticker successfully combined primary and secondary antibodies to fluorescently tag micropatterned proteins with high spatial uniformity, unlike a traditional pre-mixing "T-mixer" sticker. Given the ease of this technology, we anticipate numerous applications for point-of-care devices, microphysiological-systems-on-a-chip, and microfluidic-based biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - D. R. Myers
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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Hernández-Rodríguez JF, López MÁ, Rojas D, Escarpa A. Digital manufacturing for accelerating organ-on-a-chip dissemination and electrochemical biosensing integration. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:4805-4821. [PMID: 36342332 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00499b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Organ on-a-chip (OoC) is a promising technology that aims to recapitulate human body pathophysiology in a more precise way to advance in drug development and complex disease understanding. However, the presence of OoC in biological laboratories is still limited and mainly restricted to laboratories with access to cleanroom facilities. Besides, the current analytical methods employed to extract information from the organ models are endpoint and post facto assays which makes it difficult to ensure that during the biological experiment the cell microenvironment, cellular functionality and behaviour are controlled. Hence, the integration of real-time biosensors is highly needed and requested by the OoC end-user community to provide insight into organ function and responses to stimuli. In this context, electrochemical sensors stand out due to their advantageous features like miniaturization capabilities, ease of use, automatization and high sensitivity and selectivity. Electrochemical sensors have been already successfully miniaturized and employed in other fields such as wearables and point-of-care devices. We have identified that the explanation for this issue may be, to a large extent, the accessibility to microfabrication technologies. These fields employ preferably digital manufacturing (DM), which is a more accessible microfabrication approach regardless of funding and facilities. Therefore, we envision that a paradigm shift in microfabrication that adopts DM instead of the dominating soft lithography for the in-lab microfabrication of OoC devices will contribute to the dissemination of the field and integration of the promising real-time sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Hernández-Rodríguez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Miguel Ángel López
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
- Chemical Engineering and Chemical Research Institute "Andres M. Del Río", University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Rojas
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Alberto Escarpa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
- Chemical Engineering and Chemical Research Institute "Andres M. Del Río", University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Rhyou J, Youn J, Eom S, Kim DS. Facile Fabrication of Electrospun Nanofiber Membrane-Integrated PDMS Microfluidic Chip via Silver Nanowires-Uncured PDMS Adhesive Layer. ACS Macro Lett 2021; 10:965-970. [PMID: 35549208 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.1c00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although direct electrospinning has been frequently utilized to develop a nanofiber membrane-integrated microfluidic chip, the dielectric substrate material retards the deposition of electrospun nanofibers on the substrate, and the rough surface formed by deposited nanofibers hinders the successful sealing. In this study we introduce a facile fabrication process of an electrospun nanofiber membrane-integrated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic chip, called a NFM-PDMS chip, by applying the functional layer. The functional layer consists of a silver nanowires (AgNWs)-embedded uncured PDMS adhesive layer (SNUP), which not only effectively concentrates the electric field toward the PDMS substrate, but also provides a smooth surface for robust sealing. The AgNWs in the SNUP play a crucial role as a grounded collector and enable approximately 4× faster electrospinning than the conventional method, forming a free-standing nanofiber membrane. The uncured PDMS adhesive layer in the SNUP maintains the smooth surface after electrospinning and allows the rapid and leakage-free bonding of the NFM-PDMS chip using plasma treatment. A practical application of the NFM-PDMS chip is demonstrated by culturing the human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT cells. The HaCaT cells are well grown on the free-standing nanofiber membrane under dynamic flow conditions, maintaining good viability over 95% for 7 days of culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyeol Rhyou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseung Youn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongsu Eom
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Sung Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 50,
Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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Ferreira DA, Rothbauer M, Conde JP, Ertl P, Oliveira C, Granja PL. A Fast Alternative to Soft Lithography for the Fabrication of Organ-on-a-Chip Elastomeric-Based Devices and Microactuators. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2003273. [PMID: 33898174 PMCID: PMC8061392 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202003273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip technology promises to revolutionize how pre-clinical human trials are conducted. Engineering an in vitro environment that mimics the functionality and architecture of human physiology is essential toward building better platforms for drug development and personalized medicine. However, the complex nature of these devices requires specialized, time consuming, and expensive fabrication methodologies. Alternatives that reduce design-to-prototype time are needed, in order to fulfill the potential of these devices. Here, a streamlined approach is proposed for the fabrication of organ-on-a-chip devices with incorporated microactuators, by using an adaptation of xurography. This method can generate multilayered, membrane-integrated biochips in a matter of hours, using low-cost benchtop equipment. These devices are capable of withstanding considerable pressure without delamination. Furthermore, this method is suitable for the integration of flexible membranes, required for organ-on-a-chip applications, such as mechanical actuation or the establishment of biological barrier function. The devices are compatible with cell culture applications and present no cytotoxic effects or observable alterations on cellular homeostasis. This fabrication method can rapidly generate organ-on-a-chip prototypes for a fraction of cost and time, in comparison to conventional soft lithography, constituting an interesting alternative to the current fabrication methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Ferreira
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdeUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia BiomédicaUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- ICBAS – Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel SalazarUniversidade do PortoRua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira, 228Porto4050‐313Portugal
| | - Mario Rothbauer
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma SurgeryKarl Chiari Lab for Orthopedic BiologyMedical University of ViennaWähringer Gürtel, 18‐20Vienna1090Austria
- Institute of Applied Synthetic ChemistryVienna University of Technology (TUW)Getreidmarkt, 9/163Vienna1060Austria
| | - João P. Conde
- Department of BioengineeringInstituto Superior TécnicoUniversidade de LisboaAv. Rovisco Pais, 1Lisboa1049‐001Portugal
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores – Microsistemas e Nanotecnologia (INESC MN)Rua Alves Redol, 9Lisboa1000‐029Portugal
| | - Peter Ertl
- Faculty of Technical ChemistryVienna University of Technology (TUW)Getreidemarkt 9Vienna1060Austria
| | - Carla Oliveira
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdeUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- Ipatimup – Institute of Molecular Pathology and ImmunologyUniversidade do PortoRua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45Porto4200‐135Portugal
- Department of PathologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of PortoAlameda Prof. Hernâni MonteiroPorto4200‐319Portugal
| | - Pedro L. Granja
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdeUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia BiomédicaUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
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12
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Ma HL, Urbaczek AC, Zeferino Ribeiro de Souza F, Augusto Gomes Garrido Carneiro Leão P, Rodrigues Perussi J, Carrilho E. Rapid Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices for Biological Mimicking: A Survey of Materials and Biocompatibility. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12030346. [PMID: 33807118 PMCID: PMC8005101 DOI: 10.3390/mi12030346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidics is an essential technique used in the development of in vitro models for mimicking complex biological systems. The microchip with microfluidic flows offers the precise control of the microenvironment where the cells can grow and structure inside channels to resemble in vivo conditions allowing a proper cellular response investigation. Hence, this study aimed to develop low-cost, simple microchips to simulate the shear stress effect on the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Differentially from other biological microfluidic devices described in the literature, we used readily available tools like heat-lamination, toner printer, laser cutter and biocompatible double-sided adhesive tapes to bind different layers of materials together, forming a designed composite with a microchannel. In addition, we screened alternative substrates, including polyester-toner, polyester-vinyl, glass, Permanox® and polystyrene to compose the microchips for optimizing cell adhesion, then enabling these microdevices when coupled to a syringe pump, the cells can withstand the fluid shear stress range from 1 to 4 dyne cm2. The cell viability was monitored by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining to detect live and dead cells. As a result, our fabrication processes were cost-effective and straightforward. The materials investigated in the assembling of the microchips exhibited good cell viability and biocompatibility, providing a dynamic microenvironment for cell proliferation. Therefore, we suggest that these microchips could be available everywhere, allowing in vitro assays for daily laboratory experiments and further developing the organ-on-a-chip concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ling Ma
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos 13566-590, SP, Brazil; (H.L.M.); (A.C.U.); (F.Z.R.d.S.); (P.A.G.G.C.L.); (J.R.P.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Bioanalítica, INCTBio, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Urbaczek
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos 13566-590, SP, Brazil; (H.L.M.); (A.C.U.); (F.Z.R.d.S.); (P.A.G.G.C.L.); (J.R.P.)
| | - Fayene Zeferino Ribeiro de Souza
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos 13566-590, SP, Brazil; (H.L.M.); (A.C.U.); (F.Z.R.d.S.); (P.A.G.G.C.L.); (J.R.P.)
| | | | - Janice Rodrigues Perussi
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos 13566-590, SP, Brazil; (H.L.M.); (A.C.U.); (F.Z.R.d.S.); (P.A.G.G.C.L.); (J.R.P.)
| | - Emanuel Carrilho
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos 13566-590, SP, Brazil; (H.L.M.); (A.C.U.); (F.Z.R.d.S.); (P.A.G.G.C.L.); (J.R.P.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Bioanalítica, INCTBio, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; +55-16-3373-944
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13
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Reyes-Ramos AM, Álvarez-García YR, Solodin N, Almodovar J, Alarid ET, Torres-Garcia W, Domenech M. Collagen I Fibrous Substrates Modulate the Proliferation and Secretome of Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Tumor Cells in a Hormone-Restricted Microenvironment. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:2430-2443. [PMID: 33688723 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The fibril orientation of type I collagen has been shown to contribute to tumor invasion and metabolic changes. Yet, there is limited information about its impact on tumor cells' behavior in a restrictive growth environment. Restrictive growth environments are generated by the inhibition of a proliferation stimulus during therapy or as an inflammatory response to suppress tumor expansion. In this study, the impact of a type I collagen matrix orientation and fibrous architecture on cell proliferation and response to estrogen receptor (ER) therapy were examined using estrogen-dependent breast tumor cells (MCF-7 and T-47D) cultured in a hormone-restricted environment. The use of hormone-free culture media, as well as pharmacological inhibitors of ER, Tamoxifen, and Fulvestrant, were investigated as hormone restrictive conditions. Examination of cultures at 72 h showed that tumor cell proliferation was significantly stimulated (1.8-fold) in the absence of hormones on collagen fibrous substrates, but not on polycaprolactone fibrous substrates of equivalent orientation. ER inhibitors did not suppress cell proliferation on collagen fibrous substrates. The examination of reporter cells for ER signaling showed a lack of activity, thus confirming a shift toward an ER-independent proliferation mechanism. Examination of two selective inhibitors of α2β1 and α1β1 integrins showed that cell proliferation is suppressed in the presence of the α2β1 integrin inhibitor only, thereby indicating that the observed changes in tumor cell behavior are caused by a combination of integrin signaling and/or an intrinsic structural motif that is uniquely present in the collagen fibrils. Adjacent coculture studies on collagen substrates showed that tumor cells on collagen can stimulate the proliferation of cells on tissue culture plastic through soluble factors. The magnitude of this effect correlated with the increased surface anisotropy of the substrate. This sensing in fibril orientation was further supported by a differential expression pattern of secreted proteins that were identified on random and aligned orientation substrates. Overall, this study shows a new role for electrospun collagen I fibrous substrates by supporting a shift toward an ER-independent tumor cell proliferation mechanism in ER+ breast tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Reyes-Ramos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Call Box 9000, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 00681-9000, United States
| | - Yasmín R Álvarez-García
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Natalia Solodin
- Department of Oncology, McArdle Laboratories for Cancer Research and University of Wisconsin Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Jorge Almodovar
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, 3202 Bell Engineering Center, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Elaine T Alarid
- Department of Oncology, McArdle Laboratories for Cancer Research and University of Wisconsin Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Wandaliz Torres-Garcia
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Call Box 9000, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 00681-9000, United States
| | - Maribella Domenech
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Call Box 9000, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 00681-9000, United States
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14
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Rojas D, Hernández-Rodríguez JF, Della Pelle F, Del Carlo M, Compagnone D, Escarpa A. Oxidative stress on-chip: Prussian blue-based electrode array for in situ detection of H2O2 from cell populations. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 170:112669. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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15
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Tran R, Hoesli CA, Moraes C. Accessible dynamic micropatterns in monolayer cultures via modified desktop xurography. Biofabrication 2020; 13. [PMID: 33238251 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abce0b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Micropatterned cell cultures provide an important tool to understand dynamic biological processes, but often require specialized equipment and expertise. Here we present subtractive bioscribing (SuBscribe), a readily accessible and inexpensive technique to generate dynamic micropatterns in biomaterial monolayers on-the-fly. We first describe our modifications to a commercially available desktop xurographer and demonstrate the utility and limits of this system in creating micropatterned cultures by mechanically scribing patterns into a brittle, non-adhesive biomaterial layer. Patterns are sufficiently small to influence cell morphology and orientation and can be extended to pattern large areas with complex reproducible shapes. We also demonstrate the use of this system as a dynamic patterning tool for cocultures. Finally, we use this technique to explore and improve upon the well-established epithelial scratch assay, and demonstrate that robotic control of the scratching tool can be used to create custom-shaped wounds in epithelial monolayers, and that the scribing direction leaves trace remnants of matrix molecules that may significantly affect conventional implementations of this common assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Tran
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H4X1N3, CANADA
| | - Corinne Annette Hoesli
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H4X 1N3, CANADA
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University Street, Rm 3A, Montreal, Quebec, H4X1N3, CANADA
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16
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Hosic S, Bindas AJ, Puzan ML, Lake W, Soucy JR, Zhou F, Koppes RA, Breault DT, Murthy SK, Koppes AN. Rapid Prototyping of Multilayer Microphysiological Systems. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 7:2949-2963. [PMID: 34275297 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic organs-on-chips aim to realize more biorelevant in vitro experiments compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) static cell culture. Often such devices are fabricated via poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) soft lithography, which offers benefits (e.g., high feature resolution) along with drawbacks (e.g., prototyping time/costs). Here, we report benchtop fabrication of multilayer, PDMS-free, thermoplastic organs-on-chips via laser cut and assembly with double-sided adhesives that overcome some limitations of traditional PDMS lithography. Cut and assembled chips are economical to prototype ($2 per chip), can be fabricated in parallel within hours, and are Luer compatible. Biocompatibility was demonstrated with epithelial line Caco-2 cells and primary human small intestinal organoids. Comparable to control static Transwell cultures, Caco-2 and organoids cultured on chips formed confluent monolayers expressing tight junctions with low permeability. Caco-2 cells-on-chip differentiated ∼4 times faster, including increased mucus, compared to controls. To demonstrate the robustness of cut and assemble, we fabricated a dual membrane, trilayer chip integrating 2D and 3D compartments with accessible apical and basolateral flow chambers. As proof of concept, we cocultured a human, differentiated monolayer and intact 3D organoids within multilayered contacting compartments. The epithelium exhibited 3D tissue structure and organoids expanded close to the adjacent monolayer, retaining proliferative stem cells over 10 days. Taken together, cut and assemble offers the capability to rapidly and economically manufacture microfluidic devices, thereby presenting a compelling fabrication technique for developing organs-on-chips of various geometries to study multicellular tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjin Hosic
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., 313 Snell Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Adam J Bindas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., 313 Snell Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Marissa L Puzan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., 313 Snell Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Will Lake
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., 313 Snell Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Jonathan R Soucy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., 313 Snell Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Fanny Zhou
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ryan A Koppes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., 313 Snell Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - David T Breault
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States.,Principal Faculty, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Shashi K Murthy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., 313 Snell Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Abigail N Koppes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., 313 Snell Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States.,Department of Biology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., 313 Snell Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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17
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Rosado-Galindo H, Domenech M. Polystyrene Topography Sticker Array for Cell-Based Assays. RECENT PROGRESS IN MATERIALS 2020; 2:10.21926/rpm.2002013. [PMID: 33693439 PMCID: PMC7943041 DOI: 10.21926/rpm.2002013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cells can respond to different topographical cues in their natural microenvironment. Hence, scientists have employed microfabrication techniques and materials to generate culture substrates containing topographies for cell-based assays. However, one of the limitations of custom topographical platforms is the lack of adoption by the broad research community. These techniques and materials have high costs, require high technical expertise, and can leach components that may introduce artifacts. In this study, we developed an array of culture surfaces on polystyrene using razor printing and sanding methods to examine the impact of microscale topographies on cell behavior. The proposed technology consists of culture substrates of defined roughness, depth, and curvature on polystyrene films bound to the bottom of a culture well using double-sided medical-grade tape. Human monocytes and adult mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were used as test beds to demonstrate the applicability of the array for cell-based assays. An increase in cell elongation and Arg-1 expression was detected in macrophages cultured in grooves and on rough substrates as compared to flat surfaces. Also, substrates with enhanced roughness stimulated the proliferation of hMSCs. This effect correlated with the secretion of proteins involved in cell proliferation and the downregulation of those associated with cell differentiation. Our results showed that the polystyrene topography sticker array supports cellular changes guided by microscale surface roughness and geometries. Consequently, microscale surface topographies on polished and razor-printed polystyrene films could leverage the endogenous mechanisms of cells to stimulate cellular changes at the functional level for cell-based assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heizel Rosado-Galindo
- Mayagüez Campus-Bioengineering Program, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - Maribella Domenech
- Mayagüez Campus-Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
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18
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Hinman SS, Wang Y, Allbritton NL. Photopatterned Membranes and Chemical Gradients Enable Scalable Phenotypic Organization of Primary Human Colon Epithelial Models. Anal Chem 2019; 91:15240-15247. [PMID: 31692334 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b04217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Biochemical gradients across the intestinal epithelium play a major role in governing intestinal stem cell compartmentalization, differentiation dynamics, and organ-level self-renewal. However, scalable platforms that recapitulate the architecture and gradients present in vivo are absent. We present a platform in which individually addressable arrays of chemical gradients along the intestinal crypt long axis can be generated, enabling scalable culture of primary in vitro colonic epithelial replicas. The platform utilizes standardized well plate spacing, maintains access to basal and luminal compartments, and relies on a photopatterned porous membrane to act as diffusion windows while supporting the in vitro crypts. Simultaneous fabrication of 3875 crypts over a single membrane was developed. Growth factor gradients were modeled and then experimentally optimized to promote long-term health and self-renewal of the crypts which were assayed in situ by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The cultured in vitro crypt arrays successfully recapitulated the architecture and luminal-to-basal phenotypic polarity observed in vivo. Furthermore, known signaling regulators (e.g., butyrate and DAPT) produced measurable and predictable effects on the organized cell compartments, each decreasing crypt proliferation in the basal regions to negligible values. This platform is readily adaptable to the screening of tissue from individual patients to assay the impact of food and bacterial metabolites and/or drugs on colonic crypt dynamics. Importantly, the cassette is compatible with a wide range of sensing/detection modalities, and the developed fabrication methods should find applications for other cell and tissue types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S Hinman
- Department of Chemistry , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , North Carolina 27599 , United States
| | - Yuli Wang
- Department of Chemistry , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , North Carolina 27599 , United States
| | - Nancy L Allbritton
- Department of Chemistry , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , North Carolina 27599 , United States.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , North Carolina 27599 , United States , and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
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19
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Reyes-Ramos AM, Ramos-Cruz KP, Rodríguez-Merced NJ, Martínez-Montemayor MM, Franqui-Ríos ND, Ríos-Grant JP, Flores A, Maldonado-Martínez G, Torres-García W, Domenech M. Mesenchymal Cells Support the Oncogenicity and Therapeutic Response of the Hedgehog Pathway in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101522. [PMID: 31658643 PMCID: PMC6826628 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The paracrine interaction between tumor cells and adjacent stroma has been associated with the oncogenic activity of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway in triple-negative breast tumors. The present study developed a model of paracrine Hh signaling and examined the impact of mesenchymal cell sources and culture modalities in the oncogenicity of the Hh pathway in breast tumor cells. Studies consisted of tumor cell monocultures and co-cultures with cancer-associated and normal fibroblasts, tumor cells that undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), or adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). Hh ligand and pathway inhibitors, GANT61 and NVP-LDE225 (NVP), were evaluated in both cell cultures and a mouse xenograft model. Results in monocultures show that tumor cell viability and Hh transcriptional activity were not affected by Hh inhibitors. In co-cultures, down-regulation of GLI1, SMO, and PTCH1 in the stroma correlated with reduced tumor growth rates in xenografted tumors and cell cultures, confirming a paracrine interaction. Fibroblasts and EMT cells supported Hh transcriptional activity and enhanced tumor cell growth. Mixed and adjacent culture modalities indicate that tumor growth is supported via fibroblast-secreted soluble factors, whereas enriched tumor stemness requires close proximity between tumor and fibroblasts. Overall this study provides a tumor–mesenchymal model of Hh signaling and highlights the therapeutic value of mesenchymal cells in the oncogenic activity of the Hh pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Reyes-Ramos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA.
| | - Karla P Ramos-Cruz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA.
| | | | | | - Nelson D Franqui-Ríos
- Industrial Biotechnology Program, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA.
| | - Jan P Ríos-Grant
- Industrial Biotechnology Program, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA.
| | - Andrea Flores
- Industrial Biotechnology Program, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA.
| | - Gerónimo Maldonado-Martínez
- Data Management and Statistical Research Support Unit, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine-Bayamón, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA.
- School of Chiropractic, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine-Bayamón, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA.
| | - Wandaliz Torres-García
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA.
| | - Maribella Domenech
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA.
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20
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Lai X, Lu B, Zhang P, Zhang X, Pu Z, Yu H, Li D. Sticker Microfluidics: A Method for Fabrication of Customized Monolithic Microfluidics. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:6801-6810. [PMID: 33423473 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This paper proposes a novel strategy and an all-in-one toolbox that allows instrument-free customization of integrated microfluidic systems. Unlike the modular design of combining multiple microfluidic chips in the previous literature, this work, for the first time, proposes a "template sticker" method, in which sacrificial templates for microfluidic components are batch-produced in the form of standardized stickers and packaged into a toolbox. To create a customized monolithic microfluidic system, the end users only need to select and combine various template stickers following formulated steps. The fabricated microfluidic devices have well-defined microscale features, while the fabrication process is inexpensive and time-saving. Various functional microfluidic devices were fabricated and tested using this toolbox. The capability to create microchannels on curved surfaces is also demonstrated. As a proof of concept, we developed with the proposed toolbox a colorimetric testing platform for the detection of nitrite ions. The sticker toolbox, as the first self-contained portable platform for microfluidic fabrication, allows prompt customization of monolithic devices, enabling deployment of microfluidics with both ideal performance and customizability.
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21
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Rackus DG, Riedel-Kruse IH, Pamme N. "Learning on a chip:" Microfluidics for formal and informal science education. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2019; 13:041501. [PMID: 31431815 PMCID: PMC6697029 DOI: 10.1063/1.5096030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics is a technique for the handling of small volumes of liquids on the order of picoliters to nanoliters and has impact for miniaturized biomedical science and fundamental research. Because of its multi- and interdisciplinary nature (i.e., combining the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering), microfluidics offers much potential for educational applications, both at the university level as well as primary and secondary education. Microfluidics is also an ideal "tool" to enthuse and educate members of the general public about the interdisciplinary aspects of modern sciences, including concepts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects such as (bio)engineering, chemistry, and biomedical sciences. Here, we provide an overview of approaches that have been taken to make microfluidics accessible for formal and informal learning. We also point out future avenues and desired developments. At the extreme ends, we can distinguish between projects that teach how to build microfluidic devices vs projects that make various microscopic phenomena (e.g., low Reynolds number hydrodynamics, microbiology) accessible to learners and the general public. Microfluidics also enables educators to make experiments low-cost and scalable, and thereby widely accessible. Our goal for this review is to assist academic researchers working in the field of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies as well as educators with translating research from the laboratory into the lecture hall, teaching laboratory, or public sphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius G. Rackus
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Nicole Pamme
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed:; ; and
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongchen Sun
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering , Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta , Georgia 30332 , United States
| | - Hang Lu
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering , Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta , Georgia 30332 , United States
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Álvarez-García YR, Ramos-Cruz KP, Agostini-Infanzón RJ, Stallcop LE, Beebe DJ, Warrick JW, Domenech M. Open multi-culture platform for simple and flexible study of multi-cell type interactions. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:3184-3195. [PMID: 30204194 PMCID: PMC8815088 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00560e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The study of multi-cell-type (MCT) interactions has the potential to significantly impact our understanding of tissue and disease biology. Such studies require innovative culture tools for unraveling the contributions of each cell type. Micro- and macro-scale platforms for MCT culture each have different advantages and disadvantages owing to their widely different capabilities, availability, and ease-of-use. However, as evidenced in the literature, there are very few examples of MCT studies and culture platforms, suggesting both biological and technical barriers. We have developed an open multi-culture platform to promote more rapid progress by integrating advantages of both micro- and macro-scale culture devices. The proposed open multi-culture platform addresses technical barriers by allowing easy customization, independent control of basic physical culture parameters, and incorporation of multiple culture modalities (e.g., 2D, 3D, transwell, and spheroid). The design also permits the user to obtain independent endpoints for each culture region. We demonstrate use of the platform in two example studies where we evaluated how cell ratio and cell types influence the response of triple negative breast cancer cells to heat damage and Hedgehog signaling. We also show that the platform can improve soluble factor transport between cell types compared to compartmentalized macro- and micro-scale alternatives. Last, we examine current and future challenges of the platform. We envision simple, yet flexible and customizable, platforms such as this will be important for advancing in vitro study of tissue and tumor biology.
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Seenivasan R, Warrick JW, Rodriguez CI, Mattison W, Beebe DJ, Setaluri V, Gunasekaran S. Integrating Electrochemical Immunosensing and Cell Adhesion Technologies for Cancer Cell Detection and Enumeration. Electrochim Acta 2018; 286:205-211. [PMID: 31130739 PMCID: PMC6530932 DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
We have successfully integrated techniques for controlling cell adhesion and performing electrochemical differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) through the use of digitally controlled microfluidics and patterned transparent indium tin oxide electrode arrays to enable rapid and sensitive enumeration of cancer cells in a scalable microscale format. This integrated approach leverages a dual-working electrode (WE) surface to improve the specificity of the detection system. Here, one of the WE surfaces is functionalized with anti-Melanocortin 1 Receptor antibodies specific to melanoma cancer cells, while the other WE acts as a control (i.e., without antibody), for detecting non-specific interactions between cells and the electrode. The method is described and shown to provide effective detection of melanoma cells at concentrations ranging between 25 to 300 cells per 20 μL sample volume after a 5 min incubation and 15 s of DPV measurements. The estimated limit of detection was ~17 cells. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were quantified using addition of large fractions of non-target cells and resulted in a detection reproducibility of ~97%. The proposed approach demonstrates a unique integration of electrochemical sensing and microfluidic cell adhesion technologies with multiple advantages such as label-free detection, short detection times, and low sample volumes. Next steps for this platform include testing with patient samples and use of other cell-surface biomarkers for detection and enumeration of circulating tumor cells in prostate, breast, and colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Seenivasan
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jay W. Warrick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Carlos I. Rodriguez
- Department of Dermatology, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - William Mattison
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - David J. Beebe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Vijayasaradhi Setaluri
- Department of Dermatology, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sundaram Gunasekaran
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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