1
|
Verdugo-Avello F, Wychowaniec JK, Villacis-Aguirre CA, D'Este M, Toledo JR. Bone microphysiological models for biomedical research. LAB ON A CHIP 2025; 25:806-836. [PMID: 39906932 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00762j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2025]
Abstract
Bone related disorders are highly prevalent, and many of these pathologies still do not have curative and definitive treatment methods. This is due to a complex interplay of multiple factors, such as the crosstalk between different tissues and cellular components, all of which are affected by microenvironmental factors. Moreover, these bone pathologies are specific, and current treatment results vary from patient to patient owing to their intrinsic biological variability. Current approaches in drug development to deliver new drug candidates against common bone disorders, such as standard two-dimensional (2D) cell culture and animal-based studies, are now being replaced by more relevant diseases modelling, such as three-dimension (3D) cell culture and primary cells under human-focused microphysiological systems (MPS) that can resemble human physiology by mimicking 3D tissue organization and cell microenvironmental cues. In this review, various technological advancements for in vitro bone modeling are discussed, highlighting the progress in biomaterials used as extracellular matrices, stem cell biology, and primary cell culture techniques. With emphasis on examples of modeling healthy and disease-associated bone tissues, this tutorial review aims to survey current approaches of up-to-date bone-on-chips through MPS technology, with special emphasis on the scaffold and chip capabilities for mimicking the bone extracellular matrix as this is the key environment generated for cell crosstalk and interaction. The relevant bone models are studied with critical analysis of the methods employed, aiming to serve as a tool for designing new and translational approaches. Additionally, the features reported in these state-of-the-art studies will be useful for modeling bone pathophysiology, guiding future improvements in personalized bone models that can accelerate drug discovery and clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Verdugo-Avello
- Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, Chile.
| | | | - Carlos A Villacis-Aguirre
- Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, Chile.
| | - Matteo D'Este
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Jorge R Toledo
- Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang Z, Zheng Z, Gao Y, Li W, Zhang X, Luo H, Lü S, Du Y, Zhang Y, Li N, Long M. Developing a Flow-Resistance Module for Elucidating Cell Mechanotransduction on Multiple Shear Stresses. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2025; 11:330-342. [PMID: 39681300 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c01604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2024]
Abstract
Fluid shear stress plays a pivotal role in regulating cellular behaviors, maintaining tissue homeostasis, and driving disease progression. Cells in various tissues are specifically adapted to physiological levels of shear stress and exhibit sensitivity to variations in its magnitude, highlighting the requirement for a comprehensive understanding of cellular responses to both physiologically and pathologically relevant levels of shear stress. In this study, we developed an independent upstream flow-resistance module with high fluidic resistances comprising three microchannels. The validity of the flow-resistance module was confirmed via computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and flow calibration experiments, resulting in the generation of steady wall shear stresses ranging from 0.06 to 11.57 dyn/cm2 within the interconnected cell culture chips. Gene expression profiles, cytoskeletal remodeling, and morphological changes, as well as Yes-associated protein (YAP) nuclear translocation, were investigated in response to various shear stresses to authenticate the reliability of our experimental platform, indicating an increasing trend as the shear stress increases, reaching its maximum at various shear stresses. Our findings suggest that this flow-resistance module can be readily employed for precise characterization of cellular responses under various shear stresses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziliang Zhang
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Zhi Zheng
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuxin Gao
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Wang Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huan Luo
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Shouqin Lü
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Du
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ning Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mian Long
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhong C, Tang Z, Yu X, Wang L, Ren C, Qin L, Zhou P. Advances in the Construction and Application of Bone-on-a-Chip Based on Microfluidic Technologies. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2024; 112:e35502. [PMID: 39555794 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35502] [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: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 10/19/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 11/19/2024]
Abstract
Bone-on-a-chip (BOC) models that based on microfluidic technology have widely applied to understand bone physiology and the pathogenesis of related diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of bone biology and related diseases, explain the advantages and applications of microfluidic technology in the construction of BOC models, and summarize their progress in physiology, pathology, and drug development. Finally, we discussed the problems to be solved and the future directions of microfluidic technology and BOC platforms, so as to provide a reference for researchers to design better BOC models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Dental Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Biological Intelligence Manufacturing, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zihui Tang
- Key Laboratory of Dental Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Biological Intelligence Manufacturing, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Dental Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Biological Intelligence Manufacturing, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Dental Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Biological Intelligence Manufacturing, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chenyuan Ren
- Key Laboratory of Dental Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Biological Intelligence Manufacturing, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Liying Qin
- School of Stomatology, Gansu Health Vocational College, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Dental Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Biological Intelligence Manufacturing, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Segeritz P, Kolesnik K, Scott DJ, Collins DJ. Quantitative mechanical stimulation of GPR68 using a novel 96 well flow plugin. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1616-1625. [PMID: 38288761 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00767g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Mechanosensitive proteins play a crucial role in a range of physiological processes, including hearing, tactile sensation and regulating blood flow. While previous work has demonstrated the mechanosensitivity of several proteins, the ability to apply precisely defined mechanical forces to cells in a consistent, replicable manner remains a significant challenge. In this work we present a novel 96-well plate-compatible plugin device for generating highly-controlled flow-based mechanical simulation of cells, which enables quantitative assessment of mechanosensitive protein function. The device is used to mechanically stimulate HEK 293T cells expressing the mechanosensitive protein GPR68, a G protein-coupled receptor. By assaying intracellular calcium levels during flow-based cell stimulation, we determine that GPR68 signalling is a function of the applied shear-force. As this approach is compatible with conventional cell culture plates and allows for simultaneous readout in a conventional fluorescence plate reader, this represents a valuable new tool to investigate mechanotransduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Segeritz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - Kirill Kolesnik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Daniel J Scott
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - David J Collins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lin CY, Song X, Seaman K, You L. Microfluidic Co-culture Platforms for Studying Osteocyte Regulation of Other Cell Types under Dynamic Mechanical Stimulation. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2022; 20:478-492. [PMID: 36149593 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-022-00748-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Osteocytes are the most abundant cell type in bone. These unique cells act primarily as mechanosensors and play crucial roles in the functional adaptation of bone tissue. This review aims to summarize the recent microfluidic studies on mechanically stimulated osteocytes in regulating other cell types. RECENT FINDINGS Microfluidics is a powerful technology that has been widely employed in recent years. With the advantages of microfluidic platforms, researchers can mimic multicellular environments and integrate dynamic systems to study osteocyte regulation under mechanical stimulation. Microfluidic platforms have been developed to investigate mechanically stimulated osteocytes in the direct regulation of multiple cell types, including osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and cancer cells, and in the indirect regulation of cancer cells via endothelial cells. Overall, these microfluidic studies foster the development of treatment approaches targeting osteocytes under mechanical stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kimberly Seaman
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lidan You
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lui FHY, Xu L, Michaux P, Biazik J, Harm GFS, Oliver RA, Koshy P, Walsh WR, Mobbs RJ, Brennan‐Speranza TC, Wang Y, You L, Sorrell CC. Microfluidic device with a carbonate‐rich hydroxyapatite micro‐coating. NANO SELECT 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/nano.202200102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Florence H. Y. Lui
- School of Materials Science and Engineering UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Liangcheng Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Pierrette Michaux
- Australian National Fabrication Facility (NSW Node) School of Physics UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Joanna Biazik
- Mark Wainwright Cell Culture Facility UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Gregory F. S. Harm
- Mark Wainwright Cell Culture Facility UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Rema A. Oliver
- Surgical & Orthopaedic Research Laboratories (SORL) Prince of Wales Clinical School UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Pramod Koshy
- School of Materials Science and Engineering UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - William R. Walsh
- Surgical & Orthopaedic Research Laboratories (SORL) Prince of Wales Clinical School UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Ralph J. Mobbs
- Prince of Wales Hospital School of Medicine UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | | | - Yu Wang
- Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Lidan You
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Charles C. Sorrell
- School of Materials Science and Engineering UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| |
Collapse
|