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Lim J, Fang HW, Bupphathong S, Sung PC, Yeh CE, Huang W, Lin CH. The Edifice of Vasculature-On-Chips: A Focused Review on the Key Elements and Assembly of Angiogenesis Models. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024. [PMID: 38712543 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The conception of vascularized organ-on-a-chip models provides researchers with the ability to supply controlled biological and physical cues that simulate the in vivo dynamic microphysiological environment of native blood vessels. The intention of this niche research area is to improve our understanding of the role of the vasculature in health or disease progression in vitro by allowing researchers to monitor angiogenic responses and cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions in real time. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the essential elements, including cells, biomaterials, microenvironmental factors, microfluidic chip design, and standard validation procedures that currently govern angiogenesis-on-a-chip assemblies. In addition, we emphasize the importance of incorporating a microvasculature component into organ-on-chip devices in critical biomedical research areas, such as tissue engineering, drug discovery, and disease modeling. Ultimately, advances in this area of research could provide innovative solutions and a personalized approach to ongoing medical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Lim
- Graduate Institute of Nanomedicine and Medical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Wei Fang
- High-value Biomaterials Research and Commercialization Center, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Sasinan Bupphathong
- Graduate Institute of Nanomedicine and Medical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- High-value Biomaterials Research and Commercialization Center, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chan Sung
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chen-En Yeh
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Orthodontics, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, New Jersey 07103, United States
| | - Chih-Hsin Lin
- Graduate Institute of Nanomedicine and Medical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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2
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Ugodnikov A, Persson H, Simmons CA. Bridging barriers: advances and challenges in modeling biological barriers and measuring barrier integrity in organ-on-chip systems. Lab Chip 2024. [PMID: 38689569 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01027a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, skin, and intestinal mucosal barrier play key roles in homeostasis, disease physiology, and drug delivery - as such, it is important to create representative in vitro models to improve understanding of barrier biology and serve as tools for therapeutic development. Microfluidic cell culture and organ-on-a-chip (OOC) systems enable barrier modelling with greater physiological fidelity than conventional platforms by mimicking key environmental aspects such as fluid shear, accurate microscale dimensions, mechanical cues, extracellular matrix, and geometrically defined co-culture. As the prevalence of barrier-on-chip models increases, so does the importance of tools that can accurately assess barrier integrity and function without disturbing the carefully engineered microenvironment. In this review, we first provide a background on biological barriers and the physiological features that are emulated through in vitro barrier models. Then, we outline molecular permeability and electrical sensing barrier integrity assessment methods, and the related challenges specific to barrier-on-chip implementation. Finally, we discuss future directions in the field, as well important priorities to consider such as fabrication costs, standardization, and bridging gaps between disciplines and stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Ugodnikov
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Henrik Persson
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
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3
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Streutker EM, Devamoglu U, Vonk MC, Verdurmen WPR, Le Gac S. Fibrosis-on-Chip: A Guide to Recapitulate the Essential Features of Fibrotic Disease. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2303991. [PMID: 38536053 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis, which is primarily marked by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, is a pathophysiological process associated with many disorders, which ultimately leads to organ dysfunction and poor patient outcomes. Despite the high prevalence of fibrosis, currently there exist few therapeutic options, and importantly, there is a paucity of in vitro models to accurately study fibrosis. This review discusses the multifaceted nature of fibrosis from the viewpoint of developing organ-on-chip (OoC) disease models, focusing on five key features: the ECM component, inflammation, mechanical cues, hypoxia, and vascularization. The potential of OoC technology is explored for better modeling these features in the context of studying fibrotic diseases and the interplay between various key features is emphasized. This paper reviews how organ-specific fibrotic diseases are modeled in OoC platforms, which elements are included in these existing models, and the avenues for novel research directions are highlighted. Finally, this review concludes with a perspective on how to address the current gap with respect to the inclusion of multiple features to yield more sophisticated and relevant models of fibrotic diseases in an OoC format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Streutker
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Utku Devamoglu
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnoloygy and TechMed Centre, Organ-on-Chip Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon C Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter P R Verdurmen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Séverine Le Gac
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnoloygy and TechMed Centre, Organ-on-Chip Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
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4
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Gurkan UA, Wood DK, Carranza D, Herbertson LH, Diamond SL, Du E, Guha S, Di Paola J, Hines PC, Papautsky I, Shevkoplyas SS, Sniadecki NJ, Pamula VK, Sundd P, Rizwan A, Qasba P, Lam WA. Next generation microfluidics: fulfilling the promise of lab-on-a-chip technologies. Lab Chip 2024; 24:1867-1874. [PMID: 38487919 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00796k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technologies enable the analysis and manipulation of small fluid volumes and particles at small scales and the control of fluid flow and transport processes at the microscale, leading to the development of new methods to address a broad range of scientific and medical challenges. Microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip technologies have made a noteworthy impact in basic, preclinical, and clinical research, especially in hematology and vascular biology due to the inherent ability of microfluidics to mimic physiologic flow conditions in blood vessels and capillaries. With the potential to significantly impact translational research and clinical diagnostics, technical issues and incentive mismatches have stymied microfluidics from fulfilling this promise. We describe how accessibility, usability, and manufacturability of microfluidic technologies should be improved and how a shift in mindset and incentives within the field is also needed to address these issues. In this report, we discuss the state of the microfluidic field regarding current limitations and propose future directions and new approaches for the field to advance microfluidic technologies closer to translation and clinical use. While our report focuses on using blood as the prototypical biofluid sample, the proposed ideas and research directions can be extrapolated to other areas of hematology, oncology, biology, and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - E Du
- Florida Atlantic University, USA
| | | | | | - Patrick C Hines
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, USA
- Functional Fluidics, Inc., USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Prithu Sundd
- VERSITI Blood Research Institute and Medical College of Wisconsin, USA
| | - Asif Rizwan
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, USA
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Sun H, Zhang Y, Shi L. Advances in exercise-induced vascular adaptation: mechanisms, models, and methods. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1370234. [PMID: 38456010 PMCID: PMC10917942 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1370234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Insufficient physical activity poses a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Exercise plays a crucial role in influencing the vascular system and is essential for maintaining vascular health. Hemodynamic stimuli generated by exercise, such as shear stress and circumferential stress, directly impact vascular structure and function, resulting in adaptive changes. In clinical settings, incorporating appropriate exercise interventions has become a powerful supplementary approach for treating and rehabilitating various cardiovascular conditions. However, existing models for studying exercise-induced vascular adaptation primarily rely on in vivo animal and in vitro cellular models, each with its inherent limitations. In contrast, human research faces challenges in conducting mechanistic analyses due to ethics issues. Therefore, it is imperative to develop highly biomimetic in vitro/ex vivo vascular models that can replicate exercise stimuli in human systems. Utilizing various vascular assessment techniques is also crucial to comprehensively evaluate the effects of exercise on the vasculature and uncover the molecular mechanisms that promote vascular health. This article reviews the hemodynamic mechanisms that underlie exercise-induced vascular adaptation. It explores the advancements in current vascular models and measurement techniques, while addressing their future development and challenges. The overarching goal is to unravel the molecular mechanisms that drive the positive effects of exercise on the cardiovascular system. By providing a scientific rationale and offering novel perspectives, the aim is to contribute to the formulation of precise cardiovascular rehabilitation exercise prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualing Sun
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- Laboratory of Sports Stress and Adaptation of General Administration of Sport, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Exercise, Ministry of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Shi
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- Laboratory of Sports Stress and Adaptation of General Administration of Sport, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Exercise, Ministry of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
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6
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Abizanda-Campo S, Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Humayun M, Marmol I, Beebe DJ, Ochoa I, Oliván S, Ayuso JM. Microphysiological systems for solid tumor immunotherapy: opportunities and challenges. Microsyst Nanoeng 2023; 9:154. [PMID: 38106674 PMCID: PMC10724276 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00616-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy remains more effective for hematologic tumors than for solid tumors. One of the main challenges to immunotherapy of solid tumors is the immunosuppressive microenvironment these tumors generate, which limits the cytotoxic capabilities of immune effector cells (e.g., cytotoxic T and natural killer cells). This microenvironment is characterized by hypoxia, nutrient starvation, accumulated waste products, and acidic pH. Tumor-hijacked cells, such as fibroblasts, macrophages, and T regulatory cells, also contribute to this inhospitable microenvironment for immune cells by secreting immunosuppressive cytokines that suppress the antitumor immune response and lead to immune evasion. Thus, there is a strong interest in developing new drugs and cell formulations that modulate the tumor microenvironment and reduce tumor cell immune evasion. Microphysiological systems (MPSs) are versatile tools that may accelerate the development and evaluation of these therapies, although specific examples showcasing the potential of MPSs remain rare. Advances in microtechnologies have led to the development of sophisticated microfluidic devices used to recapitulate tumor complexity. The resulting models, also known as microphysiological systems (MPSs), are versatile tools with which to decipher the molecular mechanisms driving immune cell antitumor cytotoxicity, immune cell exhaustion, and immune cell exclusion and to evaluate new targeted immunotherapies. Here, we review existing microphysiological platforms to study immuno-oncological applications and discuss challenges and opportunities in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abizanda-Campo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Mouhita Humayun
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Ines Marmol
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - David J Beebe
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Oliván
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jose M Ayuso
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
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Krakos A, Cieślak A, Hartel E, Łabowska MB, Kulbacka J, Detyna J. 3D bio-printed hydrogel inks promoting lung cancer cell growth in a lab-on-chip culturing platform. Mikrochim Acta 2023; 190:349. [PMID: 37572169 PMCID: PMC10423169 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-05931-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
The results of a lab-on-chip (LOC) platform fabrication equipped with a hydrogel matrix is reported. A 3D printing technique was used to provide a hybrid, "sandwiched" type structure, including two microfluidic substrates of different origins. Special attention was paid to achieving uniformly bio-printed microfluidic hydrogel layers of a unique composition. Six different hydrogel inks were proposed containing sodium alginate, agar, chitosan, gelatin, methylcellulose, deionized water, or 0.9% NaCl, varying in proportions. All of them exhibited appropriate mechanical properties showing, e.g., the value of elasticity modulus as similar to that of biological tissues, such as skin. Utilizing our biocompatible, entirely 3D bio-printed structure, for the first time, a multi-drug-resistant lung cancer cell line (H69AR) was cultured on-chip. Biological validation of the device was performed qualitatively and quantitatively utilizing LIVE/DEAD assays and Presto blue staining. Although all bio-inks exhibited acceptable cell viability, the best results were obtained for the hydrogel composition including 3% sodium alginate + 7% gelatin + 90% NaCl (0.9%), reaching approximately 127.2% after 24 h and 105.4% after 48 h compared to the control group (100%). Further research in this area will focus on the microfluidic culture of the chosen cancer cell line (H69AR) and the development of novel drug delivery strategies towards appropriate in vivo models for chemotherapy and polychemotherapy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Krakos
- Department of Microsystems, Faculty of Electronics, Photonics and Microsystems, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Janiszewskiego 11/17, 50-372, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Adrianna Cieślak
- Department of Mechanics, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-371, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Eliza Hartel
- Department of Microsystems, Faculty of Electronics, Photonics and Microsystems, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Janiszewskiego 11/17, 50-372, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Beata Łabowska
- Department of Mechanics, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-371, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jerzy Detyna
- Department of Mechanics, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-371, Wroclaw, Poland
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Lenzuni M, Bonfadini S, Criante L, Zorzi F, Summa M, Bertorelli R, Suarato G, Athanassiou A. Dynamic investigation of zein-based degradable and hemocompatible coatings for drug-eluting stents: a microfluidic approach. Lab Chip 2023; 23:1576-1592. [PMID: 36688523 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00012e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable stent coatings have shown great potential in terms of delivering drugs to a damaged vessel wall, and their release profiles are key elements governing the overall performance of drug-eluting stents (DESs). However, release and degradation kinetics are usually not tested under simulated physiological conditions or in dynamic environments, both essential aspects in the design of novel DESs. To bridge this gap, fused silica-based microfluidic systems, with either round or square channel cross-sections, were designed to mimic the microenvironment of a stented vessel. In particular, we fabricated and characterized microfluidic chips based on customizable channels, which were spray-coated with a naturally-derived, rutin-loaded zein solution, to perform a comprehensive study under flow conditions. Dynamic assays after 6 hours showed how the degradation of the zein matrix was affected by the cross-sectional conformation (∼69% vs. ∼61%, square and round channel, respectively) and the simulated blood fluid components (∼55%, round channel with a more viscous solution). The released amount of rutin was ∼81% vs. ∼77% and ∼78% vs. ∼74% from the square and round channels, using the less and more viscous blood-simulated fluids, respectively. Fitting the drug release data to Korsmeyer-Peppas and first-order mathematical models provided further insight into the mechanism of rutin release and coating behavior under flowing conditions. More importantly, whole blood tests with our newly developed microfluidic platforms confirmed the hemocompatibility of our zein-based coating. In detail, in-flow and static studies on the blood cell behavior showed a significant reduction of platelet adhesion (∼73%) and activation (∼93%) compared to the stainless-steel substrate, confirming the benefits of using such naturally-derived coatings to avoid clogging. Overall, our microfluidic designs can provide a key practical tool for assessing polymer degradation and drug release from degradable matrices under flowing conditions, thus aiding future studies on the development of hemocompatible, controlled-release coatings for DESs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lenzuni
- Smart Materials Group, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, Genoa, Italy.
- Department of Computer Science, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering, University of Genoa, via Opera Pia 13, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvio Bonfadini
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @ PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigino Criante
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @ PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Zorzi
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @ PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, Milan, Italy
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Summa
- Translational Pharmacology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rosalia Bertorelli
- Translational Pharmacology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Suarato
- Smart Materials Group, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, Genoa, Italy.
- Translational Pharmacology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, Genoa, Italy
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Veliz DS, Lin KL, Sahlgren C. Organ-on-a-chip technologies for biomedical research and drug development: A focus on the vasculature. Smart Med 2023; 2:e20220030. [PMID: 37089706 PMCID: PMC7614466 DOI: 10.1002/smmd.20220030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Current biomedical models fail to replicate the complexity of human biology. Consequently, almost 90% of drug candidates fail during clinical trials after decades of research and billions of investments in drug development. Despite their physiological similarities, animal models often misrepresent human responses, and instead, trigger ethical and societal debates regarding their use. The overall aim across regulatory entities worldwide is to replace, reduce, and refine the use of animal experimentation, a concept known as the Three Rs principle. In response, researchers develop experimental alternatives to improve the biological relevance of in vitro models through interdisciplinary approaches. This article highlights the emerging organ-on-a-chip technologies, also known as microphysiological systems, with a focus on models of the vasculature. The cardiovascular system transports all necessary substances, including drugs, throughout the body while in charge of thermal regulation and communication between other organ systems. In addition, we discuss the benefits, limitations, and challenges in the widespread use of new biomedical models. Coupled with patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, organ-on-a-chip technologies are the future of drug discovery, development, and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diosangeles Soto Veliz
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Center, Åbo Akademi University and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Kai-Lan Lin
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Center, Åbo Akademi University and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Cecilia Sahlgren
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Center, Åbo Akademi University and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
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