Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Alexander P. M. Guttenplan, Zeinab Tahmasebi Birgani, Stefan Giselbrecht, Roman K. Truckenmuller, Pamela Habibovic
Summary: In recent years, the use of microfabrication techniques has allowed biomaterials studies to be miniaturized into on-chip experiments, offering various advantages. Biomaterial shapes and compositions are synthesized on chips, investigating interactions with biological systems, and applied in microfabricated devices to replicate physiological microenvironments. This trend towards increased scale and automation enables industrial production of micron-scale biomaterials and high-throughput screening, potentially leading to diverse applications.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Leandra S. Baptista, Constance Porrini, Gabriela S. Kronemberger, Daniel J. Kelly, Cecile M. Perrault
Summary: Medicine today faces the challenge of increasing untreatable diseases and a decrease in successful drug development. In vitro preclinical tests, particularly using 3D cell culture and human stem cell biology, can help predict the potential of new drugs and avoid expensive clinical trial phases. Integrating organoid culture with microsystems, such as microphysiological systems or organ-on-a-chip, can improve drug development by emulating physiological conditions and reducing costs.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Mridu Malik, Yang Yang, Parinaz Fathi, Gretchen J. Mahler, Mandy B. Esch
Summary: Traditional animal models for drug identification are facing criticism for their reliability in predicting drug toxicity and efficacy in humans. Multi-organ microphysiological systems (MPS) are considered as alternative models which can simulate diseases and evaluate the efficacy and safety of drug candidates, but accuracy in organ scaling and flow rates is crucial.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Daniel Vera, Maria Garcia-Diaz, Nuria Torras, Mar Alvarez, Rosa Villa, Elena Martinez
Summary: Researchers have integrated hydrogels into microfluidic setups to develop tissue barrier-on-chips that accurately account for different cellular and acellular compartments, including the cellular components and functionality of in vivo tissues. These platforms have the potential to greatly improve the predictive capacities of in vitro systems in applications such as drug development or disease modeling, but face challenges in microfabrication.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Laura Giordano, Silvia Maria Mihaila, Hossein Eslami Amirabadi, Rosalinde Masereeuw
Summary: The emergence of microphysiological systems (MPSs) offers a promising approach for in vitro modeling of the gut-kidney axis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) by combining advances in tissue engineering, biofabrication, microfluidics, and biosensors. These systems can simulate the complex bidirectional gut-kidney crosstalk along with contributions from other physiological participants such as the liver and immune system, potentially overcoming limitations of animal models.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yujuan Zhu, Lingyu Sun, Yu Wang, Lijun Cai, Zhuohao Zhang, Yixuan Shang, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: In this study, a novel biomimetic 3D microphysiological lung-on-a-chip system with breathing visualization was developed. The system, inspired by the iridescence phenomenon of soap bubbles, allows for the cyclic deformation of pulmonary alveoli and real-time monitoring of cell mechanics. The research also reveals the essential role of mechanical stretching in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Giridharan Muniraj, Rachel Hui Shuen Tan, Yichen Dai, Ruige Wu, Massimo Alberti, Gopu Sriram
Summary: Researchers have developed an in vitro microphysiological platform to mimic the complex microenvironment of gingiva. The platform allows for the biofabrication of stable gingival equivalents under long-term and air-liquid interface culture with flow conditions. The platform also models a diseased state with disrupted barrier function and assesses the transmucosal permeation of oral-care formulations. The platform provides a miniaturized and integrated platform for host-material and host-microbiome applications in gingival and oral mucosa research.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cristian F. Rodriguez, Valentina Andrade-Perez, Maria Camila Vargas, Andres Mantilla-Orozco, Johann F. Osma, Luis H. Reyes, Juan C. Cruz
Summary: Microfluidics is an interdisciplinary field that combines science and engineering to design and create devices that manipulate small volumes of fluids. The main goal is to achieve precision and accuracy while minimizing the use of reagents and equipment. This article explores inexpensive alternatives for the development of microfluidic devices, such as polymers, paper, and hydrogels, as well as various manufacturing techniques including soft lithography, laser plotting, and 3D printing. The selection of materials and techniques depends on the specific requirements and applications of each device. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the alternatives for low-cost microfluidic devices, which can be utilized in pharmaceutical, chemical, food, and biomedical industries.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Savannah R. Moses, Jonathan J. Adorno, Andre F. Palmer, Jonathan W. Song
Summary: Microfabricated vessels, also known as vessels-on-a-chip, integrate microscale flow phenomena, tissue-level biomolecular transport, cell-cell interactions, and 3-D extracellular matrix environments. These models offer more physiological features compared with traditional cell culture techniques and have great potential for advancing microvascular research.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Stefan Schneider, Eduardo J. S. Bras, Oliver Schneider, Katharina Schluender, Peter Loskill
Summary: The success of microfluidic research has been largely dependent on PDMS, but its limitations have led to the exploration of PDMS-free systems, with TPE emerging as a promising alternative. A rapid and scalable fabrication method for microfluidic systems based on PC and TPE hybrid material has been developed. The resulting PC/TPE-hybrid material shows improved device handling and biocompatibility, making it suitable for various microfluidic applications.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vardhman Kumar, Sajeesh Kumar Madhurakkat Perikamana, Aleksandra Tata, Jiaul Hoque, Anna Gilpin, Purushothama Rao Tata, Shyni Varghese
Summary: The gas exchange units of the lung, called alveoli, are mechanically active during breathing and undergo deformations. The epithelial cells lining the alveoli reduce surface tension through surfactant secretion, which is influenced by mechanical cues associated with breathing. These heterogeneous mechanical cues have been linked to various physiological and pathological states. In this study, a microfluidically assisted lung cell culture model was developed to mimic the respiratory motions of the alveoli. The effects of respiratory biomechanics and strain heterogeneity on alveolar epithelial cell functions were examined. Additionally, the potential application of this platform to model lung pathogenesis and ventilator-induced lung injury was assessed.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Leyla Amirifar, Amir Shamloo, Rohollah Nasiri, Natan Roberto de Barros, Ze Zhong Wang, Bige Deniz Unluturk, Alberto Libanori, Oleksandr Ievglevskyi, Sibel Emir Diltemiz, Samuel Sances, Ilangko Balasingham, Stephanie K. Seidlits, Nureddin Ashammakhi
Summary: Recent advances in biomaterials, microfabrication, microfluidics, and cell biology have led to the development of organ-on-a-chip devices that can replicate key functions of various organs. These platforms promise to provide novel insights into physiological events, including disease mechanisms, and evaluate the impact of external interventions such as drug administration. Therefore, the neuroscience field is expected to benefit greatly from these innovative tools.
Article
Biophysics
Zaozao Chen, Jie Huang, Jing Zhang, Zikang Xu, Qiwei Li, Jun Ouyang, Yuchuan Yan, Shiqi Sun, Huan Ye, Fei Wang, Jianfeng Zhu, Zhangyan Wang, Jie Chao, Yuepu Pu, Zhongze Gu
Summary: Creating a biomimetic in vitro lung model is an important and challenging task for biomedical researchers. The existing cell culture models lack certain key physiological conditions, but this newly developed lung physiological system can simulate infection and inflammatory reactions and integrate multiple immune cells. Additionally, a microdroplet/aerosol transmission system has been designed and a deep-learning algorithm has been employed to study cell activation.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Hojjatollah Nazari, Jesus Shrestha, Vahid Yaghoubi Naei, Sajad Razavi Bazaz, Milad Sabbagh, Jean Paul Thiery, Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
Summary: Biological barriers are multicellular structures that regulate the transport of various substances. Transendothelial/epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) is a label-free method used to predict barrier properties. Integrating TEER measurement with organ-on-a-chip technology provides valuable insight into barrier behavior and enhances TEER measurement accuracy. This review discusses the applications, advantages, and future perspectives of integrating organ-on-a-chip technology with TEER measurement methods.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Philip Dalsbecker, Caroline Beck Adiels, Mattias Goksor
Summary: Physiologically relevant and broadly applicable liver cell culture platforms are crucial for drug development and disease modeling. Organ-on-a-chip systems offer promising alternatives, providing important cues such as perfusion, shear stress, and 3D cell-cell communication.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Aline Zbinden, Max Urbanczyk, Shannon L. Layland, Lucas Becker, Julia Marzi, Mariella Bosch, Peter Loskill, Garry P. Duffy, Katja Schenke-Layland
Summary: The use of biomaterials and functionalization can support pancreatic islet viability posttransplantation and reduce insulin dependence for type 1 diabetes patients. The study found that ECM proteins were differently affected by hypoxic conditions, impacting beta-cell functionality. A collagen-1 hydrogel showed protective effects on beta-cells in hypoxia, and functionalization with endothelial cells improved beta-cell response and preserved essential ECM proteins.
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Franziska Hornung, Julia Rogal, Peter Loskill, Bettina Loeffler, Stefanie Deinhardt-Emmer
Summary: Obesity affects lung function and increases susceptibility to infectious pathogens. Patients with obesity may have more severe outcomes in viral infections, but potentially have a survival advantage in bacterial infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Stefan Schneider, Eduardo J. S. Bras, Oliver Schneider, Katharina Schluender, Peter Loskill
Summary: The success of microfluidic research has been largely dependent on PDMS, but its limitations have led to the exploration of PDMS-free systems, with TPE emerging as a promising alternative. A rapid and scalable fabrication method for microfluidic systems based on PC and TPE hybrid material has been developed. The resulting PC/TPE-hybrid material shows improved device handling and biocompatibility, making it suitable for various microfluidic applications.
Article
Biology
Madalena Cipriano, Katharina Schluender, Christopher Probst, Kirstin Linke, Martin Weiss, Mona Julia Fischer, Lena Mesch, Kevin Achberger, Stefan Liebau, Marina Mesquida, Valeria Nicolini, Anneliese Schneider, Anna Maria Giusti, Stefan Kustermann, Peter Loskill
Summary: Researchers have developed a human immunocompetent Choroid-on-Chip model that mimics immune responses in the presence of immune cells, offering a potential tool for studying the interplay between the immune system and oncology. This model may provide insights into eye disorders causing visual impairment and serve as a platform for evaluating drug efficacy and toxicity mechanisms.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Kenneth M. M. Adusei, Tran B. B. Ngo, Andrea L. L. Alfonso, Ravi Lokwani, Sabrina DeStefano, Maria Karkanitsa, Jacquelyn Spathies, Stephen M. M. Goldman, Christopher L. L. Dearth, Kaitlyn N. N. Sadtler
Summary: The rat model is a crucial resource in biomedical research due to its resemblance to the human immune system. However, the lack of diverse flow cytometry antibodies for immunological profiling in rat models limits comprehensive immune analysis. To address this issue, we designed a spectral flow cytometry panel for rat models that distinguishes between different fluorophores and includes 24 immune cell markers. This panel expands the scope of previous rat panels and provides a tool for scientists to study the immune system in homeostasis and injury.
CELLS TISSUES ORGANS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tanvi Shroff, Kehinde Aina, Christian Maass, Madalena Cipriano, Joeri Lambrecht, Frank Tacke, Alexander Mosig, Peter Loskill
Summary: Non-clinical models for studying metabolism have limitations in terms of species translatability and predictability. Organ-on-chip systems, specifically multi-organ chips, provide a species-specific platform for studying metabolism and can be integrated with in silico models to enhance predictive power. This technology also has potential for translational applications and personalized medicine.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Julia Rogal, Julia Roosz, Claudia Teufel, Madalena Cipriano, Raylin Xu, Wiebke Eisler, Martin Weiss, Katja Schenke-Layland, Peter Loskill
Summary: Obesity and associated diseases have become epidemic globally. Researchers have developed a microphysiological in vitro model of human white adipose tissue, leveraging Organ-on-Chip technology, which can recapitulate crucial adipose tissue functions and offers advantages such as low inter-donor variability and controllability, making it a valuable tool for metabolism research and personalized medicine applications.
Article
Oncology
Julia Marzi, Matthias B. Stope, Melanie Henes, Andre Koch, Thomas Wenzel, Myriam Holl, Shannon L. Layland, Felix Neis, Hans Boesmueller, Felix Ruoff, Markus Templin, Bernhard Kraemer, Annette Staebler, Jakob Barz, Daniel A. Carvajal Berrio, Markus Enderle, Peter M. Loskill, Sara Y. Brucker, Katja Schenke-Layland, Martin Weiss
Summary: The study characterized the use of noninvasive physical plasma (NIPP) as a treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and conducted a prospective trial, which showed a success rate of 95% in treating CIN1/2 patients with NIPP without significant post-intervention complications.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Oliver Schneider, Alessia Moruzzi, Stefanie Fuchs, Alina Grobel, Henrike S. Schulze, Torsten Mayr, Peter Loskill
Summary: Over the past decade, Organ-on-Chip (OoC) has emerged as a promising technology for advanced in vitro models that mimic key physiological cues. A novel concept using spheroids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells is presented for cell injection and tissue generation, allowing for large-scale production of uniform-sized spheroids. These spheroids are then transported and accumulated in dogbone-shaped tissue chambers, where they fuse and form aligned, contracting cardiac muscle fibers. The study also demonstrates electrical stimulation capabilities using fluidic media connectors as electrodes and incorporates optical O2 sensor spots into resin-based microfluidic systems for in situ determination of O2 partial pressures. Overall, this system provides a blueprint for integrating biophysical stimulation and probing capabilities in advanced Organ-on-Chip technology, facilitating the facile and robust generation of high-density microtissues that can be scaled-up and automated.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ulgu Arslan, Alessia Moruzzi, Joanna Nowacka, Christine L. Mummery, Dominik Eckardt, Peter Loskill, Valeria V. Orlova
Summary: Models of heart disease and drug responses are shifting towards the use of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) due to their superior ability to capture human heart (dys-)function compared to animal models. However, simple monolayer cultures of hPSC-derived cardiomyocytes have limitations. This review discusses the strategies for overcoming these limitations by using more complex and multi cell-type models in 3D, as well as efforts to develop readouts and sensors for monitoring tissue- and cell physiology.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Julia Rogal, Katharina Schluender, Peter Loskill
Summary: This paper presents the development process of organ-on-chip research, covering various key stages from the initial idea to the final application. By summarizing the experiences and findings of developers, it provides a conceptual guide for the holistic development of organ-on-chip models.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Alessia Moruzzi, Tanvi Shroff, Silke Keller, Peter Loskill, Madalena Cipriano
Summary: OoC technology combines biology and engineering principles to create new in vitro models, requiring interdisciplinary collaboration. A questionnaire was used to evaluate training aspects and identify stakeholders, professional levels, and specific skillsets. The respondents agreed on the need to train the next generation of OoC researchers early and in interdisciplinary subjects throughout their careers.
EDUCATION SCIENCES
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Max Urbanczyk, Aline Zbinden, Shannon L. Layland, Lucas Becker, Julia Marzi, Mariella Bosch, Peter Loskill, Garry P. Duffy, Katja Schenke-Layland
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Daniel Alejandro Carvajal Berrio, Aline Zbinden, Max Urbanczyk, Shannon L. Layland, Mariella Bosch, Sandro Fliri, Chuan-En Lu, Abiramy Jeyagaran, Peter Loskill, Garry P. Duffy, Katja Schenke-Layland
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)