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Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology Jul 2023Microfluidics opened the possibility to model the physiological environment by controlling fluids flows, and therefore nutrients supply. It allows to integrate external... (Review)
Review
Microfluidics opened the possibility to model the physiological environment by controlling fluids flows, and therefore nutrients supply. It allows to integrate external stimuli such as electricals or mechanicals and in situ monitoring important parameters such as pH, oxygen and metabolite concentrations. Organoids are self-organized 3D organ-like clusters, which allow to closely model original organ functionalities. Applying microfluidics to organoids allows to generate powerful human models for studying organ development, diseases, and drug testing. In this review, after a brief introduction on microfluidics, organoids and organoids-on-a-chip are described by organs (brain, heart, gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas) highlighting the microfluidic approaches since this point of view was overlooked in previously published reviews. Indeed, the review aims to discuss from a different point of view, primary microfluidics, the available literature on organoids-on-a-chip, standing out from the published literature by focusing on each specific organ.
Topics: Humans; Microfluidics; Microphysiological Systems; Organoids; Heart
PubMed: 36241560
DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.10.001 -
Nature Biotechnology Nov 2023Current single-cell RNA-sequencing approaches have limitations that stem from the microfluidic devices or fluid handling steps required for sample processing. We develop...
Current single-cell RNA-sequencing approaches have limitations that stem from the microfluidic devices or fluid handling steps required for sample processing. We develop a method that does not require specialized microfluidic devices, expertise or hardware. Our approach is based on particle-templated emulsification, which allows single-cell encapsulation and barcoding of cDNA in uniform droplet emulsions with only a vortexer. Particle-templated instant partition sequencing (PIP-seq) accommodates a wide range of emulsification formats, including microwell plates and large-volume conical tubes, enabling thousands of samples or millions of cells to be processed in minutes. We demonstrate that PIP-seq produces high-purity transcriptomes in mouse-human mixing studies, is compatible with multiomics measurements and can accurately characterize cell types in human breast tissue compared to a commercial microfluidic platform. Single-cell transcriptional profiling of mixed phenotype acute leukemia using PIP-seq reveals the emergence of heterogeneity within chemotherapy-resistant cell subsets that were hidden by standard immunophenotyping. PIP-seq is a simple, flexible and scalable next-generation workflow that extends single-cell sequencing to new applications.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Microfluidics; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Single-Cell Analysis; Genomics; Transcriptome
PubMed: 36879006
DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01685-z -
The Analyst Sep 2023Implantable microfluidics involves integrating microfluidic functionalities into implantable devices, such as medical implants or bioelectronic devices, revolutionizing... (Review)
Review
Implantable microfluidics involves integrating microfluidic functionalities into implantable devices, such as medical implants or bioelectronic devices, revolutionizing healthcare by enabling personalized and precise diagnostics, targeted drug delivery, and regeneration of targeted tissues or organs. The impact of implantable microfluidics depends heavily on advancements in both methods and applications. Despite significant progress in the past two decades, continuous advancements are still required in fluidic control and manipulation, device miniaturization and integration, biosafety considerations, as well as the development of various application scenarios to address a wide range of healthcare issues. In this review, we discuss advancements in implantable microfluidics, focusing on methods and applications. Regarding methods, we discuss progress made in fluid manipulation, device fabrication, and biosafety considerations in implantable microfluidics. In terms of applications, we review advancements in using implantable microfluidics for drug delivery, diagnostics, tissue engineering, and energy harvesting. The purpose of this review is to expand research ideas for the development of novel implantable microfluidic devices for various healthcare applications.
Topics: Microfluidics; Drug Delivery Systems; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; Miniaturization; Prostheses and Implants
PubMed: 37698090
DOI: 10.1039/d3an00981e -
Current Opinion in Hematology May 2024This review summarizes innovations in vascular microphysiological systems (MPS) and discusses the themes that have emerged from recent works. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review summarizes innovations in vascular microphysiological systems (MPS) and discusses the themes that have emerged from recent works.
RECENT FINDINGS
Vascular MPS are increasing in complexity and ability to replicate tissue. Many labs use vascular MPS to study transport phenomena such as analyzing endothelial barrier function. Beyond vascular permeability, these models are also being used for pharmacological studies, including drug distribution and toxicity modeling. In part, these studies are made possible due to exciting advances in organ-specific models. Inflammatory processes have also been modeled by incorporating immune cells, with the ability to explore both cell migration and function. Finally, as methods for generating vascular MPS flourish, many researchers have turned their attention to incorporating flow to more closely recapitulate in vivo conditions.
SUMMARY
These models represent many different types of tissue and disease states. Some devices have relatively simple geometry and few cell types, while others use complex, multicompartmental microfluidics and integrate several cell types and origins. These 3D models enable us to observe model evolution in real time and perform a plethora of functional assays not possible using traditional cell culture methods.
Topics: Humans; Microphysiological Systems; Microfluidics; Cell Culture Techniques
PubMed: 38236999
DOI: 10.1097/MOH.0000000000000802 -
Nature Microbiology Apr 2024Research on microbial pathogens has traditionally relied on animal and cell culture models to mimic infection processes in the host. Over recent years, developments in... (Review)
Review
Research on microbial pathogens has traditionally relied on animal and cell culture models to mimic infection processes in the host. Over recent years, developments in microfluidics and bioengineering have led to organ-on-chip (OoC) technologies. These microfluidic systems create conditions that are more physiologically relevant and can be considered humanized in vitro models. Here we review various OoC models and how they have been applied for infectious disease research. We outline the properties that make them valuable tools in microbiology, such as dynamic microenvironments, vascularization, near-physiological tissue constitutions and partial integration of functional immune cells, as well as their limitations. Finally, we discuss the prospects for OoCs and their potential role in future infectious disease research.
Topics: Animals; Microfluidics; Communicable Diseases
PubMed: 38528150
DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01645-6 -
Current Opinion in Biotechnology Jun 2024Enzymes are widely used as catalysts in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. While successful in many situations, they must usually be adapted to operate... (Review)
Review
Enzymes are widely used as catalysts in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. While successful in many situations, they must usually be adapted to operate efficiently under nonnatural conditions. Enzyme engineering allows the creation of novel enzymes that are stable at elevated temperatures or have higher activities and selectivities. Current enzyme engineering techniques require the production and testing of enzyme variant libraries to identify members with desired attributes. Unfortunately, traditional screening methods cannot screen such large mutagenesis libraries in a robust and timely manner. Droplet-based microfluidic systems can produce, process, and sort picoliter droplets at kilohertz rates and have emerged as powerful tools for library screening and thus enzyme engineering. We describe how droplet-based microfluidics has been used to advance directed evolution.
Topics: Directed Molecular Evolution; Microfluidics; Enzymes; Protein Engineering
PubMed: 38430713
DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103097 -
Biosensors Aug 2023Biosensors are a promising tool for a wide variety of target analyte detection and enable point-of-care diagnostics with reduced volume and space [...].
Biosensors are a promising tool for a wide variety of target analyte detection and enable point-of-care diagnostics with reduced volume and space [...].
Topics: Microfluidics; Point-of-Care Testing
PubMed: 37754077
DOI: 10.3390/bios13090843 -
Current Opinion in Biotechnology Aug 2023Relying on the biological responses and activity of living cells, bioluminescent whole-cell biosensors generate an optical signal in response to the presence of target... (Review)
Review
Relying on the biological responses and activity of living cells, bioluminescent whole-cell biosensors generate an optical signal in response to the presence of target compounds. The miniaturization of low-light detectors and their integration with microfluidics have allowed the realization of portable devices for sensitive imaging and quantification of these signals. This review thus focuses on bioluminescence-based whole-cell biosensors, integrated with handheld optical detectors, with an emphasis on the use of the low-light imaging capability of modern smartphones. We highlight state-of-the-art miniaturization techniques applied to the incorporation of living cells into diverse hardware platforms, and to the sensitive recording of the biologically generated photons. The integration of sample introduction, host-cell activity maintenance, luminescence acquisition, data processing/presentation, and portability are also discussed.
Topics: Microfluidics; Biosensing Techniques; Luminescence
PubMed: 37263105
DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102952 -
Biofabrication Dec 2023Intercellular communication is critical to the understanding of human health and disease progression. However, compared to traditional methods with inefficient analysis,... (Review)
Review
Intercellular communication is critical to the understanding of human health and disease progression. However, compared to traditional methods with inefficient analysis, microfluidic co-culture technologies developed for cell-cell communication research can reliably analyze crucial biological processes, such as cell signaling, and monitor dynamic intercellular interactions under reproducible physiological cell co-culture conditions. Moreover, microfluidic-based technologies can achieve precise spatial control of two cell types at the single-cell level with high throughput. Herein, this review focuses on recent advances in microfluidic-based 2D and 3D devices developed to confine two or more heterogeneous cells in the study of intercellular communication and decipher the advantages and limitations of these models in specific cellular research scenarios. This review will stimulate the development of more functionalized microfluidic platforms for biomedical research, inspiring broader interests across various disciplines to better comprehend cell-cell communication and other fields, such as tumor heterogeneity and drug screening.
Topics: Humans; Microfluidics; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; Cell Communication; Neoplasms; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 38035370
DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad1116 -
Drug Discovery Today Apr 2024This review highlights the transformative impact of microfluidic technology on personalized drug delivery. Microfluidics addresses issues in traditional drug synthesis,... (Review)
Review
This review highlights the transformative impact of microfluidic technology on personalized drug delivery. Microfluidics addresses issues in traditional drug synthesis, providing precise control and scalability in nanoparticle fabrication, and microfluidic platforms show high potential for versatility, offering patient-specific dosing and real-time monitoring capabilities, all integrated into wearable technology. Covalent conjugation of antibodies to nanoparticles improves bioactivity, driving innovations in drug targeting. The integration of microfluidics with sensor technologies and artificial intelligence facilitates real-time feedback and autonomous adaptation in drug delivery systems. Key challenges, such as droplet polydispersity and fluidic handling, along with future directions focusing on scalability and reliability, are essential considerations in advancing microfluidics for personalized drug delivery.
Topics: Humans; Microfluidics; Artificial Intelligence; Reproducibility of Results; Drug Delivery Systems; Wearable Electronic Devices
PubMed: 38428803
DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103936