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Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Sep 2023: is a prevalent bacterium capable of inducing various infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and surgical site... (Review)
Review
: is a prevalent bacterium capable of inducing various infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and surgical site infections. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance in , particularly methicillin-resistant , has raised substantial concerns within global healthcare settings. Prior to antibiotic prescription, the ideal approach is antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST); however, this is frequently perceived as excessively complex and time-intensive. Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology holds promise in addressing these challenges and advancing fundamental microbiological research while also aiding in the development of therapeutic strategies. This systematic review aims to evaluate the potential utility of LOC for AST of . : This study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Various databases, including SCOPUS, PubMed/MEDLINE, SCIELO, and LILACS, in addition to gray literature sources, were employed in the review process. : Sixteen studies were included in this systematic review. All these studies detailed the effectiveness, rapidity, and predictability of LOC systems for assessing susceptibility to various antibiotics. When comparing the LOC approach to traditional manual methods, it was evident that LOC requires a minimal quantity of reagents. Furthermore, most studies reported that the entire LOC procedure took 10 min to 7 h, with results being equally accurate as those obtained through traditional AST protocols. : The potential application of LOC for AST of is emphasized by its ability to provide rapid access to minimum inhibitory concentration data, which can substantially aid in selecting the most suitable antibiotics and dosages for treating challenging infections caused by this microorganism. Moreover, the rapid AST facilitated by LOC holds promise for enhancing the appropriateness and efficacy of therapy in clinical settings.
Topics: Humans; Staphylococcus aureus; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Staphylococcal Infections; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
PubMed: 37893437
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101719 -
Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering Jul 2021Modeling immunity in vitro has the potential to be a powerful tool for investigating fundamental biological questions, informing therapeutics and vaccines, and providing...
Modeling immunity in vitro has the potential to be a powerful tool for investigating fundamental biological questions, informing therapeutics and vaccines, and providing new insight into disease progression. There are two major elements to immunity that are necessary to model: primary immune tissues and peripheral tissues with immune components. Here, we systematically review progress made along three strategies to modeling immunity: ex vivo cultures, which preserve native tissue structure; microfluidic devices, which constitute a versatile approach to providing physiologically relevant fluid flow and environmental control; and engineered tissues, which provide precise control of the 3D microenvironment and biophysical cues. While many models focus on disease modeling, more primary immune tissue models are necessary to advance the field. Moving forward, we anticipate that the expansion of patient-specific models may inform why immunity varies from patient to patient and allow for the rapid comprehension and treatment of emerging diseases, such as coronavirus disease 2019.
Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Animals; Biophysics; COVID-19; Humans; Immune System; Immunity, Innate; In Vitro Techniques; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; Lymphocytes; Macrophages; Mice; Microfluidics; SARS-CoV-2; Thymus Gland; Tissue Array Analysis; Tissue Engineering
PubMed: 33872520
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-082420-124920 -
Gels (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Organs-on-a-chip (OoCs) are microfluidic devices constituted by PDMS or hydrogel in which different layers of cells are separated by a semipermeable membrane. This... (Review)
Review
Organs-on-a-chip (OoCs) are microfluidic devices constituted by PDMS or hydrogel in which different layers of cells are separated by a semipermeable membrane. This technology can set many parameters, like fluid shear stress, chemical concentration gradient, tissue-organ interface, and cell interaction. The use of these devices in medical research permits the investigation of cell patterning, tissue-material interface, and organ-organ interaction, mimicking the complex structures and microenvironment of human and animal bodies. This technology allows us to reconstitute in vitro complex conditions that recapitulate in vivo environments. One of the main advantages of these systems is that they represent a very realistic model that, in many cases, can replace animal experimentation, eliminating costs and related ethical issues. Organ-on-a-chip can also contain bacteria or cancer cells. This technology could be beneficial in dentistry for testing novel antibacterial substances and biomaterials, performing studies on inflammatory disease, or planning preclinical studies. A significant number of publications and reviews have been published on this topic. Still, to our knowledge, they mainly focus on the materials used for fabrication and the different patterns of the chip applied to the experimentations. This review presents the most recent applications of organ-on-a-chip models in dentistry, starting from the reconstituted dental tissues to their clinical applications and future perspectives.
PubMed: 38391432
DOI: 10.3390/gels10020102 -
American Journal of Physiology. Heart... Apr 2021Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process starting with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation and eventually leading to life-threatening arterial plaques. Exercise...
Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process starting with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation and eventually leading to life-threatening arterial plaques. Exercise generally improves endothelial function in a dose-dependent manner by altering hemodynamics, specifically by increased arterial pressure, pulsatility, and shear stress. However, athletes who regularly participate in high-intensity training can develop arterial plaques, suggesting alternative mechanisms through which excessive exercise promotes vascular disease. Understanding the mechanisms that drive atherosclerosis in sedentary versus exercise states may lead to novel rehabilitative methods aimed at improving exercise compliance and physical activity. Preclinical tools, including in vitro cell assays, in vivo animal models, and in silico computational methods, broaden our capabilities to study the mechanisms through which exercise impacts atherogenesis, from molecular maladaptation to vascular remodeling. Here, we describe how preclinical research tools have and can be used to study exercise effects on atherosclerosis. We then propose how advanced bioengineering techniques can be used to address gaps in our current understanding of vascular pathophysiology, including integrating in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies across multiple tissue systems and size scales. Improving our understanding of the antiatherogenic exercise effects will enable engaging, targeted, and individualized exercise recommendations to promote cardiovascular health rather than treating cardiovascular disease that results from a sedentary lifestyle.
Topics: Animals; Arteries; Atherosclerosis; Bioengineering; Cells, Cultured; Computer Simulation; Disease Models, Animal; Endothelium, Vascular; Exercise Therapy; Hemodynamics; Humans; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; Models, Cardiovascular; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Sedentary Behavior
PubMed: 33385323
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00719.2020 -
Bioengineering & Translational Medicine Mar 2024The aim of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is to select the high-quality sperm, oocytes, and embryos, and finally achieve a successful pregnancy. However,... (Review)
Review
The aim of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is to select the high-quality sperm, oocytes, and embryos, and finally achieve a successful pregnancy. However, functional evaluation is hindered by intra- and inter-operator variability. Microfluidic chips emerge as the one of the most powerful tools to analyze biological samples for reduced size, precise control, and flexible extension. Herein, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore databases until March 2023. We displayed and prospected all detection strategies based on microfluidics in the ART field. After full-text screening, 71 studies were identified as eligible for inclusion. The percentages of human and mouse studies equaled with 31.5%. The prominent country in terms of publication number was the USA ( = 13). Polydimethylsiloxane ( = 49) and soft lithography ( = 28) were the most commonly used material and fabrication method, respectively. All articles were classified into three types: sperm ( = 38), oocytes ( = 20), and embryos ( = 13). The assessment contents included motility, counting, mechanics, permeability, impedance, secretion, oxygen consumption, and metabolism. Collectively, the microfluidic chip technology facilitates more efficient, accurate, and objective evaluation in ART. It can even be combined with artificial intelligence to assist the daily activities of embryologists. More well-designed clinical studies and affordable integrated microfluidic chips are needed to validate the safety, efficacy, and reproducibility. Trial registration: The protocol was registered in the Open Science Frame REGISTRIES (identification: osf.io/6rv4a).
PubMed: 38435817
DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10625 -
Journal of Nanobiotechnology Dec 2021Tailoring extracellular vesicles (EVs) can bequeath them with diverse functions and efficient performance in nano-biotechnology. Engineering and modification of EVs...
BACKGROUND
Tailoring extracellular vesicles (EVs) can bequeath them with diverse functions and efficient performance in nano-biotechnology. Engineering and modification of EVs improves the targeted drug delivery efficiency. Here, we performed systematic review of various methods for EVs modifications.
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched for available articles on EVs modifications (up to March 2021). In total, 1208 articles were identified and assessed, and then only 36 articles were found eligible and included.
RESULTS
Six studies demonstrate the application of click chemistry, seven studies used co-incubation, two studies used chemical transfection, four studies implicated electroporation and sonication approach for modification of EVs. Moreover, two studies utilized microfluidics as suitable approach for loading cargo into EVs, while eight studies showed freeze-thaw method as feasible for these biological nanoparticles.
CONCLUSION
Freeze-thaw approach is found to be convenient and popular among researchers for performing modifications in EVs for the purpose of targeted drug delivery loading. Clinical-grade EVs production with good clinical practices (GCPs) is challenging in the current scenario. More studies are needed to determine the best suitable approach for cargo loading of EVs that may be exploited for research and therapeutic use.
Topics: Click Chemistry; Cryopreservation; Drug Delivery Systems; Electroporation; Extracellular Vesicles; Genetic Engineering; Liposomes; Microfluidics; Nanoparticles; Sonication
PubMed: 34965878
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01219-2 -
Scientific African Sep 2023The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus's worldwide pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for reliable, quick, and affordable...
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus's worldwide pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for reliable, quick, and affordable diagnostic tests for comprehending and controlling the epidemic by tracking the world population. Given how crucial it is to monitor and manage the pandemic, researchers have recently concentrated on creating quick detection techniques. Although PCR is still the preferred clinical diagnostic test, there is a pressing need for substitutes that are sufficiently rapid and cost-effective to provide a diagnosis at the time of use. The creation of a quick and simple POC equipment is necessary for home testing. Our review's goal is to provide an overview of the many methods utilized to identify SARS-CoV 2 in various samples utilizing portable devices, as well as any potential applications for smartphones in epidemiological research and detection. The point of care (POC) employs a range of microfluidic biosensors based on smartphones, including molecular sensors, immunological biosensors, hybrid biosensors, and imaging biosensors. For example, a number of tools have been created for the diagnosis of COVID-19, based on various theories. Integrated portable devices can be created using loop-mediated isothermal amplification, which combines isothermal amplification methods with colorimetric detection. Electrochemical approaches have been regarded as a potential substitute for optical sensing techniques that utilize fluorescence for detection and as being more beneficial to the Minimizing and simplicity of the tools used for detection, together with techniques that can amplify DNA or RNA under constant temperature conditions, without the need for repeated heating and cooling cycles. Many research have used smartphones for virus detection and data visualization, making these techniques more user-friendly and broadly distributed throughout nations. Overall, our research provides a review of different novel, non-invasive, affordable, and efficient methods for identifying COVID-19 contagious infected people and halting the disease's transmission.
PubMed: 37351482
DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2023.e01757 -
Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine :... Apr 2024The differences between existing preclinical models and the tumor microenvironment in vivo are one of the significant challenges hindering cancer therapy development.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The differences between existing preclinical models and the tumor microenvironment in vivo are one of the significant challenges hindering cancer therapy development. Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTO) can highly retain tumor heterogeneity. Thus, it provides a more reliable platform for research in tumor biology, new drug screening, and precision medicine.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review to summarise the characteristics of the existing preclinical models, the advantages of patient-derived tumor organoids in reconstructing the tumor microenvironment, and the latest research progress. Moreover, this study deciphers organoid culture technology in the clinical precision treatment of head and neck cancer to achieve better transformation. Studies were identified through a comprehensive search of Ovid MEDLINE (Wolters Kluwer), PubMed (National Library of Medicine), web of Science (Thomson Reuters) and, Scopus (Elsevier) databases, without publication date or language restrictions.
RESULTS
In tumor development, the interaction between cellular and non-cellular components in the tumor microenvironment (TME) has a crucial role. Co-culture, Air-liquid interface culture, microfluidics, and decellularized matrix have depicted great potential in reconstructing the tumor microenvironment and simulating tumor genesis, development, and metastasis.
CONCLUSION
An accurate determination of stromal cells, immune cells, and extracellular matrix can be achieved by reconstructing the head and neck cancer tumor microenvironment using the PDTO model. Moreover, the interaction between head and neck cancer cells can also play an essential role in implementing the individualized precision treatment of head and neck cancer.
Topics: Humans; Tumor Microenvironment; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Organoids; Databases, Factual; Extracellular Matrix
PubMed: 38561906
DOI: 10.1111/jop.13532 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2021Today there are many devices that can be used to study blood clotting disorders by identifying abnormalities in blood platelets. The Total Thrombus Formation Analysis...
BACKGROUND
Today there are many devices that can be used to study blood clotting disorders by identifying abnormalities in blood platelets. The Total Thrombus Formation Analysis System is an automated microchip flow chamber system that is used for the quantitative analysis of clot formation under blood flow conditions. For several years, researchers have been using a tool to analyse various clinical situations of patients to identify the properties and biochemical processes occurring within platelets and their microenvironment.
METHODS
An investigation of recent published literature was conducted based on PRISMA. This review includes 52 science papers directly related to the use of the Total Clot Formation Analysis System in relation to bleeding, surgery, platelet function assessment, anticoagulation monitoring, von Willebrand factor and others.
CONCLUSION
Most available studies indicate that The Total Thrombus Formation Analysis System may be useful in diagnostic issues, with devices used to monitor therapy or as a significant tool for predicting bleeding events. However, T-TAS not that has the potential for diagnostic indications, but allows the direct observation of the flow and the interactions between blood cells, including the intensity and dynamics of clot formation. The device is expected to be of significant value for basic research to observe the interactions and changes within platelets and their microenvironment.
Topics: Blood Coagulation; Blood Platelets; Humans; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; Microfluidics; Thrombosis
PubMed: 34445311
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168605 -
Small (Weinheim An Der Bergstrasse,... Mar 2020Vascularization of engineered tissue constructs remains one of the greatest unmet challenges to mimicking the native tissue microenvironment in vitro. The main obstacle...
Vascularization of engineered tissue constructs remains one of the greatest unmet challenges to mimicking the native tissue microenvironment in vitro. The main obstacle is recapitulating the complexity of the physiological environment while providing simplicity in operation and manipulation of the model. Microfluidic technology has emerged as a promising tool that enables perfusion of the tissue constructs through engineered vasculatures and precise control of the vascular microenvironment cues in vitro. The tunable microenvironment includes i) biochemical cues such as coculture, supporting matrix, and growth factors and ii) engineering aspects such as vasculature engineering methods, fluid flow, and shear stress. In this systematic review, the design considerations of the microfluidic-based in vitro model are discussed, with an emphasis on microenvironment control to enhance the development of next-generation vascularized engineered tissues.
Topics: Coculture Techniques; Humans; Microfluidics; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Tissue Engineering
PubMed: 31913580
DOI: 10.1002/smll.201905055