Biomimetic vascularized platforms for tissue engineering applications

Microfluidic vascularized platforms simulate biological environments for tissue engineering by creating 3D models with vascular networks. These platforms use polymers and hydrogels to study cell interactions, transport phenomena, and drug effects, enhancing physiological relevance over traditional cultures.

Background

Microfluidic technology is a significant advancement in the field of tissue engineering, offering the potential to create more physiologically relevant in vitro models. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures have long been used for studying cellular behaviors and drug responses, but they fail to replicate the complex three-dimensional (3D) architecture and dynamic microenvironment of living tissues. This limitation has driven the development of microfluidic platforms that can simulate the intricate interactions between cells and their surroundings, providing a more accurate representation of in vivo conditions. These platforms are particularly valuable for studying diseases such as cancer, where the microenvironment plays a crucial role in disease progression and response to therapies.

Despite the promise of microfluidic platforms, current approaches face several challenges that hinder their widespread adoption. Many existing platforms rely on complex fabrication techniques that require specialized equipment and expertise, making them inaccessible to many researchers. Additionally, the scalability of these platforms is often limited, preventing the creation of large-scale tissue models necessary for high-throughput screening. The materials used, such as fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) tubing, can impose constraints on the design, limiting the ability to customize the platform for specific applications. Moreover, the integration of live cell imaging with microfluidic systems can be problematic due to optical clarity issues, further complicating the study of dynamic cellular processes. These challenges highlight the need for more versatile and user-friendly microfluidic systems that can be easily adapted to various research needs.

Technology description

Microfluidic vascularized platforms in this technology are crafted by casting a polymer solution like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) onto a base mold with chambers and rods. Once solidified, the mold is bonded to a surface, typically glass. An extracellular matrix hydrogel, often containing collagen, is inserted into the chamber, and the rods are removed to create channels. These channels can be populated with various cell types, such as endothelial cells, to form a vascular network.

The platforms allow for the study of cell interactions, transport phenomena, and the effects of therapeutic agents, providing a more realistic model compared to traditional two-dimensional cultures. The design supports multiple channels and chambers, enabling complex tissue models that mimic the architecture and function of in vivo systems.

What differentiates this technology is its ability to create physiologically representative three-dimensional models that offer insights into the dynamic intricacies of disease pathology. Unlike traditional two-dimensional cultures, these platforms simulate cell-cell and cell-matrix signaling, transport studies, and the impact of mechanical and chemical gradients on cellular response. They provide a controlled environment to study the influence of the microenvironment on human disease and tissue development. Additionally, the platforms offer a cost-effective alternative to animal studies, allowing for the optimization of therapeutics by enabling long-term cell culture and investigation of flow and transport on dynamic cellular interactions. This makes them invaluable in cancer biology studies, particularly in examining tumor progression and drug uptake.

Benefits

Simulates biological environments for tissue engineering applications
Provides a more physiologically relevant model compared to traditional two-dimensional cultures
Enables study of cell interactions, transport phenomena, and effects of therapeutic agents
Allows incorporation of multiple channels and chambers for complex tissue models
Mimics architecture and function of in vivo systems
Facilitates long-term cell culture and investigation of flow and transport on dynamic cellular interactions
Promotes cell growth and migration, useful in cancer biology studies
Offers a high-throughput and inexpensive alternative to animal testing
Enables optimization of therapeutic and diagnostic agents
Supports creation of patient-specific vascularized tissues for personalized diagnostics and therapeutics