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The Multi-organ Chip - A Microfluidic Platform for Long-term Multi-tissue Coculture
Published on: April 28, 2015
Application of multiple parallel perfused microbioreactors and three-dimensional stem cell culture for toxicity
1Department of Engineering Science, Oxford University, Oxford, UK. zhanfeng.cui@eng.ox.ac.uk
Summary
A new TissueFlex microbioreactor platform enables controlled 3D cell culture for drug testing. This advanced system provides a standardized alternative for evaluating chemical toxicity and efficacy, differing significantly from traditional 2D methods.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Developing advanced cell culture models is crucial for accurate drug evaluation and toxicity testing.
- Existing methods often lack the physiological relevance and controlled environment needed for reliable results.
- Mid-throughput, parallel cell culture systems are required for efficient screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the TissueFlex microbioreactor platform for mid-throughput, parallel cell and tissue culture.
- To assess the feasibility of using 3D human bone marrow cell (hBMCs) constructs in TissueFlex for drug efficacy and toxicity testing.
- To compare the results from 3D cultures with traditional 2D monolayer cultures.
Main Methods:
- Development of the TissueFlex multiple parallel perfused microbioreactor platform.
- Culture of hBMCs in 3D scaffolds and 2D monolayers within the microbioreactors for up to 7 days.
- Evaluation of scaffolding materials for cell support and optical assay compatibility.
- Drug challenge with trimethoprim and pyrimethamine.
- Assessment of cytotoxicity using AlamarBlue assay.
- Monitoring of cell morphology and survival using 3D optical imaging (multiphoton microscopy).
Main Results:
- The TissueFlex platform demonstrated a controlled and uniform cell culture environment.
- Significant differences were observed in the effects of tested chemicals on cell growth between 3D and 2D cultures.
- The 3D hBMCs model in TissueFlex proved effective for drug evaluation and toxicity testing.
- Non-destructive 3D optical imaging allowed monitoring of spatial variations in cell morphology and survival.
Conclusions:
- The TissueFlex microbioreactor technology offers a highly controlled and prolonged cell culture environment suitable for drug and chemical testing.
- 3D stem cell-based model tissues cultured in TissueFlex provide a standardized and efficient alternative testing method.
- This platform has significant potential for advancing drug discovery and toxicological assessments.
