Improvement of HepG2/C3a cell functions in a microfluidic biochip

Area of Science:

• Tissue Engineering
• Microtechnology
• In Vitro Toxicology

Background:

• Microfluidic biochips offer advanced in vitro investigation capabilities.
• HepG2/C3a cells are a relevant model for hepatic studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate HepG2/C3a cell behavior and hepatic metabolism in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic biochip.
• To assess the utility of microfluidic biochips for xenobiotic metabolism and toxicity studies.

Main Methods:

• Culturing HepG2/C3a cells in a PDMS microfluidic biochip with perfusion.
• Performing transcriptomic analysis (Affymetrix GeneChip) and biotransformation assays (EROD).

Main Results:

• Cell culture in the biochip showed delayed growth but maintained hepatic functions (glucose/glutamine consumption, albumin synthesis).
• Significant differential gene expression was observed, with up-regulation of Phase I (CYP enzymes), Phase II (SULT, UGT), and Phase III (MDR1, MRP2) xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes.
• Increased CYP1A1/2 activity was confirmed via EROD assay.

Conclusions:

• Microfluidic biochips support 3D cell organization and maintain key hepatic metabolic functions.
• These biochips are promising tools for in vitro prediction of xenobiotic metabolism, cell toxicity, and clearance.