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Open Fluidics: A Cell Culture Flow System Developed Over Wettability Contrast-Based Chips
Nuno M Oliveira1,2, Rui L Reis1,2, João F Mano1,2
13B's Research Group - Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco GMR, Portugal.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|October 17, 2017
Summary
This study introduces a novel open fluidics cell culture flow system. It enhances osteoblast differentiation by combining shear stress with BMP-2, showing synergistic effects on cell behavior.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Biological tissues experience mechanical forces, particularly shear stress from fluid flow, influencing cell behavior.
- Understanding flow-induced cellular responses is crucial for cardiovascular, cancer, stem cell, and bone biology.
- Existing cell culture flow (CCF) systems like parallel plate flow chambers (PPFC) and microfluidics have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and validate an original CCF system based on open fluidics.
- To investigate the synergistic effect of mechanical shear stress and bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) on osteogenic differentiation.
- To demonstrate the system's utility in studying mechanobiology.
Main Methods:
- Developed an open fluidics CCF system using a superhydrophobic platform with hydrophilic paths for liquid confinement.
- Utilized wettability contrast to control fluid flow without physical walls.
- Studied the osteogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblast cells under combined shear stress and BMP-2 stimulation.
Main Results:
- The novel CCF system successfully controlled fluid flow based on wettability.
- A synergistic effect was observed between shear stress and BMP-2, significantly enhancing osteoblast differentiation.
- Enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity confirmed the osteogenic differentiation, validating the system's efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The proposed open fluidics CCF system offers a new approach for studying cell mechanobiology.
- This system integrates advantages of both PPFC and microfluidic systems.
- The findings highlight the potential of combining mechanical stimuli with biochemical factors for targeted cell differentiation.
