3D-Bioprinted Hepar-on-a-Chip Implanted in Graphene-Based Plasmonic Sensors

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• 3D bioprinting enables complex cell culture models, but lacks real-time monitoring tools.
• Existing bioinks often lack integrated sensors for accurate in situ detection.
• Understanding disease progression and drug efficacy requires effective in situ cell performance tracking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 3D-bioprinted hepar-on-a-chip with integrated plasmonic sensors.
• To enable real-time detection of liver function and biomarkers.
• To create a robust platform for monitoring liver injury.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D-bioprinted hepar-on-a-chip.
• Integration of graphene quantum dot-capped gold nanoparticle-based plasmonic sensors.
• Utilizing surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for detection.
• Assessing liver function protein secretion and gene expression.
• On-site detection of glutathione transferase α (GST-α).

Main Results:

• The integrated hepar-on-a-chip showed high capability in detecting liver function proteins and gene expression.
• Successful on-site detection of GST-α biomarker was achieved using the plasmonic probe.
• The sensor demonstrated a dynamic linear detection range of 20-500 ng/mL for GST-α.
• The system exhibited high anti-interference and specificity for GST-α detection.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D-bioprinted hepar-on-a-chip with SERS-based plasmonic sensors is a promising tool.
• This platform enables effective monitoring of liver function and injury.
• The system offers a high-quality solution for in situ biomarker detection and liver health assessment.