A Data-Driven Multifunctional Microfluidic Platform for in Vitro Safety Assessment of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Food Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is a key food processing byproduct with debated safety.
• Existing evaluation models yield inconsistent findings, necessitating improved assessment methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional microfluidic platform for objective 5-HMF safety and efficacy evaluation.
• To systematically assess 5-HMF-induced cellular responses in a physiologically relevant intestinal microenvironment.

Main Methods:

• A microfluidic platform integrating a concentration-gradient generator, gut-on-a-chip module, and aptamer sensors.
• A data-driven weighting strategy for a unified toxicity index from multiparametric cytotoxicity endpoints.
• Nontargeted metabolomics to elucidate molecular pathways involved in 5-HMF effects.

Main Results:

• Identified a safe concentration range for 5-HMF (0-960 μg/mL).
• Demonstrated dual antioxidant functions: SOD and GSH upregulation, and TNF-α inhibition.
• Revealed metabolic pathway regulation including glutathione, TCA cycle, and purine metabolism.

Conclusions:

• The integrated, data-driven microfluidic platform enables objective toxicity evaluation of 5-HMF.
• 5-HMF exhibits antioxidant properties and a defined safe usage range.
• This framework can be applied to assess other molecules in simulated physiological systems.