Towards a human-on-chip: culturing multiple cell types on a chip with compartmentalized microenvironments.
We have developed a multi-channel 3D microfluidic cell culture system (multi-channel 3D-microFCCS) with compartmentalized microenvironments for potential application in human drug screening. To this end, the multi-channel 3D-microFCCS was designed for culturing different 3D cellular aggregates simultaneously to mimic multiple organs in the body. Four human cell types (C3A, A549, HK-2 and HPA) were chosen to represent the liver, lung, kidney and the adipose tissue, respectively. Cellular functions were optimized by supplementing the common medium with growth factors. However, TGF-beta1 was found to enhance A549 functions but inhibit C3A functions. Therefore, TGF-beta1 was specifically controlled-released inside the A549 compartment by means of gelatin microspheres mixed with cells, thus creating a cell-specific microenvironment. The function of A549 cells was enhanced while the functions of C3A, HK-2 and HPA cells were uncompromised, demonstrating the limited cross-talk between cell culture compartments similar to the in vivo situation. Such a multi-channel 3D-microFCCS could be potentially used to supplement or even replace animal models in drug screening.
Zhang
Chi
C
Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, A* STAR, The Nanos, # 04-01, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138669, Singapore.
Zhao
Ziqing
Z
Abdul Rahim
Nur Aida
NA
van Noort
Danny
D
Yu
Hanry
H
D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival; D016895:Culture Media, Serum-Free; D015194:Diffusion Chambers, Culture; D005780:Gelatin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008863:Microspheres; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
D016895:Culture Media, Serum-Free; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D005780:Gelatin