Developing 3D Organized Human Cardiac Tissue within a Microfluidic Platform

Jaimeson Veldhuizen; Mehdi Nikkhah

doi:10.3791/62539

Entwicklung von 3D-organisiertem menschlichem Herzgewebe innerhalb einer mikrofluidischen Plattform

JoVE Journal
Bioengineering
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JoVE Journal Bioengineering

Developing 3D Organized Human Cardiac Tissue within a Microfluidic Platform

Entwicklung von 3D-organisiertem menschlichem Herzgewebe innerhalb einer mikrofluidischen Plattform

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10:42 min

June 15, 2021

DOI: 10.3791/62539-v

Jaimeson Veldhuizen¹, Mehdi Nikkhah^1,2

¹School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering,Arizona State University, ²Biodesign Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics,Arizona State University

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Overview

This protocol describes the development of a three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic model of human cardiac tissue. The model consists of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes co-cultured with cardiac fibroblasts in a collagen-based hydrogel, aimed at enhancing cardiac tissue engineering and drug screening.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Cardiac tissue engineering
Stem cell biology
Microfluidics

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally.
Traditional in vitro models often use monolayer cultures.
The myocardium's complexity necessitates more sophisticated models.
3D models can better mimic the heart's cellular composition and structure.

Purpose of Study

To develop a 3D model of human cardiac tissue.
To improve the representation of cardiac tissue in vitro.
To facilitate applications in drug screening and disease modeling.

Methods Used

Development of a microfluidic device.
Creation of a 3D main tissue channel.
Incorporation of elliptical microposts for cell alignment.
Co-culture of cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts in hydrogel.

Main Results

Successful development of aligned human cardiac tissue.
Enhanced structural and functional properties of the tissue model.
Demonstrated potential for improved drug screening.
Provided insights into cardiac disease modeling.

Conclusions

The 3D microfluidic model effectively mimics human cardiac tissue.
This approach can advance research in cardiac health and disease.
Future applications may include personalized medicine and therapeutic testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of using a 3D model?

3D models better replicate the complex architecture and cellular interactions of actual tissues, leading to more accurate research outcomes.

How does the microfluidic device enhance the model?

The microfluidic device allows for precise control of the cellular environment, promoting better alignment and functionality of cardiac cells.

What are the potential applications of this research?

This research can be applied in drug screening, disease modeling, and understanding cardiac tissue responses to various stimuli.

What types of cells are used in the model?

The model uses stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts.

Why is alignment of cardiac cells important?

Cell alignment is crucial for mimicking the natural structure of heart tissue, which is essential for proper function and response to treatments.

Can this model be used for studying other diseases?

While focused on cardiac tissue, the principles of this model may be adapted for studying other diseases involving complex tissue structures.

Das Ziel dieses Protokolls ist es, die Entwicklung eines dreidimensionalen (3D) mikrofluidischen Modells von hoch ausgerichtetem menschlichem Herzgewebe zu erklären und zu demonstrieren, das aus Stammzellen gewonnenen Kardiomyozyten besteht, die mit Herzfibroblasten (CFs) in einem biomimetischen, kollagenbasierten Hydrogel in Kokulturiert sind, für Anwendungen in der Kardgewebeentwicklung, im Arzneimittelscreening und in der Krankheitsmodellierung.

Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen sind nach wie vor die häufigste Todesursache weltweit. Traditionelle In-vitro-Modelle basieren auf Monolayer-Kultur. Das Herz, insbesondere der Herzmuskel oder das Myokard, ist jedoch in seiner 3D-Anisotropie und zellulären Zusammensetzung komplex.

Daher ist es wichtig, die Komplexität der Gewebezusammensetzung in In-vitro-Modellen zu verbessern, um sowohl die zellulären Bestandteile als auch die Struktur des Myokards besser nachzuahmen. Hier in dieser Arbeit demonstrieren wir ein Protokoll für die Entwicklung eines 3D-reifen Stammzell-abgeleiteten menschlichen Herzgewebes in einem neuartigen mikrofluidischen Gerät. Dieses Gerät enthält einen 3D-Hauptgewebekanal mit angeborenen elliptischen Mikropfosten, die einen hohen Grad der Ausrichtung der umgebenden Hydrogel-verkapselten Herzzellen induzieren.

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