An <em>In Vitro</em> Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues

Bartosz Ditkowski; Tiago R Veloso; Martyna Bezulska-Ditkowska; Andreas Lubig; Stefan Jockenhoevel; Petra Mela; Ramadan Jashari; Marc Gewillig; Bart Meyns; Marc F Hoylaerts; Ruth Heying

doi:10.3791/58476

An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to G...

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JoVE Journal Developmental Biology

An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues

An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues

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07:50 min

January 7, 2019

DOI: 10.3791/58476-v

Bartosz Ditkowski¹, Tiago R Veloso¹, Martyna Bezulska-Ditkowska^1,2, Andreas Lubig³, Stefan Jockenhoevel³, Petra Mela³, Ramadan Jashari⁴, Marc Gewillig¹, Bart Meyns⁵, Marc F Hoylaerts², Ruth Heying¹

¹Cardiovascular Developmental Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences,KU Leuven, ²Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences,KU Leuven, ³Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles, AME - Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering,RWTH Aachen University, ⁴European Homograft Bank,Saint Jean Clinique, ⁵Division of Clinical Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences,KU Leuven

Overview

This article describes an in-house designed in vitro flow chamber model that facilitates the investigation of bacterial adherence to graft tissues. This method is particularly relevant for studying the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis and the interactions between bacteria, blood cells, and endothelial cells.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Microbiology
Pathology

Background

The study focuses on the interactions between bacteria and graft tissues.
It aims to understand the molecular interactions that contribute to infective endocarditis.
The flow chamber model allows for standardized experimental conditions.
Insights gained can inform therapeutic strategies for infective endocarditis.

Purpose of Study

To investigate bacterial adherence to graft tissues.
To explore the pathogenesis of vegetation formation in infective endocarditis.
To study vascular permeability, cell mobility, and gene expression.

Methods Used

In vitro flow chamber model designed for bacterial adherence studies.
Use of tissue biopsies placed in a controlled flow environment.
Direct exposure of grafts to bacterial suspensions and other targets.
Standardized flow conditions to simulate physiological interactions.

Main Results

The model allows for detailed investigation of bacterial interactions with graft tissues.
Reveals important molecular interactions that drive infectiveness.
Provides insights into the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis.
Applicable for further studies on vascular permeability and gene expression.

Conclusions

The in vitro flow chamber model is a valuable tool for studying bacterial adherence.
It enhances understanding of the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis.
The findings may lead to improved therapeutic approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main advantage of the flow chamber model?

The main advantage is the ability to expose tissue grafts to direct interactions with bacteria and other targets under standardized flow conditions.

How does this study contribute to understanding infective endocarditis?

It provides insights into the molecular interactions and factors that drive the high infectiveness of certain tissues, which is crucial for understanding the disease.

What types of interactions can be studied using this model?

The model allows for the study of interactions between bacteria, platelets, proteins, and endothelial cells.

Can this method be applied to other areas of research?

Yes, it can also be used to investigate vascular permeability, cell mobility, and gene expression.

What is the initial step in the protocol?

The initial step involves placing a tissue biopsy between a microscope slide and a rubber gasket to contact the bacterial suspension.

What is the significance of studying bacterial adherence?

Studying bacterial adherence is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of infection and developing effective treatments.

We describe an in-house designed in vitro flow chamber model, which allows the investigation of bacterial adherence to graft tissues.

This method can help answer key questions in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis, and pathobiograms through fields such as the interplay between bacteria, blood cells, and endothelial cells lining musculature. The main advantage of this technique is that the tissue grafts might be directly exposed to mutual interactions with various targets, such as bacteria, platelets, and proteins in standardized flow conditions. The implication of this technique extend to our therapy of infective endocarditis, because it can unravel important molecular interactions and factors driving high infectiveness of certain tissues.

This method provides insight into pathogenesis of vegetation formation. It can also be applicable in studies investigating vascular permeability, cell mobility, and gene cell expression. To begin the protocol, place a previously prepared tissue biopsy 10 millimeters in diameter, and the same thickness between a microscope slide and an eight millimeter circular perforation, and a rubber gasket with the inner surface facing up, to contact the bacterial suspension.

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