U.S. patent application number 13/089130 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-06 for device and method of 3-dimensionally generating in vitro blood vessels.
This patent application is currently assigned to SNU R&DB FOUNDATION. Invention is credited to Qing Ping HU, Noo Li JEON, Su Dong KIM, Hyun Jae LEE, Ju Hun YEON.
Application Number | 20110244567 13/089130 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44710125 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110244567 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JEON; Noo Li ; et
al. |
October 6, 2011 |
Device and Method of 3-Dimensionally Generating IN VITRO Blood
Vessels
Abstract
Provided herein are apparatuses, systems and methods for
generating concentration gradients of soluble molecules. Also,
provided herein devices and methods for generating in vitro blood
vessels.
Inventors: |
JEON; Noo Li; (Seoul,
KR) ; YEON; Ju Hun; (Gyeongsangnam-do, KR) ;
HU; Qing Ping; (Seongnam-si, KR) ; KIM; Su Dong;
(Seoul, KR) ; LEE; Hyun Jae; (Gyeonggi-do,
KR) |
Assignee: |
SNU R&DB FOUNDATION
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
44710125 |
Appl. No.: |
13/089130 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11849194 |
Aug 31, 2007 |
7947491 |
|
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13089130 |
|
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60841721 |
Aug 31, 2006 |
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60841798 |
Aug 31, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
435/373 ;
435/289.1; 435/395; 435/397 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12N 5/0691 20130101;
C12M 29/10 20130101; C12N 2533/90 20130101; C12M 21/08 20130101;
C12N 2533/70 20130101; C12N 2501/40 20130101; B01D 9/0054 20130101;
C12M 25/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/373 ;
435/289.1; 435/395; 435/397 |
International
Class: |
C12N 5/071 20100101
C12N005/071; C12M 3/00 20060101 C12M003/00; C12N 5/09 20100101
C12N005/09; C12N 5/079 20100101 C12N005/079; C12N 5/077 20100101
C12N005/077 |
Claims
1. A blood vessel-generating device comprising: a) a sink channel
in fluid communication with a sink inlet; b) a source channel in
fluid communication with a source inlet substantially parallel to
the sink channel; and c) at least one blood vessel chamber disposed
between the sink channel and the source channel and comprising at
least one first terminal end in fluid communication with the sink
channel and at least one second terminal end in fluid communication
with the source channel, wherein the said blood vessel chamber is
arranged to correspond to a thickness and length of a blood vessel
to be generated, and arranged to form a blood vessel-generating
region by filling a gel and/or an extracellular matrix (ECM).
2. A method of generating a blood vessel comprising: a) tilling a
gel and/or an ECM into the blood vessel chamber of the blood
vessel-generating device according to claim 1; b) injecting a blood
vessel-forming cell into the sink channel and/or the source channel
of the blood vessel-generating device, and attaching the blood
vessel-forming cell to the gel and/or the ECM exposed to the first
terminal end and second terminal end of the blood vessel chamber;
and c) injecting an angiogenesis factor and a cell culture medium
into the sink channel and/or the source channel of the blood
vessel-generating device, and culturing the blood vessel-forming
cell.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the gel is at least one
selected from the group consisting of a collagen gel, a fibrin gel,
Matrigel, a self-assembled peptide gel, a polyethylene glycol gel
and an alginate gel.
4. The method according to claim 2, wherein a mixture obtained by
mixing the gel and/or the ECM with at least one of the blood
vessel-forming cell, the angiogenesis factor, the cell culture
medium and the co-culturing cell is filled in step (a).
5. The method according to claim 2, wherein the blood
vessel-forming cell is at least one selected from the group
consisting of an endothelial cell, an epithelial cell and a cancer
cell.
6. The method according to claim 2, further comprising injecting
the co-culturing cell into the sink channel and/or the source
channel of the blood vessel-generating device, and co-culturing the
co-culturing cell.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the co-culturing cell
is at least one selected from the group consisting of an astrocyte,
a glial cell, a mesothelial cell, a fibroblast, a smooth muscle
cell and a cancer cell.
8. A blood vessel-generating device comprising: a) a sink channel
in fluid communication with a sink inlet; b) a source channel in
fluid communication with a source inlet substantially parallel to
the sink channel; c) a blood vessel-Harming channel in fluid
communication with a blood vessel-forming channel inlet, disposed
in contact with the sides of the sink channel and the source
channel between the sink channel and the source channel,
substantially parallel to the source channel and the sink channel;
d) a first culture channel in fluid communication with a first
culture channel inlet, disposed in contact with the other side of
the sink channel, substantially parallel to the sink channel; and
e) a second culture channel in fluid communication with a second
culture channel inlet, disposed in contact with the other side of
the source channel, substantially parallel to the source channel,
wherein a plurality of microstructures configured to allow
interaction between biochemical materials included in each channel
are arranged in the interfaces of the respective adjacent channels
at set intervals.
9. A method of generating a blood vessel comprising: a) injecting
i) an gel and/or an ECM and ii) a blood vessel-forming cell into
the blood vessel-forming channel of the blood vessel-generating
device according to claim 8; b) injecting i) the gel and/or the ECM
and ii) a co-culturing cell into the first culture channel and/or
the second culture channel of the blood vessel-generating device;
and c) injecting an angiogenesis factor and a cell culture medium
into the sink channel and/or the source channel of the blood
vessel-generating device, and culturing the blood vessel-forming
cell and the co-culturing cell.
10. A method of generating a blood vessel comprising: a) injecting
a gel and/or an ECM into the blood vessel-forming channel of the
blood vessel-generating device according to claim 8; b) injecting a
blood vessel-forming cell into the sink channel and/or the source
channel of the blood vessel-generating device, and attaching the
blood vessel-forming cell to the gel and/or the ECM exposed between
the microstructures arranged in the sides of the blood
vessel-forming, channel; c) injecting i) the gel and/or the ECM and
ii) a co-culturing cell into the first culture channel and/or the
second culture channel of the blood vessel-generating device; and
d) injecting an angiogenesis factor and a cell culture medium into
the sink channel and/or the source channel of the blood
vessel-generating device, and culturing the blood vessel-forming
cell and the co-culturing cell.
11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the blood
vessel-forming cell is at least one selected from the group
consisting of an endothelial cell, an epithelial cell and a cancer
cell.
12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the gel is at
least one selected from the group consisting of a collagen gel, a
fibrin gel, Matrigel, a self-assembled peptide gel, a polyethylene
glycol gel and an alginate gel.
13. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the co-culturing
cell is at least one selected from the group consisting of an
astrocyte, a glial cell, a mesothelial cell, a fibroblast, a smooth
muscle cell and a cancer cell.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/849,194 filed Aug. 31, 2007, which claims
priority to. U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/841,721 filed
Aug. 31, 2006, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/841,798 filed Aug. 31, 2006. The entire disclosures of
application Ser. No. 11/849,194 are incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Provided herein are apparatuses, systems and methods for
generating concentration gradients of soluble molecules. Also,
provided herein are devices and methods for generating in vitro
blood vessels.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the chemical, biomedical, bioscience and pharmaceutical
industries, it has become increasingly desirable to perform large
numbers of chemical operations in a highly parallel fashion. The
formation of microfluidic concentration gradients can facilitate
such operations. Microfluidic devices and systems provide improved
methods of performing chemical, biochemical and biological analysis
and synthesis. Chip-based microfluidic systems have been developed.
Typically, such devices include chambers and reservoirs connected
by channels. Reproducible and cost-effective devices, systems and
methods for forming temporal and spatial microfluidic concentration
gradients in 2D and 3D environments are desirable.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present application relates, in general, to the field of
devices and systems for generating and maintaining a chemical
gradient. In particular, the present application relates to devices
that make use of a gradient chamber or gradient bridge associated
with source and sink channels to facilitate the generation of a
stable gradient in an environment suitable for facilitating
molecular events. In some embodiments, the devices systems and
methods facilitate the identification of factors that modulate
molecular events such as cell migration or the formation and
isolation of crystallized molecules.
[0005] Accordingly, in one embodiment a gradient device is
provided. The device includes a source channel in fluid
communication with a first inlet; a sink channel in fluid
communication with a second inlet and substantially parallel to the
first channel; and at least one gradient chamber substantially
proximal to the source channel and the sink channel. The terminal
ends of the gradient are fluidly connected to the first channel and
the second channel. In general, the dimensions of the gradient
chamber are suitable for forming a gradient generating region
substantially exclusively by diffusion.
[0006] In another embodiment, a gradient device is provided. The
device includes a source channel in fluid communication with a
first inlet and a sink channel in fluid communication with a second
inlet and substantially parallel to the source channel. The device
further includes at least one gradient bridge disposed in proximity
to the source channel and sink channel, the gradient bridge
optionally in fluid communication with a bridge channel and
including at least a first aperture in fluid communication with the
source channel and at least a second aperture in fluid
communication with the sink channel. In general, the gradient
bridge and the gradient channel are configured to i) facilitate the
formation of a gradient generating region substantially exclusively
by diffusion and ii) contain a matrix suitable for sustaining cell
migration.
[0007] In another embodiment, a platform that includes a plurality
of gradient devices is provided.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, a system is provided. The system
includes a gradient device or platform as provided herein. The
system further includes a controller operably associated with the
gradient device or platform, or any combination thereof. In
general, the controller is configured to control fluid movement
through the channels during operation of the device or platform.
The system also includes a detector assembly configured to capture
a molecular event associated with a gradient generating region.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, a method of generating a gradient
is provided. The method includes introducing a source constituent
into the source channel of a device provided herein and introducing
a sink constituent into the sink channel of a device provided
herein. Further providing a constant flow of source constituent and
sink constituent and generating a gradient in the gradient chamber
or gradient bridge of a device provided herein. The gradient
includes a substantially constant gradient profile.
[0010] The present application also relates, in general, to the
field of devices and methods for generating perfusable, connected
network of blood vessels with lumens in vitro in 3D gels.
[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the blood
vessel-generating device includes a sink channel in fluid
communication with a sink inlet; a source channel in fluid
communication with a source inlet substantially parallel to the
sink channel; and at least one blood vessel chamber disposed
between the sink channel and the source channel and including at
least a first terminal end in fluid communication with the sink
channel and at least a second terminal end in fluid communication
with the source channel. Here, the at least one blood vessel
chamber is arranged to correspond to the thickness and length of
the blood vessel to be generated, and arranged to form a blood
vessel-generating region by filling a gel and/or an extracellular
matrix (ECM).
[0012] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
relates to a method of generating a blood vessel including filling
a gel and/or an extracellular matrix (ECM) into the blood vessel
chamber of the blood vessel-generating device; injecting a blood
vessel-forming cell into the sink channel and/or the source channel
of the blood vessel-generating device and attaching the blood
vessel-forming cell to the gel and/or the ECM exposed to the first
terminal end and second terminal end of the blood vessel chamber;
and injecting an angiogenesis factor and a cell culture medium into
the sink channel and/or the source channel of the blood
vessel-generating device and culturing the blood vessel-forming
cell.
[0013] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the blood vessel-generating device includes a sink
channel in fluid communication with a sink inlet; a source channel
in fluid communication with a source inlet substantially parallel
to the sink channel; a blood vessel-forming channel in fluid
communication with a blood vessel-forming; channel inlet, disposed
in contact with the sides of the sink channel and the source
channel between the sink channel and the source channel,
substantially parallel to the source channel and the sink channel;
a first culture channel in fluid communication with a first culture
channel inlet, disposed in contact with the other side of the sink
channel, substantially parallel to the sink channel; and a second
culture channel in fluid communication with a second culture
channel inlet, disposed in contact with the other side of the
source channel, substantially parallel to the source channel. Here,
a plurality or microstructures configured to allow interaction
between biochemical materials included in each channel are arranged
in the interfaces of the respective adjacent channels at set
intervals.
[0014] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
relates to a method of generating a blood vessel including
injecting i) a gel and/or an ECM and ii) a blood vessel-forming
cell into the blood vessel-forming channel or the blood
vessel-generating device; injecting i) the gel and/or the ECM and
ii) a co-culturing cell into the first culture channel and/or the
second culture channel of the blood vessel-generating device; and
injecting an angiogenesis factor and a cell culture medium into the
sink channel and/or the source channel of the blood
vessel-generating device and culturing the blood vessel-forming
cell and the co-culturing cell.
[0015] The details of one or more embodiments of the disclosure are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the
description and drawings, and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The file of this patent contains at least one drawing
executed in color. Copies of this patent with color drawings will
be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary
fee.
[0017] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a gradient device including
exemplary gradient chambers;
[0018] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a gradient device including
an exemplary bridge channel including a plurality of gradient
bridges;
[0019] FIG. 3 panel A depicts an embodiment of a gradient device
including exemplary gradient chambers suitable for generating
gradients in two-dimensions;
[0020] FIG. 3 panel B depicts an embodiment of a gradient device
including exemplary gradient bridges suitable for generating
gradients in three-dimensions;
[0021] FIG. 3 panel C depicts an exemplary gradient chamber
including apertures suitable for producing a non-linear
gradient;
[0022] FIG. 3 panel D depicts an exemplary gradient channel
including asymmetric apertures suitable for producing a non-linear
gradient;
[0023] FIG. 4 panel A depicts an exemplary gradient profile (right
panel) and fluorescent images (left panel) produced by a gradient
device provided herein;
[0024] FIG. 4 panel B depicts an exemplary gradient profile (right
panel) and fluorescent images (left panel) produced by a gradient
device provided herein;
[0025] FIG. 4 panel C depicts an exemplary gradient profile (right
panel) and fluorescent images (left panel) produced by a gradient
device provided herein;
[0026] FIG. 5 panel A depicts an embodiment of a gradient device
including a plurality of gradient chambers;
[0027] FIG. 5 panel B depicts a phase micrograph of the gradient
chambers shown in FIG. 5 panel A;
[0028] FIG. 5 panel C depicts a cross section of an embodiment of a
gradient device;
[0029] FIG. 6 panel A depicts an embodiment of a gradient device
including a plurality of gradient bridges;
[0030] FIG. 6 panel B depicts a phase micrograph of collagen gels
formed in the gradient bridges shown in FIG. 6 panel A;
[0031] FIG. 6 panel C depicts a phase micrograph of collagen gels
formed in the gradient bridges shown in FIG. 6 panel A;
[0032] FIG. 7 depicts gradient profiles of three exemplary gradient
chambers;
[0033] FIG. 8 depicts a collagen gel micrograph of an embodiment of
a gradient device;
[0034] FIG. 9 depicts a graph of an exemplary concentration profile
of a non-linear gradient across a collagen type 1 gel;
[0035] FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of the blood vessel-generating
device;
[0036] FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of the blood vessel-generating
device of which a gel and/or an ECM is filled into a blood vessel
chamber;
[0037] FIG. 12 depicts an embodiment of the process for
manufacturing a blood vessel-generating device;
[0038] FIG. 13 depicts an embodiment of the process for generating
a blood vessel;
[0039] FIG. 14 depicts exemplary states of the blood
vessel-generating devices into which a blood vessel-forming cell,
an angiogenesis factor and/or co-culturing cell are injected;
[0040] FIG. 15 depicts a microscopic image of a blood vessel
generated using the device and the method of generating a blood
vessel according to the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 16 depicts microscopic images of cross sections
(A.fwdarw.D) taken vertically from a lower portion of the blood
vessel of FIG. 15 in the Z axis;
[0042] FIG. 17 depicts a second embodiment of the blood
vessel-generating device;
[0043] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a mechanism of
filling a gel and/or an ECM into a blood vessel-forming channel of
the blood vessel-generating device according to the second
embodiment:
[0044] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing some of the methods
of generating a blood vessel using the blood vessel-generating
device according to the second embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 20 depicts a microscopic image of a blood vessel
network generated by simulating a vasculogenesis process using the
device and method for generating a blood vessel according to the
present invention;
[0046] FIG. 21 depicts a picture of another blood vessel network
generated by simulating an angiogenesis process using the device
and method for generating a blood vessel according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] Devices, systems and methods for the efficient generation of
concentration gradients in two-dimensional (2D) and three
dimensional (3D) environments are provided.
[0048] An exemplary embodiment of a gradient generating device is
depicted in FIG. 1. Gradient device 100 includes base 145
associated with substrate 160. Substrate 160 includes sink inlet
105 which provides for the movement of materials (either by mass
fluid flow or molecular diffusion) into sink channel 110, and
outlet 140 which provides for movement of materials out of sink
channel 110 and source channel 120. Sink channel 110 and source
channel 120 may be associated with sink inlet 105 and source inlet
115, respectively. It is understood that while FIG. 1 depicts a
common outlet for sink channel 110 and source channel 120, devices
provided herein encompass the use of individual outlet channels
associated with each channel. Source inlet 115 provides for the
movement of a source constituent (either by mass fluid flow or
molecular diffusion) into source channel 120. Sink inlet 105
provides for the movement of a sink constituent (either by mass
fluid flow or molecular diffusion) into sink channel 110. At least
one gradient chamber is located in proximity to, and in fluid
communication with, sink channel 110 and source channel 120. FIG. 1
depicts multiple exemplary gradient chambers suitable for forming
gradients. Symmetric gradient chamber 125 is suitable for
generating a linear gradient in gradient generating region 155.
Asymmetric gradient chamber 130 is suitable for generating a
non-linear gradient in gradient generating region 165. Asymmetric
gradient chamber 135 is suitable for generating a non-linear
gradient in gradient generating region 170. Substrate 160 includes
channels, chambers, inlets, outlets and other elements associated
with gradient device 100 or 200 (see FIG. 2). Substrate 160 can be
manufactured from any material suitable for forming microfluidic
structures associated with the transport of minute quantities of
substances.
[0049] The formation of a gradient in a gradient generating region
155, 165, 170 may be modulated by various modifications to the
device. For example, the height of the gradient chamber 150 in
relation to the source and sink channel can be modified. As the
device generates gradients across a gradient generating region by
free-diffusion between a source and a sink channel, convective flow
through a gradient chamber may be minimized by designing the height
of the gradient chamber to be substantially less than that of the
main channels (e.g. the source and sink channels. The gradient
chamber height to sink or source height ratio can be 1:2, 1:5,
1:10, 1:15, 1:20, 1:25, 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 1:75, 1:100 or 1:500. In
practice, a large difference in gradient chamber height yields an
even larger difference in fluidic resistance causing flow to take
the path of least resistance (e.g., sink or source channel) rather
than entering the gradient chamber, allowing only diffusive
transport.
[0050] A source constituent and sink constituent are included in
source channel and sink channel, respectively. Diffusion occurs
between a source constituent and a sink constituent which are in
fluid communication with each other via a gradient chamber (see
FIG. 1) or gradient bridge (see FIG. 2). Free-diffusion between
source and sink constituents occurs through the finite volume of a
gradient chamber or gradient bridge, producing a concentration
gradient which can be detected and/or measured.
[0051] Based upon the biologic or chemical structure of the sink
constituent, the presence or absence of the source constituent's
diffusion rate toward the sink constituent, and/or the rate of that
diffusion, the activity of the source constitute can be
ascertained. Analogously, knowledge of the biologic or chemical
makeup of the source constituent and the aforementioned presence
(or absence) and source constituent's rate of diffusion,
conclusions as to the activity of the sink constituent can be made.
For generating crystalline structures of a target molecule, the
target molecule can be included in the sink constituent in the
presence of a particular buffer. The source constituent may contain
a similar buffer but at a different pH and/or including a different
salt concentration. The gradient will form in a gradient generating
region reflecting the diffusion of the source and sink
constituents, thereby facilitating formation of a crystal structure
of the target molecule in the region. In this example, the
detectable molecular event includes the formation of a crystalline
structure of a target molecule.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 3 panel C, additional modifications
include post structure 175 situated at or near the interface of a
gradient chamber and main channels. Such structures may provide
additional resistance when large opening are needed for non-linear
gradient profiles.
[0053] Linear gradients may be generated when the interface
conditions are such that the molecular flux area is constant across
a gradient generating region, as in a straight channel (see e.g.,
FIG. 1, element 125). The generation of non-linear profiles useful
for both chemical and biological conditions may be achieved by
modifying the flux area associated with the gradient generating
region. Referring to FIG. 1, modifying the geometric design of the
gradient chamber and the relative openings to source and sink
channels may be used to modulate a gradient profile. A symmetric
gradient chamber (see e.g., element 125) may produce a linear
gradient profile where the slope of the gradient is substantially
dependent on the length of the gradient generating region.
[0054] Non-linear profiles may be produced by manufacturing a
gradient chamber in an asymmetric configuration (see e.g., elements
130 and 135). This arrangement provides a continual imbalance of
the in-flux and out-flux area between the source and sink channels
through which molecules diffuse. The degree of non-linearity may
also be changed by curved gradient chambers.
[0055] Gradient profiles may also be controlled by modifying the
ratio of the number of sink to source openings (e.g., the area of
the gradient generating region through which molecules diffuse).
Linear gradients may be produced when the openings are symmetric
and evenly distributed at opposite ends since the in-flux and
out-flux area of the diffusing molecules are equal. Non-linear
gradients may be produced when the number of openings are
unbalanced causing an unequal in-flux and out-flux area in the
gradient generating region. The degree of non-linearity can be
enhanced by increasing the ratio of openings and shortening the
width of the gradient generating region.
[0056] Further, gradient profiles may be controlled by modifying
the concentrations of the source and sink constituents, which can
be further controlled temporally by switching the inlet
solutions.
[0057] Also encompassed by embodiments of gradient devices provided
herein are complex gradient profiles made by a serial combination
of a plurality of gradient chamber or gradient bridge designs
within a gradient generating region. For example, juxtaposing a
concave down and concave up non-linear profile will yield a
sigmoidal gradient profile. For the gradient device shown in FIG.
1, this may be achieved by arranging the gradient chamber in a
"bow-tie" shape with wide openings to the source and sink channels
and tapering towards the middle of the chamber. For the gradient
device shown in FIG. 2, a complex gradient profile may be achieved
by configuring multiple gradient generating regions to include
multiple apertures to the source and sink channels on the outer
sides and fewer connecting apertures in the middle. Additionally,
since various types of gradient device designs can be integrated
during fabrication, a variety of both linear and non-linear
profiles can be generated on a single device or platform for
high-throughput experiments.
[0058] A second exemplary embodiment of a gradient generating
device is depicted in FIG. 2. Gradient device 200 is configured to
include gradient bridge 210 fluidly associated with sink channel
110 and source channel 120. It is understood that while FIG. 2
depicts multiple gradient bridges, a gradient device that includes
a single gradient bridge is also encompassed by this embodiment.
Gradient bridge 210 is configured to facilitate the formation of
gradient generating region(s) 225. Gradient device optionally
includes bridge channel 220 fluidly associated with gradient bridge
210. Bridge channel is a fluidly associated with bridge channel
inlet 205.
[0059] Gradient generating device 200 may be configured to
accommodate a matrix functionally associated with gradient bridge
210 and optionally bridge channel 220. In this embodiment, the
formation of a gradient in a gradient generating region 225 occurs
within the matrix. As the device generates gradients across a
gradient generating region by free-diffusion between a source and a
sink channel, convective flow through a gradient chamber may be
minimized by selectively filling the gradient generating region
with a 3D matrix (e.g., collagen gel) which increases the fluidic
resistance minimizing flow penetration into the gradient generating
region. Referring to FIG. 3 panel D, additional modifications
include post structure 175 situated at or near the interface of a
gradient bridge and main channels. Such structures may provide
additional resistance when large opening are needed for non-linear
gradient profiles.
[0060] Gradient generating device 200 including a matrix provides
conditions suitable for studying cell motility and chemotaxis in
the presence of a gradient containing a soluble factor. For
example, a soluble factor may be present in the source constituent.
The source constituent may be added to source channel 115. A cell
may be added to the matrix associated with gradient bridge 210 or
bridge channel 220. Sink channel 110 containing sink constituent
(i.e. source constituent minus soluble factor). A gradient of
soluble factor forms in bridge channel a gradient generating region
225. Cell activity in relation to the gradient can be determined by
e.g., microscopy.
[0061] The generation of linear and non-linear gradients may be
accomplished. Referring to FIG. 3 panels B and D, modifying the
geometric design of the gradient bridge and the relative openings
to source and sink channels may be used to modulate a gradient
profile in a matrix. Gradient profiles may be controlled by
modifying the ratio of the number of sink to source openings (e.g.,
the area of the gradient generating region through which molecules
diffuse). Linear gradients may be produced when the openings are
symmetric and evenly distributed at opposite ends since the in-flux
and out-flux area of the diffusing molecules are equal. Non-linear
gradients may be produced when the number of openings are
unbalanced causing an unequal in-flux and out-flux area in the
gradient generating region. The degree of non-linearity can be
enhanced by increasing the ratio of openings and shortening the
width of the gradient generating region.
[0062] Also encompassed by embodiments of gradient devices provided
herein are complex gradient profiles made by a serial combination
of a plurality of gradient chamber or gradient bridge designs
within a gradient generating region. For the gradient device shown
in FIG. 2, a complex gradient profile may be achieved by
configuring multiple gradient generating regions to include
multiple apertures to the source and sink channels on the outer
sides and fewer connecting apertures in the middle. Additionally,
since various types of gradient device designs can be integrated
during fabrication, a variety of both linear and non-linear
profiles can be generated on a single device or platform for
high-throughput experiments. The following published applications
are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: U.S.
Publication No. 20040106192, U.S. Publication No. 20040121066, and
U.S. Publication No. 20050217750. The term "microfluidic" refers to
a system or device for handling, processing, ejecting and/or
analyzing a fluid sample including at least one channel having
microscale dimensions. The terms "channel," "sink channel," or
"source channel" as used herein refers to a pathway formed in or
through a medium that allows for movement of fluids, such as
liquids and gases. The channel in a device or system provided
herein may include cross-sectional dimensions in the range between
about 1.0 .mu.m and about 500 .mu.m, between about 25 .mu.m and
about 250 .mu.m and between about 50 .mu.m and about 150 .mu.m. One
of ordinary skill in the art will be able to determine an
appropriate volume and length of the channels. The ranges are
intended to include the above-recited values as upper or lower
limits. A channel can have any selected shape or arrangement,
examples of which include a linear or non-linear configuration and
a U-shaped configuration.
[0063] Microfluidic gradients created in accordance with the
devices and methods as described herein may be useful in a variety
of applications. As specifically described in detail below, the
flow-free diffusion that occurs at the gradient generating region
(GGR) may provide conditions advantageous in the formation of
crystals, as well as in the performance of certain assays for cell
motility and chemotaxis.
[0064] Provided herein are devices and methods suitable for
facilitating free-diffusion between dynamically replenished flow
channels acting as a sink and source to give rise to stable
steady-state profiles. Such devices are particularly well-suited
for forming 3D matrices for studying a molecular event associated
with cell migration and/or the activity of a cell in a particular
microenvironment. Referring again to FIG. 3 panel B, the gradient
generating region in this embodiment includes a 3D matrix. FIG. 3
panel D depicts a gradient generating region for a 3D matrix with
asymmetric posts designed to produce non-linear gradient. FIG. 4
depicts fluorescent images and corresponding experimental (black)
and theoretical (grey) gradient profiles across GGR; intensity
profiles taken across white dash line. FIG. 4 panel B depicts
gradients across 3D matrigel produced using a design shown in FIG.
2 or FIG. 3, panel B. Linear profiles were produced by designing
the same number of openings to source and sink channels. Referring
to FIG. 4 panel C, mismatched number of openings to source and sink
channels resulted in a non-linear profile. The openings were about
50 .mu.m wide.
[0065] Devices and methods provided herein are suitable for
studying live cells. For example, the devices can be used to
successfully observe chemotaxis of a cell in a gradient of a
soluble factor such as, for example, a chemokine. The device can be
placed on a microscope during the experiment and time-lapse
micrographs taken at various intervals. Computer controlled pumps
can used to infuse agents such as media or chemokines into the
device. For example, human cancer cells chemotax when exposed to
gradients of a variety of growth factors. A gradient device
provided herein can be used to examine the behavior of cells in a
controlled fluidic microenvironment containing autocrine/paracrine
factors for cell signaling investigations.
[0066] Referring again to FIG. 1, a gradient device provided herein
can be used to produce crystalline structures of target molecules.
Crystallization is an important technique to the biological and
chemical arts. A high-quality crystal of a target molecule can be
analyzed by x-ray diffraction techniques to produce an accurate
three-dimensional structure of the target. This three-dimensional
structure information can then be utilized to predict functionality
and behavior of the target. Forming a high quality crystal is
generally difficult. The gradient devices and methods provided
herein are particularly suited to crystallizing biological
macromolecules or complexes thereof, such as proteins, nucleic
acids, viruses, and protein/ligand assemblies. However, devices and
methods provided herein are not limited to any particular type of
target material.
[0067] In general, protein crystallization may be accomplished
utilizing a device provided herein. For example, referring to FIG.
1, a gradient can be formed by introducing a source constituent
into a source channel, and introducing a sink constituent
containing a eountersolvent or crystallizing agent into sink
channel. A gradient is formed at the gradient generating region in
the gradient chamber, thereby allowing for formation of a diffusion
gradient between the source constituent and the sink constituent
containing the crystallizing agent. As a result of diffusive mixing
between the sample and the crystallizing agent, the solution
environment is gradually changed, resulting in the formation of
protein crystals in the chamber.
[0068] Typical targets for crystallization are diverse. A target
for crystallization may include but is not limited to: 1)
biological macromolecules (cytosolic proteins, extracellular
proteins, membrane proteins, DNA, RNA, and complex combinations
thereof), 2) pre- and post-translationally modified biological
molecules (including but not limited to, phosphorylated,
sulfolated, glycosylated, ubiquitinated, etc. proteins, as well as
halogenated, abasic, alkylated, etc. nucleic acids); 3)
deliberately derivatized macromolecules, such as heavy-atom labeled
DNAs, RNAs, and proteins (and complexes thereof), seleno
methionine-labeled proteins and nucleic acids (and complexes
thereof), halogenated DNAs, RNAs, and proteins (and complexes
thereof), 4) whole viruses or large cellular particles (such as the
ribosome, replisome, spliceosome, tubulin filaments, actin
filaments, chromosomes, etc.), 5) small-molecule compounds such as
drugs, lead compounds, ligands, salts, and organic or
metallo-organic compounds, and 6) small-molecule/biological
macromolecule complexes (e.g., drug/protein complexes,
enzyme/substrate complexes, enzyme/product complexes,
enzyme/regulator complexes, enzyme/inhibitor complexes, and
combinations thereof). Such targets are the focus of study for a
wide range of scientific disciplines encompassing biology,
biochemistry, material sciences, pharmaceutics, chemistry, and
physics.
[0069] During crystallization screening, a large number of chemical
compounds may be employed. These compounds include salts, small and
large molecular weight organic compounds, buffers, ligands,
small-molecule agents, detergents, peptides, crosslinking agents,
and derivatizing agents. Together, these chemicals can be used to
vary the ionic strength, pH, solute concentration, and target
concentration in the drop, and can even be used to modify the
target. The desired concentration of these chemicals to achieve
crystallization is variable, and can range from nanomolar to molar
concentrations. A typical crystallization mix contains set of
fixed, but empirically-determined, types and concentrations of
`precipitants`, buffers, salts, and other chemical additives (e.g.,
metal ions, salts, small molecular chemical additives, cryo
protectants, etc.). Water is a key solvent in many crystallization
trials of biological targets, as many of these molecules may
require hydration to stay active and folded.
[0070] Precipitating agents act to push targets from a soluble to
insoluble state, and may work by volume exclusion, changing the
dielectric constant of the solvent, charge shielding, and molecular
crowding. Precipitating agents compatible with the PDMS material of
certain embodiments of the device provided herein include, but are
not limited to, salts, high molecular weight polymers, polar
solvents, aqueous solutions, high molecular weight alcohols, and
divalent metals.
[0071] Precipitating compounds, which include large and small
molecular weight organics, as well as certain salts, are used from
under 1% to upwards of 40% concentration, or from less than 0.5M to
greater than 4M concentration. Water itself can act in a
precipitating manner for samples that require a certain level of
ionic strength to stay soluble. Many precipitants may also be mixed
with one another to increase the chemical diversity of the
crystallization screen. The gradient devices described herein are
readily compatible with a broad range of such compounds. Moreover,
many precipitating agents (such as long- and short-chain organics)
are quite viscous at high concentrations, presenting a problem for
most fluid handling devices, such as pipettes or robotic
systems.
[0072] Solution pH can be varied by the inclusion of buffering
agents; typical pH ranges for biological materials lie anywhere
between values of 3.5-10.5 and the Concentration of buffer,
generally lies between 0.01 and 0.25 M. The gradient devices
described in this document are readily compatible with a broad
range of pH values, particularly those suited to biological
targets.
[0073] A nonexclusive list of possible buffers is as follows:
Na/K-Acetate; HEPES; Na-Cacodylate; Na/K-Citrate; Na/K-Succinate;
Na/K-Phosphate; TRIS; TRIS-Maleate; Imidazole-Maleate;
BisTrisPropane; CAPSO, CHAPS, MES, and imidizole.
[0074] Additives are small molecules that affect the solubility
and/or activity behavior of the target molecule. Such compounds can
speed crystallization screening or produce alternate crystal forms
of the target. Additives can take nearly any conceivable form of
chemical, but are typically mono and polyvalent salts (inorganic or
organic), enzyme ligands (substrates, products, allosteric
effectors), chemical crosslinking agents, detergents and/or lipids,
heavy metals, organo-metallic compounds, trace amounts of
precipitating agents, and small and large molecular weight
organics.
[0075] In addition to chemical variability, a host of other
parameters can be varied during crystallization screening. Such
parameters include but are not limited to: 1) volume of
crystallization trial, 2) ratio of target solution to
crystallization solution, 3) target concentration, 4)
cocrystallization of the target with a secondary small or
macromolecule, 5) hydration, 6) incubation time, 7) temperature, 8)
pressure, 9) contact surfaces, 10) modifications to target
molecules, and 11) gravity.
[0076] Volumes of crystallization trials can be of any conceivable
value, from the picoliter to milliliter range. Typical values may
include but are not limited to: 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.4, 0.5, 0.75, 1,
2, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 90,
100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500,
550, 600, 700, 750, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1250, 1300, 1400,
1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2250, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000,
6000, 7000, 7500, 8000, 9000, and 10000 mL. The gradient devices
previously described can access these values.
[0077] In particular, access to the low volume range for
crystallization trials (<100 mL) is a distinct advantage of
embodiments of the gradient devices provided herein. Small-volume
gradient chambers for crystallization studies can be readily
designed and fabricated, minimizing the need the need for large
quantities of precious target molecules. The low consumption of
target is particularly useful in attempting to crystallize scarce
biological samples such as membrane proteins, protein/protein and
protein/nucleic acid complexes, and small-molecule drug screening
of lead libraries for binding to targets of interest.
[0078] Co-crystallization generally describes the crystallization
of a target with a secondary factor that is a natural or normatural
binding partner. Such secondary factors can be small, on the order
of about 10-1000 Da, or may be large macromolecules.
Co-crystallization molecules can include but are not limited to
small-molecule enzyme ligands (substrates, products, allosteric
effectors, etc.), small-molecule drug leads, single-stranded or
double-stranded DNAs or RNAs, complement proteins (such as a
partner or target protein or subunit), monoclonal antibodies, and
fusion-proteins (e.g., maltose binding proteins, glutathione
S-transferase, protein-G, or other tags that can aid expression,
solubility, and target behavior). As many of these compounds are
either biological or of a reasonable molecular weight,
co-crystallization molecules can be routinely included with screens
in the gradient generating devices.
[0079] Gradient device designs may include nonreactive,
biocompatible environments. Thus, the composition of the gradient
chambers in the gradient device can be varied to provide new
surfaces for forming e.g., crystallized molecules. In addition, the
small size of the gradient chambers allows e.g., crystallization
attempts under hundreds or even thousands of different sets of
conditions to be performed simultaneously.
Exemplary Materials and Methods
[0080] Provided herein are monolithic microfluidics-based gradient
generating devices that can generate an array of complex
steady-state soluble molecular gradients in flow-free 2D and 3D
environments. Three dimensional hydrogels are increasingly used in
the investigation of many cell behaviors as they simulate in-vivo
conditions better than 2D models. Investigations on invasive
migration of metastatic cancer cells and stem cell niches can
benefit greatly if complex, stable molecular gradients can be
achieved across 3D gels in flow-free conditions. The design
principles provided herein may be applied to build complex profiles
by simply engineering the shape of the gradient generating region
as set forth in various embodiments of devices described herein.
Continuously replenished source and sink are advantageous over
static reservoirs because their concentration can be kept constant
and thus the gradients can be maintained at constant profile at
steady-state.
[0081] Device Fabrication: A master was made by two rounds of
photolithography on a silicone wafer. The first layer patterns the
gradient chambers or gradient bridges and the second layer patterns
the source or sink channels. The transparency masks were drawn in
Freehand 9.0, and then printed by PAGE ONE DIGITAL (Irvine,
Calif.). The silicone wafer (Silicon, Inc.--Boise, Id.) was plasma
cleaned (Harrick Scientific Corp.--Ossining, N.Y.) for a suitable
time period (e.g., 5 minutes) and then covered with SU-8 5
photoresist (Microchem, Inc.--Newton, Mass.) by spincastting at
about 3,500 rpm for about 1 min to yield a thickness of 3.3 .mu.m.
The coated wafer was baked for 1 min at 100.degree. C. in a leveled
oven. The wafer was then exposed to UV light for 7 seconds at 25
mW/cm.sup.2 and baked again for 1 min at 100.degree. C. Finally,
the wafer was placed into developer removing SU-8 from unexposed
regions. The patterned wafer was then air-dried and a second layer
was applied using SU-8 50; the thickness is a 100 .mu.m by
spincasting at 1,000 rpm for 1 minute. For aligning purposes, tape
was used over the aligner marks so that the photoresist will not
conceal them. The remaining features were then patterned with the
same procedure as above except for baking and exposure time. After
second layer coating, the wafer is baked for 30 min at 100.degree.
C. and exposed to UV for 20 seconds at 25 mW/cm.sup.2. The wafer
was baked again for 10 min at 100.degree. C. and then developed.
The finalized wafer was then silanized in a desiccator for 2 hours
and then placed in a plastic petri dish and filled with PDMS. PDMS
was made using a 10:1 ratio of prepolymer and catalyst. The PDMS
was baked at 80.degree. C. for 3 hours to become fully polymerized.
The PDMS pattern is then cut from the master mold with inlet and
outlet holes punched out. A glass slide and the prepared device
were plasma cleaned for 2 minutes. The device and slide glass were
then sealed irreversibly together with channels formed at the
interface.
[0082] Additional methods for manufacture a device provided herein
are known to the skilled artisan. For example, in soft lithographic
bonding, elastomeric layers may be bonded together chemically,
using chemistry that is intrinsic to the polymers comprising
patterned elastomer layers. The bonding may include two component
"addition cure" bonding. The various layers of elastomer may be
bound together in a heterogeneous bonding in which the layers have
a different chemistry. Alternatively, a homogenous bonding may be
used in which all layers would be of the same chemistry. Thirdly,
the respective elastomer layers may optionally be glued together by
an adhesive. In a fourth aspect, the elastomeric layers may be
thermoset elastomers bonded together by heating.
[0083] The elastomeric layers may be composed of the same elastomer
material, with the same chemical entity in one layer reacting with
the same chemical entity in the other layer to bond the layers
together. Alternatively, bonding between polymer chains of like
elastomer layers may result from activation of a crosslinking agent
due to light, heat, or chemical reaction with a separate chemical
species.
[0084] Further, the elastomeric layers may be composed of different
elastomeric materials, with a first chemical entity in one layer
reacting with a second chemical entity in another layer.
Alternatively, other bonding methods may be used, including
activating the elastomer surface, for example by plasma exposure,
so that the elastomer layers/substrate will bond when placed in
contact. For example, one possible approach to bonding together
elastomer layers composed of the same material is set forth by
Duffy et al, "Rapid Prototyping of Microfluidic Systems in Poly
(dimethylsiloxane)", Analytical Chemistry (1998), 70, 4974-4984,
incorporated herein by reference. This paper discloses that
exposing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layers to oxygen plasma causes
oxidation of the surface, with irreversible bonding occurring when
the two oxidized layers are placed into contact.
[0085] Yet another approach to bonding together successive layers
of elastomer is to utilize the adhesive properties of uncured
elastomer. Where encapsulation of sacrificial layers is employed to
fabricate the elastomer structure, bonding of successive
elastomeric layers may be accomplished by pouring uncured elastomer
over a previously cured elastomeric layer and any sacrificial
material patterned thereupon. Bonding between elastomer layers
occurs due to interpenetration and reaction of the polymer chains
of an uncured elastomer layer with the polymer chains of a cured
elastomer layer. Subsequent curing of the elastomeric layer will
create a bond between the elastomeric layers and create a
monolithic elastomeric structure.
[0086] Two different methods (depending on the device design) were
used to selectively localize the gels in the gradient generating
region. For devices with gradient bridge design (e.g., FIG. 2), the
entire device was first filled with liquid gel followed by rapid
aspiration with house vacuum. Since the resistance across the
gradient generating region is considerably higher than across the
main channels, the gel in the G gradient generating region were
selectively left behind. The second method requires simple loading
of liquid gel into the gradient generating region inlet and can be
used with the design shown in FIG. 3 panel B. After plasma
treatment and bonding, channel surfaces were allowed to revert back
to a hydrophobic state before injecting the gel into gradient
generating region. The gel was confined to the gradient generating
region by surface tension until it solidified and then used for
gradient experiments. A number of gel materials such as collagen
type I, Matrigel, and fibrin were successfully polymerized in the
device using both methods.
[0087] Gradient Characterization: The gradient profiles were
generated and compared through an experimental fluorescent image of
a chemical gradient and a simulated model. The experimental
gradient was formed by a fluorescent molecule Fluorescein
isothiocyanate (FITC), isomer 1, 90% (Aldrich--Steinheim, Germany)
which has a molecular weight of 389.39 g/mole. The solutions used
were deionized water and 1% FITC solution in deionized water. After
the flow began by pumping (Harvard Apparatus Picoplus--Woodstock,
Conn.) at 2 .mu.l/min from each outlet, the device was allowed to
reach steady-state and bright-field and fluorescent pictures were
taken. Centerline intensity profiles were taken and normalized.
These profiles were compared to simulated centerline concentration
profiles that were also normalized. The simulated profiles were
generated by a finite element modeling software designated Comsol
3.2. The simulated gradient profile is based on a system with the
exact geometry of the transparency mask with solely diffusion as a
means of transport from one end to the other. Diffusion as the sole
means of transport was confirmed by flowing fluorescent bead
through the main channels and observing that no beads convectively
entered the gradient chamber or gradient bridge. The concentrations
used were 100% and 0% signifying the use of a buffer on one side.
For both the experimental and simulation, only the steady-state
gradient profiles were evaluated. To ensure that steady-state was
reached in the experiment, extra time was given to establish the
gradient than predicted by the equation:
t = x 2 2 D ##EQU00001##
where t is the time for the molecule to diffuse a distance, x is
the distance the molecule will diffuse, and D is the diffusion
coefficient.
[0088] In one exemplary device, the distance to be diffused may be
400 .mu.m and the diffusion coefficient may be that of the
exemplary fluorescent molecule FITC which has a molecular weight of
389.39 g/mole. In order to calculate the diffusion coefficient, two
equations may be implemented which approximate the linear size of
the molecule and equates the diffusion coefficient. The first
equation approximates the linear size:
a.apprxeq.MW.sup.1/3
where, a is the linear molecule size, and MW is the molecular
weight of a molecule.
[0089] The molecular weight of FITC is 389.39 g/mole. Accordingly,
a single molecule is that divided by Avogadro's number,
6.022.times.10.sup.23 molecules/mole, which yields
6.466.times.10.sup.-22 g/molecule. Therefore a is equal to
8.65.times.10.sup.-8 cm. The equation for the diffusion coefficient
is:
D = k T 6 .pi..eta. a ##EQU00002##
where, k is the Boltzmann constant, T is the temperature, n is the
fluid viscosity, and a is the linear molecule size. The values for
T, 17, and a, are 300.degree. K., 0.01 g/cm/s, 8.65.times.10.sup.-8
cm, respectively; this calculates a value for D of
2.54.times.10.sup.-6 cm.sup.2/s. Utilizing this value for D
approximates the steady-state time to be about 5.24 minutes.
[0090] The experimental data for intensity values may include data
processing due to shadowing effects from the fluorescence signal in
the main channels. In some embodiments, the main channels (e.g.,
source, sink and/or bridge channels) may be about 2 to 100 times
the height of the side channels (e.g., gradient chamber or gradient
bridge) which may result in a shadowing effect. This effect may be
compensated for by subtracting an intensity linescan at a location
where there is no side channel (e.g., gradient chamber or gradient
bridge) from the linescan taken at the desired side channel.
Accordingly, the first part of the data processing may follow the
equation
I.sub.f=I.sub.sc-I.sub.ref
where I.sub.f is the plotted intensity value, I.sub.sc is the
intensity value taken at the side channel, and I.sub.ref is the
intensity value taken at a reference location. This removes both
the ambient signal from the main channels and background noise from
the signal originating in the side channel.
[0091] The second part of the data processing may include
normalizing both the intensity values and the positions along the
channel so that the experimental and theoretical graphs align. The
normalization subtracts the minimum intensity value within the line
profile from each intensity value and then divides each value by
the difference between the maximum and minimum intensity values.
The normalization equation is written as:
x = 0 L I ( x ) norm = I ( x ) - I min I max - I min
##EQU00003##
[0092] where I(x).sub.norm is the normalized intensity value for a
given pixel, I(x) is the intensity value calculated from the above
equation for a given pixel, I.sub.min is the minimum intensity
value of the linescan, I.sub.max is the maximum intensity value of
the linescan, and L is the number of pixels in the linescan.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 7, profiles of three exemplary gradient
chambers with their corresponding centerline gradient profile from
both directions are provided. The left chamber yields a linear
gradient, the middle chamber yields a non-linear gradient, and the
right chamber is a juxtaposition of a concave-down and concave up
non-linear gradient yielding an overall sigmoidal gradient
profile.
[0094] Collagen Gel Micrograph: Referring to FIG. 8, a micrograph
of a collagen gel selectively polymerized in the gradient
generating region of a gradient device is provided. In this
embodiment, two juxtaposed bridge channels are shown in the
gradient generating region. Gradient bridges appear as apertures
between the "squares" flanking the bridge channels. In this
embodiment, the gradient bridges provide fluid access from the
source and sink channels to the bridge channel(s).
[0095] Gradient Stability over Time: A gradient device provided
herein is suitable for maintaining a stable gradient over time.
Such stability may depend upon the continual flow of source
constituent and/or sink constituent through the main channels
(e.g., the source, sink and/or bridge channels) of the device.
Therefore after the steady-state gradient profile is reached, the
profile will remain constant in the absence of flow disruption.
FIG. 9 provides a graph of an exemplary concentration profile,
taken over several time points, of a non-linear gradient across a
collagen type 1 gel.
[0096] In addition, devices and methods of 3-dimensionally
generating in vitro blood vessels are provided.
[0097] The blood vessel-generating device according to the present
invention includes a sink channel in fluid communication with a
sink inlet: a source channel in fluid communication with a source
inlet substantially parallel to the sink channel: and at least one
blood vessel chamber disposed between the sink channel and the
source channel and including at least one first terminal end in
fluid communication with the sink channel and at least one second
terminal end in fluid communication with the source channel. Here,
at least one blood vessel chamber is arranged to correspond to the
thickness and length of a blood vessel to be generated, and
arranged to form a blood vessel-generating region by filling a gel
and/or an extracellular matrix (ECM).
[0098] FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of the blood vessel-generating
device. The blood vessel-generating device 300 includes a base 145
associated with a substrate 160.
[0099] The substrate 160 includes a sink inlet 105 in communication
with a sink channel 110 capable of injecting fluid into the sink
channel 110, and a source inlet 115 in communication with a source
channel 120 capable of injecting fluid into the source channel 120.
Also, the substrate 160 includes a sink outlet 141 in communication
with the sink channel 110 capable of discharging the injected fluid
out of the sink channel 110, and a source outlet 142 in
communication with the source channel 120 capable of discharging
the injected fluid out of the source channel 120. FIG. 10 is a
conceptual diagram showing the sink channel 110 and the source
channel 120, including an inlet and an outlet. In another
embodiment, the sink channel 110 and source channel 120 may form
one channel in order to communicate with each other. In this ease,
the sink inlet 105 and the source inlet 115 may form one inlet, and
the sink outlet 141 and the source outlet 142 may form one outlet.
Also, it is possible to inject and discharge fluid through the
inlets 105 and 115 without using separate outlets 141 and 142.
[0100] The sink channel 110 and the source channel 120 provide a
passage through which the flow of fluid is allowed. Here, the fluid
may include a gel (a fibrin gel, etc.), an ECM, a blood
vessel-forming cell (an endothelial cell, an epithelial cell,
etc.), a co-culturing cell (an astrocyte, a glial cell, a
mesothelial cell. etc.), various angiogenesis factors, a cell
culture medium. etc.
[0101] In addition, the substrate 160 includes at least one blood
vessel chamber 325 disposed between the sink channel 110 and the
source channel 120, including at least one first terminal end in
fluid communication with the sink channel 110 and at least one
second terminal end in fluid communication with the source channel
120. Cross sections of the first and second terminal ends of the at
least one blood vessel chamber 325 are configured to correspond to
the thickness of a blood vessel to be generated. The length between
the first and second terminal ends of at least one blood vessel
chamber 325 is configured to correspond to the length of the blood
vessel to be generated. That is a blood vessel-generating region
335 having the thickness and length correspond to the blood vessel
to be generated may be formed by filling a gel and/or an ECM into
the blood vessel chamber 325, thereby generating one blood vessel
in the blood vessel-generating region 335 per each blood vessel
chamber 325.
[0102] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the gel
may be at least one selected from the group consisting of a
collagen gel, a fibrin gel, Matrigel, self-assembled peptide gel, a
polyethylene glycol gel and an alginate gel.
[0103] Since the gel and/or the ECM filled into the blood vessel
chamber 325 has a predetermined volume, the gel and/or the ECM
provides the first and second cell adhesion portions 331 and 332 so
that cells can 3-dimensionally attach to the first and second
terminal ends adjoining the sink channel 110 and the source channel
120. The gel and/or the ECM also provides a blood vessel-generating
region 335 which is a space that may generate a blood vessel by
undergoing vascular fusion and angiogenesis processes while the
cells are 3-dimensionally proliferated and grown into the gel
and/or the ECM. Therefore, the number of the blood vessel chamber
325, the length between the first terminal end and the second
terminal end, and the area of a cross section vertical to a
longitudinal direction spanning from the first terminal end to the
second terminal end may be adjusted to correspond to the number,
the length and thickness of the blood vessels to be generated,
respectively. Also, the blood vessel chamber 325 may be formed in a
straight line as the symmetric gradient chamber 125 in FIG. 1,
depending on the shape of the blood vessel to be generated, or may
be formed as the asymmetric gradient chambers 130 and 135 in FIG.
1, such that the cross-sections of the first and second terminal
ends are different in area. In addition, the plurality of blood
vessel chambers 325 may he configured to be in communication with
each other according to the blood vessel network to be
generated.
[0104] FIG. 11 depicts a gel and/or an ECM 345 filled into the
blood vessel chamber 325 to form a blood vessel-generating region
335. Unlike FIG. 10 showing that the substrate 160 covers the sink
channel 110, the source channel 120 and the blood vessel chamber
325, the blood vessel-generating device 300 shown in FIG. 11 may he
used in a state where top surfaces of the sink channel 110, the
source channel 120 and the blood vessel chamber 325 arc not covered
by the substrate 160 but rather are exposed.
[0105] FIG. 12 depicts one example of the process for manufacturing
an in vitro blood vessel-generating device according to the present
invention. The blood vessel-generating device according to the
present invention may be manufactured using a method such as
lithography or a molding method, but not limited thereto.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 12, a photoresist is first coated on a
silicon substrate (A). A negative photoresist, SU-8, in which only
a portion irradiated with UV rays is cured may be used as the
photoresist. For example, only a portion of the photoresist in
which a pattern needs to be formed on the spin-coated photoresist
is cured by irradiating the portion of the photoresist with UV rays
using a photomask (B). Then, the exposed portion of the photoresist
is developed to form patterns corresponding to the sink channel
110, the source channel 120 and the blood vessel chamber 325 on the
silicon substrate. A curable material, such as PDMS or
polyurethane, used to form a cast is poured into the formed
patterns, cured for a certain period of time so that the formed
patterns can be formed in the curable material, and then separated
from the patterns formed on the silicon substrate (C). The
separated cast is subjected to a suitable surface treatment such as
plasma treatment, and attached to a slide glass (base) to form a
channel (D).
[0107] The present invention provides a method of generating a
blood vessel including a) tilling a gel and/or an ECM into the
blood vessel chamber of the blood vessel-generating device; b)
injecting a blood vessel-forming cell into the sink channel and/or
the source channel of the blood vessel-generating device and
attaching the blood vessel-forming cell to the gel and/or the ECM
exposed to the first terminal end and the second terminal end of
the blood vessel chamber; and c) injecting an angiogenesis factor
and a cell culture medium into the sink channel and/or the source
channel of the blood vessel-generating device and culturing the
blood vessel-forming cell.
[0108] FIG. 13 depicts an embodiment of a method of generating a
blood vessel using the blood vessel-generating device 300 according
to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, a gel and/or an ECM
is filled into the blood vessel chamber 325 of the blood
vessel-generating device 300, and polymerized for a certain period
of time to have a predetermined volume. FIG. 13 depicts that the
gel and/or the ECM is injected through the sink channel 110 and the
source channel 120 of the blood vessel-generating device 300 to be
polymerized. The gel and/or the ECM remaining in the sink channel
110 and the source channel 120 is removed via a suction process,
thereby allowing the gel and/or the ECM to be filled only into the
blood vessel chamber 325. However, this is shown for the purpose of
illustrations only. Also the gel and/or the ECM may be filled by
simple loading of the gel and/or the ECM as described above, as
well as the above-mentioned methods. The gel and/or the ECM may
also be filled in the form of a mixture obtained by mixing gel
and/or ECM with at least one of a blood vessel-forming cell, an
angiogenesis factor, a cell culture medium and a co-culturing
cell.
[0109] Via the filling step, the gel and/or the ECM having a
predetermined volume forms a blood vessel-generating region 335.
And the gel and/or the ECM exposed to the first terminal end and
the second terminal end of the blood vessel chamber 325 is
configured to form first and second cell adhesion portions 331 and
332 which are favorable for the blood vessel-forming cell to
attach. Therefore, the blood vessel-forming cell 301 is injected
into the sink channel 110 and the source channel 120 of the blood
vessel-generating device 300, and attaches to the first terminal
end and the second terminal end of the blood vessel chamber 325 as
the blood vessel-generating device 300 moves from side to side.
[0110] Next, in order to induce proliferation of a blood
vessel-forming cell and formation of a blood vessel, an
angiogenesis factor and a cell culture medium were injected into
the sink channel 110 and the source channel 120 of the blood
vessel-generating device 300 and cultured with the blood
vessel-forming cell. In order to effectively induce the formation
of a blood vessel, a co-culturing cell which interacts with the
blood vessel-forming cell and induces the formation of the blood
vessel may be injected, and co-cultured. The co-culturing cell may
be injected together with an angiogenesis factor and a cell culture
medium, or may be injected independently from the angiogenesis
factor and the cell culture medium. After this process, the blood
vessel may be generated in vitro.
[0111] In one specific embodiment of the present invention; the gel
may be, for example, at least one selected from a collagen gel, a
fibrin gel, Matrigel, a self-assembled peptide gel, a polyethylene
glycol gel and an alginate gel. A fibrin gel is used in this
embodiment.
[0112] In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the
blood vessel-forming cell may be, for example, at least one
selected from an endothelial cell, an epithelial cell and a cancer
cell. The blood vessel-forming cell may be understood to include
mutated cells, genetically modified and transfected cells thereof.
A human umbilical vain endothelial cell (HUVEC) is used in this
embodiment. In the specification, the term "blood vessel-forming
cell" refers to a cell that forms a blood vessel by interaction of
angiogenesis-inducing agents included in a cell culture medium or
angiogenesis factors produced from a co-culturing cell. The blood
vessel-forming cell may form a blood vessel through vasculogenesis
and angiogenesis that closely mimics the blood vessel forming
process observed in vivo. For example, blood vessel endothelial
cells, such as HUVEC, a human microvascular endothelial cell, and a
human brain microvascular endothelial cell, separated from various
human organs may be used as the blood vessel-forming cell. Not only
human-derived cell lines, diverse cell lines separated from mouse,
rat, cattle, pig may be used as the blood vessel-forming cell.
Also, a cancer cell may be used to conduct research on cancer
growth and metastasis mechanisms. As described above, the kind of
the blood vessel-forming cell may be suitably selected by those
skilled in the art according to the purpose of the experiments.
[0113] In still another specific embodiment of the present
invention, the angiogenesis factor may be, for example, at least
one selected from a fibroblast growth factor (FGF), a vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an epidermal growth factor (EGF),
a transforming growth factor .beta. (TGT.beta.), angiopoietins and
a sphingosine 1-phosphate (SIP). VEGF is used in this
embodiment.
[0114] In still another specific embodiment of the present
invention, any one of cell culture mediums known in the art may be
used as the cell culture medium. An ECM-2 medium (LONZA) is used in
this embodiment.
[0115] In yet another specific embodiment of the present invention,
the co-culturing cell may be a cell that secretes a biochemical
material required to form a blood vessel, such as an
angiogenesis-inducing agent, through the interaction with the blood
vessel-forming cell. The co-culturing cell may be, for example, at
least one selected from an astrocyte, a glial cell, a mesothelial
cell, a fibroblast, a smooth muscle cell and a cancer cell. The
co-culturing cell may be understood to include mutated cells,
genetically modified, and transfected cells thereof. When a blood
vessel to be generated is a blood vessel in the brain, the
co-culturing cell would be preferably an astrocyte, a glial cell, a
mesothelial cell or a fibroblast. When a blood vessel to be
generated is a blood vessel other than the blood vessel in the
brain, the co-culturing cell would be preferably a fibroblast or a
smooth muscle cell. Also, in order to conduct research on the
relationship between cancer and angiogenesis, a cancer cell may be
used as the co-culturing cell. A human lung fibroblast is used in
this embodiment.
[0116] The addition of the angiogenesis factor, the cell culture
medium and the co-culturing cell may he performed to provide a
suitable environment for the growth, proliferation and angiogenesis
of the blood vessel-forming cell. The kinds and compositions of the
angiogenesis factor, the cell culture medium and the co-culturing
cell may be suitably selected by those skilled in the art.
[0117] FIG. 14 is a conceptual plane view showing various
embodiments in which the blood vessel-forming cell 301 is attached
to a gel and/or an ECM exposed to the first terminal end and the
second terminal end of the blood vessel chamber 325 in the blood
vessel-generating device. FIG. 14A shows that the blood
vessel-forming cell 301 is attached to the gel and/or the ECM 345
at the first terminal end and the second terminal end of the blood
vessel chamber 325. FIG. 14B shows that an angiogenesis factor, a
cell culture medium and/or a co-culturing cell 302 are further
injected into the sink channel 110 in addition to the attached
blood vessel-forming cell 301 of FIG. 14A. FIG. 14C shows that a
mixture, obtained by mixing a gel and/or an ECM with an
angiogenesis factor, a cell culture medium and/or a co-culturing
cell 302, is injected into the blood vessel chamber 325 to form a
blood vessel-generating region 335. FIG. 14D shows that an
angiogenesis factor, a cell culture medium and/or a co-culturing
cell 302 arc further injected into the sink channel 110 and the
source channel 120, in addition to the injection of the mixture of
FIG. 14C.
[0118] FIG. 15 is a picture showing a blood vessel generated
according to the embodiment of FIG. 13, which is stained and
observed under a fluorescence microscope. From the microscopic
image of the cross sections taken from lines A-A' and B-B', it can
he seen that a hollow tubular structure extends in a longitudinal
direction to form a blood vessel.
[0119] FIG. 16 shows a microscopic image of cross-sections
(A.fwdarw.D) taken vertically from a lower portion of the blood
vessel of FIG. 15 along the Z axis. The blue region represents a
nucleus stained with Hoechst 33324, the green region represents
F-actin stained with phalloidin, and the red region represents a
tight junction stained with ZO-1. From these results, it can be
revealed that a tight junction between an endothelial cell and a
blood vessel wall is formed to have a structure similar to a real
blood vessel.
[0120] Still another blood vessel-generating device according to
the present invention includes a sink channel in fluid
communication with a sink inlet; a source channel in fluid
communication with a source inlet substantially parallel to the
sink channel: a blood vessel-forming channel in fluid communication
a blood vessel-forming channel inlet, disposed in contact with the
sides of the sink channel and the source channel between the sink
channel and the source channel, substantially parallel to the
source channel and the sink channel: a first culture channel in
fluid communication with a first culture channel inlet, disposed in
contact with the other side of the sink channel, substantially
parallel to the sink channel: and a second culture channel in fluid
communication with a second culture channel inlet, disposed in
contact with the other side of the source channel, substantially
parallel to the source channel. Here, a plurality of
microstructures configured to allow interaction between biochemical
materials included in each channel arc arranged in the interlaces
of the respective adjacent channels at set intervals.
[0121] The second embodiment of the blood vessel-generating device
is shown in FIG. 17. The blood vessel-generating device 400
includes a base 145 associated with a substrate 160.
[0122] The substrate 160 includes a sink inlet 105 in communication
with the sink channel 110, capable of injecting fluid into the sink
channel 110, and a source inlet 115 in communication with a source
channel 120, capable of injecting fluid into the source channel
120. Also, the substrate 160 includes a sink outlet 141 in
communication with the sink channel 110, capable of discharging the
injected fluid out of the sink channel 110, and a source outlet 142
in communication with the source channel 120, capable of
discharging the injected fluid out of the source channel 120. FIG.
17 is a conceptual diagram showing the sink channel 110 and the
source channel 120 including an inlet and an outlet. In another
embodiment, the sink channel 110 and source channel 120 may form
one channel in order to communicate with each other. In this case,
the sink inlet 105 and the source inlet 115 may form one inlet, and
the sink outlet 141 and the source outlet 142 may form one outlet.
Also, it is possible to inject and discharge fluid through the sink
inlet 105 and the source inlet 115 without using separate sink and
source outlets 141 and 142.
[0123] Furthermore, the substrate 160 includes a blood
vessel-forming channel 320 disposed in contact with the sides of
the sink channel 110 and the source channel 120 between the sink
channel 110 and the source channel 120, substantially parallel to
the sink channel 110 and the source channel 120. Also, the
substrate 160 includes a first culture channel 410 disposed in
contact with the other side of the sink channel 110, substantially
parallel to the sink channel 110 and a second culture channel 420
disposed in contact with the other side of the source channel 120,
substantially parallel to the source channel 120. FIG. 17 is a
conceptual diagram showing that each of the blood vessel-forming
channel 320 and the first and second culture channels 410 and 420
includes inlets 305, 405 and 415 and outlets 143, 441 and 442.
However, it is possible to inject and discharge the fluid through
the inlets without using separate outlets.
[0124] The adjacent interfaces of the sink channel 110, the source
channel 120, the blood vessel-forming channel 320, the first
culture channel 410 and the second culture channel 420 are divided
by arranging a plurality of microstructures 450 at set intervals so
that biochemical materials in each channel can interact with each
other. The microstructures 450 have fine column shapes with a
length and height ranging from several tens to several hundreds of
micrometers (.mu.m). The plurality of microstructures 450 may be
arranged at a distance of 500 .mu.m or less. The distance may be
suitably determined according to the purpose and conditions of an
experiment.
[0125] A blood vessel-generating region 335 is 3-dimensionally
formed by filling a gel and/or an ECM into the blood vessel-forming
channel 320. The blood vessel-generating region 335 provides a
space in which blood vessel-forming cells are 3-dimensionally
proliferated to form blood vessels. Since the plurality of
microstructures 450 are arranged in the adjacent interface between
the blood vessel-forming channel 320 and the sink channel 110 and
the source channel 120 at set intervals, when a gel and/or an ECM
is injected into the blood vessel-forming channel 320, the gel
and/or the ECM forms the blood vessel-generating region 325 in the
blood vessel-forming channel 320 without any leakage of the gel
and/or the ECM between the microstructures 450 due to the surface
tension of the gel and/or the ECM. Meanwhile, since various
biochemical materials in each channel may flow and diffuse through
gaps between the plurality of microstructures 450, various
angiogenesis factors and nutrient ingredients included in the sink
channel 110 and the source channel 120 may be supplied to the blood
vessel-forming channel 320. Also, blood vessels generated in the
blood vessel-generating region 335 extend through the gaps formed
between the plurality of microstructures 450 to be in communication
with the sink channel 110 and the source channel 120, thereby
forming an inlet/outlet of the blood vessel and making the blood
vessel possible to be perfused with the fluid included in the
source channel 120 or the sink channel 110. Therefore, the reaction
of the blood vessels may be observed in real time and recorded when
directly transferring various biochemical and biophysical materials
and signals into the blood vessels through the sink channel 110 and
the source channel 120 which are in communication with the gaps
between the microstructures 450. Therefore, the number of inlets
and outlets of a blood vessel network to be generated may he
adjusted by changing the shape, length and number of the
microstructures disposed between the blood vessel-forming channel
320 and the sink channel 110 and the source channel 120.
[0126] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a mechanism of
filling a gel and/or an ECM into a blood vessel-forming channel.
According to the present invention, the substrate 160 may be made
of a hydrophobic material. An unpolymerized liquid gel and/or ECM
330 injected into the blood vessel-forming channel 320 forms the
menisci between the plurality of microstructures 450. In this case,
when the pressure inside the liquid menisci are put under a certain
level of a pressure (a threshold pressure level), the menisci do
not proceed into the sides of the sink channel 110 and the source
channel 120 due to the resisting surface tension. A range of the
pressure in which the menisci may stop between the microstructures
without allowing the menisci to proceed into the sides of the sink
channel 110 and the source channel 120 is affected by the gaps
between the microstructures and the heights of the microstructures.
Therefore, theses two parameters (the gaps between the
microstructures and the heights of the microstructures) may be
optimized to adjust a threshold pressure level. The specific method
of adjusting the threshold pressure level is found in Carlos P.
Huang et al. (Engineering microscale cellular niches for
three-dimensional multicellular co-cultures, Lab Chip. 2009, 9,
1740-1748). When a gel and/or an ECM is injected into a blood
vessel-forming channel the menisci may be effectively trapped
between microstructures by adjusting the gaps between the
microstructures and the heights of the microstructures, thereby
precisely adjusting the filling or a gel and/or an ECM between
channels that are not completely physically separated from each
other. This is also applied in the same manner even when a gel
and/or an ECM is tilled into the first and second culture
channels.
[0127] Cell culture regions 435 and 445 are 3-dimensionally formed
by filling a gel and/or an ECM into the first and second culture
channels 410 and 420. Since the plurality of microstructures 450
are arranged in the adjacent interfaces between the first and
second culture channels 410 and 420 and the sink channel 110 and
the source channel 120 at set intervals, when a gel and/or an ECM
is injected into the first and second culture channels 410 and 420,
the gel and/or the ECM forms cell culture regions 435 and 445 in
the first and second culture channels 410 and 420 without any
leakage of the gel and/or the ECM between the microstructures 450
due to the surface tension of the gel and/or the ECM. The cell
culture regions 435 and 445 provide a space in which co-culturing
cells may be 3-dimensionally proliferated. This 3-dimensional
culturing may simulate an in vivo environment more realistically,
and thus it is possible to promote production and secretion of
various signaling materials of the co-culturing cells. Meanwhile,
since the various signaling materials produced in the first and
second culture channels 410 and 420 and various biochemical
material such as an angiogenesis factor included in the sink
channel 110 and the source channel 120 may diffuse through the gaps
between the plurality of microstructures 450, it is possible to
perform the active interaction of biochemical materials between the
first culture channel 410 and the sink channel 110 and between the
second culture channel 420 and the source channel 120.
[0128] The sink channel 110 and the sink channel 120 provide a
passage through which the flow of fluid is allowed. Here, the fluid
may include a cell culture medium, a variety of angiogenesis
factors. etc. As each of the sink channel 110 and the source
channel 120 is disposed between the blood vessel-forming channel
335 and the first and second culture channels 410 and 420, cell
culture media and angiogenesis factors are supplied to the blood
vessel-forming channel 335 and the first and second culture
channels 410 and 420. In this manner, the sink channel 110 and the
sink channel 120 provide a passage through which two cell groups (a
blood vessel-forming cell and a co-culturing cell) in the blood
vessel-forming channel 335 and the first and second culture
channels 410 and 420 may interact with each other via paracrine
signaling, and the blood vessel-forming cells and the co-culturing
cells may he cultured for an extended period of time. Also, since
the blood vessel-forming cells and the co-culturing cells are
physically separated from each other by the sink channel 110 and
the source channel 120, the blood vessel-forming cells and the
co-culturing cells may be readily observed and analyzed
independently from each other. In particular, since the sink
channel 110 and the source channel 120 are in communication with
the inlets/outlets of vascular networks formed at gaps between the
microstructures 450, it is possible to exert a variety of
biochemical and biophysical materials and signals into the blood
vessels through the gaps. Therefore, it is possible to simulate the
interaction between the variety of biochemical and biophysical
signals and the blood vessels, thereby imaging and quantifying the
response of the blood vessels to various stimuli in real time.
[0129] When the blood vessel-generating device 400 according to the
present invention is used to generate a blood vessel, the kinds and
characteristics of a gel and/or an ECM, a blood vessel-forming
cell, a cell culture medium and a co-culturing cell are the same as
described above.
[0130] The present invention also provides a method of generating a
blood vessel including a) injecting i) a gel and/or an ECM and ii)
a blood vessel-forming cell into the blood vessel-forming channel
of the blood vessel-generating device: b) injecting i) the gel
and/or the ECM and ii) a co-culturing cell into the first culture
channel and/or the second culture channel of the blood
vessel-generating device; and c) injecting an angiogenesis factor
and a cell culture medium into the sink channel and/or the source
channel of the blood vessel-generating device and culturing the
blood vessel-forming cell and the co-culturing cell. By the present
method, vasculogenesis process can be simulated.
[0131] FIG. 19 depicts a method of generating a blood vessel using
the blood vessel-generating device 400 according to the present
invention. Here, the method of generating a blood vessel includes
injecting a gel and/or an ECM and a blood vessel-forming cell 330
into the blood vessel-forming channel 320, injecting the gel and/or
the ECM and a co-culturing cell 230 into the first and second
culture channels 410 and 420, and injecting a fluid 130 including a
cell culture medium and various angiogenesis factors into the sink
channel 110 and the source channel 120. When the gel, the ECM
cells, the cell culture media and the various angiogenesis factors
are injected into each channel, additional external experimental
equipment is not required, and they may he simply injected using a
pipette. Also, the blood vessel-forming cells and the co-culturing
cells may he mixed with a gel and/or an [CM to be injected, and may
also be injected independently from the gel and/or the ECM through
the sink or the source channel to make them adhere on the side wall
of gel and/or ECM formed between the microstructures. The method
using the blood vessel-forming cells mixed with gel and/or ECM and
injected into the blood vessel-forming channel may mimic
vasculogenic formation of vessel networks, and the method using the
blood vessel-forming cells attached on gel and/or ECM may mimic
angiogenesis process allowing formation of angiogenic sprouts and
tip cells. FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing that a gel
and/or an ECM and a blood vessel-forming cell 330 are injected into
the blood vessel-forming channel 320, and then a gel and/or an ECM
and a co-culturing cell 230 are injected into the first and second
culture channels 410 and 420. However, the injection order does not
affect the formation of a blood vessel. Therefore, the order of
injecting the materials such as an ECM into each channel may be
varied according to the experimenter's convenience and
characteristics of experiments. The gel and/or the ECM injected
into each channel may be polymerized by increased temperature,
chemical reaction or light irradiation, depending on the kind of
the gel and/or the ECM. After this polymerizing process, a nutrient
ingredient and an angiogenesis factor may he supplied to the blood
vessel-forming channel 320 and the first and second culture
channels 410 and 420 by injecting a cell culture medium into the
sink and source channels. Long-term cell culture and blood vessel
formation are possible by inducing paracrine interactions and
nutrient factor supply between respective channels.
[0132] FIG. 20 is a microscopic image of a blood vessel network
formed according to an embodiment of the present invention by
injecting a mixture, which was obtained by mixing endothelial
cells, HUVECs, and fibroblasts, normal human lung fibroblasts
(NHLFs), with fibrin gels, into each of the blood vessel-forming
channel 320 and the first and second culture channels 410 and 420;
injecting a cell culture medium, endothelial cell growth medium-2
(EGM-2), into the sink channel 110 and the source channel 120; and
culturing the cell culture medium. In (B), the blue region
represents nucleus stained with Hoechst 33324, the green region
represents F-actin stained with phalloidin. From these results, it
can be revealed that the blood vessels are interconnected in a
complicated pattern, and extend through the gaps formed between the
microstructures 450 to be in communication with the cell culture
medium in the sink channel 110 and the source channel 120.
Therefore, it can be seen that the interior of the blood vessels
and a fluid environment of the cell culture medium exist in the
form of a continuous phase.
[0133] The present invention also provides a method of generating a
blood vessel including a) injecting i) a gel and/or an ECM into the
blood vessel-forming channel of the blood vessel-generating device;
b) injecting a blood vessel-forming cell into the sink channel
and/or the source channel of the blood vessel-generating device,
and attaching the blood vessel-forming cell to the gel and/or the
ECM exposed between the microstructures arranged in the sides of
the blood vessel-forming channel; c) injecting i) the gel and/or
the ECM and ii) a co-culturing cell into the first culture channel
and/or the second culture channel of the blood vessel-generating
device; and d) injecting an angiogenesis factor and a cell culture
medium into the sink channel and/or the source channel of the blood
vessel-generating device and culturing the blood vessel-forming
cell and the co-culturing cell. By the present method, an
angiogenesis process can be simulated.
[0134] Except for injecting the blood vessel-forming cell via the
sink channel and/or the source channel and attaching the blood
vessel-forming cell to the gel and/or the ECM exposed between the
microstructures, the specific method is the same as described
above.
[0135] FIG. 21 is a picture showing angiogenic sprouts formed by
simulating angiogenesis. Here, the angiogenic sprouts are induced
by filling fibrin gels into the blood vessel-forming channel 320 to
form a blood vessel-generating region 335; injecting endothelial
cells, HUVECs, into the sink channel 110 disposed in the left side
of the blood vessel-forming channel 320; attaching the HUVECs to
fibrin gels exposed through the gaps between the microstructures
450; and 3-dimensionally culturing fibroblasts, NHLFs, in the
second culture channel 420 disposed in the right side of the blood
vessel-forming channel 320. In this case, it was revealed that the
angiogenic sprouts grew from the left side of the blood
vessel-generating region 335 to which the HUVECs are attached to
the right side of the blood vessel-generating region 335 in which
the fibroblast NHLFs are cultured.
[0136] In one specific embodiment of the present invention as
described above, the blood vessel-generating device 400 according
to the present invention may form a concentration gradient of
various signaling materials secreted by the co-culturing, cells by
adjusting a relative density or by culturing different kinds of
cells between the co-culturing cells cultured in the first and
second culture channels 410 and 420, disposed respectively on the
left and right of the blood vessel-forming channel 320. In
addition, the amounts of various signaling materials secreted by
the co-culturing cells may be controlled by adjusting a relative
density between the co-culturing cells and the blood vessel-forming
cells. Also, blood vessel-generating device 400 according to the
present invention may also form a concentration gradient of various
angiogenesis factors and nutrient ingredients by adjusting a
relative flow rate or the kind and concentration of the biochemical
materials between the sink channel 110 and the source channel 120,
disposed respectively on the left and right sides of the blood
vessel-forming channel 320.
[0137] According to another specific embodiment of the present
invention, blood vessels may be induced to have blood vessel
characteristics which appear in specific organs and tissues of the
human body, and specific physiological and pathological conditions
of the human body by adjusting the origins and kinds of the blood
vessel-forming cell, the co-culturing cell and the biochemical
factors added to gel, ECM or cell culture medium. For example, when
cancer cells are injected with the blood vessel endothelial cells,
the permeability of the blood vessel network may be increased in
response to the various angiogenic factors and
inflammation-inducing factors secreted from the cancer cells. On
the contrary, when astrocytes are injected as the co-culturing
cell, the permeability of the blood vessel network may be lowered
by enhancing the tight cell-cell junctions between the cells
constituting blood vessels. Also, a blood vessel network may be
endowed with characteristics similar to those of the blood vessels
in the brain by co-culturing neuroglial cells in an adjacent
external portion of the generated blood vessel. Also, various
interactions of the blood vessel-pericyte may be induced by
co-culturing a mesenchymal stem cell, thereby realizing a cellular
microenvironment in which a variety of research may be
performed.
[0138] When adjusting permeability of the blood vessel network, the
permeability of blood vessels may be measured by introducing a
fluorescent dye and quantifying fluorescent intensity of the dye
that diffuses across the vessel walls. Also, the permeability may
he measured by embedding an electrode at the luminal side of the
vessel and the other electrode at the albuminal side of the vessel
which allows quantitative measurement of transendothelial
electrical resistance (TEER) values across the vessel walls.
[0139] In still another specific embodiment of the present
invention, an in vitro model may be provided, which may be used to
understand cancer growth and the metastasis mechanism by inducing
the formation of a blood vessel by a cancer cell, or disposing a
cancer cell in or out of a blood vessel. In order for an
angiogenesis factor secreted from a cancer cell to simulate a
process of inducing morphogenesis or directional growth of blood
vessel endothelial cells, the cancer cell may be mixed with a gel
and/or an ECM in the first and second culture channels. Also,
extravasation or intravasation of cancer cells through the vessel
walls can be modeled by introducing cancer cells into the luminal
side or the albuminal side of the vessel. In addition, in the above
specific embodiment, cells penetrable from the blood stream into a
tissue or from the tissue into the blood stream through a blood
vessel wall are not limited to cancer cells. Representative
examples of other cell groups that move between the tissue and the
blood stream through the blood vessel wall include immune cells
such as macrophages, neutrophils, etc. According to yet another
specific embodiment of the present invention, an interaction
between an immune cell and a blood vessel may be simulated by
introducing a fluid suspended with these immune cells into the
blood vessels.
[0140] As described above, the blood vessel, which is formed in the
blood vessel-generating region 335 using the blood
vessel-generating device 400 according to the present invention,
may communicate with the sink channel 110 and the source channel
120 through the gaps formed between the plurality of
microstructures 450, as shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21. In this case,
various biochemical and biophysical stimulations and signals may be
directly delivered into the blood vessels generated via the sink
channel 100 and the source channel 120, and the response of the
blood vessels may be observed and imaged in real time.
[0141] According to one specific embodiment of the present
invention, a hydrostatic pressure between the sink channel 110 and
the source channel 120 may be induced by adjusting the volume of
the cell culture medium injected into the sink inlet 105 and/or
outlet 141, and the source inlet 115 and/or outlet 142. The
difference in the induced hydrostatic pressure enables the cell
culture medium to flow into the blood vessel network in
communication with the sink channel 110 and the source channel 120
through the gaps formed between the microstructures 450. In this
case, morphological and functional characteristics such as the
diameter, length, permeability of the blood vessel may be adjusted
by mixing the injected fluid with various biochemical materials
that may control the characteristics of the blood vessel. Also, a
flow rate of the biochemical materials flowing through the blood
vessel may be controlled according to the quantitative difference
in hydrostatic pressure. Therefore, the response or remodeling of a
3-dimensional blood vessel under a biophysical stimuli induced by a
shear stress acting on vessel walls may be imaged and
quantified.
[0142] Furthermore, a blood stream may be simulated by applying
various physiological and pathological levels of blood flow into
blood vessels and blood vessel network using a hydrostatic pressure
or an external pump. In addition, a blood vessel wall-cell
interaction observed during various physiological and pathological
physical activities may he simulated at a level similar to an in
vivo environment by incorporating a variety of cell groups
interacting with the inner walls of blood vessels into the blood
stream directed into the blood vessel.
[0143] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate
from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The
various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0144] It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims
(e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as
"open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should he
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence
of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an
aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more"
to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases
should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same
claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least
one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or
"an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or
more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used
to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited,
those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should
be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare
recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at
least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in
those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A,
B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended
in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the
convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C"
would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further
understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive
word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms,
whether in the description or claims, should be understood to
contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either
of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will
be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and
B."
[0145] The examples set forth above are provided to give those of
ordinary skill in the art a complete disclosure and description of
how to make and use the embodiments of the device, systems and
methods described herein, and are not intended to limit the scope
of the various embodiments thereof. Modifications of the
above-described modes for carrying out the device, systems and
methods that are obvious to persons of skill in the art are
intended to be within the scope of the following claims. All
patents and publications mentioned in the specification are
indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to
which the invention pertains. All references cited in this
disclosure are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if
each reference had been incorporated by reference in its entirety
individually.
[0146] A number of embodiments of devices, systems and methods have
been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of such embodiments. Accordingly, other embodiments are
within the scope of the following claims.
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