FTIR spectroscopy as a novel analytical approach for investigation of glucose transport and glucose transport inhibition studies in transwell in vitro barrier models

The final publication is available via https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2020.118388.Glucose transport is key for cellular metabolism as well as physiological function and is maintained via passive facilitated and active sodium-glucose linked transport routes. Here, we present for the first time Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy as a novel approach for quantification ofapical-to-basolateral glucose transport ofin vitro cell barriermodels using liver, lung, intestinal and placental cancer cell lines. Results ofour comparative study revealed that distinct differences could be observed upon subjection to transport inhibitors.European Research Counci

A lab-on-a-chip system with an embedded porous membrane-based impedance biosensor array for nanoparticle risk assessment on placental Bewo trophoblast cells

The human placenta is a unique organ serving as the lung, gut, liver, and kidney of the fetus, mediating the exchange of different endogenous as well as exogenous substances and gases between the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Additionally, the placental barrier protects the fetus from a range of environmental toxins, bacterial and viral infections, since any contaminant bridging the placenta may have unforeseeable effects on embryonal and fetal development. A more recent concern in placenta research, however, involves the ability of engineered nanoparticles to cross the placental barrier and/or affect its barrier function. To advance nanoparticle risk assessment at the human placental barrier, we have developed as proof-of-principle a highly integrated placenta-on-a-chip system containing embedded membrane-bound impedance microsensor arrays capable of non-invasively monitoring placental barrier integrity. Barrier integrity is continuously and label-free evaluated using porous membrane-based interdigitated electrode structures located on top of a porous PET membrane supporting a barrier of trophoblast-derived BeWo cell barrier in the absence and presence of standardized silicon dioxide (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials.This work has been funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 685817.Peer reviewe

Analyse von 3D Gewebemodellen mittels Lichtstreumessung

Abweichender Titel nach Übersetzung der Verfasserin/des VerfassersAbout 1% of the world's adult population suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, enduring pain and disability, as these are the hallmarks of this chronic joint inflammation. As no cure has been found yet, research into this highly complex disease is needed. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes have been discovered as one of the key players as they are crucial for synovial lining layer formation which leads to cartilage and bone degradation. By culture of synoviocytes in a 3-dimensional Matrigel matrix on chip, lining layer formation similar to in vivo could be achieved. Coupling of these micro-scaled biochips with non-invasive light scattering enabled the time-resolved analysis of rheumatoid arthritis in it's early stage. Light scatter measurements as complimentary insights in parallel with microscope images revealed that the inflamed condition, induced in vitro by administration of tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha, yields higher cell proliferation, increased production of adhesive molecules and a more dense lining layer formation than healthy, untreated synoviocytes. Thus this powerful in vitro technique confirms what has already been reported in literature for in vivo, therefore making it a promising tool for further research, as it offers the ability to rapidly screen drug impact on rheumatoid arthritis.6

Latest Trends in Biosensing for Microphysiological Organs-on-a-Chip and Body-on-a-Chip Systems

Organs-on-chips are considered next generation in vitro tools capable of recreating in vivo like, physiological-relevant microenvironments needed to cultivate 3D tissue-engineered constructs (e.g., hydrogel-based organoids and spheroids) as well as tissue barriers. These microphysiological systems are ideally suited to (a) reduce animal testing by generating human organ models, (b) facilitate drug development and (c) perform personalized medicine by integrating patient-derived cells and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into microfluidic devices. An important aspect of any diagnostic device and cell analysis platform, however, is the integration and application of a variety of sensing strategies to provide reliable, high-content information on the health status of the in vitro model of choice. To overcome the analytical limitations of organs-on-a-chip systems a variety of biosensors have been integrated to provide continuous data on organ-specific reactions and dynamic tissue responses. Here, we review the latest trends in biosensors fit for monitoring human physiology in organs-on-a-chip systems including optical and electrochemical biosensors

The minimal invasive direct anterior approach in combination with large heads in total hip arthroplasty - is dislocation still a major issue?:a case control study

Background: There have been increasing numbers of publications in recent years on minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for total hip arthroplasty (THA), reporting results with the use of different head sizes, tribologic and functional outcomes. This study presents the results and early complication rates after THA using the direct anterior approach (DAA) in combination with head sizes ≥ 36 mm. Methods: A total of 113 patients with THA were included in the study. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was determined, a radiographic evaluation was carried out, and complications were recorded. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years (means 35 ± 7 months). Results: The HHS improved from 43.6 (± 12) to 88.2 (± 14; P < 0.01). One early infection occurred, one periprosthetic fracture, and three cases of aseptic stem loosening. No incorrect positioning of the implants was observed, and there were no dislocations. Conclusion: THA with the minimally invasive DAA in combination with large heads is associated with good to very good functional results in the majority of cases. The complication rates are not increased. The rate of dislocation mainly as an complication of the first two years can be markedly reduced in particular

Evaluation of Osseous Integration of PVD-Silver-Coated Hip Prostheses in a Canine Model

Infection associated with biomaterials used for orthopedic prostheses remains a serious complication in orthopedics, especially tumor surgery. Silver-coating of orthopedic (mega)prostheses proved its efficiency in reducing infections but has been limited to surface areas exposed to soft tissues due to concerns of silver inhibiting osseous integration of cementless stems. To close this gap in the bactericidal capacity of silver-coated orthopedic prostheses extension of the silver-coating on surface areas intended for osseous integration seems to be inevitable. Our study reports about a PVD- (physical-vapor-deposition-) silver-coated cementless stem in a canine model for the first time and showed osseous integration of a silver-coated titanium surface in vivo. Radiological, histological, and biomechanical analysis revealed a stable osseous integration of four of nine stems implanted. Silver trace elemental concentrations in serum did not exceed 1.82 parts per billion (ppb) and can be considered as nontoxic. Changes in liver and kidney functions associated with the silver-coating could be excluded by blood chemistry analysis. This was in accordance with very limited metal displacement from coated surfaces observed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) 12 months after implantation. In conclusion our results represent a step towards complete bactericidal silver-coating of orthopedic prostheses

A decade of organs-on-a-chip emulating human physiology at the microscale: a critical status report on progress in toxicology and pharmacology

Organ-on-a-chip technology has the potential to accelerate pharmaceutical drug development, improve the clinical translation of basic research, and provide personalized intervention strategies. In the last decade, big pharma has engaged in many academic research cooperations to develop organ-on-a-chip systems for future drug discoveries. Although most organ-on-a-chip systems present proof-of-concept studies, miniaturized organ systems still need to demonstrate translational relevance and predictive power in clinical and pharmaceutical settings. This review explores whether microfluidic technology succeeded in paving the way for developing physiologically relevant human in vitro models for pharmacology and toxicology in biomedical research within the last decade. Individual organ-on-a-chip systems are discussed, focusing on relevant applications and highlighting their ability to tackle current challenges in pharmacological research