Title:
User-friendly Microphysiological Systems based on Microfluidics for biological applications
Speaker:
Hiroshi Kimura, Ph.D.
Professor, Micro/Nano Technology Center, Tokai University
Professor, Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Tokai University
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Tokai University
Abstract:
Microphysiological systems (MPSs) have garnered attention as a novel method for assessing the effects and toxicities of drugs, offering an alternative to animal tests in drug discovery. Our research group has developed a series of MPSs based on microfluidic device technology, including single-organ and multi-organ platforms for the intestine, liver, and kidney; disease-specific MPSs for conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and stroke; and reproductive MPSs capable of culturing fertilized embryos and testicular tissue¹. Notably, we have commercialized two device platforms for organs relevant to drug disposition, namely the intestine, liver, and kidney, as foundational technologies for drug discovery within the AMED-MPS project. One of these is the Fluid3D-X® (Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.), and the other is the BioStellar™ Plate (Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd.).
The Fluid3D-X® is a bilayer microfluidic device incorporating a porous membrane, primarily applied to model membrane-type organs. We have cultured proximal tubular and intestinal epithelial cells to establish organ-specific MPSs using the device. These MPSs exhibited physiologically relevant responses when employed for toxicity and pharmacokinetic testing. Moreover, we have developed an automated imaging system for this platform, which advances the automation of experimental workflows².
The BioStellar™ Plate is a microfluidic device featuring multiple interconnected culture compartments. Because it incorporates a unique, built-in stirrer-type micropump that we originally developed, external tubing for perfusion is unnecessary, thereby significantly improving user-friendliness. We have employed this device to evaluate first-pass drug metabolism, particularly by co-culturing intestinal and hepatic cells for pharmacokinetic assays. Furthermore, we have utilized this platform to explore the biological interactions between the intestine and liver3.
In addition to these systems, we are also developing advanced tissue culture tools4. A unifying feature across our platforms is their emphasis on ease of use. As engineers, we design these devices with the intention that they are accessible and affordable for a broad range of users. In this presentation, I will introduce the suite of cell and tissue culture platforms that we have developed so far. I sincerely hope that this lecture may catalyze future collaborative research.
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