Cell cultures in microsystems: Biocompatibility aspects

Abstract

Bio-Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (BioMEMS) are a new tool in life sciences, supporting cell biology research by providing reproducible and miniaturized experimental platforms. In order to cultivate cells in such systems, appropriate microenvironmental conditions are required. Due to the multitude and variety of microbioreactors and cultivated cell types available, standardized cell handling methods and comprehensive biocompatibility data are sparse. The bioreactor developed at Ilmenau University of Technology features BioMEMS consisting of silicon, glass, and polymers, supplied by peripheral components. To verify the system's suitability for cell cultivation, it was necessary to prove whether materials and surfaces are biocompatible. Custom-tailored biocompatibility test procedures along with adequate cell seeding and handling methods had to be developed. According to this, proper positive and negative control samples had to be identified. The cultivation procedures were carried out using osteoblast-like murine fibroblasts (MC3T3-E1) and primary human osteoblasts (hOB). We could provide evidence that cultivation of these cells in our BioMEMS is feasible. In this context the relevant materials and the system's structure can be regarded as to be biocompatible. We could show that cell seeding and handling methods possess a strong impact on growth, development, and cellular activity of cell cultures in BioMEMS. Statistical biocompatibility data for the materials used is given.

Integration of 3‐D cell cultures in fluidic microsystems for biological screenings

“…After the development of applicable test routines and parameters like cell number and incubation time, we were able to generate quantitative data, which clearly verify the biocompatibility of the materials used in our BioMEMS. Testing the viability of cell cultures on the different flat substrate surfaces, there were no significant differences between the test materials (silicon and Borofloat ® glass) and a certified biocompatible sample (polystyrene) 10. Further, we could show that it is possible to modify the surface biocompatibility of our system by the application of organic coatings as well as surface nano‐structuring (Fig.…”

“…Cell density is comparatively stable by which the cultivation conditions are reproducible. Hence, we adopted the ‘sessile drop seeding’ process 10, which was used for pre‐cultivation, for our biocompatibility test series. After the development of applicable test routines and parameters like cell number and incubation time, we were able to generate quantitative data, which clearly verify the biocompatibility of the materials used in our BioMEMS.…”

“…Besides material structure and surface morphology, handling processes possess a critical impact on cell life‐time and proliferation rate. While other groups have published qualitative information 9, we pointed at the generation of quantitative, statistically significant data 10. Cell cultures of MC3T3‐E1 and primary human osteoblasts have been established on the samples of the Microsystems' basic materials.…”

BioMEMS for Processing and Testing of Hydrogel-Based Bio-Interfaces

“…They have got two functionalities. On the one hand they serve as a carrier to allow the implementation of 3D hydrogel structures or pre-cultured cells on polymeric scaffold structures [2]. On the other hand they form a plug to seal the system securely.…”

Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of ventilation tube, nasal packing, and spongostan used in ear-nose-throat surgeries

“…[1] The capability of a biomaterial placed in a living tissue to stay inert without causing any change in the surrounding soft or hard tissue is called biocompatibility. [2][3][4] Biological reaction occurring against a biomaterial placed on or in body tissues is evaluated by in vitro biocompatibility tests and the most biomaterials. If so, why did we want to apply the MTT test for the evaluation of cytotoxicity?…”