Grow with the Flow: When Morphogenesis Meets Microfluidics

Abstract

control over the above mentioned in vitro models by creating spatiotemporally controlled microenvironments including control of biological, (bio)chemical, and physical cues. Highly laminar fluid flow on the microscale allows to better predict and control flow patterns, [7] an advantage that has led to widespread popularity of microfluidic platforms.Here, we first detail relevant in vitro morphogenetic models and emphasize how a convergence of microengineered systems and microfluidic platforms with these biological models can help us to further improve control over the tissue formation processes. We will review how customized cell-culture systems for developmental biology and PSC research have supported important advances in the field of morphogenesis to date. We then discuss the current and future roles that microfluidic systems play in these advancements.

Microfluidics for Biosynthesizing: from Droplets and Vesicles to Artificial Cells

“…It is well known that natural cell possess a variety of morphologies, but until now, most of the fabricated cells were spherical. Although some works have dedicated to produce artificial cells in rod and disc morphologies, the exploring of novel methods for engineering cells with different morphologies should get more attention . Additionally, the fabricated cells only exhibit some functions of natural cells and cannot realize all the functions of natural cells.…”

“…Although some works have dedicated to produce artificial cells in rod and disc morphologies, the exploring of novel methods for engineering cells with different morphologies should get more attention. [264] Additionally, the fabricated cells only exhibit some functions of natural cells and cannot realize all the functions of natural cells. What is more, the development of simpler and cheaper microfluidic device is also significant for artificial cells' prospects.…”

A New Microengineered Platform for 4D Tracking of Single Cells in a Stem‐Cell‐Based In Vitro Morphogenesis Model

“…This knowledge will also aid in engineering functional tissues, organs, and organ substitutes for regenerative medicine applications in the future. [ 8 ]…”

Building Complex Life Through Self-Organization

“…For example, a decellularized matrix or mesh substrate can create a cell-adhesive microenvironment that induces selforganization and differentiation to generate chondrocytes from MSCs to enhance formation of cartilage. 50,51 Gradients of morphogens can be established by microfluidics or microfabrication on the micro-or nanometer scale 52,53 and combined with an engineered ECM expressing specific nanotopography or through 3D (bio) printing. [54][55][56] However, one should be careful with designing biomaterials or matrices of poorly defined composition, heterogeneous nature, and batch-to-batch variability, which could inhibit the process of self-organization.…”