Organoids & Microphysiological Systems 2022 Agenda

Morning Coffee, Tea and Pastries in the Exhibit Hall

Microfluidic Encapsulation of Therapeutic Agents in Microdroplets and Nanoparticles
Dong Pyo Kim, Yonsan Chaired Professor, Pohang University of Science And Technology (POSTECH), Korea South

Microdroplets (µ-droplet) and nanoparticles (NPs) have been attracted significant interest in the past decades to address different drug delivery challenges, including poor bioavailability, poor drug solubility, and lack of targeted delivery. Traditionally, µ-droplet and NPs are often produced using bulk methods. In comparison, microfluidics offers a new strategy for making µ-droplet and NPs with controlled shape and homogeneous size due to rapid mass transfer and precise control over reaction conditions. Herein, we present a continuous-flow method for effectively encapsulating various therapeutic agents (enzymes, chelators, magnetic nanoparticles, bio-imaging agents, etc.) into uniform size of polymeric µ-droplet and inorganic NPs by microfluidics. Furthermore, we controlled the mixing time between the reactants of carrier and the therapeutic agent by forming various flow patterns (chaotic, multiple-laminar flow) and developed a drug delivery system with an improved therapeutic effect through flow control. This work will contribute effective encapsulation of therapeutic agents in µ-droplet and NPs, which would be extended to biomedical applications.

Fluid Handling System for Lab-on-a-Chips
Felipe Echeverri, CEO, Biorep Technologies, Inc., United States of America

Proven technology for dynamic perifusion studies can be adapted for Lab-on-a-Chip applications – A System Overview.

The Next Evolution in Microfluidic 3D Printing
Hemdeep Patel, President, Co-Founder, CADworks3D

Over the last decade, 3D printing has changed the way designs are created, evaluated and iterated in all industries and in every facet of life. Since 2016, CADworks3D has been an active player in the world of microfluidics & bio-engineering by showcasing how 3D printers can radically improve the cycle of design, evaluation and iteration.  The CADworks3D line of microfluidic 3D printers and 3D materials has users to test a wide range of devices from clear microfluidic encapsulated chips to master molds used for casting PDMS devices. Our newest open source ProFluidics 285D microfluidic 3D printer equipped with updated optics, a next generation projector and advanced software will allow users to reproduce features that are more true to the design.  Furthermore, the tell sign of pixel burn and shadow that was characteristic of the previous generation 3D printers are now a thing of the past allowing users to create smoother, superior quality surfaces finish.  The ProFluidics 285D will allow users to create high quality clear microfluidic devices and master molds for casting PDMS devices.

Engineering of Organotypic Tissue On-Chip Systems for Disease Modeling and Drug Testing
Mehdi Nikkhah, Associate Professor of Bioengineering, Arizona State University, United States of America

Engineering of ex vivo Tissue-On-Chip Technologies and Microphysiological Systems has gained significant attention in recent years for a wide range of applications in disease modeling, drug screening, and personalized medicine. These technologies have immensely benefited the fields of experimental biology and medicine in the ability to address the limitations of animal models by providing precise control over cell-cell, cell-matrix, and cell-microenvironmental factors interactions. In the past few years, we have been extensively involved in the development of next-generation tissue on-chip technologies through the integration of microfluidic systems, 3D biomaterials, and patient-derived cells. We have successfully engineered and validated numerous disease-on-chip models, including tumor-on-chip and heart-on-chip technologies, to study cancer progression and cardiovascular abnormalities. Using these model systems, we have been able to mechanistically investigate how microenvironmental and genetic risk factors lead to disease progression. Additionally, we have shown the capabilities of these model systems for enhanced drug testing. This seminar will provide an overview of our major findings from these projects.

Organ-on-a-Chip - On the Path to the Promised Land…
Claudia Gärtner, CEO, microfluidic ChipShop GmbH

The perspective from a microfluidic and fabrication company.

Janus Base Nano-matrix Enabled Cartilage-on-a-Chip for Drug Screening Applications
Yupeng Chen, Associate Professor, University of Connecticut, United States of America

To achieve biomimetic microenvironment for engineered tissues, it is important to have biomaterial scaffolds to support cell anchorage and functions. However, conventional solid scaffolds are not injectable so they have limitations for applications in “difficult-to-reach” locations, such as microchannels of tissues-on-chips or deep-tissue damage; hydrogels are semisolid materials so they don’t have solid surface for cell anchorage which could be a limitation in space. To overcome this challenge, we have developed a family of self-assembled scaffolds, named Janus base nano-matrices (JBNms). JBNms are formed by the self-assembly between Janus base nanotubes (JBNts, non-covalent nanotubes mimicking DNA base pairs) and extracellular matrix proteins (such as matrilin, a cartilage specific protein). We have also found that the JBNm presented synergistic functions from JBNts and matrilin, which can create a microenvironment selectively promoting chondrogenesis and stem cell differentiation. Moreover, the JBNm-enabled cartilage-on-a-chip demonstrated significantly improved reusability and longevity. These JBNm cartilage-on-chips can be used for disease modeling and drug screening for a variety of situations.

Networking Luncheon in the Exhibit Hall -- Network with the Exhibitors, View Posters and Engage with Colleagues