An Open-Source Add-On EVOM Device for Real-Time Transepithelial/Endothelial Electrical Resistance Measurements in Multiple Transwell Samples.

This study provides design of a low-cost and open source add-on device that enhances the functionality of the popular EVOM instrument for transepithelial/endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement. The original EVOM instrument is designed for measuring TEER in transwell samples manually using a pair of Ag/AgCl electrodes. The inconsistency in electrode placement, temperature variation, and a typically large (12-24 h) time interval between measurements result in large data variabilities.

A 3D Printed Self-Sustainable Cell-Encapsulation Drug Delivery Device for Periocular Transplant-Based Treatment of Retinal Degenerative Diseases.

Self-sustainable release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to the retina using minimally invasive cell-encapsulation devices is a promising approach to treat retinal degenerative diseases (RDD). Herein, we describe such a self-sustainable drug delivery device with human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells (cultured on collagen coated polystyrene (PS) sheets) enclosed inside a 3D printed semi-porous capsule. The capsule was 3D printed with two photo curable polymers: triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDM) and polyethylene glycol dimethylacrylate (PEGDM).

Prototyping a Versatile Two-Layer Multi-Channel Microfluidic Device for Direct-Contact Cell-Vessel Co-Culture.

Microfluidic devices are gaining increasing popularity due to their wide applications in various research areas. Herein, we propose a two-layer multi-channel microfluidic device allowing for direct-contact cell-vessel co-culture. Using the device, we built a co-culture model of the outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB), mimicking the in vivo retinal pigment epithelial cells-Bruch membrane-fenestrated choroids.

Modeling angiogenesis with micro- and nanotechnology.

Angiogenesis plays an important role not only in the growth and regeneration of tissues in humans but also in pathological conditions such as inflammation, degenerative disease and the formation of tumors. Angiogenesis is also vital in thick engineered tissues and constructs, such as those for the heart and bone, as these can face difficulties in successful implantation if they are insufficiently vascularized or unable to connect to the host vasculature. Considerable research has been carried out on angiogenic processes using a variety of approaches.

Microfluidic co-cultures of retinal pigment epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells to investigate choroidal angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis plays a critical role in many diseases, including macular degeneration. At present, the pathological mechanisms remain unclear while appropriate models dissecting regulation of angiogenic processes are lacking. We propose an in vitro angiogenesis process and test it by examining the co-culture of human retinal pigmental epithelial cells (ARPE-19) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) inside a microfluidic device.