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An Integrated Biomimetic Adipose Tissue Microchip
Author(s) -
Chen Yuting,
Ramalingam Latha,
Wu Jiangyu,
MoustaidMoussa Naima,
Li Wei
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.590.4
Subject(s) - adipose tissue , white adipose tissue , adipocyte , tissue engineering , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , adipokine , extracellular matrix , endocrinology , obesity , genetics , insulin resistance
We are developing a microfluidic “fat‐on‐a‐chip” that closely mimics the physiology of a functional adipose tissue [ Figure 1]. Using this platform, we will model both visceral white adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (SAT) by differentiating their respective adipocyte stem cells (ASCs) cultured in a tissue‐specific 3D microenvironment. We hypothesize that our biomimetic fat chip can be used to grow distinct and functional adipose tissues that recapitulate depot specific metabolic differences. This hypothesis will be tested using a unique fat chip designed to integrate multiple compartments with adipose stem cells, native adipocyte extracellular matrix (ECM) and vascular co‐culture system. We will test and validate the function of this fat chip using quantitative and functional analyses. This will be achieved using real‐time fluorescent detection of metabolites secreted by adipose tissue and microscopy analysis of cell morphology. An off‐line detection system will be used to measure secreted adipokines and for measuring gene and protein expression of lipid and inflammatory markers. The investigators in this work have the combined expertise in bioengineering ‘lab‐on‐a‐chip’ in biomimetic environments, obesity and adipose tissue biology. This adipose tissue chip will provide a novel and critical research tool for studying adipose physiology and pathophysiology. We intend to design this chip such that it can be easily applied to other tissue biology and easily integrated as part of a more complex multi organ microsystem. This will ultimately enable future studies of tissue cross‐talk, metabolism and human disease modeling. Support or Funding Information This work is currently supported by Wei Li's TTU New Faculty Startup Funds and TTU 2016 ORC Pilot & Feasibility Grant. 1a). The schematic of a biomimetic adipose tissue microchip. b) a plastic microfluidic chip used for proposed work, c) post structure forms interfaces between adipocytes (center) and endothelial cells (sides), d) endothelial cells lead to vascular sprouts in the 3D hydrogel region, e) histology section of intact adipose tissue, and f) hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained section of decellularized adipose tissue.