The authors would like to thank Brooke Hjelm for her technical expertise and Andrew Larsen for his protein analysis. This work was funded in part by the Alternatives Research Development Foundation (MMHK) Grant and the NIH NIAID Sexually Transmitted Infections and Topical Microbicides Cooperative Research Center IU19 AI062150-01(MMHK). We gratefully acknowledge Biology of Reproduction for reuse of figures.

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D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+three-dimensional+tissue+culture+model+for+the+study+of+attach+and+efface+lesion+formation+by+enteropathogenic+and+enterohaemorrhagic+Escherichia+coli.">A three-dimensional tissue culture model for the study of attach and efface lesion formation by enteropathogenic and enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli.</a> Cell Microbiol. 7, 1771-1781 (2005).</li><li>Nickerson, C. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Three-dimensional+tissue+assemblies:+novel+models+for+the+study+of+Salmonella+enterica+serovar+Typhimurium+pathogenesis.">Three-dimensional tissue assemblies: novel models for the study of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium pathogenesis.</a> Infection and Immunity. 69, 7106-7120 (2001).</li><li>Honer zu Bentrup, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Three-dimensional+organotypic+models+of+human+colonic+epithelium+to+study+the+early+stages+of+enteric+salmonellosis.">Three-dimensional organotypic models of human colonic epithelium to study the early stages of enteric salmonellosis.</a> Microbes Infect. 8, 1813-1825 (2006).</li><li>Carterson, A. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A549+lung+epithelial+cells+grown+as+three-dimensional+aggregates:+alternative+tissue+culture+model+for+Pseudomonas+aeruginosa+pathogenesis.">A549 lung epithelial cells grown as three-dimensional aggregates: alternative tissue culture model for Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenesis.</a> Infection and Immunity. 73, 1129-1140 (2005).</li><li>Smith, Y. C., Grande, K. K., Rasmussen, S. B., O'Brien, A. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Novel+three-dimensional+organoid+model+for+evaluation+of+the+interaction+of+uropathogenic+Escherichia+coli+with+terminally+differentiated+human+urothelial+cells.">Novel three-dimensional organoid model for evaluation of the interaction of uropathogenic Escherichia coli with terminally differentiated human urothelial cells.</a> Infection and Immunity. 74, 750-757 (2006).</li><li>Sainz, B., TenCate, V., Uprichard, S. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Three-dimensional+Huh7+cell+culture+system+for+the+study+of+Hepatitis+C+virus+infection.">Three-dimensional Huh7 cell culture system for the study of Hepatitis C virus infection.</a> Virol J. 6, 103 (2009).</li><li>Duray, P. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Invasion+of+human+tissue+ex+vivo+by+Borrelia+burgdorferi.">Invasion of human tissue ex vivo by Borrelia burgdorferi.</a> J. Infect Dis. 191, 1747-1754 (2005).</li><li>Margolis, L. B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lymphocyte+trafficking+and+HIV+infection+of+human+lymphoid+tissue+in+a+rotating+wall+vessel+bioreactor.">Lymphocyte trafficking and HIV infection of human lymphoid tissue in a rotating wall vessel bioreactor.</a> AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses. 13, 1411-1420 (1997).</li><li>Reed, L. J., Muench, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+simple+method+of+estimating+fifty+percent+endpoints.">A simple method of estimating fifty percent endpoints.</a> Am. J. Hyg. 27, 493-497 (1938).</li><li>Beer, B. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vitro+preclinical+testing+of+nonoxynol-9+as+potential+anti-human+immunodeficiency+virus+microbicide:+a+retrospective+analysis+of+results+from+five+laboratories.">In vitro preclinical testing of nonoxynol-9 as potential anti-human immunodeficiency virus microbicide: a retrospective analysis of results from five laboratories.</a> Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 50, 713-723 (2006).</li><li>Hickey, D. K., Patel, M. V., Fahey, J. V., Wira, C. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Innate+and+adaptive+immunity+at+mucosal+surfaces+of+the+female+reproductive+tract:+stratification+and+integration+of+immune+protection+against+the+transmission+of+sexually+transmitted+infections.">Innate and adaptive immunity at mucosal surfaces of the female reproductive tract: stratification and integration of immune protection against the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.</a> J. Reprod. Immunol. 88, 185-194 (2011).</li><li>Andersch-Bjorkman, Y., Thomsson, K. A., Holmen Larsson, J. M., Ekerhovd, E., Hansson, G. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Large+scale+identification+of+proteins,+mucins,+and+their+O-glycosylation+in+the+endocervical+mucus+during+the+menstrual+cycle.">Large scale identification of proteins, mucins, and their O-glycosylation in the endocervical mucus during the menstrual cycle.</a> Mol. Cell Proteomics. 6, 708-716 (2007).</li><li>Barrila, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=3D+cell+culture+models:+Innovative+platforms+for+studying+host-pathogen+interactions.">3D cell culture models: Innovative platforms for studying host-pathogen interactions.</a> Nature Reviews Microbiology. 8, 791-801 (2010).</li><li>Vamvakidou, A. P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Heterogeneous+breast+tumoroids:+An+in+vitro+assay+for+investigating+cellular+heterogeneity+and+drug+delivery.">Heterogeneous breast tumoroids: An in vitro assay for investigating cellular heterogeneity and drug delivery.</a> J. Biomol Screen. 12, 13-20 (2007).</li><li>Jin, F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Establishment+of+three-dimensional+tissue-engineered+bone+constructs+under+microgravity-simulated+conditions.">Establishment of three-dimensional tissue-engineered bone constructs under microgravity-simulated conditions.</a> Artif Organs. 34, 118-125 (2010).</li><li>Vertrees, R. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+a+three-dimensional+model+of+lung+cancer+using+cultured+transformed+lung+cells.">Development of a three-dimensional model of lung cancer using cultured transformed lung cells.</a> Cancer Biol Ther. 8, 356-365 (2009).</li><li>Hwang, Y. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+use+of+murine+embryonic+stem+cells,+alginate+encapsulation,+and+rotary+microgravity+bioreactor+in+bone+tissue+engineering.">The use of murine embryonic stem cells, alginate encapsulation, and rotary microgravity bioreactor in bone tissue engineering.</a> Biomaterials. 30, 499-507 (2009).</li><li>Pei, M., He, F., Kish, V. L., Vunjak-Novakovic, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Engineering+of+functional+cartilage+tissue+using+stem+cells+from+synovial+lining:+a+preliminary+study.">Engineering of functional cartilage tissue using stem cells from synovial lining: a preliminary study.</a> Clin. Orthop Relat. Res. 466, 1880-1889 (2008).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Utilization of the RWV bioreactor technology presented here may provide researchers with the capability to advance their current cell culture system to a more physiologically relevant organotypic cell culture model. The RWV bioreactor cell culture system provides a low shear microenvironment that enables cells to form 3-D cellular aggregates with in vivo-like characteristics, including tight junctions, mucin production, extracellular processes (i.e. microvilli), and cellular polarity. The majority of the data an...

<table><tbody><tr><td>Alexa Fluor 488</td><td>Invitrogen</td><td>A21131</td><td>Used at 1:500 dilution</td></tr><tr><td>FACSDiva</td><td>BD Biosciences</td><td></td><td>Flow cytometer</td></tr><tr><td>&amp;#946;-tublin antibody</td><td>Calbiochem</td><td>654162</td><td>Used at 1:5000 dilution</td></tr><tr><td>Bio-Plex 2000</td><td>Bio-Rad</td><td>171-000205</td><td>v5 software</td></tr><tr><td>Bioreactor and components</td><td>Synthecon</td><td>RCCS-4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cell strainer</td><td>BD Biosciences</td><td>352340</td><td>40&amp;#x03BC;m pore size</td></tr><tr><td>Conical tube (50mL)</td><td>Corning</td><td>5-538-60</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Coverslips</td><td>VWR international</td><td>48366067</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cytokine bead array kits</td><td>Bio-Rad</td><td>Custom human kit</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cytodex beads</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>C3275</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>DPBS</td><td>GIBCO, by Life Technologies</td><td>14190</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>EDTA</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>ED-500G</td><td>Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid</td></tr><tr><td>Epithelial specific antibody (ESA)</td><td>Chemicon International</td><td>CBL251</td><td>Used at 1:50 dilution</td></tr><tr><td>Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS)</td><td>GIBCO, by Life Technologies</td><td>10438</td><td>Heat inactivated</td></tr><tr><td>HARV (Disposable)</td><td>Synthecon</td><td>D-405</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hydrochloric acid</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>258148</td><td>37%</td></tr><tr><td>Involucrin antibody</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>I 9018</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Microscope slides</td><td>VWR international</td><td>16004-368</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>MTT reagent</td><td>MP Biomedicals</td><td>194592</td><td>3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazolyl 1-2)-2,5-Diphenyl Tetrazolium Bromide</td></tr><tr><td>MUC1 antibody (microscopy)</td><td>Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.</td><td>Sc-7313</td><td>Used at 1:50 dilution</td></tr><tr><td>MUC1 antibody (flow cytometry)</td><td>BD Biosciences</td><td>559774</td><td>Also called CD227, use 20&amp;#x03BC;L per test</td></tr><tr><td>&lt;em&gt;Paraformaldehyde&lt;/em&gt;</td><td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td><td>15710</td><td>Diluted to 4% in DPBS</td></tr><tr><td>Petri dish (small)</td><td>BD Biosciences</td><td>353002</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Polystyrene tube with filter</td><td>BD Biosciences</td><td>352235</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Polystyrene flow tube</td><td>BD Biosciences</td><td>352058</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>PR antibody</td><td>Dako</td><td>M3569</td><td>Used at 1:100 dilution</td></tr><tr><td>ProLong Gold</td><td>Invitrogen</td><td>P36931</td><td>Mounting media with DAPI</td></tr><tr><td>RNeasy Mini Kit</td><td>Qiagen</td><td>74903</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sodium dodecyl sulfate</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>71725</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sterilization pouch</td><td>VWR international</td><td>11213-035</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Stopcocks (one-way)</td><td>MedexSupply</td><td>MX5061L</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Syringe (10mL)</td><td>BD Biosciences</td><td>309604</td><td>Luer-lock tip</td></tr><tr><td>Syringe (5mL)</td><td>BD Biosciences</td><td>309603</td><td>Luer-lock tip</td></tr><tr><td>Trypan Blue</td><td>Invitrogen</td><td>T10282</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Vp5 antibody</td><td>Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.</td><td>sc-13525</td><td>HSV-2 antibody Clone 6F10; used at 1:5000 dilution </td></tr></tbody></table>

culturing and applications of rotating wall vessel bioreactor derived 3d epithelial cell models

Cells and tissues in the body experience environmental conditions that influence their architecture, intercellular communications, and overall functions. For in vitro cell culture models to accurately mimic the tissue of interest, the growth environment of the culture is a critical aspect to consider. Commonly used conventional cell culture systems propagate epithelial cells on flat two-dimensional (2-D) impermeable surfaces. Although much has been learned from conventional cell culture systems, many findings are not reproducible in human clinical trials or tissue explants, potentially as a result of the lack of a physiologically relevant microenvironment.
Here, we describe a culture system that overcomes many of the culture condition boundaries of 2-D cell cultures, by using the innovative rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor technology. We and others have shown that organotypic RWV-derived models can recapitulate structure, function, and authentic human responses to external stimuli similarly to human explant tissues 1-6. The RWV bioreactor is a suspension culture system that allows for the growth of epithelial cells under low physiological fluid shear conditions. The bioreactors come in two different formats, a high-aspect rotating vessel (HARV) or a slow-turning lateral vessel (STLV), in which they differ by their aeration source. Epithelial cells are added to the bioreactor of choice in combination with porous, collagen-coated microcarrier beads (Figure 1A). The cells utilize the beads as a growth scaffold during the constant free fall in the bioreactor (Figure 1B). The microenvironment provided by the bioreactor allows the cells to form three-dimensional (3-D) aggregates displaying in vivo-like characteristics often not observed under standard 2-D culture conditions (Figure 1D). These characteristics include tight junctions, mucus production, apical/basal orientation, in vivo protein localization, and additional epithelial cell-type specific properties.
The progression from a monolayer of epithelial cells to a fully differentiated 3-D aggregate varies based on cell type1, 7-13. Periodic sampling from the bioreactor allows for monitoring of epithelial aggregate formation, cellular differentiation markers and viability (Figure 1D). Once cellular differentiation and aggregate formation is established, the cells are harvested from the bioreactor, and similar assays performed on 2-D cells can be applied to the 3-D aggregates with a few considerations (Figure 1E-G). In this work, we describe detailed steps of how to culture 3-D epithelial cell aggregates in the RWV bioreactor system and a variety of potential assays and analyses that can be executed with the 3-D aggregates. These analyses include, but are not limited to, structural/morphological analysis (confocal, scanning and transmission electron microscopy), cytokine/chemokine secretion and cell signaling (cytometric bead array and Western blot analysis), gene expression analysis (real-time PCR), toxicological/drug analysis and host-pathogen interactions. The utilization of these assays set the foundation for more in-depth and expansive studies such as metabolomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and other array-based applications. Our goal is to present a non-conventional means of culturing human epithelial cells to produce organotypic 3-D models that recapitulate the human in vivo tissue, in a facile and robust system to be used by researchers with diverse scientific interests.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Culturing and Applications of Rotating Wall Vessel Bioreactor Derived 3D Epithelial Cell Models at JoVE.com

Culturing and Applications of Rotating Wall Vessel Bioreactor Derived 3D Epithelial Cell Models

A rotating cell culture system that allows epithelial cells to grow under physiological conditions resulting in 3-D cellular aggregate formation is described. The aggregates generated display in vivo-like characteristics not observed in conventional culture models and serve as a more accurate organotypic model system for a multitude of scientific investigations.

Cells and tissues in the body experience environmental conditions that influence their architecture, intercellular communications, and overall functions. ...

culturing-applications-rotating-wall-vessel-bioreactor-derived-3d

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

26.3K Views.  University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix. Een roterende celcultuur die het mogelijk maakt epitheliale cellen om te groeien onder fysiologische omstandigheden resulteert in 3-D cellulaire totale formatie wordt beschreven. De aggregaten gegenereerde weergave In vivo-Achtige eigenschappen niet die in conventionele cultuur modellen en dienen als een meer nauwkeurige organotypische modelsysteem voor een veelheid aan wetenschappelijke onderzoeken.

Video: Culturing and Applications of Rotating Wall Vessel Bioreactor Derived 3D Epithelial Cell Models

Rotating Cell Culture Systems for Human Cell Culture: Human Trophoblast Cells as a Model

The field of human trophoblast research aids in understanding the complex environment established during placentation. Due to the nature of these studies, human in vivo experimentation is impossible. A combination of primary cultures, explant cultures and trophoblast cell lines1 support our understanding of invasion of the uterine wall2 and remodeling of uterine spiral arteries3,4 by extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs), which is required for successful establishment of pregnancy. Despite the wealth of knowledge gleaned from such models, it is accepted that in vitro cell culture models using EVT-like cell lines display altered cellular properties when compared to their in vivo counterparts5,6. Cells cultured in the rotating cell culture system (RCCS) display morphological, phenotypic, and functional properties of EVT-like cell lines that more closely mimic differentiating in utero EVTs, with increased expression of genes mediating invasion (e.g. matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)) and trophoblast differentiation7,8,9. The Saint Georges Hospital Placental cell Line-4 (SGHPL-4) (kindly donated by Dr. Guy Whitley and Dr. Judith Cartwright) is an EVT-like cell line that was used for testing in the RCCS.
The design of the RCCS culture vessel is based on the principle that organs and tissues function in a three-dimensional (3-D) environment. Due to the dynamic culture conditions in the vessel, including conditions of physiologically relevant shear, cells grown in three dimensions form aggregates based on natural cellular affinities and differentiate into organotypic tissue-like assemblies10,11,12 . The maintenance of a fluid orbit provides a low-shear, low-turbulence environment similar to conditions found in vivo. Sedimentation of the cultured cells is countered by adjusting the rotation speed of the RCCS to ensure a constant free-fall of cells. Gas exchange occurs through a permeable hydrophobic membrane located on the back of the bioreactor. Like their parental tissue in vivo, RCCS-grown cells are able to respond to chemical and molecular gradients in three dimensions (i.e. at their apical, basal, and lateral surfaces) because they are cultured on the surface of porous microcarrier beads. When grown as two-dimensional monolayers on impermeable surfaces like plastic, cells are deprived of this important communication at their basal surface. Consequently, the spatial constraints imposed by the environment profoundly affect how cells sense and decode signals from the surrounding microenvironment, thus implying an important role for the 3-D milieu13.
We have used the RCCS to engineer biologically meaningful 3-D models of various human epithelial tissues7,14,15,16. Indeed, many previous reports have demonstrated that cells cultured in the RCCS can assume physiologically relevant phenotypes that have not been possible with other models10,17-21. In summary, culture in the RCCS represents an easy, reproducible, high-throughput platform that provides large numbers of differentiated cells that are amenable to a variety of experimental manipulations. 
In the following protocol, using EVTs as an example, we clearly describe the steps required to three-dimensionally culture adherent cells in the RCCS.

Traditional, two dimensional cell culture techniques often result in altered characteristics with respect to differentiation markers, cytokines and growth factors. Three-dimensional cell culture in the rotating cell culture system (RCCS) reestablishes expression of many of these factors as shown here with an extravillous trophoblast cell line.

The field of human trophoblast research aids in  understanding the complex environment established during placentation. Due to the  nature of these ...

Bioengineering

Interview: Bioreactors and Surfaced-Modified 3D-Scaffolds for Stem Cell Research

A Nature Editorial in 2003 asked the question "Good-bye, flat biology?" What does this question imply? In the past, many in vitro culture systems, mainly monolayer cultures, often suffered from the disadvantage that differentiated primary cells had a relatively short life-span and de-differentiated during culture. As a consequence, most of their organ-specific functions were lost rapidly. Thus, in order to reproduce better conditions for these cells in vitro, modifications and adaptations have been made to conventional monolayer cultures.
The last generation of CellChips -- micro-thermoformed containers -- a specific technology was developed, which offers the additional possibility to modify the whole surface of the 3D formed containers. This allows a surface-patterning on a submicron scale with distinct signalling molecules. Sensors and signal electrodes may be incorporated. Applications range from basic research in cell biology to toxicology and pharmacology. Using biodegradable polymers, clinical applications become a possibility. Furthermore, the last generation of micro-thermoformed chips has been optimized to allow for cheap mass production.

In the past many in vitro culture systems -- mainly monolayer cultures -- often suffered from the disadvantage that differentiated primary cells had a relatively short life-span and de-differentiated during culture. As a consequence, most of their organ-specific functions were lost rapidly. Thus, in order to reproduce better conditions for these cells in vitro, modifications and adaptations have been made to conventional monolayer cultures.

A Nature Editorial in 2003 asked the question  "Good-bye, flat biology?"  What does this question imply? In the past, many in vitro culture systems,  ...

Hollow Fiber Bioreactors for In Vivo-like Mammalian Tissue Culture

Tissue culture has been used for over 100 years to study cells and responses ex vivo. The convention of this technique is the growth of anchorage dependent cells on the 2-dimensional surface of tissue culture plastic. More recently, there is a growing body of data demonstrating more in vivo-like behaviors of cells grown in 3-dimensional culture systems. This manuscript describes in detail the set-up and operation of a hollow fiber bioreactor system for the in vivo-like culture of mammalian cells. The hollow fiber bioreactor system delivers media to the cells in a manner akin to the delivery of blood through the capillary networks in vivo. The system is designed to fit onto the shelf of a standard CO2 incubator and is simple enough to be set-up by any competent cell biologist with a good understanding of aseptic technique. The systems utility is demonstrated by culturing the hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2/C3A for 7 days. Further to this and in line with other published reports on the functionality of cells grown in 3-dimensional culture systems the cells are shown to possess increased albumin production (an important hepatic function) when compared to standard 2-dimensional tissue culture.

Hollow Fiber Bioreactors for In Vivo-like Mammalian Tissue Culture

The functional behavior of cells in culture can be improved by culturing in more in vivo-like 3-dimensional culture environments16-21. This manuscript describes the set-up and operation of a hollow fiber bioreactor system for in vivo-like mammalian tissue culture.

Tissue culture has been used for over 100 years to study cells and responses ex vivo. The convention of this technique is the growth of anchorage ...

Development of a Multicellular Three-dimensional Organotypic Model of the Human Intestinal Mucosa Grown Under Microgravity

Because cells growing in a three-dimensional (3-D) environment have the potential to bridge many gaps of cell cultivation in 2-D environments (e.g., flasks or dishes). In fact, it is widely recognized that cells grown in flasks or dishes tend to de-differentiate and lose specialized features of the tissues from which they were derived. Currently, there are mainly two types of 3-D culture systems where the cells are seeded into scaffolds mimicking the native extracellular matrix (ECM): (a) static models and (b) models using bioreactors. The first breakthrough was the static 3-D models. 3-D models using bioreactors such as the rotating-wall-vessel (RWV) bioreactors are a more recent development. The original concept of the RWV bioreactors was developed at NASA&#39;s Johnson Space Center in the early 1990s and is believed to overcome the limitations of static models such as the development of hypoxic, necrotic cores. The RWV bioreactors might circumvent this problem by providing fluid dynamics that allow the efficient diffusion of nutrients and oxygen. These bioreactors consist of a rotator base that serves to support and rotate two different formats of culture vessels that differ by their aeration source type: (1) Slow Turning Lateral Vessels (STLVs) with a co-axial oxygenator in the center, or (2) High Aspect Ratio Vessels (HARVs) with oxygenation via a flat, silicone rubber gas transfer membrane. These vessels allow efficient gas transfer while avoiding bubble formation and consequent turbulence. These conditions result in laminar flow and minimal shear force that models reduced gravity (microgravity) inside the culture vessel. Here we describe the development of a multicellular 3-D organotypic model of the human intestinal mucosa composed of an intestinal epithelial cell line and primary human lymphocytes, endothelial cells and fibroblasts cultured under microgravity provided by the RWV bioreactor.

Cells growing in a three-dimensional (3-D) environment represent a marked improvement over cell cultivation in 2-D environments (e.g., flasks or dishes). Here we describe the development of a multicellular 3-D organotypic model of the human intestinal mucosa cultured under microgravity provided by rotating-wall-vessel (RWV) bioreactors.

Because cells growing in a three-dimensional (3-D) environment have the potential to bridge many gaps of cell cultivation in 2-D environments (e.g., ...

Engineering Three-dimensional Epithelial Tissues Embedded within Extracellular Matrix

The architecture of branched organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and mammary glands arises through the developmental process of branching morphogenesis, which is regulated by a variety of soluble and physical signals in the microenvironment. Described here is a method created to study the process of branching morphogenesis by forming engineered three-dimensional (3D) epithelial tissues of defined shape and size that are completely embedded within an extracellular matrix (ECM). This method enables the formation of arrays of identical tissues and enables the control of a variety of environmental factors, including tissue geometry, spacing, and ECM composition. This method can also be combined with widely used techniques such as traction force microscopy (TFM) to gain more information about the interactions between cells and their surrounding ECM. The protocol can be used to investigate a variety of cell and tissue processes beyond branching morphogenesis, including cancer invasion.

This manuscript describes a soft lithography-based technique to engineer uniform arrays of three-dimensional (3D) epithelial tissues of defined geometry surrounded by extracellular matrix. This method is amenable to a wide variety of cell types and experimental contexts and allows for high-throughput screening of identical replicates.

The architecture of branched organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and mammary glands arises through the developmental process of branching morphogenesis, ...

Perfusable Vascular Network with a Tissue Model in a Microfluidic Device

A spheroid (a multicellular aggregate) is regarded as a good model of living tissues in the human body. Despite the significant advancement in the spheroid cultures, a perfusable vascular network in the spheroids remains a critical challenge for long-term culture required to maintain and develop their functions, such as protein expressions and morphogenesis. The protocol presents a novel method to integrate a perfusable vascular network within the spheroid in a microfluidic device. To induce a perfusable vascular network in the spheroid, angiogenic sprouts connected to microchannels were guided to the spheroid by utilizing angiogenic factors from human lung fibroblasts cultured in the spheroid. The angiogenic sprouts reached the spheroid, merged with the endothelial cells co-cultured in the spheroid, and formed a continuous vascular network. The vascular network could perfuse the interior of the spheroid without any leakage. The constructed vascular network may be further used as a route for supply of nutrients and removal of waste products, mimicking blood circulation in vivo. The method provides a new platform in spheroid culture toward better recapitulation of living tissues.

The protocol describes how to engineer a perfusable vascular network in a spheroid. The spheroid's surrounding microenvironment is devised to induce angiogenesis and connect the spheroid to the microchannels in a microfluidic device. The method allows the perfusion of the spheroid, which is a long-awaited technique in three-dimensional cultures.

A spheroid (a multicellular aggregate) is regarded as a good model of living tissues in the human body. Despite the significant advancement in the ...

Generation and Quantitative Characterization of Functional and Polarized Biliary Epithelial Cysts

Cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells that line up the bile ducts in the liver, oversee bile formation and modification. In the last twenty years, in the context of liver diseases, 3-dimensional (3D) models based on cholangiocytes have emerged such as cysts, spheroids, or tube-like structures to mimic tissue topology for organogenesis, disease modeling, and drug screening studies. These structures have been mainly obtained by embedding cholangiocytes in a hydrogel. The main purpose was to study self-organization by addressing epithelial polarity, functional, and morphological properties. However, very few studies focus on cyst formation efficiency. When this is the case, the efficiency is often quantified from images of a single plane. Functional assays and structural analysis are performed without representing the potential heterogeneity of cyst distribution arising from hydrogel polymerization heterogeneities and side effects. Therefore, the quantitative analysis, when done, cannot be used for comparison from one article to another. Moreover, this methodology does not allow comparisons of 3D growth potential of different matrices and cell types. Additionally, there is no mention of the experimental troubleshooting for immunostaining cysts. In this article, we provide a reliable and universal method to show that the initial cell distribution is related to the heterogeneous vertical distribution of cyst formation. Cholangiocyte cells embedded in hydrogel are followed with Z-stacks analysis along the hydrogel depth over the time course of 10 days. With this method, a robust kinetics of cyst formation efficiency and growth is obtained. We also present methods to evaluate cyst polarity and secretory function. Finally, additional tips for optimizing immunostaining protocols are provided in order to limit cyst collapse for imaging. This approach can be applied to other 3D cell culture studies, thus opening the possibilities to compare one system to another.

Three-dimensional (3D) cellular systems are relevant models for investigating organogenesis. A hydrogel-based method for biliary cysts production and their characterization is proposed. This protocol unravels the barriers of 3D characterization, with a straightforward and reliable method to assess cyst formation efficiency, sizes, and to test their functionality.

Cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells that line up the bile ducts in the liver, oversee bile formation and modification. In the last twenty years, in the ...

Direct Bioprinting of 3D Multicellular Breast Spheroids onto Endothelial Networks

Bioprinting is emerging as a promising tool to fabricate 3D human cancer models that better recapitulate critical hallmarks of in vivo tissue architecture. In current layer-by-layer extrusion bioprinting, individual cells are extruded in a bioink together with complex spatial and temporal cues to promote hierarchical tissue self-assembly. However, this biofabrication technique relies on complex interactions among cells, bioinks and biochemical and biophysical cues. Thus, self-assembly may take days or even weeks, may require specific bioinks, and may not always occur when there is more than one cell type involved. We therefore developed a technique to directly bioprint pre-formed 3D breast epithelial spheroids in a variety of bioinks. Bioprinted pre-formed 3D breast epithelial spheroids sustained their viability and polarized architecture after printing. We additionally printed the 3D spheroids onto vascular endothelial cell networks to create a co-culture model. Thus, the novel bioprinting technique rapidly creates a more physiologically relevant 3D human breast model at lower cost and with higher flexibility than traditional bioprinting techniques. This versatile bioprinting technique can be extrapolated to create 3D models of other tissues in additional bioinks.

The goal of this protocol is to directly bioprint breast epithelial cells as multicellular spheroids onto pre-formed endothelial networks to rapidly create 3D breast-endothelial co-culture models which can be used for drug screening studies.

Bioprinting is emerging as a promising tool to fabricate 3D human cancer models that better recapitulate critical hallmarks of in vivo tissue ...

Propagation of Dental and Respiratory Cells and Organs in Microgravity

Gravity is one of the key determinants of human cell function, proliferation, cytoskeletal architecture and orientation. Rotary bioreactor systems (RCCSs) mimic the loss of gravity as it occurs in space and instead provide a microgravity environment through continuous rotation of cultured cells or tissues. These RCCSs ensure an un-interrupted supply of nutrients, growth and transcription factors, and oxygen, and address some of the shortcomings of gravitational forces in motionless 2D (two dimensional) cell or organ culture dishes. In the present study we have used RCCSs to co-culture cervical loop cells and dental pulp cells to become ameloblasts, to characterize periodontal progenitor/scaffold interactions, and to determine the effect of inflammation on lung alveoli. The RCCS environments facilitated growth of ameloblast-like cells, promoted periodontal progenitor proliferation in response to scaffold coatings, and allowed for an assessment of the effects of inflammatory changes on cultured lung alveoli. This manuscript summarizes the environmental conditions, materials, and steps along the way and highlights critical aspects and experimental details. In conclusion, RCCSs are innovative tools to master the culture and 3D (three dimensional) growth of cells in vitro and to allow for the study of cellular systems or interactions not amenable to classic 2D culture environments.

This protocol presents a method for the culture and 3D growth of ameloblast-like cells in microgravity to maintain their elongated and polarized shape as well as enamel-specific protein expression. Culture conditions for the culture of periodontal engineering constructs and lung organs in microgravity are also described.

Gravity is one of the key determinants of human cell function, proliferation, cytoskeletal architecture and orientation. Rotary bioreactor systems (RCCSs) ...

Advanced Two-Layered 3D Co-Culture System for Epithelial and Fibroblast Cells

Establishing a Three-Dimensional Coculture Module of Epithelial Cells Using Nanofibrous Membranes

Technical hurdles in a culture of epithelial cells include dedifferentiation and loss of function. Biomimetic three-dimensional (3D) cell culture methods can enhance cell culture efficiency. This study introduces an advanced two-layered culture system intended to cultivate epithelial cells as tissue-like layers with the culture of fibroblasts within a 3D environment. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly(&#949;-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibrous membranes (NMs) were fabricated via electrospinning and utilized as a physiologically relevant extracellular matrix for the culture of epithelial cells and fibroblasts, respectively. In the upper insert wells, lung epithelial cells were cultivated on the PVA NM, and in the lower chambers, fibroblasts were cultured on the PCL NM. This configuration eliminates direct cell-cell contact and facilitates the examination of paracrine signaling mediated by soluble factors. Confocal microscopy was employed to analyze the distribution, growth pattern, and expression of intracellular proteins, including zona occludens in epithelial cells. Z-stacking techniques enabled detailed 3D reconstructions, providing precise insights into the integrity of tight junctions and spatial organization within the epithelial layer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) assessed the morphological characteristics of cell types on the nanofibrous membranes. SEM imaging revealed intricate cell surface structures and interactions with the nanofibers, offering a comprehensive perspective on cellular architecture and cell interaction with nanofibrous structure. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay is a simple method for measuring epithelial cell and fibroblast growth rates over time. It provides the proliferative behaviors and potential synergistic effects of coculturing these cells. These findings highlight the effectiveness of a simple insert co-culture system for simultaneous culture of fibroblasts and epithelial cells, which is crucial in various physiological and pharmacological contexts, including epithelial tissue regeneration, tumor microenvironment with endothelial, immune, and other stroma cells, toxicity assay, and drug activity test.

Author Spotlight: Advancing 3D Coculture Systems with PVA-PCL Nanofibrous Membranes 

Here, we demonstrate how epithelial cells cultured with fibroblasts in the nanofibrous membrane-based two-layer system can stably adhere to and grow on the membrane.

Technical hurdles in a culture of epithelial cells include dedifferentiation and loss of function. Biomimetic three-dimensional (3D) cell culture methods ...

Culturing and Applications of Rotating Wall Vessel Bioreactor Derived 3D Epithelial Cell Models

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