Membrane-free culture and real-time barrier integrity assessment of perfused intestinal epithelium tubes

Abstract

In vitro models that better reflect in vivo epithelial barrier (patho-)physiology are urgently required to predict adverse drug effects. Here we introduce extracellular matrix-supported intestinal tubules in perfused microfluidic devices, exhibiting tissue polarization and transporter expression. Forty leak-tight tubules are cultured in parallel on a single plate and their response to pharmacological stimuli is recorded over 125 h using automated imaging techniques. A study comprising 357 gut tubes is performed, of which 93% are leak tight before exposure. EC 50 -time curves could be extracted that provide insight into both concentration and exposure time response. Full compatibility with standard equipment and user-friendly operation make this Organ-on-a-Chip platform readily applicable in routine laboratories.Efforts to determine the effects of drugs on epithelial barriers could benefit from better in vitro models. Here the authors develop a microfluidic device supporting the growth and function of extracellular matrix-supported intestinal tubules, and evaluate the effect of staurosporine and acetylsalicylic acid on barrier integrity.

Abstract of "Membrane-free culture and real-time barrier integrity assessment of perfused intestinal epithelium tubes" by Trietsch SJ, Naumovska E, Kurek D et al., https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-00259-3, used under its Creative Commons Attribution license (CC-BY); markup removed, otherwise unmodified.