Application of microfluidic chips in the simulation of the urinary system microenvironment

Changhao Hou; Yubo Gu; Wei Yuan; Wukai Zhang; Xianjie Xiu; Jiahao Lin; Yue Gao; Peichuan Liu; Xiang Chen; Lujie Song

doi:10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100553

Application of microfluidic chips in the simulation of the urinary system microenvironment

Mater Today Bio. 2023 Jan 20:19:100553. doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100553. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Authors

Changhao Hou^{1

2}, Yubo Gu^{1

2}, Wei Yuan^{1

2}, Wukai Zhang³, Xianjie Xiu^{1

2}, Jiahao Lin^{1

2}, Yue Gao³, Peichuan Liu³, Xiang Chen³, Lujie Song^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China.
² Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China.
³ National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.

Abstract

The urinary system, comprising the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, has a unique mechanical and fluid microenvironment, which is essential to the urinary system growth and development. Microfluidic models, based on micromachining and tissue engineering technology, can integrate pathophysiological characteristics, maintain cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and accurately simulate the vital characteristics of human tissue microenvironments. Additionally, these models facilitate improved visualization and integration and meet the requirements of the laminar flow environment of the urinary system. However, several challenges continue to impede the development of a tissue microenvironment with controllable conditions closely resemble physiological conditions. In this review, we describe the biochemical and physical microenvironment of the urinary system and explore the feasibility of microfluidic technology in simulating the urinary microenvironment and pathophysiological characteristics in vitro. Moreover, we summarize the current research progress on adapting microfluidic chips for constructing the urinary microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and suggest directions for future development and application of microfluidic technology in constructing the urinary microenvironment in vitro.

Keywords: Microfluidic chip; Tissue engineering; Urinary microenvironment; Urinary system.

Publication types

Review