Probing the luminal microenvironment of reconstituted epithelial microtissues

Sci Rep. 2016 Sep 13:6:33148. doi: 10.1038/srep33148.

Abstract

Polymeric microparticles can serve as carriers or sensors to instruct or characterize tissue biology. However, incorporating microparticles into tissues for in vitro assays remains a challenge. We exploit three-dimensional cell-patterning technologies and directed epithelial self-organization to deliver microparticles to the lumen of reconstituted human intestinal microtissues. We also develop a novel pH-sensitive microsensor that can measure the luminal pH of reconstituted epithelial microtissues. These studies offer a novel approach for investigating luminal microenvironments and drug-delivery across epithelial barriers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Caco-2 Cells
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Cellular Microenvironment*
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology*
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Intestinal Mucosa / cytology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Nanoparticles / administration & dosage
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemistry

Substances

  • Polymers