Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: Schematic representation of cardiac models developed on HoC platforms. A-C. Electrical performance in CF- and CFSE-μEHTs. A . Representative changes in the fluorescence intensity of the FluoVolt-AP indicator over time in CF- (red) and CFSE- (black) μEHTs. B. Representative activation maps of CF- (top) and CFSE- (bottom) μEHTs. C. Action potential duration at 90 % (APD90) repolarization in CF- and CFSE-μEHTs stimulated at 2 Hz (unpaired t -test, n = 12 tissues/condition, from 3 batches). Data are presented as means ± SEM. ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001 Reprinted with permission from Ref. ; © 2024 Advanced Healthcare Materials published by Wiley-VCH GmbH. D-E . Overview of embedding conditions. D. CMEF spheroids were cultured in ULA plates (suspension), in ULA plate with fibrin (fibrin) and in a microfluidic device (vascularized μFC). BF images show the spheroids at day 1 and day 10 of the experiments. Scale bar is 100 μm. E . Confocal z-projections of spheroids embedded at early or late stages, with vasculature formed by HUVECs or HUVEC/pericyte co-cultures under VEGF stimulation. Scale bar is 100 μm. Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2024 Scientific Reports published by PubMed Central. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: PHH, HepaRG, hiPSCs-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) , Healthy , Double compartment S1 liver microfluidic chip (Chip S1TM) (Emulate Bio) , Hepatocyte viability, maturation, drug response , [ ] .

Techniques: Fluorescence, Activation Assay, Cell Culture, Suspension

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: SoC platforms for investigating skin infections. A(i): 3D confocal image reconstruction showing the cytoskeletal structure of a bioengineered epidermis and dermis supported by an endothelialized microvascular network (white arrow indicates microfluidic flow direction). Cytoskeletal F-actin is shown in green, and cell nuclei are labeled with DAPI (blue); A(ii): 3D confocal image reconstruction illustrating the distribution of infiltrating neutrophils (red, CD15) and HSV-infected epidermis (green) in the SoC. Neutrophils were introduced into the vascular network 1 h after the epidermis was exposed to HSV-1 K26 (106 PFU). Scale bar: 100 μm; A(iii): Top left: cross-sectional view showing neutrophils (red) migrating into the dermal layer toward the HSV-infected (green) epidermis. Dashed lines indicate vessel boundaries. Top right: horizontal view of neutrophil infiltration within the infected epidermis. Bottom panels: enlarged images of the highlighted regions, demonstrating close interactions between neutrophils and infected keratinocytes. Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2022 Nature Communications. B(i): Schematic of the IC-SoC device, highlighting its four key layers and membrane structure; B(ii): IC-SoC model reveals K14 expression (marker for keratinocyte differentiation) after seven days of ALI culture. Scale bar: 10 μm; B(iii): H&E-stained cross-sections comparing control (Con) and the experimental model; B(iv): TEER measurements of control (Con) and experimental model exposed to SLS + P. acnes at various time points post-stimulation. Cytokine release profiles for IL-1α and IL-8 are shown in response to the stimuli. Reprinted with permission from © 2022 Frontiers. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: PHH, HepaRG, hiPSCs-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) , Healthy , Double compartment S1 liver microfluidic chip (Chip S1TM) (Emulate Bio) , Hepatocyte viability, maturation, drug response , [ ] .

Techniques: Labeling, Infection, Membrane, Expressing, Marker, Staining, Control

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: Examples of CoC models designed to study different steps of metastasis. (Ai) Workflow showing co-culture of endothelial cells (HUVECs) and fibroblasts (NHLFs) prior to integration into a microfluidic platform. Angiogenesis was induced using bFGF and VEGF gradients. (Aii) Time-lapse images showing progressive vascular network formation by day 5. (Aiii) Angiogenesis visualized across an ePTFE membrane (yellow dotted line); BFP-HUVECs (cyan), RFP-fibroblasts (red). Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. (Bi) Diagram of a three-level microfluidic platform; (Bii) Fluorescence images showing MDA-MB-231 cancer cells (red) invading the vascular network by day 6 (yellow arrows); (Biii) In the absence of HUVECs, cancer cells remained confined to the stromal region. Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. (Ci) Confocal cross-section of an alveolus-on-chip model showing GFP-labeled lung cancer cells (green), epithelial tight junctions (ZO-1, white), and EC (VE-cadherin, red). (Cii) Comparison of cancer cell growth in airway vs. alveolus chips, with or without simulated breathing motion. (scale bar: 50 μm). Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2017 Cell Press. D(i): Diagram showing the chip setup with HUVECs, cancer cells, and EGF; ( Dii): Images illustrating the extravasation of cancer cells (red) originating from 2D or 3D cultures through the HUVECs layer (green) over 28 h in the presence or absence of EGF (scale bar: 200 μm) Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2024 Bioactive Materials. ( Ei): Schematic of the microfluidic device; E(ii): Micrographs representing compartments for cancer cells, neurons, and bone. Scale bar: 100 μmn © 2022 Materials Today Bio. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: PHH, HepaRG, hiPSCs-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) , Healthy , Double compartment S1 liver microfluidic chip (Chip S1TM) (Emulate Bio) , Hepatocyte viability, maturation, drug response , [ ] .

Techniques: Co-Culture Assay, Membrane, Fluorescence, Labeling, Comparison

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: BoC Platforms for evaluating NPs behavior and therapeutic applications. A(i): an AutoCAD representation of the microfluidic layout, including electrode design and integration with the BBBoC system; A(ii): the fully assembled TEER-BBBoC device is shown, prepared for cell seeding and electrical resistance measurements; A(iii): a schematic representation of the arrangement of neurovascular cells within the BBBoC platform; A(iv): permeability studies of GNR-PEG-Ang2/D1 in the BBBoC are demonstrated through fluorescent imaging after a 1-h of incubation of GNR-PEG-Ang2/D1 and GNR-PEG-D1 in the ECs channel; A(v): statistical analysis revealed the permeability differences between GNR-PEG-Ang2/D1 and GNR-PEG-D1 over 1 h in the BBBoC (N = 3) (∗p < 0.05) Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2023 Journal of Nanobiotechnology on behalf of BMC.

Article Snippet: PHH, HepaRG, hiPSCs-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) , Healthy , Double compartment S1 liver microfluidic chip (Chip S1TM) (Emulate Bio) , Hepatocyte viability, maturation, drug response , [ ] .

Techniques: Permeability, Imaging, Incubation

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: A CoC platform for analyzing NPs behavior and therapeutic potential. A(i): SCPNs containing Nile Red exhibited fluorescence in aqueous solutions, with the emission color varying based on the polarity of the surrounding environment. A more hydrophobic internal structure, resulting from SCPNs collapse, causes a blue shift in fluorescence, as shown in panel A(ii) . A(iii): to study SCPNs within a 3D tumor-like environment, the DAX1 microfluidic chip from AIM Biotech was used. This device comprised three parallel channels separated by triangular pillar arrays; A(iv): the central channel was filled with a Matrigel-based ECM (ECM). A collagen type I and hyaluronic acid mixture containing MCF7 tumor spheroids was introduced into the right channel to mimic a TME. SCPNs suspended in DMEM medium were added to the left channel, allowing diffusion across channels over 24 h; A(v): key assessments include SCPNs penetration into the ECM, uptake by tumor spheroids, and particle stability in various chip locations. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) was used to evaluate SCPNs diffusion. Nile Red's emission intensity and spectral shift provided insights into SCPNs uptake and stability within MCF7 spheroids. Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2024 Small Methods published by Wiley-VCH GmbH. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: PHH, HepaRG, hiPSCs-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) , Healthy , Double compartment S1 liver microfluidic chip (Chip S1TM) (Emulate Bio) , Hepatocyte viability, maturation, drug response , [ ] .

Techniques: Fluorescence, Diffusion-based Assay

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: A microfluidic tumor-on-chip platform deciphers hypoxia-driven FOXO3a/PD-L1 signaling in gastric cancer immunotherapy resistance

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.101925

Figure Lengend Snippet: Microfluidic Tumor-on-chip model. a Overall schematic diagram (top left) and physical image (bottom left)image of the microfluidic tumor-on-chip model. Layer-by-layer schematic diagrams of chip were shown right. b Schematic diagram of the chamber layer. In the the microchamber, GC cells were embedded within extracellular matrix gel while HUVECs were arranged at the opening of the microchamber. CD8 + T cells were perfused with anti-PD-1 antibody in the microchannels. c Confocal images showing the spatial distribution of the cells inside the tumor-on-chip model. AGS cells (green) were embedded within the extracellular matrix gel, while CD8 + T cells (blue) and HUVEC cells (red) were encapsulated within the microchannels. d The proliferative capacity of GC cells in the tumor-on-chip model and traditional 96-well plate at 1 day, 7 days, and 14 days, as assessed using CCK-8 assays. e and f Flow cytometry analysis of the cell apoptosis rate in GC cells grown on the tumor-on-chip model and traditional 96-well plates at 0 days, 7 days, and 14 days. Values represent the mean ± SD. ∗ p < 0.05; ∗∗∗∗ p < 0.0001; ns, no significance. (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: Compared with traditional 3D culture models, our microfluidic chip features a biomimetic vasculature for the infusion of immune cells or drugs, allowing continuous 24-h precision perfusion of culture medium to sustain the nutrient supply and waste removal.

Techniques: CCK-8 Assay, Flow Cytometry

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: Schematic representation of cardiac models developed on HoC platforms. A-C. Electrical performance in CF- and CFSE-μEHTs. A . Representative changes in the fluorescence intensity of the FluoVolt-AP indicator over time in CF- (red) and CFSE- (black) μEHTs. B. Representative activation maps of CF- (top) and CFSE- (bottom) μEHTs. C. Action potential duration at 90 % (APD90) repolarization in CF- and CFSE-μEHTs stimulated at 2 Hz (unpaired t -test, n = 12 tissues/condition, from 3 batches). Data are presented as means ± SEM. ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001 Reprinted with permission from Ref. ; © 2024 Advanced Healthcare Materials published by Wiley-VCH GmbH. D-E . Overview of embedding conditions. D. CMEF spheroids were cultured in ULA plates (suspension), in ULA plate with fibrin (fibrin) and in a microfluidic device (vascularized μFC). BF images show the spheroids at day 1 and day 10 of the experiments. Scale bar is 100 μm. E . Confocal z-projections of spheroids embedded at early or late stages, with vasculature formed by HUVECs or HUVEC/pericyte co-cultures under VEGF stimulation. Scale bar is 100 μm. Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2024 Scientific Reports published by PubMed Central. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: hiPSCS-CM, hiPSC-EC and Human Brain Vascular Pericytes (hBVP), , Healthy and inflammatory model , Commercially available AIM biotech microfluidic chip , Vascular Network Formation, Perfusion, Anastomosis, Contractile Force , [ ] .

Techniques: Fluorescence, Activation Assay, Cell Culture, Suspension

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: SoC platforms for investigating skin infections. A(i): 3D confocal image reconstruction showing the cytoskeletal structure of a bioengineered epidermis and dermis supported by an endothelialized microvascular network (white arrow indicates microfluidic flow direction). Cytoskeletal F-actin is shown in green, and cell nuclei are labeled with DAPI (blue); A(ii): 3D confocal image reconstruction illustrating the distribution of infiltrating neutrophils (red, CD15) and HSV-infected epidermis (green) in the SoC. Neutrophils were introduced into the vascular network 1 h after the epidermis was exposed to HSV-1 K26 (106 PFU). Scale bar: 100 μm; A(iii): Top left: cross-sectional view showing neutrophils (red) migrating into the dermal layer toward the HSV-infected (green) epidermis. Dashed lines indicate vessel boundaries. Top right: horizontal view of neutrophil infiltration within the infected epidermis. Bottom panels: enlarged images of the highlighted regions, demonstrating close interactions between neutrophils and infected keratinocytes. Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2022 Nature Communications. B(i): Schematic of the IC-SoC device, highlighting its four key layers and membrane structure; B(ii): IC-SoC model reveals K14 expression (marker for keratinocyte differentiation) after seven days of ALI culture. Scale bar: 10 μm; B(iii): H&E-stained cross-sections comparing control (Con) and the experimental model; B(iv): TEER measurements of control (Con) and experimental model exposed to SLS + P. acnes at various time points post-stimulation. Cytokine release profiles for IL-1α and IL-8 are shown in response to the stimuli. Reprinted with permission from © 2022 Frontiers. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: hiPSCS-CM, hiPSC-EC and Human Brain Vascular Pericytes (hBVP), , Healthy and inflammatory model , Commercially available AIM biotech microfluidic chip , Vascular Network Formation, Perfusion, Anastomosis, Contractile Force , [ ] .

Techniques: Labeling, Infection, Membrane, Expressing, Marker, Staining, Control

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: Examples of CoC models designed to study different steps of metastasis. (Ai) Workflow showing co-culture of endothelial cells (HUVECs) and fibroblasts (NHLFs) prior to integration into a microfluidic platform. Angiogenesis was induced using bFGF and VEGF gradients. (Aii) Time-lapse images showing progressive vascular network formation by day 5. (Aiii) Angiogenesis visualized across an ePTFE membrane (yellow dotted line); BFP-HUVECs (cyan), RFP-fibroblasts (red). Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. (Bi) Diagram of a three-level microfluidic platform; (Bii) Fluorescence images showing MDA-MB-231 cancer cells (red) invading the vascular network by day 6 (yellow arrows); (Biii) In the absence of HUVECs, cancer cells remained confined to the stromal region. Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. (Ci) Confocal cross-section of an alveolus-on-chip model showing GFP-labeled lung cancer cells (green), epithelial tight junctions (ZO-1, white), and EC (VE-cadherin, red). (Cii) Comparison of cancer cell growth in airway vs. alveolus chips, with or without simulated breathing motion. (scale bar: 50 μm). Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2017 Cell Press. D(i): Diagram showing the chip setup with HUVECs, cancer cells, and EGF; ( Dii): Images illustrating the extravasation of cancer cells (red) originating from 2D or 3D cultures through the HUVECs layer (green) over 28 h in the presence or absence of EGF (scale bar: 200 μm) Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2024 Bioactive Materials. ( Ei): Schematic of the microfluidic device; E(ii): Micrographs representing compartments for cancer cells, neurons, and bone. Scale bar: 100 μmn © 2022 Materials Today Bio. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: hiPSCS-CM, hiPSC-EC and Human Brain Vascular Pericytes (hBVP), , Healthy and inflammatory model , Commercially available AIM biotech microfluidic chip , Vascular Network Formation, Perfusion, Anastomosis, Contractile Force , [ ] .

Techniques: Co-Culture Assay, Membrane, Fluorescence, Labeling, Comparison

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: BoC Platforms for evaluating NPs behavior and therapeutic applications. A(i): an AutoCAD representation of the microfluidic layout, including electrode design and integration with the BBBoC system; A(ii): the fully assembled TEER-BBBoC device is shown, prepared for cell seeding and electrical resistance measurements; A(iii): a schematic representation of the arrangement of neurovascular cells within the BBBoC platform; A(iv): permeability studies of GNR-PEG-Ang2/D1 in the BBBoC are demonstrated through fluorescent imaging after a 1-h of incubation of GNR-PEG-Ang2/D1 and GNR-PEG-D1 in the ECs channel; A(v): statistical analysis revealed the permeability differences between GNR-PEG-Ang2/D1 and GNR-PEG-D1 over 1 h in the BBBoC (N = 3) (∗p < 0.05) Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2023 Journal of Nanobiotechnology on behalf of BMC.

Article Snippet: hiPSCS-CM, hiPSC-EC and Human Brain Vascular Pericytes (hBVP), , Healthy and inflammatory model , Commercially available AIM biotech microfluidic chip , Vascular Network Formation, Perfusion, Anastomosis, Contractile Force , [ ] .

Techniques: Permeability, Imaging, Incubation

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: A CoC platform for analyzing NPs behavior and therapeutic potential. A(i): SCPNs containing Nile Red exhibited fluorescence in aqueous solutions, with the emission color varying based on the polarity of the surrounding environment. A more hydrophobic internal structure, resulting from SCPNs collapse, causes a blue shift in fluorescence, as shown in panel A(ii) . A(iii): to study SCPNs within a 3D tumor-like environment, the DAX1 microfluidic chip from AIM Biotech was used. This device comprised three parallel channels separated by triangular pillar arrays; A(iv): the central channel was filled with a Matrigel-based ECM (ECM). A collagen type I and hyaluronic acid mixture containing MCF7 tumor spheroids was introduced into the right channel to mimic a TME. SCPNs suspended in DMEM medium were added to the left channel, allowing diffusion across channels over 24 h; A(v): key assessments include SCPNs penetration into the ECM, uptake by tumor spheroids, and particle stability in various chip locations. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) was used to evaluate SCPNs diffusion. Nile Red's emission intensity and spectral shift provided insights into SCPNs uptake and stability within MCF7 spheroids. Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2024 Small Methods published by Wiley-VCH GmbH. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: hiPSCS-CM, hiPSC-EC and Human Brain Vascular Pericytes (hBVP), , Healthy and inflammatory model , Commercially available AIM biotech microfluidic chip , Vascular Network Formation, Perfusion, Anastomosis, Contractile Force , [ ] .

Techniques: Fluorescence, Diffusion-based Assay

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: Schematic representation of cardiac models developed on HoC platforms. A-C. Electrical performance in CF- and CFSE-μEHTs. A . Representative changes in the fluorescence intensity of the FluoVolt-AP indicator over time in CF- (red) and CFSE- (black) μEHTs. B. Representative activation maps of CF- (top) and CFSE- (bottom) μEHTs. C. Action potential duration at 90 % (APD90) repolarization in CF- and CFSE-μEHTs stimulated at 2 Hz (unpaired t -test, n = 12 tissues/condition, from 3 batches). Data are presented as means ± SEM. ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001 Reprinted with permission from Ref. ; © 2024 Advanced Healthcare Materials published by Wiley-VCH GmbH. D-E . Overview of embedding conditions. D. CMEF spheroids were cultured in ULA plates (suspension), in ULA plate with fibrin (fibrin) and in a microfluidic device (vascularized μFC). BF images show the spheroids at day 1 and day 10 of the experiments. Scale bar is 100 μm. E . Confocal z-projections of spheroids embedded at early or late stages, with vasculature formed by HUVECs or HUVEC/pericyte co-cultures under VEGF stimulation. Scale bar is 100 μm. Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2024 Scientific Reports published by PubMed Central. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: A(iii): to study SCPNs within a 3D tumor-like environment, the DAX1 microfluidic chip from AIM Biotech was used.

Techniques: Fluorescence, Activation Assay, Cell Culture, Suspension

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: SoC platforms for investigating skin infections. A(i): 3D confocal image reconstruction showing the cytoskeletal structure of a bioengineered epidermis and dermis supported by an endothelialized microvascular network (white arrow indicates microfluidic flow direction). Cytoskeletal F-actin is shown in green, and cell nuclei are labeled with DAPI (blue); A(ii): 3D confocal image reconstruction illustrating the distribution of infiltrating neutrophils (red, CD15) and HSV-infected epidermis (green) in the SoC. Neutrophils were introduced into the vascular network 1 h after the epidermis was exposed to HSV-1 K26 (106 PFU). Scale bar: 100 μm; A(iii): Top left: cross-sectional view showing neutrophils (red) migrating into the dermal layer toward the HSV-infected (green) epidermis. Dashed lines indicate vessel boundaries. Top right: horizontal view of neutrophil infiltration within the infected epidermis. Bottom panels: enlarged images of the highlighted regions, demonstrating close interactions between neutrophils and infected keratinocytes. Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2022 Nature Communications. B(i): Schematic of the IC-SoC device, highlighting its four key layers and membrane structure; B(ii): IC-SoC model reveals K14 expression (marker for keratinocyte differentiation) after seven days of ALI culture. Scale bar: 10 μm; B(iii): H&E-stained cross-sections comparing control (Con) and the experimental model; B(iv): TEER measurements of control (Con) and experimental model exposed to SLS + P. acnes at various time points post-stimulation. Cytokine release profiles for IL-1α and IL-8 are shown in response to the stimuli. Reprinted with permission from © 2022 Frontiers. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: A(iii): to study SCPNs within a 3D tumor-like environment, the DAX1 microfluidic chip from AIM Biotech was used.

Techniques: Labeling, Infection, Membrane, Expressing, Marker, Staining, Control

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: Examples of CoC models designed to study different steps of metastasis. (Ai) Workflow showing co-culture of endothelial cells (HUVECs) and fibroblasts (NHLFs) prior to integration into a microfluidic platform. Angiogenesis was induced using bFGF and VEGF gradients. (Aii) Time-lapse images showing progressive vascular network formation by day 5. (Aiii) Angiogenesis visualized across an ePTFE membrane (yellow dotted line); BFP-HUVECs (cyan), RFP-fibroblasts (red). Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. (Bi) Diagram of a three-level microfluidic platform; (Bii) Fluorescence images showing MDA-MB-231 cancer cells (red) invading the vascular network by day 6 (yellow arrows); (Biii) In the absence of HUVECs, cancer cells remained confined to the stromal region. Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. (Ci) Confocal cross-section of an alveolus-on-chip model showing GFP-labeled lung cancer cells (green), epithelial tight junctions (ZO-1, white), and EC (VE-cadherin, red). (Cii) Comparison of cancer cell growth in airway vs. alveolus chips, with or without simulated breathing motion. (scale bar: 50 μm). Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2017 Cell Press. D(i): Diagram showing the chip setup with HUVECs, cancer cells, and EGF; ( Dii): Images illustrating the extravasation of cancer cells (red) originating from 2D or 3D cultures through the HUVECs layer (green) over 28 h in the presence or absence of EGF (scale bar: 200 μm) Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2024 Bioactive Materials. ( Ei): Schematic of the microfluidic device; E(ii): Micrographs representing compartments for cancer cells, neurons, and bone. Scale bar: 100 μmn © 2022 Materials Today Bio. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: A(iii): to study SCPNs within a 3D tumor-like environment, the DAX1 microfluidic chip from AIM Biotech was used.

Techniques: Co-Culture Assay, Membrane, Fluorescence, Labeling, Comparison

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: BoC Platforms for evaluating NPs behavior and therapeutic applications. A(i): an AutoCAD representation of the microfluidic layout, including electrode design and integration with the BBBoC system; A(ii): the fully assembled TEER-BBBoC device is shown, prepared for cell seeding and electrical resistance measurements; A(iii): a schematic representation of the arrangement of neurovascular cells within the BBBoC platform; A(iv): permeability studies of GNR-PEG-Ang2/D1 in the BBBoC are demonstrated through fluorescent imaging after a 1-h of incubation of GNR-PEG-Ang2/D1 and GNR-PEG-D1 in the ECs channel; A(v): statistical analysis revealed the permeability differences between GNR-PEG-Ang2/D1 and GNR-PEG-D1 over 1 h in the BBBoC (N = 3) (∗p < 0.05) Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2023 Journal of Nanobiotechnology on behalf of BMC.

Article Snippet: A(iii): to study SCPNs within a 3D tumor-like environment, the DAX1 microfluidic chip from AIM Biotech was used.

Techniques: Permeability, Imaging, Incubation

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Organ-on-chip platforms for nanoparticle toxicity and efficacy assessment: Advancing beyond traditional in vitro and in vivo models

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102053

Figure Lengend Snippet: A CoC platform for analyzing NPs behavior and therapeutic potential. A(i): SCPNs containing Nile Red exhibited fluorescence in aqueous solutions, with the emission color varying based on the polarity of the surrounding environment. A more hydrophobic internal structure, resulting from SCPNs collapse, causes a blue shift in fluorescence, as shown in panel A(ii) . A(iii): to study SCPNs within a 3D tumor-like environment, the DAX1 microfluidic chip from AIM Biotech was used. This device comprised three parallel channels separated by triangular pillar arrays; A(iv): the central channel was filled with a Matrigel-based ECM (ECM). A collagen type I and hyaluronic acid mixture containing MCF7 tumor spheroids was introduced into the right channel to mimic a TME. SCPNs suspended in DMEM medium were added to the left channel, allowing diffusion across channels over 24 h; A(v): key assessments include SCPNs penetration into the ECM, uptake by tumor spheroids, and particle stability in various chip locations. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) was used to evaluate SCPNs diffusion. Nile Red's emission intensity and spectral shift provided insights into SCPNs uptake and stability within MCF7 spheroids. Reprinted with permission from Ref. © 2024 Small Methods published by Wiley-VCH GmbH. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: A(iii): to study SCPNs within a 3D tumor-like environment, the DAX1 microfluidic chip from AIM Biotech was used.

Techniques: Fluorescence, Diffusion-based Assay