By generating three-dimensional (3D) microtissues or organoids that accurately mimic the in vivo cellular functions, the organ-on-a-chip technologies have been playing an increasingly important role in exploiting biology and screening pharmaceutical compounds. Their successful utility is accompanied by the high demand for on- site imaging of the microtissues? morphology, function, and molecular signatures that allow us to understand their behaviors and responses. Clearly, to image the 3D microtissues, the imaging technique should ideally provide volumetric information, together with microscopic resolutions for cellular or even subcellular analyses. On-chip imaging of intact 3D microtissues within microfluidic devices is however, fundamentally hindered by intratissue optical scattering. The overall goal of this proposal thus seeks to innovate a methodology, where a meticulously designed microfluidic bioreactor platform will be developed to enable simultaneous expansion and clearing of intact microtissues directly on-chip for in situ, super-resolution, and volumetric characterizations, breaking limits in both imaging depth and optical diffraction with conventional fluorescence microscopy.

Public Health Relevance

We aim to innovate a meticulously designed microfluidic bioreactor platform to enable simultaneous expansion and clearing of intact microtissues directly on-chip for in situ, super-resolution, and volumetric characterizations, breaking limits in both imaging depth and optical diffraction with conventional fluorescence microscopy.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03EB027984-01A1
Application #
9896270
Study Section
Cellular and Molecular Technologies Study Section (CMT)
Program Officer
Rampulla, David
Project Start
2020-02-01
Project End
2021-11-30
Budget Start
2020-02-01
Budget End
2020-11-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
030811269
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115