In Situ Detection in Microfluidic-Based Cell Culture and In Vitro Micro-Physiological Models

Dear Colleagues,

Microfluidic-based cell culture and organ-on-a-chip (OOC) which host homo/heterogeneous cellular structures have been employed for studying the time-dependent cellular behavior and cell/tissue–xenobiotic interactions over extended periods. These miniaturized bioreactors can provide a level of control over the cell culture microenvironment that cannot be achieved under traditional culture conditions. To achieve reliable in vitro functions, it is important to maintain an “in vivo-like” cell microenvironment and the phenotypic stability in their artificial milieu during the relatively long lifespan of the in vitro model that ensure reliable, repeatable, and consistent mechanistic investigations on the same set of cells/tissue. Detection of the physiological signals ex situ, using the standard analytical tools, requires rounds of several sampling or complete compromise of the cellular structure, which makes it difficult to perform long-term investigations on the same set of cells. Therefore, the integration of analytical tools within the microfluidic system would enable improved control on the cell culture microenvironment and precise cell assays with single-cell resolution.

We are delighted to present the Special Issue entitled “In Situ Detection in Microfluidic-Based Cell Culture and In Vitro Microphysiological Models” that addresses this hot topic. This collection of articles will include the most relevant work in the integration of cell (co-)culture and monitoring tools, from state-of-the-art contributions to critical reviews which will highlight the new advances in this field and high-impact applications, including:

• On-chip cell culture and investigation
• Sensor integration within cell culture devices
• In situ measurement of cellular microenvironments
• On-chip combinatorial cell assays
• In-line monitoring of cell cultures with optical and electrochemical sensors
• On-chip metabolic profiling
• On-chip immune profiling (e.g., using ELISA)
• 3D in vitro models and analysis
• On-chip pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
• Analyses of functional cellular activity
• Preclinical testing of drugs in living cells/tissue/organs in vitro
• Fluid handling and automation in cell culture systems

We aim to address the most effective way to utilize this powerful technology in the drug discovery industry as well as the technical challenges that need to be overcome. We invite researchers working in this area, from academia and industry, to submit full-length research papers, short communications, and review articles that meet the goal of this Special Issue.

Dr. Qasem Ramadan
Dr. Gulden Camci-Unal
Guest Editors

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