In the bustling labs of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, a groundbreaking technique is redefining how we assemble cellular structures, with implications that could ripple through the energy sector and beyond. Led by Qiu Yin, a researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration and the Institute of Medical Robotics, this innovative method leverages acoustofluidics to create intricate patterns of cellular spheroids, opening new avenues in tissue engineering and disease modeling.
Imagine being able to precisely arrange tiny clusters of cells into complex shapes, mimicking natural tissues with unprecedented accuracy. This is precisely what Yin and her team have achieved using an acoustofluidic pick-and-place operation system. The technology harnesses the power of sound waves to manipulate cellular spheroids, enabling them to be assembled into desired patterns in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces. “Our system allows for the spatial assembly of spheroids into predefined shapes, which is a significant step forward in creating more accurate and functional tissue models,” Yin explains.
The implications of this research are vast, particularly in the realm of regenerative medicine and drug screening. By creating more realistic tissue models, scientists can better study disease progression and test the efficacy of new treatments. But how does this relate to the energy sector? The answer lies in the potential for bio-inspired materials and energy-efficient processes.
In the energy industry, the ability to engineer complex biological structures could lead to the development of advanced biofuels and biomaterials. For instance, engineered tissues could be used to create more efficient bio-reactors for producing renewable energy. Additionally, the precise assembly of cellular structures could inspire new designs for energy-harvesting devices, drawing on the natural efficiency of biological systems.
The underlying physics of the acoustofluidic system is equally fascinating. The device utilizes acoustic streaming and acoustic radiation force (ARF) induced by acoustically activated microneedles to trap and manipulate cellular spheroids. This intricate interplay of forces allows for the precise transfer and patterning of spheroids into hydrogel solutions, enabling the creation of assembloids with predefined shapes.
One of the most compelling demonstrations of this technology involves the arrangement of MC3T3-E1 cellular spheroids into a ring shape to fabricate osteogenic tissues. This showcases the system’s ability to create complex, functional tissue structures. Furthermore, the team constructed a co-culture model involving tumor cells (MCF-7) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs), revealing that fibroblast spheroids promote tumor spheroid invasion. This highlights the potential of the method in reconstructing heterogeneous tumor models, which could revolutionize cancer research and treatment.
The research, published in the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, which translates to the English name ‘Extreme Manufacturing’ Journal, represents a significant leap forward in the field of biomedicine. As Yin and her team continue to refine and expand their acoustofluidic pick-and-place operation system, the possibilities for innovation in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and even the energy sector seem boundless. The future of cellular engineering is here, and it’s making waves in ways we never imagined.
