Real-time in Vitro Bionic Lung Chip System Observation Using EzScope 101 Live Cell Imaging System
Application Note of EzScope 101 Live Cell Imaging System
Author: Ko-Chih Lin
Objective
The objective of this experiment is to produce in vitro imaging of the simulated dynamic environments of the lung, and to apply the system for use in disease analysis and drug screening, ultimately for application as a rapid and effective pre-clinical test tool. The organ chip culture system developed by our team will be used to culture the epithelial cells of lung adenocarcinoma, and to integrate with the EzScope 101 in the hopes of observing in real-time the cellular differentiation and adhesion, and to reduce the risks brought about by possible human errors during experiment operation. We will also at the same time look for the presence of bubbles in the chip and let us understand when to change to be dynamic culture mode in real time.
Methods
A549 cells were cultured in a T75 flask. After sub-culture, the cells were transferred into the chip, with the aim of building an alveolar system for use in the subsequent airborne pollution particulate matter test. Cellular differentiation, growth status, and adhesion will be closely observed, as well as the presence of bubbles in the chip.
Results
The original status of the cell and live cell photographs after the experiment:
1. Differentiation of A549 cells was observed on the chip.
2. Real-time observation of bubbles allows the research team to react appropriately.
3. In order to compare with the organ chip culturing system, Human Pulmonary Alveolar Epithelial Cells (HPAEpiC) were cultured at the gas-liquid interface in the Transwell. Cell polarity changes were observed for HPAEpiC cultured under the gas-liquid interface.
Video
Conclusions
EzScope 101 has greatly assisted our research, which is on the microfluidic lung chip system. Due to the time-consuming nature of the experiment operation, we require a solution to not only simplify the research operation, but also improve efficiency and productivity by eliminating the need to remove cells from the incubators for observation.
The future studies include designing a gas-liquid interface in the chip and conducting tests on airborne particulate matters. As our objective is to recreate an alveolar environment as authentic as possible, our current results from the immersion culture were not yet authenticated.