Release date: 2017-11-13
Human stem cells are considered a new hope in the medical field. In the future, they are expected to be used to treat a wide range of diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers from Fraunhofer have developed a system called LabBag integration, a transparent bag that provides scientists with an inexpensive, fast, sterile way to grow, identify and freeze stem cells. The resulting cell model can be used for independent testing and drug development. After successfully testing the system, the researchers will present a prototype at the MEDICA trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, from November 13th to 16th.
The micro laboratory is 150 mm long, 120 mm wide and 20 mm high. The screw cap is printed in 3D. Hydrophilic spots are visible on the upper surface of the bag. Image source: Fraunhofer IST
Scientists around the world are looking for ways to treat diseases through stem cells. These cells offer the potential to develop new treatments and drugs. Stem cell materials allow us to conduct disease research in an unprecedented way. In addition, the latest research shows that 3D cell models can more accurately reflect the state of the human body. These cell aggregates are produced primarily in a droplet-shaped nutrient solution under sterile conditions. In the future, we need to do this in a cheap and reliable way.
As part of the LabBag project, the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Film Materials, and the Fraunhofer Process Engineering and Packaging IVV Institute brought together their expertise to develop a microlab in the form of a plastic bag. In this bag, human-induced pluripotent stem cells can grow in a sterile environment and form 3D aggregates. These cells can be used in the pharmaceutical industry for patient or disease-specific drug development, as well as test systems for studying active ingredients.
A 3D cell model can be formed in the suspended droplets. Image source: FraunhoferIST
So far, stem cell aggregation can be produced by using a pipetting robotic system or manual pipetting, the former requires expensive purchase and maintenance costs, while the latter is labor and time intensive, with considerable expense for manpower. Manual pipetting in a Petri dish requires a lot of practice and there is also a risk of contamination. The “labs in the bag†developed by Fraunhofer researchers aim to reduce labor and material costs while significantly increasing cell yield and process reliability. Labbag's operation is very simple, just shaking the transparent bag, in just a few seconds can produce hundreds of drops of hanging nutrient solution, almost automatic. First, pour the nutrient solution containing the stem cells into the bag. The bag is rotated once and then returned to its original position. During this process, the droplets are still suspended around the hydrophilic dots. These droplets act as micro bioreactors in which the desired 3D cell aggregates can form. These cells sink to the bottom of the droplets and they combine to fuse into a fixed three-dimensional polymer.
Dr. Michael Thomas, project manager at Fraunhofer, explained, “We applied two different coatings to the polymer filmâ€. The first layer is hydrophobic, and the hydrophobic base layer ensures that the nutrient solution containing the protein flows on the surface without adhering to it. The second layer consists of 150 hydrophilic round spots, each 5 mm in diameter. The nutrient solution is captured by these spots, producing droplets.
The volume of each drop is approximately 20 microliters and the size of the 3D cell model is approximately 400 microns. The size of the agglomerates can be adjusted by changing the diameter of the spots on the surface of the bag. Currently, Dr. Neubauer and her team need about 72 hours to produce a polymer of suspended droplets. “We describe LabBag as a micro GMP laboratory that meets all requirements, and a closed, sterile system minimizes the risk of contamination.†Dr. Neubauer emphasized, “Ultimately, we can produce better graduates for pharmaceuticals. Cell model to avoid experimenting with animals."
One of the advantages of LabBag? is that the cell model can even freeze directly in the bag. Unlike manual pipetting, it is no longer necessary to transfer the material to a separate cryocontainer. How to optimize cryopreservation - that is, freezing cells - depends on the responsibility of Fraunhofer IBMT. In addition, the institute is responsible for cultivating stem cells and characterizing and analyzing 3D aggregates. "We are concerned with the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), because these stem cells may develop into any cell in the body, and may develop into any tissue or specific type of tissue. Unlike embryonic stem cells, they do not cause "Ethical controversy," said Fulaunhofer IBMT biologist Julia Neubaue. Stem cells become specific shapes and functions to accomplish certain tasks, making it possible to develop patient-specific drugs. Dr. Neubauer and her colleagues are focusing on the differentiation of cardiomyocytes and have successfully differentiated iPS cells into this type of cells.
The miniature GMP laboratory created by the prototype of this disposable plastic bag provides an opportunity for the pharmaceutical industry, while it also provides a technology that is suitable for small laboratories and does not require a clean room. Even without high investment costs, this technology can provide high-quality cell models for drug research.
Reference material
[1] Laboratory in a bag
Source: Health New Vision (Micro Signal HealthHorizon)
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