3D Multi-Tissue microphysiological system for Anti-Cancer and cardiotoxicity drug screening with automated image analysis

• Published in: Discover applied sciences Vol. 7; no. 8; pp. 1 - 17
• Main Authors: Borrego, Edgar A., Perez, Jose L., Esparza, Aibhlin, Delgado, Paula, Moreno, Kevin, Poon, Wilson, Chambers, David, Joddar, Binata, Natividad-Diaz, Sylvia L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 31.07.2025; Springer
• Subjects: Applied and Technical Physics; Chemistry/Food Science; Earth Sciences; Engineering; Environment; Materials Science
• ISSN: 3004-9261; 3004-9261
• DOI: 10.1007/s42452-025-07523-y

In vitro 3D tissue models within microfluidic-based microphysiological systems (MPS) provide controlled and reproducible platforms for quantification of isolated cellular processes in response to biochemical or biophysical stimulus. This study demonstrates the development of a 3D MPS with a dual-chamber, closed-capillary circuit microfluidic culture platform to study chemotherapy drug efficacy in vitro for aggressive malignancies such as breast cancer and glioblastoma. This novel microfluidic system was used to model HER2 + breast cancer (BCTM-SKBR3) co-cultured with cardiac (CTM-AC16) tissue for proof-of-concept chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity studies. To further demonstrate the versatility of this system, a glioblastoma tissue model with chemotherapy efficacy studies was included. Additionally, implementation of a Python-based automated image analysis script (AIAPS) facilitated quantification of cell size within the tissue models from 3D fluorescence z-stack images. The results demonstrate maintenance of lineage-specific biomarker expression, physiologically relevant cell morphology and structural organization, and detectable changes in cell sizes with chemotherapy treatment within the 3D tissue models. These results demonstrated the system’s potential for use as a preclinical drug screening platform.