Shabestani Monfared, G.; Ertl, P.; Rothbauer, M. Microfluidic and Lab-on-a-Chip Systems for Cutaneous Wound Healing Studies. Pharmaceutics2021, 13, 793.
Shabestani Monfared, G.; Ertl, P.; Rothbauer, M. Microfluidic and Lab-on-a-Chip Systems for Cutaneous Wound Healing Studies. Pharmaceutics 2021, 13, 793.
Shabestani Monfared, G.; Ertl, P.; Rothbauer, M. Microfluidic and Lab-on-a-Chip Systems for Cutaneous Wound Healing Studies. Pharmaceutics2021, 13, 793.
Shabestani Monfared, G.; Ertl, P.; Rothbauer, M. Microfluidic and Lab-on-a-Chip Systems for Cutaneous Wound Healing Studies. Pharmaceutics 2021, 13, 793.
Abstract
Cutaneous wound healing is a complex multi-stage process involving direct and indirect cell communication events with the aim of efficiently restoring the barrier function of the skin. One key aspect in cutaneous wound healing is associated with cell movement and migration into the physically, chemically and biologically injured area resulting in wound closure. Understanding the conditions under which cell migration is impaired and elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that improve healing dynamics is therefore crucial in devising novel therapeutic strategies to elevate patient suffering, reduce scaring and eliminate chronic wounds. Following the global trend towards automation, miniaturization and integration of cell-based assays into microphysiological systems, conventional wound healing assays such as the scratch assay or cell exclusion assay have recently been translated and improved using microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies. These miniaturized cell analysis systems allow precise spatial and temporal control over a range of dynamic microenvironmental factors including shear stress, biochemical and oxygen gradients to create more reliable in vitro models that resemble the in vivo microenvironment of a wound more closely on a molecular, cellular, and tissue level. The current review provides (a) an overview on the main molecular and cellular processes that take place during wound healing, (b) a brief introduction into conventional in vitro wound healing assays, and (c) a perspective on future cutaneous and vascular wound healing research using microfluidic technology.
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
