Haoran Gong , Wenwen Weng , Shuhao Zhang , Zhigang Gao , Ning Hu
{"title":"Rigid and soft microelectrodes for electrophysiology measurement","authors":"Haoran Gong , Wenwen Weng , Shuhao Zhang , Zhigang Gao , Ning Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100591","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100591","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Electrophysiology measurement is a significant technique to detect electrical activities and analyze cell behaviors. Among various electrophysiological detection methods, microelectrode arrays (MEAs) have been widely investigated in recent years due to their high efficiency and accuracy in analyzing electrophysiological activities of cells and tissues. Rigid MEAs, favored for their convenience and scalability, are widely used in drug selection, pathological analysis, and photothermal research. Soft MEAs, with the flexible geometries and outstanding biocompatibility, are better suited for applications involving three-dimensional organoids. This review provides an overview of recent advances in rigid and soft MEAs over the past five years, focusing on their application in cardiology and neuroscience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36748,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article 100591"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143927983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanism to translation: Neural prostheses for the lower urinary tract","authors":"Maria K. Jantz , Robert A. Gaunt","doi":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100590","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100590","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction is a common symptom of a wide array of neural disorders, including spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Unfortunately, interventions to treat LUT dysfunction primarily manage symptoms without restoring coordinated bladder control. To regain this control, neural prostheses are being developed that operate through multiple neurophysiological mechanisms.</div><div>Here, we discuss recent advances that use three fundamentally different mechanisms; some systems target LUT reflexes to produce coordinated voiding or continence, others drive non-LUT circuits that indirectly influence bladder and urethral function, while others directly excite or block the motor components of the LUT. The work described here demonstrates substantial advances in the field, yet many of these advances have not been translated to clinical use. We suggest that developing devices to transform the state of clinical bladder care will require that known translational challenges are considered from the outset, even in basic mechanistic research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36748,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article 100590"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143882332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Interplay between extracellular matrix mechanics and cell function in mechanobiology","authors":"Peter A. Galie , Paul A. Janmey","doi":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100589","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100589","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tissues are composites of cells and extracellular matrix that interact with each other both chemically and mechanically to form functioning organs with defined chemical and physical properties. Changes in the physical properties of the extracellular matrix often alter the function of cells, and reciprocally, modified cell function remodels the extracellular matrix in a complex iterative process that mediates normal development, wound healing, and pathological dysfunction. Recent advances in studying how cells and matrix physically interact with each other reveal new aspects of tissue and matrix mechanics and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention in pathologic settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36748,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article 100589"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143848311","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mridu Malik , Stecia A. Steele , Deepshikha Mitra , Christopher J. Long , James J. Hickman
{"title":"Trans-epithelial/endothelial electrical resistance (TEER): Current state of integrated TEER measurements in organ-on-a-chip devices","authors":"Mridu Malik , Stecia A. Steele , Deepshikha Mitra , Christopher J. Long , James J. Hickman","doi":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100588","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100588","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Trans-epithelial/endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) is a non-invasive and quick method of assessing the integrity of barrier tissues. Traditional TEER measurement methods such as chopstick electrode-based and chamber-based measurements work well with static, Transwell-based models; however, the same methods do not directly apply to human-on-a-chip or organ-on-a-chip (OOC) platforms. With the wide variety of organ-on-a-chip devices, innovative designs to accurately measure TEER, without disturbing cells, are customized for various devices. Wire electrode integration, integrating a two-probe or four-probe technique, flexible printed circuit boards or multi-electrode glass substrate-based methods are some of the TEER measurement setups being utilized in conjunction with OOC systems. The variability in measurement setups associated with OOCs make standardization challenging; however, the field is working towards establishing guidelines on acceptable TEER values for different OOC constructs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36748,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article 100588"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143838090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alejandro Forigua , Benjamin E. Campbell , Christopher Moraes
{"title":"Emerging views of biomechanics via embedded sensors in model tissues: Pathways to the clinic","authors":"Alejandro Forigua , Benjamin E. Campbell , Christopher Moraes","doi":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100587","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100587","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mechanical features of tissues have been recognised as key drivers of disease progression and are increasingly investigated as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Engineered tissue models with integrated embedded biomechanical sensors have recently uncovered complex mechanical behaviors across micro- and nanoscale environments, offering novel insights into developmental and disease mechanisms. This short opinion synthesizes emerging mechanical signatures that have been identified at high measurement sensitivities and spatial resolutions by embedding customized biomechanical sensors into engineered tissues, particularly for soft tissue pathologies like cancer and fibrosis. We then describe the challenges of achieving these increased resolutions in clinical practice, and highlight recent innovative strategies that may ultimately bridge these gaps. If successful, these improved biomechanical measurement systems could open new pathways for improving diagnostics and patient outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36748,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article 100587"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143725693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marc Vila Cuenca , Merve Bulut , Christine L. Mummery , Valeria V. Orlova
{"title":"Vascularization of organoid microenvironments: Perfusable networks for organoid growth and maturation","authors":"Marc Vila Cuenca , Merve Bulut , Christine L. Mummery , Valeria V. Orlova","doi":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100586","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100586","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Generation of functional vasculature within organoids is considered important for their development and maturation. However, direct differentiation of endothelial cells (ECs) in organoids remains challenging so that creating fully perfusable vasculature often still requires transplantation into host animals. This review discusses recent strategies for generating pre-vascularized human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived organoids, that include co-differentiation of ECs using growth factors or (an inducible transcription factor) ETV2, controlled assembly of tissue organoids with hPSC-derived ECs or Blood Vessel Organoids (BVOs), and 3D bioprinting. Additionally, the potential and key challenges of organ-on-chip technology for creating perfusable and functional vascular networks in organoids are explored, highlighting their implications for advancing research and improving experimental models of human tissue and disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36748,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article 100586"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143681863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sophia Epstein , Joshua Chang , Daniel Johnston , David Paydarfar
{"title":"Size principles governing selective neuromodulation and recruitment order of nerve fibers","authors":"Sophia Epstein , Joshua Chang , Daniel Johnston , David Paydarfar","doi":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100583","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100583","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exogenous electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves preferentially activates the larger diameter fibers due to the lower applied current (or voltage) needed for their activation. However, the ability to selectively stimulate small fibers, and sparing large fibers, would have an important role in clinical applications. This review elucidates the biophysical basis and clinical significance of achieving fiber size-specific recruitment in neuromodulation therapies. We evaluate various methodologies designed to modulate recruitment patterns, including spatial electrical modulation techniques such as electrode configuration and field shaping, temporal modulation strategies involving pulse parameter adjustments. Other neuromodulating technologies are reviewed, including focused ultrasound, optogenetics, and chemogenetics. We discuss the limitations of current techniques and directions for future research to enhance the precision of nerve fiber recruitment, thereby optimizing therapeutic efficacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36748,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article 100583"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143643834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aining Fan , Erick Alvarado , Anton Block , Lingyan Shi
{"title":"A mini review of quantitative optical technologies for imaging cell and tissue metabolism","authors":"Aining Fan , Erick Alvarado , Anton Block , Lingyan Shi","doi":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100581","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100581","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Label-free imaging techniques, with their nondestructive, dye-free operation, and broad detection capabilities, have rapidly advanced and found application in biological tissue analysis. The integration of multimodal label-free imaging technologies has gained significant attention as it enables the acquisition of diverse molecular information from multiple sources while overcoming the limitations associated with conventional single-modality approaches. In this review, we examine several key label-free optical imaging technologies and their recent applications. We also discuss innovative multimodal imaging platforms, along with current advancements, limitations, and prospects in the field of label-free imaging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36748,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article 100581"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143510354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zahra Rezaei , Niyou Wang , Alan De Jesus Alarcon Rodriguez , Shougo Higashi , Su Ryon Shin
{"title":"Biosensors in biomedical research: Bridging cell and tissue engineering and real-time monitoring","authors":"Zahra Rezaei , Niyou Wang , Alan De Jesus Alarcon Rodriguez , Shougo Higashi , Su Ryon Shin","doi":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100582","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100582","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biosensing technology is essential for advancing biomedical research, enabling real-time, continuous monitoring of biomarkers to deepen our understanding of cellular and tissue behaviors within their environments. This review categorizes sensors as intracellular or extracellular types and discusses the integration of various biosensors into <em>in vitro</em> models. Special focus is given to electrochemical biosensors for their precision, potential for miniaturization, quantitative sensitivity, and real-time detection capabilities. We discuss how biosensors are transforming fields such as cancer research, toxicology, neuroscience, cardiovascular studies, and tissue regeneration. Biosensors play a significant role in disease modeling, drug testing, and smart wound healing systems, where continuous, non-invasive monitoring supports personalized therapeutic strategies and creates new possibilities for large-scale biofabrication. Importantly, biosensors operate in direct contact with cells or tissue, thus preserving tissue integrity during development. Integrating biosensors into <em>in vitro</em> models allows researchers to monitor physiological behavior, bridging critical gaps between laboratory studies and clinical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36748,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article 100582"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143550586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mahima Choudhury , Annika J. Deans , Daniel R. Candland , Tara L. Deans
{"title":"Advancing cell therapies with artificial intelligence and synthetic biology","authors":"Mahima Choudhury , Annika J. Deans , Daniel R. Candland , Tara L. Deans","doi":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100580","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100580","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Artificial intelligence provides an exciting avenue to improve approaches in cell therapies by learning and predicting dynamic gene expression patterns from large datasets of stem cell differentiation. The integration of synthetic biology provides genetic tools that mimic the spatial and temporal expression patterns during differentiation, enhancing the potential to significantly improve differentiation outcomes and further our understanding of the mechanisms involved during cell fate decisions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36748,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article 100580"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143454117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}