Poster BB17 - Advanced in vitro multiorgan models address complex disease interactions and enhance clinical applications

Friday, October 25, 2024

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM EST

Location: Exhibit Hall E, F & G

Presenting Author(s)

Jungbin Yoon, PhD

Post-Doc
Pohang University of Science And Technology (POSTECH), United States

Co-Author(s)

Uijung Yong, PhD (he/him/his)

Postdoctoral researcher
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
Pohang-si, Kyongsang-bukto, Republic of Korea
Jinah jang, PhD (she/her/hers)

Associate Professor
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
Pohang-si, Kyongsang-bukto, Republic of Korea

Introduction: Understanding the physiological interactions between vital organs and their associated diseases necessitates the development of advanced in vitro multiorgan models. Secondary hyperoxaluria (SH), affecting both the gut epithelium and kidneys, lacks suitable in vitro models for studying its complex pathophysiology. Cardiorenal Syndrome (CRS) highlights the critical kidney-heart interaction, especially in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Continuous development of in vitro dual-organ production processes will reduce research time and costs, ultimately advancing the management of complex diseases and multiorgan-related conditions.

Materials and

Methods: Using biofabrication techniques and 3D bioprinting technology, we have developed a gut-kidney integrated into an in vitro model and are currently establishing a heart-kidney model with dual-monitoring sensors. To address SH, we created a microfluidic in vitro model enhancing connectivity between the gut epithelium and a vascularized renal proximal tubule (PT). We initially proposed a bioprinted PT platform using kidney-derived bioink and the conductive polymer PEDOT: PSS to replicate human PT with enhanced reabsorptive functions. Currently, we are optimizing the combination ratio of kidney-derived bioink and PEDOT: PSS to create a signal-measuring, tubular-shaped 3D PT/PEDOT: PSS model. In preliminary experiments, we confirmed the functional viability of a 2D scaled model with a 3.0 wt.% PEDOT: PSS integrated printed sensor.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions: The microfluidic in vitro model successfully replicates SH features, including intestinal barrier disruption, calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystallization, and PT injuries. Biophysical properties like glucose reabsorption and CaOx crystal formation are analyzed and compared with human PT pathophysiology. The dual-monitoring platform developed for real-time analysis of kidney and heart functions facilitates better CRS management. The 2D scaled model with a 3.0 wt.% PEDOT: PSS integrated printed sensor successfully assessed the confluence of a 2D in vitro epithelium culture system. Our research demonstrates significant advancements in the development of in vitro multiorgan models using biofabrication and 3D bioprinting technologies. The gut-kidney and heart-kidney integrated models, along with the microfluidic in vitro model for SH, offer valuable platforms for studying complex disease interactions. The dual-monitoring platform for kidney and heart functions is particularly promising for improving CRS management. Further optimization and continuous development of these models are expected to reduce research time and costs, enhancing the clinical applications and management of multiorgan-related conditions.

Acknowledgements (Optional): This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (No. RS-2024-00345060).