Photonic Sensor integration with microphysiologial systems
Most data acquired in the field Microphysiological systems (MPS) thus far has come from single-timepoint measurements, including endpoint immunofluorescence microscopy and post-experiment analysis of media. A recognized opportunity with these devices though is to monitor the system in real time, continuously, over the entire length of the experiment1. In principle, this would dramatically enhance our understanding of biological processes by revealing time-dependent changes in the identity and concentrations of molecules produced by the cells in the MPS.
To address the challenge of real-time, continuous sensing, we are leveraging work done by the Miller group over the past two decades in integrated photonics. Photonic sensors fabricated at AIM Photonics in much the same way as microelectronic chips are functionalized with antibodies or other molecules specific to target molecules we want to detect2. By putting the sensor chips close to the cells in the MPS, secreted analytes are immediately captured by the sensors (Figure 1). Because sensor response is scanned every few seconds, quantitative changes in concentration may be monitored (Figure 2).
Building on proof-of-concept experiments in which photonic sensors were used to monitor cytokine secretion from human bronchial epithelial cells in an MPS following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide3, the Miller group has collaborated with the Awad and McGrath groups to integrate photonic sensors with more complex MPS such as a human tendon-on-a-chip (hToC). Working through TraCe, we hope to provide systems that can for the first time reveal differences in response kinetics for candidate therapeutic agents.
- Cognetti, J. S.; Miller, B. L. “Real-time, continuous monitoring of tissue chips as an emerging opportunity for biosensing”, Sensors, 2025, 25, 5153.
- Bucukovski, J.; Miller, B. L. “Everything’s under control: Maximizing biosensor performance through negative control probe selection” Analytical Chemistry, 2025, 97, 3525-3535.
- Cognetti, J. S.; Moen, M. T.; Brewer, M. G.; Bryan, M. R.; Tice, J. D.; McGrath, J. L.; Miller, B. L. “A photonic biosensor-integrated tissue chip platform for real-time sensing of lung epithelial inflammatory markers”, Lab on a Chip, 2023, 23, 239-250.
