651
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Sionkowska A, Kozłowska J. Properties and modification of porous 3-D collagen/hydroxyapatite composites. Int J Biol Macromol 2012; 52:250-9. [PMID: 23063427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2012.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Revised: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
A freeze drying technique was used to form porous three-dimensional collagen matrixes modified by the addition of a variable amount of nano-hydroxyapatite. For chemical cross-linking EDC/NHS were used. Physical cross-linking was achieved by dehydrothermal treatment. Mechanical properties, morphology, dissolution, porosity, density, enzymatic degradation and swelling properties of materials have been studied after cross-linking. The density of scaffolds and its compressive modulus increased with an increasing amount of hydroxyapatite and collagen concentration in the composite scaffold, while the swelling ratio and porosity decreased. The studied scaffolds dissolved slowly in PBS solution. DHT cross-linked collagen matrices showed a much faster degradation rate after exposure to collagenase than the EDC cross-linked samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sionkowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, N. Copernicus University, Gagarin 7, 87-100 Torun, Poland.
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652
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Krishnamoorthy G, Sehgal PK, Mandal AB, Sadulla S. Novel collagen scaffolds prepared by using unnatural D-amino acids assisted EDC/NHS crosslinking. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION 2012; 24:344-64. [PMID: 23565652 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2012.690280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This work discusses the preparation and characterization of novel collagen scaffolds by using unnatural D-amino acids (Coll-D-AAs)-assisted 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC)/N-hydroxyl succinimide(NHS)-initiated crosslinking. The mechanical strength, hydrothermal and structural stability, resistance to biodegradation and the biocompatibility of Coll-D-AAs matrices were investigated. The results from Thermo mechanical analysis, Differential scanning calorimetric analysis and Thermo gravimetric analysis of the Coll-D-AAs matrices indicate a significant increase in the tensile strength (TS, 180±3), % elongation (% E, 80±9), elastic modulus (E, 170±4) denaturation temperature (T d, 108±4) and a significant decrease in decomposition rate (Tg, 64±6). Scanning electron microscopic and Atomic force microscopic analyses revealed a well-ordered with properly oriented and well-aligned structure of the Coll-D-AAs matrices. FT-IR results suggest that the incorporation of D-AAs favours the molecular stability of collagen matrix. The D-AAs stabilizing the collagen matrices against degradation by collagenase would have been brought about by protecting the active sites in collagen. The Coll-D-AAs matrices have good biocompatibility when compared with native collagen matrix. Molecular docking studies also indicate better understanding of bonding pattern of collagen with D-AAs. These Coll-D-AAs matrices have been produced in high mechanical strength, thermally and biologically stable, and highly biocompatible forms that can be further manipulated into the functional matrix suitable in designing scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesan Krishnamoorthy
- Bioproducts Laboratory-Biomaterial Development Division, Central Leather Research Institute, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Chennai, 600 020, India
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653
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Improvement of human skin cell growth by radiation-induced modifications of a Ge/Ch/Ha scaffold. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2012; 36:317-24. [PMID: 22802044 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-012-0786-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Gelatin-/chitosan-/hyaluronan-based biomaterials are used in tissue engineering as cell scaffolds. Three gamma radiation doses (1, 10 and 25 kGy) were applied to scaffolds for sterilization. Microstructural changes of the irradiated polymers were evaluated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A dose of 25 kGy produced a rough microstructure with a reduction of the porosity (from 99 to 96 %) and pore size (from 160 to 123 μm). Radiation also modified the glass transition temperature between 31.2 and 42.1 °C (1 and 25 kGy respectively). Human skin cells cultivated on scaffolds irradiated with 10 and 25 kGy proliferated at 48 h and secreted transforming growth factor β3 (TGF-β3). Doses of 0 kGy (non-irradiated) or 1 kGy did not stimulate TGF-β3 secretion or cell proliferation. The specific growth rate and lactate production increased proportionally to radiation dose. The use of an appropriate radiation dose improves the cell scaffold properties of biomaterials.
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654
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Microfluidic-Based Synthesis of Hydrogel Particles for Cell Microencapsulation and Cell-Based Drug Delivery. Polymers (Basel) 2012. [DOI: 10.3390/polym4021084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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655
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Manikoth R, Kanungo I, Fathima NN, Rao JR. Dielectric behaviour and pore size distribution of collagen–guar gum composites: Effect of guar gum. Carbohydr Polym 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2012.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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656
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Weng Y, Chen J, Tu Q, Li Q, Maitz MF, Huang N. Biomimetic modification of metallic cardiovascular biomaterials: from function mimicking to endothelialization in vivo. Interface Focus 2012; 2:356-65. [PMID: 23741611 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2011.0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2011] [Accepted: 03/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Biosystem-surface interactions play an important role in various biological events and determine the ultimate functionality of implanted devices. Endothelialization or mimicking of endothelium on the surface of cardiovascular materials is a promising way to solve the problems of material-induced thrombosis and restenosis. Meanwhile, a multifunctional surface design is needed as antithrombotic properties should be considered in the period when the implants are not yet completely endothelialized. In this article, we summarize some successful approaches used in our laboratory for constructing multifunctional endothelium-like surfaces on metallic cardiovascular biomaterials through chemical modification of the surface or by the introduction of specific biological molecules to induce self-endothelialization in vivo. Some directions on future research in these areas are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Weng
- Key Lab for Advanced Technologies of Materials , Ministry of Education , People's Republic of China
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657
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Patel H, Ostergard DR, Sternschuss G. Polypropylene mesh and the host response. Int Urogynecol J 2012; 23:669-79. [PMID: 22430945 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-012-1718-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The use of polypropylene (PP) mesh for pelvic floor repair has been increasing dramatically over the past decade; however, tissue response in humans has not been extensively studied. This review discusses PP mesh and postimplantation host tissue response. Emphasis is placed on studies investigating the relationship between individual mesh properties and specific responses. There is an immediate inflammatory response after PP mesh implantation that lays the framework for tissue ingrowth and subsequent mesh integration. This response varies based on physical properties of individual mesh, such as pore size, weight, coatings, bacterial colonization, and biofilm production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiren Patel
- Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Women's Hospital, Long Beach, CA 90806, USA.
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658
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Isobe Y, Kosaka T, Kuwahara G, Mikami H, Saku T, Kodama S. Oriented Collagen Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering. MATERIALS 2012; 5:501-511. [PMID: 28817059 PMCID: PMC5448924 DOI: 10.3390/ma5030501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Oriented collagen scaffolds were developed in the form of sheet, mesh and tube by arraying flow-oriented collagen string gels and dehydrating the arrayed gels. The developed collagen scaffolds can be any practical size with any direction of orientation for tissue engineering applications. The birefringence of the collagen scaffolds was quantitatively analyzed by parallel Nicols method. Since native collagen in the human body has orientations such as bone, cartilage, tendon and cornea, and the orientation has a special role for the function of human organs, the developed various types of three-dimensional oriented collagen scaffolds are expected to be useful biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Isobe
- Atree Inc., 16-12-1 Hiroo Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0012, Japan.
| | - Toru Kosaka
- Atree Inc., 16-12-1 Hiroo Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0012, Japan.
| | - Go Kuwahara
- Department of Regenerative Medicine & Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Pref, 814-0133, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Mikami
- Department of Regenerative Medicine & Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Pref, 814-0133, Japan.
| | - Taro Saku
- Atree Inc., 16-12-1 Hiroo Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0012, Japan.
| | - Shohta Kodama
- Department of Regenerative Medicine & Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Pref, 814-0133, Japan.
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659
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Johnson TD, Lin SY, Christman KL. Tailoring material properties of a nanofibrous extracellular matrix derived hydrogel. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2011; 22:494015. [PMID: 22101810 PMCID: PMC3280097 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/22/49/494015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In the native tissue, the interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, mechanical stability, and signaling. It has been shown that decellularized ECMs can be processed into injectable formulations, thereby allowing for minimally invasive delivery. Upon injection and increase in temperature, these materials self-assemble into porous gels forming a complex network of fibers with nanoscale structure. In this study we aimed to examine and tailor the material properties of a self-assembling ECM hydrogel derived from porcine myocardial tissue, which was developed as a tissue specific injectable scaffold for cardiac tissue engineering. The impact of gelation parameters on ECM hydrogels has not previously been explored. We examined how modulating pH, temperature, ionic strength, and concentration affected the nanoscale architecture, mechanical properties, and gelation kinetics. These material characteristics were assessed using scanning electron microscopy, rheometry, and spectrophotometry, respectively. Since the main component of the myocardial matrix is collagen, many similarities between the ECM hydrogel and collagen gels were observed in terms of the nanofibrous structure and modulation of properties by altering ionic strength. However, variation from collagen gels was noted for the gelation temperature along with varied times and rates of gelation. These discrepancies when compared to collagen are likely due to the presence of other ECM components in the decellularized ECM based hydrogel. These results demonstrate how the material properties of ECM hydrogels could be tailored for future in vitro and in vivo applications.
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660
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Salwiczek M, Nyakatura EK, Gerling UIM, Ye S, Koksch B. Fluorinated amino acids: compatibility with native protein structures and effects on protein-protein interactions. Chem Soc Rev 2011; 41:2135-71. [PMID: 22130572 DOI: 10.1039/c1cs15241f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Fluorinated analogues of the canonical α-L-amino acids have gained widespread attention as building blocks that may endow peptides and proteins with advantageous biophysical, chemical and biological properties. This critical review covers the literature dealing with investigations of peptides and proteins containing fluorinated analogues of the canonical amino acids published over the course of the past decade including the late nineties. It focuses on side-chain fluorinated amino acids, the carbon backbone of which is identical to their natural analogues. Each class of amino acids--aliphatic, aromatic, charged and polar as well as proline--is presented in a separate section. General effects of fluorine on essential properties such as hydrophobicity, acidity/basicity and conformation of the specific side chains and the impact of these altered properties on stability, folding kinetics and activity of peptides and proteins are discussed (245 references).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Salwiczek
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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661
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Li H, Yan Y, Wei J, Ma J, Gong M, Luo X, Zhang Y. Bone substitute biomedical material of multi-(amino acid) copolymer: in vitro degradation and biocompatibility. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2011; 22:2555-2563. [PMID: 21898161 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-011-4439-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Degradable polymers with good mechanical strength as bone repair biomaterials have been paid more attention in biomedical application. In this study, a multi-(amino acid) copolymer consisting of 6-aminocaproic acid and five natural amino acids was prepared by a reaction of acid-catalyzed condensation. The results revealed that the copolymer could be slowly degradable in Tris-HCl solution, and lost its initial weight of 31.9 wt% after immersion for 12 weeks, and the changes of pH value of Tris-HCl solution were in range from 6.9 to 7.4 during soaking. The compressive strength of the copolymer decreased from 107 to 68 MPa after immersion for 12 weeks. The proliferation and differentiation of MG-63 cells on the copolymer significantly increased with time, and the cells with normal phenotype extended and spread well on the copolymer surfaces. When the copolymer was implanted in muscle and bone defects of femoral cortex of dogs for 12 weeks, the histological evaluation confirmed that the copolymer exhibited excellent biocompatibility and more effective osteogenesis in vivo. When implanted into cortical bone defects of dogs, the copolymer could be combined directly with the natural bone without fibrous capsule tissue between implants and host bone. The results indicated that the multi-(amino acid) copolymer with sufficient strength, good biocompatibility and osteoconductivity had clinical potential for load-bearing bone repair or substitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, People's Republic of China
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662
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Thein-Han W, Xu HHK. Collagen-calcium phosphate cement scaffolds seeded with umbilical cord stem cells for bone tissue engineering. Tissue Eng Part A 2011; 17:2943-54. [PMID: 21851269 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2010.0674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) avoid the invasive procedure required to harvest bone marrow MSCs. The addition of collagen fibers into self-setting calcium phosphate cement (CPC) may increase the scaffold strength, and enhance cell attachment and differentiation. The objectives of this study were to develop a novel class of collagen-CPC composite scaffolds, and to investigate hUCMSC attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation on collagen-CPC scaffolds for the first time. Collagen fibers in CPC improved the load-bearing capability. Flow cytometry showed that the hUCMSCs expressed cell surface markers characteristic of MSCs, and were negative for hematopoietic and endothelial cell markers. hUCMSCs proliferated rapidly in all CPC composite scaffolds, with cell number increasing by sevenfold in 8 days. Cellular function was enhanced with collagen fibers in CPC scaffolds. Cell density increased from (645±60) cells/mm(2) on CPC with 0% collagen, to (1056±65) cells/mm(2) on CPC with 8% collagen (p<0.05). The actin stress fibers inside the hUCMSCs were stained, and the fluorescence intensity was doubled when the collagen in CPC was increased by 0% to 8%. RT-PCR showed that hUCMSCs on CPC with collagen had higher osteogenic expression than those on CPC without collagen. Alizarin Red S staining revealed a great increase in mineralization by hUCMSCs on CPC with collagen than that without collagen. In conclusion, hUCMSCs showed excellent proliferation, differentiation, and synthesis of bone minerals in collagen-CPC composite scaffolds for the first time. The novel hUCMSC-seeded collagen-CPC construct with superior cell function and load-bearing capability is promising to enhance bone regeneration in a wide range of orthopedic and craniofacial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- WahWah Thein-Han
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Division, Department of Endodontics, Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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663
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tissue defects, sustained through disease or trauma, present enormous challenges in regenerative medicine. Modern tissue engineering (TE) aims at replacing or repairing these defects through a combined approach of biodegradable scaffolds, suitable cell sources and appropriate environmental cues, such as biomolecules presented on scaffold surfaces or sustainably released from within. AREAS COVERED This review provides a brief overview of the various drugs and bioactive molecules of interest to TE, as well as a selection of materials that have been proposed for TE scaffolds and matrices in the past. It then proceeds to discuss encapsulation, immobilization and controlled release strategies for bioactive proteins, before discussing recent advances in this area with a special focus on soft TE. EXPERT OPINION Overall, minimal clinical success has been achieved so far in using growth factor, morphogen, or adhesion factor modified scaffolds and matrices; only one growth factor delivery system (Regranex Gel), has been approved by the FDA for clinical use, with only a handful of other growth factors being approved for human use so far. However, many more growth factors are currently in clinical Phase I - II or preclinical trials and many delivery systems utilize materials already approved by the FDA for other purposes. With respect to drug delivery in soft TE, a combination of increased research efforts in hydrogel and support material development as well as growth factor development is needed before clinical success is realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Ladewig
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , Parkville VIC, Australia.
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664
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Zhou L, Pomerantseva I, Bassett EK, Bowley CM, Zhao X, Bichara DA, Kulig KM, Vacanti JP, Randolph MA, Sundback CA. Engineering ear constructs with a composite scaffold to maintain dimensions. Tissue Eng Part A 2011; 17:1573-81. [PMID: 21284558 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2010.0627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered cartilage composed of a patient's own cells can become a feasible option for auricular reconstruction. However, distortion and shrinkage of ear-shaped constructs during scaffold degradation and neocartilage maturation in vivo have hindered the field. Scaffolds made of synthetic polymers often generate degradation products that cause an inflammatory reaction and negatively affect neocartilage formation in vivo. Porous collagen, a natural material, is a promising candidate; however, it cannot withstand the contractile forces exerted by skin and surrounding tissue during normal wound healing. We hypothesised that a permanent support in the form of a coiled wire embedded into a porous collagen scaffold will maintain the construct's size and ear-specific shape. Half-sized human adult ear-shaped fibrous collagen scaffolds with and without embedded coiled titanium wire were seeded with sheep auricular chondrocytes, cultured in vitro for up to 2 weeks, and implanted subcutaneously on the backs of nude mice. After 6 weeks, the dimensional changes in all implants with wire support were minimal (2.0% in length and 4.1% in width), whereas significant reduction in size occurred in the constructs without embedded wire (14.4% in length and 16.5% in width). No gross distortion occurred over the in vivo study period. There were no adverse effects on neocartilage formation from the embedded wire. Histologically, mature neocartilage extracellular matrix was observed throughout all implants. The amount of DNA, glycosaminoglycan, and hydroxyproline in the engineered cartilage were similar to that of native sheep ear cartilage. The embedded wire support was essential for avoiding shrinkage of the ear-shaped porous collagen constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libin Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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665
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A review on composite liposomal technologies for specialized drug delivery. JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY 2011; 2011:939851. [PMID: 21490759 PMCID: PMC3065812 DOI: 10.1155/2011/939851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Revised: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The combination of liposomes with polymeric scaffolds could revolutionize the current state of drug delivery technology. Although liposomes have been extensively studied as a promising drug delivery model for bioactive compounds, there still remain major drawbacks for widespread pharmaceutical application. Two approaches for overcoming the factors related to the suboptimal efficacy of liposomes in drug delivery have been suggested. The first entails modifying the liposome surface with functional moieties, while the second involves integration of pre-encapsulated drug-loaded liposomes within depot polymeric scaffolds. This attempts to provide ingenious solutions to the limitations of conventional liposomes such as short plasma half-lives, toxicity, stability, and poor control of drug release over prolonged periods. This review delineates the key advances in composite technologies that merge the concepts of depot polymeric scaffolds with liposome technology to overcome the limitations of conventional liposomes for pharmaceutical applications.
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666
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Lee JH, Yu HS, Lee GS, Ji A, Hyun JK, Kim HW. Collagen gel three-dimensional matrices combined with adhesive proteins stimulate neuronal differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. J R Soc Interface 2011; 8:998-1010. [PMID: 21247946 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2010.0613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional gel matrices provide specialized microenvironments that mimic native tissues and enable stem cells to grow and differentiate into specific cell types. Here, we show that collagen three-dimensional gel matrices prepared in combination with adhesive proteins, such as fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LN), provide significant cues to the differentiation into neuronal lineage of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from rat bone marrow. When cultured within either a three-dimensional collagen gel alone or one containing either FN or LN, and free of nerve growth factor (NGF), the MSCs showed the development of numerous neurite outgrowths. These were, however, not readily observed in two-dimensional culture without the use of NGF. Immunofluorescence staining, western blot and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses demonstrated that a large population of cells was positive for NeuN and glial fibrillary acidic protein, which are specific to neuronal cells, when cultured in the three-dimensional collagen gel. The dependence of the neuronal differentiation of MSCs on the adhesive proteins containing three-dimensional gel matrices is considered to be closely related to focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation through integrin receptor binding, as revealed by an experiment showing no neuronal outgrowth in the FAK-knockdown cells and stimulation of integrin β1 gene. The results provided herein suggest the potential role of three-dimensional collagen-based gel matrices combined with adhesive proteins in the neuronal differentiation of MSCs, even without the use of chemical differentiation factors. Furthermore, these findings suggest that three-dimensional gel matrices might be useful as nerve-regenerative scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Ho Lee
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, , South Korea
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