3D patterned substrates for bioartificial blood vessels - The effect of hydrogels on aligned cells on a biomaterial surface

The optimal bio-artificial blood vessel construct is one that has a compliant tubular core with circumferentially aligned smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Obtaining this well-aligned pattern of SMCs on a scaffold is highly beneficial as this cellular orientation preserves the SMC contractile phenotype. We used 3D patterning to create channels on a polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold; SMCs were then found to be aligned within the microchannels. To preserve this alignment, and to provide a protective coating that could further incorporate cells, we evaluated the use of two hydrogels, one based on poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and the other based on gelatin. Hydrogels were either physically coated on the PCL surfaces or covalently linked via suitable surface modification of PCL. For covalent immobilization of PEGDA hydrogel, alkene groups were introduced on PCL, while for gelatin covalent linkage, serum proteins were introduced. It is, however, crucial that the hydrogel coating does not disrupt the cellular patterning and distribution. We show in this work that both the process of coating as well as the nature of the coating are critical to preservation of the aligned SMCs. The covalent coating methods involving the crosslinking of hydrogels with the surface of PCL films promoted hydrogel retention time on the film as compared with physical deposition. Furthermore, subsequent hydrogel degradation is affected by the components of the cell culture medium, hinting at a possible route to in vivo biodegradation.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Surface features control cellular orientation and subsequently influence their functionality, a useful effect for cellularized biomedical devices. Such devices also can benefit from protective and cell friendly hydrogel coatings. However, literature is lacking on the fate of cells that have endured hydrogel coating whilst orientated on a biomaterial surface. In particular, elucidation of the cells ability to remain adherent and orientated post hydrogel addition. Coating requires two procedures that may be deleterious to the orientated cells: the surface pretreatment for gel binding and the hydrogel crosslinking reaction. We compare transglutaminase gelatin crosslinking and UV initiated PEGDA crosslinking, coated onto smooth muscle cells orientated on patterned PCL surfaces. This original study will be of considerable use to the wider biomaterials community.

Analysing calcium signalling of cells under high shear flows using discontinuous dielectrophoresis

Immobilisation of cells is an important feature of many cellular assays, as it enables the physical/chemical stimulation of cells; whilst, monitoring cellular processes using microscopic techniques. Current approaches for immobilising cells, however, are hampered by time-consuming processes, the need for specific antibodies or coatings, and adverse effects on cell integrity. Here, we present a dielectrophoresis-based approach for the robust immobilisation of cells, and analysis of their responses under high shear flows. This approach is quick and label-free, and more importantly, minimises the adverse effects of electric field on the cell integrity, by activating the field for a short duration of 120 s, just long enough to immobilise the cells, after which cell culture media (such as HEPES) is flushed through the platform. In optimal conditions, at least 90% of the cells remained stably immobilised, when exposed to a shear stress of 63 dyn/cm². This approach was used to examine the shear-induced calcium signalling of HEK-293 cells expressing a mechanosensitive ion channel, transient receptor potential vaniloid type 4 (TRPV4), when exposed to the full physiological range of shear stress.

Scaffolds containing chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose/mesoporous wollastonite for bone tissue engineering

Scaffold based bone tissue engineering utilizes a variety of biopolymers in different combinations aiming to deliver optimal properties required for bone regeneration. In the current study, we fabricated bio-composite scaffolds containing chitosan (CS), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) with varied concentrations of mesoporous wollastonite (m-WS) particles by the freeze drying method. The CS/CMC/m-WS scaffolds were characterized by the SEM, EDS and FT-IR studies. Addition of m-WS particles had no effect on altering the porosity of the scaffolds. m-WS particles at 0.5% concentration in the CS/CMC scaffolds showed significant improvement in the bio-mineralization and protein adsorption properties. Addition of m-WS particles in the CS/CMC scaffolds significantly reduced their swelling and degradation properties. The CS/CMC/m-WS scaffolds also showed cyto-friendly nature to human osteoblastic cells. The osteogenic potential of CS/CMC/m-WS scaffolds was confirmed by calcium deposition and expression of an osteoblast specific microRNA, pre-mir-15b. Thus, the current investigations support the use of CS/CMC/m-WS scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.

Oligonucleotide biofunctionalization enhances endothelial progenitor cell adhesion on cobalt/chromium stents

As the endothelium still represents the ideal surface for cardiovascular devices, different endothelialization strategies have been attempted for biocompatibility and nonthrombogenicity enhancement. Since endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) could accelerate endothelialization, preventing thrombosis and restenosis, the aim of this study was to use oligonucleotides (ONs) to biofunctionalize stents for EPC binding. In order to optimize the functionalization procedure before its application to cobalt-chromium (Co/Cr) stents, discs of the same material were preliminarily used. Surface aminosilanization was assessed by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A fluorescent endothelial-specific ON was immobilized on aminosilanized surfaces and its presence was visualized by confocal microscopy. Fluorescent ON binding to porcine blood EPCs was assessed by flow cytometry. Viability assay was performed on EPCs cultured on unmodified, nontargeting ON or specific ON-coated discs; fluorescent staining of nuclei and F-actin was then performed on EPCs cultured on unmodified or specific ON-coated discs and stents. Disc biofunctionalization significantly increased EPC viability as compared to both unmodified and nontargeting ON-coated surfaces; cell adhesion was also significantly increased. Stents were successfully functionalized with the specific ON, and EPC binding was confirmed by confocal microscopy. In conclusion, stent biofunctionalization for EPC binding was successfully achieved in vitro, suggesting its use to obtain in vivo endothelialization, exploiting the natural regenerative potential of the human body.

Evaluation of fibroblasts adhesion and proliferation on alginate-gelatin crosslinked hydrogel

Due to the relatively poor cell-material interaction of alginate hydrogel, alginate-gelatin crosslinked (ADA-GEL) hydrogel was synthesized through covalent crosslinking of alginate di-aldehyde (ADA) with gelatin that supported cell attachment, spreading and proliferation. This study highlights the evaluation of the physico-chemical properties of synthesized ADA-GEL hydrogels of different compositions compared to alginate in the form of films. Moreover, in vitro cell-material interaction on ADA-GEL hydrogels of different compositions compared to alginate was investigated by using normal human dermal fibroblasts. Viability, attachment, spreading and proliferation of fibroblasts were significantly increased on ADA-GEL hydrogels compared to alginate. Moreover, in vitro cytocompatibility of ADA-GEL hydrogels was found to be increased with increasing gelatin content. These findings indicate that ADA-GEL hydrogel is a promising material for the biomedical applications in tissue-engineering and regeneration.

Novel triblock co-polymer nanofibre system as an alternative support for embryonic stem cells growth and pluripotency

Conventionally, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are cultured on gelatin or over a mitotically inactivated monolayer of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFsi). Considering the lack of versatile, non-animal-derived and inexpensive materials for that purpose, we aimed to find a biomaterial able to support ESC growth in a pluripotent state that avoids the need for laborious and time-consuming MEFsi culture in parallel with mouse ESC (mESC) culture. Undifferentiated mESCs were cultured in a new nanofibre material designed for ESC culture, which is based on the self-assembly of a triblock co-polymer, poly(ethyleneglycol-β-trimethylsilyl methacrylate-β-methacrylic acid), conjugated with the peptide glycine-arginine-glycine-aspartate-serine, to evaluate its potential application in ESC research. The morphology, proliferation, viability, pluripotency and differentiation potential of mESCs were assessed. Compared to conventional stem cell culture methodologies, the nanofibres promoted a higher increase in mESCs number, enhanced pluripotency and were able to support differentiation after long-term culture. This newly developed synthetic system allows the elimination of animal-derived matrices and provides an economic method of ESC culture, made of a complex network of nanofibres in a scale similar to native extracellular matrices, where the functional properties of the cells can be observed and manipulated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Tuning nano-architectures and improving bioactivity of conducting polypyrrole coating on bone implants by incorporating bone-borne small molecules

Citric acid, a molecule present in fresh bone, was introduced into template-free electrochemical polymerization to form biocompatible coating made of polypyrrole (PPy) nano-cones on bone implants. It served not only as a dopant to tune the nano-architectures but also as a promoter to enhance bioactivity of the PPy-coated implants.

Surface modification of polymers for biocompatibility via exposure to extreme ultraviolet radiation

Polymeric biomaterials are being widely used for the treatment of various traumata, diseases and defects in human beings due to ease in their synthesis. As biomaterials have direct interaction with the extracellular environment in the biological world, biocompatibility is a topic of great significance. The introduction or enhancement of biocompatibility in certain polymers is still a challenge to overcome. Polymer biocompatibility can be controlled by surface modification. Various physical and chemical methods (e.g., chemical and plasma treatment, ion implantation, and ultraviolet irradiation etc.) are in use or being developed for the modification of polymer surfaces. However an important limitation in their employment is the alteration of bulk material. Different surface and bulk properties of biomaterials are often desirable for biomedical applications. Because extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation penetration is quite limited even in low density mediums, it could be possible to use it for surface modification without influencing the bulk material. This article reviews the degree of biocompatibility of different polymeric biomaterials being currently employed in various biomedical applications, the surface properties required to be modified for biocompatibility control, plasma and laser ablation based surface modification techniques, and research studies indicating possible use of EUV for enhancing biocompatibility.

Surface modification of polypyrrole/biopolymer composites for controlled protein and cellular adhesion

The ability to control the interaction between proteins and cells with biomaterials is critical for the effective application of materials for a variety of biomedical applications. Herein, the surface modification of the biological dopant dextran sulphate-doped polypyrrole (PPy-DS) with poly(ethylene glycol) to generate a biomaterial interface that is highly resistant to protein and cellular adhesion is described. Thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-thiol) was covalently bound to PPy-DS backbone via a thiol-ene reaction. The surface resistance to an extracellular matrix protein fibronectin increased with increasing molecular weight and concentration of PEG-thiol, and was further optimised via increasing the reaction temperature and the pH of the reactant aqueous solution. Optimised surface modification conditions substantially reduced interfacial protein adsorption, with the complete inhibition of adhesion and colonisation by primary mouse myoblasts. PEG-thiol-modified inherently conducting polymers are highly protein resistant multifunctional materials that are promising compounds for a range of biomedical and aquatic applications.

Adjusting the chemical and physical properties of hydrogels leads to improved stem cell survival and tissue ingrowth in spinal cord injury reconstruction: a comparative study of four methacrylate hydrogels

Currently, there is no effective strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). A suitable combination of modern hydrogel materials, modified to effectively bridge the lesion cavity, combined with appropriate stem cell therapy seems to be a promising approach to repair spinal cord damage. We demonstrate the synergic effect of porosity and surface modification of hydrogels on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) adhesiveness in vitro and their in vivo survival in an experimental model of SCI. MSCs were seeded on four different hydrogels: hydroxypropylmethacrylate-RGD prepared by heterophase separation (HPMA-HS-RGD) and three other hydrogels polymerized in the presence of a solid porogen: HPMA-SP, HPMA-SP-RGD, and hydroxy ethyl methacrylate [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (HEMA-MOETACl). Their adhesion capability and cell survival were evaluated at 1, 7, and 14 days after the seeding of MSCs on the hydrogel scaffolds. The cell-polymer scaffolds were then implanted into hemisected rat spinal cord, and MSC survival in vivo and the ingrowth of endogenous tissue elements were evaluated 1 month after implantation. In vitro data demonstrated that HEMA-MOETACl and HPMA-SP-RGD hydrogels were superior in the number of cells attached. In vivo, the highest cell survival was found in the HEMA-MOETACl hydrogels; however, only a small ingrowth of blood vessels and axons was observed. Both HPMA-SP and HPMA-SP-RGD hydrogels showed better survival of MSCs compared with the HPMA-HS-RGD hydrogel. The RGD sequence attached to both types of HPMA hydrogels significantly influenced the number of blood vessels inside the implanted hydrogels. Further, the porous structure of HPMA-SP hydrogels promoted a statistically significant greater ingrowth of axons and less connective tissue elements into the implant. Our results demonstrate that the physical and chemical properties of the HPMA-SP-RGD hydrogel show the best combination for bridging a spinal cord lesion, while the HEMA-MOETACl hydrogel serves as the best carrier of MSCs.

Fabrication of polystyrene microscale porous substrate and its effects on HL-7702 cells behaviors

A novel polystyrene (PS) substrate with microscale porous structure was facilely fabricated by crystalline-controlled casting method using mixed solvent [N,N-dimethylformamide and ethyl alcohol (v/v)] based on the nonsolvent induced phase separation process. The substrate surfaces exhibited a bi-continuous microscale porous morphology with high porosity, large pore size and pore-pore connection structure. Moreover, behaviors of the normal human liver cell line (HL-7702) seeded on this substrate surface were carefully investigated. The results indicated that the cell adhesion, spread and cell-cell connection on the surface with subcellular pore size (∼ 10 μm) were similar to the cells proliferated on the flat PS surface. However, the number of HL-7702 cells proliferated on the PS microscale porous surface was higher than cells on the conventional PS flat surface, suggesting that the pore-pore structure was conducive to HL-7702 cell proliferation. Furthermore, hematoxylin and eosin staining and micronucleus test were performed. The results showed that fewer damages for nuclear and cytoplasm and less cell genotoxicity were caused by the microscale porous structure within the scope of pore size (∼ 10 μm) than that of the flat surface.

Surface treatment of polymeric materials controlling the adhesion of biomolecules

This review describes different strategies of surface elaboration for a better control of biomolecule adsorption. After a brief description of the fundamental interactions between surfaces and biomolecules, various routes of surface elaboration are presented dealing with the attachment of functional groups mostly thanks to plasma techniques, with the grafting to and from methods, and with the adsorption of surfactants. The grafting of stimuli-responsive polymers is also pointed out. Then, the discussion is focused on the protein adsorption phenomena showing how their interactions with solid surfaces are complex. The adsorption mechanism is proved to be dependent on the solid surface physicochemical properties as well as on the surface and conformation properties of the proteins. Different behaviors are also reported for complex multiple protein solutions.