Collagen-based biomaterials as 3D scaffold for cell cultures: applications for tissue engineering and gene therapy

Alteration of cellular behavior and response to PI3K pathway inhibition by culture in 3D collagen gels

Most investigations into cancer cell drug response are performed with cells cultured on flat (2D) tissue culture plastic. Emerging research has shown that the presence of a three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical for normal cell behavior including migration, adhesion, signaling, proliferation and apoptosis. In this study we investigate differences between cancer cell signaling in 2D culture and a 3D ECM, employing real-time, live cell tracking to directly observe U2OS human osteosarcoma and MCF7 human breast cancer cells embedded in type 1 collagen gels. The activation of the important PI3K signaling pathway under these different growth conditions is studied, and the response to inhibition of both PI3K and mTOR with PI103 investigated. Cells grown in 3D gels show reduced proliferation and migration as well as reduced PI3K pathway activation when compared to cells grown in 2D. Our results quantitatively demonstrate that a collagen ECM can protect U2OS cells from PI103. Overall, our data suggests that 3D gels may provide a better medium for investigation of anti-cancer drugs than 2D monolayers, therefore allowing better understanding of cellular response and behavior in native like environments.

Bovine osteoblasts cultured on polyanionic collagen scaffolds: an ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is also the most important component of the extracellular matrix. Collagen has several advantages as a biomaterial such as lack of toxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and easy reabsorption. In this study, we examined bovine osteoblasts cultured on native or anionic collagen scaffolds prepared from bovine pericardium after selective hydrolysis of glutamine and asparagine side chain amides for periods from 24 (BP24) and 48 h (BP48). The cells were cultured in control and mineralization medium at 37 °C in the presence of 5% CO(2). Transmission and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and an immunocytochemical marker were used for analysis. Cells with an irregular morphology forming a confluent multilayer were observed on matrices kept in control medium. Most of these cells presented a polygonal or elongated flattened morphology. Several spherical deposits of calcium crystal associated with phosphorus were observed on the native and BP48 matrices. Similar results were observed in samples kept in control medium except with lower calcium/phosphorus ratio. Vesicles actively expelled from the cell membrane were also seen (do this vesicles corresponds to calcium/phosphorus deposits). Osteocalcin was clearly visible on matrices kept in mineralization medium and was more expression on the surface of BP48 matrices. The results showed that anionic collagen is able to support osteoblastic differentiation, regardless of the medium used. Finally, the BP48 matrix promoted better osteoblast differentiation than the native matrix.

Structural study and preliminary biological evaluation on the collagen hydrogel crosslinked by γ-irradiation

Under γ-irradiation, concentrated collagen solutions yielded collagen hydrogels and liquid products. The molecular structure of collagen hydrogels and the source of the liquid products were studied. Furthermore, preliminary biological properties of the hydrogels were investigated. The results revealed that crosslinking occurred to form collagen hydrogel and the crosslinking density increased with the increasing of the absorbed dose, and the collagen hydrogels showed enhanced mechanical properties. Meanwhile, collagen underwent radiation degradation and water was squeezed out from hydrogel by contraction of hydrogel, yielding liquid products. Collagen hydrogels induced by γ-irradiation maintained the backbone structure of collagen, and tyrosine partially involved in crosslinking. The irradiated collagen hydrogels have higher denatured temperature, can promote fibroblasts proliferation, and their degradation rate in vivo depended on the absorbed dose. The comprehensive results suggested that the collagen hydrogels prepared by radiation crosslinking preserved the triple helical conformation, possessed improved thermal stability and mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility, which is expected to favor its application as biomaterials.

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: history, progress, and challenges

The past three decades have seen the emergence of an endeavor called tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in which scientists, engineers, and physicians apply tools from a variety of fields to construct biological substitutes that can mimic tissues for diagnostic and research purposes and can replace (or help regenerate) diseased and injured tissues. A significant portion of this effort has been translated to actual therapies, especially in the areas of skin replacement and, to a lesser extent, cartilage repair. A good amount of thoughtful work has also yielded prototypes of other tissue substitutes such as nerve conduits, blood vessels, liver, and even heart. Forward movement to clinical product, however, has been slow. Another offshoot of these efforts has been the incorporation of some new exciting technologies (e.g., microfabrication, 3D printing) that may enable future breakthroughs. In this review we highlight the modest beginnings of the field and then describe three application examples that are in various stages of development, ranging from relatively mature (skin) to ongoing proof-of-concept (cartilage) to early stage (liver). We then discuss some of the major issues that limit the development of complex tissues, some of which are fundamentals-based, whereas others stem from the needs of the end users.

Injectable hydrogel materials for spinal cord regeneration: a review

Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents a complex regenerative problem due to the multiple facets of growth inhibition that occur following trauma to the cord parenchyma and stroma. Clinically, SCI is further complicated by the heterogeneity in the size, shape and extent of human injuries. Many of these injuries do not breach the dura mater and have continuous viable axons through the injury site that can later lead to some degree of functional recovery. In these cases, surgical manipulation of the spinal cord by implanting a preformed scaffold or drug delivery device may lead to further damage. Given these circumstances, in situ-forming scaffolds are an attractive approach for SCI regeneration. These synthetic and natural polymers undergo a rapid transformation from liquid to gel upon injection into the cord tissue, conforming to the individual lesion site and directly integrating with the host tissue. Injectable materials can be formulated to have mechanical properties that closely match the native spinal cord extracellular matrix, and this may enhance axonal ingrowth. Such materials can also be loaded with cellular and molecular therapeutics to modulate the wound environment and enhance regeneration. This review will focus on the current status of in situ-forming materials for spinal cord repair. The advantages of, and requirements for, such polymers will be presented, and examples of the behavior of such systems in vitro and in vivo will be presented. There are helpful lessons to be learned from the investigations of injectable hydrogels for the treatment of SCI that apply to the use of these biomaterials for the treatment of lesions in other central nervous system tissues and in organs comprising other tissue types.

A collagen network phase improves cell seeding of open-pore structure scaffolds under perfusion

Scaffolds with open-pore morphologies offer several advantages in cell-based tissue engineering, but their use is limited by a low cell-seeding efficiency. We hypothesized that inclusion of a collagen network as filling material within the open-pore architecture of polycaprolactone-tricalcium phosphate (PCL-TCP) scaffolds increases human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) seeding efficiency under perfusion and in vivo osteogenic capacity of the resulting constructs. PCL-TCP scaffolds, rapid prototyped with a honeycomb-like architecture, were filled with a collagen gel and subsequently lyophilized, with or without final crosslinking. Collagen-free scaffolds were used as controls. The seeding efficiency was assessed after overnight perfusion of expanded hBMSCs directly through the scaffold pores using a bioreactor system. By seeding and culturing freshly harvested hBMSCs under perfusion for 3 weeks, the osteogenic capacity of generated constructs was tested by ectopic implantation in nude mice. The presence of the collagen network, independently of the crosslinking process, significantly increased the cell seeding efficiency (2.5-fold), and reduced the loss of clonogenic cells in the supernatant. Although no implant generated frank bone tissue, possibly due to the mineral distribution within the scaffold polymer phase, the presence of a non-crosslinked collagen phase led to in vivo formation of scattered structures of dense osteoids. Our findings verify that the inclusion of a collagen network within open morphology porous scaffolds improves cell retention under perfusion seeding. In the context of cell-based therapies, collagen-filled porous scaffolds are expected to yield superior cell utilization, and could be combined with perfusion-based bioreactor devices to streamline graft manufacture.

A linear, biphasic model incorporating a brinkman term to describe the mechanics of cell-seeded collagen hydrogels

Protein-based hydrogels are commonly used as in vitro models of native tissues because they can mimic specific aspects of the three-dimensional extracellular matrix present in vivo. Bulk mechanical stimulation is often applied to these gels to determine the response of embedded cells to biomechanical factors such as stress and strain. This study develops and applies a linear, biphasic formulation of hydrogel mechanics that includes a Brinkman term to account for viscous effects. The model is used to predict fluid pressure, relative velocity, and estimated shear stress exerted on cells seeded within a cyclically strained collagen hydrogel with and without imposed cross flow. The model was validated using a confined compression creep test of a cardiac fibroblast-seeded collagen type I hydrogel, and the effect of the added Brinkman term was assessed. The model indicated that the effects of strain and interstitial fluid flow are strongly interdependent in the collagen hydrogel. Our results suggest that the contribution of the Brinkman term is greater in protein hydrogels than in native tissues, and that studies that apply cyclic strain to cell-seeded hydrogels should account for the induced interstitial fluid flow. This study, therefore, has relevance to the increasing number of studies that examine cellular responses to mechanical stresses using in vitro hydrogel models.

The promotion of neural regeneration in an extreme rat spinal cord injury model using a collagen scaffold containing a collagen binding neuroprotective protein and an EGFR neutralizing antibody

In the treatment of spinal cord injury, implantation of scaffolding biomaterials and the addition of neuroprotective factors will promote neural regeneration. It has been demonstrated in our previous work that linear ordered collagen scaffold (LOCS) will bridge neural regeneration after the injury of spinal cord hemisection, and BDNF fused with a collagen binding domain (CBD-BDNF) can bind to collagen specifically to exert the neuroprotective effect. Besides neuroprotective factors, the lack of axon regeneration of the injured spinal cord has been attributed partially to regeneration inhibitors such as myelin associated proteins and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation is downstream of the signaling pathways of these inhibitors. Here, the monoclonal antibody, 151IgG that inhibits signaling of EGFR was used to neutralize EGFR. 151IgG was cross-linked to LOCS and CBD-BDNF bound to LOCS to make a triple-functional biomaterial for neural regeneration (bridging, prompting growth and neutralizing growth inhibitors). This triple-functional device was tested in a 6 mm transected SCI model. Results showed that this collagen scaffold with the addition of 151IgG and CBD-BDNF provided effective bridging and stimulation effects for neural regeneration, recovery of electrical transmission of synapses and preventing the formation of glial scars in the extreme transected rat SCI model.

Enhanced osteogenic differentiation of cord blood-derived unrestricted somatic stem cells on electrospun nanofibers

A new stem cell-scaffold construct based on poly-L-lactide (PLLA) nanofibers grafted with collagen (PLLA-COL) and cord blood-derived unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSC) were proposed to hold promising characteristics for bone tissue engineering. Fabricated nanofibers were characterized using SEM, ATR-FTIR, tensile and contact angle measurements. The capacity of PLLA, plasma-treated PLLA (PLLA-pl) and PLLA-COL scaffolds to support proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of USSC was evaluated using MTT assay and common osteogenic markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium mineral deposition and bone-related genes. All three scaffolds showed nanofibrous and porous structure with suitable physical characteristics. Higher proliferation and viability of USSC was observed on PLLA-COL nanofibers compared to control surfaces. In osteogenic medium, ALP activity and calcium deposition exhibited the highest values on PLLA-COL scaffolds on days 7 and 14. These markers were also greater on PLLA and PLLA-pl compared to TCPS. Higher levels of collagen I, osteonectin and bone morphogenetic protein-2 were detected on PLLA-COL compared to PLLA and PLLA-pl. Runx2 and osteocalcin were also expressed continuously on all scaffolds during induction. These observations suggested the enhanced proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of USSC on PLLA-COL nanofiber scaffolds and introduced a new combination of stem cell-scaffold constructs with desired characteristics for application in bone tissue engineering.

On the effects of UV-C and pH on the mechanical behavior, molecular conformation and cell viability of collagen-based scaffold for vascular tissue engineering

Collagen-based vascular substitutes represent in VTE a valid alternative for the replacement of diseased small-calibre blood vessels. In this study, collagen gel-based scaffolds were crosslinked combining modulation of pH and UV-C radiation. The effects on the mechanical properties, on the molecular structure and on cell viability and morphology were investigated. The mechanical response increased as a function of pH or UV-C dose and strongly depended on the test speed. Collagen molecular conformation resulted only slightly modified. While cell adhesion was not significantly altered, cell proliferation partially decreased in function of pH and UV-C. These findings suggest that UV-C treated collagen gels can represent an adequate substrate for VTE applications.

Polymerization and matrix physical properties as important design considerations for soluble collagen formulations

Despite extensive use of type I collagen for research and medical applications, its fibril-forming or polymerization potential has yet to be fully defined and exploited. Here, we describe a type I collagen formulation that is acid solubilized from porcine skin collagen (PSC), quality controlled based upon polymerization potential, and well suited as a platform polymer for preparing three-dimensional (3D) culture systems and injectable/implantable in vivo cellular microenvironments in which both relevant biochemical and biophysical parameters can be precision-controlled. PSC is compared with three commercial collagens in terms of composition and purity as well as polymerization potential, which is described by kinetic parameters and fibril microstructure and mechanical properties of formed matrices. When subjected to identical polymerization conditions, PSC showed significantly decreased polymerization times compared to the other collagens and yielded matrices with the greatest mechanical integrity and broadest range of mechanical properties as characterized in oscillatory shear, uniaxial extension, and unconfined compression. Compositional and intrinsic viscosity analyses suggest that the enhanced polymerization potential of PSC may be attributed to its unique oligomer composition. Collectively, this work demonstrates the importance of standardizing next generation collagen formulations based upon polymerization potential and provides preliminary insight into the contribution of oligomers to collagen polymerization properties.

Use of collagen gel as a three-dimensional in vitro model to study electropermeabilization and gene electrotransfer

Gene electrotransfer is a promising nonviral method that enables transfer of plasmid DNA into cells with electric pulses. Although many in vitro and in vivo studies have been performed, the question of the implied gene electrotransfer mechanisms is largely open. The main obstacle toward efficient gene electrotransfer in vivo is relatively poor mobility of DNA in tissues. Since cells are mechanically coupled to their extracellular environment and act differently compared to standard in vitro conditions, we developed a three-dimensional (3-D) in vitro model of CHO cells embedded in collagen gel as an ex vivo model of tissue to study electropermeabilization and different parameters of gene electrotransfer. For this purpose, we first used propidium iodide to detect electropermeabilization of CHO cells embedded in collagen gel. Then, we analyzed the influence of different concentrations of plasmid DNA and pulse duration on gene electrotransfer efficiency. Our results revealed that even if cells in collagen gel can be efficiently electropermeabilized, gene expression is significantly lower. Gene electrotransfer efficiency in our 3-D in vitro model had similar dependence on concentration of plasmid DNA and pulse duration comparable to in vivo studies, where longer (millisecond) pulses were shown to be more optimal compared to shorter (microsecond) pulses. The presented results demonstrate that our 3-D in vitro model resembles the in vivo situation more closely than conventional 2-D cell cultures and, thus, provides an environment closer to in vivo conditions to study mechanisms of gene electrotransfer.

Effect of adipic dihydrazide modification on the performance of collagen/hyaluronic acid scaffold

Collagen and hydrazide-functionalized hyaluronic acid derivatives were hybridized by gelating and genipin crosslinking to form composite hydrogel. The study contributed to the understanding of the effects of adipic dihydrazide modification on the physicochemical and biological properties of the collagen/hyaluronic acid scaffold. The investigation included morphology observation, mechanical measurement, swelling evaluation, and collagenase degradation. The results revealed that the stability of composites was increased through adipic dihydrazide modification and genipin crosslinking. The improved biocompatibility and retention of hyaluronic acid made the composite material more favorable to chondrocytes growing, suggesting the prepared scaffold might be high potential for chondrogenesis.

Osteogenic differentiation of human periosteal-derived cells in a three-dimensional collagen scaffold

This study examined the osteogenic differentiation of cultured human periosteal-derived cells grown in a three dimensional collagen-based scaffold. Periosteal explants with the appropriate dimensions were harvested from the mandible during surgical extraction of lower impacted third molar. Periosteal-derived cells were introduced into cell culture. After passage 3, the cells were divided into two groups and cultured for 28 days. In one group, the cells were cultured in two-dimensional culture dishes with osteogenic inductive medium containing dexamethasone, ascorbic acid, and β-glycerophosphate. In the other group, the cells were seeded onto a three-dimensional collagen scaffold and cultured under the same conditions. We examined the bioactivity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the RT-PCR analysis for ALP and osteocalcin, and measurements of the calcium content in the periosteal-derived cells of two groups. Periosteal-derived cells were successfully differentiated into osteoblasts in the collagen-based scaffold. The ALP activity in the periosteal-derived cells was appreciably higher in the three-dimensional collagen scaffolds than in the two-dimensional culture dishes. The levels of ALP and osteocalcin mRNA in the periosteal-derived cells was also higher in the three-dimensional collagen scaffolds than in the two-dimensional culture dishes. The calcium level in the periosteal-derived cells seeded onto three-dimensional collagen scaffolds showed a 5.92-fold increase on day 7, 3.28-fold increase on day 14, 4.15-fold increase on day 21, and 2.91-fold increase on day 28, respectively, compared with that observed in two-dimensional culture dishes. These results suggest that periosteal-derived cells have good osteogenic capacity in a three-dimensional collagen scaffold, which provides a suitable environment for the osteoblastic differentiation of these cells.

Boundary stiffness regulates fibroblast behavior in collagen gels

Recent studies have illustrated the profound dependence of cellular behavior on the stiffness of 2D culture substrates. The goal of this study was to develop a method to alter the stiffness cells experience in a standard 3D collagen gel model without affecting the physiochemical properties of the extracellular matrix. A device was developed utilizing compliant anchors (0.048-0.64 N m(-1)) to tune the boundary stiffness of suspended collagen gels in between the commonly utilized free and fixed conditions (zero and infinite stiffness boundary stiffness). We demonstrate the principle of operation with finite element analyses and a wide range of experimental studies. In all cases, boundary stiffness has a strong influence on cell behavior, most notably eliciting higher basal tension and activated force (in response to KCl) and more pronounced remodeling of the collagen matrix at higher boundary stiffness levels. Measured equibiaxial forces for gels seeded with 3 million human foreskin fibroblasts range from 0.05 to 1 mN increasing monotonically with boundary stiffness. Estimated force per cell ranges from 17 to 100 nN utilizing representative volume element analysis. This device provides a valuable tool to independently study the effect of the mechanical environment of the cell in a 3D collagen matrix.

Organic/Inorganic bioactive materials Part II: in vitro bioactivity of Collagen-Calcium Phosphate Silicate/Wollastonite hybrids

In the present study, novel hybrid materials of Collagen (C) and Calcium Phosphate Silicate/Wollastonite (CPS/W) were synthesized. The CPS/W ceramic was prepared via polystep sol-gel method. The dissolution test of CPS/W ceramic was filled with TRIS-HCl buffer. FTIR depicts that hydroxyl carbonate apatite (OHCO3HA) was observed after 3 days of immersion in TRIS-HCl buffer. Biohybrids of C-CPS/W were produced from diluted hydrochloric acid collagen type I and ceramic powder with different ratios of C and CPS/W equal to 25:75 and 75:25 wt.%. The synthesized hybrids were characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM. FTIR depicts a “red shift” if amide I could be attributed to the fact that the collagen prefers to chelate Ca2+ from partial dissolution of CPS/W ceramic. The growth of B-type carbonate containing hydroxyapatite (B-CO3HA) on the C-CPS/W hybrids soaked in 1.5SBF was observed. The negatively charged carboxylate groups from the collagen may be responsible for hydroxyapatite (HA) deposition. This fact was confirmed by the “red shift” of carboxylate groups of collagen in FTIR spectra. The formation of HA was observed by FTIR, XRD and SEM.

Nanofabricated collagen-inspired synthetic elastomers for primary rat hepatocyte culture

Synthetic substrates that mimic the properties of extracellular matrix proteins hold significant promise for use in systems designed for tissue engineering applications. In this report, we designed a synthetic polymeric substrate that is intended to mimic chemical, mechanical, and topological characteristics of collagen. We found that elastomeric poly(ester amide) substrates modified with replica-molded nanotopographic features enhanced initial attachment, spreading, and adhesion of primary rat hepatocytes. Further, hepatocytes cultured on nanotopographic substrates also demonstrated reduced albumin secretion and urea synthesis, which is indicative of strongly adherent hepatocytes. These results suggest that these engineered substrates can function as synthetic collagen analogs for in vitro cell culture.

Non-viral delivery of the gene for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor to mesenchymal stem cells in vitro via a collagen scaffold

Recent advances in tissue engineering that combine an extracellular matrix-like scaffold with therapeutic molecules, cells, DNA encoding therapeutic proteins, or a combination of the three hold promise for treating defects in the brain resulting from a penetrating injury or tumor resection. The purpose of this study was to investigate a porous sponge-like collagen scaffold for non-viral delivery of a plasmid encoding for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (pGDNF) to rat marrow stromal stem cells (also referred to as mesenchymal stem cells, MSCs). The effects of the following parameters on GDNF synthesis in the three-dimensional (3D) constructs were evaluated and compared with results in monolayer culture: initial plasmid load (2-50 microg pGDNF), ratio of a lipid transfection reagent to plasmid (5:10), culture environment during the transfection (static and dynamic), and cell density. The level of gene expression in the collagen scaffolds achieved therapeutic levels that had previously been found to support survival of dopaminergic and trigeminal neurons in vitro. For the highest loading of plasmid (50 microg), the level of GDNF protein remained six to seven times above the control level after 2 weeks, a significant difference. Cell density in the scaffold was of importance for an early increase in GDNF production, with accumulated GDNF being approximately 60% greater after 9 days of culture when scaffolds were initially seeded with 2 million rat MSCs compared to 500,000 cells. Application of orbital shaking during the 4 h of transfection had a positive effect on the production of GDNF on 3D constructs but not of the same magnitude as reported in monolayer studies. Overall, these results demonstrate that the combination of tissue engineering and non-viral transfection of MSCs for the over-expression of GDNF is a promising approach for the long-term production of GDNF and probably for neurotrophic factors in general.

Enhancing amine terminals in an amine-deprived collagen matrix

Collagen, though widely used as a core biomaterial in many clinical applications, is often limited by its rapid degradability which prevents full exploitation of its potential in vivo. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer, a highly branched macromolecule, possesses versatile multiterminal amine surface groups that enable them to be tethered to collagen molecules and enhance their potential. In this study, we hypothesized that incorporation of PAMAM dendrimer in a collagen matrix through cross-linking will result in a durable, cross-linked collagen biomaterial with free -NH 2 groups available for further multi-biomolecular tethering. The aim of this study was to assess the physicochemical properties of a G1 PAMAM cross-linked collagen matrix and its cellular sustainability in vitro. Different amounts of G1 PAMAM dendrimer (5 or 10 mg) were integrated into bovine-derived collagen matrices through a cross-linking process, mediated by 5 or 25 mM 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) in 5 mM N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and 50 mM 2-morpholinoethane sulfonic acid buffer at pH 5.5. The physicochemical properties of resultant matrices were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), collagenase degradation assay, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, and ninhydrin assay. Cellular sustainability of the matrices was assessed with Alamar Blue assay and SEM. There was no significant difference in cellular behavior between the treated and nontreated groups. However, the benefit of incorporating PAMAM in the cross-linking reaction was limited when higher concentrations of either agent were used. These results confirm the hypothesis that PAMAM dendrimer can be incorporated in the collagen cross-linking process in order to modulate the properties of the resulting cross-linked collagen biomaterial with free -NH 2 groups available for multi-biomolecular tethering.

Amino alcohol-based degradable poly(ester amide) elastomers

Currently available synthetic biodegradable elastomers are primarily composed of crosslinked aliphatic polyesters, which suffer from deficiencies including (1) high crosslink densities, which results in exceedingly high stiffness, (2) rapid degradation upon implantation, or (3) limited chemical moieties for chemical modification. Herein, we have developed poly(1,3-diamino-2-hydroxypropane-co-polyol sebacate)s, a new class of synthetic, biodegradable elastomeric poly(ester amide)s composed of crosslinked networks based on an amino alcohol. These crosslinked networks feature tensile Young's modulus on the order of 1MPa and reversable elongations up to 92%. These polymers exhibit in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility. These polymers have projected degradation half-lives up to 20 months in vivo.

Collagen-hydroxyapatite composite enhances regeneration of calvaria bone defects in young rats but postpones the regeneration of calvaria bone in aged rats

The potential differences in bone repair of calvaria defects treated with a collagen sponge (HELISTAT) or a collagen-hydroxyapatite composite (HEALOS) in young and aged rats were evaluated at 8 weeks after surgery. A histomorphometric analysis of new bone formation and an evaluation of angiogenesis, mast cell, and eosinophil local infiltration were performed. Evaluation showed that HELISTAT induced a similar amount of new bone in both young and aged rats. However this occurred to a lesser degree than in young rats treated with HEALOS. The largest number of blood vessels was present in the defects of aged rats treated with HEALOS, and the number of mast cells was highest in the defects treated with HELISTAT in both young and aged rats. Eosinophils were present to the greatest extent in defects treated with HEALOS in comparison to defects treated with HELISTAT in both young and aged rats. Collagen-hydroxyapatite composite (HEALOS) enhances calvarial bone repair more than collagen sponge alone (HELISTAT) in young rats but not in aged rats at 8 weeks after surgery. HEALOS appears to induce a more intense inflammatory response than HELISTAT especially in aged rats.

Approaches to heart valve tissue engineering scaffold design

Heart valve disease is a significant cause of mortality worldwide. However, to date, a nonthrombogenic, noncalcific prosthetic, which maintains normal valve mechanical properties and hemodynamic flow, and exhibits sufficient fatigue properties has not been designed. Current prosthetic designs have not been optimized and are unsuitable treatment for congenital heart defects. Research is therefore moving towards the development of a tissue engineered heart valve equivalent. Two approaches may be used in the creation of a tissue engineered heart valve, the traditional approach, which involves seeding a scaffold in vitro, in the presence of specific signals prior to implantation, and the guided tissue regeneration approach, which relies on autologous reseeding in vivo. Regardless of the approach taken, the design of a scaffold capable of supporting the growth of cells and extracellular matrix generation and capable of withstanding the unrelenting cardiovascular environment while forming a tight seal during closure, is critical to the success of the tissue engineered construct. This paper focuses on the quest to design, such a scaffold.

Fibroblast mechanics in 3D collagen matrices

Connective tissues provide mechanical support and frameworks for the other tissues of the body. Type 1 collagen is the major protein component of ordinary connective tissue, and fibroblasts are the cell type primarily responsible for its biosynthesis and remodeling. Research on fibroblasts interacting with collagen matrices explores all four quadrants of cell mechanics: pro-migratory vs. pro-contractile growth factor environments on one axis; high tension vs. low tension cell-matrix interactions on the other. The dendritic fibroblast - probably equivalent to the resting tissue fibroblast - can be observed only in the low tension quadrant and generally has not been appreciated from research on cells incubated with planar culture surfaces. Fibroblasts in the low tension quadrant require microtubules for formation of dendritic extensions, whereas fibroblasts in the high tension quadrant require microtubules for polarization but not for spreading. Ruffling of dendritic extensions rather than their overall protrusion or retraction provides the mechanism for remodeling of floating collagen matrices, and floating matrix remodeling likely reflects a model of tissue mechanical homeostasis.

Biological matrices and bionanotechnology

A crucial step towards the goal of tissue engineering a heart valve will be the choice of scaffold onto which an appropriate cell phenotype can be seeded. Successful scaffold materials should be amenable to modification, have a controlled degradation, be compatible with the cells, lack cytotoxicity and not elicit an immune or inflammatory response. In addition, the scaffold should induce appropriate responses from the cells seeded onto it, such as cell attachment, proliferation and remodelling capacity, all of which should promote the formation of a tissue construct that can mimic the structure and function of the native valve. This paper discusses the various biological scaffolds that have been considered and are being studied for use in tissue engineering a heart valve. Also, strategies to enhance the biological communication between the scaffold and the cells seeded onto it as well as the use of bionanotechnology in the manufacture of scaffolds possessing the desired properties will be discussed.

Efficient transmicrocatheter delivery of functional fibroblasts with a bioengineered collagen gel-platinum microcoil complex: toward the development of endovascular cell therapy for cerebral aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endoaneurysmal implantation of fibroblasts may promote healing of aneurysms and reduce recanalization after therapeutic embolization. The purpose of our study was to develop a device for delivery of fibroblasts with use of current microcoil technology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell carrier devices and cell-free devices were fabricated by associating collagen gels (with or without fibroblasts) with platinum microcoils. During the propagation of control cell carrier devices for 1 week in culture, cell-mediated gel contraction (CMGC) occurred. Modified cell carrier devices created by glutaraldehyde cross-linking, ascorbate coculture, or extended CMGC were also characterized in vitro. Devices were deployed through microcatheters (533 microm lumen, 160 cm length). Gel retention, cell retention, cell death, and the ability to support local cell migration were analyzed in vitro.

RESULTS

Cell viability was reduced by glutaraldehyde cross-linking but not by microcatheter transit. During microcatheter transit, cell carrier devices liberated minimal particulate matter and cellular DNA. Liberated particulate matter was reduced by glutaraldehyde cross-linking (P < .05) and extended CMGC (P < .04). Only cell carrier devices treated with glutaraldehyde cross-linking did not exhibit cell migration after microcatheter transit. Passage of cell-free devices through microcatheters sheared off most of their collagen gel.

CONCLUSION

Collagen gel-platinum microcoil complexes can mediate efficient transmicrocatheter delivery of viable, migration-capable fibroblasts. CMGC is a necessary component of the process of gel stabilization that enables successful microcatheter transit. Although extended CMGC and glutaraldehyde cross-linking enhance gel stabilization, glutaraldehyde cross-linking decreases cell viability and migratory potential.

Natural-origin polymers as carriers and scaffolds for biomolecules and cell delivery in tissue engineering applications

The present paper intends to overview a wide range of natural-origin polymers with special focus on proteins and polysaccharides (the systems more inspired on the extracellular matrix) that are being used in research, or might be potentially useful as carriers systems for active biomolecules or as cell carriers with application in the tissue engineering field targeting several biological tissues. The combination of both applications into a single material has proven to be very challenging though. The paper presents also some examples of commercially available natural-origin polymers with applications in research or in clinical use in several applications. As it is recognized, this class of polymers is being widely used due to their similarities with the extracellular matrix, high chemical versatility, typically good biological performance and inherent cellular interaction and, also very significant, the cell or enzyme-controlled degradability. These biocharacteristics classify the natural-origin polymers as one of the most attractive options to be used in the tissue engineering field and drug delivery applications.

Growth and differentiation of mouse osteoblasts on chitosan–collagen sponges

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of collagen on the microstructure and biocompatibility of chitosan-collagen composite sponges fabricated by a freezing and drying technique. The study was categorized into four groups: Group I: collagen; Group II: chitosan; Group III: 1:1 (by wt) chitosan-collagen and Group IV: 1:2 (by wt) chitosan-collagen sponges. A mouse osteoblast cell line, MC3T3-E1, was cultivated on the sponges in a mineralized culture medium for 21 days. Microstructure of scaffolds and growth of cells on the sponges were examined using scanning electron and confocal laser scanning electron microscopes. Pore size was analysed from scanning electron microscope images using Image-Pro Plus image analysis software. Cell viability (MTT assay), alkaline phosphatase activity and levels of osteocalcin and calcium were monitored every 3 days and on days 15 and 21, respectively. It was found that the sponges were porous with average pore sizes of 80-100 microm. A combination of chitosan and collagen matrixes created a well defined porous microstructure and biocompatible scaffolds. Chitosan-collagen composite sponges promoted growth and differentiation of osteoblasts into the mature stage. To optimize application of the composite sponges in bone regeneration, the fabrication process must be improved to increase the pore size of the scaffolds.

Biodegradable polyurethane cancellous bone graft substitutes in the treatment of iliac crest defects

Porous scaffolds were produced from newly designed biodegradable, segmented aliphatic polyurethanes of various chemical compositions and hydrophilic-to-hydrophobic segment ratios. The scaffolds were implanted into monocortical defects in the iliac crest of healthy sheep for 6 months. The resected cortex was not repositioned. The ilium defects, which were not implanted with polyurethane scaffolds, were used as controls. In none of the control defects was there bone regeneration at the time of euthanasia. The defects implanted with porous scaffolds from polyurethanes were healed to varying extents with cancellous bone. The structure of the regenerated cancellous bone was radiographically denser than the structure of native bone. New bone that was formed in the scaffolds with a higher amount of hydrophilic component contained more calcium phosphate deposit than the bone formed in the scaffolds with a lower amount of the hydrophilic component. There was no new cortex formed over the defect, but a thin layer of soft tissue covered the newly formed cancellous bone.

Adipose Tissue Engineering Based on the Controlled Release of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 in a Collagen Matrix

Adipose tissue forms when basement membrane extract (Matrigel) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) are added to our mouse tissue engineering chamber model. A mouse tumor extract, Matrigel is unsuitable for human clinical application, and finding an alternative to Matrigel is essential. In this study we generated adipose tissue in the chamber model without using Matrigel by controlled release of FGF-2 in a type I collagen matrix. FGF-2 was impregnated into biodegradable gelatin microspheres for its slow release. The chambers were filled with these microspheres suspended in 60 microL collagen gel. Injection of collagen containing free FGF-2 or collagen containing gelatin microspheres with buffer alone served as controls. When chambers were harvested 6 weeks after implantation, the volume and weight of the tissue obtained were higher in the group that received collagen and FGF-2 impregnated microspheres than in controls. Histologic analysis of tissue constructs showed the formation of de novo adipose tissue accompanied by angiogenesis. In contrast, control groups did not show extensive adipose tissue formation. In conclusion, this study has shown that de novo formation of adipose tissue can be achieved through controlled release of FGF-2 in collagen type I in the absence of Matrigel.

Mineralization capacity of Runx2/Cbfa1-genetically engineered fibroblasts is scaffold dependent

Development of tissue-engineered constructs for skeletal regeneration of large critical-sized defects requires the identification of a sustained mineralizing cell source and careful optimization of scaffold architecture and surface properties. We have recently reported that Runx2-genetically engineered primary dermal fibroblasts express a mineralizing phenotype in monolayer culture, highlighting their potential as an autologous osteoblastic cell source which can be easily obtained in large quantities. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the osteogenic potential of Runx2-expressing fibroblasts when cultured in vitro on three commercially available scaffolds with divergent properties: fused deposition-modeled polycaprolactone (PCL), gas-foamed polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA), and fibrous collagen disks. We demonstrate that the mineralization capacity of Runx2-engineered fibroblasts is scaffold dependent, with collagen foams exhibiting ten-fold higher mineral volume compared to PCL and PLGA matrices. Constructs were differentially colonized by genetically modified fibroblasts, but scaffold-directed changes in DNA content did not correlate with trends in mineral deposition. Sustained expression of Runx2 upregulated osteoblastic gene expression relative to unmodified control cells, and the magnitude of this expression was modulated by scaffold properties. Histological analyses revealed that matrix mineralization co-localized with cellular distribution, which was confined to the periphery of fibrous collagen and PLGA sponges and around the circumference of PCL microfilaments. Finally, FTIR spectroscopy verified that mineral deposits within all Runx2-engineered scaffolds displayed the chemical signature characteristic of carbonate-containing, poorly crystalline hydroxyapatite. These results highlight the important effect of scaffold properties on the capacity of Runx2-expressing primary dermal fibroblasts to differentiate into a mineralizing osteoblastic phenotype for bone tissue engineering applications.

Regeneration of bicortical defects in the iliac crest of estrogen-deficient sheep, using new biodegradable polyurethane bone graft substitutes

Porous scaffolds for cancellous bone graft substitutes were prepared from new experimental biodegradable aliphatic polyurethane elastomers with varying hydrophilicity. The ratios of the hydrophilic-to-hydrophobic content in the polymers were 30-70, 50-50, and 70-30%, respectively. The hydrophilic component consisted of poly(ethylene oxide) diol and the hydrophobic component of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) diol. To promote the materials' biological performance, the calcium complexing moiety, the polysaccharide, and vitamin D(3) were incorporated into the polymer chain upon synthesis. The scaffolds had an interconnected porous structure with an average pore size in the range of 300-2,000 microm and pore-to-volume ratios of (85 +/- 5)%. The bone substitutes were implanted (press-fit) in biocortical 10 x 10 mm(2) defects created in the tuber coxae of 21 skeletally mature Warhill ewes, which were ovariectomized 12 months prior to implantation. At the time of euthanasia at 18 and 25 months, all the defects in the ilium implanted with polyurethane bone substitutes had healed with new bone. The extent of bone healing depended on the chemical composition of the polymer from which the implant was made, although for the same material there were animal-related differences in healing. The structure of the newly formed cancellous bone was radiographically and histologically similar to the native bone. The implants from polymers with the incorporated calcium-complexing additive were the most effective promoters of bone healing, followed by those with vitamin D(3) and polysaccharide-containing polymer. There was no bone healing in the control defects.

Thein vitro growth and activity of sheep osteoblasts on three-dimensional scaffolds from poly(L/DL-lactide) 80/20%

Critical-size bone defects usually require the use of autogenous bone grafts to heal. Harvesting of bone is traumatic, and results in high morbidity of donor site. A potential alternative to bone graft may be a bone substitute with adequate biocompatibility and biological properties produced from ceramics and/or bioresorbable or biodegradable polymers. In the present study, sheep osteoblasts isolated from cancellous bone chips were seeded and cultured for 1, 2, and 3 weeks on porous poly(L/DL-lactide) 80/20% scaffolds. The cell morphology was assessed from rhodamine staining and scanning electron microscopy, cell growth, and activity from the measurements of DNA, alkaline phosphatase activity, and total protein amount in the cell lysate, and mineral deposits from EDAX and van Kossa staining. The cells attached firmly to the scaffold walls, grew deeply into the pores, and exhibited morphology typical of osteoblasts. Mineralized noduli with a Ca/P ratio of 1.4 to 1.8 found in the scaffold indicated that the cells had maintained their osteoblastic phenotype. The amount of DNA, alkaline phosphatase activity, and the total amount of proteins increased with time of culturing, although at 3 weeks the cells did not yet reach the contact inhibition. These results demonstrate that three-dimensional porous poly(L/DL-lactide) 80/20% scaffolds provide a suitable substrate for the attachment and growth of primary osteoblasts, and might potentially be used as bone defect fillers and in the design of tissue-engineered bone substitutes.

A calcium phosphate-based gene delivery system

Although nonviral vectors have lower transfection efficiency than viral vectors, the excellent safety profile of nonviral vectors is appealing for gene therapy. An efficient, simple nonviral vector gene delivery system has been designed that includes plasmid DNA-calcium phosphate precipitates (pDNA-CaP) and porous collagen spheres (Cultispherestrade mark). The hypothesis for this study was the pDNA-CaP would achieve efficient plasmid DNA transfection and the porous collagen spheres would provide a suitable delivery carrier system for three-dimensional (3D) administration. To test the hypothesis, plasmid DNA including the LacZ reporter gene encoding beta-galactosidase was precipitated with CaP to form particles of compacted LacZ-CaP and delivered directly or by Cultispherestrade mark to cells in vitro. The transfection efficiency was determined by beta-galactosidase gene expression. Results indicated that pLacZ-CaP promoted 25-84% of transfection efficiency in a broad cell line spectrum and in flexible experimental conditions. Maximum transfection efficiency was achieved by having mostly nano-sized partles (50-200 nm in diameter) of pDNA-CaP precipitates. Seeding density of 0.7-4 x 10(4) cells/cm2 provided sufficient transfection efficiency, and storage of pDNA-CaP at 4 degrees C was most efficient to preserve transfection efficacy for up to 3 days. The pDNA-CaP worked well in the presence of serum and serum-free conditions and was less cytotoxic than the liposomes. Cultispherestrade mark carrying plasmid LacZ-CaP was an effective 3D system for gene delivery. The technique described here is a simple and safe procedure to deliver genes, and may have application to regenerate bone and other tissues.

Runx2/Cbfa1-genetically engineered skeletal myoblasts mineralize collagen scaffolds in vitro

Genetic engineering of progenitor and stem cells is an attractive approach to address cell sourcing limitations associated with tissue engineering applications. Bone tissue engineering represents a promising strategy to repair large bone defects, but has been limited in part by the availability of a sustained, mineralizing cell source. This study examined the in vitro mineralization potential of primary skeletal myoblasts genetically engineered to overexpress Runx2/Cbfa1, an osteoblastic transcriptional regulator essential to bone formation. These cells were viable at the periphery of 3D fibrous collagen scaffolds for 6 weeks of static culture. Exogenous Runx2 expression induced osteogenic differentiation and repressed myogenesis in these constructs relative to controls. Runx2-modified cells deposited significant amounts of mineralized matrix and hydroxyapatite, as determined by microcomputed tomography, histological analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, whereas scaffolds seeded with control cells exhibited no mineralized regions. Although mineralization by Runx2-engineered cells was confined to the periphery of the construct, colocalizing with cell viability, it was sufficient to increase the compressive modulus of constructs 30-fold relative to controls. This work demonstrates that Runx2 overexpression in skeletal myoblasts may address current obstacles of bone tissue engineering by providing a potent cell source for in vitro mineralization and construct maturation. Additionally, the use of genetic engineering methods to express downstream control factors and transcriptional regulators, in contrast to soluble signaling molecules, represents a robust strategy to enhance cellular activities for tissue engineering applications.

Synthetic scaffold morphology controls human dermal connective tissue formation

Engineering tissues in bioreactors is often hampered by disproportionate tissue formation at the surface of scaffolds. This hinders nutrient flow and retards cell proliferation and tissue formation inside the scaffold. The objective of this study was to optimize scaffold morphology to prevent this from happening and to determine the optimal scaffold geometric values for connective tissue engineering. After comparing lyophilized crosslinked collagen, compression molded/salt leached PEGT/PBT copolymer and collagen-PEGT/PBT hybrid scaffolds, the PEGT/PBT scaffold was selected for optimization. Geometric parameters were determined using SEM, microcomputed tomography, and flow permeability measurements. Fibroblast were seeded and cultured under dynamic flow conditions for 2 weeks. Cell numbers were determined using CyQuant DNA assay, and tissue distribution was visualized in H&E- and Sirius Red-stained sections. Scaffolds 0.5 and 1.5 mm thick showed bridged connected tissue from top-to-bottom, whereas 4-mm-thick scaffolds only revealed tissue ingrowth until a maximum depth of 0.6-0.8 mm. Rapid prototyped scaffold were used to assess the maximal void space (pore size) that still could be filled with tissue. Tissue bridging between fibers was only found at fiber distances < or =401 +/- 60 microm, whereas filling of void spaces in 3D-deposited scaffolds only occurred at distances < or =273 +/- 55 microm. PEGT/PBT scaffolds having similar optimal porosities, but different average interconnected pore sizes of 142 +/- 50, 160 +/- 56 to 191 +/- 69 microm showed comparable seeding efficiencies at day 1, but after 2 weeks the total cell numbers were significantly higher in the scaffolds with intermediate and high interconnectivity. However, only scaffolds with an intermediate interconnectivity revealed homogenous tissue formation throughout the scaffold with complete filling of all pores. In conclusion, significant amount of connective tissue was formed within 14 days using a dynamic culture process that filled all void spaces of a PEGT/PBT scaffolds with the following geometric parameters: thickness 1.5-1.6 mm, pore size range 90-360 microm, and average interconnecting pore size of 160 +/- 56 microm.