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Chapla R, Katz RR, West JL. Neurogenic Cell Behavior in 3D Culture Enhanced Within a Highly Compliant Synthetic Hydrogel Platform Formed via Competitive Crosslinking. Cell Mol Bioeng 2024; 17:35-48. [PMID: 38435792 PMCID: PMC10901766 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-024-00794-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Scaffold materials that better support neurogenesis are still needed to improve cell therapy outcomes for neural tissue damage. We have used a modularly tunable, highly compliant, degradable hydrogel to explore the impacts of hydrogel compliance stiffness on neural differentiation. Here we implemented competitive matrix crosslinking mechanics to finely tune synthetic hydrogel moduli within soft tissue stiffnesses, a range much softer than typically achievable in synthetic crosslinked hydrogels, providing a modularly controlled and ultrasoft 3D culture model which supports and enhances neurogenic cell behavior. Methods Soluble competitive allyl monomers were mixed with proteolytically-degradable poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate derivatives and crosslinked to form a matrix, and resultant hydrogel stiffness and diffusive properties were evaluated. Neural PC12 cells or primary rat fetal neural stem cells (NSCs) were encapsulated within the hydrogels, and cell morphology and phenotype were investigated to understand cell-matrix interactions and the effects of environmental stiffness on neural cell behavior within this model. Results Addition of allyl monomers caused a concentration-dependent decrease in hydrogel compressive modulus from 4.40 kPa to 0.26 kPa (natural neural tissue stiffness) without influencing soluble protein diffusion kinetics through the gel matrix. PC12 cells encapsulated in the softest hydrogels showed significantly enhanced neurite extension in comparison to PC12s in all other hydrogel stiffnesses tested. Encapsulated neural stem cells demonstrated significantly greater spreading and elongation in 0.26 kPa alloc hydrogels than in 4.4 kPa hydrogels. When soluble growth factor deprivation (for promotion of neural differentiation) was evaluated within the neural stiffness gels (0.26 kPa), NSCs showed increased neuronal marker expression, indicating early enhancement of neurogenic differentiation. Conclusions Implementing allyl-acrylate crosslinking competition reduced synthetic hydrogel stiffness to provide a supportive environment for 3D neural tissue culture, resulting in enhanced neurogenic behavior of encapsulated cells. These results indicate the potential suitability of this ultrasoft hydrogel system as a model platform for further investigating environmental factors on neural cell behavior. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-024-00794-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Chapla
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Rachel R. Katz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Jennifer L. West
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
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Nadine S, Fernandes I, Patrício SG, Correia CR, Mano JF. Liquefied Microcapsules Compartmentalizing Macrophages and Umbilical Cord-Derived Cells for Bone Tissue Engineering. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200651. [PMID: 35904030 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Extraordinary capabilities underlie the potential use of immune cells, particularly macrophages, in bone tissue engineering. Indeed, the depletion of macrophages during bone repair often culminates in disease scenarios. Inspired by the native dynamics between immune and skeletal systems, this work proposes a straightforward in vitro method to bioengineer biomimetic bone niches using biological waste. For that, liquefied and semipermeable reservoirs generated by electrohydrodynamic atomization and layer-by-layer techniques are developed to coculture umbilical cord-derived human cells, namely monocyte-derived macrophages, mesenchymal-derived stromal cells (MSCs), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Poly(ε-caprolactone) microparticles are also added to the liquefied core to act as cell carriers. The fabricated microcapsules grant the successful development of viable microtissues, ensuring the high diffusion of bioactive factors. Interestingly, macrophages within the bioengineered microcapsules increase the release of osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, and vascular endothelial growth factor. The cytokines profile variation indicates macrophages' polarization into a prohealing phenotype. Altogether, the incorporation of macrophages within the fabricated microcapsules allows to recreate an appropriate bone microenvironment for developing new bone mineralized microtissues. The proposed bioencapsulation protocol is a powerful self-regulated system, which might find great applicability in bone tissue engineering based on bottom-up approaches or disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nadine
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Inês Fernandes
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Sónia G Patrício
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Clara R Correia
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
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Nadine S, Correia CR, Mano JF. Engineering immunomodulatory hydrogels and cell-laden systems towards bone regeneration. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 140:213058. [PMID: 35933955 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The well-known synergetic interplay between the skeletal and immune systems has changed the design of advanced bone tissue engineering strategies. The immune system is essential during the bone lifetime, with macrophages playing multiple roles in bone healing and biomaterial integration. If in the past, the most valuable aspect of implants was to avoid immune responses of the host, nowadays, it is well-established how important are the crosstalks between immune cells and bone-engineered niches for an efficient regenerative process to occur. For that, it is essential to recapitulate the multiphenotypic cellular environment of bone tissue when designing new approaches. Indeed, the lack of osteoimmunomodulatory knowledge may be the explanation for the poor translation of biomaterials into clinical practice. Thus, smarter hydrogels incorporating immunomodulatory bioactive factors, stem cells, and immune cells are being proposed to develop a new generation of bone tissue engineering strategies. This review highlights the power of immune cells to upgrade the development of innovative engineered strategies, mainly focusing on orthopaedic and dental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nadine
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Clara R Correia
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Suku M, Forrester L, Biggs M, Monaghan MG. Resident Macrophages and Their Potential in Cardiac Tissue Engineering. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2022; 28:579-591. [PMID: 34088222 PMCID: PMC9242717 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Many facets of tissue engineered models aim at understanding cellular mechanisms to recapitulate in vivo behavior, to study and mimic diseases for drug interventions, and to provide a better understanding toward improving regenerative medicine. Recent and rapid advances in stem cell biology, material science and engineering, have made the generation of complex engineered tissues much more attainable. One such tissue, human myocardium, is extremely intricate, with a number of different cell types. Recent studies have unraveled cardiac resident macrophages as a critical mediator for normal cardiac function. Macrophages within the heart exert phagocytosis and efferocytosis, facilitate electrical conduction, promote regeneration, and remove cardiac exophers to maintain homeostasis. These findings underpin the rationale of introducing macrophages to engineered heart tissue (EHT), to more aptly capitulate in vivo physiology. Despite the lack of studies using cardiac macrophages in vitro, there is enough evidence to accept that they will be key to making EHTs more physiologically relevant. In this review, we explore the rationale and feasibility of using macrophages as an additional cell source in engineered cardiac tissues. Impact statement Macrophages play a critical role in cardiac homeostasis and in disease. Over the past decade, we have come to understand the many vital roles played by cardiac resident macrophages in the heart, including immunosurveillance, regeneration, electrical conduction, and elimination of exophers. There is a need to improve our understanding of the resident macrophage population in the heart in vitro, to better recapitulate the myocardium through tissue engineered models. However, obtaining them in vitro remains a challenge. Here, we discuss the importance of cardiac resident macrophages and potential ways to obtain cardiac resident macrophages in vitro. Finally, we critically discuss their potential in realizing impactful in vitro models of cardiac tissue and their impact in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Suku
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- CURAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Lesley Forrester
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Manus Biggs
- CURAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Michael G. Monaghan
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- CURAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
- Advanced Materials for Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Trinity College Dublin and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Katz RR, West JL. Reductionist Three-Dimensional Tumor Microenvironment Models in Synthetic Hydrogels. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051225. [PMID: 35267532 PMCID: PMC8909517 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumors exist in a complex, three-dimensional environment which helps them to survive, grow, metastasize, and resist drug treatment. Simple, reproducible, in vitro models of this environment are necessary in order to better understand tumor behavior. Naturally derived polymers are great 3D cell culture substrates, but they often lack the tunability and batch-to-batch consistency which can be found in synthetic polymer systems. In this review, we describe the current state of and future directions for tumor microenvironment models in synthetic hydrogels. Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a determining role in everything from disease progression to drug resistance. As such, in vitro models which can recapitulate the cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions that occur in situ are key to the investigation of tumor behavior and selecting effective therapeutic drugs. While naturally derived matrices can retain the dimensionality of the native TME, they lack tunability and batch-to-batch consistency. As such, many synthetic polymer systems have been employed to create physiologically relevant TME cultures. In this review, we discussed the common semi-synthetic and synthetic polymers used as hydrogel matrices for tumor models. We reviewed studies in synthetic hydrogels which investigated tumor cell interactions with vasculature and immune cells. Finally, we reviewed the utility of these models as chemotherapeutic drug-screening platforms, as well as the future directions of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R. Katz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA;
| | - Jennifer L. West
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Correspondence:
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Tang YL, Sim TS, Tan KS. Oral streptococci subvert the host innate immune response through hydrogen peroxide. Sci Rep 2022; 12:656. [PMID: 35027607 PMCID: PMC8758666 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04562-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In periodontal health, oral streptococci constitute up to 80% of the plaque biofilm. Yet, destructive inflammatory events of the periodontium are rare. This observation suggests that oral streptococci may possess mechanisms to co-exist with the host. However, the mechanisms employed by oral streptococci to modulate the innate immune response have not been well studied. One of the key virulence factors produced by oral streptococci is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In mammalian cells, H2O2 triggers the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key pathway mediating antioxidant defence. This study aimed to determine (1) if H2O2 producing oral streptococci activated the Nrf2 pathway in macrophages, and (2) if the activation of Nrf2 influenced the innate immune response. We found that oral streptococci downregulated the innate immune response in a H2O2 dependent manner through the activation of the Nrf2. The activation of the Nrf2 signalling pathway led to the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFĸB), the key transcription factor regulating pro-inflammatory response. This study showed for the first time that oral streptococci are unlikely passive bystanders but could play an active role in the maintenance of periodontal health by preventing overt inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ling Tang
- Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tiow Suan Sim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kai Soo Tan
- Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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Jha A, Moore E. Collagen-derived peptide, DGEA, inhibits pro-inflammatory macrophages in biofunctional hydrogels. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH 2021; 37:77-87. [PMID: 35185277 PMCID: PMC8810474 DOI: 10.1557/s43578-021-00423-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages are innate immune cells that play important roles in wound healing. Particularly, M1 macrophages are considered pro-inflammatory and promote initial phases of inflammation. Long-term exposure to inflammatory stimuli causes an increase in M1 macrophages, which contributes to chronic inflammation. Activated M1 macrophages have been shown to upregulate integrin α2β1 expression. To interfere with α2β1 binding, we designed a biofunctional hydrogel utilizing a collagen I-derived peptide, DGEA (Asp-Gly-Glu-Ala). We hypothesize that M1 macrophage activation can be reduced in the presence of DGEA. Effects of DGEA on M1 macrophages were studied via soluble delivery and immobilization within poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels. We demonstrate that M1 macrophage activation is reduced both via soluble delivery of DGEA in 2D and via immobilized DGEA in a 3D PEG-DGEA hydrogel. This novel biomaterial can manipulate inflammatory macrophage activation and can be applied to prevent chronic inflammatory conditions via macrophage manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakanksha Jha
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
| | - Erika Moore
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
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Silberman J, Jha A, Ryan H, Abbate T, Moore E. Modeled vascular microenvironments: immune-endothelial cell interactions in vitro. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 11:2482-2495. [PMID: 33797034 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-00970-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The advancement of in vitro techniques enables a better understanding of biological processes and improves drug screening platforms. In vitro studies allow for enhanced observation of cell behavior, control over the mimicked microenvironment, and the ability to use human cells. In particular, advances in vascular microenvironment recapitulation are of interest given vasculature influence in cardiovascular vascular diseases and cancer. These investigate alterations in endothelial cell behavior and immune cell interactions with endothelial cells. Specific immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and T cells influence endothelial cell behavior by promoting or inhibiting vasculogenesis through cell-cell interaction or soluble signaling. Results from these studies showcase cell behavior in vascular diseases and in the context of tumor metastasis. In this review, we discuss examples of in vitro studies modeling immune cell-endothelial cell interactions to present methods and recent findings in the field. Schematic showcasing common methods of in vitro experimentation of endothelial-immune cell interactions, including interactions with flow, static culture, or in-direct contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Silberman
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, FL, Gainesville, USA
| | - Aakanksha Jha
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, FL, Gainesville, USA
| | - Holly Ryan
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, FL, Gainesville, USA
| | - Talia Abbate
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, FL, Gainesville, USA
| | - Erika Moore
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, FL, Gainesville, USA.
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, FL, Gainesville, USA.
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James BD, Guerin P, Allen JB. Let's Talk About Sex-Biological Sex Is Underreported in Biomaterial Studies. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001034. [PMID: 33043626 PMCID: PMC7791002 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Precision medicine aims to better individualize healthcare. It requires that biomaterials be designed for the physiological characteristics of a specific patient. To make this a reality, biomaterials research and development must address differences of biological sex. More specifically, biomaterials should be designed with properties optimized and appropriate for male and female patients. In analyzing research articles from seven prominent biomaterials journals, sex as a biological variable is missing from an overwhelming majority of in vitro biomaterial studies. From the survey, the reporting of the sex of primary cell cultures happened only 10.3% of the time. Contributing to this trend is that commercial vendors bias cell lines toward one sex or another by not disclosing information of cell line sex at the time of purchase; researchers do not communicate this pertinent information in published studies; and many journal policies have little to no requirements for reporting cell line characteristics. Omitting this valuable information leads to a gap in the understanding of sex-specific cell-biomaterial interactions and it creates a bias in research findings towards one sex or another. To curb this concerning trend and make precision biomaterials a reality will require the biomaterials field to "talk about sex" by reporting cell sex more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D James
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, 206 Rhines Hall, PO Box 116400, Gainesville, FL, 32611-6400, USA
| | - Paxton Guerin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, 206 Rhines Hall, PO Box 116400, Gainesville, FL, 32611-6400, USA
| | - Josephine B Allen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, 206 Rhines Hall, PO Box 116400, Gainesville, FL, 32611-6400, USA
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Chapla R, Alhaj Abed M, West J. Modulating Functionalized Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate Hydrogel Mechanical Properties through Competitive Crosslinking Mechanics for Soft Tissue Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3000. [PMID: 33339216 PMCID: PMC7766244 DOI: 10.3390/polym12123000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Local mechanical stiffness influences cell behavior, and thus cell culture scaffolds should approximate the stiffness of the tissue type from which the cells are derived. In synthetic hydrogels, this has been difficult to achieve for very soft tissues such as neural. This work presents a method for reducing the stiffness of mechanically and biochemically tunable synthetic poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogels to within the soft tissue stiffness regime by altering the organization of the crosslinking sites. A soluble allyl-presenting monomer, which has a higher propensity for chain termination than acrylate monomers, was introduced into the PEG-diacrylate hydrogel precursor solution before crosslinking, resulting in acrylate-allyl competition and a reduction in gel compressive modulus from 5.1 ± 0.48 kPa to 0.32 ± 0.09 kPa. Both allyl monomer concentration and chemical structure were shown to influence the effectiveness of competition and change in stiffness. Fibroblast cells demonstrated a 37% reduction in average cell spread area on the softest hydrogels produced as compared to cells on control hydrogels, while the average percentage of neural cells extending neurites increased by 41% on these hydrogels, demonstrating the potential for this technology to serve as a soft tissue culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennifer West
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; (R.C.); (M.A.A.)
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Tan Y, Suarez A, Garza M, Khan AA, Elisseeff J, Coon D. Human fibroblast-macrophage tissue spheroids demonstrate ratio-dependent fibrotic activity for in vitro fibrogenesis model development. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:1951-1960. [PMID: 32057054 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm00900k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological accumulation of excessive collagen that underlies many of the most common diseases, representing dysfunction of the essential processes of normal tissue healing. Fibrosis research aims to limit this response without ameliorating the essential role of fibrogenesis in organ function. However, the absence of a realistic in vitro model has hindered investigation into mechanisms and potential interventions because the standard 2D monolayer culture of fibroblasts has limited applicability. We sought to develop and optimize fibrosis spheroids: a scaffold-free three-dimensional human fibroblast-macrophage spheroid system representing an improved benchtop model of human fibrosis. We created, characterized and optimized human fibroblast-only spheroids, demonstrating increased collagen deposition compared to monolayer fibroblasts, while spheroids larger than 300 μm suffered from progressively increasing apoptosis. Next, we improved the spheroid system with the addition of human macrophages to more precisely recapitulate the environment during fibrogenesis, creating a hybrid spheroid system with different ratios of fibroblasts and macrophages ranging from 2 : 1 to 64 : 1. We found that in the hybrid spheroids (particularly the 16 : 1 [F16] ratio) more fibroblasts were activated, with greater macrophage polarization towards a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype. Hybrid spheroids containing higher ratios of macrophages showed greater macrophage heterogeneity and less fibrogenesis, while low macrophage ratios limited macrophage-induced effects and yielded less collagen deposition. The F16 group also had the highest expression levels of fibrosis-related genes (Col-1a1, Col-3a1 and TGF-β) and inflammation-related genes (TNF, IL1β and IL6). IF staining demonstrated that F16 spheroids had the highest levels of αSMA, collagen-1 and collagen-3 deposition among all groups as well as formation of a dense collagen rim surrounding the spheroid. Future studies exploring the greater fibrotic activity of F16 spheroids may provide new mechanistic insights into diseases involving excessive fibrotic activity. Microtissue fibrosis models capable of achieving greater clinical fidelity have the potential to combine the relevance of animal models with the scale, cost and throughput of in vitro testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tan
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA and Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Allister Suarez
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA and Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew Garza
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA and Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aadil A Khan
- Targeted Therapy Team, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK and Department of Plastic Surgery, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London SW3 6JJ, UK
| | - Jennifer Elisseeff
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Devin Coon
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA and Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Hammer JA, Ruta A, Therien AM, West JL. Cell-Compatible, Site-Specific Covalent Modification of Hydrogel Scaffolds Enables User-Defined Control over Cell-Material Interactions. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:2486-2493. [PMID: 31121097 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SpyCatcher, a 15 kDa protein domain that spontaneously forms a site-specific covalent bond with the 13 amino acid peptide SpyTag, was used to covalently link a model recombinant protein containing a SpyCatcher domain and the adhesive ligand Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) (RGDS-SC) into SpyTag-containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels. This new strategy for covalent immobilization of proteins or peptides provides an easy and gentle mechanism for biochemical modification of hydrogels. Labeling efficiency was approximately 100% when soluble RGDS-SC was applied to SpyTag-containing hydrogels at a 1:1 molar ratio. RGDS-SC remained stably bound throughout the 5 days of rinsing, and 3T3 fibroblasts were able to adhere to PEG gels presenting RGDS-SC, but did not adhere when the scrambled amino acid sequence RDGS was presented instead. Fibroblasts encapsulated within 3D cell-degradable PEG hydrogels containing SpyTag did not spread until RGDS-SC was added to the gels, at which point cell spreading was induced. This cell-friendly site-specific ligation strategy could have great utility in driving specific cellular outcomes using biochemically dynamic hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Hammer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , 101 Science Drive Campus Box 90281 , Durham , North Carolina 27708-0281 , United States
| | - Anna Ruta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , 101 Science Drive Campus Box 90281 , Durham , North Carolina 27708-0281 , United States
| | - Aidan M Therien
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , 101 Science Drive Campus Box 90281 , Durham , North Carolina 27708-0281 , United States
| | - Jennifer L West
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , 101 Science Drive Campus Box 90281 , Durham , North Carolina 27708-0281 , United States
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13
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Harnessing Macrophages for Vascularization in Tissue Engineering. Ann Biomed Eng 2018; 47:354-365. [PMID: 30535815 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-018-02170-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we explore the roles of macrophages both in vessel development and in vascularization of tissue engineered constructs. Upon the implantation of tissue engineered constructs into the body, macrophages respond, invade and orchestrate the host's immune response. By altering their phenotype, macrophages can adopt a variety of roles. They can promote inflammation at the site of the implanted construct; they can also promote tissue repair. Macrophages support tissue repair by promoting angiogenesis through the secretion of pro-angiogenic cytokines and by behaving as support cells for nascent vasculature. Thus, the ability to manipulate the macrophage phenotype may yield macrophages capable of supporting vessel development. Moreover, macrophages are an easily isolated autologous cell source. For the generation of vascularized constructs outside of the body, these isolated macrophages can also be skewed to adopt a pro-angiogenic phenotype and enhance blood vessel development in the presence of endothelial cells. To assess the influence of macrophages on vessel development, both in vivo and in vitro models have been developed. Additionally, several groups have demonstrated the pro-angiogenic roles of macrophages in vascularization of tissue engineered constructs through the manipulation of macrophage phenotypes. This review comments on the roles of macrophages in promoting vascularization within these contexts.
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James BD, Allen JB. Vascular Endothelial Cell Behavior in Complex Mechanical Microenvironments. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2018; 4:3818-3842. [PMID: 33429612 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b00628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The vascular mechanical microenvironment consists of a mixture of spatially and temporally changing mechanical forces. This exposes vascular endothelial cells to both hemodynamic forces (fluid flow, cyclic stretching, lateral pressure) and vessel forces (basement membrane mechanical and topographical properties). The vascular mechanical microenvironment is "complex" because these forces are dynamic and interrelated. Endothelial cells sense these forces through mechanosensory structures and transduce them into functional responses via mechanotransduction pathways, culminating in behavior directly affecting vascular health. Recent in vitro studies have shown that endothelial cells respond in nuanced and unique ways to combinations of hemodynamic and vessel forces as compared to any single mechanical force. Understanding the interactive effects of the complex mechanical microenvironment on vascular endothelial behavior offers the opportunity to design future biomaterials and biomedical devices from the bottom-up by engineering for the cellular response. This review describes and defines (1) the blood vessel structure, (2) the complex mechanical microenvironment of the vascular endothelium, (3) the process in which vascular endothelial cells sense mechanical forces, and (4) the effect of mechanical forces on vascular endothelial cells with specific attention to recent works investigating the influence of combinations of mechanical forces. We conclude this review by providing our perspective on how the field can move forward to elucidate the effects of the complex mechanical microenvironment on vascular endothelial cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D James
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Florida, 100 Rhines Hall, PO Box 116400, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States.,Institute for Computational Engineering, University of Florida, 300 Weil Hall, PO Box 116550, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Josephine B Allen
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Florida, 100 Rhines Hall, PO Box 116400, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States.,Institute for Cell and Tissue Science and Engineering, 300 Weil Hall, PO Box 116550, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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15
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He XT, Wang J, Li X, Yin Y, Sun HH, Chen FM. The Critical Role of Cell Homing in Cytotherapeutics and Regenerative Medicine. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201800098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Tao He
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology; School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; 710032 Xi'an P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Department of Periodontology; School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; 710032 Xi'an P. R. China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials, and Advanced Manufacture; Biomaterials Unit; School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; 710032 Xi'an P. R. China
| | - Jia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology; School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; 710032 Xi'an P. R. China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials, and Advanced Manufacture; Biomaterials Unit; School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; 710032 Xi'an P. R. China
| | - Xuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology; School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; 710032 Xi'an P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Department of Periodontology; School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; 710032 Xi'an P. R. China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials, and Advanced Manufacture; Biomaterials Unit; School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; 710032 Xi'an P. R. China
| | - Yuan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology; School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; 710032 Xi'an P. R. China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials, and Advanced Manufacture; Biomaterials Unit; School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; 710032 Xi'an P. R. China
| | - Hai-Hua Sun
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Department of Periodontology; School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; 710032 Xi'an P. R. China
| | - Fa-Ming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology; School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; 710032 Xi'an P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Department of Periodontology; School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; 710032 Xi'an P. R. China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials, and Advanced Manufacture; Biomaterials Unit; School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; 710032 Xi'an P. R. China
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16
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Nagahama K, Oyama N, Ono K, Hotta A, Kawauchi K, Nishikata T. Nanocomposite injectable gels capable of self-replenishing regenerative extracellular microenvironments for in vivo tissue engineering. Biomater Sci 2018; 6:550-561. [PMID: 29379910 DOI: 10.1039/c7bm01167a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Injectable hydrogels are biomaterials that have the potential to provide scaffolds to cells for in situ tissue regeneration with a minimally invasive implantation procedure. The success of in vivo tissue engineering utilizing injectable gels depends on providing cells with appropriate scaffolds that present an instructive extracellular microenvironment, which strongly influences the survival, proliferation, organization, and function of cells encapsulated within gels. One of the most important abilities of injectable gels to achieve this function is to adsorb and retain a wide variety of requisite bioactive molecules including nutrients, extracellular matrices, and growth/differentiation factors within gels. Previously, we developed nanocomposite injectable gels fabricated by simple combination of common biodegradable copolymers, poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA), and synthetic clay nanoparticles (LAPONITE®). We revealed that the nanocomposite injectable gels strongly adsorb ECM molecules including collagen and heparin within gels and retain them due to the ability of LAPONITE® in synchronization with the degradation of PLGA-PEG-PLGA and subsequent release of the degradation products. Human dermal fibroblast cells cultured on the nanocomposite gels showed enough high cell viability and proliferation for at least a week. Moreover, various kinds of human cells encapsulated within the nanocomposite gels exhibited significantly higher survival, proliferation, and three-dimensional organization in comparison with the PLGA-PEG-PLGA gel, LAPONITE® gel, and Matrigel. Furthermore, transplantation of mouse myoblast cells with the nanocomposite gels in model mice of skeletal muscle injury dramatically enhanced tissue regeneration and functional recovery, whereas cell transplantation with the PLGA-PEG-PLGA gel did not. Thus, the nanocomposite injectable gels possess unique abilities to self-replenish the regenerative extracellular microenvironment within the gels in the body, demonstrating the potential utility of the nanocomposite injectable gels for in vivo tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Nagahama
- Department of Nanobiochemistry, Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.
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17
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Barthes J, Dollinger C, Muller CB, Liivas U, Dupret-Bories A, Knopf-Marques H, Vrana NE. Immune Assisted Tissue Engineering via Incorporation of Macrophages in Cell-Laden Hydrogels Under Cytokine Stimulation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:108. [PMID: 30177966 PMCID: PMC6110199 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The function of soft tissues is intricately linked to their connections with the other systems of the body such as circulation, nervous system, and immune system. The presence of resident macrophages in tissues provides a means to control tissue homeostasis and also a way to react to the physical/biological insults and tissue damage. Thus, incorporation of resident macrophage like phenotype-controlled macrophages in engineered tissues can improve their fidelity as model tissues and also improve their rate of integration and facilitate the resolution of inflammation for regenerative medicine applications. Herein, we demonstrate two potential ways to immunoassist the remodeling process of engineered soft tissues in three-dimensional (3-D) gelatin based hydrogels containing fibroblasts and/or endothelial cells: (i) with supplementation of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the presence of macrophages and (ii) in tri-culture via naive monocytes or differentiated macrophages. The presence of IL-4 had a proliferative effect on fibroblasts, with a significant boosting effect on proliferation and cytokine secretion in the presence of differentiated macrophages with an upregulation of activin, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), creating a more stimulating microenvironment. The addition of IL-4 in endothelial cell/macrophage co-culture configuration improved the organization of the sprout-like structures, with a boost in proliferation at day 1 and with an upregulation of IL-6 and IL-1RA at the earliest stage in the presence of differentiated macrophages creating a favorable microenvironment for angiogenesis. In tri-culture conditions, the presence of monocytes or macrophages resulted in a denser tissue-like structure with highly remodeled hydrogels. The presence of differentiated macrophages had a boosting effect on the angiogenic secretory microenvironment, such as IL-6 and IL-8, without any additional cytokine supplementation. The presence of fibroblasts in combination with endothelial cells also had a significant effect on the secretion of angiopoietin. Our results demonstrate that incorporation of macrophages in a resident macrophage function and their phenotype control have significant effects on the maturation and cytokine microenvironment of 3-D multiple cell type-laden hydrogels, which can be harnessed for better integration of implantable systems and for more physiologically relevant in vitro tissue models with an immune component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Barthes
- PROTiP Medical, Strasbourg, France.,INSERM UMR 1121, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | | | - Agnes Dupret-Bories
- Institut Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer Toulouse-Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Helena Knopf-Marques
- INSERM UMR 1121, Strasbourg, France.,Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nihal E Vrana
- PROTiP Medical, Strasbourg, France.,INSERM UMR 1121, Strasbourg, France
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Bioactive Poly(ethylene Glycol) Acrylate Hydrogels for Regenerative Engineering. REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40883-018-0074-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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M0 and M2 Macrophages Enhance Vascularization of Tissue Engineering Scaffolds. REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40883-018-0048-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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3D Co-Culture with Vascular Cells Supports Long-Term Hepatocyte Phenotype and Function In Vitro. REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40883-018-0046-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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