1
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Ronchi C, Galli C, Tullii G, Marzuoli C, Mazzola M, Malferrari M, Crasto S, Rapino S, Di Pasquale E, Antognazza MR. Nongenetic Optical Modulation of Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived Cardiomyocytes Function in the Red Spectral Range. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304303. [PMID: 37948328 PMCID: PMC10797444 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Optical stimulation in the red/near infrared range recently gained increasing interest, as a not-invasive tool to control cardiac cell activity and repair in disease conditions. Translation of this approach to therapy is hampered by scarce efficacy and selectivity. The use of smart biocompatible materials, capable to act as local, NIR-sensitive interfaces with cardiac cells, may represent a valuable solution, capable to overcome these limitations. In this work, a far red-responsive conjugated polymer, namely poly[2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-4,7-diyl[4,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl]] (PCPDTBT) is proposed for the realization of photoactive interfaces with cardiomyocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells (hPSC-CMs). Optical excitation of the polymer turns into effective ionic and electrical modulation of hPSC-CMs, in particular by fastening Ca2+ dynamics, inducing action potential shortening, accelerating the spontaneous beating frequency. The involvement in the phototransduction pathway of Sarco-Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase (SERCA) and Na+ /Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) is proven by pharmacological assays and is correlated with physical/chemical processes occurring at the polymer surface upon photoexcitation. Very interestingly, an antiarrhythmogenic effect, unequivocally triggered by polymer photoexcitation, is also observed. Overall, red-light excitation of conjugated polymers may represent an unprecedented opportunity for fine control of hPSC-CMs functionality and can be considered as a perspective, noninvasive approach to treat arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Ronchi
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaMilano20133Italy
| | - Camilla Galli
- Humanitas Cardio CenterIRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalVia Manzoni 56RozzanoMilan20089Italy
| | - Gabriele Tullii
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaMilano20133Italy
| | - Camilla Marzuoli
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaMilano20133Italy
- Politecnico di MilanoPhysics Dept.P.zza L. Da Vinci 32Milano20133Italy
| | - Marta Mazzola
- Humanitas Cardio CenterIRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalVia Manzoni 56RozzanoMilan20089Italy
| | - Marco Malferrari
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna‘‘Giacomo Ciamician,’’via Francesco Selmi 2Bologna40126Italy
| | - Silvia Crasto
- Humanitas Cardio CenterIRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalVia Manzoni 56RozzanoMilan20089Italy
| | - Stefania Rapino
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna‘‘Giacomo Ciamician,’’via Francesco Selmi 2Bologna40126Italy
| | - Elisa Di Pasquale
- Humanitas Cardio CenterIRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalVia Manzoni 56RozzanoMilan20089Italy
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB)UOS of Milan—National Research Council of Italy (CNR)Milan20138Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaMilano20133Italy
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2
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Tullii G, Gutierrez-Fernandez E, Ronchi C, Bellacanzone C, Bondi L, Criado-Gonzalez M, Lagonegro P, Moccia F, Cramer T, Mecerreyes D, Martín J, Antognazza MR. Bimodal modulation of in vitro angiogenesis with photoactive polymer nanoparticles. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:18716-18726. [PMID: 37953671 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02743k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a fundamental process in biology, given the pivotal role played by blood vessels in providing oxygen and nutrients to tissues, thus ensuring cell survival. Moreover, it is critical in many life-threatening pathologies, like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In this context, conventional treatments of pathological angiogenesis suffer from several limitations, including low bioavailability, limited spatial and temporal resolution, lack of specificity and possible side effects. Recently, innovative strategies have been explored to overcome these drawbacks based on the use of exogenous nano-sized materials and the treatment of the endothelial tissue with optical or electrical stimuli. Here, conjugated polymer-based nanoparticles are proposed as exogenous photo-actuators, thus combining the advantages offered by nanotechnology with those typical of optical stimulation. Light excitation can achieve high spatial and temporal resolution, while permitting minimal invasiveness. Interestingly, the possibility to either enhance (≈+30%) or reduce (up to -65%) the angiogenic capability of model endothelial cells is demonstrated, by employing different polymer beads, depending on the material type and the presence/absence of the light stimulus. In vitro results reported here represent a valuable proof of principle of the reliability and efficacy of the proposed approach and should be considered as a promising step towards a paradigm shift in therapeutic angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Tullii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Rubattino 81, 20134 Milano, Italy.
| | - Edgar Gutierrez-Fernandez
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Carlotta Ronchi
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Rubattino 81, 20134 Milano, Italy.
| | - Christian Bellacanzone
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Rubattino 81, 20134 Milano, Italy.
| | - Luca Bondi
- DiFA University of Bologna, Viale Carlo Berti Pichat 6/2 Bologna, 40127, Italy
| | - Miryam Criado-Gonzalez
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Paola Lagonegro
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Rubattino 81, 20134 Milano, Italy.
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Tobias Cramer
- DiFA University of Bologna, Viale Carlo Berti Pichat 6/2 Bologna, 40127, Italy
| | - David Mecerreyes
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Jaime Martín
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Universidade da Coruña, Campus Industrial de Ferrol, CITENI, Campus Esteiro S/N, 15403 Ferrol, Spain
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Rubattino 81, 20134 Milano, Italy.
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3
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Zhang Z, You Y, Ge M, Lin H, Shi J. Functional nanoparticle-enabled non-genetic neuromodulation. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:319. [PMID: 37674191 PMCID: PMC10483742 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02084-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Stimulating ion channels targeting in neuromodulation by external signals with the help of functionalized nanoparticles, which integrates the pioneering achievements in the fields of neurosciences and nanomaterials, has involved into a novel interdisciplinary field. The emerging technique developed in this field enable simple, remote, non-invasive, and spatiotemporally precise nerve regulations and disease therapeutics, beyond traditional treatment methods. In this paper, we define this emerging field as nano-neuromodulation and summarize the most recent developments of non-genetic nano-neuromodulation (non-genetic NNM) over the past decade based on the innovative design concepts of neuromodulation nanoparticle systems. These nanosystems, which feature diverse compositions, structures and synthesis approaches, could absorb certain exogenous stimuli like light, sound, electric or magnetic signals, and subsequently mediate mutual transformations between above signals, or chemical reactions, to regulate stimuli-sensitive ion channels and ion migrations which play vital roles in the nervous system. We will also discuss the obstacles and challenges in the future development of non-genetic NNM, and propose its future developments, to add the further progress of this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics Chinese Academy of Sciences, Research Unit of Nanocatalytic Medicine in Specific Therapy for Serious Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, People's Republic of China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanling You
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics Chinese Academy of Sciences, Research Unit of Nanocatalytic Medicine in Specific Therapy for Serious Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, People's Republic of China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Ge
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics Chinese Academy of Sciences, Research Unit of Nanocatalytic Medicine in Specific Therapy for Serious Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, People's Republic of China.
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China.
| | - Han Lin
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics Chinese Academy of Sciences, Research Unit of Nanocatalytic Medicine in Specific Therapy for Serious Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200331, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianlin Shi
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics Chinese Academy of Sciences, Research Unit of Nanocatalytic Medicine in Specific Therapy for Serious Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200331, People's Republic of China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
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4
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Zhang Z, You Y, Ge M, Lin H, Shi J. Functional nanoparticle-enabled non-genetic neuromodulation. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:319. [DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s12951-023-02084-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractStimulating ion channels targeting in neuromodulation by external signals with the help of functionalized nanoparticles, which integrates the pioneering achievements in the fields of neurosciences and nanomaterials, has involved into a novel interdisciplinary field. The emerging technique developed in this field enable simple, remote, non-invasive, and spatiotemporally precise nerve regulations and disease therapeutics, beyond traditional treatment methods. In this paper, we define this emerging field as nano-neuromodulation and summarize the most recent developments of non-genetic nano-neuromodulation (non-genetic NNM) over the past decade based on the innovative design concepts of neuromodulation nanoparticle systems. These nanosystems, which feature diverse compositions, structures and synthesis approaches, could absorb certain exogenous stimuli like light, sound, electric or magnetic signals, and subsequently mediate mutual transformations between above signals, or chemical reactions, to regulate stimuli-sensitive ion channels and ion migrations which play vital roles in the nervous system. We will also discuss the obstacles and challenges in the future development of non-genetic NNM, and propose its future developments, to add the further progress of this promising field.
Graphical Abstract
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5
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Moccia F, Fiorio Pla A, Lim D, Lodola F, Gerbino A. Intracellular Ca 2+ signalling: unexpected new roles for the usual suspect. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1210085. [PMID: 37576340 PMCID: PMC10413985 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1210085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic Ca2+ signals are organized in complex spatial and temporal patterns that underlie their unique ability to regulate multiple cellular functions. Changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) are finely tuned by the concerted interaction of membrane receptors and ion channels that introduce Ca2+ into the cytosol, Ca2+-dependent sensors and effectors that translate the elevation in [Ca2+]i into a biological output, and Ca2+-clearing mechanisms that return the [Ca2+]i to pre-stimulation levels and prevent cytotoxic Ca2+ overload. The assortment of the Ca2+ handling machinery varies among different cell types to generate intracellular Ca2+ signals that are selectively tailored to subserve specific functions. The advent of novel high-speed, 2D and 3D time-lapse imaging techniques, single-wavelength and genetic Ca2+ indicators, as well as the development of novel genetic engineering tools to manipulate single cells and whole animals, has shed novel light on the regulation of cellular activity by the Ca2+ handling machinery. A symposium organized within the framework of the 72nd Annual Meeting of the Italian Society of Physiology, held in Bari on 14-16th September 2022, has recently addressed many of the unexpected mechanisms whereby intracellular Ca2+ signalling regulates cellular fate in healthy and disease states. Herein, we present a report of this symposium, in which the following emerging topics were discussed: 1) Regulation of water reabsorption in the kidney by lysosomal Ca2+ release through Transient Receptor Potential Mucolipin 1 (TRPML1); 2) Endoplasmic reticulum-to-mitochondria Ca2+ transfer in Alzheimer's disease-related astroglial dysfunction; 3) The non-canonical role of TRP Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) as a Rap1A inhibitor in the definition of some cancer hallmarks; and 4) Non-genetic optical stimulation of Ca2+ signals in the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gerbino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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6
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Barsotti J, Perotto S, Candini A, Colombo E, Camargo FVA, Di Marco S, Zangoli M, Sardar S, Barker AJ, D'Andrea C, Cerullo G, Rozen S, Benfenati F, Di Maria F, Lanzani G. Core-Shell Architecture in Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Nanoparticles: Tuning of the Photophysical Properties for Enhanced Neuronal Photostimulation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:13472-13483. [PMID: 36857156 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c20640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study shows that entirely thiophene-based core@shell nanoparticles, in which the shell is made of the oxidized form of the core polymer (P3HT@PTDOx NPs), result in a type II interface at the particle surface. This enables the development of advanced photon nanotransducers with unique chemical-physical and biofunctional properties due to the core@shell nanoarchitecture. We demonstrate that P3HT@PTDOx NPs present a different spatial localization of the excitation energy with respect to the nonoxidized NPs, showing a prevalence of surface states as a result of a different alignment of the HOMO/LUMO energy levels between the core and shell. This allows for the efficient photostimulation of retinal neurons. Indeed, thanks to the stronger and longer-lived charge separation, P3HT@PTDOx NPs, administered subretinally in degenerate retinas from the blind Royal College of Surgeons rats, are more effective in photostimulation of inner retinal neurons than the gold standard P3HT NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Barsotti
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Perotto
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Colombo
- IIT Centro di Neuroscienze e Tecnologie Sinaptiche, Centro di Biotecnologie Avanzate, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Di Marco
- IIT Centro di Neuroscienze e Tecnologie Sinaptiche, Centro di Biotecnologie Avanzate, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Samim Sardar
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Alex J Barker
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Cosimo D'Andrea
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giulio Cerullo
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Shlomo Rozen
- School of Chemistry, Tel-Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- IIT Centro di Neuroscienze e Tecnologie Sinaptiche, Centro di Biotecnologie Avanzate, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
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7
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Ciocca M, Marcozzi S, Mariani P, Lacconi V, Di Carlo A, Cinà L, Rosato-Siri MD, Zanon A, Cattelan G, Avancini E, Lugli P, Priya S, Camaioni A, Brown TM. A Polymer Bio–Photoelectrolytic Platform for Electrical Signal Measurement and for Light Modulation of Ion Fluxes and Proliferation in a Neuroblastoma Cell Line. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202200127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Ciocca
- Department of Electronic Engineering University of Rome Tor Vergata Via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
- Faculty of Science and Technology Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Piazza Università 1 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Serena Marcozzi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention University of Rome Tor Vergata Via Montpellier 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Paolo Mariani
- Department of Electronic Engineering University of Rome Tor Vergata Via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Valentina Lacconi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention University of Rome Tor Vergata Via Montpellier 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Aldo Di Carlo
- Istituto di Struttura della Materia CNR-ISM via Fosso del Cavaliere 100 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Lucio Cinà
- Cicci Research srl., Via Giordania 227 58100 Grosseto Italy
| | - Marcelo D. Rosato-Siri
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Alessandra Zanon
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Giada Cattelan
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Enrico Avancini
- Faculty of Science and Technology Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Piazza Università 1 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Paolo Lugli
- Faculty of Science and Technology Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Piazza Università 1 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Shashank Priya
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering Pennsylvania State University University Park PA 16802 USA
| | - Antonella Camaioni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention University of Rome Tor Vergata Via Montpellier 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Thomas M. Brown
- Department of Electronic Engineering University of Rome Tor Vergata Via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
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8
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Zhao D, Huang R, Gan JM, Shen QD. Photoactive Nanomaterials for Wireless Neural Biomimetics, Stimulation, and Regeneration. ACS NANO 2022; 16:19892-19912. [PMID: 36411035 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c08543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials at the neural interface can provide the bridge between bioelectronic devices and native neural tissues and achieve bidirectional transmission of signals with our brain. Photoactive nanomaterials, such as inorganic and polymeric nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, nanorods, nanosheets or related, are being explored to mimic, modulate, control, or even substitute the functions of neural cells or tissues. They show great promise in next generation technologies for the neural interface with excellent spatial and temporal accuracy. In this review, we highlight the discovery and understanding of these nanomaterials in precise control of an individual neuron, biomimetic retinal prosthetics for vision restoration, repair or regeneration of central or peripheral neural tissues, and wireless deep brain stimulation for treatment of movement or mental disorders. The most intriguing feature is that the photoactive materials fit within a minimally invasive and wireless strategy to trigger the flux of neurologically active molecules and thus influences the cell membrane potential or key signaling molecule related to gene expression. In particular, we focus on worthy pathways of photosignal transduction at the nanomaterial-neural interface and the behavior of the biological system. Finally, we describe the challenges on how to design photoactive nanomaterials specific to neurological disorders. There are also some open issues such as long-term interface stability and signal transduction efficiency to further explore for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhao
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of High-Performance Polymer Materials and Technology of MOE, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266001, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of High-Performance Polymer Materials and Technology of MOE, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jia-Min Gan
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of High-Performance Polymer Materials and Technology of MOE, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qun-Dong Shen
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of High-Performance Polymer Materials and Technology of MOE, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing 210023, China
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9
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Maity A, Perotto S, Moschetta M, Hua H, Sardar S, Paternò GM, Tian J, Klein M, Adamo G, Lanzani G, Soci C. Resonant Enhancement of Polymer-Cell Optostimulation by a Plasmonic Metasurface. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:42674-42680. [PMID: 36467911 PMCID: PMC9713778 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Organic semiconductors have shown great potential as efficient bioelectronic materials. Specifically, photovoltaic polymers such as the workhorse poly(thiophene) derivatives, when stimulated with visible light, can depolarize neurons and generate action potentials, an effect that has been also employed for rescuing vision in blind rats. In this context, however, the coupling of such materials with optically resonant structures to enhance those photodriven biological effects is still in its infancy. Here, we employ the optical coupling between a nanostructured metasurface and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) to improve the bioelectronic effects occurring upon photostimulation at the abiotic-biotic interface. In particular, we designed a spectrally tuned aluminum metasurface that can resonate with P3HT, hence augmenting the effective field experienced by the polymer. In turn, this leads to an 8-fold increase in invoked inward current in cells. This enhanced activation strategy could be useful to increase the effectiveness of P3HT-based prosthetic implants for degenerative retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijit Maity
- Centre
for Disruptive Photonic Technologies, TPI, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371 Singapore
- Division
of Physics and Applied Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical
Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371 Singapore
| | - Sara Perotto
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Moschetta
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Huang Hua
- Department
of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, 117456 Singapore
| | - Samim Sardar
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maria Paternò
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Department
of Physics, Politecnico di Milano and Center for Nano Science and
Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Jingyi Tian
- Centre
for Disruptive Photonic Technologies, TPI, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371 Singapore
- Division
of Physics and Applied Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical
Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371 Singapore
| | - Maciej Klein
- Centre
for Disruptive Photonic Technologies, TPI, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371 Singapore
- Division
of Physics and Applied Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical
Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371 Singapore
| | - Giorgio Adamo
- Centre
for Disruptive Photonic Technologies, TPI, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371 Singapore
- Division
of Physics and Applied Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical
Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371 Singapore
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Department
of Physics, Politecnico di Milano and Center for Nano Science and
Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cesare Soci
- Centre
for Disruptive Photonic Technologies, TPI, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371 Singapore
- Division
of Physics and Applied Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical
Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371 Singapore
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10
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Abdel Aziz I, Maver L, Giannasi C, Niada S, Brini AT, Antognazza MR. Polythiophene-mediated light modulation of membrane potential and calcium signalling in human adipose-derived stem/stromal cells. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY. C 2022; 10:9823-9833. [PMID: 36277082 PMCID: PMC9487879 DOI: 10.1039/d2tc01426b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent progress in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering has been strongly fostered both by the investigation of crucial cues, able to trigger the regeneration of damaged tissues, and by the development of ad hoc functional materials, capable of selectively (re-)activating relevant physiological pathways. In parallel to the successful realization of biochemical cues and the optimization of delivery protocols, the use of biophysical stimuli has been emerging as an alternative, highly effective strategy. Techniques based on electrical, magnetic and mechanical stimulation have been reported to efficiently direct differentiation of stem cells and modulate cell physiology at different developmental stages. In this framework, the use of optical stimulation represents a valuable approach, possibly overcoming current limitations of chemical cues, like limited spatial and temporal resolution and poor control over the extracellular environment. Surprisingly, the effects of light on the physiological properties (light toxicity, cell membrane potential, and cell ionic trafficking) of undifferentiated cells, as well as on their differentiation pathways, were investigated to a very limited extent and rarely quantified in a systematic way. In this work, we aim at clarifying the effects of optical excitation on the physiological behaviour of undifferentiated human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC), cultured on top of a light-sensitive conjugated polymer, region-regular poly-3-hexyl-thiophene (P3HT). Interestingly, we observe statistically significant modulation of the cell membrane potential, as well as noticeable effects on intracellular calcium signalling, triggered by P3HT excitation upon green light stimuli. Possible mechanisms involved in the signal transduction pathways are considered and critically discussed. The capability to modulate the physiological response of hASC upon photoexcitation, in a highly controlled and selective manner, provides a promptly available and non invasive diagnostic tool, thus contributing to the understanding of the complex machinery behind stem cells and material interfaces. Moreover, it may open the route to novel techniques to drive the differentiation path with unprecedented versatility and operational easiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Abdel Aziz
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Giovanni Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. da Vinci 32 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Leonardo Maver
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Giovanni Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. da Vinci 32 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Chiara Giannasi
- University of Milan, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Via Vanvitelli 32 20129 Milano Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Galeazzi 4 20161 Milano Italy
| | - Stefania Niada
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Galeazzi 4 20161 Milano Italy
| | - Anna T Brini
- University of Milan, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Via Vanvitelli 32 20129 Milano Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Galeazzi 4 20161 Milano Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Giovanni Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
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11
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Moccia F, Negri S, Faris P, Ronchi C, Lodola F. Optical excitation of organic semiconductors as a highly selective strategy to induce vascular regeneration and tissue repair. Vascul Pharmacol 2022; 144:106998. [PMID: 35589009 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2022.106998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic neovascularization represents a promising strategy to rescue the vascular network and restore organ function in cardiovascular disorders (CVDs), including acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, and brain stroke. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs), which are mobilized in circulation upon an ischemic insult, are commonly regarded as the most suitable cellular tool to achieve therapeutic neovascularization. ECFCs can be genetically or pharmacologically manipulated to enhance their vasoreparative potential by boosting specific pro-angiogenic signalling pathways. However, optical stimulation represents the most reliable approach to control cellular activity because of its high selectivity and unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution. Herein, we discuss a novel strategy to drive ECFC angiogenic activity in ischemic tissues by combining geneless optical excitation with photosensitive organic semiconductors. We describe how photoexcitation of the conducting polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl), also known as P3HT, stimulates extracellular Ca2+ entry through Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels upon the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the cleft between the nanomaterial and the cell membrane. H2O2-induced TRPV1-dependent Ca2+ entry stimulates ECFC proliferation and tube formation, thereby providing the proof-of-concept that photoexcitation of organic semiconductors may offer a reliable strategy to stimulate ECFCs-dependent neovascularization in CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Moccia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Laboratory of General Physiology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Sharon Negri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Laboratory of General Physiology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Pawan Faris
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Laboratory of General Physiology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlotta Ronchi
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, Laboratory of Cardiac Cellular Physiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
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12
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Vėbraitė I, Hanein Y. Soft Devices for High-Resolution Neuro-Stimulation: The Interplay Between Low-Rigidity and Resolution. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 3:675744. [PMID: 35047928 PMCID: PMC8757739 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2021.675744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of neurostimulation has evolved over the last few decades from a crude, low-resolution approach to a highly sophisticated methodology entailing the use of state-of-the-art technologies. Neurostimulation has been tested for a growing number of neurological applications, demonstrating great promise and attracting growing attention in both academia and industry. Despite tremendous progress, long-term stability of the implants, their large dimensions, their rigidity and the methods of their introduction and anchoring to sensitive neural tissue remain challenging. The purpose of this review is to provide a concise introduction to the field of high-resolution neurostimulation from a technological perspective and to focus on opportunities stemming from developments in materials sciences and engineering to reduce device rigidity while optimizing electrode small dimensions. We discuss how these factors may contribute to smaller, lighter, softer and higher electrode density devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieva Vėbraitė
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Hanein
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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13
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Negri S, Faris P, Tullii G, Vismara M, Pellegata AF, Lodola F, Guidetti G, Rosti V, Antognazza MR, Moccia F. Conjugated polymers mediate intracellular Ca 2+ signals in circulating endothelial colony forming cells through the reactive oxygen species-dependent activation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). Cell Calcium 2021; 101:102502. [PMID: 34896699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2021.102502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) represent the most suitable cellular substrate to induce revascularization of ischemic tissues. Recently, optical excitation of the light-sensitive conjugated polymer, regioregular Poly (3-hexyl-thiophene), rr-P3HT, was found to stimulate ECFC proliferation and tube formation by activating the non-selective cation channel, Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). Herein, we adopted a multidisciplinary approach, ranging from intracellular Ca2+ imaging to pharmacological manipulation and genetic suppression of TRPV1 expression, to investigate the effects of photoexcitation on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in circulating ECFCs plated on rr-P3HT thin films. Polymer-mediated optical excitation induced a long-lasting increase in [Ca2+]i that could display an oscillatory pattern at shorter light stimuli. Pharmacological and genetic manipulation revealed that the Ca2+ response to light was triggered by extracellular Ca2+ entry through TRPV1, whose activation required the production of reactive oxygen species at the interface between rr-P3HT and the cell membrane. Light-induced TRPV1-mediated Ca2+ entry was able to evoke intracellular Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum through inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors, followed by store-operated Ca2+ entry on the plasma membrane. These data show that TRPV1 may serve as a decoder at the interface between rr-P3HT thin films and ECFCs to translate optical excitation in pro-angiogenic Ca2+ signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Negri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Pawan Faris
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Tullii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Mauro Vismara
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro F Pellegata
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Gianni Guidetti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Rosti
- Center for the Study of Myelofibrosis, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Advanced Diagnosis, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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14
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Bondelli G, Sardar S, Chiaravalli G, Vurro V, Paternò GM, Lanzani G, D'Andrea C. Shedding Light on Thermally Induced Optocapacitance at the Organic Biointerface. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:10748-10758. [PMID: 34524830 PMCID: PMC8488932 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c06054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Photothermal
perturbation
of the cell membrane is typically achieved
using transducers that convert light into thermal energy, eventually
heating the cell membrane. In turn, this leads to the modulation of
the membrane electrical capacitance that is assigned to a geometrical
modification of the membrane structure. However, the nature of such
a change is not understood. In this work, we employ an all-optical
spectroscopic approach, based on the use of fluorescent probes, to
monitor the membrane polarity, viscosity, and order directly in living
cells under thermal excitation transduced by a photoexcited polymer
film. We report two major results. First, we show that rising temperature
does not just change the geometry of the membrane but indeed it affects
the membrane dielectric characteristics by water penetration. Second,
we find an additional effect, which is peculiar for the photoexcited
semiconducting polymer film, that contributes to the system perturbation
and that we tentatively assigned to the photoinduced polarization
of the polymer interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Bondelli
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.,Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Samim Sardar
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Greta Chiaravalli
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.,Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Vito Vurro
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maria Paternò
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.,Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cosimo D'Andrea
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.,Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
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15
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Saracino E, Zuppolini S, Guarino V, Benfenati V, Borriello A, Zamboni R, Ambrosio L. Polyaniline nano-needles into electrospun bio active fibres support in vitro astrocyte response. RSC Adv 2021; 11:11347-11355. [PMID: 35423613 PMCID: PMC8695954 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra00596k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have proposed that the bioelectrical response of glial cells, called astrocytes, currently represents a key target for neuroregenerative purposes. Here, we propose the fabrication of electrospun nanofibres containing gelatin and polyaniline (PANi) synthesized in the form of nano-needles (PnNs) as electrically conductive scaffolds to support the growth and functionalities of primary astrocytes. We report a fine control of the morphological features in terms of fibre size and spatial distribution and fibre patterning, i.e. random or aligned fibre organization, as revealed by SEM- and TEM-supported image analysis. We demonstrate that the peculiar morphological properties of fibres - i.e., the fibre size scale and alignment - drive the adhesion, proliferation, and functional properties of primary cortical astrocytes. In addition, the gradual transmission of biochemical and biophysical signals due to the presence of PnNs combined with the presence of gelatin results in a permissive and guiding environment for astrocytes. Accordingly, the functional properties of astrocytes measured via cell patch-clamp experiments reveal that PnNs do not alter the bioelectrical properties of resting astrocytes, thus setting the scene for the use of PnN-loaded nanofibres as bioconductive platforms for interfacing astrocytes and controlling their bioelectrical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Saracino
- Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research Council of Italy via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Simona Zuppolini
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council of Italy Mostra d'Oltremare, Pad. 20, V. le J. F. Kennedy 54 Naples Italy
| | - Vincenzo Guarino
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council of Italy Mostra d'Oltremare, Pad. 20, V. le J. F. Kennedy 54 Naples Italy
| | - Valentina Benfenati
- Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research Council of Italy via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Anna Borriello
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council of Italy Mostra d'Oltremare, Pad. 20, V. le J. F. Kennedy 54 Naples Italy
| | - Roberto Zamboni
- Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research Council of Italy via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Luigi Ambrosio
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council of Italy Mostra d'Oltremare, Pad. 20, V. le J. F. Kennedy 54 Naples Italy
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16
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Fabbri R, Saracino E, Treossi E, Zamboni R, Palermo V, Benfenati V. Graphene glial-interfaces: challenges and perspectives. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:4390-4407. [PMID: 33599662 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr07824g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Graphene nanosheets are mechanically strong but flexible, electrically conductive and bio-compatible. Thus, due to these unique properties, they are being intensively studied as materials for the next generation of neural interfaces. Most of the literature focused on optimizing the interface between these materials and neurons. However, one of the most common causes of implant failure is the adverse inflammatory reaction of glial cells. These cells are not, as previously considered, just passive and supportive cells, but play a crucial role in the physiology and pathology of the nervous system, and in the interaction with implanted electrodes. Besides providing structural support to neurons, glia are responsible for the modulation of synaptic transmission and control of central and peripheral homeostasis. Accordingly, knowledge on the interaction between glia and biomaterials is essential to develop new implant-based therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, brain tumours, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. This work provides an overview of the emerging literature on the interaction of graphene-based materials with glial cells, together with a complete description of the different types of glial cells and problems associated with them. We believe that this description will be important for researchers working in materials science and nanotechnology to develop new active materials to interface, measure and stimulate these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Fabbri
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (CNR-ISOF), via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy.
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17
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Moccia F, Antognazza MR, Lodola F. Towards Novel Geneless Approaches for Therapeutic Angiogenesis. Front Physiol 2021; 11:616189. [PMID: 33551844 PMCID: PMC7855168 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.616189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Such a widespread diffusion makes the conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels a primary medical and economic burden. It, therefore, becomes mandatory to identify effective treatments that can alleviate this global problem. Among the different solutions brought to the attention of the medical-scientific community, therapeutic angiogenesis is one of the most promising. However, this approach, which aims to treat cardiovascular diseases by generating new blood vessels in ischemic tissues, has so far led to inadequate results due to several issues. In this perspective, we will discuss cutting-edge approaches and future perspectives to alleviate the potentially lethal impact of cardiovascular diseases. We will focus on the consolidated role of resident endothelial progenitor cells, particularly endothelial colony forming cells, as suitable candidates for cell-based therapy demonstrating the importance of targeting intracellular Ca2+ signaling to boost their regenerative outcome. Moreover, we will elucidate the advantages of physical stimuli over traditional approaches. In particular, we will critically discuss recent results obtained by using optical stimulation, as a novel strategy to drive endothelial colony forming cells fate and its potential in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Moccia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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18
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Maiolo L, Guarino V, Saracino E, Convertino A, Melucci M, Muccini M, Ambrosio L, Zamboni R, Benfenati V. Glial Interfaces: Advanced Materials and Devices to Uncover the Role of Astroglial Cells in Brain Function and Dysfunction. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001268. [PMID: 33103375 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Research over the past four decades has highlighted the importance of certain brain cells, called glial cells, and has moved the neurocentric vision of structure, function, and pathology of the nervous system toward a more holistic perspective. In this view, the demand for technologies that are able to target and both selectively monitor and control glial cells is emerging as a challenge across neuroscience, engineering, chemistry, and material science. Frequently neglected or marginally considered as a barrier to be overcome between neural implants and neuronal targets, glial cells, and in particular astrocytes, are increasingly considered as active players in determining the outcomes of device implantation. This review provides a concise overview not only of the previously established but also of the emerging physiological and pathological roles of astrocytes. It also critically discusses the most recent advances in biomaterial interfaces and devices that interact with glial cells and thus have enabled scientists to reach unprecedented insights into the role of astroglial cells in brain function and dysfunction. This work proposes glial interfaces and glial engineering as multidisciplinary fields that have the potential to enable significant advancement of knowledge surrounding cognitive function and acute and chronic neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Maiolo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Microelettronica e i Microsistemi Via del Fosso del Cavaliere n.100 Roma 00133 Italy
| | - Vincenzo Guarino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per i Polimeri Compositi e Biomateriali Viale J.F. Kennedy 54, Mostra d'Oltremare, Pad 20 Napoli 80125 Italy
| | - Emanuela Saracino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività via P. Gobetti 101 Bologna 40129 Italy
| | - Annalisa Convertino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Microelettronica e i Microsistemi Via del Fosso del Cavaliere n.100 Roma 00133 Italy
| | - Manuela Melucci
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività via P. Gobetti 101 Bologna 40129 Italy
| | - Michele Muccini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati via P. Gobetti 101 Bologna 40129 Italy
| | - Luigi Ambrosio
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per i Polimeri Compositi e Biomateriali Viale J.F. Kennedy 54, Mostra d'Oltremare, Pad 20 Napoli 80125 Italy
| | - Roberto Zamboni
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività via P. Gobetti 101 Bologna 40129 Italy
| | - Valentina Benfenati
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività via P. Gobetti 101 Bologna 40129 Italy
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19
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Structural and functional properties of astrocytes on PCL based electrospun fibres. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 118:111363. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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20
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Borrachero-Conejo AI, Adams WR, Saracino E, Mola MG, Wang M, Posati T, Formaggio F, De Bellis M, Frigeri A, Caprini M, Hutchinson MR, Muccini M, Zamboni R, Nicchia GP, Mahadevan-Jansen A, Benfenati V. Stimulation of water and calcium dynamics in astrocytes with pulsed infrared light. FASEB J 2020; 34:6539-6553. [PMID: 32202681 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201903049r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are non-neuronal cells that govern the homeostatic regulation of the brain through ions and water transport, and Ca2+ -mediated signaling. As they are tightly integrated into neural networks, label-free tools that can modulate cell function are needed to evaluate the role of astrocytes in brain physiology and dysfunction. Using live-cell fluorescence imaging, pharmacology, electrophysiology, and genetic manipulation, we show that pulsed infrared light can modulate astrocyte function through changes in intracellular Ca2+ and water dynamics, providing unique mechanistic insight into the effect of pulsed infrared laser light on astroglial cells. Water transport is activated and, IP3 R, TRPA1, TRPV4, and Aquaporin-4 are all involved in shaping the dynamics of infrared pulse-evoked intracellular calcium signal. These results demonstrate that astrocyte function can be modulated with infrared light. We expect that targeted control over calcium dynamics and water transport will help to study the crucial role of astrocytes in edema, ischemia, glioma progression, stroke, and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I Borrachero-Conejo
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna, Italy
| | - Wilson R Adams
- Department Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Emanuela Saracino
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Mola
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics and Centre of Excellence in Comparative Genomics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Manqing Wang
- Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tamara Posati
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Formaggio
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela De Bellis
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics and Centre of Excellence in Comparative Genomics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Frigeri
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marco Caprini
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mark R Hutchinson
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michele Muccini
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Zamboni
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna, Italy
| | - Grazia Paola Nicchia
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics and Centre of Excellence in Comparative Genomics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anita Mahadevan-Jansen
- Department Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Valentina Benfenati
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna, Italy
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21
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Lodola F, Rosti V, Tullii G, Desii A, Tapella L, Catarsi P, Lim D, Moccia F, Antognazza MR. Conjugated polymers optically regulate the fate of endothelial colony-forming cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaav4620. [PMID: 31598549 PMCID: PMC6764832 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aav4620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The control of stem and progenitor cell fate is emerging as a compelling urgency for regenerative medicine. Here, we propose a innovative strategy to gain optical control of endothelial colony-forming cell fate, which represents the only known truly endothelial precursor showing robust in vitro proliferation and overwhelming vessel formation in vivo. We combine conjugated polymers, used as photo-actuators, with the advantages offered by optical stimulation over current electromechanical and chemical stimulation approaches. Light modulation provides unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution, permitting at the same time lower invasiveness and higher selectivity. We demonstrate that polymer-mediated optical excitation induces a robust enhancement of proliferation and lumen formation in vitro. We identify the underlying biophysical pathway as due to light-induced activation of TRPV1 channel. Altogether, our results represent an effective way to induce angiogenesis in vitro, which represents the proof of principle to improve the outcome of autologous cell-based therapy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Lodola
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Corresponding author. (F.L.); (M.R.A.)
| | - V. Rosti
- Center for the Study of Myelofibrosis, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Advanced Diagnosis, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - G. Tullii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - A. Desii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - L. Tapella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro,” Novara, Italy
| | - P. Catarsi
- Center for the Study of Myelofibrosis, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Advanced Diagnosis, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - D. Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro,” Novara, Italy
| | - F. Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani,” University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - M. R. Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Corresponding author. (F.L.); (M.R.A.)
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22
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Tullii G, Giona F, Lodola F, Bonfadini S, Bossio C, Varo S, Desii A, Criante L, Sala C, Pasini M, Verpelli C, Galeotti F, Antognazza MR. High-Aspect-Ratio Semiconducting Polymer Pillars for 3D Cell Cultures. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:28125-28137. [PMID: 31356041 PMCID: PMC6943816 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b08822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid interfaces between living cells and nano/microstructured scaffolds have huge application potential in biotechnology, spanning from regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies to localized drug delivery and from biosensing and tissue engineering to neural computing. However, 3D architectures based on semiconducting polymers, endowed with responsivity to visible light, have never been considered. Here, we apply for the first time a push-coating technique to realize high aspect ratio polymeric pillars, based on polythiophene, showing optimal biocompatibility and allowing for the realization of soft, 3D cell cultures of both primary neurons and cell line models. HEK-293 cells cultured on top of polymer pillars display a remarkable change in the cell morphology and a sizable enhancement of the membrane capacitance due to the cell membrane thinning in correspondence to the pillars' top surface, without negatively affecting cell proliferation. Electrophysiology properties and synapse number of primary neurons are also very well preserved. In perspective, high aspect ratio semiconducting polymer pillars may find interesting applications as soft, photoactive elements for cell activity sensing and modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Tullii
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Department
of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Lodola
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Silvio Bonfadini
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Department
of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Caterina Bossio
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Varo
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Desii
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Luigino Criante
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Carlo Sala
- CNR Neuroscience
Institute, Milan 20129, Italy
| | - Mariacecilia Pasini
- Istituto
per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, Consiglio
Nazionale delle Ricerche (ISMAC-CNR), Via Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Galeotti
- Istituto
per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, Consiglio
Nazionale delle Ricerche (ISMAC-CNR), Via Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
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23
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Lodola F, Vurro V, Crasto S, Di Pasquale E, Lanzani G. Optical Pacing of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes Mediated by a Conjugated Polymer Interface. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1900198. [PMID: 31066237 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201900198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The use of light for triggering skeletal and cardiac muscles allows lower invasiveness higher selectivity and unprecedented possibility to target individual cells or even subcellular compartments in a temporally and spatially precise manner. Because cells are in general transparent, this requires the development of suitable interfaces that bestow light sensitivity to living matter. In the present work, successfully demonstrated is the use of conjugated polymer films as transducer to optically enhance the contraction rate of a human and patient-specific cardiac in vitro cell model. By different experimental approaches, the coupling mechanism to the photothermal effect is assigned. This work extends the range of application of the polymer-mediated cell photostimulation phenomenon to cardiac muscle cells, opening up possible applications in cardiac therapy and for implementation of in vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lodola
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia Via Pascoli 70/3 Milan 20133 Italy
| | - Vito Vurro
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia Via Pascoli 70/3 Milan 20133 Italy
- Department of PhysicsPolitecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32 Milan 20133 Italy
| | - Silvia Crasto
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS Via Alessandro Manzoni, 56 Rozzano Milan 20089 Italy
- Istituto Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica – UOS di MilanoConsiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche via Fantoli 15/16 Milan 20138 Italy
| | - Elisa Di Pasquale
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS Via Alessandro Manzoni, 56 Rozzano Milan 20089 Italy
- Istituto Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica – UOS di MilanoConsiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche via Fantoli 15/16 Milan 20138 Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia Via Pascoli 70/3 Milan 20133 Italy
- Department of PhysicsPolitecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32 Milan 20133 Italy
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24
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Manfredi G, Colombo E, Barsotti J, Benfenati F, Lanzani G. Photochemistry of Organic Retinal Prostheses. Annu Rev Phys Chem 2019; 70:99-121. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physchem-042018-052445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Organic devices are attracting considerable attention as prostheses for the recovery of retinal light sensitivity lost to retinal degenerative disease. The biotic/abiotic interface created when light-sensitive polymers and living tissues are placed in contact allows excitation of a response in blind laboratory rats exposed to visual stimuli. Although polymer retinal prostheses have proved to be efficient, their working mechanism is far from being fully understood. In this review article, we discuss the results of the studies conducted on these kinds of polymer devices and compare them with the data found in the literature for inorganic retinal prostheses, where the working mechanisms are better comprehended. This comparison, which tries to set some reference values and figures of merit, is intended for use as a starting point to determine the direction for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Manfredi
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy;,
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genoa, Italy;,
| | - Jonathan Barsotti
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy;,
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genoa, Italy;,
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy;,
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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25
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Bellani S, Antognazza MR, Bonaccorso F. Carbon-Based Photocathode Materials for Solar Hydrogen Production. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1801446. [PMID: 30221413 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201801446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen is considered a promising environmentally friendly energy carrier for replacing traditional fossil fuels. In this context, photoelectrochemical cells effectively convert solar energy directly to H2 fuel by water photoelectrolysis, thereby monolitically combining the functions of both light harvesting and electrolysis. In such devices, photocathodes and photoanodes carry out the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively. Here, the focus is on photocathodes for HER, traditionally based on metal oxides, III-V group and II-VI group semiconductors, silicon, and copper-based chalcogenides as photoactive material. Recently, carbon-based materials have emerged as reliable alternatives to the aforementioned materials. A perspective on carbon-based photocathodes is provided here, critically analyzing recent research progress and outlining the major guidelines for the development of efficient and stable photocathode architectures. In particular, the functional role of charge-selective and protective layers, which enhance both the efficiency and the durability of the photocathodes, is discussed. An in-depth evaluation of the state-of-the-art fabrication of photocathodes through scalable, high-troughput, cost-effective methods is presented. The major aspects on the development of light-trapping nanostructured architectures are also addressed. Finally, the key challenges on future research directions in terms of potential performance and manufacturability of photocathodes are analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Bellani
- Graphene Labs, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @Polimi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bonaccorso
- Graphene Labs, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163, Genova, Italy
- BeDimensional Srl, via Albisola 121, 16163, Genova, Italy
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26
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Borrachero‐Conejo AI, Saracino E, Natali M, Prescimone F, Karges S, Bonetti S, Nicchia GP, Formaggio F, Caprini M, Zamboni R, Mercuri F, Toffanin S, Muccini M, Benfenati V. Electrical Stimulation by an Organic Transistor Architecture Induces Calcium Signaling in Nonexcitable Brain Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1801139. [PMID: 30565894 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201801139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Organic bioelectronics have a huge potential to generate interfaces and devices for the study of brain functions and for the therapy of brain pathologies. In this context, increasing efforts are needed to develop technologies for monitoring and stimulation of nonexcitable brain cells, called astrocytes. Astroglial calcium signaling plays, indeed, a pivotal role in the physiology and pathophysiology of the brain. Here, the use of transparent organic cell stimulating and sensing transistor (O-CST) architecture, fabricated with N,N'-ditridecylperylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic diimide (P13), to elicit and monitor intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ) in primary rat neocortical astrocytes is demonstrated. The transparency of O-CST allows performing calcium imaging experiments, showing that extracellular electrical stimulation of astrocytes induces a drastic increase in [Ca2+ ]i . Pharmacological studies indicate that transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily are critical mediators of the [Ca2+ ]i increase. Experimental and computational analyses show that [Ca2+ ]i response is enabled by the O-CST device architecture. Noteworthy, the extracellular field application induces a slight but significant increase in the cell volume. Collectively, it is shown that the O-CST is capable of selectively evoking astrocytes [Ca2+ ]i , paving the way to the development of organic bioelectronic devices as glial interfaces to excite and control physiology of non-neuronal brain cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Isabel Borrachero‐Conejo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN) Via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Emanuela Saracino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF) Via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Marco Natali
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN) Via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Federico Prescimone
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN) Via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Saskia Karges
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN) Via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Simone Bonetti
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN) Via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Grazia Paola Nicchia
- Prof. G. P. Nicchia Biotecnologie e Biofarmaceutica University of Bari Aldo Moro Via Orabona 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Francesco Formaggio
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBit) University of Bologna Via San Donato 15 Bologna 40129 Italy
| | - Marco Caprini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBit) University of Bologna Via San Donato 15 Bologna 40129 Italy
| | - Roberto Zamboni
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF) Via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Francesco Mercuri
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN) Via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Stefano Toffanin
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN) Via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Michele Muccini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN) Via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Valentina Benfenati
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF) Via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
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27
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Di Maria F, Lodola F, Zucchetti E, Benfenati F, Lanzani G. The evolution of artificial light actuators in living systems: from planar to nanostructured interfaces. Chem Soc Rev 2018; 47:4757-4780. [PMID: 29663003 DOI: 10.1039/c7cs00860k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Artificially enhancing light sensitivity in living cells allows control of neuronal paths or vital functions avoiding the wiring associated with the use of stimulation electrodes. Many possible strategies can be adopted for reaching this goal, including the direct photoexcitation of biological matter, the genetic modification of cells or the use of opto-bio interfaces. In this review we describe different light actuators based on both inorganic and organic semiconductors, from planar abiotic/biotic interfaces to nanoparticles, that allow transduction of a light signal into a signal which in turn affects the biological activity of the hosting system. In particular, we will focus on the application of thiophene-based materials which, thanks to their unique chemical-physical properties, geometrical adaptability, great biocompatibility and stability, have allowed the development of a new generation of fully organic light actuators for in vivo applications.
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28
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Bargigia I, Zucchetti E, Kandada ARS, Moreira M, Bossio C, Wong WPD, Miranda PB, Decuzzi P, Soci C, D'Andrea C, Lanzani G. The Photophysics of Polythiophene Nanoparticles for Biological Applications. Chembiochem 2018; 20:532-536. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bargigia
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PolimiIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia via Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Elena Zucchetti
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PolimiIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia via Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
- Department of PhysicsPolitecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Ajay Ram Srimath Kandada
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PolimiIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia via Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Miguel Moreira
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision MedicineIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia via Morego 30 16163 Genova Italy
| | - Caterina Bossio
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PolimiIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia via Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Walter P. D. Wong
- School of Material Science and EngineeringNanyang Technological University Singapore 637371 Singapore
| | - Paulo Barbeitas Miranda
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PolimiIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia via Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
- Department of PhysicsPolitecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32 20133 Milano Italy
- São Carlos Physics InstituteUniversity of São Paulo CP 369 Sao Carlos SP 13560-970 Brazil
| | - Paolo Decuzzi
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision MedicineIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia via Morego 30 16163 Genova Italy
| | - Cesare Soci
- School of Material Science and EngineeringNanyang Technological University Singapore 637371 Singapore
| | - Cosimo D'Andrea
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PolimiIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia via Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
- Department of PhysicsPolitecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PolimiIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia via Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
- Department of PhysicsPolitecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32 20133 Milano Italy
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29
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Matarèse BFE, Feyen PLC, Falco A, Benfenati F, Lugli P, deMello JC. Use of SU8 as a stable and biocompatible adhesion layer for gold bioelectrodes. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5560. [PMID: 29615634 PMCID: PMC5882823 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21755-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Gold is the most widely used electrode material for bioelectronic applications due to its high electrical conductivity, good chemical stability and proven biocompatibility. However, it adheres only weakly to widely used substrate materials such as glass and silicon oxide, typically requiring the use of a thin layer of chromium between the substrate and the metal to achieve adequate adhesion. Unfortunately, this approach can reduce biocompatibility relative to pure gold films due to the risk of the underlying layer of chromium becoming exposed. Here we report on an alternative adhesion layer for gold and other metals formed from a thin layer of the negative-tone photoresist SU-8, which we find to be significantly less cytotoxic than chromium, being broadly comparable to bare glass in terms of its biocompatibility. Various treatment protocols for SU-8 were investigated, with a view to attaining high transparency and good mechanical and biochemical stability. Thermal annealing to induce partial cross-linking of the SU-8 film prior to gold deposition, with further annealing after deposition to complete cross-linking, was found to yield the best electrode properties. The optimized glass/SU8-Au electrodes were highly transparent, resilient to delamination, stable in biological culture medium, and exhibited similar biocompatibility to glass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno F E Matarèse
- Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AY, UK
| | - Paul L C Feyen
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Aniello Falco
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano - Bozen, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Lugli
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano - Bozen, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - John C deMello
- Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AY, UK.
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30
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Rivnay J, Wang H, Fenno L, Deisseroth K, Malliaras GG. Next-generation probes, particles, and proteins for neural interfacing. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2017; 3:e1601649. [PMID: 28630894 PMCID: PMC5466371 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1601649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Bidirectional interfacing with the nervous system enables neuroscience research, diagnosis, and therapy. This two-way communication allows us to monitor the state of the brain and its composite networks and cells as well as to influence them to treat disease or repair/restore sensory or motor function. To provide the most stable and effective interface, the tools of the trade must bridge the soft, ion-rich, and evolving nature of neural tissue with the largely rigid, static realm of microelectronics and medical instruments that allow for readout, analysis, and/or control. In this Review, we describe how the understanding of neural signaling and material-tissue interactions has fueled the expansion of the available tool set. New probe architectures and materials, nanoparticles, dyes, and designer genetically encoded proteins push the limits of recording and stimulation lifetime, localization, and specificity, blurring the boundary between living tissue and engineered tools. Understanding these approaches, their modality, and the role of cross-disciplinary development will support new neurotherapies and prostheses and provide neuroscientists and neurologists with unprecedented access to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Rivnay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Palo Alto Research Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Huiliang Wang
- Departments of Bioengineering and Psychiatry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lief Fenno
- Departments of Bioengineering and Psychiatry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Departments of Bioengineering and Psychiatry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - George G. Malliaras
- Department of Bioelectronics, École Nationale Supérieure des Mines, CMP-EMSE, MOC, Gardanne 13541, France
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31
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Tortiglione C, Antognazza MR, Tino A, Bossio C, Marchesano V, Bauduin A, Zangoli M, Morata SV, Lanzani G. Semiconducting polymers are light nanotransducers in eyeless animals. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2017; 3:e1601699. [PMID: 28138549 PMCID: PMC5266477 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1601699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Current implant technology uses electrical signals at the electrode-neural interface. This rather invasive approach presents important issues in terms of performance, tolerability, and overall safety of the implants. Inducing light sensitivity in living organisms is an alternative method that provides groundbreaking opportunities in neuroscience. Optogenetics is a spectacular demonstration of this, yet is limited by the viral transfection of exogenous genetic material. We propose a nongenetic approach toward light control of biological functions in living animals. We show that nanoparticles based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) can be internalized in eyeless freshwater polyps and are fully biocompatible. Under light, the nanoparticles modify the light response of the animals, at two different levels: (i) they enhance the contraction events of the animal body, and (ii) they change the transcriptional activation of the opsin3-like gene. This suggests the establishment of a seamless and biomimetic interface between the living organism and the polymer nanoparticles that behave as light nanotransducers, coping with or amplifying the function of primitive photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tortiglione
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti “Eduardo Caianiello,” Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Angela Tino
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti “Eduardo Caianiello,” Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Caterina Bossio
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Marchesano
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti “Eduardo Caianiello,” Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Antonella Bauduin
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti “Eduardo Caianiello,” Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Mattia Zangoli
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via P. Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Susana Vaquero Morata
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Posati T, Pistone A, Saracino E, Formaggio F, Mola MG, Troni E, Sagnella A, Nocchetti M, Barbalinardo M, Valle F, Bonetti S, Caprini M, Nicchia GP, Zamboni R, Muccini M, Benfenati V. A Nanoscale Interface Promoting Molecular and Functional Differentiation of Neural Cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31226. [PMID: 27503424 PMCID: PMC4977496 DOI: 10.1038/srep31226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels and aquaporins expressed by astrocytes are key players in the maintenance of cerebral homeostasis and in brain pathophysiologies. One major challenge in the study of astrocyte membrane channels in vitro, is that their expression pattern does not resemble the one observed in vivo. Nanostructured interfaces represent a significant resource to control the cellular behaviour and functionalities at micro and nanoscale as well as to generate novel and more reliable models to study astrocytes in vitro. However, the potential of nanotechnologies in the manipulation of astrocytes ion channels and aquaporins has never been previously reported. Hydrotalcite-like compounds (HTlc) are layered materials with increasing potential as biocompatible nanoscale interface. Here, we evaluate the effect of the interaction of HTlc nanoparticles films with primary rat neocortical astrocytes. We show that HTlc films are biocompatible and do not promote gliotic reaction, while favouring astrocytes differentiation by induction of F-actin fibre alignment and vinculin polarization. Western Blot, Immunofluorescence and patch-clamp revealed that differentiation was accompanied by molecular and functional up-regulation of both inward rectifying potassium channel Kir 4.1 and aquaporin 4, AQP4. The reported results pave the way to engineering novel in vitro models to study astrocytes in a in vivo like condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Posati
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per lo Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF), via Gobetti, 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Assunta Pistone
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN), via Gobetti, 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saracino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN), via Gobetti, 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Formaggio
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN), via Gobetti, 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Mola
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Biotecnologie e Biofarmaceutica, Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Troni
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per lo Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF), via Gobetti, 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Sagnella
- Laboratorio di Micro e Submicro Tecnologie abilitanti dell’Emilia-Romagna (MIST E-R), Via P. Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Morena Nocchetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marianna Barbalinardo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN), via Gobetti, 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Valle
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN), via Gobetti, 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Bonetti
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN), via Gobetti, 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Caprini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, via S. Donato 19/2, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Grazia Paola Nicchia
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Biotecnologie e Biofarmaceutica, Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Zamboni
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per lo Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF), via Gobetti, 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Muccini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN), via Gobetti, 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Benfenati
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per lo Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF), via Gobetti, 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
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33
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Simon DT, Gabrielsson EO, Tybrandt K, Berggren M. Organic Bioelectronics: Bridging the Signaling Gap between Biology and Technology. Chem Rev 2016; 116:13009-13041. [PMID: 27367172 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The electronics surrounding us in our daily lives rely almost exclusively on electrons as the dominant charge carrier. In stark contrast, biological systems rarely use electrons but rather use ions and molecules of varying size. Due to the unique combination of both electronic and ionic/molecular conductivity in conducting and semiconducting organic polymers and small molecules, these materials have emerged in recent decades as excellent tools for translating signals between these two realms and, therefore, providing a means to effectively interface biology with conventional electronics-thus, the field of organic bioelectronics. Today, organic bioelectronics defines a generic platform with unprecedented biological recording and regulation tools and is maturing toward applications ranging from life sciences to the clinic. In this Review, we introduce the field, from its early breakthroughs to its current results and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Simon
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University , 60174 Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Erik O Gabrielsson
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University , 60174 Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Klas Tybrandt
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University , 60174 Norrköping, Sweden.,Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zürich , 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Magnus Berggren
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University , 60174 Norrköping, Sweden
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Feyen P, Colombo E, Endeman D, Nova M, Laudato L, Martino N, Antognazza MR, Lanzani G, Benfenati F, Ghezzi D. Light-evoked hyperpolarization and silencing of neurons by conjugated polymers. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22718. [PMID: 26940513 PMCID: PMC4778138 DOI: 10.1038/srep22718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to control and modulate the action potential firing in neurons represents a powerful tool for neuroscience research and clinical applications. While neuronal excitation has been achieved with many tools, including electrical and optical stimulation, hyperpolarization and neuronal inhibition are typically obtained through patch-clamp or optogenetic manipulations. Here we report the use of conjugated polymer films interfaced with neurons for inducing a light-mediated inhibition of their electrical activity. We show that prolonged illumination of the interface triggers a sustained hyperpolarization of the neuronal membrane that significantly reduces both spontaneous and evoked action potential firing. We demonstrate that the polymeric interface can be activated by either visible or infrared light and is capable of modulating neuronal activity in brain slices and explanted retinas. These findings prove the ability of conjugated polymers to tune neuronal firing and suggest their potential application for the in-vivo modulation of neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Feyen
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Duco Endeman
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Mattia Nova
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Lucia Laudato
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Martino
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Diego Ghezzi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
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35
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Martino N, Bossio C, Vaquero Morata S, Lanzani G, Antognazza MR. Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers. J Vis Exp 2016:e53494. [PMID: 26863148 PMCID: PMC4781708 DOI: 10.3791/53494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybrid interfaces between organic semiconductors and living tissues represent a new tool for in-vitro and in-vivo applications. In particular, conjugated polymers display several optimal properties as substrates for biological systems, such as good biocompatibility, excellent mechanical properties, cheap and easy processing technology, and possibility of deposition on light, thin and flexible substrates. These materials have been employed for cellular interfaces like neural probes, transistors for excitation and recording of neural activity, biosensors and actuators for drug release. Recent experiments have also demonstrated the possibility to use conjugated polymers for all-optical modulation of the electrical activity of cells. Several in-vitro study cases have been reported, including primary neuronal networks, astrocytes and secondary line cells. Moreover, signal photo-transduction mediated by organic polymers has been shown to restore light sensitivity in degenerated retinas, suggesting that these devices may be used for artificial retinal prosthesis in the future. All in all, light sensitive conjugated polymers represent a new approach for optical modulation of cellular activity. In this work, all the steps required to fabricate a bio-polymer interface for optical excitation of living cells are described. The function of the active interface is to transduce the light stimulus into a modulation of the cell membrane potential. As a study case, useful for in-vitro studies, a polythiophene thin film is used as the functional, light absorbing layer, and Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK-293) cells are employed as the biological component of the interface. Practical examples of successful control of the cell membrane potential upon stimulation with light pulses of different duration are provided. In particular, it is shown that both depolarizing and hyperpolarizing effects on the cell membrane can be achieved depending on the duration of the light stimulus. The reported protocol is of general validity and can be straightforwardly extended to other biological preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Martino
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
| | - Caterina Bossio
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
| | | | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano
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36
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Vaquero S, Bossio C, Bellani S, Martino N, Zucchetti E, Lanzani G, Antognazza MR. Conjugated polymers for the optical control of the electrical activity of living cells. J Mater Chem B 2016; 4:5272-5283. [DOI: 10.1039/c6tb01129b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Different conjugated polymers are proposed as bio-optical interfaces. Selected polymers are capable to sustain thermal sterilization but provide different optical coupling with living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Vaquero
- Center for Nano Science and Technology
- IIT@PoliMi
- 20133 Milano
- Italy
| | - Caterina Bossio
- Center for Nano Science and Technology
- IIT@PoliMi
- 20133 Milano
- Italy
| | - Sebastiano Bellani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology
- IIT@PoliMi
- 20133 Milano
- Italy
- Politecnico di Milano
| | - Nicola Martino
- Center for Nano Science and Technology
- IIT@PoliMi
- 20133 Milano
- Italy
- Politecnico di Milano
| | - Elena Zucchetti
- Center for Nano Science and Technology
- IIT@PoliMi
- 20133 Milano
- Italy
- Politecnico di Milano
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology
- IIT@PoliMi
- 20133 Milano
- Italy
- Politecnico di Milano
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37
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Antognazza MR, Martino N, Ghezzi D, Feyen P, Colombo E, Endeman D, Benfenati F, Lanzani G. Shedding Light on Living Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2015; 27:7662-7669. [PMID: 25469452 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201403513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
An overview of the optical methods available to modulate the cellular activity in cell cultures and biological tissues is presented, with a focus on the use of exogenous functional materials that absorb electromagnetic radiation and transduce it into a secondary stimulus for cell excitation, with high temporal and spatial resolution. Both organic and inorganic materials are critically evaluated, for in vitro and in vivo applications. Finally, as a direct practical application of optical-stimulation techniques, the most recent results in the realization of artificial visual implants are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Nicola Martino
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, Milano, 20133, Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Fisica, Piazza L. da Vinci 32, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Diego Ghezzi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Via Morego 30, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Paul Feyen
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Via Morego 30, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, Milano, 20133, Italy
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Via Morego 30, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Duco Endeman
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Via Morego 30, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Via Morego 30, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, Milano, 20133, Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Fisica, Piazza L. da Vinci 32, Milano, 20133, Italy
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38
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Bonetti S, Pistone A, Brucale M, Karges S, Favaretto L, Zambianchi M, Posati T, Sagnella A, Caprini M, Toffanin S, Zamboni R, Camaioni N, Muccini M, Melucci M, Benfenati V. A lysinated thiophene-based semiconductor as a multifunctional neural bioorganic interface. Adv Healthc Mater 2015; 4:1190-202. [PMID: 25721438 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201400786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Lysinated molecular organic semiconductors are introduced as valuable multifunctional platforms for neural cells growth and interfacing. Cast films of quaterthiophene (T4) semiconductor covalently modified with lysine-end moieties (T4Lys) are fabricated and their stability, morphology, optical/electrical, and biocompatibility properties are characterized. T4Lys films exhibit fluorescence and electronic transport as generally observed for unsubstituted oligothiophenes combined to humidity-activated ionic conduction promoted by the charged lysine-end moieties. The Lys insertion in T4 enables adhesion of primary culture of rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG), which is not achievable by plating cells on T4. Notably, on T4Lys, the number on adhering neurons/area is higher and displays a twofold longer neurite length than neurons plated on glass coated with poly-l-lysine. Finally, by whole-cell patch-clamp, it is shown that the biofunctionality of neurons cultured on T4Lys is preserved. The present study introduces an innovative concept for organic material neural interface that combines optical and iono-electronic functionalities with improved biocompatibility and neuron affinity promoted by Lys linkage and the softness of organic semiconductors. Lysinated organic semiconductors could set the scene for the fabrication of simplified bioorganic devices geometry for cells bidirectional communication or optoelectronic control of neural cells biofunctionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Bonetti
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN); via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Assunta Pistone
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN); via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF); via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Marco Brucale
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per lo studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN); Area della Ricerca Roma1; Via Salaria km 29.3 00015 Monterotondo, Roma Italy
| | - Saskia Karges
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN); via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Laura Favaretto
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF); via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Massimo Zambianchi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF); via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Tamara Posati
- Laboratory MIST E-R; Via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Anna Sagnella
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF); via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
- Laboratory MIST E-R; Via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Marco Caprini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN); via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology; University of Bologna; Via S. Donato 19/2 40127 Bologna Italy
| | - Stefano Toffanin
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN); via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Roberto Zamboni
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF); via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Nadia Camaioni
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF); via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Michele Muccini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN); via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Manuela Melucci
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF); via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Valentina Benfenati
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR); Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF); via Gobetti, 101 40129 Bologna Italy
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39
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Martino N, Feyen P, Porro M, Bossio C, Zucchetti E, Ghezzi D, Benfenati F, Lanzani G, Antognazza MR. Photothermal cellular stimulation in functional bio-polymer interfaces. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8911. [PMID: 25753132 PMCID: PMC4354102 DOI: 10.1038/srep08911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybrid interfaces between organic semiconductors and living tissues represent a new tool for in-vitro and in-vivo applications, bearing a huge potential, from basic researches to clinical applications. In particular, light sensitive conjugated polymers can be exploited as a new approach for optical modulation of cellular activity. In this work we focus on light-induced changes in the membrane potential of Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK-293) cells grown on top of a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) thin film. On top of a capacitive charging of the polymer interface, we identify and fully characterize two concomitant mechanisms, leading to membrane depolarization and hyperpolarisation, both mediated by a thermal effect. Our results can be usefully exploited in the creation of a new platform for light-controlled cell manipulation, with possible applications in neuroscience and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Martino
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Paul Feyen
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Porro
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Matematica, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Caterina Bossio
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Zucchetti
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Diego Ghezzi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
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40
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O'Connor TF, Rajan KM, Printz AD, Lipomi DJ. Toward organic electronics with properties inspired by biological tissue. J Mater Chem B 2015; 3:4947-4952. [DOI: 10.1039/c5tb00173k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The carbon framework common to both organic semiconductors and biological structures suggests that these two classes of materials should be easily integrated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kirtana M. Rajan
- Department of NanoEngineering
- University of California
- La Jolla
- USA
| | - Adam D. Printz
- Department of NanoEngineering
- University of California
- La Jolla
- USA
| | - Darren J. Lipomi
- Department of NanoEngineering
- University of California
- La Jolla
- USA
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Lanzani G. Materials for bioelectronics: organic electronics meets biology. NATURE MATERIALS 2014; 13:775-6. [PMID: 24952749 DOI: 10.1038/nmat4021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Giovanni Pascoli, 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Dionigi C, Posati T, Benfenati V, Sagnella A, Pistone A, Bonetti S, Ruani G, Dinelli F, Padeletti G, Zamboni R, Muccini M. A nanostructured conductive bio-composite of silk fibroin-single walled carbon nanotubes. J Mater Chem B 2014; 2:1424-1431. [PMID: 32261458 DOI: 10.1039/c3tb21172j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Silk fibroin (SF), a protein core fibre from the silkworm Bombyx mori, has huge potential to become a sustainable, biocompatible, and biodegradable material platform that can pave the way towards the replacement of plastic in the fabrication of bio-derived materials for a variety of technological and biomedical applications. SF has remarkable mechanical flexibility, controllable biodegradability, biocompatibility and is capable of drug/doping inclusion, stabilization and release. However, the dielectric properties of SF limit its potential as a direct bioelectronic interface in biomedical devices intended to control the bioelectrical activity of the cell for regenerative purposes. In this work, a novel wet templating method is proposed to generate nanostructured, conductive Silk Fibroin (SF) composite films. We combine the unusual properties of SF, such as its mechanical properties, its convenience and biocompatibility with the electrical conductivity and stiffness of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs). The presented SF-SWCNT composite displays a periodic architecture where SWCNTs are regularly and homogeneously distributed in the SF protein matrix. The morphological and chemo-physical properties of the nanocomposite are analysed and defined by SEM, Raman Spectroscopy, ATR-IR, UFM and contact angle analyses. Notably, the SF-SWCNT composite film is conductive, showing additional functionality compared to the dielectric properties of the bare SF film. Finally, SF-SWCNT is biocompatible and enables the growth of primary rat Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) neurons. Collectively our results demonstrate that the nanostructured, conductive, robust and biocompatible SF-SWCNT composite can be fabricated using a wet templating method, paving the way towards the fabrication and development of silk-based electronic devices for use in bioelectronic and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Dionigi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (CNR-ISMN), via P. Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy.
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Depan D, Misra RDK. The development, characterization, and cellular response of a novel electroactive nanostructured composite for electrical stimulation of neural cells. Biomater Sci 2014; 2:1727-1739. [DOI: 10.1039/c4bm00168k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation induced cytoskeletal protein reorganization of neural cells on a PEDOT-CNT coated stainless steel neural probe.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Depan
- Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering Research Laboratory
- Center for Structural and Functional Materials
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Lafayette, USA
| | - R. D. K. Misra
- Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering Research Laboratory
- Center for Structural and Functional Materials
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Lafayette, USA
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44
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Prosa M, Sagnella A, Posati T, Tessarolo M, Bolognesi M, Cavallini S, Toffanin S, Benfenati V, Seri M, Ruani G, Muccini M, Zamboni R. Integration of a silk fibroin based film as a luminescent down-shifting layer in ITO-free organic solar cells. RSC Adv 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra08390c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A bio-derived silk-fibroin film doped with a luminescent dye and its application as luminescent down-shifting layer in organic solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Prosa
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) – Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN)
- Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Sagnella
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) – Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF)
- Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Marta Tessarolo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) – Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN)
- Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Susanna Cavallini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) – Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN)
- Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Toffanin
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) – Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN)
- Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Benfenati
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) – Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF)
- Bologna, Italy
| | - Mirko Seri
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) – Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF)
- Bologna, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ruani
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) – Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN)
- Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Muccini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) – Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN)
- Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Zamboni
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) – Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF)
- Bologna, Italy
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