1
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Gonçalves RC, Oliveira MB, Mano JF. Exploring the potential of all-aqueous immiscible systems for preparing complex biomaterials and cellular constructs. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024. [PMID: 39010747 DOI: 10.1039/d4mh00431k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
All-aqueous immiscible systems derived from liquid-liquid phase separation of incompatible hydrophilic agents such as polymers and salts have found increasing interest in the biomedical and tissue engineering fields in the last few years. The unique characteristics of aqueous interfaces, namely their low interfacial tension and elevated permeability, as well as the non-toxic environment and high water content of the immiscible phases, confer to these systems optimal qualities for the development of biomaterials such as hydrogels and soft membranes, as well as for the preparation of in vitro tissues derived from cellular assembly. Here, we overview the main properties of these systems and present a critical review of recent strategies that have been used for the development of biomaterials with increased levels of complexity using all-aqueous immiscible phases and interfaces, and their potential as cell-confining environments for micropatterning approaches and the bioengineering of cell-rich structures. Importantly, due to the relatively recent emergence of these areas, several key design considerations are presented, in order to guide researchers in the field. Finally, the main present challenges, future directions, and adaptability to develop advanced materials with increased biomimicry and new potential applications are briefly evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel C Gonçalves
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Mariana B Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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2
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Sapudom J, Riedl P, Schricker M, Kroy K, Pompe T. Physical network regimes of 3D fibrillar collagen networks trigger invasive phenotypes of breast cancer cells. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 163:213961. [PMID: 39032434 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The mechanical characteristics of the extracellular environment are known to significantly influence cancer cell behavior in vivo and in vitro. The structural complexity and viscoelastic dynamics of the extracellular matrix (ECM) pose significant challenges in understanding its impact on cancer cells. Herein, we report distinct regulatory signatures in the invasion of different breast cancer cell lines into three-dimensional (3D) fibrillar collagen networks, caused by systematic modifications of the physical network properties. By reconstituting collagen networks of thin fibrils, we demonstrate that such networks can display network strand flexibility akin to that of synthetic polymer networks, known to exhibit entropic rubber elasticity. This finding contrasts with the predominant description of the mechanics of fibrillar collagen networks by an enthalpic bending elasticity of rod-like fibrils. Mean-squared displacement analysis of free-standing fibrils confirmed a flexible fiber regime in networks of thin fibrils. Furthermore, collagen fibrils in both networks were softened by the adsorption of highly negatively charged sulfonated polymers and colloidal probe force measurements of network elastic modulus again proofed the occurrence of the two different physical network regimes. Our cell assays revealed that the cellular behavior (morphology, clustering, invasiveness, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity) of the 'weakly invasive' MCF-7 and 'highly invasive' MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines is distinctively affected by the physical (enthalpic/entropic) network regime, and cannot be explained by changes of the network elastic modulus, alone. These results highlight an essential pathway, albeit frequently overlooked, how the physical characteristics of fibrillar ECMs affect cellular behavior. Considering the coexistence of diverse physical network regimes of the ECM in vivo, our findings underscore their critical role of ECM's physical network regimes in tumor progression and other cell functions, and moreover emphasize the significance of 3D in vitro collagen network models for quantifying cell responses in both healthy and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiranuwat Sapudom
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Philipp Riedl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria Schricker
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Kroy
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04009, Germany
| | - Tilo Pompe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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3
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Du Plessis LH, Gouws C, Nieto D. The influence of viscosity of hydrogels on the spreading and migration of cells in 3D bioprinted skin cancer models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1391259. [PMID: 38835508 PMCID: PMC11148284 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1391259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Various in vitro three-dimensional (3D) tissue culture models of human and diseased skin exist. Nevertheless, there is still room for the development and improvement of 3D bioprinted skin cancer models. The need for reproducible bioprinting methods, cell samples, biomaterial inks, and bioinks is becoming increasingly important. The influence of the viscosity of hydrogels on the spreading and migration of most types of cancer cells is well studied. There are however limited studies on the influence of viscosity on the spreading and migration of cells in 3D bioprinted skin cancer models. In this review, we will outline the importance of studying the various types of skin cancers by using 3D cell culture models. We will provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the various 3D bioprinting technologies. We will emphasize how the viscosity of hydrogels relates to the spreading and migration of cancer cells. Lastly, we will give an overview of the specific studies on cell migration and spreading in 3D bioprinted skin cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lissinda H Du Plessis
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Chrisna Gouws
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Daniel Nieto
- Advanced Biofabrication for Tissue and Organ Engineering Group, Interdisciplinary Centre of Chemistry and Biology (CICA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Coruña, Campus de A Coruna, Coruna, Spain
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4
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Okano J, Nakagawa T, Kojima H. Plasticity of bone marrow-derived cell differentiation depending on microenvironments in the skin. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1391640. [PMID: 38699142 PMCID: PMC11063383 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1391640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) are heterogeneous populations in which not only pluripotent stem cells, namely, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) but also endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are involved. BMDCs contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis and recovery from disrupted homeostasis as the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems. The skin is the largest organ in which various tissues, such as the epidermis, dermis, skin appendages (i.e., hair follicles), fats, muscles, and vessels, are tightly and systematically packed. It functions as a physical barrier to block the invasion of harmful substances and pathogenic microorganisms and properly regulate water evaporation. The skin is exposed to injuries from external stimuli because it is the outermost layer and owing to its specificity. Recovery from physical injuries and DNA mutations occurs constantly in the skin, but medical treatments are required for impaired wound healing. Recently, conservative treatments utilizing scaffolds have attracted attention as alternatives to surgical therapy, which is highly invasive. Against this background, numerous scaffolds are available in a clinical setting, although they have not surpassed surgery because of their distinct disadvantages. Here, we discuss the plasticity of BMDCs in the skin to maintain homeostasis, in addition to their critical roles on recovery from disrupted homeostasis. We also share our perspective on how scaffolds can be developed to establish scaffolds beyond surgery to regenerate skin structure during wound healing by maximally utilizing the plasticity of BMDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Okano
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Takahiko Nakagawa
- Department of Regenerative Medicine Development, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Hideto Kojima
- Department of Regenerative Medicine Development, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
- Department of Biocommunication Development, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
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5
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Walker M, Pringle EW, Ciccone G, Oliver-Cervelló L, Tassieri M, Gourdon D, Cantini M. Mind the Viscous Modulus: The Mechanotransductive Response to the Viscous Nature of Isoelastic Matrices Regulates Stem Cell Chondrogenesis. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302571. [PMID: 38014647 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302571] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The design of hydrogels as mimetics of tissues' matrices typically disregards the viscous nature of native tissues and focuses only on their elastic properties. In the case of stem cell chondrogenesis, this has led to contradictory results, likely due to unreported changes in the matrices' viscous modulus. Here, by employing isoelastic matrices with Young's modulus of ≈12 kPa, variations in viscous properties alone (i.e., loss tangent between 0.1 and 0.25) are demonstrated to be sufficient to drive efficient growth factor-free chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells, both in 2D and 3D cultures. The increase of the viscous component of RGD-functionalized polyacrylamide or polyethylene glycol maleimide hydrogels promotes a phenotype with reduced adhesion, alters mechanosensitive signaling, and boosts cell-cell contacts. In turn, this upregulates the chondrogenic transcription factor SOX9 and supports neocartilage formation, demonstrating that the mechanotransductive response to the viscous nature of the matrix can be harnessed to direct cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Walker
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Eonan William Pringle
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Giuseppe Ciccone
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Lluís Oliver-Cervelló
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Manlio Tassieri
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Delphine Gourdon
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Marco Cantini
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
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6
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Fodera DM, Russell SR, Jackson JLL, Fang S, Chen X, Vink J, Oyen ML, Myers KM. Material properties of nonpregnant and pregnant human uterine layers. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 151:106348. [PMID: 38198930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The uterus has critical biomechanical functions in pregnancy and undergoes dramatic material growth and remodeling from implantation to parturition. The intrinsic material properties of the human uterus and how they evolve in pregnancy are poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap and assess the heterogeneity of these tissues, the time-dependent material properties of all human uterine layers were measured with nanoindentation. The endometrium-decidua layer was found to be the least stiff, most viscous, and least permeable layer of the human uterus in nonpregnant and third-trimester pregnant tissues. In pregnancy, the endometrium-decidua becomes stiffer and less viscous with no material property changes observed in the myometrium or perimetrium. Additionally, uterine material properties did not significantly differ between third-trimester pregnant tissues with and without placenta accreta. The foundational data generated by this study will facilitate the development of physiologically accurate models of the human uterus to investigate gynecologic and obstetric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella M Fodera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serena R Russell
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Johanna L L Jackson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shuyang Fang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joy Vink
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Michelle L Oyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Kristin M Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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7
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Paez‐Perez M, Kuimova MK. Molecular Rotors: Fluorescent Sensors for Microviscosity and Conformation of Biomolecules. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202311233. [PMID: 37856157 PMCID: PMC10952837 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202311233] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The viscosity and crowding of biological environment are considered vital for the correct cellular function, and alterations in these parameters are known to underly a number of pathologies including diabetes, malaria, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, to name a few. Over the last decades, fluorescent molecular probes termed molecular rotors proved extremely useful for exploring viscosity, crowding, and underlying molecular interactions in biologically relevant settings. In this review, we will discuss the basic principles underpinning the functionality of these probes and will review advances in their use as sensors for lipid order, protein crowding and conformation, temperature and non-canonical nucleic acid structures in live cells and other relevant biological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Paez‐Perez
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, MSRHImperial College LondonWood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
| | - Marina K. Kuimova
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, MSRHImperial College LondonWood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
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8
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Fodera DM, Russell SR, Lund-Jackson JL, Fang S, Chen X, Vink JSY, Oyen ML, Myers KM. Material Properties of Nonpregnant and Pregnant Human Uterine Layers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.07.551726. [PMID: 37609213 PMCID: PMC10441310 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.07.551726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
The uterus has critical biomechanical functions in pregnancy and undergoes dramatic material growth and remodeling from implantation to parturition. The intrinsic material properties of the human uterus and how they evolve in pregnancy are poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap and assess the heterogeneity of these tissues, the time-dependent material properties of all human uterine layers were measured with nanoindentation. The endometrium-decidua layer was found to be the least stiff, most viscous, and least permeable layer of the human uterus in nonpregnant and third-trimester pregnant tissues. In pregnancy, endometrium-decidua becomes stiffer and less viscous with no material property changes observed in the myometrium or perimetrium. Additionally, uterine material properties did not significantly differ between third-trimester pregnant tissues with and without placenta accreta. The foundational data generated by this study will facilitate the development of physiologically accurate models of the human uterus to investigate gynecologic and obstetric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella M. Fodera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serena R. Russell
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Shuyang Fang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joy-Sarah Y. Vink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle L. Oyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kristin M. Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Dellaquila A, Dujardin C, Le Bao C, Chaumeton C, Carré A, Le Guilcher C, Lam F, Simon-Yarza T. Fibroblasts mediate endothelium response to angiogenic cues in a newly developed 3D stroma engineered model. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 154:213636. [PMID: 37778292 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional stroma engineered models would enable fundamental and applicative studies of human tissues interaction and remodeling in both physiological and pathological conditions. In this work, we propose a 3D vascularized stroma model to be used as in vitro platform for drug testing. A pullulan/dextran-based porous scaffold containing pre-patterned microchannels of 100 μm diameter is used for co-culturing of fibroblasts within the matrix pores and endothelial cells to form the lumen. Optical clearing of the constructs by hyperhydration allows for in-depth imaging of the model up to 1 mm by lightsheet and confocal microscopy. Our 3D vascularized stroma model allows for higher viability, metabolism and cytokines expression compared to a monocultured vascular model. Stroma-endothelium cross-talk is then investigated by exposing the system to pro and anti-angiogenic molecules. The results highlight the protective role played by fibroblasts on the vasculature, as demonstrated by decreased cytotoxicity, restoration of nitric oxide levels upon challenge, and sustained expression of endothelial markers CD31, vWF and VEGF. Our tissue model provides a 3D engineered platform for in vitro studies of stroma remodeling in angiogenesis-driven events, known to be a leading mechanism in diseased conditions, such as metastatic cancers, retinopathies and ischemia, and to investigate related potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Dellaquila
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science, INSERM U1148, X. Bichat Hospital, Paris 75018, France.
| | - Chloé Dujardin
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science, INSERM U1148, X. Bichat Hospital, Paris 75018, France
| | - Chau Le Bao
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science, INSERM U1148, X. Bichat Hospital, Paris 75018, France
| | - Chloé Chaumeton
- Sorbonne Université, Institute of Biology Paris-Seine, Paris 75005, France
| | - Albane Carré
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science, INSERM U1148, X. Bichat Hospital, Paris 75018, France
| | - Camille Le Guilcher
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science, INSERM U1148, X. Bichat Hospital, Paris 75018, France
| | - France Lam
- Sorbonne Université, Institute of Biology Paris-Seine, Paris 75005, France
| | - Teresa Simon-Yarza
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science, INSERM U1148, X. Bichat Hospital, Paris 75018, France.
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10
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Mei Y, Li Z, Rong K, Hai Z, Tang W, Song QH. A BODIPY-based fluorescent probe for simultaneous detection of H 2O 2 and viscosity during the pyroptosis process. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:12775-12778. [PMID: 37814891 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc03914e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
A dual functional BODIPY fluorescent probe was developed for simultaneous detection of H2O2 and viscosity, by collecting fluorescence from 800-1100 nm and 550-750 nm, respectively. Bioimaging based on the probe shows that H2O2 accumulates and cytoplasmic viscosity increases during the palmitic acid (PA)-induced pyroptosis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Mei
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China.
| | - Ziyun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, P. R. China
| | - Kuanrong Rong
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, P. R. China
| | - Zijuan Hai
- Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials, Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, China
| | - Wenjian Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, P. R. China
| | - Qin-Hua Song
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China.
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11
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Piazza F, Parisse P, Passerino J, Marsich E, Bersanini L, Porrelli D, Baj G, Donati I, Sacco P. Controlled Quenching of Agarose Defines Hydrogels with Tunable Structural, Bulk Mechanical, Surface Nanomechanical, and Cell Response in 2D Cultures. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300973. [PMID: 37369130 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The scaffolding of agarose hydrogel networks depends critically on the rate of cooling (quenching) after heating. Efforts are made to understand the kinetics and evolution of biopolymer self-assembly upon cooling, but information is lacking on whether quenching might affect the final hydrogel structure and performance. Here, a material strategy for the fine modulation of quenching that involves temperature-curing steps of agarose is reported. Combining microscopy techniques, standard and advanced macro/nanomechanical tools, it is revealed that agarose accumulates on the surface when the curing temperature is set at 121 °C. The inhomogeneity can be mostly recovered when it is reduced to 42 °C. This has a drastic effect on the stiffness of the surface, but not on the viscoelasticity, roughness, and wettability. When hydrogels are strained at small/large deformations, the curing temperature has no effect on the viscoelastic response of the hydrogel bulk but does play a role in the onset of the non-linear region. Cells cultured on these hydrogels exhibit surface stiffness-sensing that affects cell adhesion, spreading, F-actin fiber tension, and assembly of vinculin-rich focal adhesions. Collectively, the results indicate that the temperature curing of agarose is an efficient strategy to produce networks with tunable mechanics and is suitable for mechanobiology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Piazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Pietro Parisse
- NanoInnovation Lab, Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, I-34149, Italy
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM-CNR), Area Science Park, Trieste, I-34149, Italy
| | - Julia Passerino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marsich
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell'Ospitale 1, Trieste, I-34129, Italy
| | - Luca Bersanini
- Optics11 Life, Hettenheuvelweg 37-39, Amsterdam, 1101 BM, The Netherlands
| | - Davide Porrelli
- Interdepartmental Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Alexander Fleming 31/A, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Ivan Donati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Pasquale Sacco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
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12
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Asim S, Tabish TA, Liaqat U, Ozbolat IT, Rizwan M. Advances in Gelatin Bioinks to Optimize Bioprinted Cell Functions. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203148. [PMID: 36802199 PMCID: PMC10330013 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Gelatin is a widely utilized bioprinting biomaterial due to its cell-adhesive and enzymatically cleavable properties, which improve cell adhesion and growth. Gelatin is often covalently cross-linked to stabilize bioprinted structures, yet the covalently cross-linked matrix is unable to recapitulate the dynamic microenvironment of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby limiting the functions of bioprinted cells. To some extent, a double network bioink can provide a more ECM-mimetic, bioprinted niche for cell growth. More recently, gelatin matrices are being designed using reversible cross-linking methods that can emulate the dynamic mechanical properties of the ECM. This review analyzes the progress in developing gelatin bioink formulations for 3D cell culture, and critically analyzes the bioprinting and cross-linking techniques, with a focus on strategies to optimize the functions of bioprinted cells. This review discusses new cross-linking chemistries that recapitulate the viscoelastic, stress-relaxing microenvironment of the ECM, and enable advanced cell functions, yet are less explored in engineering the gelatin bioink. Finally, this work presents the perspective on the areas of future research and argues that the next generation of gelatin bioinks should be designed by considering cell-matrix interactions, and bioprinted constructs should be validated against currently established 3D cell culture standards to achieve improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Asim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931 USA
| | - Tanveer A. Tabish
- Cardiovascular Division, Radcliff Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Usman Liaqat
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Chemical and Materials Engineering (SCME), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Pakistan
| | - Ibrahim T. Ozbolat
- Engineering Science and Mechanics, Penn State, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State, Hershey, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cukurova University, Adana 01330, Turkey
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931 USA
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931 USA
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13
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Sarrigiannidis SO, Dobre O, Navarro AR, Dalby MJ, Gonzalez-Garcia C, Salmeron-Sanchez M. Engineered dual affinity protein fragments to bind collagen and capture growth factors. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100641. [PMID: 37179535 PMCID: PMC10173277 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagen type I lacks affinity for growth factors (GFs) and yet it is clinically used to deliver bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP-2), a potent osteogenic growth factor. To mitigate this lack of affinity, supra-physiological concentrations of BMP-2 are loaded in collagen sponges leading to uncontrolled BMP-2 leakage out of the material. This has led to important adverse side effects such as carcinogenesis. Here, we design recombinant dual affinity protein fragments, produced in E. Coli, which contain two regions, one that spontaneously binds to collagen and a second one that binds BMP-2. By adding the fragment to collagen sponges, BMP-2 is sequestered enabling solid phase presentation of BMP-2. We demonstrate osteogenesis in vivo with ultra-low doses of BMP-2. Our protein technology enhances the biological activity of collagen without using complex chemistries or changing the manufacturing of the base material and so opens a pathway to clinical translation.
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14
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Maassen J, Guenther R, Hondrich TJJ, Cepkenovic B, Brinkmann D, Maybeck V, Offenhäusser A, Dittrich B, Müller A, Skazik-Voogt C, Kosel M, Baum C, Gutermuth A. In Vitro Simulated Neuronal Environmental Conditions Qualify Umbilical Cord Derived Highly Potent Stem Cells for Neuronal Differentiation. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023:10.1007/s12015-023-10538-w. [PMID: 37093520 PMCID: PMC10390376 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10538-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The healing of neuronal injuries is still an unachieved goal. Medicine-based therapies can only extend the survival of patients, but not finally lead to a healing process. Currently, a variety of stem cell-based tissue engineering developments are the subject of many research projects to bridge this gap. As yet, neuronal differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), embryonic cell lines, or neuronal stem cells could be accomplished and produce functional neuronally differentiated cells. However, clinical application of cells from these sources is hampered by ethical considerations. To overcome these hurdles numerous studies investigated the potential of adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a potential stem cell source. Adult MSCs have been approved as cellular therapeutical products due to their regenerative potential and immunomodulatory properties. Only a few of these studies could demonstrate the capacity to differentiate MSCs into active firing neuron like cells. With this study we investigated the potential of Wharton's Jelly (WJ) derived stem cells and focused on the intrinsic pluripotent stem cell pool and their potential to differentiate into active neurons. With a comprehensive neuronal differentiation protocol comprised of mechanical and biochemical inductive cues, we investigated the capacity of spontaneously forming stem cell spheroids (SCS) from cultured WJ stromal cells in regard to their neuronal differentiation potential and compared them to undifferentiated spheroids or adherent MSCs. Spontaneously formed SCSs show pluripotent and neuroectodermal lineage markers, meeting the pre-condition for neuronal differentiation and contain a higher amount of cells which can be differentiated into cells whose functional phenotypes in calcium and voltage responsive electrical activity are similar to neurons. In conclusion we show that up-concentration of stem cells from WJ with pluripotent characteristics is a tool to generate neuronal cell replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Maassen
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rebecca Guenther
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Timm J J Hondrich
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Bogdana Cepkenovic
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dominik Brinkmann
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Vanessa Maybeck
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Andreas Offenhäusser
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Barbara Dittrich
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna Müller
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Claudia Skazik-Voogt
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Kosel
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christoph Baum
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Angela Gutermuth
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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15
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Cadamuro F, Ardenti V, Nicotra F, Russo L. Alginate-Gelatin Self-Healing Hydrogel Produced via Static-Dynamic Crosslinking. Molecules 2023; 28:2851. [PMID: 36985823 PMCID: PMC10053920 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062851] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alginate-gelatin hydrogels mimicking extracellular matrix (ECM) of soft tissues have been generated by static-dynamic double crosslinking, allowing fine control over the physical and chemical properties. Dynamic crosslinking provides self-healing and injectability attributes to the hydrogel and promotes cell migration and proliferation, while the static network improves stability. The static crosslinking was performed by enzymatic coupling of the tyrosine residues of gelatin with tyramine residues inserted in the alginate backbone, catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The dynamic crosslinking was obtained by functionalizing alginate with 3-aminophenylboronic acid which generates a reversible bond with the vicinal hydroxyl groups of the alginate chains. Varying the ratio of alginate and gelatin, hydrogels with different properties were obtained, and the most suitable for 3D soft tissue model development with a 2.5:1 alginate:gelatin molar ratio was selected. The selected hydrogel was characterized with a swelling test, rheology test, self-healing test and by cytotoxicity, and the formulation resulted in transparent, reproducible, varying biomaterial batch, with a fast gelation time and cell biocompatibility. It is able to modulate the loss of the inner structure stability for a longer time with respect to the formulation made with only covalent enzymatic crosslinking, and shows self-healing properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cadamuro
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Ardenti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Nicotra
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Russo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland
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16
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Liang F, Huang W, Wu L, Wu Y, Zhang T, He X, Wang Z, Yu X, Li Y, Qian S. A NIR fluorescent probe for dual imaging of mitochondrial viscosity and FA in living cells and zebrafish. Analyst 2023; 148:1437-1441. [PMID: 36919562 DOI: 10.1039/d2an01628a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Formaldehyde (FA) and viscosity play multiple roles in human health and diseases, and viscosity has great regional differences due to the diversity of subcellular organelles. However, it is challenging to achieve dual detection of viscosity and FA in subcellular organelles. Herein, we developed a near infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe FA-Cy, which can simultaneously monitor the viscosity and FA concentration of mitochondria in living cells. The probe could detect mitochondrial viscosity and exogenous and endogenous FA in living cells and zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, China.
| | - Wanyun Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, China.
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, China.
| | - Yihong Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, China.
| | - Tingrui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu 610091, China
| | - Xiaolong He
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, China. .,Asymmetric Synthesis and Chiral Technology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Research and Application of Small Organic Chiral Molecules Key Laboratory of Yibin City, China
| | - Zhouyu Wang
- Asymmetric Synthesis and Chiral Technology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Research and Application of Small Organic Chiral Molecules Key Laboratory of Yibin City, China
| | - Xiaoqi Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, China. .,Asymmetric Synthesis and Chiral Technology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Research and Application of Small Organic Chiral Molecules Key Laboratory of Yibin City, China
| | - Yuzhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu 610091, China
| | - Shan Qian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, China. .,Asymmetric Synthesis and Chiral Technology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Research and Application of Small Organic Chiral Molecules Key Laboratory of Yibin City, China
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17
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Lagneau N, Terriac L, Tournier P, Helesbeux JJ, Viault G, Séraphin D, Halgand B, Loll F, Garnier C, Jonchère C, Rivière M, Tessier A, Lebreton J, Maugars Y, Guicheux J, Le Visage C, Delplace V. A new boronate ester-based crosslinking strategy allows the design of nonswelling and long-term stable dynamic covalent hydrogels. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:2033-2045. [PMID: 36752615 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01690g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic hydrogels are viscoelastic materials that can be designed to be self-healing, malleable, and injectable, making them particularly interesting for a variety of biomedical applications. To design dynamic hydrogels, dynamic covalent crosslinking reactions are attracting increasing attention. However, dynamic covalent hydrogels tend to swell, and often lack stability. Boronate ester-based hydrogels, which result from the dynamic covalent reaction between a phenylboronic acid (PBA) derivative and a diol, are based on stable precursors, and can therefore address these limitations. Yet, boronate ester formation hardly occurs at physiological pH. To produce dynamic covalent hydrogels at physiological pH, we performed a molecular screening of PBA derivatives in association with a variety of diols, using hyaluronic acid as a polymer of interest. The combination of Wulff-type PBA (wPBA) and glucamine stood out as a unique couple to obtain the desired hydrogels. We showed that optimized wPBA/glucamine hydrogels are minimally- to non-swelling, stable long term (over months), tunable in terms of mechanical properties, and cytocompatible. We further characterized their viscoelastic and self-healing properties, highlighting their potential for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Lagneau
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | - L Terriac
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | - P Tournier
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | - J-J Helesbeux
- Substances d'Origine Naturelle et Analogues Structuraux, SFR4207 QUASAV, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - G Viault
- Substances d'Origine Naturelle et Analogues Structuraux, SFR4207 QUASAV, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - D Séraphin
- Substances d'Origine Naturelle et Analogues Structuraux, SFR4207 QUASAV, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - B Halgand
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | - F Loll
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | - C Garnier
- INRAE, UR1268 Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, F-44300 Nantes, France
| | - C Jonchère
- INRAE, UR1268 Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, F-44300 Nantes, France
| | - M Rivière
- Nantes Université, CNRS, CEISAM, UMR 6230, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - A Tessier
- Nantes Université, CNRS, CEISAM, UMR 6230, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - J Lebreton
- Nantes Université, CNRS, CEISAM, UMR 6230, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Y Maugars
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | - J Guicheux
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | - C Le Visage
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | - V Delplace
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000 Nantes, France.
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18
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Lagneau N, Tournier P, Nativel F, Maugars Y, Guicheux J, Le Visage C, Delplace V. Harnessing cell-material interactions to control stem cell secretion for osteoarthritis treatment. Biomaterials 2023; 296:122091. [PMID: 36947892 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common debilitating joint disease, yet there is no curative treatment for OA to date. Delivering mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as therapeutic cells to mitigate the inflammatory symptoms associated with OA is attracting increasing attention. In principle, MSCs could respond to the pro-inflammatory microenvironment of an OA joint by the secretion of anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, immunomodulatory and pro-regenerative factors, therefore limiting pain, as well as the disease development. However, the microenvironment of MSCs is known to greatly affect their survival and bioactivity, and using tailored biomaterial scaffolds could be key to the success of intra-articular MSC-based therapies. The aim of this review is to identify and discuss essential characteristics of biomaterial scaffolds to best promote MSC secretory functions in the context of OA. First, a brief introduction to the OA physiopathology is provided, followed by an overview of the MSC secretory functions, as well as the current limitations of MSC-based therapy. Then, we review the current knowledge on the effects of cell-material interactions on MSC secretion. These considerations allow us to define rational guidelines for next-generation biomaterial design to improve the MSC-based therapy of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Lagneau
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000, France
| | - Pierre Tournier
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000, France
| | - Fabien Nativel
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000, France; Nantes Université, UFR Sciences Biologiques et Pharmaceutiques, Nantes, F-44035, France
| | - Yves Maugars
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000, France
| | - Jérôme Guicheux
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000, France.
| | - Catherine Le Visage
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000, France
| | - Vianney Delplace
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000, France
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19
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Treacy NJ, Clerkin S, Davis JL, Kennedy C, Miller AF, Saiani A, Wychowaniec JK, Brougham DF, Crean J. Growth and differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived kidney organoids using fully synthetic peptide hydrogels. Bioact Mater 2023; 21:142-156. [PMID: 36093324 PMCID: PMC9420433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived kidney organoids have prospective applications ranging from basic disease modelling to personalised medicine. However, there remains a necessity to refine the biophysical and biochemical parameters that govern kidney organoid formation. Differentiation within fully-controllable and physiologically relevant 3D growth environments will be critical to improving organoid reproducibility and maturation. Here, we matured hiPSC-derived kidney organoids within fully synthetic self-assembling peptide hydrogels (SAPHs) of variable stiffness (storage modulus, G'). The resulting organoids contained complex structures comparable to those differentiated within the animal-derived matrix, Matrigel. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was then used to compare organoids matured within SAPHs to those grown within Matrigel or at the air-liquid interface. A total of 13,179 cells were analysed, revealing 14 distinct clusters. Organoid compositional analysis revealed a larger proportion of nephron cell types within Transwell-derived organoids, while SAPH-derived organoids were enriched for stromal-associated cell populations. Notably, differentiation within a higher G' SAPH generated podocytes with more mature gene expression profiles. Additionally, maturation within a 3D microenvironment significantly reduced the derivation of off-target cell types, which are a known limitation of current kidney organoid protocols. This work demonstrates the utility of synthetic peptide-based hydrogels with a defined stiffness, as a minimally complex microenvironment for the selected differentiation of kidney organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niall J Treacy
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, University College Dublin (UCD) Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research and Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Shane Clerkin
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, University College Dublin (UCD) Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research and Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Jessica L Davis
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, University College Dublin (UCD) Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research and Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Ciarán Kennedy
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, University College Dublin (UCD) Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research and Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Aline F Miller
- Department of Materials & Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - Alberto Saiani
- Department of Materials & Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - Jacek K Wychowaniec
- UCD School of Chemistry, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Dermot F Brougham
- UCD School of Chemistry, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - John Crean
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, University College Dublin (UCD) Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research and Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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20
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Pizzolitto C, Scognamiglio F, Sacco P, Lipari S, Romano M, Donati I, Marsich E. Immediate stress dissipation in dual cross-link hydrogels controls osteogenic commitment of mesenchymal stem cells. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 302:120369. [PMID: 36604049 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.120369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In vitro studies of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiation have been predominantly performed with non-physiologically elastic materials. Here we report the effect of different viscoplastic ECM mimics on the osteogenic engagement of MSCs in 2D. We have developed soft hydrogels, composed of a lactose-modified chitosan, using a combination of permanent and temporary cross-links. The presence of temporary cross-links has a minor effect on the shear modulus of the hydrogels, but causes an immediate relaxation (dissipation) of the applied stress. This material property leads to early osteogenic commitment of MSCs, as evidenced by gene expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), type 1 collagen (COL1A1), osteocalcin (OCN), alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity (ALP) and calcium deposit formation. In contrast, cells cultured on purely elastic hydrogels with only permanent cross-link begin to differentiate only after a longer period of time, indicating a dissipation-mediated mechano-sensing in the osteogenic commitment of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pizzolitto
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell'Ospitale 1, I-34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Scognamiglio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell'Ospitale 1, I-34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Pasquale Sacco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell'Ospitale 1, I-34129 Trieste, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, I-34127 Trieste, Italy; AREA Science Park, loc. Padriciano 99, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Sara Lipari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Romano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Ivan Donati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marsich
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell'Ospitale 1, I-34129 Trieste, Italy
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21
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Mechanical stretching of 3D hydrogels for neural stem cell differentiation. Biodes Manuf 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42242-022-00209-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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22
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Cunha AF, Matias AF, Dias C, Oliveira MB, Araújo NAM, Mano JF. Cell Response in Free-Packed Granular Systems. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:40469-40480. [PMID: 36044384 PMCID: PMC9773234 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c24095] [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] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The study of the interactions of living adherent cells with mechanically stable (visco)elastic materials enables understanding and exploitation of physiological phenomena mediated by cell-extracellular communication. Insights into the interaction of cells and surrounding objects with different stability patterns upon cell contact might unveil biological responses to engineer innovative applications. Here, we hypothesize that the efficiency of cell attachment, spreading, and movement across a free-packed granular bed of microparticles depends on the microparticle diameter, raising the possibility of a necessary minimum traction force for the reinforcement of cell-particle bonds and long-term cell adhesion. The results suggest that microparticles with diameters of 14-20 μm are prone to cell-mediated mobility, holding the potential of inducing early cell detachment, while objects with diameters from 38 to 85 μm enable long-lasting cell adhesion and proliferation. An in silico hybrid particle-based model that addresses the time-dependent biological mechanisms of cell adhesion is proposed, providing inspiration for engineering platforms to address healthcare-related challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F. Cunha
- Department
of Chemistry, CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - André F.
V. Matias
- Centro
de Física Teórica e Computacional, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento
de Física, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristóvão
S. Dias
- Centro
de Física Teórica e Computacional, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento
de Física, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mariana B. Oliveira
- Department
of Chemistry, CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Nuno A. M. Araújo
- Centro
de Física Teórica e Computacional, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento
de Física, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João F. Mano
- Department
of Chemistry, CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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23
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Emig R, Hoess P, Cai H, Kohl P, Peyronnet R, Weber W, Hörner M. Benchmarking of Cph1 Mutants and DrBphP for Light-Responsive Phytochrome-Based Hydrogels with Reversibly Adjustable Mechanical Properties. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2000337. [PMID: 35481696 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In the rapidly expanding field of molecular optogenetics, the performance of the engineered systems relies on the switching properties of the underlying genetically encoded photoreceptors. In this study, the bacterial phytochromes Cph1 and DrBphP are engineered, recombinantly produced in Escherichia coli, and characterized regarding their switching properties in order to synthesize biohybrid hydrogels with increased light-responsive stiffness modulations. The R472A mutant of the cyanobacterial phytochrome 1 (Cph1) is identified to confer the phytochrome-based hydrogels with an increased dynamic range for the storage modulus but a different light-response for the loss modulus compared to the original Cph1-based hydrogel. Stiffness measurements of human atrial fibroblasts grown on these hydrogels suggest that differences in the loss modulus at comparable changes in the storage modulus affect cell stiffness and thus underline the importance of matrix viscoelasticity on cellular mechanotransduction. The hydrogels presented here are of interest for analyzing how mammalian cells respond to dynamic viscoelastic cues. Moreover, the Cph1-R472A mutant, as well as the benchmarking of the other phytochrome variants, are expected to foster the development and performance of future optogenetic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Emig
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.,CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Hoess
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hanyang Cai
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.,CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rémi Peyronnet
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Hörner
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
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24
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Tuning the viscoelastic response of hydrogel scaffolds with covalent and dynamic bonds. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 130:105179. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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25
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Dupont S, Wickström SA. Mechanical regulation of chromatin and transcription. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:624-643. [DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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26
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Chang AC, Uto K, Abdellatef SA, Nakanishi J. Precise Tuning and Characterization of Viscoelastic Interfaces for the Study of Early Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Behaviors. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:5307-5314. [PMID: 35143208 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c03048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that cellular functions are regulated by the viscoelastic nature of surrounding matrices. This study aimed to investigate the impact of interfacial viscoelasticity on adhesion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) behaviors of epithelial cells. The interfacial viscoelasticity was manipulated using spin-coated thin films composed of copolymers of ε-caprolactone and d,l-lactide photo-cross-linked with benzophenone, whose mechanical properties were characterized using atomic force microscopy and a rheometer. The critical range for the morphological transition of epithelial Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was of the order of 102 ms relaxation time, which was 1-2 orders of magnitude smaller than the relaxation times reported (10-102 s). An analysis of strain rate-dependent viscoelastic properties revealed that the difference was caused by the different strain rate/frequency used for the mechanical characterization of the interface and bulk. Furthermore, decoupling of the interfacial viscous and elastic terms demonstrated that E/N-cadherin expression levels were regulated differently by interfacial relaxation and elasticity. These results confirm the significance of precise manipulation and characterization of interfacial viscoelasticity in mechanobiology studies on EMT progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Chinghsuan Chang
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
- Center for Measurement Standards, Industrial Technology Research Institute, No. 321, Sec. 2, Kuangfu Road, Hsinchu 30011, Taiwan
| | - Koichiro Uto
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
| | - Shimaa A Abdellatef
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
| | - Jun Nakanishi
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan
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27
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Yadav P, Gond S, Shekher A, Gupta SC, Singh UP, Singh VP. A multifunctional basic pH indicator probe for distinguishable detection of Co 2+, Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ with its utility in mitotracking and monitoring cytoplasmic viscosity in apoptotic cells. Dalton Trans 2022; 51:6927-6935. [PMID: 35445683 DOI: 10.1039/d2dt00286h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metal ions such as Co2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ have extensive applications in biological and industrial realms, but the toxicity caused by these ions poses a serious threat to mankind. However, there is no report in the literature on the development of a chemosensor for distinguishable detection of these toxic ions. Addressing this challenge, a multifunctional probe as a basic pH indicator with both colorimetric and fluorescence turn-on responses has been reported. The probe selectively discriminates Co2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions with brown, dark yellow and greenish yellow colors, respectively, in DMF : water (9 : 1 v/v, HEPES 10 mM). Additionally, a fluorescence turn-on response specific to Zn2+ has also been observed. The sensing mechanism has been explored using UV-Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy and 1H NMR titration and confirmed with computational results. The inhibition of CN isomerization and excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) along with chelation enhanced fluorescence emission (CHEF) result in fluorescence enhancement with Zn2+. Job's plot and HRMS spectra confirm a 1 : 1 (L : M) stoichiometry between the probe and metal ions. The probe is able to exhibit excellent viscochromism in DMF : glycerol medium. Live cell imaging on SiHa cells has been successfully performed for intra-cellular detection of Zn2+ at basic pH. Furthermore, the probe displays its utility in mitotracking and monitoring cytoplasmic viscosity changes in SiHa cells. It is efficiently used to recognize the apoptosis process by displaying an enhancement in fluorescence intensity from cancerous SiHa cells to apoptotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranjalee Yadav
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
| | - Sarita Gond
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
| | - Anusmita Shekher
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Subash Chandra Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.,Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Udai P Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India
| | - Vinod P Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
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28
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Kong D, Peng L, Bosch-Fortea M, Chrysanthou A, Alexis CVM, Matellan C, Zarbakhsh A, Mastroianni G, del Rio Hernandez A, Gautrot JE. Impact of the multiscale viscoelasticity of quasi-2D self-assembled protein networks on stem cell expansion at liquid interfaces. Biomaterials 2022; 284:121494. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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29
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Current insights into the bone marrow niche: From biology in vivo to bioengineering ex vivo. Biomaterials 2022; 286:121568. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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30
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Palmquist KH, Tiemann SF, Ezzeddine FL, Yang S, Pfeifer CR, Erzberger A, Rodrigues AR, Shyer AE. Reciprocal cell-ECM dynamics generate supracellular fluidity underlying spontaneous follicle patterning. Cell 2022; 185:1960-1973.e11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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31
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Carvalho EM, Kumar S. Lose the stress: Viscoelastic materials for cell engineering. Acta Biomater 2022; 163:146-157. [PMID: 35405329 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Biomaterials are widely used to study and control a variety of cell behaviors, including stem cell differentiation, organogenesis, and tumor invasion. While considerable attention has historically been paid to biomaterial elastic (storage) properties, it has recently become clear that viscous (loss) properties can also powerfully influence cell behavior. Here we review advances in viscoelastic materials for cell engineering. We begin by discussing collagen, an abundant naturally occurring biomaterial that derives its viscoelastic properties from its fibrillar architecture, which enables dissipation of applied stresses. We then turn to two other naturally occurring biomaterials that are more frequently modified for engineering applications, alginate and hyaluronic acid, whose viscoelastic properties may be tuned by modulating network composition and crosslinking. We also discuss the potential of exploiting engineered fibrous materials, particularly electrospun fiber-based materials, to control viscoelastic properties. Finally, we review mechanisms through which cells process viscous and viscoelastic cues as they move along and within these materials. The ability of viscoelastic materials to relax cell-imposed stresses can dramatically alter migration on two-dimensional surfaces and confinement-imposed barriers to engraftment and infiltration in three-dimensional scaffolds. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Most tissues and many biomaterials exhibit some viscous character, a property that is increasingly understood to influence cell behavior in profound ways. This review discusses the origin and significance of viscoelastic properties of common biomaterials, as well as how these cues are processed by cells to influence migration. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of viscoelastic behavior in biomaterials and how cells interpret these inputs should aid the design and selection of biomaterials for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Carvalho
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; San Francisco Graduate, Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley-University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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32
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Mechanosignalling in cartilage: an emerging target for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 18:67-84. [PMID: 34934171 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00724-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical stimuli have fundamental roles in articular cartilage during health and disease. Chondrocytes respond to the physical properties of the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) and the mechanical forces exerted on them during joint loading. In osteoarthritis (OA), catabolic processes degrade the functional ECM and the composition and viscoelastic properties of the ECM produced by chondrocytes are altered. The abnormal loading environment created by these alterations propagates cell dysfunction and inflammation. Chondrocytes sense their physical environment via an array of mechanosensitive receptors and channels that activate a complex network of downstream signalling pathways to regulate several cell processes central to OA pathology. Advances in understanding the complex roles of specific mechanosignalling mechanisms in healthy and OA cartilage have highlighted molecular processes that can be therapeutically targeted to interrupt pathological feedback loops. The potential for combining these mechanosignalling targets with the rapidly expanding field of smart mechanoresponsive biomaterials and delivery systems is an emerging paradigm in OA treatment. The continued advances in this field have the potential to enable restoration of healthy mechanical microenvironments and signalling through the development of precision therapeutics, mechanoregulated biomaterials and drug systems in the near future.
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33
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Yang B, Lledos M, Akhtar R, Ciccone G, Jiang L, Russo E, Rajput S, Jin C, Angelereou MGF, Arnold T, Rawle J, Vassalli M, Marlow M, Adams DJ, Zelzer M. Surface-controlled spatially heterogeneous physical properties of a supramolecular gel with homogeneous chemical composition. Chem Sci 2021; 12:14260-14269. [PMID: 34760212 PMCID: PMC8565383 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc04671c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Controlling supramolecular self-assembly across multiple length scales to prepare gels with localised properties is challenging. Most strategies concentrate on fabricating gels with heterogeneous components, where localised properties are generated by the stimuli-responsive component. Here, as an alternative approach, we use a spiropyran-modified surface that can be patterned with light. We show that light-induced differences in surface chemistry can direct the bulk assembly of a low molecular weight gelator, 2-NapAV, meaning that mechanical gel properties can be controlled by the surface on which the gel is grown. Using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering, we demonstrate that the origin of the different gel properties relates to differences in the architectures of the gels. This provides a new method to prepare a single domain (i.e., chemically homogeneous) hydrogel with locally controlled (i.e., mechanically heterogeneous) properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG2 7RD UK
| | - Marina Lledos
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG2 7RD UK
| | - Riaz Akhtar
- Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 3GH UK
| | - Giuseppe Ciccone
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8LT UK
| | - Long Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG2 7RD UK
| | - Emanuele Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG2 7RD UK
| | - Sunil Rajput
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG2 7RD UK
| | - Chunyu Jin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB3 0AS UK
| | | | - Thomas Arnold
- Diamond Light Source Ltd Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 0DE UK
- European Spallation Source ERIC P. O. Box 176 SE-221 00 Lund Sweden
- STFC, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Chilton Didcot OX11 0QX UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath Claverton Down Bath BA2 7AY UK
| | - Jonathan Rawle
- Diamond Light Source Ltd Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 0DE UK
| | - Massimo Vassalli
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8LT UK
| | - Maria Marlow
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG2 7RD UK
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Mischa Zelzer
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG2 7RD UK
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34
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Cacopardo L, Guazzelli N, Ahluwalia A. Characterising and engineering biomimetic materials for viscoelastic mechanotransduction studies. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2021; 28:912-925. [PMID: 34555953 PMCID: PMC9419958 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical behavior of soft tissue extracellular matrix is time dependent. Moreover, it evolves over time due to physiological processes as well as aging and disease. Measuring and quantifying the time-dependent mechanical behavior of soft tissues and materials pose a challenge, not only because of their labile and hydrated nature but also because of the lack of a common definition of terms and understanding of models for characterizing viscoelasticity. Here, we review the most important measurement techniques and models used to determine the viscoelastic properties of soft hydrated materials—or hydrogels—underlining the difference between viscoelastic behavior and the properties and descriptors used to quantify viscoelasticity. We then discuss the principal factors, which determine tissue viscoelasticity in vivo and summarize what we currently know about cell response to time-dependent materials, outlining fundamental factors that have to be considered when interpreting results. Particular attention is given to the relationship between the different time scales involved (mechanical, cellular and observation time scales), as well as scaling principles, all of which must be considered when designing viscoelastic materials and performing experiments for biomechanics or mechanobiology applications. From this overview, key considerations and directions for furthering insights and applications in the emergent field of cell viscoelastic mechanotransduction are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole Guazzelli
- University of Pisa, 9310, Research Center 'E.Piaggio', Pisa, Italy.,University of Pisa, 9310, Information Engineering Department, Pisa, Italy;
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- University of Pisa, 9310, Pisa, Italy.,University of Pisa, 9310, Information Engineering Department, Pisa, Toscana, Italy.,Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), Pisa, Italy;
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35
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Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells Alter the Mechanical Stability and Viscoelastic Properties of Gelatine Methacryloyl Hydrogels. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810153. [PMID: 34576318 PMCID: PMC8468163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix provides mechanical cues to cells within it, not just in terms of stiffness (elasticity) but also time-dependent responses to deformation (viscoelasticity). In this work, we determined the viscoelastic transformation of gelatine methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels caused by adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASCs) through mathematical modelling. GelMA-ASCs combination is of interest to model stem cell-driven repair and to understand cell-biomaterial interactions in 3D environments. Immortalised human ASCs were embedded in 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/v) GelMA hydrogels and evaluated for 14 d. GelMA had a concentration-dependent increase in stiffness, but cells decreased this stiffness over time, across concentrations. Viscoelastic changes in terms of stress relaxation increased progressively in 5% GelMA, while mathematical Maxwell analysis showed that the relative importance (Ri) of the fastest Maxwell elements increased proportionally. The 10% GelMA only showed differences at 7 d. In contrast, ASCs in 15% GelMA caused slower stress relaxation, increasing the Ri of the slowest Maxwell element. We conclude that GelMA concentration influenced the stiffness and number of Maxwell elements. ASCs changed the percentage stress relaxation and Ri of Maxwell elements transforming hydrogel viscoelasticity into a more fluid environment over time. Overall, 5% GelMA induced the most favourable ASC response.
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36
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Martinez-Garcia FD, de Hilster RHJ, Sharma PK, Borghuis T, Hylkema MN, Burgess JK, Harmsen MC. Architecture and Composition Dictate Viscoelastic Properties of Organ-Derived Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13183113. [PMID: 34578013 PMCID: PMC8470996 DOI: 10.3390/polym13183113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The proteins and polysaccharides of the extracellular matrix (ECM) provide architectural support as well as biochemical and biophysical instruction to cells. Decellularized, ECM hydrogels replicate in vivo functions. The ECM’s elasticity and water retention renders it viscoelastic. In this study, we compared the viscoelastic properties of ECM hydrogels derived from the skin, lung and (cardiac) left ventricle and mathematically modelled these data with a generalized Maxwell model. ECM hydrogels from the skin, lung and cardiac left ventricle (LV) were subjected to a stress relaxation test under uniaxial low-load compression at a 20%/s strain rate and the viscoelasticity determined. Stress relaxation data were modelled according to Maxwell. Physical data were compared with protein and sulfated GAGs composition and ultrastructure SEM. We show that the skin-ECM relaxed faster and had a lower elastic modulus than the lung-ECM and the LV-ECM. The skin-ECM had two Maxwell elements, the lung-ECM and the LV-ECM had three. The skin-ECM had a higher number of sulfated GAGs, and a highly porous surface, while both the LV-ECM and the lung-ECM had homogenous surfaces with localized porous regions. Our results show that the elasticity of ECM hydrogels, but also their viscoelastic relaxation and gelling behavior, was organ dependent. Part of these physical features correlated with their biochemical composition and ultrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Drusso Martinez-Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.D.M.-G.); (R.H.J.d.H.); (T.B.); (M.N.H.); (J.K.B.)
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Roderick Harold Jan de Hilster
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.D.M.-G.); (R.H.J.d.H.); (T.B.); (M.N.H.); (J.K.B.)
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Prashant Kumar Sharma
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Theo Borghuis
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.D.M.-G.); (R.H.J.d.H.); (T.B.); (M.N.H.); (J.K.B.)
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Machteld Nelly Hylkema
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.D.M.-G.); (R.H.J.d.H.); (T.B.); (M.N.H.); (J.K.B.)
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janette Kay Burgess
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.D.M.-G.); (R.H.J.d.H.); (T.B.); (M.N.H.); (J.K.B.)
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Conrad Harmsen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.D.M.-G.); (R.H.J.d.H.); (T.B.); (M.N.H.); (J.K.B.)
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
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Fibrin polymer on the surface of biomaterial implants drives the foreign body reaction. Biomaterials 2021; 277:121087. [PMID: 34478933 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Implantation of biomaterials and medical devices in the body triggers the foreign body reaction (FBR) which is characterized by macrophage fusion at the implant surface leading to the formation of foreign body giant cells and the development of the fibrous capsule enveloping the implant. While adhesion of macrophages to the surface is an essential step in macrophage fusion and implanted biomaterials are known to rapidly acquire a layer of host proteins, a biological substrate that is responsible for this process in vivo is unknown. Here we show that mice with genetically imposed fibrinogen deficiency display a dramatic reduction of macrophage fusion on biomaterials implanted intraperitoneally and subcutaneously and are protected from the formation of the fibrin-containing fibrous capsule. Furthermore, macrophage fusion on biomaterials implanted in FibAEK mice that express a mutated form of fibrinogen incapable of thrombin-mediated polymerization was strongly reduced. Despite the lack of fibrin, the capsule was formed in FibAEK mice, although it had a different composition and distinct mechanical properties than that in wild-type mice. Specifically, while mononuclear α-SMA-expressing macrophages embedded in the capsule of both strains of mice secreted collagen, the amount of collagen and its density in the tissue of FibAEK mice was reduced. These data identify fibrin polymer as a key biological substrate driving the development of the FBR.
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Non-contact elastography methods in mechanobiology: a point of view. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2021; 51:99-104. [PMID: 34463775 PMCID: PMC8964566 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-021-01567-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, mechanobiology has emerged as a novel perspective in the context of basic biomedical research. It is now widely recognized that living cells respond not only to chemical stimuli (for example drugs), but they are also able to decipher mechanical cues, such as the rigidity of the underlying matrix or the presence of shear forces. Probing the viscoelastic properties of cells and their local microenvironment with sub-micrometer resolution is required to study this complex interplay and dig deeper into the mechanobiology of single cells. Current approaches to measure mechanical properties of adherent cells mainly rely on the exploitation of miniaturized indenters, to poke single cells while measuring the corresponding deformation. This method provides a neat implementation of the everyday approach to measure mechanical properties of a material, but it typically results in a very low throughput and invasive experimental protocol, poorly translatable towards three-dimensional living tissues and biological constructs. To overcome the main limitations of nanoindentation experiments, a radical paradigm change is foreseen, adopting next generation contact-less methods to measure mechanical properties of biological samples with sub-cell resolution. Here we briefly introduce the field of single cell mechanical characterization, and we concentrate on a promising high resolution optical elastography technique, Brillouin spectroscopy. This non-contact technique is rapidly emerging as a potential breakthrough innovation in biomechanics, but the application to single cells is still in its infancy.
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Kim MH, Nguyen H, Chang CY, Lin CC. Dual Functionalization of Gelatin for Orthogonal and Dynamic Hydrogel Cross-Linking. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:4196-4208. [PMID: 34370445 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00709] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gelatin-based hydrogels are widely used in biomedical fields because of their abundance of bioactive motifs that support cell adhesion and matrix remodeling. Although inherently bioactive, unmodified gelatin exhibits temperature-dependent rheology and solubilizes at body temperature, making it unstable for three-dimensional (3D) cell culture. Therefore, the addition of chemically reactive motifs is required to render gelatin-based hydrogels with highly controllable cross-linking kinetics and tunable mechanical properties that are critical for 3D cell culture. This article provides a series of methods toward establishing orthogonally cross-linked gelatin-based hydrogels for dynamic 3D cell culture. In particular, we prepared dually functionalized gelatin macromers amenable for sequential, orthogonal covalent cross-linking. Central to this material platform is the synthesis of norbornene-functionalized gelatin (GelNB), which forms covalently cross-linked hydrogels via orthogonal thiol-norbornene click cross-linking. Using GelNB as the starting material, we further detail the methods for synthesizing gelatin macromers susceptible to hydroxyphenylacetic acid (HPA) dimerization (i.e., GelNB-HPA) and hydrazone bonding (i.e., GelNB-CH) for on-demand matrix stiffening. Finally, we outline the protocol for synthesizing a gelatin macromer capable of adjusting hydrogel stress relaxation via boronate ester bonding (i.e., GelNB-BA). The combination of these orthogonal chemistries affords a wide range of gelatin-based hydrogels as biomimetic matrices in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hee Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - Han Nguyen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Chun-Yi Chang
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States.,Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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Narasimhan BN, Horrocks MS, Malmström J. Hydrogels with Tunable Physical Cues and Their Emerging Roles in Studies of Cellular Mechanotransduction. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Badri Narayanan Narasimhan
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington 6140 New Zealand
| | - Matthew S. Horrocks
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington 6140 New Zealand
| | - Jenny Malmström
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington 6140 New Zealand
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41
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Narasimhan BN, Deijs GS, Manuguri S, Ting MSH, Williams MAK, Malmström J. A comparative study of tough hydrogen bonding dissipating hydrogels made with different network structures. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 3:2934-2947. [PMID: 36134190 PMCID: PMC9419215 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00103e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels are excellent soft materials to interface with biological systems. Precise control and tunability of dissipative properties of gels are particularly interesting in tissue engineering applications. In this work, we produced hydrogels with tunable dissipative properties by photopolymerizing a second polymer within a preformed cross-linked hydrogel network of poly(acrylamide). We explored second networks made with different structures and capacity to hydrogen bond with the first network, namely linear poly(acrylic acid) and branched poly(tannic acid). Gels incorporating a second network made with poly(tannic acid) exhibited excellent stiffness (0.35 ± 0.035 MPa) and toughness (1.64 ± 0.26 MJ m-3) compared to the poly(acrylic acid) counterparts. We also demonstrate a strategy to fabricate hydrogels where the dissipation (loss modulus) can be tuned independently from the elasticity (storage modulus) suitable for cell culture applications. We anticipate that this modular design approach for producing hydrogels will have applications in tailored substrates for cell culture studies and in load bearing tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badri Narayanan Narasimhan
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology 6140 Wellington New Zealand
| | - Gerrit Sjoerd Deijs
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology 6140 Wellington New Zealand
| | - Sesha Manuguri
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology 6140 Wellington New Zealand
| | - Matthew Sheng Hao Ting
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology 6140 Wellington New Zealand
| | - M A K Williams
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology 6140 Wellington New Zealand
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University PN461, Private Bag 11222 Palmerston North 4442 New Zealand
| | - Jenny Malmström
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology 6140 Wellington New Zealand
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42
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Dey K, Roca E, Ramorino G, Sartore L. Progress in the mechanical modulation of cell functions in tissue engineering. Biomater Sci 2021; 8:7033-7081. [PMID: 33150878 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01255f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, mechanics at multiple stages-nucleus to cell to ECM-underlie multiple physiological and pathological functions from its development to reproduction to death. Under this inspiration, substantial research has established the role of multiple aspects of mechanics in regulating fundamental cellular processes, including spreading, migration, growth, proliferation, and differentiation. However, our understanding of how these mechanical mechanisms are orchestrated or tuned at different stages to maintain or restore the healthy environment at the tissue or organ level remains largely a mystery. Over the past few decades, research in the mechanical manipulation of the surrounding environment-known as substrate or matrix or scaffold on which, or within which, cells are seeded-has been exceptionally enriched in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. To do so, traditional tissue engineering aims at recapitulating key mechanical milestones of native ECM into a substrate for guiding the cell fate and functions towards specific tissue regeneration. Despite tremendous progress, a big puzzle that remains is how the cells compute a host of mechanical cues, such as stiffness (elasticity), viscoelasticity, plasticity, non-linear elasticity, anisotropy, mechanical forces, and mechanical memory, into many biological functions in a cooperative, controlled, and safe manner. High throughput understanding of key cellular decisions as well as associated mechanosensitive downstream signaling pathway(s) for executing these decisions in response to mechanical cues, solo or combined, is essential to address this issue. While many reports have been made towards the progress and understanding of mechanical cues-particularly, substrate bulk stiffness and viscoelasticity-in regulating the cellular responses, a complete picture of mechanical cues is lacking. This review highlights a comprehensive view on the mechanical cues that are linked to modulate many cellular functions and consequent tissue functionality. For a very basic understanding, a brief discussion of the key mechanical players of ECM and the principle of mechanotransduction process is outlined. In addition, this review gathers together the most important data on the stiffness of various cells and ECM components as well as various tissues/organs and proposes an associated link from the mechanical perspective that is not yet reported. Finally, beyond addressing the challenges involved in tuning the interplaying mechanical cues in an independent manner, emerging advances in designing biomaterials for tissue engineering are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamol Dey
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh
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Chang AC, Uto K, Homma K, Nakanishi J. Viscoelastically tunable substrates elucidate the interface-relaxation-dependent adhesion and assembly behaviors of epithelial cells. Biomaterials 2021; 274:120861. [PMID: 33991949 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress in mechanobiology sheds light on the regulation of cellular phenotypes by dissipative property of matrices, i.e., viscosity, fluidity, and stress relaxation, in addition to extensively studied elasticity. However, most researches have focused on bulk mechanics, despite cells in 2D culture can only interact with matrix interface directly. Here, we studied the impact of interfacial viscosity as well as elasticity of substrates on the early stage of adhesion behaviors of epithelial cells through new material design and mechanical characterization. The materials are copolymers of ε-caprolactone and d,l-lactide photocrosslinked by benzophenone. The substrate viscoelasticity changes depending on the polymer molecular weight and irradiation time. The interfacial elasticity and relaxation were determined by atomic force microscopy with modes of nanoindentation and tip-dwelling, respectively. MDCK cells changed morphologically, ranging from loose beaded assembly to more compact spheroids and eventual spread monolayer clusters, in response to the interfacial viscoelasticity change. Such morphological changes were mainly determined by substrate interfacial relaxation, rather than interfacial elasticity. Single-cell tracking identified biphasic motility with the minimum speed at intermediate relaxation time (~350 ms), where cells showed transitional morphologies between epithelial and mesenchymal traits. In that relaxation level, partially deformed cells moved around to coalesce with surrounding cells, eventually assembling into compact cellular aggregates. These results highlight, unlike the conventional hanging-drop technique, an appropriate level of interfacial relaxation is critical for efficient cell aggregate maturation on adhesive viscoelastic matrices. This work not only elucidates that the interfacial relaxation as the essential mechanical parameter for epithelial cell adhesion and migration, but also gives useful tips for creating physiologically relevant drug screening platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Chinghsuan Chang
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan; Center for Measurement Standards, Industrial Technology Research Institute, No. 321, Sec. 2, Kuangfu Rd., Hsinchu 30011, Taiwan
| | - Koichro Uto
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
| | - Kenta Homma
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
| | - Jun Nakanishi
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan; Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan; Graduate School of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan.
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44
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Kumar R, Gulia K. The convergence of nanotechnology‐stem cell, nanotopography‐mechanobiology, and biotic‐abiotic interfaces: Nanoscale tools for tackling the top killer, arteriosclerosis, strokes, and heart attacks. NANO SELECT 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/nano.202000192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Kumar
- NIET National Institute of Medical Science Rajasthan India
| | - Kiran Gulia
- Materials and Manufacturing School of Engineering University of Wolverhampton Wolverhampton England, UK
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45
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Realizing tissue integration with supramolecular hydrogels. Acta Biomater 2021; 124:1-14. [PMID: 33508507 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Biomaterial matrices must permit tissue growth and maturation for the success of tissue regeneration strategies. Naturally, this accommodation is achieved via the dynamic remodeling of a cell's extracellular matrix (ECM). Synthetically, hydrolytic or enzymatic degradation are often engineered into materials for this purpose. More recently, supramolecular interactions have been used to provide a biomimetic and tunable mechanism to facilitate tissue formation via their dynamic and reversible non-covalent interactions. By engineering the mechanical and bioactive properties of a material, supramolecular chemists are able to design permissivity into the construct and facilitate tissue integration in-vivo. Furthermore, via the reversibility of non-covalent interactions, injectability and responsiveness can be designed for enhanced delivery and spatio-temporal control. In this review, we delineate the basic considerations needed when designing permissive supramolecular hydrogels for tissue engineering with an eye toward tissue growth and integration. We highlight three archetypal hydrogel systems that have shown well-documented tissue integration in vivo, and provide avenues to assess tissue in-growth. Careful design and assessment of the biomedical potential of a supramolecular hydrogels can inspire the creation of robust and dynamic implants for new tissue engineering applications.
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46
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Walker M, Luo J, Pringle EW, Cantini M. ChondroGELesis: Hydrogels to harness the chondrogenic potential of stem cells. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 121:111822. [PMID: 33579465 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is a highly complex microenvironment, whose various components converge to regulate cell fate. Hydrogels, as water-swollen polymer networks composed by synthetic or natural materials, are ideal candidates to create biologically active substrates that mimic these matrices and target cell behaviour for a desired tissue engineering application. Indeed, the ability to tune their mechanical, structural, and biochemical properties provides a framework to recapitulate native tissues. This review explores how hydrogels have been engineered to harness the chondrogenic response of stem cells for the repair of damaged cartilage tissue. The signalling processes involved in hydrogel-driven chondrogenesis are also discussed, identifying critical pathways that should be taken into account during hydrogel design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Walker
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Jiajun Luo
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Eonan William Pringle
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Marco Cantini
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, UK.
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47
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Sarker FA, Prior VG, Bax S, O'Neill GM. Forcing a growth factor response - tissue-stiffness modulation of integrin signaling and crosstalk with growth factor receptors. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/23/jcs242461. [PMID: 33310867 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.242461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Research throughout the 90s established that integrin crosstalk with growth factor receptors stimulates robust growth factor signaling. These insights were derived chiefly from comparing adherent versus suspension cell cultures. Considering the new understanding that mechanosensory inputs tune adhesion signaling, it is now timely to revisit this crosstalk in different mechanical environments. Here, we present a brief historical perspective on integrin signaling against the backdrop of the mechanically diverse extracellular microenvironment, then review the evidence supporting the mechanical regulation of integrin crosstalk with growth factor signaling. We discuss early studies revealing distinct signaling consequences for integrin occupancy (binding to matrix) and aggregation (binding to immobile ligand). We consider how the mechanical environments encountered in vivo intersect with this diverse signaling, focusing on receptor endocytosis. We discuss the implications of mechanically tuned integrin signaling for growth factor signaling, using the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as an illustrative example. We discuss how the use of rigid tissue culture plastic for cancer drug screening may select agents that lack efficacy in the soft in vivo tissue environment. Tuning of integrin signaling via external mechanical forces in vivo and subsequent effects on growth factor signaling thus has implications for normal cellular physiology and anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana A Sarker
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead NSW, Westmead 2145, Australia.,Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Victoria G Prior
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead NSW, Westmead 2145, Australia.,Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Samuel Bax
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead NSW, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Geraldine M O'Neill
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead NSW, Westmead 2145, Australia .,Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia.,School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
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48
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Gouveia RM, Connon CJ. Biomechanical Modulation Therapy-A Stem Cell Therapy Without Stem Cells for the Treatment of Severe Ocular Burns. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:5. [PMID: 33240564 PMCID: PMC7671857 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.12.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular injuries caused by chemical and thermal burns are often unmanageable and frequently result in disfigurement, corneal haze/opacification, and vision loss. Currently, a considerable number of surgical and pharmacological approaches are available to treat such injuries at either an acute or a chronic stage. However, these existing interventions are mainly directed at (and limited to) suppressing corneal inflammation and neovascularization while promoting re-epithelialization. Reconstruction of the ocular surface represents a suitable but last-option recourse in cases where epithelial healing is severely impaired, such as due to limbal stem cell deficiency. In this concise review, we discuss how biomechanical modulation therapy (BMT) may represent a more effective approach to promoting the regeneration of ocular tissues affected by burn injuries via restoration of the limbal stem cell niche. Specifically, the scientific basis supporting this new therapeutic modality is described, along with our growing understanding of the role that tissue biomechanics plays in stem cell fate and function. The potential impact of BMT as a future treatment option for the management of injuries affecting tissue compliance is also further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo M Gouveia
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Che J Connon
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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49
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Zhang W, Huang G, Xu F. Engineering Biomaterials and Approaches for Mechanical Stretching of Cells in Three Dimensions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:589590. [PMID: 33154967 PMCID: PMC7591716 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.589590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical stretch is widely experienced by cells of different tissues in the human body and plays critical roles in regulating their behaviors. Numerous studies have been devoted to investigating the responses of cells to mechanical stretch, providing us with fruitful findings. However, these findings have been mostly observed from two-dimensional studies and increasing evidence suggests that cells in three dimensions may behave more closely to their in vivo behaviors. While significant efforts and progresses have been made in the engineering of biomaterials and approaches for mechanical stretching of cells in three dimensions, much work remains to be done. Here, we briefly review the state-of-the-art researches in this area, with focus on discussing biomaterial considerations and stretching approaches. We envision that with the development of advanced biomaterials, actuators and microengineering technologies, more versatile and predictive three-dimensional cell stretching models would be available soon for extensive applications in such fields as mechanobiology, tissue engineering, and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zhang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoyou Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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50
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Barrett DW, Okesola BO, Costa E, Thrasivoulou C, Becker DL, Mata A, Deprest JA, David AL, Chowdhury TT. Potential sealing and repair of human FM defects after trauma with peptide amphiphiles and Cx43 antisense. Prenat Diagn 2020; 41:89-99. [PMID: 33045764 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined whether peptide amphiphiles functionalised with adhesive, migratory or regenerative sequences could be combined with amniotic fluid (AF) to form plugs that repair fetal membrane (FM) defects after trauma and co-culture with connexin 43 (Cx43) antisense. METHODS We assessed interactions between peptide amphiphiles and AF and examined the plugs in FM defects after trauma and co-culture with the Cx43antisense. RESULTS Confocal microscopy confirmed directed self-assembly of peptide amphiphiles with AF to form a plug within minutes, with good mechanical properties. SEM of the plug revealed a multi-layered, nanofibrous network that sealed the FM defect after trauma. Co-culture of the FM defect with Cx43 antisense and plug increased collagen levels but reduced GAG. Culture of the FM defect with peptide amphiphiles incorporating regenerative sequences for 5 days, increased F-actin and nuclear cell contraction, migration and polarization of collagen fibers across the FM defect when compared to control specimens with minimal repair. CONCLUSIONS Whilst the nanoarchitecture revealed promising conditions to seal iatrogenic FM defects, the peptide amphiphiles need to be designed to maximize repair mechanisms and promote structural compliance with high mechanical tolerance that maintains tissue remodeling with Cx43 antisense for future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Barrett
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Babatunde O Okesola
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Eleni Costa
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - David L Becker
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alvaro Mata
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,Biodiscovery Institute, School of Pharmacy, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jan A Deprest
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anna L David
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.,NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Tina T Chowdhury
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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