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Mauro F, Natale CF, Panzetta V, Netti PA. Development of an Azobenzene-Based Cell Culture Photoresponsive Platform for In Situ Modulation of Surface Topography in Wet Environments. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:29823-29833. [PMID: 38829198 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Azopolymers are light-responsive materials that hold promise to transform in vitro cell culture systems. Through precise light illumination, they facilitate substrate pattern formation and erasure, allowing for the dynamic control and creation of active interfaces between cells and materials. However, these materials exhibit a tendency to locally detach from the supporting glass in the presence of aqueous solutions, such as cell culture media, due to the formation of blisters, which are liquid-filled cavities generated at the azopolymer film-glass interface. These blisters impede precise structurization of the surface of the azomaterial, limiting their usage for surface photoactivation in the presence of cells. In this study, we present a cost-effective and easily implementable method to improve the azopolymer-glass interface stability through silane functionalization of the glass substrate. This method proved to be efficient in preventing blister formation, thereby enabling the dynamic modulation of the azopolymer surface in situ for live-cell experiments. Furthermore, we proved that the light-illumination conditions used to induce azopolymer surface variations do not induce phototoxic effects. Consequently, this approach facilitates the development of a photoswitchable azopolymer cell culture platform for studying the impact of multiple in situ inscription and erasure cycles on cell functions while maintaining a physiological wet microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mauro
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, IIT@CRIB, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo F Natale
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, IIT@CRIB, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Panzetta
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, IIT@CRIB, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Centro di Ricerca Interdipartimentale sui Biomateriali, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo A Netti
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, IIT@CRIB, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Centro di Ricerca Interdipartimentale sui Biomateriali, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
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Muzzio N, Eduardo Martinez-Cartagena M, Romero G. Soft nano and microstructures for the photomodulation of cellular signaling and behavior. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 190:114554. [PMID: 36181993 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114554] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Photoresponsive soft materials are everywhere in the nature, from human's retina tissues to plants, and have been the inspiration for engineers in the development of modern biomedical materials. Light as an external stimulus is particularly attractive because it is relatively cheap, noninvasive to superficial biological tissues, can be delivered contactless and offers high spatiotemporal control. In the biomedical field, soft materials that respond to long wavelength or that incorporate a photon upconversion mechanism are desired to overcome the limited UV-visible light penetration into biological tissues. Upon light exposure, photosensitive soft materials respond through mechanisms of isomerization, crosslinking or cleavage, hyperthermia, photoreactions, electrical current generation, among others. In this review, we discuss the most recent applications of photosensitive soft materials in the modulation of cellular behavior, for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, in drug delivery and for phototherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Muzzio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
| | | | - Gabriela Romero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
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3
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Nakanishi J, Yamamoto S. Static and photoresponsive dynamic materials to dissect physical regulation of cellular functions. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:6116-6134. [PMID: 36111810 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00789d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress in mechanobiology has highlighted the importance of physical cues, such as mechanics, geometry (size), topography, and porosity, in the determination of cellular activities and fates, in addition to biochemical factors derived from their surroundings. In this review, we will first provide an overview of how such fundamental insights are identified by synchronizing the hierarchical nature of biological systems and static materials with tunable physical cues. Thereafter, we will explain the photoresponsive dynamic biomaterials to dissect the spatiotemporal aspects of the dependence of biological functions on physical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Nakanishi
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, Japan. .,Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Japan.,Graduate School of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Japan
| | - Shota Yamamoto
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, Japan. .,Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Cimmino C, Netti PA, Ventre M. A switchable light-responsive azopolymer conjugating protein micropatterns with topography for mechanobiological studies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:933410. [PMID: 35935479 PMCID: PMC9355574 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.933410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell shape and mechanical properties in vitro can be directed by geometrically defined micropatterned adhesion substrates. However, conventional methods are limited by the fixed micropattern design, which cannot recapitulate the dynamic changes of the natural cell microenvironment. Current methods to fabricate dynamic platforms usually rely on complex chemical strategies or require specialized apparatuses. Also, with these methods, the integration of dynamic signals acting on different length scales is not straightforward, whereas, in some applications, it might be beneficial to act on both a microscale level, that is, cell shape, and a nanoscale level, that is, cell adhesions. Here, we exploited a confocal laser-based technique on a light-responsive azopolymer displaying micropatterns of adhesive islands. The laser light promotes a directed mass migration and the formation of submicrometric topographic relieves. Also, by changing the surface chemistry, the surfacing topography affects cell spreading and shape. This method enabled us to monitor in a non-invasive manner the dynamic changes in focal adhesions, cytoskeleton structures, and nucleus conformation that followed the changes in the adhesive characteristic of the substrate. Focal adhesions reconfigured after the surfacing of the topography, and the actin filaments reoriented to coalign with the newly formed adhesive island. Changes in cell morphology also affected nucleus shape, chromatin conformation, and cell mechanics with different timescales. The reported strategy can be used to investigate mechanotransduction-related events dynamically by controlling cell adhesion at cell shape and focal adhesion levels. The integrated technique enables achieving a submicrometric resolution in a facile and cost-effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cimmino
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo A. Netti
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ventre
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Maurizio Ventre,
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Abdel Aziz I, Maver L, Giannasi C, Niada S, Brini AT, Antognazza MR. Polythiophene-mediated light modulation of membrane potential and calcium signalling in human adipose-derived stem/stromal cells. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY. C 2022; 10:9823-9833. [PMID: 36277082 PMCID: PMC9487879 DOI: 10.1039/d2tc01426b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent progress in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering has been strongly fostered both by the investigation of crucial cues, able to trigger the regeneration of damaged tissues, and by the development of ad hoc functional materials, capable of selectively (re-)activating relevant physiological pathways. In parallel to the successful realization of biochemical cues and the optimization of delivery protocols, the use of biophysical stimuli has been emerging as an alternative, highly effective strategy. Techniques based on electrical, magnetic and mechanical stimulation have been reported to efficiently direct differentiation of stem cells and modulate cell physiology at different developmental stages. In this framework, the use of optical stimulation represents a valuable approach, possibly overcoming current limitations of chemical cues, like limited spatial and temporal resolution and poor control over the extracellular environment. Surprisingly, the effects of light on the physiological properties (light toxicity, cell membrane potential, and cell ionic trafficking) of undifferentiated cells, as well as on their differentiation pathways, were investigated to a very limited extent and rarely quantified in a systematic way. In this work, we aim at clarifying the effects of optical excitation on the physiological behaviour of undifferentiated human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC), cultured on top of a light-sensitive conjugated polymer, region-regular poly-3-hexyl-thiophene (P3HT). Interestingly, we observe statistically significant modulation of the cell membrane potential, as well as noticeable effects on intracellular calcium signalling, triggered by P3HT excitation upon green light stimuli. Possible mechanisms involved in the signal transduction pathways are considered and critically discussed. The capability to modulate the physiological response of hASC upon photoexcitation, in a highly controlled and selective manner, provides a promptly available and non invasive diagnostic tool, thus contributing to the understanding of the complex machinery behind stem cells and material interfaces. Moreover, it may open the route to novel techniques to drive the differentiation path with unprecedented versatility and operational easiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Abdel Aziz
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Giovanni Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. da Vinci 32 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Leonardo Maver
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Giovanni Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. da Vinci 32 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Chiara Giannasi
- University of Milan, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Via Vanvitelli 32 20129 Milano Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Galeazzi 4 20161 Milano Italy
| | - Stefania Niada
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Galeazzi 4 20161 Milano Italy
| | - Anna T Brini
- University of Milan, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Via Vanvitelli 32 20129 Milano Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Galeazzi 4 20161 Milano Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Giovanni Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
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Kavand H, Nasiri R, Herland A. Advanced Materials and Sensors for Microphysiological Systems: Focus on Electronic and Electrooptical Interfaces. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2107876. [PMID: 34913206 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Advanced in vitro cell culture systems or microphysiological systems (MPSs), including microfluidic organ-on-a-chip (OoC), are breakthrough technologies in biomedicine. These systems recapitulate features of human tissues outside of the body. They are increasingly being used to study the functionality of different organs for applications such as drug evolutions, disease modeling, and precision medicine. Currently, developers and endpoint users of these in vitro models promote how they can replace animal models or even be a better ethically neutral and humanized alternative to study pathology, physiology, and pharmacology. Although reported models show a remarkable physiological structure and function compared to the conventional 2D cell culture, they are almost exclusively based on standard passive polymers or glass with none or minimal real-time stimuli and readout capacity. The next technology leap in reproducing in vivo-like functionality and real-time monitoring of tissue function could be realized with advanced functional materials and devices. This review describes the currently reported electronic and optical advanced materials for sensing and stimulation of MPS models. In addition, an overview of multi-sensing for Body-on-Chip platforms is given. Finally, one gives the perspective on how advanced functional materials could be integrated into in vitro systems to precisely mimic human physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanie Kavand
- Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, Department of Intelligent Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Malvinas Väg 10 pl 5, Stockholm, 100 44, Sweden
| | - Rohollah Nasiri
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Solnavägen 9/B8, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Tomtebodavägen 23a, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
| | - Anna Herland
- Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, Department of Intelligent Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Malvinas Väg 10 pl 5, Stockholm, 100 44, Sweden
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Solnavägen 9/B8, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Tomtebodavägen 23a, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
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Yu P, Yu F, Xiang J, Zhou K, Zhou L, Zhang Z, Rong X, Ding Z, Wu J, Li W, Zhou Z, Ye L, Yang W. Mechanistically Scoping Cell-Free and Cell-Dependent Artificial Scaffolds in Rebuilding Skeletal and Dental Hard Tissues. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 34:e2107922. [PMID: 34837252 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Rebuilding mineralized tissues in skeletal and dental systems remains costly and challenging. Despite numerous demands and heavy clinical burden over the world, sources of autografts, allografts, and xenografts are far limited, along with massive risks including viral infections, ethic crisis, and so on. Per such dilemma, artificial scaffolds have emerged to provide efficient alternatives. To date, cell-free biomimetic mineralization (BM) and cell-dependent scaffolds have both demonstrated promising capabilities of regenerating mineralized tissues. However, BM and cell-dependent scaffolds have distinctive mechanisms for mineral genesis, which makes them methodically, synthetically, and functionally disparate. Herein, these two strategies in regenerative dentistry and orthopedics are systematically summarized at the level of mechanisms. For BM, methodological and theoretical advances are focused upon; and meanwhile, for cell-dependent scaffolds, it is demonstrated how scaffolds orchestrate osteogenic cell fate. The summary of the experimental advances and clinical progress will endow researchers with mechanistic understandings of artificial scaffolds in rebuilding hard tissues, by which better clinical choices and research directions may be approached.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering Sichuan University Chengdu 610017 China
| | - Fanyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases West China Hospital of Stomatology Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
- Department of Endodontics West China Stomatology Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Jie Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases West China Hospital of Stomatology Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Kai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
- Department of Orthopedics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Ling Zhou
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering Sichuan University Chengdu 610017 China
| | - Zhengmin Zhang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering Sichuan University Chengdu 610017 China
| | - Xiao Rong
- Department of Orthopedics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Zichuan Ding
- Department of Orthopedics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Jiayi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases West China Hospital of Stomatology Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
- Department of Endodontics West China Stomatology Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Wudi Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering Sichuan University Chengdu 610017 China
| | - Zongke Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Ling Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases West China Hospital of Stomatology Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
- Department of Endodontics West China Stomatology Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Wei Yang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering Sichuan University Chengdu 610017 China
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9
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Kong Y, Duan J, Liu F, Han L, Li G, Sun C, Sang Y, Wang S, Yi F, Liu H. Regulation of stem cell fate using nanostructure-mediated physical signals. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:12828-12872. [PMID: 34661592 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00572c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
One of the major issues in tissue engineering is regulation of stem cell differentiation toward specific lineages. Unlike biological and chemical signals, physical signals with adjustable properties can be applied to stem cells in a timely and localized manner, thus making them a hot topic for research in the fields of biomaterials, tissue engineering, and cell biology. According to the signals sensed by cells, physical signals used for regulating stem cell fate can be classified into six categories: mechanical, light, thermal, electrical, acoustic, and magnetic. In most cases, external macroscopic physical fields cannot be used to modulate stem cell fate, as only the localized physical signals accepted by the surface receptors can regulate stem cell differentiation via nanoscale fibrin polysaccharide fibers. However, surface receptors related to certain kinds of physical signals are still unknown. Recently, significant progress has been made in the development of functional materials for energy conversion. Consequently, localized physical fields can be produced by absorbing energy from an external physical field and subsequently releasing another type of localized energy through functional nanostructures. Based on the above concepts, we propose a methodology that can be utilized for stem cell engineering and for the regulation of stem cell fate via nanostructure-mediated physical signals. In this review, the combined effect of various approaches and mechanisms of physical signals provides a perspective on stem cell fate promotion by nanostructure-mediated physical signals. We expect that this review will aid the development of remote-controlled and wireless platforms to physically guide stem cell differentiation both in vitro and in vivo, using optimized stimulation parameters and mechanistic investigations while driving the progress of research in the fields of materials science, cell biology, and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China.
| | - Jiazhi Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China.
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China.
| | - Lin Han
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266200, China.
| | - Gang Li
- Neurological Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Chunhui Sun
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Equipment for Biological Diagnosis and Therapy in Universities of Shandong, Institute for Advanced Interdisciplinary Research (iAIR), University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Yuanhua Sang
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China.
| | - Shuhua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China.
| | - Fan Yi
- The Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Equipment for Biological Diagnosis and Therapy in Universities of Shandong, Institute for Advanced Interdisciplinary Research (iAIR), University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
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Zhang X, van Rijt S. 2D biointerfaces to study stem cell-ligand interactions. Acta Biomater 2021; 131:80-96. [PMID: 34237424 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells have great potential in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their inherent regenerative capabilities. However, an ongoing challenge within their clinical translation is to elicit or predict the desired stem cell behavior once transplanted. Stem cell behavior and function are regulated by their interaction with biophysical and biochemical signals present in their natural environment (i.e., stem cell niches). To increase our understanding about the interplay between stem cells and their resident microenvironments, biointerfaces have been developed as tools to study how these substrates can affect stem cell behaviors. This article aims to review recent developments on fabricating cell-instructive interfaces to control cell adhesion processes towards directing stem cell behavior. After an introduction on stem cells and their natural environment, static surfaces exhibiting predefined biochemical signals to probe the effect of chemical features on stem cell behaviors are discussed. In the third section, we discuss more complex dynamic platforms able to display biochemical cues with spatiotemporal control using on-off ligand display, reversible ligand display, and ligand mobility. In the last part of the review, we provide the reader with an outlook on future designs of biointerfaces. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Stem cells have great potential as treatments for many degenerative disorders prevalent in our aging societies. However, an ongoing challenge within their clinical translation is to promote stem cell mediated regeneration once they are transplanted in the body. Stem cells reside within our bodies where their behavior and function are regulated by interactions with their natural environment called the stem cell niche. To increase our understanding about the interplay between stem cells and their niche, 2D materials have been developed as tools to study how specific signals can affect stem cell behaviors. This article aims to review recent developments on fabricating cell-instructive interfaces to control cell adhesion processes towards directing stem cell behavior.
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De Martino S, Netti PA. Dynamic azopolymeric interfaces for photoactive cell instruction. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2020; 1:011302. [PMID: 38505629 PMCID: PMC10903377 DOI: 10.1063/5.0025175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The ability to affect a wide range of biophysical properties through the use of light has led to the development of dynamic cell instructive materials. Using photoresponsive materials such as azopolymers, smart systems that use external, minimally damaging, light irradiation can be used to trigger specific surface morpho-physical properties in the presence of living cells. The interaction of light with an azopolymer film induces a mass migration phenomenon, allowing a variety of topographic patterns to be embossed on the polymeric film. Photoisomerization induces conformational changes at the molecular and macroscopic scale, resulting in light-induced variations of substrate morphological, physical, and mechanical properties. In this review, we discuss the photoactuation of azopolymeric interfaces to provide guidelines for the engineering and design of azopolymer films. Laser micropatterning for the modulation of azopolymer surfaces is examined as a way to diversify the capabilities of these polymers in cellular systems. Mass migration effects induced by azopolymer switching provides a foundation for performing a broad range of cellular manipulation techniques. Applications of azopolymers are explored in the context of dynamic culture systems, gaining insight into the complex processes involved in dynamic cell-material interactions. The review highlights azopolymers as a candidate for various applications in cellular control, including cell alignment, migration, gene expression, and others. Recent advances have underlined the importance of these systems in applications regarding three-dimensional cell culture and stem cell morphology. Azopolymers can be used not only to manipulate cells but also to probe for mechanistic studies of cellular crosstalk in response to chemical and mechanical stimuli.
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