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Bernhard S, Ritter L, Müller M, Guo W, Guzzi EA, Bovone G, Tibbitt MW. Modular and Photoreversible Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels via Host-Guest Interactions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2401870. [PMID: 39031540 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202401870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Polymer-nanoparticle (PNP) hydrogels are a class of nanocomposite materials showing potential as injectable platforms for biomedical applications. Their design is limited by incomplete knowledge of how the binding motif impacts the viscoelastic properties of the material and is generally constrained to non-responsive supramolecular interactions. Expanding the scope of available interactions and advancing the understanding of how defined interactions influence network formation would accelerate PNP hydrogel design. To address this gap in the design of PNP hydrogels, the study designs and investigates a tunable platform based on beta-cyclodextrin (βCD) host-guest cross-links between functionalized polymers and nanoparticles. A host-functionalized polymer (βCD hyaluronic acid) and guest harboring block co-polymer (poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactic acid)) NPs are synthesized. The presence and accessibility for binding of the host and guest moieties are characterized via isothermal titration calorimetry. PNP hydrogels with varying concentrations of functionalized polymer and NPs reveal a limited window of concentrations for gelation. It is hypothesized that network formation is governed by the capacity of polymer chains to effectively bridge NPs, which is related to the host-guest ratios present in the system. Further, photo-responsive guests are incorporated to engineer photoreversible gelation of PNP hydrogels via exposure to specific wavelengths of light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Bernhard
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Lauritz Ritter
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Marco Müller
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Wenqing Guo
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Elia A Guzzi
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Bovone
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Mark W Tibbitt
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
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2
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Qiao E, Fulmore CA, Schaffer DV, Kumar S. Substrate stress relaxation regulates neural stem cell fate commitment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317711121. [PMID: 38968101 PMCID: PMC11252819 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317711121] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) reside in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, and their capacity to generate neurons and glia plays a role in learning and memory. In addition, neurodegenerative diseases are known to be caused by a loss of neurons and glial cells, resulting in a need to better understand stem cell fate commitment processes. We previously showed that NSC fate commitment toward a neuronal or glial lineage is strongly influenced by extracellular matrix stiffness, a property of elastic materials. However, tissues in vivo are not purely elastic and have varying degrees of viscous character. Relatively little is known about how the viscoelastic properties of the substrate impact NSC fate commitment. Here, we introduce a polyacrylamide-based cell culture platform that incorporates mismatched DNA oligonucleotide-based cross-links as well as covalent cross-links. This platform allows for tunable viscous stress relaxation properties via variation in the number of mismatched base pairs. We find that NSCs exhibit increased astrocytic differentiation as the degree of stress relaxation is increased. Furthermore, culturing NSCs on increasingly stress-relaxing substrates impacts cytoskeletal dynamics by decreasing intracellular actin flow rates and stimulating cyclic activation of the mechanosensitive protein RhoA. Additionally, inhibition of motor-clutch model components such as myosin II and focal adhesion kinase partially or completely reverts cells to lineage distributions observed on elastic substrates. Collectively, our results introduce a unique system for controlling matrix stress relaxation properties and offer insight into how NSCs integrate viscoelastic cues to direct fate commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Qiao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Camille A. Fulmore
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - David V. Schaffer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
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3
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Hu Y, Xing J, Zhang H, Pang X, Zhai Y, Cheng H, Xu D, Liao M, Qi Y, Wu D, Zhang B, Cheng L, Chu B, Zhang C, Zhao Y, Chai R. Electroacoustic Responsive Cochlea-on-a-Chip. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309002. [PMID: 38488690 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Organ-on-chips can highly simulate the complex physiological functions of organs, exhibiting broad application prospects in developmental research, disease simulation, as well as new drug research and development. However, there is still less concern about effectively constructing cochlea-on-chips. Here, a novel cochlear organoids-integrated conductive hydrogel biohybrid system with cochlear implant electroacoustic stimulation (EAS) for cochlea-on-a-chip construction and high-throughput drug screening, is presented. Benefiting from the superior biocompatibility and electrical property of conductive hydrogel, together with cochlear implant EAS, the inner ear progenitor cells can proliferate and spontaneously shape into spheres, finally forming cochlear organoids with good cell viability and structurally mature hair cells. By incorporating these progenitor cells-encapsulated hydrogels into a microfluidic-based cochlea-on-a-chip with culture chambers and a concentration gradient generator, a dynamic and high-throughput evaluation of inner ear disease-related drugs is demonstrated. These results indicate that the proposed cochlea-on-a-chip platform has great application potential in organoid cultivation and deafness drug evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangnan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Jiayue Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Xinyi Pang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yabo Zhai
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Dongyu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Menghui Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yanru Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Danqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Lin Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Bo Chu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Chen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Nanjing, 210000, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair & Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Department of Neurology, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- Southeast University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518063, China
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4
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Elkhoury K, Kodeih S, Enciso-Martínez E, Maziz A, Bergaud C. Advancing Cardiomyocyte Maturation: Current Strategies and Promising Conductive Polymer-Based Approaches. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303288. [PMID: 38349615 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303288] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality and pose a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Despite remarkable progress in medical research, the development of effective cardiovascular drugs has been hindered by high failure rates and escalating costs. One contributing factor is the limited availability of mature cardiomyocytes (CMs) for accurate disease modeling and drug screening. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived CMs offer a promising source of CMs; however, their immature phenotype presents challenges in translational applications. This review focuses on the road to achieving mature CMs by summarizing the major differences between immature and mature CMs, discussing the importance of adult-like CMs for drug discovery, highlighting the limitations of current strategies, and exploring potential solutions using electro-mechano active polymer-based scaffolds based on conductive polymers. However, critical considerations such as the trade-off between 3D systems and nutrient exchange, biocompatibility, degradation, cell adhesion, longevity, and integration into wider systems must be carefully evaluated. Continued advancements in these areas will contribute to a better understanding of cardiac diseases, improved drug discovery, and the development of personalized treatment strategies for patients with cardiovascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Elkhoury
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, F-31400, France
| | - Sacha Kodeih
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Tripoli, P.O. Box 100, Lebanon
| | | | - Ali Maziz
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, F-31400, France
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5
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Yao S, Yang Y, Li C, Yang K, Song X, Li C, Cao Z, Zhao H, Yu X, Wang X, Wang LN. Axon-like aligned conductive CNT/GelMA hydrogel fibers combined with electrical stimulation for spinal cord injury recovery. Bioact Mater 2024; 35:534-548. [PMID: 38414842 PMCID: PMC10897856 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.01.021] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Rehabilitation and regenerative medicine are two promising approaches for spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery, but their combination has been limited. Conductive biomaterials could bridge regenerative scaffolds with electrical stimulation by inducing axon regeneration and supporting physiological electrical signal transmission. Here, we developed aligned conductive hydrogel fibers by incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into methacrylate acylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel via rotating liquid bath electrospinning. The electrospun CNT/GelMA hydrogel fibers mimicked the micro-scale aligned structure, conductivity, and soft mechanical properties of neural axons. For in vitro studies, CNT/GelMA hydrogel fibers supported PC12 cell proliferation and aligned adhesion, which was enhanced by electrical stimulation (ES). Similarly, the combination of aligned CNT/GelMA hydrogel fibers and ES promoted neuronal differentiation and axon-like neurite sprouting in neural stem cells (NSCs). Furthermore, CNT/GelMA hydrogel fibers were transplanted into a T9 transection rat spinal cord injury model for in vivo studies. The results showed that the incorporating CNTs could remain at the injury site with the GelMA fibers biodegraded and improve the conductivity of regenerative tissue. The aligned structure of the hydrogel could induce the neural fibers regeneration, and the ES enhanced the remyelination and axonal regeneration. Behavioral assessments and electrophysiological results suggest that the combination of aligned CNT/GelMA hydrogel fibers and ES could significantly restore motor function in rats. This study demonstrates that conductive aligned CNT/GelMA hydrogel fibers can not only induce neural regeneration as a scaffold but also support ESto promote spinal cord injury recovery. The conductive hydrogel fibers enable merging regenerative medicine and rehabilitation, showing great potential for satisfactory locomotor recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglian Yao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yongdong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Hai Yun Cang, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Chenyu Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kaitan Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Hai Yun Cang, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Xin Song
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chuanhong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Hai Yun Cang, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - He Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Hai Yun Cang, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Xing Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Hai Yun Cang, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Xiumei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Lu-Ning Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
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6
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Abdel Aziz I, Gladisch J, Musumeci C, Moser M, Griggs S, Kousseff CJ, Berggren M, McCulloch I, Stavrinidou E. Electrochemical modulation of mechanical properties of glycolated polythiophenes. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:2021-2031. [PMID: 38372393 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh01827j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical doping of organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors is key for modulating their conductivity, charge storage and volume enabling high performing bioelectronic devices such as recording and stimulating electrodes, transistors-based sensors and actuators. However, electrochemical doping has not been explored to the same extent for modulating the mechanical properties of OMIECs on demand. Here, we report a qualitative and quantitative study on how the mechanical properties of a glycolated polythiophene, p(g3T2), change in situ during electrochemical doping and de-doping. The Young's modulus of p(g3T2) changes from 69 MPa in the dry state to less than 10 MPa in the hydrated state and then further decreases down to 0.4 MPa when electrochemically doped. With electrochemical doping-dedoping the Young's modulus of p(g3T2) changes by more than one order of magnitude reversibly, representing the largest modulation reported for an OMIEC. Furthermore, we show that the electrolyte concentration affects the magnitude of the change, demonstrating that in less concentrated electrolytes more water is driven into the film due to osmosis and therefore the film becomes softer. Finally, we find that the oligo ethylene glycol side chain functionality, specifically the length and asymmetry, affects the extent of modulation. Our findings show that glycolated polythiophenes are promising materials for mechanical actuators with a tunable modulus similar to the range of biological tissues, thus opening a pathway for new mechanostimulation devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Abdel Aziz
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Norrköping 601 74, Sweden.
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Avenida Tolosa 72, Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa 20018, Spain
| | - Johannes Gladisch
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Norrköping 601 74, Sweden.
| | - Chiara Musumeci
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Norrköping 601 74, Sweden.
| | | | - Sophie Griggs
- Department of Chemistry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Magnus Berggren
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Norrköping 601 74, Sweden.
- Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Norrköping 601 74, Sweden
| | | | - Eleni Stavrinidou
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Norrköping 601 74, Sweden.
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7
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Xie C, Xu J, Wang X, Jiang S, Zheng Y, Liu Z, Jia Z, Jia Z, Lu X. Smart Hydrogels for Tissue Regeneration. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300339. [PMID: 37848181 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
The rapid growth in the portion of the aging population has led to a consequent increase in demand for biomedical hydrogels, together with an assortment of challenges that need to be overcome in this field. Smart hydrogels can autonomously sense and respond to the physiological/pathological changes of the tissue microenvironment and continuously adapt the response according to the dynamic spatiotemporal shifts in conditions. This along with other favorable properties, make smart hydrogels excellent materials for employing toward improving the precision of treatment for age-related diseases. The key factor during the smart hydrogel design is on accurately identifying the characteristics of natural tissues and faithfully replicating the composition, structure, and biological functions of these tissues at the molecular level. Such hydrogels can accurately sense distinct physiological and external factors such as temperature and biologically active molecules, so they may in turn actively and promptly adjust their response, by regulating their own biological effects, thereby promoting damaged tissue repair. This review summarizes the design strategies employed in the creation of smart hydrogels, their response mechanisms, as well as their applications in field of tissue engineering; and concludes by briefly discussing the relevant challenges and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoming Xie
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
| | - Shengxi Jiang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
| | - Yujia Zheng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
| | - Zexin Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
| | - Zhuo Jia
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
| | - Zhanrong Jia
- The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523000, China
| | - Xiong Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
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8
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Sacchi M, Sauter-Starace F, Mailley P, Texier I. Resorbable conductive materials for optimally interfacing medical devices with the living. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1294238. [PMID: 38449676 PMCID: PMC10916519 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1294238] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Implantable and wearable bioelectronic systems are arising growing interest in the medical field. Linking the microelectronic (electronic conductivity) and biological (ionic conductivity) worlds, the biocompatible conductive materials at the electrode/tissue interface are key components in these systems. We herein focus more particularly on resorbable bioelectronic systems, which can safely degrade in the biological environment once they have completed their purpose, namely, stimulating or sensing biological activity in the tissues. Resorbable conductive materials are also explored in the fields of tissue engineering and 3D cell culture. After a short description of polymer-based substrates and scaffolds, and resorbable electrical conductors, we review how they can be combined to design resorbable conductive materials. Although these materials are still emerging, various medical and biomedical applications are already taking shape that can profoundly modify post-operative and wound healing follow-up. Future challenges and perspectives in the field are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sacchi
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LETI-DTIS (Département des Technologies pour l’Innovation en Santé), Grenoble, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, JACOB-SEPIA, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Fabien Sauter-Starace
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LETI-DTIS (Département des Technologies pour l’Innovation en Santé), Grenoble, France
| | - Pascal Mailley
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LETI-DTIS (Département des Technologies pour l’Innovation en Santé), Grenoble, France
| | - Isabelle Texier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LETI-DTIS (Département des Technologies pour l’Innovation en Santé), Grenoble, France
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9
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Tringides CM, Mooney DJ. Conductive Hydrogel Scaffolds for the 3D Localization and Orientation of Fibroblasts. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300044. [PMID: 37016832 PMCID: PMC10551049 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Dermal wounds and their healing are a collection of complex, multistep processes which are poorly recapitulated by existing 2D in vitro platforms. Biomaterial scaffolds that support the 3D growth of cell cultures can better resemble the native dermal environment, while bioelectronics has been used as a tool to modulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. A porous conductive hydrogel scaffold which mimics the properties of dermis, while promoting the viability and growth of fibroblasts is described. As these scaffolds are also electrically conductive, the application of exogenous electrical stimulation directs the migration of cells across and/or through the material. The mechanical properties of the scaffold, as well as the amplitude and/or duration of the electrical pulses, are independently tunable and further influence the resulting fibroblast networks. This biomaterial platform may enable better recapitulation of wound healing and can be utilized to develop and screen therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Tringides
- Harvard Program in Biophysics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02115
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Harvard–MIT Division in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - David J Mooney
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02115
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
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10
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Jiao Y, Lei M, Zhu J, Chang R, Qu X. Advances in electrode interface materials and modification technologies for brain-computer interfaces. BIOMATERIALS TRANSLATIONAL 2023; 4:213-233. [PMID: 38282708 PMCID: PMC10817795 DOI: 10.12336/biomatertransl.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in neuroelectrode interface materials and modification technologies are reviewed. Brain-computer interface is the new method of human-computer interaction, which not only can realise the exchange of information between the human brain and external devices, but also provides a brand-new means for the diagnosis and treatment of brain-related diseases. The neural electrode interface part of brain-computer interface is an important area for electrical, optical and chemical signal transmission between brain tissue system and external electronic devices, which determines the performance of brain-computer interface. In order to solve the problems of insufficient flexibility, insufficient signal recognition ability and insufficient biocompatibility of traditional rigid electrodes, researchers have carried out extensive studies on the neuroelectrode interface in terms of materials and modification techniques. This paper introduces the biological reactions that occur in neuroelectrodes after implantation into brain tissue and the decisive role of the electrode interface for electrode function. Following this, the latest research progress on neuroelectrode materials and interface materials is reviewed from the aspects of neuroelectrode materials and modification technologies, firstly taking materials as a clue, and then focusing on the preparation process of neuroelectrode coatings and the design scheme of functionalised structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunke Jiao
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Lei
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ronghang Chang
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Qu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Shanghai Frontier Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai, China
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Boulingre M, Portillo-Lara R, Green RA. Biohybrid neural interfaces: improving the biological integration of neural implants. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:14745-14758. [PMID: 37991846 PMCID: PMC10720954 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc05006h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Implantable neural interfaces (NIs) have emerged in the clinic as outstanding tools for the management of a variety of neurological conditions caused by trauma or disease. However, the foreign body reaction triggered upon implantation remains one of the major challenges hindering the safety and longevity of NIs. The integration of tools and principles from biomaterial design and tissue engineering has been investigated as a promising strategy to develop NIs with enhanced functionality and performance. In this Feature Article, we highlight the main bioengineering approaches for the development of biohybrid NIs with an emphasis on relevant device design criteria. Technical and scientific challenges associated with the fabrication and functional assessment of technologies composed of both artificial and biological components are discussed. Lastly, we provide future perspectives related to engineering, regulatory, and neuroethical challenges to be addressed towards the realisation of the promise of biohybrid neurotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolaine Boulingre
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Roberto Portillo-Lara
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Rylie A Green
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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Roth JG, Huang MS, Navarro RS, Akram JT, LeSavage BL, Heilshorn SC. Tunable hydrogel viscoelasticity modulates human neural maturation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh8313. [PMID: 37862423 PMCID: PMC10588948 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh8313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have emerged as a promising in vitro model system for studying neurodevelopment. However, current models remain limited in their ability to incorporate tunable biomechanical signaling cues imparted by the extracellular matrix (ECM). The native brain ECM is viscoelastic and stress-relaxing, exhibiting a time-dependent response to an applied force. To recapitulate the remodelability of the neural ECM, we developed a family of protein-engineered hydrogels that exhibit tunable stress relaxation rates. hiPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) encapsulated within these gels underwent relaxation rate-dependent maturation. Specifically, NPCs within hydrogels with faster stress relaxation rates extended longer, more complex neuritic projections, exhibited decreased metabolic activity, and expressed higher levels of genes associated with neural maturation. By inhibiting actin polymerization, we observed decreased neuritic projections and a concomitant decrease in neural maturation gene expression. Together, these results suggest that microenvironmental viscoelasticity is sufficient to bias human NPC maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien G. Roth
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Complex in Vitro Systems, Safety Assessment, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michelle S. Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Renato S. Navarro
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jason T. Akram
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bauer L. LeSavage
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sarah C. Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Liu Z, Mao S, Hu Y, Liu F, Shao X. Hydrogel platform facilitating astrocytic differentiation through cell mechanosensing and YAP-mediated transcription. Mater Today Bio 2023; 22:100735. [PMID: 37576868 PMCID: PMC10413151 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are multifunctional glial cells that are essential for brain functioning. Most existing methods to induce astrocytes from stem cells are inefficient, requiring couples of weeks. Here, we designed an alginate hydrogel-based method to realize high-efficiency astrocytic differentiation from human neural stem cells. Comparing to the conventional tissue culture materials, the hydrogel drastically promoted astrocytic differentiation within three days. We investigated the regulatory mechanism underlying the enhanced differentiation, and found that the stretch-activated ion channels and Yes-associated protein (YAP), a mechanosensitive transcription coactivator, were both indispensable. In particular, the Piezo1 Ca2+ channel, but not transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel, was necessary for promoting the astrocytic differentiation. The stretch-activated channels regulated the nuclear localization of YAP, and inhibition of the channels down-regulated the expression of YAP as well as its target genes. When blocking the YAP/TEAD-mediated transcription, astrocytic differentiation on the hydrogel significantly declined. Interestingly, cells on the hydrogel showed a remarkable filamentous actin assembly together with YAP nuclear translocation during the differentiation, while a progressive gel rupture at the cell-hydrogel interface along with a change in the gel elasticity was detected. These findings suggest that spontaneous decrosslinking of the hydrogel alters its mechanical properties, delivering mechanical stimuli to the cells. These mechanical signals activate the Piezo1 Ca2+ channel, facilitate YAP nuclear transcription via actomyosin cytoskeleton, and eventually provoke the astrocytic differentiation. While offering an efficient approach to obtain astrocytes, our work provides novel insights into the mechanism of astrocytic development through mechanical regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqian Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Shijie Mao
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Yubin Hu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Feng Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Xiaowei Shao
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
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Kim SD, Kim K, Shin M. Recent advances in 3D printable conductive hydrogel inks for neural engineering. NANO CONVERGENCE 2023; 10:41. [PMID: 37679589 PMCID: PMC10484881 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-023-00389-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the 3D printing of conductive hydrogels has undergone remarkable advances in the fabrication of complex and functional structures. In the field of neural engineering, an increasing number of reports have been published on tissue engineering and bioelectronic approaches over the last few years. The convergence of 3D printing methods and electrically conducting hydrogels may create new clinical and therapeutic possibilities for precision regenerative medicine and implants. In this review, we summarize (i) advancements in preparation strategies for conductive materials, (ii) various printing techniques enabling the fabrication of electroconductive hydrogels, (iii) the required physicochemical properties of the printed constructs, (iv) their applications in bioelectronics and tissue regeneration for neural engineering, and (v) unconventional approaches and outlooks for the 3D printing of conductive hydrogels. This review provides technical insights into 3D printable conductive hydrogels and encompasses recent developments, specifically over the last few years of research in the neural engineering field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Dong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungryong Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Shin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Botte E, Mancini P, Magliaro C, Ahluwalia A. A sense of proximity: Cell packing modulates oxygen consumption. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:036111. [PMID: 37664826 PMCID: PMC10468216 DOI: 10.1063/5.0160422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurately modeling oxygen transport and consumption is crucial to predict metabolic dynamics in cell cultures and optimize the design of tissue and organ models. We present a methodology to characterize the Michaelis-Menten oxygen consumption parameters in vitro, integrating novel experimental techniques and computational tools. The parameters were derived for hepatic cell cultures with different dimensionality (i.e., 2D and 3D) and with different surface and volumetric densities. To quantify cell packing regardless of the dimensionality of cultures, we devised an image-based metric, referred to as the proximity index. The Michaelis-Menten parameters were related to the proximity index through an uptake coefficient, analogous to a diffusion constant, enabling the quantitative analysis of oxygen dynamics across dimensions. Our results show that Michaelis-Menten parameters are not constant for a given cell type but change with dimensionality and cell density. The maximum consumption rate per cell decreases significantly with cell surface and volumetric density, while the Michaelis-Menten constant tends to increase. In addition, the dependency of the uptake coefficient on the proximity index suggests that the oxygen consumption rate of hepatic cells is superadaptive, as they modulate their oxygen utilization according to its local availability and to the proximity of other cells. We describe, for the first time, how cells consume oxygen as a function of cell proximity, through a quantitative index, which combines cell density and dimensionality. This study enhances our understanding of how cell-cell interaction affects oxygen dynamics and enables better prediction of aerobic metabolism in tissue models, improving their translational value.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: +39 0502217062
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