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Iacovacci V, Diller E, Ahmed D, Menciassi A. Medical Microrobots. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2024; 26:561-591. [PMID: 38594937 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-081523-033131] [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] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Scientists around the world have long aimed to produce miniature robots that can be controlled inside the human body to aid doctors in identifying and treating diseases. Such microrobots hold the potential to access hard-to-reach areas of the body through the natural lumina. Wireless access has the potential to overcome drawbacks of systemic therapy, as well as to enable completely new minimally invasive procedures. The aim of this review is fourfold: first, to provide a collection of valuable anatomical and physiological information on the target working environments together with engineering tools for the design of medical microrobots; second, to provide a comprehensive updated survey of the technological state of the art in relevant classes of medical microrobots; third, to analyze currently available tracking and closed-loop control strategies compatible with the in-body environment; and fourth, to explore the challenges still in place, to steer and inspire future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Iacovacci
- Department of Excellence Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy; ,
| | - Eric Diller
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Robotics Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel Ahmed
- Acoustic Robotics Systems Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zurich, Rüschlikon, Switzerland
| | - Arianna Menciassi
- Department of Excellence Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy; ,
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2
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Fantini V, Ferrari RR, Bordoni M, Spampinato E, Pandini C, Davin A, Medici V, Gagliardi S, Guaita A, Pansarasa O, Cereda C, Poloni TE. Functional analysis and transcriptome profile of meninges and skin fibroblasts from human-aged donors. Cell Prolif 2024:e13627. [PMID: 38421110 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is surrounded by three membranes called meninges. Specialised fibroblasts, originating from the mesoderm and neural crest, primarily populate the meninges and serve as a binding agent. Our goal was to compare fibroblasts from meninges and skin obtained from the same human-aged donors, exploring their molecular and cellular characteristics related to CNS functions. We isolated meningeal fibroblasts (MFs) from brain donors and skin fibroblasts (SFs) from the same subjects. A functional analysis was performed measuring cell appearance, metabolic activity, and cellular orientation. We examined fibronectin, serpin H1, β-III-tubulin, and nestin through qPCR and immunofluorescence. A whole transcriptome analysis was also performed to characterise the gene expression of MFs and SFs. MFs appeared more rapidly in the post-tissue processing, while SFs showed an elevated cellular metabolism and a well-defined cellular orientation. The four markers were mostly similar between the MFs and SFs, except for nestin, more expressed in MFs. Transcriptome analysis reveals significant differences, particularly in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) metabolism and response to forskolin, both of which are upregulated in MFs. This study highlights MFs' unique characteristics, including the timing of appearance, metabolic activity, and gene expression patterns, particularly in cAMP metabolism and response to forskolin. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of non-neuronal cells' involvement in CNS activities and potentially open avenues for therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Fantini
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Neurogenetic, Golgi-Cenci Foundation, Abbiategrasso, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rocco Ferrari
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Neurogenetic, Golgi-Cenci Foundation, Abbiategrasso, Italy
| | - Matteo Bordoni
- Cellular Model and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Spampinato
- Cellular Model and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Pandini
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Davin
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Neurogenetic, Golgi-Cenci Foundation, Abbiategrasso, Italy
| | - Valentina Medici
- Department of Neurology and Neuropathology, Golgi-Cenci Foundation, Abbiategrasso, Italy
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Guaita
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Neurogenetic, Golgi-Cenci Foundation, Abbiategrasso, Italy
- Department of Neurology and Neuropathology, Golgi-Cenci Foundation, Abbiategrasso, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Cellular Model and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Tino Emanuele Poloni
- Department of Neurology and Neuropathology, Golgi-Cenci Foundation, Abbiategrasso, Italy
- Department of Rehabilitation, ASP Golgi-Redaelli Geriatric Hospital, Abbiategrasso, Italy
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3
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den Hoed FM, Carlotti M, Palagi S, Raffa P, Mattoli V. Evolution of the Microrobots: Stimuli-Responsive Materials and Additive Manufacturing Technologies Turn Small Structures into Microscale Robots. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:275. [PMID: 38399003 PMCID: PMC10893381 DOI: 10.3390/mi15020275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The development of functional microsystems and microrobots that have characterized the last decade is the result of a synergistic and effective interaction between the progress of fabrication techniques and the increased availability of smart and responsive materials to be employed in the latter. Functional structures on the microscale have been relevant for a vast plethora of technologies that find application in different sectors including automotive, sensing devices, and consumer electronics, but are now also entering medical clinics. Working on or inside the human body requires increasing complexity and functionality on an ever-smaller scale, which is becoming possible as a result of emerging technology and smart materials over the past decades. In recent years, additive manufacturing has risen to the forefront of this evolution as the most prominent method to fabricate complex 3D structures. In this review, we discuss the rapid 3D manufacturing techniques that have emerged and how they have enabled a great leap in microrobotic applications. The arrival of smart materials with inherent functionalities has propelled microrobots to great complexity and complex applications. We focus on which materials are important for actuation and what the possibilities are for supplying the required energy. Furthermore, we provide an updated view of a new generation of microrobots in terms of both materials and fabrication technology. While two-photon lithography may be the state-of-the-art technology at the moment, in terms of resolution and design freedom, new methods such as two-step are on the horizon. In the more distant future, innovations like molecular motors could make microscale robots redundant and bring about nanofabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Marco den Hoed
- Center for Materials Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via R. Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy;
- Smart and Sustainable Polymeric Products, Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Marco Carlotti
- Center for Materials Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via R. Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Palagi
- BioRobotics Institute, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, P.zza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Patrizio Raffa
- Smart and Sustainable Polymeric Products, Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Virgilio Mattoli
- Center for Materials Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via R. Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy;
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4
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Fallah-Darrehchi M, Zahedi P. Improvement of Intracellular Interactions through Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Scaffolds by the Alteration of Topology. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:46878-46891. [PMID: 38107894 PMCID: PMC10720303 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Preparation of inherently bioactive scaffolds has become a challenging issue owing to their complicated synthesis and nonrobust modified cell-actuating property. Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs), due to their combined specialties of liquid crystals and elastomers as well as their ability to respond to various kinds of stimuli, have reversibly led to the design of a new class of stimuli-responsive tissue-engineered scaffolds. In this line, in the first stage of this research work, synthesis and evaluation of acrylate-based LCE films (LCEfilm) encompassing mesogenic monomers are carried out. In the second step, the design of an affordable electrospinning technique for preparing LCE nanofibers (LCEfiber) as a problematic topic, thanks to the low molecular weight of the mesogenic chains of LCEs, is investigated. For this purpose, two approaches are considered, including (1) photo-cross-linking of electrospun LCEfiber and (2) blending LCE with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) to produce morphologically stable nanofibers (PCL-LCEfiber). In the following, thermal, mechanical, and morphological evaluations show the optimized crosslinker (mol)/aliphatic spacer (mol) molar ratio of 50:50 for LCEfilm samples. On the other hand, for LCEfiber samples, the appropriate amounts of excessive mesogenic monomer and PCL/LCE (v/v) to fabricate the uniform nanofibers are determined to be 20% and 1:2, respectively. Eventually, PC12 cell compatibility and the impact of the liquid crystalline phase on the PC12 cell dynamic behavior of the samples are examined. The obtained results reveal that PC12 cells cultured on electrospun PCL-LCEfiber nanofibers with an average diameter of ∼659 nm per sample are alive and the scaffold has susceptibility for cell proliferation and actuation because of the rapid increase in cell density and number of singularity points formed in time-lapse cell imaging. Moreover, the PCL-LCEfiber nanofibrous scaffold exhibits a high performance for cell differentiation according to detailed biological evaluations such as gene expression level measurements. The time-lapse evaluation of PC12 cell flow fields confirms the significant influence of the reprogrammable liquid crystalline phase in the PCL-LCEfiber nanofibrous scaffold on topographical cue induction compared to the biodegradable PCL nanofibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Fallah-Darrehchi
- Nano-Biopolymers Research
Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417613131, Iran
| | - Payam Zahedi
- Nano-Biopolymers Research
Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417613131, Iran
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5
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Zhang Z, Yang X, Zhao Y, Ye F, Shang L. Liquid Crystal Materials for Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2300220. [PMID: 37235719 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300220] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal is a state of matter being intermediate between solid and liquid. Liquid crystal materials exhibit both orientational order and fluidity. While liquid crystals have long been highly recognized in the display industry, in recent decades, liquid crystals provide new opportunities into the cross-field of material science and biomedicine due to their biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and responsiveness. In this review, the latest achievements of liquid crystal materials applied in biomedical fields are summarized. The start is made by introducing the basic concepts of liquid crystals, and then shifting to the components of liquid crystals as well as functional materials derived therefrom. After that, the ongoing and foreseeable applications of liquid crystal materials in the biomedical field with emphasis put on several cutting-edge aspects, including drug delivery, bioimaging, tissue engineering, implantable devices, biosensing, and wearable devices are discussed. It is hoped that this review will stimulate ingenious ideas for the future generation of liquid crystal-based drug development, artificial implants, disease diagnosis, health status monitoring, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuohao Zhang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xinyuan Yang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325001, China
| | - Luoran Shang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
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6
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Singhania A, Kalita S, Chettri P, Ghosh S. Accounts of applied molecular rotors and rotary motors: recent advances. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:3177-3208. [PMID: 37325522 PMCID: PMC10262963 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00010a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Molecular machines are nanoscale devices capable of performing mechanical works at molecular level. These systems could be a single molecule or a collection of component molecules that interrelate with one another to produce nanomechanical movements and resulting performances. The design of the components of molecular machine with bioinspired traits results in various nanomechanical motions. Some known molecular machines are rotors, motors, nanocars, gears, elevators, and so on based on their nanomechanical motion. The conversion of these individual nanomechanical motions to collective motions via integration into suitable platforms yields impressive macroscopic output at varied sizes. Instead of limited experimental acquaintances, the researchers demonstrated several applications of molecular machines in chemical transformation, energy conversion, gas/liquid separation, biomedical use, and soft material fabrication. As a result, the development of new molecular machines and their applications has accelerated over the previous two decades. This review highlights the design principles and application scopes of several rotors and rotary motor systems because these machines are used in real applications. This review also offers a systematic and thorough overview of current advancements in rotary motors, providing in-depth knowledge and predicting future problems and goals in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Singhania
- Natural Product Chemistry Group, Chemical Sciences & Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology Jorhat 785006 Assam India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) Ghaziabad 201002 India
| | - Sudeshna Kalita
- Natural Product Chemistry Group, Chemical Sciences & Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology Jorhat 785006 Assam India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) Ghaziabad 201002 India
| | - Prerna Chettri
- Natural Product Chemistry Group, Chemical Sciences & Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology Jorhat 785006 Assam India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) Ghaziabad 201002 India
| | - Subrata Ghosh
- Natural Product Chemistry Group, Chemical Sciences & Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology Jorhat 785006 Assam India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) Ghaziabad 201002 India
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7
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Weymann A, Foroughi J, Vardanyan R, Punjabi PP, Schmack B, Aloko S, Spinks GM, Wang CH, Arjomandi Rad A, Ruhparwar A. Artificial Muscles and Soft Robotic Devices for Treatment of End-Stage Heart Failure. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2207390. [PMID: 36269015 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Medical soft robotics constitutes a rapidly developing field in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, with a promising future for millions of patients suffering from heart failure worldwide. Herein, the present state and future direction of artificial muscle-based soft robotic biomedical devices in supporting the inotropic function of the heart are reviewed, focusing on the emerging electrothermally artificial heart muscles (AHMs). Artificial muscle powered soft robotic devices can mimic the action of complex biological systems such as heart compression and twisting. These artificial muscles possess the ability to undergo complex deformations, aiding cardiac function while maintaining a limited weight and use of space. Two very promising candidates for artificial muscles are electrothermally actuated AHMs and biohybrid actuators using living cells or tissue embedded with artificial structures. Electrothermally actuated AHMs have demonstrated superior force generation while creating the prospect for fully soft robotic actuated ventricular assist devices. This review will critically analyze the limitations of currently available devices and discuss opportunities and directions for future research. Last, the properties of the cardiac muscle are reviewed and compared with those of different materials suitable for mechanical cardiac compression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Weymann
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Javad Foroughi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Library Rd, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Robert Vardanyan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Prakash P Punjabi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Bastian Schmack
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Sinmisola Aloko
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Geoffrey M Spinks
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Chun H Wang
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Library Rd, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Arian Arjomandi Rad
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Arjang Ruhparwar
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
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8
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Peng M, Zhao Q, Wang M, Du X. Reconfigurable scaffolds for adaptive tissue regeneration. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:6105-6120. [PMID: 36919563 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr00281k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have offered promising alternatives for clinical treatment of body tissue traumas, losses, dysfunctions, or diseases, where scaffold-based strategies are particularly popular and effective. Over the decades, scaffolds for tissue regeneration have been remarkably evolving. Nevertheless, conventional scaffolds still confront grand challenges in bio-adaptions in terms of both tissue-scaffold and cell-scaffold interplays, for example complying with complicated three-dimensional (3D) shapes of biological tissues and recapitulating the ordered cell regulation effects of native cell microenvironments. Benefiting from the recent advances in "intelligent" biomaterials, reconfigurable scaffolds have been emerging, demonstrating great promise in addressing the bio-adaption challenges through altering their macro-shapes and/or micro-structures. This mini-review article presents a brief overview of the cutting-edge research on reconfigurable scaffolds, summarizing the materials for forming reconfigurable scaffolds and highlighting their applications for adaptive tissue regeneration. Finally, the challenges and prospects of reconfigurable scaffolds are also discussed, shedding light on the bright future of next-generation reconfigurable scaffolds with upgrading adaptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Peng
- Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Qilong Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Xuemin Du
- Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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9
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Zubritskaya I, Cichelero R, Faniayeu I, Martella D, Nocentini S, Rudquist P, Wiersma DS, Brongersma ML. Dynamically Tunable Optical Cavities with Embedded Nematic Liquid Crystalline Networks. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2209152. [PMID: 36683324 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Tunable metal-insulator-metal (MIM) Fabry-Pérot (FP) cavities that can dynamically control light enable novel sensing, imaging and display applications. However, the realization of dynamic cavities incorporating stimuli-responsive materials poses a significant engineering challenge. Current approaches rely on refractive index modulation and suffer from low dynamic tunability, high losses, and limited spectral ranges, and require liquid and hazardous materials for operation. To overcome these challenges, a new tuning mechanism employing reversible mechanical adaptations of a polymer network is proposed, and dynamic tuning of optical resonances is demonstrated. Solid-state temperature-responsive optical coatings are developed by preparing a monodomain nematic liquid crystalline network (LCN) and are incorporated between metallic mirrors to form active optical microcavities. LCN microcavities offer large, reversible and highly linear spectral tuning of FP resonances reaching wavelength-shifts up to 40 nm via thermomechanical actuation while featuring outstanding repeatability and precision over more than 100 heating-cooling cycles. This degree of tunability allows for reversible switching between the reflective and the absorbing states of the device over the entire visible and near-infrared spectral regions, reaching large changes in reflectance with modulation efficiency ΔR = 79%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Zubritskaya
- Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg, Origovägen 6B, Gothenburg, 41296, Sweden
| | - Rafael Cichelero
- Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg, Origovägen 6B, Gothenburg, 41296, Sweden
| | - Ihar Faniayeu
- Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg, Origovägen 6B, Gothenburg, 41296, Sweden
| | - Daniele Martella
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), Strada delle Cacce 91, Torino, 10135, Italy
| | - Sara Nocentini
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), Strada delle Cacce 91, Torino, 10135, Italy
| | - Per Rudquist
- Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience - MC2, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 9, Gothenburg, 41296, Sweden
| | - Diederik Sybolt Wiersma
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), Strada delle Cacce 91, Torino, 10135, Italy
- Physics and Astronomy Department, University of Florence, via G. Sansone 1, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
| | - Mark L Brongersma
- Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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10
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Rojas-Rodríguez M, Fiaschi T, Mannelli M, Mortati L, Celegato F, Wiersma DS, Parmeggiani C, Martella D. Cellular Contact Guidance on Liquid Crystalline Networks with Anisotropic Roughness. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15. [PMID: 36791024 PMCID: PMC10037237 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c22892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cell contact guidance is widely employed to manipulate cell alignment and differentiation in vitro. The use of nano- or micro-patterned substrates allows efficient control of cell organization, thus opening up to biological models that cannot be reproduced spontaneously on standard culture dishes. In this paper, we explore the concept of cell contact guidance by Liquid Crystalline Networks (LCNs) presenting different surface topographies obtained by self-assembly of the monomeric mixture. The materials are prepared by photopolymerization of a low amount of diacrylate monomer dissolved in a liquid crystalline solvent, not participating in the reaction. The alignment of the liquid crystals, obtained before polymerization, determines the scaffold morphology, characterized by a nanometric structure. Such materials are able to drive the organization of different cell lines, e.g., fibroblasts and myoblasts, allowing for the alignment of single cells or high-density cell cultures. These results demonstrate the capabilities of rough surfaces prepared from the spontaneous assembly of liquid crystals to control biological models without the need of lithographic patterning or complex fabrication procedures. Interestingly, during myoblast differentiation, also myotube structuring in linear arrays is observed along the LCN fiber orientation. The implementation of this technology will open up to the formation of muscular tissue with well-aligned fibers in vitro mimicking the structure of native tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rojas-Rodríguez
- European
Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Tania Fiaschi
- Department
of Biomedical, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, viale Morgagni 50, 50143 Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Mannelli
- Department
of Biomedical, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, viale Morgagni 50, 50143 Florence, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mortati
- Istituto
Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Celegato
- Istituto
Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - Diederik S. Wiersma
- European
Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Istituto
Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Florence, via Sansone
1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Camilla Parmeggiani
- European
Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Istituto
Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3−13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Daniele Martella
- European
Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Istituto
Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
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11
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Uchida J, Soberats B, Gupta M, Kato T. Advanced Functional Liquid Crystals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2109063. [PMID: 35034382 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202109063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals have been intensively studied as functional materials. Recently, integration of various disciplines has led to new directions in the design of functional liquid-crystalline materials in the fields of energy, water, photonics, actuation, sensing, and biotechnology. Here, recent advances in functional liquid crystals based on polymers, supramolecular complexes, gels, colloids, and inorganic-based hybrids are reviewed, from design strategies to functionalization of these materials and interfaces. New insights into liquid crystals provided by significant progress in advanced measurements and computational simulations, which enhance new design and functionalization of liquid-crystalline materials, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Uchida
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Bartolome Soberats
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Balearic Islands, Cra. Valldemossa Km. 7.5, Palma de Mallorca, 07122, Spain
| | - Monika Gupta
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Research Initiative for Supra-Materials, Shinshu University, Wakasato, Nagano, 380-8553, Japan
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12
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Abstract
Smart soft materials are envisioned to be the building blocks of the next generation of advanced devices and digitally augmented technologies. In this context, liquid crystals (LCs) owing to their responsive and adaptive attributes could serve as promising smart soft materials. LCs played a critical role in revolutionizing the information display industry in the 20th century. However, in the turn of the 21st century, numerous beyond-display applications of LCs have been demonstrated, which elegantly exploit their controllable stimuli-responsive and adaptive characteristics. For these applications, new LC materials have been rationally designed and developed. In this Review, we present the recent developments in light driven chiral LCs, i.e., cholesteric and blue phases, LC based smart windows that control the entrance of heat and light from outdoor to the interior of buildings and built environments depending on the weather conditions, LC elastomers for bioinspired, biological, and actuator applications, LC based biosensors for detection of proteins, nucleic acids, and viruses, LC based porous membranes for the separation of ions, molecules, and microbes, living LCs, and LCs under macro- and nanoscopic confinement. The Review concludes with a summary and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for LCs as smart soft materials. This Review is anticipated to stimulate eclectic ideas toward the implementation of the nature's delicate phase of matter in future generations of smart and augmented devices and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Quan Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States.,Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Jiangsu Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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13
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Martella D, Nocentini S, Parmeggiani C, Wiersma DS. Photonic artificial muscles: from micro robots to tissue engineering. Faraday Discuss 2021; 223:216-232. [PMID: 32716468 DOI: 10.1039/d0fd00032a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Light responsive shape-changing polymers are able to mimic the function of biological muscles accomplishing mechanical work in response to selected stimuli. A variety of manufacturing techniques and chemical processes can be employed to shape these materials to different length scales, from centimeter fibers and films to 3D printed micrometric objects trying to replicate biological functions and operations. Controlled deformations shown to mimick basic animal operations such as walking, swimming or grabbing objects, while also controlling the refractive index and the geometry of devices, opens up the potential to implement tunable optical properties. Another possibility is that of combining artificial polymers with cells or biological tissue (such as intact cardiac trabeculae) with the aim to improve tissue formation in vitro or to support the mechanical function of damaged biological muscles. Such versatility is afforded by chemistry. New customized liquid crystalline monomers are presented here that modulate material properties for different applications. The role of synthetic material composition is highlighted as we demonstrate how using apparently similar molecular formulations, that liquid crystalline polymers can be adapted to different technological and medical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Martella
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Via Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sara Nocentini
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. and Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM, Strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - Camilla Parmeggiani
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. and Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM, Strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy and Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Diederik S Wiersma
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Via Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy and Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM, Strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
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14
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Cell instructive Liquid Crystalline Networks for myotube formation. iScience 2021; 24:103077. [PMID: 34568797 PMCID: PMC8449234 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of biological tissues in vitro is not a trivial task and requires the correct maturation of the selected cell line. To this aim, many attempts were done mainly by mimicking the biological environment using micro/nanopatterned or stimulated scaffolds. However, the obtainment of functional tissues in vitro is still far from being achieved. In contrast with the standard methods, we here present an easy approach for the maturation of myotubes toward the reproduction of muscular tissue. By using liquid crystalline networks with different stiffness and molecular alignment, we demonstrate how the material itself can give favorable interactions with myoblasts helping a correct differentiation. Electrophysiological studies demonstrate that myotubes obtained on these polymers have more adult-like morphology and better functional features with respect to those cultured on standard supports. The study opens to a platform for the differentiation of other cell lines in a simple and scalable way.
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15
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Odening KE, Gomez AM, Dobrev D, Fabritz L, Heinzel FR, Mangoni ME, Molina CE, Sacconi L, Smith G, Stengl M, Thomas D, Zaza A, Remme CA, Heijman J. ESC working group on cardiac cellular electrophysiology position paper: relevance, opportunities, and limitations of experimental models for cardiac electrophysiology research. Europace 2021; 23:1795-1814. [PMID: 34313298 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias are a major cause of death and disability. A large number of experimental cell and animal models have been developed to study arrhythmogenic diseases. These models have provided important insights into the underlying arrhythmia mechanisms and translational options for their therapeutic management. This position paper from the ESC Working Group on Cardiac Cellular Electrophysiology provides an overview of (i) currently available in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo electrophysiological research methodologies, (ii) the most commonly used experimental (cellular and animal) models for cardiac arrhythmias including relevant species differences, (iii) the use of human cardiac tissue, induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived and in silico models to study cardiac arrhythmias, and (iv) the availability, relevance, limitations, and opportunities of these cellular and animal models to recapitulate specific acquired and inherited arrhythmogenic diseases, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, sinus node, and conduction disorders and channelopathies. By promoting a better understanding of these models and their limitations, this position paper aims to improve the quality of basic research in cardiac electrophysiology, with the ultimate goal to facilitate the clinical translation and application of basic electrophysiological research findings on arrhythmia mechanisms and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja E Odening
- Translational Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ana-Maria Gomez
- Signaling and cardiovascular pathophysiology-UMR-S 1180, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, 92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Frank R Heinzel
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matteo E Mangoni
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Cristina E Molina
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site, Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Leonardo Sacconi
- National Institute of Optics and European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy, Italy.,Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Freiburg, Germany
| | - Godfrey Smith
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Milan Stengl
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Dierk Thomas
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders (HCR), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site, Heidelberg/Mannheim, Germany
| | - Antonio Zaza
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Carol Ann Remme
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jordi Heijman
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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16
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Lu H, Zou Z, Wu X, Shi C, Liu Y, Xiao J. Biomimetic Prosthetic Hand Enabled by Liquid Crystal Elastomer Tendons. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:736. [PMID: 34201506 PMCID: PMC8306406 DOI: 10.3390/mi12070736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As one of the most important prosthetic implants for amputees, current commercially available prosthetic hands are still too bulky, heavy, expensive, complex and inefficient. Here, we present a study that utilizes the artificial tendon to drive the motion of fingers in a biomimetic prosthetic hand. The artificial tendon is realized by combining liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) and liquid metal (LM) heating element. A joule heating-induced temperature increase in the LCE tendon leads to linear contraction, which drives the fingers of the biomimetic prosthetic hand to bend in a way similar to the human hand. The responses of the LCE tendon to joule heating, including temperature increase, contraction strain and contraction stress, are characterized. The strategies of achieving a constant contraction stress in an LCE tendon and accelerating the cooling for faster actuation are also explored. This biomimetic prosthetic hand is demonstrated to be able to perform complex tasks including making different hand gestures, holding objects of different sizes and shapes, and carrying weights. The results can find applications in not only prosthetics, but also robots and soft machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Lu
- College of Mechanical Electrical and Vehicle Engineering, Weifang University, Weifang 261061, China;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
| | - Zhanan Zou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xingli Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China
| | - Chuanqian Shi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
- School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yimeng Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
| | - Jianliang Xiao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
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17
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Lavrentovich OD. Design of nematic liquid crystals to control microscale dynamics. LIQUID CRYSTALS REVIEWS 2021; 8:59-129. [PMID: 34956738 PMCID: PMC8698256 DOI: 10.1080/21680396.2021.1919576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The dynamics of small particles, both living such as swimming bacteria and inanimate, such as colloidal spheres, has fascinated scientists for centuries. If one could learn how to control and streamline their chaotic motion, that would open technological opportunities in the transformation of stored or environmental energy into systematic motion, with applications in micro-robotics, transport of matter, guided morphogenesis. This review presents an approach to command microscale dynamics by replacing an isotropic medium with a liquid crystal. Orientational order and associated properties, such as elasticity, surface anchoring, and bulk anisotropy, enable new dynamic effects, ranging from the appearance and propagation of particle-like solitary waves to self-locomotion of an active droplet. By using photoalignment, the liquid crystal can be patterned into predesigned structures. In the presence of the electric field, these patterns enable the transport of solid and fluid particles through nonlinear electrokinetics rooted in anisotropy of conductivity and permittivity. Director patterns command the dynamics of swimming bacteria, guiding their trajectories, polarity of swimming, and distribution in space. This guidance is of a higher level of complexity than a simple following of the director by rod-like microorganisms. Namely, the director gradients mediate hydrodynamic interactions of bacteria to produce an active force and collective polar modes of swimming. The patterned director could also be engraved in a liquid crystal elastomer. When an elastomer coating is activated by heat or light, these patterns produce a deterministic surface topography. The director gradients define an activation force that shapes the elastomer in a manner similar to the active stresses triggering flows in active nematics. The patterned elastomer substrates could be used to define the orientation of cells in living tissues. The liquid-crystal guidance holds a major promise in achieving the goal of commanding microscale active flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg D Lavrentovich
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Department of Physics, Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
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18
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Liquid Crystal Elastomers for Biological Applications. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11030813. [PMID: 33810173 PMCID: PMC8005174 DOI: 10.3390/nano11030813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The term liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) describes a class of materials that combine the elastic entropy behaviour associated with conventional elastomers with the stimuli responsive properties of anisotropic liquid crystals. LCEs consequently exhibit attributes of both elastomers and liquid crystals, but additionally have unique properties not found in either. Recent developments in LCE synthesis, as well as the understanding of the behaviour of liquid crystal elastomers—namely their mechanical, optical and responsive properties—is of significant relevance to biology and biomedicine. LCEs are abundant in nature, highlighting the potential use of LCEs in biomimetics. Their exceptional tensile properties and biocompatibility have led to research exploring their applications in artificial tissue, biological sensors and cell scaffolds by exploiting their actuation and shock absorption properties. There has also been significant recent interest in using LCEs as a model for morphogenesis. This review provides an overview of some aspects of LCEs which are of relevance in different branches of biology and biomedicine, as well as discussing how recent LCE advances could impact future applications.
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19
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Chen K, Yu T, Wang X. Inhibition of Circulating Exosomal miRNA-20b-5p Accelerates Diabetic Wound Repair. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:371-381. [PMID: 33469291 PMCID: PMC7813471 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s287875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Efficient approaches to reliably improving wound healing in diabetic patients remain to be developed. Exosomes are nanomaterials from which therapeutically active microRNAs (miRNAs) can be isolated. In the present report, we therefore isolated circulating exosome-derived miRNAs from patients with diabetes and assessed the impact of these molecules on wound healing. PATIENTS AND METHODS Exosomes were isolated from the serum of control or diabetic patients (Con-Exos and Dia-Exos, respectively), after which the effects of these exosomes on cellular activity and wound healing were assessed. RESULTS We determined that miR-20b-5p was overexpressed in Dia-Exos and that it functioned by impairing wound repair by suppressing vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression. Consistent with such a model, the administration of Dia-Exos or this miRNA both in vivo and in vitro was sufficient to slow wound repair. CONCLUSION Dia-Exos exhibit significant increases in miR-20b-5p relative to Con-Exos, and this miRNA can be transferred into HSFs wherein it can suppress VEGFA expression and thereby slow the process of wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai200065, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai200065, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai200065, People’s Republic of China
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20
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Jiang J, Dhakal NP, Guo Y, Andre C, Thompson L, Skalli O, Peng C. Controlled Dynamics of Neural Tumor Cells by Templated Liquid Crystalline Polymer Networks. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e2000487. [PMID: 32378330 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202000487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The ability to control the alignment and organization of cell populations has great potential for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. A variety of approaches such as nano/microtopographical patterning, mechanical loading, and nanocomposite synthesis have been developed to engineer scaffolds able to control cellular properties and behaviors. In this work, a patterned liquid crystal polymer network (LCN) film is synthesized by using a nematic liquid crystal template in which the molecular orientations are predesigned by photopatterning technique. Various configurations of polymer networks such as linear and circular patterns are created. When neural tumor cells are plated onto the templated LCN films, the cell alignment, migration, and proliferation are directed in both linear and curvilinear fashions following the pattern of the aligned polymer chains. A complex LCN pattern with zigzag geometry is also fabricated and found to be capable of controlling cell alignment and collective cellular organization. The demonstrated control of cell dynamics and organization by LCN films with various molecular alignments opens new opportunities to design scaffolds to control cultured cell organization in a manner resembling that found in tissues and to develop novel advanced materials for nerve repair, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Jiang
- Department of Physics and Materials ScienceThe University of Memphis Memphis TN 38152 USA
| | - Netra Prasad Dhakal
- Department of Physics and Materials ScienceThe University of Memphis Memphis TN 38152 USA
| | - Yubing Guo
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal InstituteKent State University Kent OH 44242 USA
| | - Christian Andre
- Department of Physics and Materials ScienceThe University of Memphis Memphis TN 38152 USA
| | - Lauren Thompson
- Department of BiologyThe University of Memphis Memphis TN 38152 USA
| | - Omar Skalli
- Department of BiologyThe University of Memphis Memphis TN 38152 USA
| | - Chenhui Peng
- Department of Physics and Materials ScienceThe University of Memphis Memphis TN 38152 USA
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21
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Pioner JM, Fornaro A, Coppini R, Ceschia N, Sacconi L, Donati MA, Favilli S, Poggesi C, Olivotto I, Ferrantini C. Advances in Stem Cell Modeling of Dystrophin-Associated Disease: Implications for the Wider World of Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Front Physiol 2020; 11:368. [PMID: 32477154 PMCID: PMC7235370 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is mostly caused by mutations in genes encoding cytoskeletal and sarcomeric proteins. In the pediatric population, DCM is the predominant type of primitive myocardial disease. A severe form of DCM is associated with mutations in the DMD gene encoding dystrophin, which are the cause of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD-associated cardiomyopathy is still poorly understood and orphan of a specific therapy. In the last 5 years, a rise of interest in disease models using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) has led to more than 50 original studies on DCM models. In this review paper, we provide a comprehensive overview on the advances in DMD cardiomyopathy disease modeling and highlight the most remarkable findings obtained from cardiomyocytes differentiated from hiPSCs of DMD patients. We will also describe how hiPSCs based studies have contributed to the identification of specific myocardial disease mechanisms that may be relevant in the pathogenesis of DCM, representing novel potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josè Manuel Pioner
- Division of Physiology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Raffaele Coppini
- Department of NeuroFarBa, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Nicole Ceschia
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sacconi
- LENS, Università degli Studi di Firenze and National Institute of Optics (INO-CNR), Florence, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Favilli
- Pediatric Cardiology, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Corrado Poggesi
- Division of Physiology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Iacopo Olivotto
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Cecilia Ferrantini
- Division of Physiology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
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22
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Wang Y, McKinstry AH, Burke KA. Main-Chain Liquid Crystalline Hydrogels that Support 3D Stem Cell Culture. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:2365-2375. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yongjian Wang
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road Unit 3222, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3222, United States
| | - Amy H. McKinstry
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road Unit 3222, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3222, United States
| | - Kelly A. Burke
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road Unit 3222, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3222, United States
- Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, 97 North Eagleville Road Unit 3136, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3136, United States
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, 260 Glenbrook Road Unit 3247, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3247, United States
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23
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Sitti M, Wiersma DS. Pros and Cons: Magnetic versus Optical Microrobots. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1906766. [PMID: 32053227 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201906766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Mobile microrobotics has emerged as a new robotics field within the last decade to create untethered tiny robots that can access and operate in unprecedented, dangerous, or hard-to-reach small spaces noninvasively toward disruptive medical, biotechnology, desktop manufacturing, environmental remediation, and other potential applications. Magnetic and optical actuation methods are the most widely used actuation methods in mobile microrobotics currently, in addition to acoustic and biological (cell-driven) actuation approaches. The pros and cons of these actuation methods are reported here, depending on the given context. They can both enable long-range, fast, and precise actuation of single or a large number of microrobots in diverse environments. Magnetic actuation has unique potential for medical applications of microrobots inside nontransparent tissues at high penetration depths, while optical actuation is suitable for more biotechnology, lab-/organ-on-a-chip, and desktop manufacturing types of applications with much less surface penetration depth requirements or with transparent environments. Combining both methods in new robot designs can have a strong potential of combining the pros of both methods. There is still much progress needed in both actuation methods to realize the potential disruptive applications of mobile microrobots in real-world conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metin Sitti
- Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Heisenbergstr. 3, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Diederik S Wiersma
- LENS, University of Florence, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- INRIM, Strada delle Cacce 91, 10135, Torino, Italy
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24
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Ma C, Su J, Li B, Herrmann A, Zhang H, Liu K. Solvent-Free Plasticity and Programmable Mechanical Behaviors of Engineered Proteins. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1907697. [PMID: 31990428 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201907697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Biopolymeric networks with plasticity show great competences in diverse fields owing to the combined biocompatible and mechanical characteristics. However, to realize such plasticity external complicated treatments, e.g., UV or organic solvent have to be applied, which in turn impair the biological nature and even mechanical properties of those systems. To address this challenge, one new type of anhydrous protein liquid crystalline (LC) gels, which exhibit flexible morphological plasticity and mechanical programmability is demonstrated. Supramolecular interactions in the smectic biogels play an important role for their high plasticity. Remarkably, the samples exhibit outstanding mechanical behaviors. The tensile strength and Young's modulus at MPa levels are comparable or even higher than chemically cross-linked hydrogels and LC elastomers. More importantly, mechanical programmability of the LC gels is achieved by genetically tuning the charge density of protein backbones. Consequently, the mechanical performance is manipulated in the range of one order of magnitude. Thus, this type of anhydrous protein LC gels offers great opportunities for load-bearing high-tech applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 130022, Changchun, China
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Juanjuan Su
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 130022, Changchun, China
| | - Andreas Herrmann
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52056, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hongjie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 130022, Changchun, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 130022, Changchun, China
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25
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Babakhanova G, Krieger J, Li BX, Turiv T, Kim MH, Lavrentovich OD. Cell alignment by smectic liquid crystal elastomer coatings with nanogrooves. J Biomed Mater Res A 2020; 108:1223-1230. [PMID: 32034939 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Control of cells behavior through topography of substrates is an important theme in biomedical applications. Among many materials used as substrates, polymers show advantages since they can be tailored by chemical functionalization. Fabrication of polymer substrates with nano- and microscale topography requires processing by lithography, microprinting, etching, and so forth. In this work, we introduce a different approach based on anisotropic elastic properties of polymerized smectic A (SmA) liquid crystal elastomer (LCE). When the SmA liquid crystal coating is deposited onto a substrate with planar alignment of the molecules, it develops nanogrooves at its free surface. After photopolymerization, these nanogrooves show an excellent ability to align human dermal fibroblasts over large areas. The alignment quality is good for both bare SmA LCE substrates and for substrates coated with fibronectin. The SmA LCE nano-topographies show a high potential for tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Babakhanova
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - Jess Krieger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - Bing-Xiang Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - Taras Turiv
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - Min-Ho Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - Oleg D Lavrentovich
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
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26
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Mori T, Cukelj R, Prévôt ME, Ustunel S, Story A, Gao Y, Diabre K, McDonough JA, Freeman EJ, Hegmann E, Clements RJ. 3D Porous Liquid Crystal Elastomer Foams Supporting Long-term Neuronal Cultures. Macromol Rapid Commun 2020; 41:e1900585. [PMID: 32009277 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201900585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
3D liquid crystal elastomer (3D-LCE) foams are used to support long-term neuronal cultures for over 60 days. Sequential imaging shows that cell density remains relatively constant throughout the culture period while the number of cells per observational area increases. In a subset of samples, retinoic acid is used to stimulate extensive neuritic outgrowth and maturation of proliferated neurons within the LCEs, inducing a threefold increase in length with cells displaying morphologies indicative of mature neurons. Designed LCEs' micro-channels have a similar diameter to endogenous parenchymal arterioles, ensuring that neurons throughout the construct have constant access to growth media during extended experiments. Here it is shown that 3D-LCEs provide a unique environment and simple method to longitudinally study spatial neuronal function, not possible in conventional culture environments, with simplistic integration into existing methodological pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taizo Mori
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Richard Cukelj
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Marianne Estelle Prévôt
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Senay Ustunel
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Anna Story
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Yunxiang Gao
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Karene Diabre
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Jennifer Ann McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Ernest Johnson Freeman
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Robert John Clements
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
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27
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Ferrantini C, Pioner JM, Martella D, Coppini R, Piroddi N, Paoli P, Calamai M, Pavone FS, Wiersma DS, Tesi C, Cerbai E, Poggesi C, Sacconi L, Parmeggiani C. Development of Light-Responsive Liquid Crystalline Elastomers to Assist Cardiac Contraction. Circ Res 2020; 124:e44-e54. [PMID: 30732554 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.118.313889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Despite major advances in cardiovascular medicine, heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide. However, the field of tissue engineering has been growing exponentially in the last decade and restoring heart functionality is now an affordable target; yet, new materials are still needed for effectively provide rapid and long-lasting interventions. Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are biocompatible polymers able to reversibly change shape in response to a given stimulus and generate movement. Once stimulated, LCEs can produce tension or movement like a muscle. However, so far their application in biology was limited by slow response times and a modest possibility to modulate tension levels during activation. OBJECTIVE To develop suitable LCE-based materials to assist cardiac contraction. METHODS AND RESULTS Thanks to a quick, simple, and versatile synthetic approach, a palette of biocompatible acrylate-based light-responsive LCEs with different molecular composition was prepared and mechanically characterized. Out of this, the more compliant one was selected. This material was able to contract for some weeks when activated with very low light intensity within a physiological environment. Its contraction was modulated in terms of light intensity, stimulation frequency, and ton/toff ratio to fit different contraction amplitude/time courses, including those of the human heart. Finally, LCE strips were mounted in parallel with cardiac trabeculae, and we demonstrated their ability to improve muscular systolic function, with no impact on diastolic properties. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated LCEs are promising in assisting cardiac mechanical function and developing a new generation of contraction assist devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Ferrantini
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (C.F., J.M.P., N.P., C.T., C.Po.), University of Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.)
| | - Josè M Pioner
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (C.F., J.M.P., N.P., C.T., C.Po.), University of Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Martella
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" (D.M., C.Pa.), University of Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.).,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., L.S., C.Pa.)
| | - Raffaele Coppini
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA) (R.C., E.C), University of Florence, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Piroddi
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (C.F., J.M.P., N.P., C.T., C.Po.), University of Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Paoli
- Department of Biochemical, Experimental and Clinical "Mario Serio", Italy (P.P.)
| | - Martino Calamai
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.).,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., L.S., C.Pa.)
| | - Francesco S Pavone
- Department of Physics and Astronomy (F.S.P., D.S.W.), University of Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.).,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., L.S., C.Pa.)
| | - Diederik S Wiersma
- Department of Physics and Astronomy (F.S.P., D.S.W.), University of Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.).,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., L.S., C.Pa.).,Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM, Turin, Italy (D.S.W., C.Pa.)
| | - Chiara Tesi
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (C.F., J.M.P., N.P., C.T., C.Po.), University of Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cerbai
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA) (R.C., E.C), University of Florence, Italy
| | - Corrado Poggesi
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (C.F., J.M.P., N.P., C.T., C.Po.), University of Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.)
| | - Leonardo Sacconi
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.).,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., L.S., C.Pa.)
| | - Camilla Parmeggiani
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" (D.M., C.Pa.), University of Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.).,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., L.S., C.Pa.).,Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM, Turin, Italy (D.S.W., C.Pa.)
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28
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Martella D, Nocentini S, Antonioli D, Laus M, Wiersma DS, Parmeggiani C. Opposite Self-Folding Behavior of Polymeric Photoresponsive Actuators Enabled by a Molecular Approach. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:polym11101644. [PMID: 31658752 PMCID: PMC6835338 DOI: 10.3390/polym11101644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to obtain 3D polymeric objects by a 2D-to-3D shape-shifting method is very appealing for polymer integration with different materials, from metals in electronic devices to cells in biological studies. Such functional reshaping can be achieved through self-folding driven by a strain pattern designed into the molecular network. Among polymeric materials, liquid crystalline networks (LCNs) present an anisotropic molecular structure that can be exploited to tailor internal strain, resulting in a natural non-planar geometry when prepared in the form of flat films. In this article, we analyze the influence of different molecular parameters of the monomers on the spontaneous shape of the polymeric films and their deformation under different stimuli, such as heating or light irradiation. Modifying the alkilic chains of the crosslinkers is a simple and highly effective way to increase the temperature sensitivity of the final actuator, while modifying ester orientation on the aromatic core interestingly acts on the bending direction. Combining such effects, we have demonstrated that LCN stripes made of different monomeric mixtures originate complex non-symmetric deformation under light activation, thus opening up new applications in photonic and robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Martella
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
- National Institute of Optics, CNR-INO, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Sara Nocentini
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
- National Institute of Optics, CNR-INO, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Diego Antonioli
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica (DISIT), Universitá del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", INSTM, UdR Alessandria, Viale T. Michel 11, 15121 Alessandria, Italy.
| | - Michele Laus
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica (DISIT), Universitá del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", INSTM, UdR Alessandria, Viale T. Michel 11, 15121 Alessandria, Italy.
| | - Diederik S Wiersma
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
- Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of Florence, Via G. Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM, Strada delle Cacce, 91, 10135 Turin, Italy.
| | - Camilla Parmeggiani
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
- National Institute of Optics, CNR-INO, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM, Strada delle Cacce, 91, 10135 Turin, Italy.
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, via N. Carrara 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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29
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Puliafito A, Ricciardi S, Pirani F, Čermochová V, Boarino L, De Leo N, Primo L, Descrovi E. Driving Cells with Light-Controlled Topographies. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2019; 6:1801826. [PMID: 31380197 PMCID: PMC6661947 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201801826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cell-substrate interactions can modulate cellular behaviors in a variety of biological contexts, including development and disease. Light-responsive materials have been recently proposed to engineer active substrates with programmable topographies directing cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. However, current approaches are affected by either fabrication complexity, limitations in the extent of mechanical stimuli, lack of full spatio-temporal control, or ease of use. Here, a platform exploiting light to plastically deform micropatterned polymeric substrates is presented. Topographic changes with remarkable relief depths in the micron range are induced in parallel, by illuminating the sample at once, without using raster scanners. In few tens of seconds, complex topographies are instructed on demand, with arbitrary spatial distributions over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Proof-of-concept data on breast cancer cells and normal kidney epithelial cells are presented. Both cell types adhere and proliferate on substrates without appreciable cell damage upon light-induced substrate deformations. User-provided mechanical stimulation aligns and guides cancer cells along the local deformation direction and constrains epithelial colony growth by biasing cell division orientation. This approach is easy to implement on general-purpose optical microscopy systems and suitable for use in cell biology in a wide variety of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Puliafito
- Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO‐IRCCSCandioloTurin10060Italy
- Department of OncologyUniversity of TurinTurin10060Italy
| | - Serena Ricciardi
- Department of Applied Science and TechnologyPolytechnic University of TurinC.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24Turin10129Italy
| | - Federica Pirani
- Department of Applied Science and TechnologyPolytechnic University of TurinC.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24Turin10129Italy
| | - Viktorie Čermochová
- Department of Applied Science and TechnologyPolytechnic University of TurinC.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24Turin10129Italy
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Chemical Technology PragueTechnická3166 28 Praha 6Czech Republic
| | - Luca Boarino
- Quantum Research Labs & Nanofacility Piemonte Nanoscience & Materials DivisionIstituto Nazionale di Ricerca MetrologicaStrada delle Cacce 91Turin10135Italy
| | - Natascia De Leo
- Quantum Research Labs & Nanofacility Piemonte Nanoscience & Materials DivisionIstituto Nazionale di Ricerca MetrologicaStrada delle Cacce 91Turin10135Italy
| | - Luca Primo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO‐IRCCSCandioloTurin10060Italy
- Department of OncologyUniversity of TurinTurin10060Italy
| | - Emiliano Descrovi
- Department of Applied Science and TechnologyPolytechnic University of TurinC.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24Turin10129Italy
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30
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Alvariño C, Heinrich B, Donnio B, Deschenaux R, Therrien B. Supramolecular Arene-Ruthenium Metallacycle with Thermotropic Liquid-Crystalline Properties. Inorg Chem 2019; 58:9505-9512. [PMID: 31247839 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b01532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Functionalization of 1,4-di(4-pyridinyl)benzene with poly(arylester) dendrimers bearing cyanobiphenyl end-groups gives a bidentate dendromesogenic ligand (L) that exhibits thermotropic liquid-crystalline properties. Combination of the diruthenium complex [Ru2(p-cymene)2(donq)][DDS]2 (M) with L, by coordination-driven self-assembly, affords the discrete and well-defined metallacycle M2L2. Like L, this supramolecular dendritic system displays mesomorphic properties above 50 °C. Both compounds L and M2L2 show smectic phases, characterized by a multilayered organization of the multiple components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Alvariño
- Institut de Chimie , Université de Neuchâtel , Avenue de Bellevaux 51 , Neuchâtel 2000 , Switzerland
| | - Benoît Heinrich
- Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg (IPCMS), UMR 7504 , CNRS-Université de Strasbourg , 23 rue du Loess, BP43 , Strasbourg cedex 2 67034 , France
| | - Bertrand Donnio
- Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg (IPCMS), UMR 7504 , CNRS-Université de Strasbourg , 23 rue du Loess, BP43 , Strasbourg cedex 2 67034 , France
| | - Robert Deschenaux
- Institut de Chimie , Université de Neuchâtel , Avenue de Bellevaux 51 , Neuchâtel 2000 , Switzerland
| | - Bruno Therrien
- Institut de Chimie , Université de Neuchâtel , Avenue de Bellevaux 51 , Neuchâtel 2000 , Switzerland
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31
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Martella D, Pattelli L, Matassini C, Ridi F, Bonini M, Paoli P, Baglioni P, Wiersma DS, Parmeggiani C. Liquid Crystal-Induced Myoblast Alignment. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1801489. [PMID: 30605262 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201801489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The ability to control cell alignment represents a fundamental requirement toward the production of tissue in vitro but also to create biohybrid materials presenting the functional properties of human organs. However, cell cultures on standard commercial supports do not provide a selective control on the cell organization morphology, and different techniques, such as the use of patterned or stimulated substrates, are developed to induce cellular alignment. In this work, a new approach toward in vitro muscular tissue morphogenesis is presented exploiting liquid crystalline networks. By using smooth polymeric films with planar homogeneous alignment, a certain degree of cellular order is observed in myoblast cultures with direction of higher cell alignment corresponding to the nematic director. The molecular organization inside the polymer determines such effects since no cell organization is observed using homeotropic or isotropic samples. These findings represent the first example of cellular alignment induced by the interaction with a nematic polymeric scaffold, setting the stage for new applications of liquid crystal polymers as active matter to control tissue growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Martella
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”; University of Florence; via della Lastruccia 3-13 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy; via Nello Carrara 1 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- National Institute of Optics; National Research Council; via Nello Carrara 1 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pattelli
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy; via Nello Carrara 1 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy; University of Florence; Via Sansone, 1 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM; Strada delle Cacce, 91 10135 Turin Italy
| | - Camilla Matassini
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”; University of Florence; via della Lastruccia 3-13 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- National Institute of Optics; National Research Council; via Nello Carrara 1 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
| | - Francesca Ridi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”; University of Florence; via della Lastruccia 3-13 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- CSGI; Center for Colloids and Interface Science; via della Lastruccia, 3 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
| | - Massimo Bonini
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”; University of Florence; via della Lastruccia 3-13 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- CSGI; Center for Colloids and Interface Science; via della Lastruccia, 3 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
| | - Paolo Paoli
- Department of Biochemical; Experimental and Clinical “Mario Serio”; Viale Morgagni 50 50134 Firenze Italy
| | - Piero Baglioni
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”; University of Florence; via della Lastruccia 3-13 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- CSGI; Center for Colloids and Interface Science; via della Lastruccia, 3 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
| | - Diederik S. Wiersma
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy; via Nello Carrara 1 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy; University of Florence; Via Sansone, 1 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM; Strada delle Cacce, 91 10135 Turin Italy
| | - Camilla Parmeggiani
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”; University of Florence; via della Lastruccia 3-13 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy; via Nello Carrara 1 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- National Institute of Optics; National Research Council; via Nello Carrara 1 50019 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM; Strada delle Cacce, 91 10135 Turin Italy
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Rihani RT, Kim H, Black BJ, Atmaramani R, Saed MO, Pancrazio JJ, Ware TH. Liquid Crystal Elastomer-Based Microelectrode Array for In Vitro Neuronal Recordings. MICROMACHINES 2018; 9:E416. [PMID: 30424349 PMCID: PMC6211140 DOI: 10.3390/mi9080416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Polymer-based biomedical electronics provide a tunable platform to interact with nervous tissue both in vitro and in vivo. Ultimately, the ability to control functional properties of neural interfaces may provide important advantages to study the nervous system or to restore function in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are a class of smart materials that reversibly change shape when exposed to a variety of stimuli. Our interest in LCEs is based on leveraging this shape change to deploy electrode sites beyond the tissue regions exhibiting inflammation associated with chronic implantation. As a first step, we demonstrate that LCEs are cellular compatible materials that can be used as substrates for fabricating microelectrode arrays (MEAs) capable of recording single unit activity in vitro. Extracts from LCEs are non-cytotoxic (>70% normalized percent viability), as determined in accordance to ISO protocol 10993-5 using fibroblasts and primary murine cortical neurons. LCEs are also not functionally neurotoxic as determined by exposing cortical neurons cultured on conventional microelectrode arrays to LCE extract for 48 h. Microelectrode arrays fabricated on LCEs are stable, as determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Examination of the impedance and phase at 1 kHz, a frequency associated with single unit recording, showed results well within range of electrophysiological recordings over 30 days of monitoring in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Moreover, the LCE arrays are shown to support viable cortical neuronal cultures over 27 days in vitro and to enable recording of prominent extracellular biopotentials comparable to those achieved with conventional commercially-available microelectrode arrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashed T Rihani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA.
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA.
| | - Bryan J Black
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA.
| | - Rahul Atmaramani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA.
| | - Mohand O Saed
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA.
| | - Joseph J Pancrazio
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA.
| | - Taylor H Ware
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA.
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Martella D, Parmeggiani C. Advances in Cell Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering: The Value of Liquid Crystalline Elastomers. Chemistry 2018; 24:12206-12220. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201800477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Martella
- Chemistry Department “Ugo Schiff”; University of Florence; Via della Lastruccia 3-13 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- CNR-INO; European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS); University of Florence; via Nello Carrara 1 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
| | - Camilla Parmeggiani
- Chemistry Department “Ugo Schiff”; University of Florence; Via della Lastruccia 3-13 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- CNR-INO; European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS); University of Florence; via Nello Carrara 1 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
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Prévôt ME, Ustunel S, Hegmann E. Liquid Crystal Elastomers-A Path to Biocompatible and Biodegradable 3D-LCE Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 11:E377. [PMID: 29510523 PMCID: PMC5872956 DOI: 10.3390/ma11030377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The development of appropriate materials that can make breakthroughs in tissue engineering has long been pursued by the scientific community. Several types of material have been long tested and re-designed for this purpose. At the same time, liquid crystals (LCs) have captivated the scientific community since their discovery in 1888 and soon after were thought to be, in combination with polymers, artificial muscles. Within the past decade liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) have been attracting increasing interest for their use as smart advanced materials for biological applications. Here, we examine how LCEs can potentially be used as dynamic substrates for culturing cells, moving away from the classical two-dimensional cell-culture nature. We also briefly discuss the integration of a few technologies for the preparation of more sophisticated LCE-composite scaffolds for more dynamic biomaterials. The anisotropic properties of LCEs can be used not only to promote cell attachment and the proliferation of cells, but also to promote cell alignment under LCE-stimulated deformation. 3D LCEs are ideal materials for new insights to simulate and study the development of tissues and the complex interplay between cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne E Prévôt
- Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
| | - Senay Ustunel
- Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program (CPIP), Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program (CPIP), Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
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Saporito F, Sandri G, Bonferoni MC, Rossi S, Malavasi L, Fante CD, Vigani B, Black L, Ferrari F. Electrospun Gelatin⁻Chondroitin Sulfate Scaffolds Loaded with Platelet Lysate Promote Immature Cardiomyocyte Proliferation. Polymers (Basel) 2018; 10:polym10020208. [PMID: 30966244 PMCID: PMC6415061 DOI: 10.3390/polym10020208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present work was the development of heart patches based on gelatin (G) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) to be used as implants to improve heart recovery after corrective surgery for critical congenital heart defects (CHD). Patches were prepared by means of electrospinning to obtain nanofibrous scaffolds and they were loaded with platelet lysate (PL) as a source of growth factors to further enhance the repair process. Scaffolds were characterized for morphology and mechanical properties and for the capability to support in vitro adhesion and proliferation of dermal fibroblasts in order to assess the system’s general biocompatibility. Adhesion and proliferation of endothelial cells and cardiac cells (cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts from rat fetuses) onto PL-loaded patches was evaluated. Patches presented good elasticity and high stiffness suitable for in vivo adaptation to heart contraction. CS improved adhesion and proliferation of dermal fibroblasts, as proof of their biocompatibility. Moreover, they enhanced the adhesion and proliferation of endothelial cells, a crucial mediator of cardiac repair. Cell adhesion and proliferation could be related to elastic properties, which could favor cell motility. The presence of platelet lysate and CS was crucial for the adhesion and proliferation of cardiac cells and, in particular, of cardiomyocytes: G/CS scaffold embedded with PL appeared to selectively promote proliferation in cardiomyocytes but not cardiac fibroblasts. In conclusion, G/CS scaffold seems to be a promising system to assist myocardial-repair processes in young patient, preserving cardiomyocyte viability and preventing cardiac fibroblast proliferation, likely reducing subsequent uncontrolled collagen deposition by fibroblasts following repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Saporito
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Sandri
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | | | - Silvia Rossi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Malavasi
- Department of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry Section, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 16, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Claudia Del Fante
- Immunohaematology and Transfusion Service, Apheresis and Cell Therapy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Viale Golgi 19, Pavia 27100, Italy.
| | - Barbara Vigani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Lauren Black
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
| | - Franca Ferrari
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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Fedele C, Netti PA, Cavalli S. Azobenzene-based polymers: emerging applications as cell culture platforms. Biomater Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1039/c8bm00019k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This minireview highlights the fundamental landmarks towards the application of azobenzene-containing materials as light-responsive cell culture substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Fedele
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale
- DICMAPI
- Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
- Napoli
- Italy
| | - P. A. Netti
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale
- DICMAPI
- Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
- Napoli
- Italy
| | - S. Cavalli
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
- Naples
- Italy
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Nocentini S, Martella D, Wiersma DS, Parmeggiani C. Beam steering by liquid crystal elastomer fibres. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:8590-8596. [PMID: 29105720 DOI: 10.1039/c7sm02063e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The problem of utilizing a laser beam as an information vehicle and dividing it into different channels is an open problem in the telecommunication field. The switching of a signal into different ports has been demonstrated, to date, by employing complex devices and mechanisms such as the electro optic effect, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirrors, or liquid crystal-based spatial light modulators (SLMs). We present here a simple device, namely a mirror held by a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fibre, as an optically and remotely driven beam steerer. In fact, a considered signal (laser beam) can be addressed in every in-plane direction by controlling the fibre and mirror rotation, i.e., the deflected probe beam angle. Such movement is possible due to the preparation of LCE fibres able to rotate and contract under a selective light stimulus. By adjusting the irradiation stimulus power, elastic fibres are able to rotate with a specific angle, performing more than one complete revolution around their axis. The described movement is perfectly reversible as soon as the stimulus is removed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nocentini
- European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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Martella D, Nocentini S, Nuzhdin D, Parmeggiani C, Wiersma DS. Photonic Microhand with Autonomous Action. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2017; 29:1704047. [PMID: 28976033 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201704047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Grabbing and holding objects at the microscale is a complex function, even for microscopic living animals. Inspired by the hominid-type hand, a microscopic equivalent able to catch microelements is engineered. This microhand is light sensitive and can be either remotely controlled by optical illumination or can act autonomously and grab small particles on the basis of their optical properties. Since the energy is delivered optically, without the need for wires or batteries, the artificial hand can be shrunk down to the micrometer scale. Soft material is used, in particular, a custom-made liquid-crystal network that is patterned by a photolithographic technique. The elastic reshaping properties of this material allow finger movement, using environmental light as the only energy source. The hand can be either controlled externally (via the light field), or else the conditions in which it autonomously grabs a particle in its vicinity can be created. This microrobot has the unique feature that it can distinguish between particles of different colors and gray levels. The realization of this autonomous hand constitutes a crucial element in the development of microscopic creatures that can perform tasks without human intervention and self-organized automation at the micrometer scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Martella
- European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sara Nocentini
- European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Dmitry Nuzhdin
- European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Camilla Parmeggiani
- European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Diederik S Wiersma
- European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), Strada delle Cacce 91, 10135, Torino, Italy
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