1
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Lim J, Fang HW, Bupphathong S, Sung PC, Yeh CE, Huang W, Lin CH. The Edifice of Vasculature-On-Chips: A Focused Review on the Key Elements and Assembly of Angiogenesis Models. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:3548-3567. [PMID: 38712543 PMCID: PMC11167599 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The conception of vascularized organ-on-a-chip models provides researchers with the ability to supply controlled biological and physical cues that simulate the in vivo dynamic microphysiological environment of native blood vessels. The intention of this niche research area is to improve our understanding of the role of the vasculature in health or disease progression in vitro by allowing researchers to monitor angiogenic responses and cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions in real time. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the essential elements, including cells, biomaterials, microenvironmental factors, microfluidic chip design, and standard validation procedures that currently govern angiogenesis-on-a-chip assemblies. In addition, we emphasize the importance of incorporating a microvasculature component into organ-on-chip devices in critical biomedical research areas, such as tissue engineering, drug discovery, and disease modeling. Ultimately, advances in this area of research could provide innovative solutions and a personalized approach to ongoing medical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Lim
- Graduate
Institute of Nanomedicine and Medical Engineering, College of Biomedical
Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Wei Fang
- High-value
Biomaterials Research and Commercialization Center, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
- Institute
of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Sasinan Bupphathong
- Graduate
Institute of Nanomedicine and Medical Engineering, College of Biomedical
Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- High-value
Biomaterials Research and Commercialization Center, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chan Sung
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chen-En Yeh
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Wei Huang
- Department
of Orthodontics, Rutgers School of Dental
Medicine, Newark, New Jersey 07103, United States
| | - Chih-Hsin Lin
- Graduate
Institute of Nanomedicine and Medical Engineering, College of Biomedical
Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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2
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Weiß MS, Trapani G, Long H, Trappmann B. Matrix Resistance Toward Proteolytic Cleavage Controls Contractility-Dependent Migration Modes During Angiogenic Sprouting. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305947. [PMID: 38477409 PMCID: PMC11109655 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305947] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Tissue homeostasis and disease states rely on the formation of new blood vessels through angiogenic sprouting, which is tightly regulated by the properties of the surrounding extracellular matrix. While physical cues, such as matrix stiffness or degradability, have evolved as major regulators of cell function in tissue microenvironments, it remains unknown whether and how physical cues regulate endothelial cell migration during angiogenesis. To investigate this, a biomimetic model of angiogenic sprouting inside a tunable synthetic hydrogel is created. It is shown that endothelial cells sense the resistance of the surrounding matrix toward proteolytic cleavage and respond by adjusting their migration phenotype. The resistance cells encounter is impacted by the number of covalent matrix crosslinks, crosslink degradability, and the proteolytic activity of cells. When matrix resistance is high, cells switch from a collective to an actomyosin contractility-dependent single cellular migration mode. This switch in collectivity is accompanied by a major reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, where stress fibers are no longer visible, and F-actin aggregates in large punctate clusters. Matrix resistance is identified as a previously unknown regulator of angiogenic sprouting and, thus, provides a mechanism by which the physical properties of the matrix impact cell migration modes through cytoskeletal remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin S. Weiß
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 2048149MünsterGermany
| | - Giuseppe Trapani
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 2048149MünsterGermany
| | - Hongyan Long
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 2048149MünsterGermany
| | - Britta Trappmann
- Bioactive Materials LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 2048149MünsterGermany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTU Dortmund UniversityOtto‐Hahn‐Straße 644227DortmundGermany
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3
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Aytekin E, Vurat MT, Elçin AE, Elçin YM. Decellularized Bone Matrix/45S5 Bioactive Glass Biocomposite Hydrogel-Based Constructs with Angiogenic and Osteogenic Properties: Ex Ovo and Ex Vivo Evaluations. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300295. [PMID: 38102878 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Decellularized extracellular matrix is often used to create an in vivo-like environment that supports cell growth and proliferation, as it reflects the micro/macrostructure and molecular composition of tissues. On the other hand, bioactive glasses (BG) are surface-reactive glass-ceramics that can convert to hydroxyapatite in vivo and promote new bone formation. This study is designed to evaluate the key properties of a novel angiogenic and osteogenic biocomposite graft made of bovine decellularized bone matrix (DBM) hydrogel and 45S5 BG microparticles (10 and 20 wt%) to combine the existing superior properties of both biomaterial classes. Morphological, physicochemical, mechanical, and thermal characterizations of DBM and DBM/BG composite hydrogels are performed. Their in vitro biocompatibility is confirmed by cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility analyses. Ex vivo chick embryo aortic arch and ex ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays reveal that the present pro-angiogenic property of DBM hydrogels is enhanced by the incorporation of BG. Histochemical stainings (Alcian blue and Alizarin red) and digital image analysis of ossification on hind limbs of embryos used in the CAM model reveal the osteogenic potential of biomaterials. The findings support the notion that the developed DBM/BG composite hydrogel constructs have the potential to be a suitable graft for bone repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekin Aytekin
- Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Ankara University Faculty of Science, and Ankara University Stem Cell Institute, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Murat Taner Vurat
- Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Ankara University Faculty of Science, and Ankara University Stem Cell Institute, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Eser Elçin
- Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Ankara University Faculty of Science, and Ankara University Stem Cell Institute, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Yaşar Murat Elçin
- Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Ankara University Faculty of Science, and Ankara University Stem Cell Institute, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
- Biovalda Health Technologies, Inc., Ankara, 06830, Turkey
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4
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Han Y, Xu J, Chopra H, Zhang Z, Dubey N, Dissanayaka WL, Nör JE, Bottino MC. Injectable Tissue-Specific Hydrogel System for Pulp-Dentin Regeneration. J Dent Res 2024; 103:398-408. [PMID: 38410924 DOI: 10.1177/00220345241226649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The quest for finding a suitable scaffold system that supports cell survival and function and, ultimately, the regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex remains challenging. Herein, we hypothesized that dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) encapsulated in a collagen-based hydrogel with varying stiffness would regenerate functional dental pulp and dentin when concentrically injected into the tooth slices. Collagen hydrogels with concentrations of 3 mg/mL (Col3) and 10 mg/mL (Col10) were prepared, and their stiffness and microstructure were assessed using a rheometer and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. DPSCs were then encapsulated in the hydrogels, and their viability and differentiation capacity toward endothelial and odontogenic lineages were evaluated using live/dead assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. For in vivo experiments, DPSC-encapsulated collagen hydrogels with different stiffness, with or without growth factors, were injected into pulp chambers of dentin tooth slices and implanted subcutaneously in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Specifically, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF [50 ng/mL]) was loaded into Col3 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP2 [50 ng/mL]) into Col10. Pulp-dentin regeneration was evaluated by histological and immunofluorescence staining. Data were analyzed using 1-way or 2-way analysis of variance accordingly (α = 0.05). Rheology and microscopy data revealed that Col10 had a stiffness of 8,142 Pa with a more condensed and less porous structure, whereas Col3 had a stiffness of 735 Pa with a loose microstructure. Furthermore, both Col3 and Col10 supported DPSCs' survival. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed Col3 promoted significantly higher von Willebrand factor (VWF) and CD31 expression after 7 and 14 d under endothelial differentiation conditions (P < 0.05), whereas Col10 enhanced the expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and collagen 1 (Col1) after 7, 14, and 21 d of odontogenic differentiation (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin and eosin and immunofluorescence (CD31 and vWF) staining revealed Col10+Col3+DPSCs+GFs enhanced pulp-dentin tissue regeneration. In conclusion, the collagen-based concentric construct modified by growth factors guided the specific lineage differentiation of DPSCs and promoted pulp-dentin tissue regeneration in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Han
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - J Xu
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - H Chopra
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Z Zhang
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - N Dubey
- Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - W L Dissanayaka
- Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - J E Nör
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - M C Bottino
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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5
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Doherty EL, Krohn G, Warren EC, Patton A, Whitworth CP, Rathod M, Biehl A, Aw WY, Freytes DO, Polacheck WJ. Human Cell-Derived Matrix Composite Hydrogels with Diverse Composition for Use in Vasculature-on-chip Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400192. [PMID: 38518808 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Microphysiological and organ-on-chip platforms seek to address critical gaps in human disease models and drug development that underlie poor rates of clinical success for novel interventions. While the fabrication technology and model cells used to synthesize organs-on-chip have advanced considerably, most platforms rely on animal-derived or synthetic extracellular matrix as a cell substrate, limiting mimicry of human physiology and precluding use in modeling diseases in which matrix dynamics play a role in pathogenesis. Here, the development of human cell-derived matrix (hCDM) composite hydrogels for use in 3D microphysiologic models of the vasculature is reported. hCDM composite hydrogels are derived from human donor fibroblasts and maintain a complex milieu of basement membrane, proteoglycans, and nonfibrillar matrix components. The use of hCDM composite hydrogels as 2D and 3D cell culture substrates is demonstrated, and hCDM composite hydrogels are patterned to form engineered human microvessels. Interestingly, hCDM composite hydrogels are enriched in proteins associated with vascular morphogenesis as determined by mass spectrometry, and functional analysis demonstrates proangiogenic signatures in human endothelial cells cultured in these hydrogels. In conclusion, this study suggests that human donor-derived hCDM composite hydrogels could address technical gaps in human organs-on-chip development and serve as substrates to promote vascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Doherty
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Grace Krohn
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Emily C Warren
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Alexandra Patton
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Chloe P Whitworth
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 130 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, Carolina, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mitesh Rathod
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Andreea Biehl
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Wen Yih Aw
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Donald O Freytes
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - William J Polacheck
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, Carolina, NC 27599, USA
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6
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Xu Z, Zhang W, Quesada C, Wang X, Fabiilli M. Longitudinal Monitoring of Angiogenesis in a Murine Window Chamber Model In Vivo. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2024; 30:93-101. [PMID: 38117158 PMCID: PMC10924188 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2023.0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis induced by growth factor administration, which can augment the blood supply in regenerative applications, has drawn wide attention in medical research. Longitudinal monitoring of vascular structure and development in vivo is important for understanding and evaluating the dynamics of involved biological processes. In this work, a dual-modality imaging system consisting of photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) was applied for noninvasive in vivo imaging of angiogenesis in a murine model. Fibrin scaffolds, with and without basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), were implanted in a flexible imaging window and longitudinally observed over 9 days. Imaging was conducted at 3, 5, 7, and 9 days after implantation to monitor vascularization in and around the scaffold. Several morphometric parameters were derived from the PAM images, including vessel area density (VAD), total vessel length (TVL), and vessel mean diameter (VMD). On days 7 and 9, mice receiving bFGF-laden fibrin gels exhibited significantly larger VAD and TVL compared to mice with fibrin-only gels. In addition, VMD significantly decreased in +bFGF mice versus fibrin-only mice on days 7 and 9. Blood vessel density, evaluated using immunohistochemical staining of explanted gels and underlying tissue on day 9, corroborated the findings from the PAM images. Overall, the experimental results highlight the utility of a dual-modality imaging system in longitudinally monitoring of vasculature in vivo with high resolution and sensitivity, thereby providing an effective tool to study angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanpeng Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Carole Quesada
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Xueding Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mario Fabiilli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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7
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Davidson CD, Midekssa FS, DePalma SJ, Kamen JL, Wang WY, Jayco DKP, Wieger ME, Baker BM. Mechanical Intercellular Communication via Matrix-Borne Cell Force Transmission During Vascular Network Formation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306210. [PMID: 37997199 PMCID: PMC10797481 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular communication is critical to the formation and homeostatic function of all tissues. Previous work has shown that cells can communicate mechanically via the transmission of cell-generated forces through their surrounding extracellular matrix, but this process is not well understood. Here, mechanically defined, synthetic electrospun fibrous matrices are utilized in conjunction with a microfabrication-based cell patterning approach to examine mechanical intercellular communication (MIC) between endothelial cells (ECs) during their assembly into interconnected multicellular networks. It is found that cell force-mediated matrix displacements in deformable fibrous matrices underly directional extension and migration of neighboring ECs toward each other prior to the formation of stable cell-cell connections enriched with vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin). A critical role is also identified for calcium signaling mediated by focal adhesion kinase and mechanosensitive ion channels in MIC that extends to multicellular assembly of 3D vessel-like networks when ECs are embedded within fibrin hydrogels. These results illustrate a role for cell-generated forces and ECM mechanical properties in multicellular assembly of capillary-like EC networks and motivates the design of biomaterials that promote MIC for vascular tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Firaol S. Midekssa
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Samuel J. DePalma
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Jordan L. Kamen
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - William Y. Wang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | | | - Megan E. Wieger
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
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8
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Longoni A, Major GS, Jiang S, Farrugia BL, Kieser DC, Woodfield TBF, Rnjak-Kovacina J, Lim KS. Pristine gelatin incorporation as a strategy to enhance the biofunctionality of poly(vinyl alcohol)-based hydrogels for tissue engineering applications. Biomater Sci 2023; 12:134-150. [PMID: 37933486 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01172k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic polymers, such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), are popular biomaterials for the fabrication of hydrogels for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) applications, as they provide excellent control over the physico-chemical properties of the hydrogel. However, their bioinert nature is known to limit cell-biomaterial interactions by hindering cell infiltration, blood vessel recruitment and potentially limiting their integration with the host tissue. Efforts in the field have therefore focused on increasing the biofunctionality of synthetic hydrogels, without limiting the advantages associated with their tailorability and controlled release capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of pristine gelatin to enhance the biofunctionality of tyraminated PVA (PVA-Tyr) hydrogels, by promoting cell infiltration and host blood vessel recruitment for TERM applications. Pure PVA-Tyr hydrogels and PVA-Tyr hydrogels incorporated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a well-known pro-angiogenic stimulus, were used for comparison. Incorporating increasing concentrations of VEGF (0.01-10 μg mL-1) or gelatin (0.01-5 wt%) did not influence the physical properties of PVA-Tyr hydrogels. However, their presence within the polymer network (>0.1 μg mL-1 VEGF and >0.1 wt% gelatin) promoted endothelial cell interactions with the hydrogels. The covalent binding of unmodified gelatin or VEGF to the PVA-Tyr network did not hamper their inherent bioactivity, as they both promoted angiogenesis in a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, performing comparably with the unbound VEGF control. When the PVA-Tyr hydrogels were implanted subcutaneously in mice, it was observed that cell infiltration into the hydrogels was possible in the absence of gelatin or VEGF at 1- or 3-weeks post-implantation, highlighting a clear difference between in vitro an in vivo cell-biomaterial interaction. Nevertheless, the presence of gelatin or VEGF was necessary to enhance blood vessel recruitment and infiltration, although no significant difference was observed between these two biological molecules. Overall, this study highlights the potential of gelatin as a standalone pro-angiogenic cue to enhance biofunctionality of synthetic hydrogels and provides promise for their use in a variety of TERM applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Longoni
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Gretel S Major
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Shaoyuan Jiang
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Brooke L Farrugia
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - David C Kieser
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Tim B F Woodfield
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | | | - Khoon S Lim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, New Zealand.
- Light-Activated Biomaterials Group, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia
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9
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Jewett ME, Hiraki HL, Wojasiński M, Zhang Z, Xi SS, Bluem AS, Prabhu ES, Wang WY, Pena-Francesch A, Baker BM. Rapid magnetically directed assembly of pre-patterned capillary-scale microvessels. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2023; 33:2203715. [PMID: 38464762 PMCID: PMC10923532 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202203715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Capillary scale vascularization is critical to the survival of engineered 3D tissues and remains an outstanding challenge for the field of tissue engineering. Current methods to generate micro-scale vasculature such as 3D printing, two photon hydrogel ablation, angiogenesis, and vasculogenic assembly face challenges in rapidly creating organized, highly vascularized tissues at capillary length-scales. Within metabolically demanding tissues, native capillary beds are highly organized and densely packed to achieve adequate delivery of nutrients and oxygen and efficient waste removal. Here, we adopt two existing techniques to fabricate lattices composed of sacrificial microfibers that can be efficiently and uniformly seeded with endothelial cells (ECs) by magnetizing both lattices and ECs. Ferromagnetic microparticles (FMPs) were incorporated into microfibers produced by solution electrowriting (SEW) and fiber electropulling (FEP). By loading ECs with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), the cells could be seeded onto magnetized microfiber lattices. Following encapsulation in a hydrogel, the capillary templating lattice was selectively degraded by a bacterial lipase that does not impact mammalian cell viability or function. This work introduces a novel approach to rapidly producing organized capillary networks within metabolically demanding engineered tissue constructs which should have broad utility for the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie E. Jewett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Harrison L. Hiraki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Michał Wojasiński
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
- Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Warsaw University of Technology, Warynskiego 1, 00-645 Warsaw, POLAND
| | - Zenghao Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Susan S. Xi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Amanda S. Bluem
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Eashan S. Prabhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - William Y. Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Abdon Pena-Francesch
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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10
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Wan T, Wang YL, Zhang FS, Zhang XM, Zhang YC, Jiang HR, Zhang M, Zhang PX. The Porous Structure of Peripheral Nerve Guidance Conduits: Features, Fabrication, and Implications for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14132. [PMID: 37762437 PMCID: PMC10531895 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Porous structure is an important three-dimensional morphological feature of the peripheral nerve guidance conduit (NGC), which permits the infiltration of cells, nutrients, and molecular signals and the discharge of metabolic waste. Porous structures with precisely customized pore sizes, porosities, and connectivities are being used to construct fully permeable, semi-permeable, and asymmetric peripheral NGCs for the replacement of traditional nerve autografts in the treatment of long-segment peripheral nerve injury. In this review, the features of porous structures and the classification of NGCs based on these characteristics are discussed. Common methods for constructing 3D porous NGCs in current research are described, as well as the pore characteristics and the parameters used to tune the pores. The effects of the porous structure on the physical properties of NGCs, including biodegradation, mechanical performance, and permeability, were analyzed. Pore structure affects the biological behavior of Schwann cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, and vascular endothelial cells during peripheral nerve regeneration. The construction of ideal porous structures is a significant advancement in the regeneration of peripheral nerve tissue engineering materials. The purpose of this review is to generalize, summarize, and analyze methods for the preparation of porous NGCs and their biological functions in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration to guide the development of medical nerve repair materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wan
- Department of OrthopedSics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
- National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yi-Lin Wang
- Department of OrthopedSics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
- National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Feng-Shi Zhang
- Department of OrthopedSics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
- National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Xiao-Meng Zhang
- Department of OrthopedSics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
- National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yi-Chong Zhang
- Department of OrthopedSics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
- National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Hao-Ran Jiang
- Department of OrthopedSics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
- National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of OrthopedSics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
- National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Pei-Xun Zhang
- Department of OrthopedSics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
- National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
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11
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Song J, Gerecht S. Hydrogels to Recapture Extracellular Matrix Cues That Regulate Vascularization. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:e291-e302. [PMID: 37317849 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.318235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The ECM (extracellular matrix) is a 3-dimensional network that supports cellular responses and maintains structural tissue integrity in healthy and pathological conditions. The interactions between ECM and cells trigger signaling cascades that lead to phenotypic changes and structural and compositional turnover of the ECM, which in turn regulates vascular cell behavior. Hydrogel biomaterials are a powerful platform for basic and translational studies and clinical applications due to their high swelling capacity and exceptional versatility in compositions and properties. This review highlights recent developments and uses of engineered natural hydrogel platforms that mimic the ECM and present defined biochemical and mechanical cues for vascularization. Specifically, we focus on modulating vascular cell stimulation and cell-ECM/cell-cell interactions in the microvasculature that are the established biomimetic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC
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12
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Saraswathibhatla A, Indana D, Chaudhuri O. Cell-extracellular matrix mechanotransduction in 3D. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:495-516. [PMID: 36849594 PMCID: PMC10656994 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00583-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECMs) regulate essential cell behaviours, including differentiation, migration and proliferation, through mechanotransduction. Studies of cell-ECM mechanotransduction have largely focused on cells cultured in 2D, on top of elastic substrates with a range of stiffnesses. However, cells often interact with ECMs in vivo in a 3D context, and cell-ECM interactions and mechanisms of mechanotransduction in 3D can differ from those in 2D. The ECM exhibits various structural features as well as complex mechanical properties. In 3D, mechanical confinement by the surrounding ECM restricts changes in cell volume and cell shape but allows cells to generate force on the matrix by extending protrusions and regulating cell volume as well as through actomyosin-based contractility. Furthermore, cell-matrix interactions are dynamic owing to matrix remodelling. Accordingly, ECM stiffness, viscoelasticity and degradability often play a critical role in regulating cell behaviours in 3D. Mechanisms of 3D mechanotransduction include traditional integrin-mediated pathways that sense mechanical properties and more recently described mechanosensitive ion channel-mediated pathways that sense 3D confinement, with both converging on the nucleus for downstream control of transcription and phenotype. Mechanotransduction is involved in tissues from development to cancer and is being increasingly harnessed towards mechanotherapy. Here we discuss recent progress in our understanding of cell-ECM mechanotransduction in 3D.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhiraj Indana
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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13
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Chang CW, Shih HC, Cortes-Medina MG, Beshay PE, Avendano A, Seibel AJ, Liao WH, Tung YC, Song JW. Extracellular Matrix-Derived Biophysical Cues Mediate Interstitial Flow-Induced Sprouting Angiogenesis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:15047-15058. [PMID: 36916875 PMCID: PMC11078157 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c15180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sprouting angiogenesis is orchestrated by an intricate balance of biochemical and mechanical cues in the local tissue microenvironment. Interstitial flow has been established as a potent regulator of angiogenesis. Similarly, extracellular matrix (ECM) physical properties, such as stiffness and microarchitecture, have also emerged as important mediators of angiogenesis. However, the interplay between interstitial flow and ECM physical properties in the initiation and control of angiogenesis is poorly understood. Using a three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic tissue analogue of angiogenic sprouting with defined interstitial flow superimposed over ECM with well-characterized physical properties, we found that the addition of hyaluronan (HA) to collagen-based matrices significantly enhances sprouting induced by interstitial flow compared to responses in collagen-only hydrogels. We confirmed that both the stiffness and matrix pore size of collagen-only hydrogels were increased by the addition of HA. Interestingly, interstitial flow-potentiated sprouting responses in collagen/HA matrices were not affected when functionally blocking the HA receptor CD44. In contrast, enzymatic depletion of HA in collagen/HA matrices with hyaluronidase (HAdase) resulted in decreased stiffness, pore size, and interstitial flow-mediated sprouting to the levels observed in collagen-only matrices. Taken together, these results suggest that HA enhances interstitial flow-mediated angiogenic sprouting through its alterations to collagen ECM stiffness and pore size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wen Chang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Hsiu-Chen Shih
- Research Center for Applied Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115-29, Taiwan
| | - Marcos G Cortes-Medina
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Peter E Beshay
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Alex Avendano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Alex J Seibel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Wei-Hao Liao
- Research Center for Applied Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115-29, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chung Tung
- Research Center for Applied Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115-29, Taiwan
| | - Jonathan W Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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14
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Genç H, Cianciosi A, Lohse R, Stahlhut P, Groll J, Alexiou C, Cicha I, Jüngst T. Adjusting Degree of Modification and Composition of gelAGE-Based Hydrogels Improves Long-Term Survival and Function of Primary Human Fibroblasts and Endothelial Cells in 3D Cultures. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:1497-1510. [PMID: 36786807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a suitable hydrogel-based 3D platform to support long-term culture of primary endothelial cells (ECs) and fibroblasts. Two hydrogel systems based on allyl-modified gelatin (gelAGE), G1MM and G2LH, were cross-linked via thiol-ene click reaction with a four-arm thiolated polyethylene glycol (PEG-4-SH). Compared to G1MM, the G2LH hydrogel was characterized by the lower polymer content and cross-linking density with a softer matrix and homogeneous and open porosity. Cell viability in both hydrogels was comparable, although the G2LH-based platform supported better F-actin organization, cell-cell interactions, and collagen and fibronectin production. In co-cultures, early morphogenesis leading to tubular-like structures was observed within 2 weeks. Migration of fibroblasts out of spheroids embedded in the G2LH hydrogels started after 5 days of incubation. Taken together, the results demonstrated that the G2LH hydrogel fulfilled the demands of both ECs and fibroblasts to enable long-term culture and matrix remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Genç
- Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Endowed Professorship for Nanomedicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Alessandro Cianciosi
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry at the Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB), University of Würzburg and KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), Würzburg 97070, Germany
| | - Raphael Lohse
- Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Endowed Professorship for Nanomedicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Philipp Stahlhut
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry at the Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB), University of Würzburg and KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), Würzburg 97070, Germany
| | - Jürgen Groll
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry at the Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB), University of Würzburg and KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), Würzburg 97070, Germany
| | - Christoph Alexiou
- Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Endowed Professorship for Nanomedicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Iwona Cicha
- Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Endowed Professorship for Nanomedicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Tomasz Jüngst
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry at the Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB), University of Würzburg and KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), Würzburg 97070, Germany
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15
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Zhang R, Hu Z, Wang Y, Qiu R, Wang G, Wang L, Hu B. A biomimetic double network hydrogel ameliorates renal fibrosis and promotes renal regeneration. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:9424-9437. [PMID: 36378134 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb01939f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are serious global public health issues. Both interconnect closely, and AKI-CKD transition significantly increases the morbidity of CKD and inevitably progresses to end stage renal disease. However, with the current drug delivery system it is hard to achieve precise delivery and apply it to clinical practice due to the local fibrotic milieu of the AKI-CKD transition procedure. Consequently, new treatment options to halt or even reverse AKI-CKD transition are urgently needed. Curcumin and Ac-SDKP were proved to be capable of ameliorating renal injury and restoring renal biological function. However, due to the water-insolubility, poor absorption and ease of degradation features, their utilization based on traditional drug delivery systems was still confined to the laboratory. A new approach for the targeted delivery of curcumin and Ac-SDKP into kidneys is needed. Hydrogels, owing to their capability of targeted-drug delivery and bio-favorable nature, emerge as a promising resolution. Herein, we developed a bioinspired double network hydrogel scaffold loaded with curcumin and N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) to explore the feasibility of drug-loaded hydrogels for treatment of AKI-CKD transition. This double network hydrogel (GCS) was prepared based on gelatin and curcumin-zinc with polydopamine (DOPA) coating and then immobilized with Ac-SDKP on the surface. The prepared hydrogels possessed appropriate porosity, suitable mechanical properties, and excellent biocompatibility. In vitro, the GCS hydrogel was demonstrated to be pro-angiogenic, anti-oxidative and anti-fibrotic. In vivo, after the GCS hydrogel was implanted into partially nephrectomized rat kidneys, local renal fibrosis was observed to be improved significantly, and neo-blood vessels and neonatal renal tubules appeared around the implanted area. We speculated that the GCS hydrogel could ameliorate renal fibrosis and injury significantly and stimulate regeneration in situ. Taken together, this study demonstrated the promising potential of this bioinspired hydrogel scaffold for renal injury repair and renal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Key Lab for Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
| | - Zifan Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
| | - Yongqin Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Key Lab for Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Renjie Qiu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Guobao Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Key Lab for Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Leyu Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
| | - Bianxiang Hu
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Key Lab for Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
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16
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Simitian G, Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Sánchez-de-Diego C, Beebe DJ, Kosoff D. Microfluidics in vascular biology research: a critical review for engineers, biologists, and clinicians. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:3618-3636. [PMID: 36047330 PMCID: PMC9530010 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00352j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Neovascularization, the formation of new blood vessels, has received much research attention due to its implications for physiological processes and diseases. Most studies using traditional in vitro and in vivo platforms find challenges in recapitulating key cellular and mechanical cues of the neovascularization processes. Microfluidic in vitro models have been presented as an alternative to these limitations due to their capacity to leverage microscale physics to control cell organization and integrate biochemical and mechanical cues, such as shear stress, cell-cell interactions, or nutrient gradients, making them an ideal option for recapitulating organ physiology. Much has been written about the use of microfluidics in vascular biology models from an engineering perspective. However, a review introducing the different models, components and progress for new potential adopters of these technologies was absent in the literature. Therefore, this paper aims to approach the use of microfluidic technologies in vascular biology from a perspective of biological hallmarks to be studied and written for a wide audience ranging from clinicians to engineers. Here we review applications of microfluidics in vascular biology research, starting with design considerations and fabrication techniques. After that, we review the state of the art in recapitulating angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, according to the hallmarks recapitulated and complexity of the models. Finally, we discuss emerging research areas in neovascularization, such as drug discovery, and potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigor Simitian
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Cristina Sánchez-de-Diego
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - David Kosoff
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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17
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Tran KA, Baldwin-Leclair A, DeOre BJ, Antisell M, Galie PA. Oxygen gradients dictate angiogenesis but not barriergenesis in a 3D brain microvascular model. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3872-3882. [PMID: 35901247 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A variety of biophysical properties are known to regulate angiogenic sprouting, and in vitro systems can parse the individual effects of these factors in a controlled setting. Here, a three-dimensional brain microvascular model interrogates how variables including extracellular matrix composition, fluid shear stress, and radius of curvature affect angiogenic sprouting of cerebral endothelial cells. Tracking endothelial migration over several days reveals that application of fluid shear stress and enlarged vessel radius of curvature both attenuate sprouting. Computational modeling informed by oxygen consumption assays suggests that sprouting correlates to reduced oxygen concentration: both fluid shear stress and vessel geometry alter the local oxygen levels dictated by both ambient conditions and cellular respiration. Moreover, increasing cell density and consequently lowering the local oxygen levels yields significantly more sprouting. Further analysis reveals that the magnitude of oxygen concentration is not as important as its spatial concentration gradient: decreasing ambient oxygen concentration causes significantly less sprouting than applying an external oxygen gradient to the vessels. In contrast, barriergenesis is dictated by shear stress independent of local oxygen concentrations, suggesting that different mechanisms mediate angiogenesis and barrier formation and that angiogenic sprouting can occur without compromising the barrier. Overall, these results improve our understanding of how specific biophysical variables regulate the function and activation of cerebral vasculature, and identify spatial oxygen gradients as the driving factor of angiogenesis in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiet A Tran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Brandon J DeOre
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, USA
| | - Morgan Antisell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, USA
| | - Peter A Galie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, USA
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18
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In silico optimization of heparin microislands in microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogel for endothelial cell migration. Acta Biomater 2022; 148:171-180. [PMID: 35660016 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Biomaterials capable of generating growth factor gradients have shown success in guiding tissue regeneration, as growth factor gradients are a physiologic driver of cell migration. Of particular importance, a focus on promoting endothelial cell migration is vital to angiogenesis and new tissue formation. Microporous Annealed Particle (MAP) scaffolds represent a unique niche in the field of regenerative biomaterials research as an injectable biomaterial with an open porosity that allows cells to freely migrate independent of material degradation. Recently, we have used the MAP platform to heterogeneously include spatially isolated heparin-modified microgels (heparin microislands) which can sequester growth factors and guide cell migration. In in vitro sprouting angiogenesis assays, we observed a parabolic relationship between the percentage of heparin microislands and cell migration, where 10% heparin microislands had more endothelial cell migration compared to 1% and 100%. Due to the low number of heparin microisland ratios tested, we hypothesize the spacing between microgels can be further optimized. Rather than use purely empirical methods, which are both expensive and time intensive, we believe this challenge represents an opportunity to use computational modeling. Here we present the first agent-based model of a MAP scaffold to optimize the ratio of heparin microislands. Specifically, we develop a two-dimensional model in Hybrid Automata Library (HAL) of endothelial cell migration within the unique MAP scaffold geometry. Finally, we present how our model can accurately predict cell migration trends in vitro, and these studies provide insight on how computational modeling can be used to design particle-based biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : While the combination of experimental and computational approaches is increasingly being used to gain a better understanding of cellular processes, their combination in biomaterials development has been relatively limited. Heparin microislands are spatially isolated heparin microgels; when located within a microporous annealed particle (MAP) scaffold, they can sequester and release growth factors. Importantly, we present the first agent-based model of MAP scaffolds to optimize the ratio of heparin microislands within the scaffold to promote endothelial cell migration. We demonstrate this model can accurately predict trends in vitro, thus opening a new avenue of research to aid in the design of MAP scaffolds.
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19
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Lawsone-encapsulated chitosan/polyethylene oxide nanofibrous mat as a potential antibacterial biobased wound dressing. ENGINEERED REGENERATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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