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Castilla-Casadiego DA, Loh DH, Pineda-Hernandez A, Rosales AM. Stimuli-Responsive Substrates to Control the Immunomodulatory Potential of Stromal Cells. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:6319-6337. [PMID: 39283807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have broad immunomodulatory properties that range from regulation, proliferation, differentiation, and immune cell activation to secreting bioactive molecules that inhibit inflammation and regulate immune response. These properties provide MSCs with high therapeutic potency that has been shown to be relevant to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Hence, researchers have explored diverse strategies to control the immunomodulatory potential of stromal cells using polymeric substrates or scaffolds. These substrates alter the immunomodulatory response of MSCs, especially through biophysical cues such as matrix mechanical properties. To leverage these cell-matrix interactions as a strategy for priming MSCs, emerging studies have explored the use of stimuli-responsive substrates to enhance the therapeutic value of stromal cells. This review highlights how stimuli-responsive materials, including chemo-responsive, microenvironment-responsive, magneto-responsive, mechano-responsive, and photo-responsive substrates, have specifically been used to promote the immunomodulatory potential of stromal cells by controlling their secretory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Castilla-Casadiego
- Mcketta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Darren H Loh
- Mcketta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Aldaly Pineda-Hernandez
- Mcketta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Adrianne M Rosales
- Mcketta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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2
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Li L, Alsema E, Beijer NRM, Gumuscu B. Magnetically Driven Hydrogel Surfaces for Modulating Macrophage Behavior. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024. [PMID: 39383333 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c01624] [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: 10/11/2024]
Abstract
During the host response toward implanted biomaterials, macrophages can shift phenotypes rapidly upon changes in their microenvironment within the host tissue. Exploration of this phenomenon can benefit significantly from the development of adequate tools. Creating cell microenvironment alterations on classical hydrogel substrates presents challenges, particularly when integrating them with cell cultivation and monitoring processes. However, having the capability to dynamically manipulate the cell microenvironment on biomaterial surfaces holds significant potential. We introduce magnetically actuated hydrogels (MadSurface) tailored to induce reversible stiffness changes on polyacrylamide hydrogel substrates with embedded magnetic microparticles in a time-controllable manner. Our investigation focused on exploring the potential of magnetic fields and MadSurfaces in dynamically modulating macrophage behavior in a programmable manner. We achieved a consistent modulation by subjecting the MadSurface to a pulsed magnetic field with a frequency of 0.1 Hz and a magnetic field flux density of 50 mT and analyzed exposed cells using flow cytometry and ELISA. At the single-cell level, we identified a subpopulation for which the dynamic stiffness conditions in conjunction with the pulsed magnetic field increased the expression of CD206 in M1-activated THP-1 cells, indicating a consistent shift toward the M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype on MadSurface. At the population level, this effect was mostly hindered in the culture period utilized in this work. The MadSurface approach advances our understanding of the interplay between magnetic field, cell microenvironment alterations, and macrophage behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanhui Li
- Biosensors and Devices Lab, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Biointerface Science Group, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Els Alsema
- Biointerface Science Group, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3720BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Nick R M Beijer
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3720BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Burcu Gumuscu
- Biosensors and Devices Lab, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Ruiz-Fresneda MA, González-Morales E, Gila-Vilchez C, Leon-Cecilla A, Merroun ML, Medina-Castillo AL, Lopez-Lopez MT. Clay-polymer hybrid hydrogels in the vanguard of technological innovations for bioremediation, metal biorecovery, and diverse applications. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024. [PMID: 39145624 DOI: 10.1039/d4mh00975d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Polymeric hydrogels are among the most studied materials due to their exceptional properties for many applications. In addition to organic and inorganic-based hydrogels, "hybrid hydrogels" have been gaining significant relevance in recent years due to their enhanced mechanical properties and a broader range of functionalities while maintaining good biocompatibility. In this sense, the addition of micro- and nanoscale clay particles seems promising for improving the physical, chemical, and biological properties of hydrogels. Nanoclays can contribute to the physical cross-linking of polymers, enhancing their mechanical strength and their swelling and biocompatibility properties. Nowadays, they are being investigated for their potential use in a wide range of applications, including medicine, industry, and environmental decontamination. The use of microorganisms for the decontamination of environments impacted by toxic compounds, known as bioremediation, represents one of the most promising approaches to address global pollution. The immobilization of microorganisms in polymeric hydrogel matrices is an attractive procedure that can offer several advantages, such as improving the preservation of cellular integrity, and facilitating cell separation, recovery, and transport. Cell immobilization also facilitates the biorecovery of critical materials from wastes within the framework of the circular economy. The present work aims to present an up-to-date overview on the different "hybrid hydrogels" used to date for bioremediation of toxic metals and recovery of critical materials, among other applications, highlighting possible drawbacks and gaps in research. This will provide the latest trends and advancements in the field and contribute to search for effective bioremediation strategies and critical materials recovery technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cristina Gila-Vilchez
- Universidad de Granada, Departamento de Física Aplicada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, E-18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Alberto Leon-Cecilla
- Universidad de Granada, Departamento de Física Aplicada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, E-18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Mohamed L Merroun
- Universidad de Granada, Departamento de Microbiología, E-18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Antonio L Medina-Castillo
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, E-18014 Granada, Spain
- Universidad de Granada, Departamento de Química Analítica, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Modesto T Lopez-Lopez
- Universidad de Granada, Departamento de Física Aplicada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, E-18014 Granada, Spain
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4
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Lee JWN, Holle AW. Engineering approaches for understanding mechanical memory in cancer metastasis. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021503. [PMID: 38605886 PMCID: PMC11008915 DOI: 10.1063/5.0194539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding cancer metastasis is crucial for advancing therapeutic strategies and improving clinical outcomes. Cancer cells face dynamic changes in their mechanical microenvironment that occur on timescales ranging from minutes to years and exhibit a spectrum of cellular transformations in response to these mechanical cues. A crucial facet of this adaptive response is the concept of mechanical memory, in which mechanosensitive cell behavior and function persists even when mechanical cues are altered. This review explores the evolving mechanical landscape during metastasis, emphasizing the significance of mechanical memory and its influence on cell behavior. We then focus on engineering techniques that are being utilized to probe mechanical memory of cancer cells. Finally, we highlight promising translational approaches poised to harness mechanical memory for new therapies, thereby advancing the frontiers of bioengineering applications in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wen Nicole Lee
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411 Singapore, Singapore
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Wu S, Gai T, Chen J, Chen X, Chen W. Smart responsive in situ hydrogel systems applied in bone tissue engineering. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1389733. [PMID: 38863497 PMCID: PMC11165218 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1389733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The repair of irregular bone tissue suffers severe clinical problems due to the scarcity of an appropriate therapeutic carrier that can match dynamic and complex bone damage. Fortunately, stimuli-responsive in situ hydrogel systems that are triggered by a special microenvironment could be an ideal method of regenerating bone tissue because of the injectability, in situ gelatin, and spatiotemporally tunable drug release. Herein, we introduce the two main stimulus-response approaches, exogenous and endogenous, to forming in situ hydrogels in bone tissue engineering. First, we summarize specific and distinct responses to an extensive range of external stimuli (e.g., ultraviolet, near-infrared, ultrasound, etc.) to form in situ hydrogels created from biocompatible materials modified by various functional groups or hybrid functional nanoparticles. Furthermore, "smart" hydrogels, which respond to endogenous physiological or environmental stimuli (e.g., temperature, pH, enzyme, etc.), can achieve in situ gelation by one injection in vivo without additional intervention. Moreover, the mild chemistry response-mediated in situ hydrogel systems also offer fascinating prospects in bone tissue engineering, such as a Diels-Alder, Michael addition, thiol-Michael addition, and Schiff reactions, etc. The recent developments and challenges of various smart in situ hydrogels and their application to drug administration and bone tissue engineering are discussed in this review. It is anticipated that advanced strategies and innovative ideas of in situ hydrogels will be exploited in the clinical field and increase the quality of life for patients with bone damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunli Wu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Hangzhou Singclean Medical Products Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Gai
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Jiaxing Vocational Technical College, Department of Student Affairs, Jiaxing, China
| | - Xiguang Chen
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, China
| | - Weikai Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Fernández‐Colino A, Kiessling F, Slabu I, De Laporte L, Akhyari P, Nagel SK, Stingl J, Reese S, Jockenhoevel S. Lifelike Transformative Materials for Biohybrid Implants: Inspired by Nature, Driven by Technology. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300991. [PMID: 37290055 PMCID: PMC11469152 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300991] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Today's living world is enriched with a myriad of natural biological designs, shaped by billions of years of evolution. Unraveling the construction rules of living organisms offers the potential to create new materials and systems for biomedicine. From the close examination of living organisms, several concepts emerge: hierarchy, pattern repetition, adaptation, and irreducible complexity. All these aspects must be tackled to develop transformative materials with lifelike behavior. This perspective article highlights recent progress in the development of transformative biohybrid systems for applications in the fields of tissue regeneration and biomedicine. Advances in computational simulations and data-driven predictions are also discussed. These tools enable the virtual high-throughput screening of implant design and performance before committing to fabrication, thus reducing the development time and cost of biomimetic and biohybrid constructs. The ongoing progress of imaging methods also constitutes an essential part of this matter in order to validate the computation models and enable longitudinal monitoring. Finally, the current challenges of lifelike biohybrid materials, including reproducibility, ethical considerations, and translation, are discussed. Advances in the development of lifelike materials will open new biomedical horizons, where perhaps what is currently envisioned as science fiction will become a science-driven reality in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Fernández‐Colino
- Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles (BioTex)AME‐Institute of Applied Medical EngineeringHelmholtz InstituteRWTH Aachen UniversityForckenbeckstraße 5552074AachenGermany
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Institute for Experimental Molecular ImagingFaculty of MedicineRWTH Aachen UniversityForckenbeckstraße 5552074AachenGermany
| | - Ioana Slabu
- Institute of Applied Medical EngineeringHelmholtz InstituteMedical FacultyRWTH Aachen UniversityPauwelsstraße 2052074AachenGermany
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI – Leibniz‐Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstraße 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC)RWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 252074AachenGermany
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB)Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME)University Hospital RWTH AachenCenter for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CMBS)Forckenbeckstraße 5552074AachenGermany
| | - Payam Akhyari
- Clinic for Cardiac SurgeryUniversity Hospital RWTH AachenPauwelsstraße 3052074AachenGermany
| | - Saskia K. Nagel
- Applied Ethics GroupRWTH Aachen UniversityTheaterplatz 1452062AachenGermany
| | - Julia Stingl
- Institute of Clinical PharmacologyUniversity Hospital RWTH AachenWendlingweg 252074AachenGermany
| | - Stefanie Reese
- Institute of Applied MechanicsRWTH Aachen UniversityMies‐van‐der‐Rohe‐Str. 152074AachenGermany
| | - Stefan Jockenhoevel
- Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles (BioTex)AME‐Institute of Applied Medical EngineeringHelmholtz InstituteRWTH Aachen UniversityForckenbeckstraße 5552074AachenGermany
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7
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Shou Y, Teo XY, Wu KZ, Bai B, Kumar ARK, Low J, Le Z, Tay A. Dynamic Stimulations with Bioengineered Extracellular Matrix-Mimicking Hydrogels for Mechano Cell Reprogramming and Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2300670. [PMID: 37119518 PMCID: PMC10375194 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300670] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cells interact with their surrounding environment through a combination of static and dynamic mechanical signals that vary over stimulus types, intensity, space, and time. Compared to static mechanical signals such as stiffness, porosity, and topography, the current understanding on the effects of dynamic mechanical stimulations on cells remains limited, attributing to a lack of access to devices, the complexity of experimental set-up, and data interpretation. Yet, in the pursuit of emerging translational applications (e.g., cell manufacturing for clinical treatment), it is crucial to understand how cells respond to a variety of dynamic forces that are omnipresent in vivo so that they can be exploited to enhance manufacturing and therapeutic outcomes. With a rising appreciation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a key regulator of biofunctions, researchers have bioengineered a suite of ECM-mimicking hydrogels, which can be fine-tuned with spatiotemporal mechanical cues to model complex static and dynamic mechanical profiles. This review first discusses how mechanical stimuli may impact different cellular components and the various mechanobiology pathways involved. Then, how hydrogels can be designed to incorporate static and dynamic mechanical parameters to influence cell behaviors are described. The Scopus database is also used to analyze the relative strength in evidence, ranging from strong to weak, based on number of published literatures, associated citations, and treatment significance. Additionally, the impacts of static and dynamic mechanical stimulations on clinically relevant cell types including mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, are evaluated. The aim is to draw attention to the paucity of studies on the effects of dynamic mechanical stimuli on cells, as well as to highlight the potential of using a cocktail of various types and intensities of mechanical stimulations to influence cell fates (similar to the concept of biochemical cocktail to direct cell fate). It is envisioned that this progress report will inspire more exciting translational development of mechanoresponsive hydrogels for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Shou
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117583Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and TechnologyNational University of SingaporeSingapore117599Singapore
| | - Xin Yong Teo
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117583Singapore
| | - Kenny Zhuoran Wu
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117583Singapore
| | - Bingyu Bai
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117583Singapore
| | - Arun R. K. Kumar
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117583Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and TechnologyNational University of SingaporeSingapore117599Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore117597Singapore
| | - Jessalyn Low
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117583Singapore
| | - Zhicheng Le
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117583Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and TechnologyNational University of SingaporeSingapore117599Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117583Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and TechnologyNational University of SingaporeSingapore117599Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering ProgramNational University of SingaporeSingapore117510Singapore
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8
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Li X, Wan L, Zhu T, Li R, Zhang M, Lu H. Biomimetic Liquid Crystal-Modified Mesoporous Silica-Based Composite Hydrogel for Soft Tissue Repair. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:316. [PMID: 37367280 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14060316] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The reconstruction of blood vessels plays a critical role in the tissue regeneration process. However, existing wound dressings in tissue engineering face challenges due to inadequate revascularization induction and a lack of vascular structure. In this study, we report the modification of mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNs) with liquid crystal (LC) to enhance bioactivity and biocompatibility in vitro. This LC modification facilitated crucial cellular processes such as the proliferation, migration, spreading, and expression of angiogenesis-related genes and proteins in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, we incorporated LC-modified MSN within a hydrogel matrix to create a multifunctional dressing that combines the biological benefits of LC-MSN with the mechanical advantages of a hydrogel. Upon application to full-thickness wounds, these composite hydrogels exhibited accelerated healing, evidenced by enhanced granulation tissue formation, increased collagen deposition, and improved vascular development. Our findings suggest that the LC-MSN hydrogel formulation holds significant promise for the repair and regeneration of soft tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Li
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Lei Wan
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Taifu Zhu
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Ruiqi Li
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Mu Zhang
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Haibin Lu
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510900, China
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9
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Shou Y, Liu L, Liu Q, Le Z, Lee KL, Li H, Li X, Koh DZ, Wang Y, Liu TM, Yang Z, Lim CT, Cheung C, Tay A. Mechano-responsive hydrogel for direct stem cell manufacturing to therapy. Bioact Mater 2023; 24:387-400. [PMID: 36632503 PMCID: PMC9817177 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is one of the most actively studied cell types due to its regenerative potential and immunomodulatory properties. Conventional cell expansion methods using 2D tissue culture plates and 2.5D microcarriers in bioreactors can generate large cell numbers, but they compromise stem cell potency and lack mechanical preconditioning to prepare MSC for physiological loading expected in vivo. To overcome these challenges, in this work, we describe a 3D dynamic hydrogel using magneto-stimulation for direct MSC manufacturing to therapy. With our technology, we found that dynamic mechanical stimulation (DMS) enhanced matrix-integrin β1 interactions which induced MSCs spreading and proliferation. In addition, DMS could modulate MSC biofunctions including directing MSC differentiation into specific lineages and boosting paracrine activities (e.g., growth factor secretion) through YAP nuclear localization and FAK-ERK pathway. With our magnetic hydrogel, complex procedures from MSC manufacturing to final clinical use, can be integrated into one single platform, and we believe this 'all-in-one' technology could offer a paradigm shift to existing standards in MSC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Shou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Ling Liu
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, 117510, Singapore
| | - Qimin Liu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, 430070, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhicheng Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Khang Leng Lee
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 636921, Singapore
| | - Hua Li
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore
| | - Xianlei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Dion Zhanyun Koh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Yuwen Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Tong Ming Liu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 138648, Singapore
| | - Zheng Yang
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, 117510, Singapore
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 119288, Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Christine Cheung
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 636921, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 138648, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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10
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Li X, Xu M, Geng Z, Liu Y. Functional hydrogels for the repair and regeneration of tissue defects. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1190171. [PMID: 37260829 PMCID: PMC10227617 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1190171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue defects can be accompanied by functional impairments that affect the health and quality of life of patients. Hydrogels are three-dimensional (3D) hydrophilic polymer networks that can be used as bionic functional tissues to fill or repair damaged tissue as a promising therapeutic strategy in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This paper summarises and discusses four outstanding advantages of hydrogels and their applications and advances in the repair and regeneration of tissue defects. First, hydrogels have physicochemical properties similar to the extracellular matrix of natural tissues, providing a good microenvironment for cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. Second, hydrogels have excellent shape adaptation and tissue adhesion properties, allowing them to be applied to a wide range of irregularly shaped tissue defects and to adhere well to the defect for sustained and efficient repair function. Third, the hydrogel is an intelligent delivery system capable of releasing therapeutic agents on demand. Hydrogels are capable of delivering therapeutic reagents and releasing therapeutic substances with temporal and spatial precision depending on the site and state of the defect. Fourth, hydrogels are self-healing and can maintain their integrity when damaged. We then describe the application and research progress of functional hydrogels in the repair and regeneration of defects in bone, cartilage, skin, muscle and nerve tissues. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced by hydrogels in the field of tissue regeneration and provide an outlook on their future trends.
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Shou Y, Teo XY, Li X, Zhicheng L, Liu L, Sun X, Jonhson W, Ding J, Lim CT, Tay A. Dynamic Magneto-Softening of 3D Hydrogel Reverses Malignant Transformation of Cancer Cells and Enhances Drug Efficacy. ACS NANO 2023; 17:2851-2867. [PMID: 36633150 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c11278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
High extracellular matrix stiffness is a prominent feature of malignant tumors associated with poor clinical prognosis. To elucidate mechanistic connections between increased matrix stiffness and tumor progression, a variety of hydrogel scaffolds with dynamic changes in stiffness have been developed. These approaches, however, are not biocompatible at high temperature, strong irradiation, and acidic/basic pH, often lack reversibility (can only stiffen and not soften), and do not allow study on the same cell population longitudinally. In this work, we develop a dynamic 3D magnetic hydrogel whose matrix stiffness can be wirelessly and reversibly stiffened and softened multiple times with different rates of change using an external magnet. With this platform, we found that matrix stiffness increased tumor malignancy including denser cell organization, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and hypoxia. More interestingly, these malignant transformations could be halted or reversed with matrix softening (i.e., mechanical rescue), to potentiate drug efficacy attributing to reduced solid stress from matrix and downregulation of cell mechano-transductors including YAP1. We propose that our platform can be used to deepen understanding of the impact of matrix softening on cancer biology, an important but rarely studied phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Shou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Xin Yong Teo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Xianlei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Le Zhicheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Ling Liu
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, 117510, Singapore
| | - Xinhong Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Win Jonhson
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Jun Ding
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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Integrating Soft Hydrogel with Nanostructures Reinforces Stem Cell Adhesion and Differentiation. JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jcs6010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Biophysical cues can regulate stem cell behaviours and have been considered as critical parameters of synthetic biomaterials for tissue engineering. In particular, hydrogels have been utilized as promising biomimetic and biocompatible materials to emulate the microenvironment. Therefore, well-defined mechanical properties of a hydrogel are important to direct desirable phenotypes of cells. Yet, limited research pays attention to engineering soft hydrogel with improved cell adhesive property, which is crucial for stem cell differentiation. Herein, we introduce silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) onto the surface of methacrylated hyaluronic (MeHA) hydrogel to manipulate the presentation of cell adhesive ligands (RGD) clusters, while remaining similar bulk mechanical properties (2.79 ± 0.31 kPa) to that of MeHA hydrogel (3.08 ± 0.68 kPa). RGD peptides are either randomly decorated in the MeHA hydrogel network or on the immobilized SiO2 NPs (forming MeHA–SiO2). Our results showed that human mesenchymal stem cells exhibited a ~1.3-fold increase in the percentage of initial cell attachment, a ~2-fold increase in cell spreading area, and enhanced expressions of early-stage osteogenic markers (RUNX2 and alkaline phosphatase) for cells undergoing osteogenic differentiation with the osteogenic medium on MeHA–SiO2 hydrogel, compared to those cultured on MeHA hydrogel. Importantly, the cells cultivated on MeHA–SiO2 expressed a ~5-fold increase in nuclear localization ratio of the yes-associated protein, which is known to be mechanosensory in stem cells, compared to the cells cultured on MeHA hydrogel, thereby promoting osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. These findings demonstrate the potential use of nanomaterials into a soft polymeric matrix for enhanced cell adhesion and provide valuable guidance for the rational design of biomaterials for implantation.
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