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Liu S, Chen H, Xie H, Liu X, Zhang M. Substrate Stiffness Modulates Stemness and Differentiation of Rabbit Corneal Endothelium Through the Paxillin-YAP Pathway. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:15. [PMID: 38466286 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.3.15] [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: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the role of substrate stiffness and the mechanism beneath corneal endothelial cells' (CECs') stemness maintenance and differentiation. Methods CECs were divided into central zone (8 mm trephined boundary) and peripheral zone (8 mm trephined edge with attached limbal). Two zones were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and scanning electron microscopy for anatomic structure. The elastic modulus of Descemet's membrane (DM) was analyzed by atomic force microscopy. Compressed type I collagen gels with different stiffness were constructed as an in vitro model system to test the role of stiffness on phenotype using cultured rabbit CECs. Cell morphology, expression and intracellular distribution of Yes-associated protein (YAP), differentiation (ZO-1, Na+/K+-ATPase), stemness (FOXD3, CD34, Sox2, Oct3/4), and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EnMT) markers were analyzed by immunofluorescence, quantitative RT-PCR, and Western blot. Results The results showed that the peripheral area of rabbit and human DM is softer than the central area ex vivo. Using the biomimetic extracellular matrix collagen gels in vitro model, we then demonstrated that soft substrate weakens the differentiation and EnMT in the culture of CECs. It was further proved by the inhibitor experiment that soft substrate enhances stemness maintenance via inhibition of paxillin-YAP signaling, which was activated on a stiff substrate. Conclusions Our findings confirm that substrate stiffness modulates the stemness maintenance and differentiation of CECs and suggest a potential strategy for CEC-based corneal tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Chen
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huatao Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingchang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Mbitta Akoa D, Sicard L, Hélary C, Torrens C, Baroukh B, Poliard A, Coradin T. Role of Physico-Chemical and Cellular Conditions on the Bone Repair Potential of Plastically Compressed Collagen Hydrogels. Gels 2024; 10:130. [PMID: 38391460 PMCID: PMC10887598 DOI: 10.3390/gels10020130] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Since their first description nearly 20 years ago, dense collagen hydrogels obtained by plastic compression have become popular scaffolds in tissue engineering. In particular, when seeded with dental pulp stem cells, they have demonstrated a great in vivo potential in cranial bone repair. Here, we investigated how physico-chemical and cell-seeding conditions could influence the formation and in vitro mineralization of these cellularized scaffolds. A qualitative assessment demonstrated that the gel stability before and after compression was highly sensitive to the conditions of fibrillogenesis, especially initial acid acetic and buffer concentrations. Gels with similar rheological properties but different fibrillar structures that exhibited different stabilities when used for the 3D culture of Stem cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous teeth (SHEDs) could be prepared. Finally, in our optimal physico-chemical conditions, mineralization could be achieved only using human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) at a high cell density. These results highlight the key role of fibrillogenic conditions and cell type/density on the bone repair potential of cell-laden plastically compressed collagen hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daline Mbitta Akoa
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Sicard
- Université de Paris, UR2496 Pathologies, Imagerie et Biothérapies Orofaciales, FHU-DDS-Net, Dental School, 92120 Montrouge, France
- AP-HP Service de Médecine Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Bretonneau, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Christophe Hélary
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Coralie Torrens
- Université de Paris, UR2496 Pathologies, Imagerie et Biothérapies Orofaciales, FHU-DDS-Net, Dental School, 92120 Montrouge, France
| | - Brigitte Baroukh
- Université de Paris, UR2496 Pathologies, Imagerie et Biothérapies Orofaciales, FHU-DDS-Net, Dental School, 92120 Montrouge, France
| | - Anne Poliard
- Université de Paris, UR2496 Pathologies, Imagerie et Biothérapies Orofaciales, FHU-DDS-Net, Dental School, 92120 Montrouge, France
| | - Thibaud Coradin
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
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Borrelli M, Witt J, Roth M, Reichl S, Bradenbrink P, Schoppe M, Schrader S, Geerling G. Keratin films for ocular surface reconstruction: Wound healing in an in-vivo model. Exp Eye Res 2023; 227:109356. [PMID: 36563893 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109356] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The most commonly used tissue substitute for ocular surface reconstruction is human amniotic membrane (AM). Because of its low biomechanical strength and intransparency there is a need to search for alternatives of consistent quality. This study, further explored the biocompatibility of Keratin Film (KF) and its ability to sustain corneal epithelial wound healing. In three equal groups of 5 New Zeeland white rabbits a 4 mm superficial keratectomy was created in the right eye. Five eyes received a KF, five a human AM graft and the remaining five no implant. All eyes were treated with ofloxacin and dexamethasone eye drops and followed up for 10 days. Corneal fluorescein staining, vascularization, and transparency were assessed using slit lamp biomicroscopy according to a standardized grading score during and at the end of follow-up. The corneal-scleral-button was excised and processed for histology. After 10 days all eyes which had received a KF showed complete epithelial healing and no signs of neovascularization. In the AM group 1 eye showed a persistent epithelial defect at day 10 and 2 eyes showed neovascularization at day 7 resolving at day 10. Transparency improved progressively both in the KF group as well as in the AM group towards the end of the follow. Histology showed a multilayer epithelium firmly adherent to the KF with no evidence of keratocyte migration or inflammatory reaction in the corneal stroma. In this study on rabbit eyes KF better supported corneal epithelial wound healing than amniotic membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Borrelli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - J Witt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - M Roth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - S Reichl
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany
| | - P Bradenbrink
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - M Schoppe
- Department of Pathology, University of Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - S Schrader
- Department of Ophthalmology, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Germany
| | - G Geerling
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Duesseldorf, Germany
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4
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Tavakkoli F, Eleiwa TK, Elhusseiny AM, Damala M, Rai AK, Cheraqpour K, Ansari MH, Doroudian M, H Keshel S, Soleimani M, Djalilian AR, Sangwan VS, Singh V. Corneal stem cells niche and homeostasis impacts in regenerative medicine; concise review. Eur J Ophthalmol 2023:11206721221150065. [PMID: 36604831 DOI: 10.1177/11206721221150065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The limbal stem cells niche (LSCN) is an optimal microenvironment that provides the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) and strictly regulates their proliferation and differentiation. Disturbing the LSCN homeostasis can lead to limbal stem cell dysfunction (LSCD) and subsequent ocular surface aberrations, such as corneal stromal inflammation, persistent epithelial defects, corneal neovascularisation, lymphangiogenesis, corneal opacification, and conjunctivalization. As ocular surface disorders are considered the second main cause of blindness, it becomes crucial to explore different therapeutic strategies for restoring the functions of the LSCN. A major limitation of corneal transplantation is the current shortage of donor tissue to meet the requirements worldwide. In this context, it becomes mandatory to find an alternative regenerative medicine, such as using cultured limbal epithelial/stromal stem cells, inducing the production of corneal like cells by using other sources of stem cells, and using tissue engineering methods aiming to produce the three-dimensional (3D) printed cornea. Limbal epithelial stem cells have been considered the magic potion for eye treatment. Epithelial and stromal stem cells in the limbal niche hold the responsibility of replenishing the corneal epithelium. These stem cells are being used for transplantation to maintain corneal epithelial integrity and ultimately sustain optimal vision. In this review, we summarised the characteristics of the LSCN and their current and future roles in restoring corneal homeostasis in eyes with LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Tavakkoli
- Department of Community Health, College of Health Technology, Cihan University, Erbil, Iraq.,SSR Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Centre for Genetic Disorders, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Taher K Eleiwa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman M Elhusseiny
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Mukesh Damala
- SSR Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Amit K Rai
- Centre for Genetic Disorders, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Kasra Cheraqpour
- Translational Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad H Ansari
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Labbafinejad Medical Center, 556492Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Doroudian
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, 145440Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed H Keshel
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, 556492Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Soleimani
- Department of Ophthalmology, 159636Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology, 159636Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Vivek Singh
- SSR Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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5
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Vaez M, Asgari M, Hirvonen L, Bakir G, Khattignavong E, Ezzo M, Aguayo S, Schuh CM, Gough K, Bozec L. Modulation of the biophysical and biochemical properties of collagen by glycation for tissue engineering applications. Acta Biomater 2023; 155:182-198. [PMID: 36435437 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The structural and functional properties of collagen are modulated by the presence of intramolecular and intermolecular crosslinks. Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) can produce intermolecular crosslinks by bonding the free amino groups of neighbouring proteins. In this research, the following hypothesis is explored: The accumulation of AGEs in collagen decreases its proteolytic degradation rates while increasing its stiffness. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) detect biochemical changes in collagen scaffolds during the glycation process. The accumulation of AGEs increases exponentially in the collagen scaffolds as a function of Methylglyoxal (MGO) concentration by performing autofluorescence measurement and competitive ELISA. Glycated scaffolds absorb water at a much higher rate confirming the direct affinity between AGEs and interstitial water within collagen fibrils. In addition, the topology of collagen fibrils as observed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a lot more defined following glycation. The elastic modulus of collagen fibrils decreases as a function of glycation, whereas the elastic modulus of collagen scaffolds increases. Finally, the enzymatic degradation of collagen by bacterial collagenase shows a sigmoidal pattern with a much slower degradation rate in the glycated scaffolds. This study identifies unique variations in the properties of collagen following the accumulation of AGEs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In humans, Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) are naturally produced as a result of aging process. There is an evident lack of knowledge in the basic science literature explaining the biomechanical impact of AGE-mediated crosslinks on the functional and structural properties of collagen at both the nanoscale (single fibrils) and mesoscale (bundles of fibrils). This research, demonstrates how it is possible to harness this natural phenomenon in vitro to enhance the properties of engineered collagen fibrils and scaffolds. This study identifies unique variations in the properties of collagen at nanoscale and mesoscale following accumulation of AGEs. In their approach, they investigate the unique properties conferred to collagen, namely enhanced water sorption, differential elastic modulus, and finally sigmoidal proteolytic degradation behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Vaez
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Meisam Asgari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Liisa Hirvonen
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation & Analysis, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Gorkem Bakir
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Maya Ezzo
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sebastian Aguayo
- Dentistry School, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christina M Schuh
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Kathleen Gough
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Laurent Bozec
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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6
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The progress in techniques for culturing human limbal epithelial stem cells. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1-14. [PMID: 36181663 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00794-2] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In vitro culture of human limbal epithelial stem cells (hLESCs) is crucial to cell therapy in the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency, a potentially vision-threatening disease that is characterized by persistent corneal epithelial defects and corneal epithelium conjunctivalization. Traditionally, hLESCs are cultivated based on either limbal tissue explants or single-cell suspensions in culture media containing xenogenous components, such as fetal bovine serum and murine 3T3 feeder cells. Plastic culture dishes and human amniotic membranes are classical growth substrates used in conventional hLESC culture systems. The past few decades have witnessed considerable progress and innovations in hLESC culture techniques to ensure a higher level of biosafety and lower immunogenicity for further cell treatment, including complete removal of xenogenous components from culture media, the application of human-derived feeder cells, and the development of novel scaffolds. Three-dimensional artificial niches and three-dimensional culture techniques have also been established to simulate the real microenvironment of limbal crypts for better cell outgrowth and proliferation. All these progresses ensure that in vitro cultured hLESCs are more adaptable to translational stem cell therapy for limbal stem cell deficiency.
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7
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Exploring the Concept of In Vivo Guided Tissue Engineering by a Single-Stage Surgical Procedure in a Rodent Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012703. [PMID: 36293558 PMCID: PMC9604108 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In severe malformations with a lack of native tissues, treatment options are limited. We aimed at expanding tissue in vivo using the body as a bioreactor and developing a sustainable single-staged procedure for autologous tissue reconstruction in malformation surgery. Autologous micro-epithelium from skin was integrated with plastically compressed collagen and a degradable knitted fabric mesh. Sixty-three scaffolds were implanted in nine rats for histological and mechanical analyses, up to 4 weeks after transplantation. Tissue integration, cell expansion, proliferation, inflammation, strength, and elasticity were evaluated over time in vivo and validated in vitro in a bladder wound healing model. After 5 days in vivo, we observed keratinocyte proliferation on top of the transplant, remodeling of the collagen, and neovascularization within the transplant. At 4 weeks, all transplants were fully integrated with the surrounding tissue. Tensile strength and elasticity were retained during the whole study period. In the in vitro models, a multilayered epithelium covered the defect after 4 weeks. Autologous micro-epithelial transplants allowed for cell expansion and reorganization in vivo without conventional pre-operative in vitro cell propagation. The method was easy to perform and did not require handling outside the operating theater.
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8
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Singh VK, Sharma P, Vaksh UKS, Chandra R. Current approaches for the regeneration and reconstruction of ocular surface in dry eye. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:885780. [PMID: 36213677 PMCID: PMC9544815 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.885780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant research revealed the preocular tear film composition and regulations that remain vital for maintaining Ocular surface functional integrity. Inflammation triggered by many factors is the hallmark of Ocular surface disorders or dry eyes syndrome (DES). The tear deficiencies may lead to ocular surface desiccation, corneal ulceration and/or perforation, higher rates of infectious disease, and the risk of severe visual impairment and blindness. Clinical management remains largely supportive, palliative, and frequent, lifelong use of different lubricating agents. However, few advancements such as punctal plugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and salivary gland autografts are of limited use. Cell-based therapies, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, have recently evolved as long-term cures for many diseases, including ophthalmic diseases. The present article focuses on the different regenerative medicine and reconstruction/bioengineered lacrimal gland formation strategies reported so far, along with their limiting factors and feasibility as an effective cure in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimal Kishor Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
- *Correspondence: Vimal Kishor Singh ; ;
| | - Pallavi Sharma
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Research Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Uttkarsh Kumar Sharma Vaksh
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Research Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Ramesh Chandra
- Institute of Nanomedical Sciences, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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9
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Menzel-Severing J, Spaniol K, Groeber-Becker F, Geerling G. [Regenerative medicine for the corneal epithelium : Cell therapy from bench to bedside]. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2022; 119:891-901. [PMID: 35925345 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-022-01674-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the case of thermal or caustic burns of the ocular surface, loss of limbal epithelial stem cells leads to compromised self-renewal of the corneal epithelium. This results in permanent loss of vision. In these situations, transplantation of cultured limbal epithelial cells on an amniotic membrane or fibrin gel as substrate (Holoclar®) can help to regenerate the corneal surface. The required cells are obtained from the healthy partner eye, if available. Adult stem cells from other parts of the body potentially serve as alternative cell sources: hair follicles, oral mucosa, mesenchymal stromal cells, or induced pluripotent stem cells (originally, e.g., skin fibroblasts). The reprogramming of such cells can be achieved with the help of transcription factors. In addition, work is being done on biosynthetic or synthetic matrices, which not only serve as substrate material for the transplantation but also support the functional properties of these cells (self-renewal, corneal epithelial-typical phenotype).
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Menzel-Severing
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland.
| | - Kristina Spaniol
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
| | - Florian Groeber-Becker
- Translationszentrum Regenerative Therapien | TLZ-RT, Leitung In-vitro-Testsysteme, Fraunhofer-Institut für Silicatforschung ISC, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Gerd Geerling
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
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Darvish DM. Collagen fibril formation in vitro: From origin to opportunities. Mater Today Bio 2022; 15:100322. [PMID: 35757034 PMCID: PMC9218154 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sometimes, to move forward, it is necessary to look back. Collagen type I is one of the most commonly used biomaterials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. There are a variety of collagen scaffolds and biomedical products based on collagen have been made, and the development of new ones is still ongoing. Materials, where collagen is in the fibrillar form, have some advantages: they have superior mechanical properties, higher degradation time and, what is most important, mimic the structure of the native extracellular matrix. There are some standard protocols for the formation of collagen fibrils in vitro, but if we look more carefully at those methods, we can see some controversies. For example, why is the formation of collagen gel commonly carried out at 37 °C, when it was well investigated that the temperature higher than 35 °C results in a formation of not well-ordered fibrils? Biomimetic collagen materials can be obtained both using culture medium or neutralizing solution, but it requires a deep understanding of all of the crucial points. One of this point is collagen extraction method, since not every method retains the ability of collagen to reconstitute native banded fibrils. Collagen polymorphism is also often overlooked in spite of the appearance of different polymorphic forms during fibril formation is possible, especially when collagen blends are utilized. In this review, we will not only pay attention to these issues, but we will overview the most prominent works related to the formation of collagen fibrils in vitro starting from the first approaches and moving to the up-to-date recipes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Darvish
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Prospekt, 4, Saint-Petersburg, 194064, Russia
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11
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Schwab R, Reichl S. Dexamethasone-loaded keratin films for ocular surface reconstruction. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2022; 33:29. [PMID: 35244790 PMCID: PMC9050765 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-021-06638-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Amniotic membrane (AM) is often applied as a substitute material during ocular surface reconstruction. However, since AM has several disadvantages, alternative materials must be considered for this application. Keratin films made from human hair (KFs) have previously been presented as a promising option; they exhibited suitable characteristics and satisfactory biocompatibility in an in vivo rabbit model. Nevertheless, dexamethasone (DEX) eye drops are necessary after surgery to suppress inflammation. Since eye drops must be administered frequently, this might result in poor patient compliance, and the release of DEX at the transplant site would be clinically beneficial. Therefore, we aimed to incorporate DEX into KFs without hindering the positive film characteristics. Drug-loaded KFs were generated either by suspension technique or by the addition of solubilizing agents. The resulting specimens were analyzed regarding appearance, loading capacity, transparency, mechanical characteristics, swelling behavior and in vitro release. Furthermore, biocompatibility was assessed in vitro by determining the cell viability, seeding efficiency and growth behavior of corneal epithelial cells. The amount of incorporated DEX influenced the transparency and biomechanical properties of the films, but even highly loaded films showed properties similar to those of AM. The suspension technique was identified as the best incorporation approach regarding chemical stability and prolonged DEX release. Moreover, suspended DEX in the films did not negatively impact cell seeding efficiencies, and the cell-growth behaviors on the specimens with moderate DEX loads were satisfactory. This suggest that these films could comprise a suitable alternative material with additional anti-inflammatory activity for ocular surface reconstruction. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Schwab
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Technologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stephan Reichl
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Technologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
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12
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Elhusseiny AM, Soleimani M, Eleiwa TK, ElSheikh RH, Frank CR, Naderan M, Yazdanpanah G, Rosenblatt MI, Djalilian AR. OUP accepted manuscript. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:259-268. [PMID: 35303110 PMCID: PMC8968724 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szab028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium serves to protect the underlying cornea from the external environment and is essential for corneal transparency and optimal visual function. Regeneration of this epithelium is dependent on a population of stem cells residing in the basal layer of the limbus, the junction between the cornea and the sclera. The limbus provides the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) with an optimal microenvironment, the limbal niche, which strictly regulates their proliferation and differentiation. Disturbances to the LESCs and/or their niche can lead to the pathologic condition known as limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) whereby the corneal epithelium is not generated effectively. This has deleterious effects on the corneal and visual function, due to impaired healing and secondary corneal opacification. In this concise review, we summarize the characteristics of LESCs and their niche, and present the current and future perspectives in the management of LSCD with an emphasis on restoring the function of the limbal niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman M Elhusseiny
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Mohammad Soleimani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Taher K Eleiwa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Reem H ElSheikh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Charles R Frank
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Morteza Naderan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghasem Yazdanpanah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mark I Rosenblatt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Corresponding author: Ali R. Djalilian, Cornea Service, Stem Cell Therapy and Corneal Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, 1855 W. Taylor Street, M/C 648, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Bosworth LA, Lanaro M, O'Loughlin DA, D'Sa RA, Woodruff MA, Williams RL. Melt electro-written scaffolds with box-architecture support orthogonally oriented collagen. Biofabrication 2021; 14. [PMID: 34883476 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac41a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Melt electro-writing (MEW) is a state-of-the-art technique that supports fabrication of 3D, precisely controlled and reproducible fiber structures. A standard MEW scaffold design is a box-structure, where a repeat layer of 90° boxes is produced from a single fiber. In 3D form (i.e. multiple layers), this structure has the potential to mimic orthogonal arrangements of collagen, as observed in the corneal stroma. In this study, we determined the response of human primary corneal stromal cells and their deposited fibrillar collagen (detected using a CNA35 probe) following six weeksin vitroculture on these box-structures made from poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL). Comparison was also made to glass substrates (topography-free) and electrospun PCL fibers (aligned topography). Cell orientation and collagen deposition were non-uniform on glass substrates. Electrospun scaffolds supported an excellent parallel arrangement of cells and deposited collagen to the underlying architecture of aligned fibers, but there was no evidence of bidirectional collagen. In contrast, MEW scaffolds encouraged the formation of a dense, interconnected cellular network and deposited fibrillar collagen layers with a distinct orthogonal-arrangement. Collagen fibrils were particularly dominant through the middle layers of the MEW scaffolds' total thickness and closer examination revealed these fibrils to be concentrated within the pores' central regions. With the demand for donor corneas far exceeding the supply-leaving many with visual impairment-the application of MEW as a potential technique to recreate the corneal stroma with spontaneous, bidirectional collagen organization warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy A Bosworth
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Lanaro
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Danielle A O'Loughlin
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom
| | - Raechelle A D'Sa
- Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GH, United Kingdom
| | - Maria A Woodruff
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Rachel L Williams
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom
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Amin S, Jalilian E, Katz E, Frank C, Yazdanpanah G, Guaiquil VH, Rosenblatt MI, Djalilian AR. The Limbal Niche and Regenerative Strategies. Vision (Basel) 2021; 5:vision5040043. [PMID: 34698278 PMCID: PMC8544688 DOI: 10.3390/vision5040043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The protective function and transparency provided by the corneal epithelium are dependent on and maintained by the regenerative capacity of limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs). These LESCs are supported by the limbal niche, a specialized microenvironment consisting of cellular and non-cellular components. Disruption of the limbal niche, primarily from injuries or inflammatory processes, can negatively impact the regenerative ability of LESCs. Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) directly hampers the regenerative ability of the corneal epithelium and allows the conjunctival epithelium to invade the cornea, which results in severe visual impairment. Treatment involves restoring the LESC population and functionality; however, few clinically practiced therapies currently exist. This review outlines the current understanding of the limbal niche, its pathology and the emerging approaches targeted at restoring the limbal niche. Most emerging approaches are in developmental phases but show promise for treating LSCD and accelerating corneal regeneration. Specifically, we examine cell-based therapies, bio-active extracellular matrices and soluble factor therapies in considerable depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohil Amin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.A.); (E.J.); (E.K.); (C.F.); (G.Y.); (V.H.G.); (M.I.R.)
| | - Elmira Jalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.A.); (E.J.); (E.K.); (C.F.); (G.Y.); (V.H.G.); (M.I.R.)
| | - Eitan Katz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.A.); (E.J.); (E.K.); (C.F.); (G.Y.); (V.H.G.); (M.I.R.)
| | - Charlie Frank
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.A.); (E.J.); (E.K.); (C.F.); (G.Y.); (V.H.G.); (M.I.R.)
| | - Ghasem Yazdanpanah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.A.); (E.J.); (E.K.); (C.F.); (G.Y.); (V.H.G.); (M.I.R.)
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Victor H. Guaiquil
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.A.); (E.J.); (E.K.); (C.F.); (G.Y.); (V.H.G.); (M.I.R.)
| | - Mark I. Rosenblatt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.A.); (E.J.); (E.K.); (C.F.); (G.Y.); (V.H.G.); (M.I.R.)
| | - Ali R. Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.A.); (E.J.); (E.K.); (C.F.); (G.Y.); (V.H.G.); (M.I.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Goals and Challenges of Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Corneal Blindness Due to Limbal Deficiency. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091483. [PMID: 34575560 PMCID: PMC8466237 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal failure is a highly prevalent cause of blindness. One special cause of corneal failure occurs due to malfunction or destruction of the limbal stem cell niche, upon which the superficial cornea depends for homeostatic maintenance and wound healing. Failure of the limbal niche is referred to as limbal stem cell deficiency. As the corneal epithelial stem cell niche is easily accessible, limbal stem cell-based therapy and regenerative medicine applied to the ocular surface are among the most highly advanced forms of this novel approach to disease therapy. However, the challenges are still great, including the development of cell-based products and understanding how they work in the patient's eye. Advances are being made at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels to alter disease processes and to reduce or eliminate blindness. Efforts must be coordinated from the most basic research to the most clinically oriented projects so that cell-based therapies can become an integrated part of the therapeutic armamentarium to fight corneal blindness. We undoubtedly are progressing along the right path because cell-based therapy for eye diseases is one of the most successful examples of global regenerative medicine.
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Corneal Epithelial Stem Cells-Physiology, Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Options. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092302. [PMID: 34571952 PMCID: PMC8465583 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the human cornea, regeneration of the epithelium is regulated by the stem cell reservoir of the limbus, which is the marginal region of the cornea representing the anatomical and functional border between the corneal and conjunctival epithelium. In support of this concept, extensive limbal damage, e.g., by chemical or thermal injury, inflammation, or surgery, may induce limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) leading to vascularization and opacification of the cornea and eventually vision loss. These acquired forms of limbal stem cell deficiency may occur uni- or bilaterally, which is important for the choice of treatment. Moreover, a variety of inherited diseases, such as congenital aniridia or dyskeratosis congenita, are characterized by LSCD typically occurring bilaterally. Several techniques of autologous and allogenic stem cell transplantation have been established. The limbus can be restored by transplantation of whole limbal grafts, small limbal biopsies or by ex vivo-expanded limbal cells. In this review, the physiology of the corneal epithelium, the pathophysiology of LSCD, and the therapeutic options will be presented.
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Mertsch S, Neumann I, Rose C, Schargus M, Geerling G, Schrader S. The effect of Rho Kinase inhibition on corneal nerve regeneration in vitro and in vivo. Ocul Surf 2021; 22:213-223. [PMID: 34419637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.08.011] [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: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Impairment of corneal nerves can lead to neurotrophic keratopathy accompanied with severe ocular surface damage, which due to limited treatment options, can result in severe visual deterioration. This study evaluates a possible new treatment by enhancing the corneal nerve regeneration using a Rho Kinase inhibitor (Y27632). ROCK is known to play an important role in regulating cell morphology, adhesion and motility but little is known about its role in corneal nerve regeneration. METHODS Effects of ROCK inhibition on murine peripheral nerves was assessed in single cell- and wound healing assays as well as a 3D in vitro model. Furthermore, Sholl analysis evaluating neuronal branching and life-death assays evaluating toxicity of the inhibitor were performed. An in vivo mouse model was established, with monitoring weekly corneal nerve regrowth using confocal microscopy. Additionally, corneal nerve fiber length was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Underlying pathways were examined by qrtPCR. RESULTS ROCK inhibition leads to a significant enhancement of fiber growth in vitro. Sholl analysis revealed a higher degree of branching of treated fibers. Cytotoxicity assay showed no influence of Y27632 on cellular survival. In vivo measurement revealed significant enhanced regeneration after injury in the treated group. QrtPCR of trigeminal ganglia confirmed ROCK knock-down as well as altered pathways. CONCLUSION The inhibition of ROCK after corneal nerve injury resulted in an enhanced regrowth of fibers in vitro and in vivo. This might be a step towards a new therapeutic concept for the treatment of impaired corneal nerves in diseases such as neurotrophic keratopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Mertsch
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Pius-Hospital, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Inga Neumann
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Cosima Rose
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Marc Schargus
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Asklepios Hospital Nord-Heidberg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerd Geerling
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Stefan Schrader
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Pius-Hospital, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Germany
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Ramachandran C, Deshpande P, Ortega I, Sefat F, McKean R, Srivastava M, MacNeil S, Basu S, Sangwan VS. Proof-of-concept study of electrospun PLGA membrane in the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2021; 6:e000762. [PMID: 34395914 PMCID: PMC8314696 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2021-000762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to assess the safety of poly-lactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA) electrospun membranes as carriers for limbal tissue explants for treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Methods and analysis Approval was obtained for a first in-man study from the Drug Controller General of India. PLGA membranes were applied to the affected eye of five patients after removal of the vascular pannus. Simple limbal epithelial transplantation was performed and limbal explants were secured on the membrane using fibrin glue followed by a bandage contact lens. Patients were followed up for 1 year with ocular exams including slit lamp exam, corneal thickness measurements, intraocular pressure measurements and recording of corneal vascularisation and visual acuity. Systemic examinations included pain grading, clinical laboratory assessment, blood chemistry and urine analysis at baseline, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results PLGA membranes completely degraded by 8 weeks post-transplantation without any infection or inflammation. In all five patients, the epithelium regenerated by 3 months. In two in five patients, there was a sustained two-line improvement in vision. In one in five patients, the vision improvement was limited due to an underlying stromal scarring. There was recurrence of pannus and LSCD in two in five patients 6 months after surgery which was not attributable to the membrane. The ocular surface remained clear with no epithelial defects in three in five subjects at 12 months. Conclusion PLGA electrospun membranes show promise as carrier for limbal epithelial cells in the treatment of LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charanya Ramachandran
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Pallavi Deshpande
- Insitute of Population Healthy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ilida Ortega
- School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Farshid Sefat
- Biomedical and Electronics Engineering Department, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Rob McKean
- The Electrospinning Company Ltd, Didcot, UK
| | | | - Sheila MacNeil
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sayan Basu
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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García-Posadas L, Diebold Y. Three-Dimensional Human Cell Culture Models to Study the Pathophysiology of the Anterior Eye. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E1215. [PMID: 33333869 PMCID: PMC7765302 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12121215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the establishment of complex three-dimensional (3D) models of tissues has allowed researchers to perform high-quality studies and to not only advance knowledge of the physiology of these tissues but also mimic pathological conditions to test novel therapeutic strategies. The main advantage of 3D models is that they recapitulate the spatial architecture of tissues and thereby provide more physiologically relevant information. The eye is an extremely complex organ that comprises a large variety of highly heterogeneous tissues that are divided into two asymmetrical portions: the anterior and posterior segments. The anterior segment consists of the cornea, conjunctiva, iris, ciliary body, sclera, aqueous humor, and the lens. Different diseases in these tissues can have devastating effects. To study these pathologies and develop new treatments, the use of cell culture models is instrumental, and the better the model, the more relevant the results. Thus, the development of sophisticated 3D models of ocular tissues is a significant challenge with enormous potential. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in the development of 3D in vitro models of the anterior segment of the eye, with a special focus on those that use human primary cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura García-Posadas
- Instituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain;
| | - Yolanda Diebold
- Instituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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20
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Hong H, Kim J, Cho H, Park SM, Jeon M, Kim HK, Kim DS. Ultra-stiff compressed collagen for corneal perforation patch graft realized by in situ photochemical crosslinking. Biofabrication 2020; 12:045030. [PMID: 33000763 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abb52a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the potential of a collagen construct, consisting of a major extracellular matrix component of the native cornea, as a patch graft to treat the corneal perforation, there has still been difficulty in acquiring sufficient mechanical properties for clinical availability. This study developed a novel in situ photochemical crosslinking (IPC)-assisted collagen compression process, namely, the IPC-C2 process, to significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the collagen construct for the development of a collagenous patch graft. For the first time, we found that compressed collagen construct was rapidly rehydrated in an aqueous solution, which inhibited effective riboflavin-mediated photochemical crosslinking for mechanical improvement. The IPC-C2 process was designed to concurrently induce the physical compaction and photochemical crosslinking of a compressed collagen construct, thereby avoiding the loosening of collagen fibrillar structure during rehydration and ultimately improving crosslinking efficiency. Hence, the suggested IPC-C2 process could fabricate a collagen construct with a high collagen density (∼120-280 mg ml-1) and ∼103-fold increased mechanical properties (an elastic modulus of up to ∼29 MPa and ultimate tensile strength of ∼8 MPa) compared with collagen gel. This construct can then be used as a clinically applicable collagenous patch graft. With sufficient mechanical strength for surgical suture and the controllable thickness for patient specificity, the potential of the fabricated IPC-compressed collagen construct for clinical applications was demonstrated by using an in vivo rabbit corneal perforation model. It effectively protected aqueous humor leakage and maintained the integrity of the eye globe without an additional complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonjun Hong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
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21
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McKay TB, Hutcheon AEK, Guo X, Zieske JD, Karamichos D. Modeling the cornea in 3-dimensions: Current and future perspectives. Exp Eye Res 2020; 197:108127. [PMID: 32619578 PMCID: PMC8116933 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The cornea is an avascular, transparent ocular tissue that serves as a refractive and protective structure for the eye. Over 90% of the cornea is composed of a collagenous-rich extracellular matrix within the stroma with the other 10% composed by the corneal epithelium and endothelium layers and their corresponding supporting collagen layers (e.g., Bowman's and Descemet's membranes) at the anterior and posterior cornea, respectively. Due to its prominent role in corneal structure, tissue engineering approaches to model the human cornea in vitro have focused heavily on the cellular and functional properties of the corneal stroma. In this review, we discuss model development in the context of culture dimensionality (e.g., 2-dimensional versus 3-dimensional) and expand on the optical, biomechanical, and cellular functions promoted by the culture microenvironment. We describe current methods to model the human cornea with focus on organotypic approaches, compressed collagen, bioprinting, and self-assembled stromal models. We also expand on co-culture applications with the inclusion of relevant corneal cell types, such as epithelial, stromal keratocyte or fibroblast, endothelial, and neuronal cells. Further advancements in corneal tissue model development will markedly improve our current understanding of corneal wound healing and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Audrey E K Hutcheon
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Guo
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - James D Zieske
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
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O'Callaghan AR, Dziasko MA, Sheth-Shah R, Lewis MP, Daniels JT. Oral Mucosa Tissue Equivalents for the Treatment of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e1900265. [PMID: 32515079 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cultured limbal and oral epithelial cells have been successfully used to treat patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). The most common culture method for these cell therapies utilizes amniotic membrane as a cell support and/or murine 3T3s as feeder fibroblasts. The aim of this study is to refine the production of autologous oral mucosal cell therapy for the treatment of LSCD. Real architecture for 3D tissue (RAFT) is used as an alternative cell culture support. In addition, oral mucosal cells (epithelial and fibroblast) are used as autologous alternatives to donor human limbal epithelial cells (HLE) and murine 3T3s. The following tissue equivalents are produced and characterized: first, for patients with bilateral LSCD, an oral mucosa tissue equivalent consisting of human oral mucosal epithelial cells on RAFT supported by human oral mucosal fibroblasts (HOMF). Second, for patients with unilateral LSCD, HLE on RAFT supported by HOMF. For both tissue equivalent types, features of the cornea are observed including a multi-layered epithelium with small cells with a stem cell like phenotype in the basal layer and squamous cells in the top layers, and p63α and PAX6 expression. These tissue equivalents may therefore be useful in the treatment of LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R O'Callaghan
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Marc A Dziasko
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Radhika Sheth-Shah
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Mark P Lewis
- National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Julie T Daniels
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
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Wang J, Chen Y, Bai Y, Quan D, Wang Z, Xiong L, Shao Z, Sun W, Mi S. A core-skirt designed artificial cornea with orthogonal microfiber grid scaffold. Exp Eye Res 2020; 195:108037. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Smolar J, Nardo DD, Reichmann E, Gobet R, Eberli D, Horst M. Detrusor bioengineering using a cell-enriched compressed collagen hydrogel. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2020; 108:3045-3055. [PMID: 32420687 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The gold standard for bladder regeneration in end-stage bladder disease is the use of intestinal tissue, which is however associated with significant long-term complications. Our study aims to bioengineer functional detrusor muscle combining bladder smooth muscle cells (SMC) and SMC-like adipose-derived stem cells (pADSC) in compressed collagen (CC) hydrogels and to investigate biocompatibility and tissue regeneration of such detrusor-equivalents in a rat detrusorectomy model. METHODS Compressed collagen hydrogels seeded with 1 × 106 or 4 × 106 SMC alone or in combination with pADSC in a 1:1 ratio were investigated. Morphology, phenotype, and viability as well as proteomic secretome analysis were assessed in the 1:1 co-cultures and the respective monocultures. The hydrogels were implanted into rat bladders after partial detrusorectomy. Bladders were harvested 8 weeks after transplantation, and assessed for tissue morphology, detrusor regeneration, neo-vascularization and -innervation. RESULTS Co-cultured cells exhibited native SMC morphology, high viability and proliferated to form microtissues in vitro. The pro-angiogenic factors angiogenin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and -D were increased in the secretome of the pADSC samples. After 8 weeks of in vivo, the regenerated bladder wall showed a multilayered structure containing all bladder wall components. The overall performance of the bladder wall regeneration of CC seeded with 4 × 106 cells was significantly better than with 1 × 106 cells and the combination SMC:pADCS performed slightly better than SMC alone. CONCLUSION Compressed collagen possesses an adequate regenerative potential to promote regeneration of bladder wall tissue in vivo. Seeded with a combination of pADSC and SMC this may well be the first step towards a functional bladder reconstruction especially in patients suffering of end-stage bladder diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Smolar
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniele De Nardo
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ernst Reichmann
- Department of Surgery, Tissue Biology Research Unit, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rita Gobet
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Eberli
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maya Horst
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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25
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Griffith M, Poudel BK, Malhotra K, Akla N, González-Andrades M, Courtman D, Hu V, Alarcon EI. Biosynthetic alternatives for corneal transplant surgery. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2020.1754798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- May Griffith
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bijay Kumar Poudel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kamal Malhotra
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Naoufal Akla
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Miguel González-Andrades
- Department of Ophthalmology, Reina Sofia University Hospital and University of Cordoba, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
| | - David Courtman
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, and Scientist, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Victor Hu
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, International Center for Eye Health, London, UK
| | - Emilio I. Alarcon
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Prina E, Amer MH, Sidney L, Tromayer M, Moore J, Liska R, Bertolin M, Ferrari S, Hopkinson A, Dua H, Yang J, Wildman R, Rose FRAJ. Bioinspired Precision Engineering of Three-Dimensional Epithelial Stem Cell Microniches. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e2000016. [PMID: 32329968 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of the epithelium relies on stem cells residing within specialized microenvironments, known as epithelial crypts. Two-photon polymerization (2PP) is a valuable tool for fabricating 3D micro/nanostructures for stem cell niche engineering applications. Herein, biomimetic gelatin methacrylate-based constructs, replicating the precise geometry of the limbal epithelial crypt structures (limbal stem cell "microniches") as an exemplar epithelial niche, are fabricated using 2PP. Human limbal epithelial stem cells (hLESCs) are seeded within the microniches in xeno-free conditions to investigate their ability to repopulate the crypts and the expression of various differentiation markers. Cell proliferation and a zonation in cell phenotype along the z-axis are observed without the use of exogenous signaling molecules. Significant differences in cell phenotype between cells located at the base of the microniche and those situated towards the rim are observed, demonstrating that stem cell fate is strongly influenced by its location within a niche and the geometrical details of where it resides. This study provides insight into the influence of the niche's spatial geometry on hLESCs and demonstrates a flexible approach for the fabrication of biomimetic crypt-like structures in epithelial tissues. This has significant implications for regenerative medicine applications and can ultimately lead to implantable synthetic "niche-based" treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Prina
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Mahetab H Amer
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Laura Sidney
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Maximilian Tromayer
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna, 1060, Austria
| | - Jonathan Moore
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Robert Liska
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna, 1060, Austria
| | - Marina Bertolin
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Padiglione Rama, Via Paccagnella 11, Zelarino-Venezia, 30174, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Padiglione Rama, Via Paccagnella 11, Zelarino-Venezia, 30174, Italy
| | - Andrew Hopkinson
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Harminder Dua
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Jing Yang
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ricky Wildman
- Institute of Advanced Manufacturing, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Felicity R A J Rose
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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Corneal Epithelial-Stromal Fibroblast Constructs to Study Cell-Cell Communication in Vitro. Bioengineering (Basel) 2019; 6:bioengineering6040110. [PMID: 31817298 PMCID: PMC6956392 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering6040110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell–cell communication plays a fundamental role in mediating corneal wound healing following injury or infection. Depending on the severity of the wound, regeneration of the cornea and the propensity for scar development are influenced by the acute resolution of the pro-fibrotic response mediated by closure of the wound via cellular and tissue contraction. Damage of the corneal epithelium, basement membrane, and anterior stroma following a superficial keratectomy is known to lead to significant provisional matrix deposition, including secretion of fibronectin and thrombospondin-1, as well as development of a corneal scar. In addition, corneal wounding has previously been shown to promote release of extracellular vesicles from the corneal epithelium, which, in addition to soluble factors, may play a role in promoting tissue regeneration. In this study, we report the development and characterization of a co-culture system of human corneal epithelial cells and corneal stromal fibroblasts cultured for 4 weeks to allow extracellular matrix deposition and tissue maturation. The secretion of provisional matrix components, as well as small and large extracellular vesicles, was apparent within the constructs, suggesting cell–cell communication between epithelial and stromal cell populations. Laminin-1β was highly expressed by the corneal epithelial layer with the presence of notable patches of basement membrane identified by transmission electron microscopy. Interestingly, we identified expression of collagen type III, fibronectin, and thrombospondin-1 along the epithelial–stromal interface similar to observations seen in vivo following a keratectomy, as well as expression of the myofibroblast marker, α-smooth muscle actin, within the stroma. Our results suggest that this corneal epithelial–stromal model may be useful in the study of the biochemical phenomena that occur during corneal wound healing.
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Physical and mechanical properties of RAFT-stabilised collagen gels for tissue engineering applications. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2019; 99:216-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Hong H, Kim H, Han SJ, Jang J, Kim HK, Cho DW, Kim DS. Compressed collagen intermixed with cornea-derived decellularized extracellular matrix providing mechanical and biochemical niches for corneal stroma analogue. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2019; 103:109837. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.109837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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30
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Kennedy S, Lace R, Carserides C, Gallagher AG, Wellings DA, Williams RL, Levis HJ. Poly-ε-lysine based hydrogels as synthetic substrates for the expansion of corneal endothelial cells for transplantation. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2019; 30:102. [PMID: 31485761 PMCID: PMC6726667 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-019-6303-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the corneal endothelium (CE) resulting from progressive cell loss leads to corneal oedema and significant visual impairment. Current treatments rely upon donor allogeneic tissue to replace the damaged CE. A donor cornea shortage necessitates the development of biomaterials, enabling in vitro expansion of corneal endothelial cells (CECs). This study investigated the use of a synthetic peptide hydrogel using poly-ε-lysine (pεK), cross-linked with octanedioic-acid as a potential substrate for CECs expansion and CE grafts. PεK hydrogel properties were optimised to produce a substrate which was thin, transparent, porous and robust. A human corneal endothelial cell line (HCEC-12) attached and grew on pεK hydrogels as confluent monolayers after 7 days, whereas primary porcine CECs (pCECs) detached from the pεK hydrogel. Pre-adsorption of collagen I, collagen IV and fibronectin to the pεK hydrogel increased pCEC adhesion at 24 h and confluent monolayers formed at 7 days. Minimal cell adhesion was observed with pre-adsorbed laminin, chondroitin sulphate or commercial FNC coating mix (fibronectin, collagen and albumin). Functionalisation of the pεK hydrogel with synthetic cell binding peptide H-Gly-Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Gly-Gly-OH (RGD) or α2β1 integrin recognition sequence H-Asp-Gly-Glu-Ala-OH (DGEA) resulted in enhanced pCEC adhesion with the RGD peptide only. pCECs grown in culture at 5 weeks on RGD pεK hydrogels showed zonula occludins 1 staining for tight junctions and expression of sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphase, suggesting a functional CE. These results demonstrate the pεK hydrogel can be tailored through covalent binding of RGD to provide a surface for CEC attachment and growth. Thus, providing a synthetic substrate with a therapeutic application for the expansion of allogenic CECs and replacement of damaged CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephnie Kennedy
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Rebecca Lace
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Constandinos Carserides
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Andrew G Gallagher
- SpheriTech Ltd, Business and Technical Park, The Heath, Runcorn, WA7 4QX, UK
| | - Donald A Wellings
- SpheriTech Ltd, Business and Technical Park, The Heath, Runcorn, WA7 4QX, UK
| | - Rachel L Williams
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.
| | - Hannah J Levis
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
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31
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Hong H, Park SM, Kim D, Park SJ, Kim DS. Grayscale mask‐assisted photochemical crosslinking for a dense collagen construct with stiffness gradient. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2019; 108:1000-1009. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonjun Hong
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Pohang Gyeongbuk 37673 South Korea
| | - Sang Min Park
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Pohang Gyeongbuk 37673 South Korea
| | - Dohui Kim
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Pohang Gyeongbuk 37673 South Korea
| | - Sung Jea Park
- Advanced Technology Research Center & School of Mechanical EngineeringKorea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH) Cheonan Chungnam 31253 South Korea
| | - Dong Sung Kim
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Pohang Gyeongbuk 37673 South Korea
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32
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Witt J, Borrelli M, Mertsch S, Geerling G, Spaniol K, Schrader S. Evaluation of Plastic-Compressed Collagen for Conjunctival Repair in a Rabbit Model. Tissue Eng Part A 2019; 25:1084-1095. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2018.0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Witt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Maria Borrelli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Mertsch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gerd Geerling
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kristina Spaniol
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Schrader
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Fernández-Pérez J, Ahearne M. Decellularization and recellularization of cornea: Progress towards a donor alternative. Methods 2019; 171:86-96. [PMID: 31128238 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The global shortage of donor corneas for transplantation has led to corneal bioengineering being investigated as a method to generate transplantable tissues. Decellularized corneas are among the most promising materials for engineering corneal tissue since they replicate the complex structure and composition of real corneas. Decellularization is a process that aims to remove cells from organs or tissues resulting in a cell-free scaffold consisting of the tissues extracellular matrix. Here different decellularization techniques are described, including physical, chemical and biological methods. Analytical techniques to confirm decellularization efficiency are also discussed. Different cell sources for the recellularization of the three layers of the cornea, recellularization methods used in the literature and techniques used to assess the outcome of the implantation of such scaffolds are examined. Studies involving the application of decellularized corneas in animal models and human clinical studies are discussed. Finally, challenges for this technology are explored involving scalability, automatization and regulatory affairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fernández-Pérez
- Dept of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark Ahearne
- Dept of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Ireland.
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34
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Chen Y, Yin YW, Zhao Y, Wu XY, Young K, Song WT, Xia XB, Wen D. Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells derived mesenchymal stem cells into corneal epithelial cells after being seeded on decellularized SMILE-derived lenticules. Int J Ophthalmol 2019; 12:717-724. [PMID: 31131228 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2019.05.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the feasibility of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate into corneal epithelial cells after being seeded on the decellularized small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)-derived lenticules. METHODS The fresh lenticules procured from patients undergoing SMILE for the correction of myopia were decellularized. The MSCs were subsequently cultivated on those denuded lenticules. The MSCs without lenticules were used as a control. The proliferation activity of the MSCs after seeding 24h was quantitatively determined with the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Immunofluorescence staining and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to assess the marker expression in differentiated MSCs. RESULTS The data showed that both fresh and decellularized lenticules could significantly promote the proliferation of MSCs, compared to that in control (P=0.02 for fresh lenticules, P=0.001 for decellularize ones, respectively). The MSCs seeded on both lenticules were positive for cytokeratin 3 (CK3) staining. The expression of CK3 increased 5-fold in MSCs seeded on fresh lenticules and 18-fold on decellularized ones, compared to that in control. There was a significant difference in the expression of CK3 in MSCs seeded on fresh and decellularized lenticules (P<0.001). The expression of CK8 and CK18 was similar in pure MSCs and MSCs seeded on fresh lenticules (P>0.05), while the expression of these markers was decreased in MSCs seeded on decellularized ones. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the decellularized lenticules might be more suitable for MSCs to differentiate into corneal epithelial cells, which offers the prospect of a novel therapeutic modality of SMILE-derived lenticules in regenerative corneal engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ye-Wei Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Kelly Young
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, Florida 33125, USA
| | - Wei-Tao Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Dan Wen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
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Poly-l/dl-lactic acid films functionalized with collagen IV as carrier substrata for corneal epithelial stem cells. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 177:121-129. [PMID: 30716697 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) are responsible for the renewal of corneal epithelium. Cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation is the current treatment of choice for restoring the loss or dysfunction of LESCs. To perform this procedure, a substratum is necessary for in vitro culturing of limbal epithelial cells and their subsequent transplantation onto the ocular surface. In this work, we evaluated poly-L/DL-lactic acid 70:30 (PLA) films functionalized with type IV collagen (col IV) as potential in vitro carrier substrata for LESCs. We first demonstrated that PLA-col IV films were biocompatible and suitable for the proliferation of human corneal epithelial cells. Subsequently, limbal epithelial cell suspensions, isolated from human limbal rings, were cultivated using culture medium that did not contain animal components. The cells adhered significantly faster to PLA-col IV films than to tissue culture plastic (TCP). The mRNA expression levels for the LESC specific markers, K15, P63α and ABCG2 were similar or greater (significantly in the case of K15) in limbal epithelial cells cultured on PLA-col IV films than limbal epithelial cells cultured on TCP. The percentage of cells expressing the corneal (K3, K12) and the LESC (P63α, ABCG2) specific markers was similar for both substrata. These results suggest that the PLA-col IV films promoted LESC attachment and helped to maintain their undifferentiated stem cell phenotype. Consequently, these substrata offer an alternative for the transplantation of limbal cells onto the ocular surface.
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Zhao H, Xu K, Zhu P, Wang C, Chi Q. Smart hydrogels with high tunability of stiffness as a biomimetic cell carrier. Cell Biol Int 2019; 43:84-97. [DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences; University of Science and Technology of China; Hefei China
| | - Kang Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan China
| | - Chunli Wang
- “111 ” Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair; Bioengineering College; Chongqing University; Chongqing China
| | - Qingjia Chi
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Theory and Application of Advanced Materials Mechanics; Department of Mechanics and Engineering Structure; Wuhan University of Technology; Wuhan China
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37
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Strategies for reconstructing the limbal stem cell niche. Ocul Surf 2019; 17:230-240. [PMID: 30633966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial cell layer that covers the surface of the cornea provides a protective barrier while maintaining corneal transparency. The rapid and effective turnover of these epithelial cells depends, in part, on the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) located in a specialized microenvironment known as the limbal niche. Many disorders affecting the regeneration of the corneal epithelium are related to deficiency and/or dysfunction of LESCs and the limbal niche. Current approaches for regenerating the corneal epithelium following significant injuries such as burns and inflammatory attacks are primarily aimed at repopulating the LESCs. This review summarizes and assesses the clinical feasibility and efficacy of current and emerging approaches for reconstruction of the limbal niche. In particular, the application of mesenchymal stem cells along with appropriate biological scaffolds appear to be promising strategies for long-term revitalization of the limbal niche.
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Masterton S, Ahearne M. Mechanobiology of the corneal epithelium. Exp Eye Res 2018; 177:122-129. [PMID: 30086260 PMCID: PMC6280025 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
There has been a drive to develop new cell based therapies to treat corneal blindness, one of the most common causes of blindness worldwide. Mechanical and physical cues are known to regulate the behavior of many cell types, however studies examining these effects on corneal epithelial cells have been limited in number and their findings have not previously been amalgamated and contrasted. Here, we provide an overview of the different types of mechanical stimuli to which the corneal epithelium is exposed and the influence that these have on the cells. Shear stress from the tear film motion and blinking, extracellular matrix stiffness and external physical forces such as eye rubbing and contact lens wear are among some of the forms of mechanical stimuli that the epithelium experiences. In vivo and in vitro studies examining the mechanobiology on corneal epithelial cells under differing mechanical environments are explored. A greater understanding of the mechanobiology of the corneal epithelium has the potential to lead to improved tissue engineering and cell based therapies to repair and regenerate damaged cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Masterton
- Dept of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark Ahearne
- Dept of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Ireland.
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Development of a 3D Collagen Model for the In Vitro Evaluation of Magnetic-assisted Osteogenesis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16270. [PMID: 30389949 PMCID: PMC6214996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33455-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic stimulation has been applied to bone regeneration, however, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of repair still require a better understanding. A three-dimensional (3D) collagen model was developed using plastic compression, which produces dense, cellular, mechanically strong native collagen structures. Osteoblast cells (MG-63) and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were incorporated into collagen gels to produce a range of cell-laden models. A magnetic bio-reactor to support cell growth under static magnetic fields (SMFs) was designed and fabricated by 3D printing. The influences of SMFs on cell proliferation, differentiation, extracellular matrix production, mineralisation and gene expression were evaluated. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) further determined the effects of SMFs on the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteonectin (ON), and bone morphogenic proteins 2 and 4 (BMP-2 and BMP-4). Results demonstrate that SMFs, IONPs and the collagen matrix can stimulate the proliferation, alkaline phosphatase production and mineralisation of MG-63 cells, by influencing matrix/cell interactions and encouraging the expression of Runx2, ON, BMP-2 and BMP-4. Therefore, the collagen model developed here not only offers a novel 3D bone model to better understand the effect of magnetic stimulation on osteogenesis, but also paves the way for further applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Seyed MA, Vijayaraghavan K. Evaluation of an Improved Chitosan Scaffold Cross-Linked With Polyvinyl Alcohol and Amine Coupling Through 1-Ethyl-3-(3-Dimethyl Aminopropyl)-Carbodiimide (EDC) and 2 N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) for Corneal Applications. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2018; 6:1561-1570. [PMID: 30337966 PMCID: PMC6182522 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2018.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Corneal blindness resulting from various medical conditions affects millions worldwide. The rapid developing tissue engineering field offers design of a scaffold with mechanical properties and transparency similar to that of the natural cornea. AIM: The present study aimed at to prepare and investigate the properties of PVA/chitosan blended scaffold by further cross-linking with 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC) and 2 N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) as potential in vitro carrier for human limbal stem cells delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Acetic acid dissolved chitosan was added to PVA solution, uniformly mixed with a homogenizer until the mixture was in a colloidal state, followed by H2SO4 and formaldehyde added and the sample was allowed to cool, subsequently it was poured into a tube and heated in an oven at 60°C for 50 minutes. Finally, samples were soaked in a cross-linking bath with EDC, NHS and NaOH in H2O/EtOH for 24 h consecutively stirred to cross-link the polymeric chains, reduce degradation. After soaking in the bath, the samples were carefully washed with 2% glycine aqueous solution several times to remove the remaining amount of cross-linkers, followed by washed with water to remove residual agents. Later the cross-linked scaffold subjected for various characterization and biological experiments. RESULTS: After viscosity measurement, the scaffold was observed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The water absorbency of PVA/Chitosan was increased 361% by swelling. Compression testing demonstrated that by increasing the amount of chitosan, the strength of the scaffold could be increased to 16×10−1 MPa. Our degradation results revealed by mass loss using equation shows that scaffold degraded gradually imply slow degradation. In vitro tests showed good cell proliferation and growth in the scaffold. Our assay results confirmed that the membrane could increase the cells adhesion and growth on the substrate. CONCLUSION: Hence, we strongly believe the use of this improved PVA/chitosan scaffold has potential to cut down the disadvantages of the human amniotic membrane (HAM) for corneal epithelium in ocular surface surgery and greater mechanical strength in future after successful experimentation with clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ali Seyed
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kavitha Vijayaraghavan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Agni College of Technology, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Thalambur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600130, India
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Schrader S, Witt J, Geerling G. Plastic compressed collagen transplantation - a new option for corneal surface reconstruction? Acta Ophthalmol 2018; 96:e757-e758. [PMID: 29193821 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schrader
- Department of Ophthalmology; University Hospital Düsseldorf; Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Joana Witt
- Department of Ophthalmology; University Hospital Düsseldorf; Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Gerd Geerling
- Department of Ophthalmology; University Hospital Düsseldorf; Düsseldorf Germany
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42
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Meng Q, Shen C. Construction of low contracted 3D skin equivalents by genipin cross-linking. Exp Dermatol 2018; 27:1098-1103. [PMID: 29957867 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Continuous contraction of 3D skin equivalents in construction and use restricts their applications in clinical and pharmaceutical practices. So far, no effective method has been developed to inhibit such contraction. Hence, low cytotoxic cross-linkers, 1-ethyl-3-3-dimethylaminopropylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and genipin, are investigated to reduce the contraction in this study. As found, both genipin and EDC at 0.2 and 0.4 mmol/L are nontoxic to collagen-entrapped fibroblasts and upregulate the extracellular matrix expression of fibroblasts in cross-linked collagen. Particularly, collagen cross-linking by intermediate concentrations of genipin, specifically 0.4 mmol/L, greatly reduces the contraction of 3D skin equivalents from 87% to 28% (n = 9, P < 0.05), while the collagen after EDC cross-linking at 0.4 mmol/L still presented severe contraction of 64% over a 21-day follow-up period. The inhibited contraction might relate to the increased gel stiffness and slowed collagen degradation. Moreover, the genipin cross-linking does not impair the formation of epidermal layers and improves the epidermal-dermal junction of skin equivalents as well. In this regard, genipin cross-linking might facilitate the applications of 3D skin equivalents in clinical practices and pharmacology testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Meng
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chong Shen
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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43
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Hong H, Huh MI, Park SM, Lee KP, Kim HK, Kim DS. Decellularized corneal lenticule embedded compressed collagen: toward a suturable collagenous construct for limbal reconstruction. Biofabrication 2018; 10:045001. [PMID: 29978836 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/aad1a4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, compressed collagen has attracted much attention as a potential alternative for a limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) carrier to treat limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), in that it can provide mechanically improved collagen fibrillar structures compared to conventional collagen hydrogel. However, its clinical efficacy as an LESC carrier has not yet been studied through in vivo transplantation due to limited mechanical strength that cannot withstand a force induced by surgical suturing and low resistance to enzymatic degradation. This study firstly presents a suturable LESC carrier based on compressed collagen in the form of a biocomposite. The biocomposite was achieved by integrating a decellularized corneal lenticule, which is a decellularized stromal tissue obtained from corneal refractive surgery, inside a compressed collagen to form a sandwich structure. A suture retention test verified that the biocomposite has a much higher suture retention strength (0.56 ± 0.12 N) compared to the compressed collagen (0.02 ± 0.01 N). The biocomposite also exhibited more than 3 times higher resistance to enzymatic degradation, indicating long-term stability after transplantation. In vitro cell culture results revealed that the biocomposite effectively supported the expansion and stratification of the LESCs with expressions of putative stem cell and differentiated corneal epithelial cell markers. Finally, the biocomposite verified its clinical efficacy by stably delivering the LESCs onto an eye of a rabbit model of LSCD and effectively reconstructing the ocular surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonjun Hong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
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44
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Williams R, Lace R, Kennedy S, Doherty K, Levis H. Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine Approaches for the Anterior Segment of the Eye. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:e1701328. [PMID: 29388397 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201701328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The role of biomaterials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies to treat vision loss associated with damage to tissues in the anterior segment of the eye has been studied for several years. This has mostly involved replacement and support for the cornea and conjunctiva. These are complex tissues with specific functional requirements for different parts of the tissue. Amniotic membrane (AM) is used in clinical practice to transplant autologous or allogenic cells to the corneal surface. Fibrin gels have also progressed to clinical use under specific conditions. Alternatives to AM such as collagen gels, other natural materials, for example keratin and silks, and synthetic polymers have received considerable attention in laboratory and animal studies. This experience is building a body of evidence to demonstrate the potential of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in corneal and conjunctival reconstruction and can also lead to other applications in the anterior segment of the eye, for example, the trabecular meshwork. There is a real clinical need for new procedures to overcome vision loss but there are also opportunities for developments in ocular applications to lead to biomaterials innovations for use in other clinical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Williams
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Rebecca Lace
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Stephnie Kennedy
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Kyle Doherty
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Hannah Levis
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
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Prina E, Mistry P, Sidney LE, Yang J, Wildman RD, Bertolin M, Breda C, Ferrari B, Barbaro V, Hopkinson A, Dua HS, Ferrari S, Rose FRAJ. 3D Microfabricated Scaffolds and Microfluidic Devices for Ocular Surface Replacement: a Review. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2018; 13:430-441. [PMID: 28573367 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-017-9740-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been increased research interest in generating corneal substitutes, either for use in the clinic or as in vitro corneal models. The advancement of 3D microfabrication technologies has allowed the reconstruction of the native microarchitecture that controls epithelial cell adhesion, migration and differentiation. In addition, such technology has allowed the inclusion of a dynamic fluid flow that better mimics the physiology of the native cornea. We review the latest innovative products in development in this field, from 3D microfabricated hydrogels to microfluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Prina
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Pritesh Mistry
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Laura E Sidney
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jing Yang
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ricky D Wildman
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Marina Bertolin
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, c/o Padiglione G. Rama - Via Paccagnella 11, 30174 Zelarino, Venice, Italy
| | - Claudia Breda
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, c/o Padiglione G. Rama - Via Paccagnella 11, 30174 Zelarino, Venice, Italy
| | - Barbara Ferrari
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, c/o Padiglione G. Rama - Via Paccagnella 11, 30174 Zelarino, Venice, Italy
| | - Vanessa Barbaro
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, c/o Padiglione G. Rama - Via Paccagnella 11, 30174 Zelarino, Venice, Italy
| | - Andrew Hopkinson
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Harminder S Dua
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, c/o Padiglione G. Rama - Via Paccagnella 11, 30174 Zelarino, Venice, Italy.
| | - Felicity R A J Rose
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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46
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Nguyen KN, Bobba S, Richardson A, Park M, Watson SL, Wakefield D, Di Girolamo N. Native and synthetic scaffolds for limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation. Acta Biomater 2018; 65:21-35. [PMID: 29107055 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a complex blinding disease of the cornea, which cannot be treated with conventional corneal transplants. Instead, a stem cell (SC) graft is required to replenish the limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) reservoir, which is ultimately responsible for regenerating the corneal epithelium. Current therapies utilize limbal tissue biopsies that harbor LESCs as well as tissue culture expanded cells. Typically, this tissue is placed on a scaffold that supports the formation of corneal epithelial cell sheets, which are then transferred to diseased eyes. A wide range of biological and synthetic materials have been identified as carrier substrates for LESC, some of which have been used in the clinic, including amniotic membrane, fibrin, and silicon hydrogel contact lenses, each with their own advantages and limitations. This review will provide a brief background of LSCD, focusing on bio-scaffolds that have been utilized in limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT) and materials that are being developed as potentially novel therapeutics for patients with this disease. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The outcome of patients with corneal blindness that receive stem cell grafts to restore eye health and correct vision varies considerably and may be due to the different biological and synthetic scaffolds used to deliver these cells to the ocular surface. This review will highlight the positive attributes and limitations of the myriad of carriers developed for clinical use as well as those that are being trialled in pre-clinical models. The overall focus is on developing a standardized therapy for patients, however due to the multiple causes of corneal blindness, a personal regenerative medicine approach may be the best option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim N Nguyen
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Samantha Bobba
- Prince of Wales Hospital Clinical School, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Mijeong Park
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Denis Wakefield
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nick Di Girolamo
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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47
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Zitnay JL, Reese SP, Tran G, Farhang N, Bowles RD, Weiss JA. Fabrication of dense anisotropic collagen scaffolds using biaxial compression. Acta Biomater 2018; 65:76-87. [PMID: 29128533 PMCID: PMC5716932 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We developed a new method to manufacture dense, aligned, and porous collagen scaffolds using biaxial plastic compression of type I collagen gels. Using a novel compression apparatus that constricts like an iris diaphragm, low density collagen gels were compressed to yield a permanently densified, highly aligned collagen material. Micro-porosity scaffolds were created using hydrophilic elastomer porogens that can be selectively removed following biaxial compression, with porosity modulated by using different porogen concentrations. The resulting scaffolds exhibit collagen densities that are similar to native connective tissues (∼10% collagen by weight), pronounced collagen alignment across multiple length scales, and an interconnected network of pores, making them highly relevant for use in tissue culture, the study of physiologically relevant cell-matrix interactions, and tissue engineering applications. The scaffolds exhibited highly anisotropic material behavior, with the modulus of the scaffolds in the fiber direction over 100 times greater than the modulus in the transverse direction. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were seeded onto the biaxially compressed scaffolds with minimal cell death over seven days of culture, along with cell proliferation and migration into the pore spaces. This fabrication method provides new capabilities to manufacture structurally and mechanically relevant cytocompatible scaffolds that will enable more physiologically relevant cell culture studies. Further improvement of manufacturing techniques has the potential to produce engineered scaffolds for direct replacement of dense connective tissues such as meniscus and annulus fibrosus. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE In vitro studies of cell-matrix interactions and the engineering of replacement materials for collagenous connective tissues require biocompatible scaffolds that replicate the high collagen density (15-25%/wt), aligned fibrillar organization, and anisotropic mechanical properties of native tissues. However, methods for creating scaffolds with these characteristics are currently lacking. We developed a new apparatus and method to create high density, aligned, and porous collagen scaffolds using a biaxial compression with porogens technique. These scaffolds have a highly directional structure and mechanical properties, with the tensile strength and modulus up to 100 times greater in the direction of alignment. We also demonstrated that the scaffolds are a suitable material for cell culture, promoting cell adhesion, viability, and an aligned cell morphology comparable to the cell morphology observed in native aligned tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared L Zitnay
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, United States; Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, United States
| | - Shawn P Reese
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, United States; Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, United States
| | - Garvin Tran
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, United States
| | | | - Robert D Bowles
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, United States; Department of Orthopaedics, University of Utah, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Weiss
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, United States; Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, United States; Department of Orthopaedics, University of Utah, United States.
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48
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Compressed collagen constructs with optimized mechanical properties and cell interactions for tissue engineering applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2017; 108:158-166. [PMID: 29162461 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.11.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we are introducing a simple, fast and reliable add-in to the technique of plastic compression to obtain collagen sheets with decreased fibrillar densities, representing improved cell-interactions and mechanical properties. Collagen hydrogels with different initial concentrations (1.64mg/mL-0.41mg/mL) were compressed around an electrospun sheet of PLGA. The scaffolds were then studied as non-seeded, or seeded with 3T3 fibroblast cells and cultured for 7days. Confocal microscopy and TEM imaging of non-seeded scaffolds showed that by decreasing the share of collagen in the hydrogel formula, collagen sheets with similar thickness but lower fibrous densities were achieved. Nanomechanical characterization of compressed collagen sheets by AFM showed that Young's modulus was inversely proportional to the final concentration of collagen. Similarly, according to SEM, MTS, and cell nuclei counting, all the scaffolds supported cell adhesion and proliferation, whilst the highest metabolic activities and proliferation were seen in the scaffolds with lowest collagen content in hydrogel formula. We conclude that by decreasing the collagen content in the formula of collagen hydrogel for plastic compression, not only a better cell environment and optimum mechanical properties are achieved, but also the application costs of this biopolymer is reduced.
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49
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Huang G, Li F, Zhao X, Ma Y, Li Y, Lin M, Jin G, Lu TJ, Genin GM, Xu F. Functional and Biomimetic Materials for Engineering of the Three-Dimensional Cell Microenvironment. Chem Rev 2017; 117:12764-12850. [PMID: 28991456 PMCID: PMC6494624 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 457] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cell microenvironment has emerged as a key determinant of cell behavior and function in development, physiology, and pathophysiology. The extracellular matrix (ECM) within the cell microenvironment serves not only as a structural foundation for cells but also as a source of three-dimensional (3D) biochemical and biophysical cues that trigger and regulate cell behaviors. Increasing evidence suggests that the 3D character of the microenvironment is required for development of many critical cell responses observed in vivo, fueling a surge in the development of functional and biomimetic materials for engineering the 3D cell microenvironment. Progress in the design of such materials has improved control of cell behaviors in 3D and advanced the fields of tissue regeneration, in vitro tissue models, large-scale cell differentiation, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. However, the field is still in its infancy, and discoveries about the nature of cell-microenvironment interactions continue to overturn much early progress in the field. Key challenges continue to be dissecting the roles of chemistry, structure, mechanics, and electrophysiology in the cell microenvironment, and understanding and harnessing the roles of periodicity and drift in these factors. This review encapsulates where recent advances appear to leave the ever-shifting state of the art, and it highlights areas in which substantial potential and uncertainty remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyou Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Fei Li
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science,
Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
- Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical
Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong,
People’s Republic of China
| | - Yufei Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Yuhui Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Min Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Guorui Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Tian Jian Lu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
- MOE Key Laboratory for Multifunctional Materials
and Structures, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049,
People’s Republic of China
| | - Guy M. Genin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering &
Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis 63130, MO,
USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for
Engineering MechanoBiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis 63130,
MO, USA
| | - Feng Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
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50
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Urinary Tissue Engineering: Challenges and Opportunities. Sex Med Rev 2017; 6:35-44. [PMID: 29066225 DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this review, we discuss major advancements and common challenges in constructing and regenerating a neo-urinary conduit (NUC). First, we focus on the need for regenerating the urothelium, the hallmark the urine barrier, unique to urinary tissues. Second, we focus on clinically feasible scaffolds based on decellularized matrices and molded collagen that are currently of great research interest. AIM To discuss the major advancements in constructing a tissue-engineered NUC (TE-NUC) and the challenges involved in their successful clinical translation. METHODS A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature from PubMed and Google Scholar on subjects related to urothelium regeneration, decellularized tissue matrices, and collagen scaffolds was conducted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE We evaluated the main biological and mechanical functions of urinary tissues, the need for TE implants to create a urinary diversion, the reasons for their failures in clinical settings, and the applications of decellularized tissue matrices and collagen-based molded scaffolds in their regeneration. RESULTS It is necessary to create a urine barrier that prevents urine leakage into the stroma that can cause failure of the graft. Despite the regeneration potential of the urothelium, the limited supply of healthy urothelial cells in patients with bladder cancer remains a major challenge. In this context, alternative strategies, such as transdifferentiation of cells into urothelium or engineered scaffolds based on decellularized tissues and molded collagen with robust urine barrier properties, are active areas of research. CONCLUSION There is an immediate need for developing a functional TE-NUC that can improve the quality of life of patients with bladder cancer. It is possible to achieve a TE-NUC by bioengineering an implant that has appropriate biological and mechanical properties to store and transport urine. We anticipate that future advancements in urothelium regeneration and material design will lead us closer to successful neo-urinary tissue constructs. Singh A, Bivalacqua TJ, Sopko N. Urinary Tissue Engineering: Challenges and Opportunities. Sex Med Rev 2018;6:35-44.
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