1
|
Della Rosa G, Gostynska N, Ephraim JW, Marras S, Moroni M, Tirelli N, Panuccio G, Palazzolo G. Magnesium vs. sodium alginate as precursors of calcium alginate: Mechanical differences and advantages in the development of functional neuronal networks. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 342:122375. [PMID: 39048194 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Calcium alginate is one of the most widely employed matrices in regenerative medicine. A downside is its heterogeneity, due to the poorly controllable character of the gelation of sodium alginate (NaAlg), i.e. the commonly used alginate salt, with calcium. Here, we have used magnesium alginate (MgAlg) as an alternative precursor of calcium alginate. MgAlg coils, more compact and thus less entangled than those of NaAlg, allow for an easier diffusion of calcium ions, whereas Mg is exchanged with calcium more slowly than Na; this allows for the formation of a material (Ca(Mg)Alg) with a more reversible creep behaviour than Ca(Na)Alg, due to a more homogeneous - albeit lower - density of elastically active cross-links. We also show that Ca(Mg)Alg supports better than Ca(Na)Alg the network development and function of embedded (rat cortical) neurons: they show greater neurite extension and branching at 7 and 21 days (Tubb3 and Map2 immunofluorescence) and better neuronal network functional maturation / more robust and longer-lasting activity, probed by calcium imaging and microelectrode array electrophysiology. Overall, our results unveil the potential of MgAlg as bioactive biomaterial for enabling the formation of functional neuron-based tissue analogues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Della Rosa
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Laboratory for Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Genova, Italy; University of Pavia, Department of Molecular Medicine, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Natalia Gostynska
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Laboratory for Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Genova, Italy.
| | - John W Ephraim
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Laboratory for Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Genova, Italy.
| | - Sergio Marras
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Materials Characterization Facility, Genova, Italy.
| | | | - Nicola Tirelli
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Laboratory for Polymers and Biomaterials, Genova, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Panuccio
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Laboratory for Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Genova, Italy.
| | - Gemma Palazzolo
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Laboratory for Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Genova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Oliva MK, Bourke J, Kornienko D, Mattei C, Mao M, Kuanyshbek A, Ovchinnikov D, Bryson A, Karle TJ, Maljevic S, Petrou S. Standardizing a method for functional assessment of neural networks in brain organoids. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 409:110178. [PMID: 38825241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
During the last decade brain organoids have emerged as an attractive model system, allowing stem cells to be differentiated into complex 3D models, recapitulating many aspects of human brain development. Whilst many studies have analysed anatomical and cytoarchitectural characteristics of organoids, their functional characterisation has been limited, and highly variable between studies. Standardised, consistent methods for recording functional activity are critical to providing a functional understanding of neuronal networks at the synaptic and network level that can yield useful information about functional network phenotypes in disease and healthy states. In this study we outline a detailed methodology for calcium imaging and Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) recordings in brain organoids. To illustrate the utility of these functional interrogation techniques in uncovering induced differences in neural network activity we applied various stimulating media protocols. We demonstrate overlapping information from the two modalities, with comparable numbers of active cells in the four treatment groups and an increase in synchronous behaviour in BrainPhys treated groups. Further development of analysis pipelines to reveal network level changes in brain organoids will enrich our understanding of network formation and perturbation in these structures, and aid in the future development of drugs that target neurological disorders at the network level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M K Oliva
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - J Bourke
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - D Kornienko
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - C Mattei
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - M Mao
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - A Kuanyshbek
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - D Ovchinnikov
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - A Bryson
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - T J Karle
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - S Maljevic
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - S Petrou
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Callegari F, Brofiga M, Tedesco M, Massobrio P. Electrophysiological features of cortical 3D networks are deeply modulated by scaffold properties. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:036112. [PMID: 39193551 PMCID: PMC11348497 DOI: 10.1063/5.0214745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensionality (3D) was proven essential for developing reliable models for different anatomical compartments and many diseases. However, the neuronal compartment still poses a great challenge as we still do not understand precisely how the brain computes information and how the complex chain of neuronal events can generate conscious behavior. Therefore, a comprehensive model of neuronal tissue has not yet been found. The present work was conceived in this framework: we aimed to contribute to what must be a collective effort by filling in some information on possible 3D strategies to pursue. We compared directly different kinds of scaffolds (i.e., PDMS sponges, thermally crosslinked hydrogels, and glass microbeads) in their effect on neuronal network activity recorded using micro-electrode arrays. While the overall rate of spiking activity remained consistent, the type of scaffold had a notable impact on bursting dynamics. The frequency, density of bursts, and occurrence of random spikes were all affected. The examination of inter-burst intervals revealed distinct burst generation patterns unique to different scaffold types. Network burst propagation unveiled divergent trends among configurations. Notably, it showed the most differences, underlying that functional variations may arise from a different 3D spatial organization. This evidence suggests that not all 3D neuronal constructs can sustain the same level of richness of activity. Furthermore, we commented on the reproducibility, efficacy, and scalability of the methods, where the beads still offer superior performances. By comparing different 3D scaffolds, our results move toward understanding the best strategies to develop functional 3D neuronal units for reliable pre-clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Callegari
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Mariateresa Tedesco
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Di Lisa D, Cortese K, Chiappalone M, Arnaldi P, Martinoia S, Castagnola P, Pastorino L. Electrophysiological and morphological modulation of neuronal-glial network by breast cancer and nontumorigenic mammary cell conditioned medium. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1368851. [PMID: 38638322 PMCID: PMC11024227 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1368851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a significant global health concern, with the overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/ERBB2) being a driver oncogene in 20%-30% of cases. Indeed, HER2/ERBB2 plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and survival via a complex signaling network. Overexpression of HER2/ERBB2 is associated with more aggressive behavior and increased risk of brain metastases, which remains a significant clinical challenge for treatment. Recent research has highlighted the role of breast cancer secretomes in promoting tumor progression, including excessive proliferation, immune invasion, and resistance to anti-cancer therapy, and their potential as cancer biomarkers. In this study, we investigated the impact of ERBB2+ breast cancer SKBR-3 cell line compared with MCF10-A mammary non-tumorigenic cell conditioned medium on the electrophysiological activity and morphology of neural networks derived from neurons differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Our findings provide evidence of active modulation of neuronal-glial networks by SKBR-3 and MCF10-A conditioned medium. These results provide insights into the complex interactions between breast cancer cells and the surrounding microenvironment. Further research is necessary to identify the specific factors within breast cancer conditioned medium that mediate these effects and to develop targeted therapies that disrupt this interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Di Lisa
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Katia Cortese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Cellular Electron Microscopy Lab, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Michela Chiappalone
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- RAISE Ecosystem, Genova, Italy
| | - Pietro Arnaldi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Cellular Electron Microscopy Lab, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Sergio Martinoia
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- RAISE Ecosystem, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Laura Pastorino
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- RAISE Ecosystem, Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hidalgo-Alvarez V, Madl CM. Leveraging Biomaterial Platforms to Study Aging-Related Neural and Muscular Degeneration. Biomolecules 2024; 14:69. [PMID: 38254669 PMCID: PMC10813704 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex multifactorial process that results in tissue function impairment across the whole organism. One of the common consequences of this process is the loss of muscle mass and the associated decline in muscle function, known as sarcopenia. Aging also presents with an increased risk of developing other pathological conditions such as neurodegeneration. Muscular and neuronal degeneration cause mobility issues and cognitive impairment, hence having a major impact on the quality of life of the older population. The development of novel therapies that can ameliorate the effects of aging is currently hindered by our limited knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and the use of models that fail to recapitulate the structure and composition of the cell microenvironment. The emergence of bioengineering techniques based on the use of biomimetic materials and biofabrication methods has opened the possibility of generating 3D models of muscular and nervous tissues that better mimic the native extracellular matrix. These platforms are particularly advantageous for drug testing and mechanistic studies. In this review, we discuss the developments made in the creation of 3D models of aging-related neuronal and muscular degeneration and we provide a perspective on the future directions for the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher M. Madl
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lassers SB, Vakilna YS, Tang WC, Brewer GJ. The flow of axonal information among hippocampal sub-regions 2: patterned stimulation sharpens routing of information transmission. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1272925. [PMID: 38144878 PMCID: PMC10739322 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1272925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The sub-regions of the hippocampal formation are essential for episodic learning and memory formation, yet the spike dynamics of each region contributing to this function are poorly understood, in part because of a lack of access to the inter-regional communicating axons. Here, we reconstructed hippocampal networks confined to four subcompartments in 2D cultures on a multi-electrode array that monitors individual communicating axons. In our novel device, somal, and axonal activity was measured simultaneously with the ability to ascertain the direction and speed of information transmission. Each sub-region and inter-regional axons had unique power-law spiking dynamics, indicating differences in computational functions, with abundant axonal feedback. After stimulation, spiking, and burst rates decreased in all sub-regions, spikes per burst generally decreased, intraburst spike rates increased, and burst duration decreased, which were specific for each sub-region. These changes in spiking dynamics post-stimulation were found to occupy a narrow range, consistent with the maintenance of the network at a critical state. Functional connections between the sub-region neurons and communicating axons in our device revealed homeostatic network routing strategies post-stimulation in which spontaneous feedback activity was selectively decreased and balanced by decreased feed-forward activity. Post-stimulation, the number of functional connections per array decreased, but the reliability of those connections increased. The networks maintained a balance in spiking and bursting dynamics in response to stimulation and sharpened network routing. These plastic characteristics of the network revealed the dynamic architecture of hippocampal computations in response to stimulation by selective routing on a spatiotemporal scale in single axons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Brandon Lassers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Yash S. Vakilna
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Texas Institute of Restorative Neurotechnologies (TIRN), The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States
| | - William C. Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Gregory J. Brewer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (MIND) Institute, Center for Neuroscience of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bianchini M, Zinno C, Micera S, Redolfi Riva E. Improved Physiochemical Properties of Chitosan@PCL Nerve Conduits by Natural Molecule Crosslinking. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1712. [PMID: 38136583 PMCID: PMC10741752 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve conduits may represent a valuable alternative to autograft for the regeneration of long-gap damages. However, no NCs have currently reached market approval for the regeneration of limiting gap lesions, which still represents the very bottleneck of this technology. In recent years, a strong effort has been made to envision an engineered graft to tackle this issue. In our recent work, we presented a novel design of porous/3D-printed chitosan/poly-ε-caprolactone conduits, coupling freeze drying and additive manufacturing technologies to yield conduits with good structural properties. In this work, we studied genipin crosslinking as strategy to improve the physiochemical properties of our conduit. Genipin is a natural molecule with very low toxicity that has been used to crosslink chitosan porous matrix by binding the primary amino group of chitosan chains. Our characterization evidenced a stabilizing effect of genipin crosslinking towards the chitosan matrix, with reported modified porosity and ameliorated mechanical properties. Given the reported results, this method has the potential to improve the performance of our conduits for the regeneration of long-gap nerve injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bianchini
- The BioRobotics Institute, Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (S.M.)
| | - Ciro Zinno
- The BioRobotics Institute, Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (S.M.)
| | - Silvestro Micera
- The BioRobotics Institute, Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (S.M.)
- Translational Neuroengineering, Centre for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eugenio Redolfi Riva
- The BioRobotics Institute, Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lisa DD, Muzzi L, Lagazzo A, Andolfi A, Martinoia S, Pastorino L. Long-term in vitroculture of 3D brain tissue model based on chitosan thermogel. Biofabrication 2023; 16:015011. [PMID: 37922538 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad0979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Methods for studying brain function and disease heavily rely onin vivoanimal models,ex-vivotissue slices, and 2D cell culture platforms. These methods all have limitations that significantly impact the clinical translatability of results. Consequently, models able to better recapitulate some aspects ofin vivohuman brain are needed as additional preclinical tools. In this context, 3D hydrogel-basedin vitromodels of the brain are considered promising tools. To create a 3D brain-on-a-chip model, a hydrogel capable of sustaining neuronal maturation over extended culture periods is required. Among biopolymeric hydrogels, chitosan-β-glycerophosphate (CHITO-β-GP) thermogels have demonstrated their versatility and applicability in the biomedical field over the years. In this study, we investigated the ability of this thermogel to encapsulate neuronal cells and support the functional maturation of a 3D neuronal network in long-term cultures. To the best of our knowledge, we demonstrated for the first time that CHITO-β-GP thermogel possesses optimal characteristics for promoting neuronal growth and the development of an electrophysiologically functional neuronal network derived from both primary rat neurons and neurons differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (h-iPSCs) co-cultured with astrocytes. Specifically, two different formulations were firstly characterized by rheological, mechanical and injectability tests. Primary nervous cells and neurons differentiated from h-iPSCs were embedded into the two thermogel formulations. The 3D cultures were then deeply characterized by immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, and electrophysiological recordings, employing both 2D and 3D micro-electrode arrays. The thermogels supported the long-term culture of neuronal networks for up to 100 d. In conclusion, CHITO-β-GP thermogels exhibit excellent mechanical properties, stability over time under culture conditions, and bioactivity toward nervous cells. Therefore, they are excellent candidates as artificial extracellular matrices in brain-on-a-chip models, with applications in neurodegenerative disease modeling, drug screening, and neurotoxicity evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Di Lisa
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genoa, Via all 'Opera Pia 13, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Muzzi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genoa, Via all 'Opera Pia 13, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Lagazzo
- Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genoa, via Montallegro 1, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Andolfi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genoa, Via all 'Opera Pia 13, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - Sergio Martinoia
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genoa, Via all 'Opera Pia 13, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Pastorino
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genoa, Via all 'Opera Pia 13, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yao Y, Coleman HA, Meagher L, Forsythe JS, Parkington HC. 3D Functional Neuronal Networks in Free-Standing Bioprinted Hydrogel Constructs. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300801. [PMID: 37369123 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The composition, elasticity, and organization of the extracellular matrix within the central nervous system contribute to the architecture and function of the brain. From an in vitro modeling perspective, soft biomaterials are needed to mimic the 3D neural microenvironments. While many studies have investigated 3D culture and neural network formation in bulk hydrogel systems, these approaches have limited ability to position cells to mimic sophisticated brain architectures. In this study, cortical neurons and astrocytes acutely isolated from the brains of rats are bioprinted in a hydrogel to form 3D neuronal constructs. Successful bioprinting of cellular and acellular strands in a multi-bioink approach allows the subsequent formation of gray- and white-matter tracts reminiscent of cortical structures. Immunohistochemistry shows the formation of dense, 3D axon networks. Calcium signaling and extracellular electrophysiology in these 3D neuronal networks confirm spontaneous activity in addition to evoked activities under pharmacological and electrical stimulation. The system and bioprinting approaches are capable of fabricating soft, free-standing neuronal structures of different bioink and cell types with high resolution and throughput, which provide a promising platform for understanding fundamental questions of neural networks, engineering neuromorphic circuits, and for in vitro drug screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Harold A Coleman
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Laurence Meagher
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - John S Forsythe
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhao C, Wang Z, Tang X, Qin J, Jiang Z. Recent advances in sensor-integrated brain-on-a-chip devices for real-time brain monitoring. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 229:113431. [PMID: 37473652 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Brain science has remained in the global spotlight as an important field of scientific and technological discovery. Numerous in vitro and in vivo animal studies have been performed to understand the pathological processes involved in brain diseases and develop strategies for their diagnosis and treatment. However, owing to species differences between animals and humans, several drugs have shown high rates of treatment failure in clinical settings, hindering the development of diagnostic and treatment modalities for brain diseases. In this scenario, microfluidic brain-on-a-chip (BOC) devices, which allow the direct use of human tissues for experiments, have emerged as novel tools for effectively avoiding species differences and performing screening for new drugs. Although microfluidic BOC technology has achieved significant progress in recent years, monitoring slight changes in neurochemicals, neurotransmitters, and environmental states in the brain has remained challenging owing to the brain's complex environment. Hence, the integration of BOC with new sensors that have high sensitivity and high selectivity is urgently required for the real-time dynamic monitoring of BOC parameters. As sensor-based technologies for BOC have not been summarized, here, we review the principle, fabrication process, and application-based classification of sensor-integrated BOC, and then summarize the opportunities and challenges for their development. Generally, sensor-integrated BOC enables real-time monitoring and dynamic analysis, accurately measuring minute changes in the brain and thus enabling the realization of in vivo brain analysis and drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhao
- School of Medical Technology, School of Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zihao Wang
- School of Medical Technology, School of Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaoying Tang
- School of Medical Technology, School of Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Jieling Qin
- School of Medical Technology, School of Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Zhenqi Jiang
- School of Medical Technology, School of Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
López-León CF, Soriano J, Planet R. Rheological Characterization of Three-Dimensional Neuronal Cultures Embedded in PEGylated Fibrin Hydrogels. Gels 2023; 9:642. [PMID: 37623097 PMCID: PMC10454106 DOI: 10.3390/gels9080642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cultures are valuable models for studying brain complexity in vitro, and the choice of the bulk material in which the neurons grow is a crucial factor in establishing successful cultures. Indeed, neuronal development and network functionality are influenced by the mechanical properties of the selected material; in turn, these properties may change due to neuron-matrix interactions that alter the microstructure of the material. To advance our understanding of the interplay between neurons and their environment, here we utilized a PEGylated fibrin hydrogel as a scaffold for mouse primary neuronal cultures and carried out a rheological characterization of the scaffold over a three-week period, both with and without cells. We observed that the hydrogels exhibited an elastic response that could be described in terms of the Young's modulus E. The hydrogels without neurons procured a stable E≃420 Pa, while the neuron-laden hydrogels showed a higher E≃590 Pa during the early stages of development that decreased to E≃340 Pa at maturer stages. Our results suggest that neurons and their processes dynamically modify the hydrogel structure during development, potentially compromising both the stability of the material and the functional traits of the developing neuronal network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara F. López-León
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.F.L.-L.); (J.S.)
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Soriano
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.F.L.-L.); (J.S.)
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Planet
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.F.L.-L.); (J.S.)
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Acero VP, Das S, Rivellini O, Purvis EM, Adewole DO, Cullen DK. Emergent structural and functional properties of hippocampal multi-cellular aggregates. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1171115. [PMID: 37397454 PMCID: PMC10311220 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1171115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal neural networks are distinctly capable of integrating multi-modal sensory inputs to drive memory formation. Neuroscientific investigations using simplified in vitro models have greatly relied on planar (2D) neuronal cultures made from dissociated tissue. While these models have served as simple, cost-effective, and high-throughput tools for examining various morphological and electrophysiological characteristics of hippocampal networks, 2D cultures fail to reconstitute critical elements of the brain microenvironment that may be necessary for the emergence of sophisticated integrative network properties. To address this, we utilized a forced aggregation technique to generate high-density (>100,000 cells/mm3) multi-cellular three-dimensional aggregates using rodent embryonic hippocampal tissue. We contrasted the emergent structural and functional properties of aggregated (3D) and dissociated (2D) cultures over 28 days in vitro (DIV). Hippocampal aggregates displayed robust axonal fasciculation across large distances and significant neuronal polarization, i.e., spatial segregation of dendrites and axons, at earlier time points compared to dissociated cultures. Moreover, we found that astrocytes in aggregate cultures self-organized into non-overlapping quasi-domains and developed highly stellate morphologies resembling astrocyte structures in vivo. We maintained cultures on multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) to assess spontaneous electrophysiological activity for up to 28 DIV. We found that 3D networks of aggregated cultures developed highly synchronized networks and with high burstiness by 28 DIV. We also demonstrated that dual-aggregate networks became active by 7 DIV, in contrast to single-aggregate networks which became active and developed synchronous bursting activity with repeating motifs by 14 DIV. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the high-density, multi-cellular, 3D microenvironment of hippocampal aggregates supports the recapitulation of emergent biofidelic morphological and functional properties. Our findings suggest that neural aggregates may be used as segregated, modular building blocks for the development of complex, multi-nodal neural network topologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor P. Acero
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Suradip Das
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Olivia Rivellini
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Erin M. Purvis
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Dayo O. Adewole
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Daniel Kacy Cullen
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Andolfi A, Arnaldi P, Lisa DD, Pepe S, Frega M, Fassio A, Lagazzo A, Martinoia S, Pastorino L. A micropatterned thermoplasmonic substrate for neuromodulation of in vitro neuronal networks. Acta Biomater 2023; 158:281-291. [PMID: 36563774 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how the spatial organization of a neural network affects its activity represents a leading issue in neuroscience. Thanks to their accessibility and easy handling, in vitro studies remain an essential tool to investigate the relationship between the structure and function of a neuronal network. Among all the patterning techniques, ink-jet printing acquired great interest thanks to its direct-write approach, which allows the patterned substrate realization without mold, leading to a considerable saving of both cost and time. However, the inks commonly used give the possibility to control only the structure of a neuronal network, leaving aside the functional aspect. In this work, we synthesize a photosensitive ink combining the rheological and bioadhesive properties of chitosan with the plasmonic properties of gold nanorods, obtaining an ink able to control both the spatial organization of a two-dimensional neuronal network and its activity through photothermal effect. After the ink characterization, we demonstrate that it is possible to print, with high precision, different geometries on a microelectrode array. In this way, it is possible obtaining a patterned device to control the structure of a neuronal network, to record its activity and to modulate it via photothermal effect. Finally, to our knowledge, we report the first evidence of photothermal inhibition of human neurons activity. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Patterned cell cultures remain the most efficient and simple tool for linking structural and functional studies, especially in the neuronal field. Ink-jet printing is the technique with which it is possible to realize patterned structures in the fastest, simple, versatile and low-cost way. However, the inks currently used permit the control only of the neuronal network structure but do not allow the control-modulation of the network activity. In this study, we realize and characterize a photosensitive bioink with which it is possible to drive both the structure and the activity of a neuronal network. Moreover, we report the first evidence of activity inhibition by the photothermal effect on human neurons as far as we know.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Andolfi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Pietro Arnaldi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Donatella Di Lisa
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Sara Pepe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Monica Frega
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - Anna Fassio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Alberto Lagazzo
- Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Sergio Martinoia
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Laura Pastorino
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Janzen D, Bakirci E, Faber J, Andrade Mier M, Hauptstein J, Pal A, Forster L, Hazur J, Boccaccini AR, Detsch R, Teßmar J, Budday S, Blunk T, Dalton PD, Villmann C. Reinforced Hyaluronic Acid-Based Matrices Promote 3D Neuronal Network Formation. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2201826. [PMID: 35993391 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
3D neuronal cultures attempt to better replicate the in vivo environment to study neurological/neurodegenerative diseases compared to 2D models. A challenge to establish 3D neuron culture models is the low elastic modulus (30-500 Pa) of the native brain. Here, an ultra-soft matrix based on thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) reinforced with a microfiber frame is formulated and used. Hyaluronic acid represents an essential component of the brain extracellular matrix (ECM). Box-shaped frames with a microfiber spacing of 200 µm composed of 10-layers of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) microfibers (9.7 ± 0.2 µm) made via melt electrowriting (MEW) are used to reinforce the HA-SH matrix which has an elastic modulus of 95 Pa. The neuronal viability is low in pure HA-SH matrix, however, when astrocytes are pre-seeded below this reinforced construct, they significantly support neuronal survival, network formation quantified by neurite length, and neuronal firing shown by Ca2+ imaging. The astrocyte-seeded HA-SH matrix is able to match the neuronal viability to the level of Matrigel, a gold standard matrix for neuronal culture for over two decades. Thus, this 3D MEW frame reinforced HA-SH composite with neurons and astrocytes constitutes a reliable and reproducible system to further study brain diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Janzen
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ezgi Bakirci
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Jessica Faber
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Applied Mechanics, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstrasse 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mateo Andrade Mier
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Hauptstein
- Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Arindam Pal
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Leonard Forster
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Hazur
- Institute of Biomaterials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 6, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aldo R Boccaccini
- Institute of Biomaterials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 6, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rainer Detsch
- Institute of Biomaterials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 6, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg Teßmar
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Silvia Budday
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Applied Mechanics, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstrasse 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Torsten Blunk
- Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paul D Dalton
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.,Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, 1505 Franklin Blvd, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Huang WC, Hung CH, Lin YW, Zheng YC, Lei WL, Lu HE. Electrically Copolymerized Polydopamine Melanin/Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Applied for Bioactive Multimodal Neural Interfaces with Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:4807-4818. [PMID: 36222713 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Multimodal neural interfaces include combined functions of electrical neuromodulation and synchronic monitoring of neurochemical and physiological signals in one device. The remarkable biocompatibility and electrochemical performance of polystyrene sulfonate-doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT:PSS) have made it the most recommended conductive polymer neural electrode material. However, PEDOT:PSS formed by electrochemical deposition, called PEDOT/PSS, often need multiple doping to improve structural instability in moisture, resolve the difficulties of functionalization, and overcome the poor cellular affinity. In this work, inspired by the catechol-derived adhesion and semiconductive properties of polydopamine melanin (PDAM), we used electrochemical oxidation polymerization to develop PDAM-doped PEDOT (PEDOT/PDAM) as a bioactive multimodal neural interface that permits robust electrochemical performance, structural stability, analyte-trapping capacity, and neural stem cell affinity. The use of potentiodynamic scans resolved the problem of copolymerizing 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and dopamine (DA), enabling the formation of PEDOT/PDAM self-assembled nanodomains with an ideal doping state associated with remarkable current storage and charge transfer capacity. Owing to the richness of hydrogen bond donors/acceptors provided by the hydroxyl groups of PDAM, PEDOT/PDAM presented better electrochemical and mechanical stability than PEDOT/PSS. It has also enabled high sensitivity and selectivity in the electrochemical detection of DA. Different from PEDOT/PSS, which inhibited the survival of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells, PEDOT/PDAM maintained cell proliferation and even promoted cell differentiation into neuronal networks. Finally, PEDOT/PDAM was modified on a commercialized microelectrode array system, which resulted in the reduction of impedance by more than one order of magnitude; this significantly improved the resolution and reduced the noise of neuronal signal recording. With these advantages, PEDOT/PDAM is anticipated to be an efficient bioactive multimodal neural electrode material with potential application to brain-machine interfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chen Huang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300093, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Heng Hung
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Wen Lin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300093, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Zheng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300093, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Lou Lei
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300093, Taiwan
| | - Huai-En Lu
- Food Industry Research and Development Institute, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.,Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300093, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Renkler NZ, Cruz-Maya I, Bonadies I, Guarino V. Electro Fluid Dynamics: A Route to Design Polymers and Composites for Biomedical and Bio-Sustainable Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14194249. [PMID: 36236197 PMCID: PMC9572386 DOI: 10.3390/polym14194249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, several processes have been explored for the development of micro and/or nanostructured substrates by sagely physically and/or chemically manipulating polymer materials. These processes have to be designed to overcome some of the limitations of the traditional ones in terms of feasibility, reproducibility, and sustainability. Herein, the primary aim of this work is to focus on the enormous potential of using a high voltage electric field to manipulate polymers from synthetic and/or natural sources for the fabrication of different devices based on elementary units, i.e., fibers or particles, with different characteristic sizes—from micro to nanoscale. Firstly, basic principles and working mechanisms will be introduced in order to correlate the effect of selected process parameters (i.e., an applied voltage) on the dimensional features of the structures. Secondly, a comprehensive overview of the recent trends and potential uses of these processes will be proposed for different biomedical and bio-sustainable application areas.
Collapse
|
17
|
Wei W, Hao M, Zhou K, Wang Y, Lu Q, Zhang H, Wu Y, Zhang T, Liu Y. In situ multimodal transparent electrophysiological hydrogel for in vivo miniature two-photon neuroimaging and electrocorticogram analysis. Acta Biomater 2022; 152:86-99. [PMID: 36041650 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels are widely used in nerve tissue repair and show good histocompatibility. There remain, however, challenges with hydrogels for applications related to neural signal recording, which requires a tissue-like biomechanical property, high optical transmission, and low impedance. Here, we describe a transparent hydrogel that is highly biocompatible and has a low Young's modulus (0.15 MPa). Additionally, it functions well as an implantable electrode, as it conformably adheres to brain tissue, results in minimal inflammation and has a low impedance of 150 Ω at 1 kHz. Its high transmittance, corresponding to 93.35% at a wavelength of 300 nm to 1100 nm, supports its application in two-photon imaging. Consistent with these properties, this flexible multimodal transparent electrophysiological hydrogel (MTEHy) electrode was able to record neuronal Ca2+ activity using miniature two-photon microscopy. It also used to monitor electrocorticogram (ECoG) activity in real time in freely moving mice. Moreover, its compatibility with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), indicates that MTEHy is a new tool for studying activity in the cerebral cortex. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Future brain science research requires better-performing implantable electrodes to detect neuronal signaling in the brain. In this study, we developed a new hydrogel material, MTEHy-3, that shows high biocompatibility, high optical transmittance (93.35%) and a low Young's modulus (0.15 MPa). Using as high-biocompatible metal-free hydrogel electrode, MTEHy-3 can be implanted for a long time to study the cerebral cortex, and synchronously record the Ca2+ signaling activity of individual neurons and monitor electrocorticogram activity through ionic conduction in freely moving mice. At the same time, non-metallic MTEHy-3 is also suitable for magnetic resonance imaging. Thus MTEHy-3 provides one in situ multimodal tool to detect neuronal signaling with both high spatial resolution and high temporal resolution in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University; Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Mingming Hao
- School of Nano Technology and Nano Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; i-Lab., Key Laboratory of Multifunctional Nanomaterials and Smart Systems, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China; Lihuili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University; Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yongfeng Wang
- i-Lab., Key Laboratory of Multifunctional Nanomaterials and Smart Systems, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Qifeng Lu
- School of CHIPS, XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang), Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University; Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yue Wu
- i-Lab., Key Laboratory of Multifunctional Nanomaterials and Smart Systems, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Nano Technology and Nano Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; i-Lab., Key Laboratory of Multifunctional Nanomaterials and Smart Systems, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China; Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China..
| | - Yaobo Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University; Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Di Lisa D, Muzzi L, Pepe S, Dellacasa E, Frega M, Fassio A, Martinoia S, Pastorino L. On the way back from 3D to 2D: Chitosan promotes adhesion and development of neuronal networks onto culture supports. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 297:120049. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.120049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
19
|
Salerno A, Palladino A, Pizzoleo C, Attanasio C, Netti PA. Computer-aided patterning of PCL microspheres to build modular scaffolds featuring improved strength and neovascularized tissue integration. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 35728565 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac7ad8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, modular scaffolds prepared by assembling biocompatible and biodegradable building blocks (e.g. microspheres) have found promising applications in tissue engineering (TE) towards the repair/regeneration of damaged and impaired tissues. Nevertheless, to date this approach has failed to be transferred to the clinic due to technological limitations regarding microspheres patterning, a crucial issue for the control of scaffold strength, vascularization and integration in vivo. In this work, we propose a robust and reliable approach to address this issue through the fabrication of polycaprolactone (PCL) microsphere-based scaffolds with in-silico designed microarchitectures and high compression moduli. The scaffold fabrication technique consists of four main steps, starting with the manufacture of uniform PCL microspheres by fluidic emulsion technique. In the second step, patterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) moulds were prepared by soft lithography. Then, layers of 500 µm PCL microspheres with geometrically inspired patterns were obtained by casting the microspheres onto PDMS moulds followed by their thermal sintering. Finally, three-dimensional porous scaffolds were built by the alignment, stacking and sintering of multiple (up to six) layers. The so prepared scaffolds showed excellent morphological and microstructural fidelity with respect to the in-silico models, and mechanical compression properties suitable for load bearing TE applications. Designed porosity and pore size features enabled in vitro human endothelial cells adhesion and growth as well as tissue integration and blood vessels invasion in vivo. Our results highlighted the strong impact of spatial patterning of microspheres on modular scaffolds response, and pay the way about the possibility to fabricate in silico-designed structures featuring biomimetic composition and architectures for specific TE purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurelio Salerno
- Italian Institute of Technology Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci, 53, Napoli, 80125, ITALY
| | - Antonio Palladino
- University of Naples Federico II, via Federico Delpino, 1, Napoli, Campania, 80137, ITALY
| | - Carmela Pizzoleo
- Italian Institute of Technology Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, Napoli, 80125, ITALY
| | - Chiara Attanasio
- University of Naples Federico II, via Federico Delpino, 1, Napoli, Campania, 80137, ITALY
| | - Paolo Antonio Netti
- University of Naples Federico II Faculty of Engineering, Piazz.le Tecchio, Napoli, Campania, 80138, ITALY
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hsu CC, George JH, Waller S, Besnard C, Nagel DA, Hill EJ, Coleman MD, Korsunsky AM, Cui Z, Ye H. Increased connectivity of hiPSC-derived neural networks in multiphase granular hydrogel scaffolds. Bioact Mater 2022; 9:358-372. [PMID: 34820576 PMCID: PMC8586009 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To reflect human development, it is critical to create a substrate that can support long-term cell survival, differentiation, and maturation. Hydrogels are promising materials for 3D cultures. However, a bulk structure consisting of dense polymer networks often leads to suboptimal microenvironments that impedes nutrient exchange and cell-to-cell interaction. Herein, granular hydrogel-based scaffolds were used to support 3D human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neural networks. A custom designed 3D printed toolset was developed to extrude hyaluronic acid hydrogel through a porous nylon fabric to generate hydrogel granules. Cells and hydrogel granules were combined using a weaker secondary gelation step, forming self-supporting cell laden scaffolds. At three and seven days, granular scaffolds supported higher cell viability compared to bulk hydrogels, whereas granular scaffolds supported more neurite bearing cells and longer neurite extensions (65.52 ± 11.59 μm) after seven days compared to bulk hydrogels (22.90 ± 4.70 μm). Long-term (three-month) cultures of clinically relevant hiPSC-derived neural cells in granular hydrogels supported well established neuronal and astrocytic colonies and a high level of neurite extension both inside and beyond the scaffold. This approach is significant as it provides a simple, rapid and efficient way to achieve a tissue-relevant granular structure within hydrogel cultures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chen Hsu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Julian H. George
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Sharlayne Waller
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Cyril Besnard
- MBLEM, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK
| | - David A Nagel
- School of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
- Translational Medicine Research Group, Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Eric J Hill
- School of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Michael D. Coleman
- School of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Alexander M. Korsunsky
- MBLEM, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK
| | - Zhanfeng Cui
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Hua Ye
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ozgun A, Lomboni D, Arnott H, Staines WA, Woulfe J, Variola F. Biomaterial-based strategies for in vitro neural models. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:1134-1165. [PMID: 35023513 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01361k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In vitro models have been used as a complementary tool to animal studies in understanding the nervous system's physiological mechanisms and pathological disorders, while also serving as platforms to evaluate the safety and efficiency of therapeutic candidates. Following recent advances in materials science, micro- and nanofabrication techniques and cell culture systems, in vitro technologies have been rapidly gaining the potential to bridge the gap between animal and clinical studies by providing more sophisticated models that recapitulate key aspects of the structure, biochemistry, biomechanics, and functions of human tissues. This was made possible, in large part, by the development of biomaterials that provide cells with physicochemical features that closely mimic the cellular microenvironment of native tissues. Due to the well-known material-driven cellular response and the importance of mimicking the environment of the target tissue, the selection of optimal biomaterials represents an important early step in the design of biomimetic systems to investigate brain structures and functions. This review provides a comprehensive compendium of commonly used biomaterials as well as the different fabrication techniques employed for the design of neural tissue models. Furthermore, the authors discuss the main parameters that need to be considered to develop functional platforms not only for the study of brain physiological functions and pathological processes but also for drug discovery/development and the optimization of biomaterials for neural tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alp Ozgun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David Lomboni
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hallie Arnott
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada
| | - William A Staines
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - John Woulfe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Fabio Variola
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Ottawa, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
In 2001, the concept of the neurovascular unit was introduced at the Stroke Progress Review Group meeting. The neurovascular unit is an important element of the health and disease status of blood vessels and nerves in the central nervous system. Since then, the neurovascular unit has attracted increasing interest from research teams, who have contributed greatly to the prevention, treatment, and prognosis of stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. However, additional research is needed to establish an efficient, low-cost, and low-energy in vitro model of the neurovascular unit, as well as enable noninvasive observation of neurovascular units in vivo and in vitro. In this review, we first summarize the composition of neurovascular units, then investigate the efficacy of different types of stem cells and cell culture methods in the construction of neurovascular unit models, and finally assess the progress of imaging methods used to observe neurovascular units in recent years and their positive role in the monitoring and investigation of the mechanisms of a variety of central nervous system diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taiwei Dong
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Min Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Feng Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Peifeng Wei
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jian Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Provinve, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Muzzi L, Di Lisa D, Arnaldi P, Aprile D, Pastorino L, Martinoia S, Frega M. Rapid generation of functional engineered 3D human neuronal assemblies: network dynamics evaluated by micro-electrodes arrays. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34844234 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac3e02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objective.In this work we adapted a protocol for the fast generation of human neurons to build 3D neuronal networks with controlled structure and cell composition suitable for systematic electrophysiological investigations.Approach.We used biocompatible chitosan microbeads as scaffold to build 3D networks and to ensure nutrients-medium exchange from the core of the structure to the external environment. We used excitatory neurons derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) co-cultured with astrocytes. By adapting the well-established NgN2 differentiation protocol, we obtained 3D engineered networks with good control over cell density, volume and cell composition. We coupled the 3D neuronal networks to 60-channel micro electrode arrays (MEAs) to monitor and characterize their electrophysiological development. In parallel, we generated two-dimensional neuronal networks cultured on chitosan to compare the results of the two models.Main results.We sustained samples until 60 din vitro(DIV) and 3D cultures were healthy and functional. From the structural point of view, the hiPSC derived neurons were able to adhere to chitosan microbeads and to form a stable 3D assembly thanks to the connections among cells. From a functional point of view, neuronal networks showed spontaneous activity after a couple of weeks.Significance.We presented a particular method to generate 3D engineered cultures for the first time with human-derived neurons coupled to MEAs, overcoming some of the limitations related to 2D and 3D neuronal networks and thus increasing the therapeutic target potential of these models for biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Muzzi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - D Di Lisa
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - P Arnaldi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - D Aprile
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - L Pastorino
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - S Martinoia
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - M Frega
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Brofiga M, Pisano M, Raiteri R, Massobrio P. On the road to the brain-on-a-chip: a review on strategies, methods, and applications. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34280903 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac15e4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The brain is the most complex organ of our body. Such a complexity spans from the single-cell morphology up to the intricate connections that hundreds of thousands of neurons establish to create dense neuronal networks. All these components are involved in the genesis of the rich patterns of electrophysiological activity that characterize the brain. Over the years, researchers coming from different disciplines developedin vitrosimplified experimental models to investigate in a more controllable and observable way how neuronal ensembles generate peculiar firing rhythms, code external stimulations, or respond to chemical drugs. Nowadays, suchin vitromodels are namedbrain-on-a-chippointing out the relevance of the technological counterpart as artificial tool to interact with the brain: multi-electrode arrays are well-used devices to record and stimulate large-scale developing neuronal networks originated from dissociated cultures, brain slices, up to brain organoids. In this review, we will discuss the state of the art of the brain-on-a-chip, highlighting which structural and biological features a realisticin vitrobrain should embed (and how to achieve them). In particular, we identified two topological features, namely modular and three-dimensional connectivity, and a biological one (heterogeneity) that takes into account the huge number of neuronal types existing in the brain. At the end of this travel, we will show how 'far' we are from the goal and how interconnected-brain-regions-on-a-chip is the most appropriate wording to indicate the current state of the art.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Brofiga
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Marietta Pisano
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Raiteri
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,CNR- Institute of Biophysics, Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Massobrio
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Arnaldi P, Di Lisa D, Maddalena L, Carosio F, Fina A, Pastorino L, Monticelli O. A facile approach for the development of high mechanical strength 3D neuronal network scaffold based on chitosan and graphite nanoplatelets. Carbohydr Polym 2021; 271:118420. [PMID: 34364561 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In this work, novel composite microparticles based on chitosan (CHI) and graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) were developed as 3D scaffolds for neuronal cells. The aim is to improve the scaffold strength while maintaining its ability to sustain cell adhesion and differentiation. An air-assisted jetting technique followed by physical crosslinking is employed to obtain CHI/GNP microparticles. Optical and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy micrographs showed a uniform distribution of GNP within the CHI porous matrix. The presence of GNP turned out to improve the strength of the microparticles while conferring good electrical conductivity and ameliorating their stability in aqueous environment. The morphological and immunocytochemical characterization, combined with a preliminary electrophysiological analysis, evidenced the effectiveness of the developed composite microparticles as a scaffold for neuron growth. These scaffolds could be employed for the development of advanced 3D neuronal in vitro models for networks dynamics analysis and drug screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Arnaldi
- Dipartimento di Informatica, Bioingegneria, Robotica e Ingegneria dei Sistemi, Università degli studi di Genova, Via All'Opera Pia 13, 16145 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Donatella Di Lisa
- Dipartimento di Informatica, Bioingegneria, Robotica e Ingegneria dei Sistemi, Università degli studi di Genova, Via All'Opera Pia 13, 16145 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Lorenza Maddalena
- Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino-sede di Alessandria, viale Teresa Michel, 5, 15121 Alessandria, Italy.
| | - Federico Carosio
- Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino-sede di Alessandria, viale Teresa Michel, 5, 15121 Alessandria, Italy.
| | - Alberto Fina
- Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino-sede di Alessandria, viale Teresa Michel, 5, 15121 Alessandria, Italy.
| | - Laura Pastorino
- Dipartimento di Informatica, Bioingegneria, Robotica e Ingegneria dei Sistemi, Università degli studi di Genova, Via All'Opera Pia 13, 16145 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Orietta Monticelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università degli studi di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genoa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pedram P, Mazio C, Imparato G, Netti PA, Salerno A. Bioinspired Design of Novel Microscaffolds for Fibroblast Guidance toward In Vitro Tissue Building. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:9589-9603. [PMID: 33595284 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c20687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Porous microscaffolds (μ-scaffs) play a crucial role in modular tissue engineering as they control cell functions and guide hierarchical tissue formation toward building new functional tissue analogues. In the present study, we developed a new route to prepare porous polycaprolactone (PCL) μ-scaffs with a bioinspired trabecular structure that supported in vitro adhesion, growth, and biosynthesis of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The method involved the use of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as a biocompatible porogen and a fluidic emulsion/porogen leaching/particle coagulation process to obtain spherical μ-scaffs with controllable diameter and full pore interconnectivity. To achieve this objective, we investigated the effect of PEO concentration and the temperature of the coagulation bath on the μ-scaff architecture, while we modulated the μ-scaff diameter distribution by varying the PCL-PEO amount in the starting solution and changing the flow rate of the continuous phase (QCP). μ-Scaff morphology, pore architecture, and diameter distribution were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, microcomputed tomography (microCT), and Image analysis. We reported that the selection of 60 wt % PEO concentration, together with a 4 °C coagulation bath temperature and ultrasound postprocessing, allowed for the design and fabrication of μ-scaff with porosity up to 80% and fully interconnected pores on both the μ-scaff surface and the core. Furthermore, μ-scaff diameter distributions were finely tuned in the 100-600 μm range with the coefficient of variation lower than 5% by selecting the PCL-PEO concentration in the 1-10% w/v range and QCP of either 8 or 18 mL/min. Finally, we investigated the capability of the HDF-seeded PCL μ-scaff to form hybrid (biological/synthetic) tissue in vitro. Cell culture tests demonstrated that PCL μ-scaff enabled HDF adhesion, proliferation, colonization, and collagen biosynthesis within inter- and intraparticle spaces and guided the formation of a large (centimeter-sized) viable tissue construct.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Pedram
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT@CRIB), Largo Barsanti e Matteucci, 53, Naples 80125, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80125, Italy
| | - Claudia Mazio
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT@CRIB), Largo Barsanti e Matteucci, 53, Naples 80125, Italy
| | - Giorgia Imparato
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT@CRIB), Largo Barsanti e Matteucci, 53, Naples 80125, Italy
| | - Paolo A Netti
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT@CRIB), Largo Barsanti e Matteucci, 53, Naples 80125, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80125, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80125, Italy
| | - Aurelio Salerno
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT@CRIB), Largo Barsanti e Matteucci, 53, Naples 80125, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Forro C, Caron D, Angotzi GN, Gallo V, Berdondini L, Santoro F, Palazzolo G, Panuccio G. Electrophysiology Read-Out Tools for Brain-on-Chip Biotechnology. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:124. [PMID: 33498905 PMCID: PMC7912435 DOI: 10.3390/mi12020124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Brain-on-Chip (BoC) biotechnology is emerging as a promising tool for biomedical and pharmaceutical research applied to the neurosciences. At the convergence between lab-on-chip and cell biology, BoC couples in vitro three-dimensional brain-like systems to an engineered microfluidics platform designed to provide an in vivo-like extrinsic microenvironment with the aim of replicating tissue- or organ-level physiological functions. BoC therefore offers the advantage of an in vitro reproduction of brain structures that is more faithful to the native correlate than what is obtained with conventional cell culture techniques. As brain function ultimately results in the generation of electrical signals, electrophysiology techniques are paramount for studying brain activity in health and disease. However, as BoC is still in its infancy, the availability of combined BoC-electrophysiology platforms is still limited. Here, we summarize the available biological substrates for BoC, starting with a historical perspective. We then describe the available tools enabling BoC electrophysiology studies, detailing their fabrication process and technical features, along with their advantages and limitations. We discuss the current and future applications of BoC electrophysiology, also expanding to complementary approaches. We conclude with an evaluation of the potential translational applications and prospective technology developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Forro
- Tissue Electronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci, 53-80125 Naples, Italy; (C.F.); (F.S.)
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Davide Caron
- Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Gian Nicola Angotzi
- Microtechnology for Neuroelectronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (G.N.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Vincenzo Gallo
- Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Luca Berdondini
- Microtechnology for Neuroelectronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (G.N.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Francesca Santoro
- Tissue Electronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci, 53-80125 Naples, Italy; (C.F.); (F.S.)
| | - Gemma Palazzolo
- Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Gabriella Panuccio
- Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30-16163 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (V.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Arnaldi P, Carosio F, Di Lisa D, Muzzi L, Monticelli O, Pastorino L. Assembly of chitosan-graphite oxide nanoplatelets core shell microparticles for advanced 3D scaffolds supporting neuronal networks growth. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 196:111295. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
29
|
Arnaldi P, Pastorino L, Monticelli O. On an effective approach to improve the properties and the drug release of chitosan-based microparticles. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 163:393-401. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
30
|
Brofiga M, Pisano M, Tedesco M, Raiteri R, Massobrio P. Three-dimensionality shapes the dynamics of cortical interconnected to hippocampal networks. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:056044. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/abc023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
31
|
Kupikowska-Stobba B, Lewińska D. Polymer microcapsules and microbeads as cell carriers for in vivo biomedical applications. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:1536-1574. [PMID: 32110789 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm01337g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Polymer microcarriers are being extensively explored as cell delivery vehicles in cell-based therapies and hybrid tissue and organ engineering. Spherical microcarriers are of particular interest due to easy fabrication and injectability. They include microbeads, composed of a porous matrix, and microcapsules, where matrix core is additionally covered with a semipermeable membrane. Microcarriers provide cell containment at implantation site and protect the cells from host immunoresponse, degradation and shear stress. Immobilized cells may be genetically altered to release a specific therapeutic product directly at the target site, eliminating side effects of systemic therapies. Cell microcarriers need to fulfil a number of extremely high standards regarding their biocompatibility, cytocompatibility, immunoisolating capacity, transport, mechanical and chemical properties. To obtain cell microcarriers of specified parameters, a wide variety of polymers, both natural and synthetic, and immobilization methods can be applied. Yet so far, only a few approaches based on cell-laden microcarriers have reached clinical trials. The main issue that still impedes progress of these systems towards clinical application is limited cell survival in vivo. Herein, we review polymer biomaterials and methods used for fabrication of cell microcarriers for in vivo biomedical applications. We describe their key limitations and modifications aiming at improvement of microcarrier in vivo performance. We also present the main applications of polymer cell microcarriers in regenerative medicine, pancreatic islet and hepatocyte transplantation and in the treatment of cancer. Lastly, we outline the main challenges in cell microimmobilization for biomedical purposes, the strategies to overcome these issues and potential future improvements in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Kupikowska-Stobba
- Laboratory of Electrostatic Methods of Bioencapsulation, Department of Biomaterials and Biotechnological Systems, Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dorota Lewińska
- Laboratory of Electrostatic Methods of Bioencapsulation, Department of Biomaterials and Biotechnological Systems, Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Comparison of Scaffolds Fabricated via 3D Printing and Salt Leaching: In Vivo Imaging, Biodegradation, and Inflammation. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12102210. [PMID: 32993178 PMCID: PMC7599662 DOI: 10.3390/polym12102210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, we prepared fluorescently labeled poly(ε-caprolactone-ran-lactic acid) (PCLA-F) as a biomaterial to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds via salt leaching and 3D printing. The salt-leached PCLA-F scaffold was fabricated using NaCl and methylene chloride, and it had an irregular, interconnected 3D structure. The printed PCLA-F scaffold was fabricated using a fused deposition modeling printer, and it had a layered, orthogonally oriented 3D structure. The printed scaffold fabrication method was clearly more efficient than the salt leaching method in terms of productivity and repeatability. In the in vivo fluorescence imaging of mice and gel permeation chromatography of scaffolds removed from rats, the salt-leached PCLA scaffolds showed slightly faster degradation than the printed PCLA scaffolds. In the inflammation reaction, the printed PCLA scaffolds induced a slightly stronger inflammation reaction due to the slower biodegradation. Collectively, we can conclude that in vivo biodegradability and inflammation of scaffolds were affected by the scaffold fabrication method.
Collapse
|
33
|
Dingle YTL, Liaudanskaya V, Finnegan LT, Berlind KC, Mizzoni C, Georgakoudi I, Nieland TJF, Kaplan DL. Functional Characterization of Three-Dimensional Cortical Cultures for In Vitro Modeling of Brain Networks. iScience 2020; 23:101434. [PMID: 32805649 PMCID: PMC7452433 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cultures recapitulate key features of the brain including morphology, cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, gradients of factors, and mechanical properties. However, there remains a need for experimental and computational tools to investigate network functions in these 3D models. To address this need, we present an experimental system based on 3D scaffold-based cortical neuron cultures in which we expressed the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6f to record neuronal activity at the millimeter-scale. Functional neural network descriptors were computed with graph-theory-based network analysis methods, showing the formation of functional networks at 3 weeks of culture. Changes to the functional network properties upon perturbations to glutamatergic neurotransmission or GABAergic neurotransmission were quantitatively characterized. The results illustrate the applicability of our 3D experimental system for the study of brain network development, function, and disruption in a biomimetic microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting L Dingle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Volha Liaudanskaya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Liam T Finnegan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Kyler C Berlind
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Craig Mizzoni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Irene Georgakoudi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Thomas J F Nieland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Meramo-Hurtado S, González-Delgado ÁD. Application of Techno-economic and Sensitivity Analyses as Decision-Making Tools for Assessing Emerging Large-Scale Technologies for Production of Chitosan-Based Adsorbents. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:17601-17610. [PMID: 32715245 PMCID: PMC7377273 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c02064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
New ways and technologies for synthesizing adsorbent materials have been emerging based on the green chemistry concept for the sustainable use of available resources. In this sense, the chitosan-based products arise as a promising technology alternative for application of several fields that include mitigation, prevention, and control of environmental issues. Nevertheless, there is a lack of information about the development and behavior of these topologies at the industrial scale. This study addressed the techno-economic and sensitivity analyses as decision-making tools to assess promising topologies for production of chitosan-based bio-adsorbents. From the data provided by process inventory, economic analysis of these routes was implemented. The evaluation allowed obtaining a start point market price for chitosan microbeads (64.40 $/t) and chitosan microbeads modified with TiO2 nanoparticles (37 $/t). The economic analysis also showed that there is a vast potential to explore the chitosan market that enables generation of very profitable businesses from the implementation of those processes, considering the obtained economic performance indicators for both topologies. It is crucial to highlight that these indicators were slightly higher for chitosan microbead production. In addition, the sensitivity analysis indicated that the chitosan-TiO2 process could resist higher fluctuations in the operating costs, which might indicate that this topology might be a reliable alternative between evaluated cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samir
Isaac Meramo-Hurtado
- Business
Management and Productivity Research Group, Industrial Engineering
Program, Fundación Universitaria
Colombo International, Cartagena 130000, Colombia
| | - Ángel Darío González-Delgado
- Nanomaterials
and Computer-Aided Process Engineering Research Group (NIPAC), University of Cartagena, Cartagena 130015, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wang J, Zhou L, Sun Q, Cai H, Tan WS. Porous chitosan derivative scaffolds affect proliferation and osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cell via reducing intracellular ROS. Carbohydr Polym 2020; 237:116108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
36
|
Revkova VA, Grebenik EA, Kalsin VA, Demina TS, Bardakova KN, Shavkuta BS, Melnikov PA, Samoilova EM, Konoplyannikov MA, Efremov YM, Zhang C, Akopova TA, Troitsky AV, Timashev PS, Baklaushev VP. Chitosan- g-oligo(L,L-lactide) Copolymer Hydrogel Potential for Neural Stem Cell Differentiation. Tissue Eng Part A 2020; 26:953-963. [PMID: 32159465 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2019.0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the applicability of chitosan-g-oligo(L,L-lactide) copolymer (CLC) hydrogel for central nervous system tissue engineering. The biomechanical properties of the CLC hydrogel were characterized and its biocompatibility was assessed with neural progenitor cells obtained from two different sources: H9-derived neural stem cells (H9D-NSCs) and directly reprogrammed neural precursor cells (drNPCs). Our study found that the optically transparent CLC hydrogel possessed biomechanical characteristics suitable for culturing human neural stem/precursor cells and was noncytotoxic. When seeded on films prepared from CLC copolymer hydrogel, both H9D-NSC and drNPC adhered well, expanded and exhibited signs of spontaneous differentiation. While H9D-NSC mainly preserved multipotency as shown by a high proportion of Nestin+ and Sox2+ cells and a comparatively lower expression of the neuronal markers βIII-tubulin and MAP2, drNPCs, obtained by direct reprogramming, differentiated more extensively along the neuronal lineage. Our study indicates that the CLC hydrogel may be considered as a substrate for tissue-engineered constructs, applicable for therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. Impact statement We synthetized a chitosan-g-oligo(L,L-lactide) hydrogel that sustained multipotency of embryonic-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) and supported differentiation of directly reprogrammed NSC predominantly along the neuronal lineage. The hydrogel exhibited no cytotoxicity in vitro, both in extraction and contact cytotoxicity tests. When seeded on the hydrogel, both types of NSCs adhered well, expanded, and exhibited signs of spontaneous differentiation. The biomechanical properties of the hydrogel were similar to that of human spinal cord with incised pia mater. These data pave the way for further investigations of the hydrogel toward its applicability in central nervous system tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica A Revkova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Grebenik
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Kalsin
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana S Demina
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymer Materials, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kseniia N Bardakova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Photonic Technologies, Research Center "Crystallography and Photonics," Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris S Shavkuta
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Photonic Technologies, Research Center "Crystallography and Photonics," Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel A Melnikov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia.,Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina M Samoilova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Konoplyannikov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuri M Efremov
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tatiana A Akopova
- Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymer Materials, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandr V Troitsky
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter S Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Photonic Technologies, Research Center "Crystallography and Photonics," Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir P Baklaushev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Nicolas J, Magli S, Rabbachin L, Sampaolesi S, Nicotra F, Russo L. 3D Extracellular Matrix Mimics: Fundamental Concepts and Role of Materials Chemistry to Influence Stem Cell Fate. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:1968-1994. [PMID: 32227919 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic 3D extracellular matrices (ECMs) find application in cell studies, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery. While cells cultured in a monolayer may exhibit unnatural behavior and develop very different phenotypes and genotypes than in vivo, great efforts in materials chemistry have been devoted to reproducing in vitro behavior in in vivo cell microenvironments. This requires fine-tuning the biochemical and structural actors in synthetic ECMs. This review will present the fundamentals of the ECM, cover the chemical and structural features of the scaffolds used to generate ECM mimics, discuss the nature of the signaling biomolecules required and exploited to generate bioresponsive cell microenvironments able to induce a specific cell fate, and highlight the synthetic strategies involved in creating functional 3D ECM mimics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Nicolas
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, , 92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Sofia Magli
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Linda Rabbachin
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Susanna Sampaolesi
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Nicotra
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Russo
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Huang L, Abdalla AM, Xiao L, Yang G. Biopolymer-Based Microcarriers for Three-Dimensional Cell Culture and Engineered Tissue Formation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1895. [PMID: 32164316 PMCID: PMC7084715 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture has been proposed to maintain cellular morphology and function as in vivo. Among different approaches for 3D cell culture, microcarrier technology provides a promising tool for cell adhesion, proliferation, and cellular interactions in 3D space mimicking the in vivo microenvironment. In particular, microcarriers based on biopolymers have been widely investigated because of their superior biocompatibility and biodegradability. Moreover, through bottom-up assembly, microcarriers have opened a bright door for fabricating engineered tissues, which is one of the cutting-edge topics in tissue engineering and regeneration medicine. This review takes an in-depth look into the recent advancements of microcarriers based on biopolymers-especially polysaccharides such as chitosan, chitin, cellulose, hyaluronic acid, alginate, and laminarin-for 3D cell culture and the fabrication of engineered tissues based on them. The current limitations and potential strategies were also discussed to shed some light on future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Purification and Application of Plant Anti-Cancer Active Ingredients, School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Hubei University of Education, Wuhan 430205, China;
| | - Ahmed M.E. Abdalla
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, China;
| | - Lin Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, China;
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, China;
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Liu H, Wang Y, Cui K, Guo Y, Zhang X, Qin J. Advances in Hydrogels in Organoids and Organs-on-a-Chip. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1902042. [PMID: 31282047 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201902042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Significant advances in materials, microscale technology, and stem cell biology have enabled the construction of 3D tissues and organs, which will ultimately lead to more effective diagnostics and therapy. Organoids and organs-on-a-chip (OOC), evolved from developmental biology and bioengineering principles, have emerged as major technological breakthrough and distinct model systems to revolutionize biomedical research and drug discovery by recapitulating the key structural and functional complexity of human organs in vitro. There is growing interest in the development of functional biomaterials, especially hydrogels, for utilization in these promising systems to build more physiologically relevant 3D tissues with defined properties. The remarkable properties of defined hydrogels as proper extracellular matrix that can instruct cellular behaviors are presented. The recent trend where functional hydrogels are integrated into organoids and OOC systems for the construction of 3D tissue models is highlighted. Future opportunities and perspectives in the development of advanced hydrogels toward accelerating organoids and OOC research in biomedical applications are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Liu
- Division of Biotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yaqing Wang
- Division of Biotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kangli Cui
- Division of Biotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- Division of Biotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Salerno A, Cesarelli G, Pedram P, Netti PA. Modular Strategies to Build Cell-Free and Cell-Laden Scaffolds towards Bioengineered Tissues and Organs. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E1816. [PMID: 31683796 PMCID: PMC6912533 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8111816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineering three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds for functional tissue and organ regeneration is a major challenge of the tissue engineering (TE) community. Great progress has been made in developing scaffolds to support cells in 3D, and to date, several implantable scaffolds are available for treating damaged and dysfunctional tissues, such as bone, osteochondral, cardiac and nerve. However, recapitulating the complex extracellular matrix (ECM) functions of native tissues is far from being achieved in synthetic scaffolds. Modular TE is an intriguing approach that aims to design and fabricate ECM-mimicking scaffolds by the bottom-up assembly of building blocks with specific composition, morphology and structural properties. This review provides an overview of the main strategies to build synthetic TE scaffolds through bioactive modules assembly and classifies them into two distinct schemes based on microparticles (µPs) or patterned layers. The µPs-based processes section starts describing novel techniques for creating polymeric µPs with desired composition, morphology, size and shape. Later, the discussion focuses on µPs-based scaffolds design principles and processes. In particular, starting from random µPs assembly, we will move to advanced µPs structuring processes, focusing our attention on technological and engineering aspects related to cell-free and cell-laden strategies. The second part of this review article illustrates layer-by-layer modular scaffolds fabrication based on discontinuous, where layers' fabrication and assembly are split, and continuous processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurelio Salerno
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT@CRIB), 80125 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cesarelli
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT@CRIB), 80125 Naples, Italy.
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy.
| | - Parisa Pedram
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT@CRIB), 80125 Naples, Italy.
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy.
| | - Paolo Antonio Netti
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT@CRIB), 80125 Naples, Italy.
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy.
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Antill-O'Brien N, Bourke J, O'Connell CD. Layer-By-Layer: The Case for 3D Bioprinting Neurons to Create Patient-Specific Epilepsy Models. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 12:E3218. [PMID: 31581436 PMCID: PMC6804258 DOI: 10.3390/ma12193218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ability to create three-dimensional (3D) models of brain tissue from patient-derived cells, would open new possibilities in studying the neuropathology of disorders such as epilepsy and schizophrenia. While organoid culture has provided impressive examples of patient-specific models, the generation of organised 3D structures remains a challenge. 3D bioprinting is a rapidly developing technology where living cells, encapsulated in suitable bioink matrices, are printed to form 3D structures. 3D bioprinting may provide the capability to organise neuronal populations in 3D, through layer-by-layer deposition, and thereby recapitulate the complexity of neural tissue. However, printing neuron cells raises particular challenges since the biomaterial environment must be of appropriate softness to allow for the neurite extension, properties which are anathema to building self-supporting 3D structures. Here, we review the topic of 3D bioprinting of neurons, including critical discussions of hardware and bio-ink formulation requirements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Antill-O'Brien
- BioFab3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
| | - Justin Bourke
- BioFab3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
| | - Cathal D O'Connell
- BioFab3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Fritsche E, Barenys M, Klose J, Masjosthusmann S, Nimtz L, Schmuck M, Wuttke S, Tigges J. Current Availability of Stem Cell-Based In Vitro Methods for Developmental Neurotoxicity (DNT) Testing. Toxicol Sci 2019; 165:21-30. [PMID: 29982830 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that chemical exposure during development can cause irreversible impairments of the human developing nervous system. Therefore, testing compounds for their developmentally neurotoxic potential has high priority for different stakeholders: academia, industry, and regulatory bodies. Due to the resource-intensity of current developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) in vivo guidelines, alternative methods that are scientifically valid and have a high predictivity for humans are especially desired by regulators. Here, we review availability of stem-/progenitor cell-based in vitro methods for DNT evaluation that is based on the concept of neurodevelopmental process assessment. These test methods are assembled into a DNT in vitro testing battery. Gaps in this testing battery addressing research needs are also pointed out.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Barenys
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jördis Klose
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Masjosthusmann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Laura Nimtz
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Martin Schmuck
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Saskia Wuttke
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Tigges
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Preparation of chitosan-Cu2+/NH3 physical hydrogel and its properties. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 133:67-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
44
|
George J, Hsu CC, Nguyen LTB, Ye H, Cui Z. Neural tissue engineering with structured hydrogels in CNS models and therapies. Biotechnol Adv 2019; 42:107370. [PMID: 30902729 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The development of techniques to create and use multiphase microstructured hydrogels (granular hydrogels or microgels) has enabled the generation of cultures with more biologically relevant architecture and use of structured hydrogels is especially pertinent to the development of new types of central nervous system (CNS) culture models and therapies. We review material choice and the customisation of hydrogel structure, as well as the use of hydrogels in developmental models. Combining the use of structured hydrogel techniques with developmentally relevant tissue culture approaches will enable the generation of more relevant models and treatments to repair damaged CNS tissue architecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian George
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Chia-Chen Hsu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Linh Thuy Ba Nguyen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hua Ye
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Zhanfeng Cui
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Moisenovich MM, Plotnikov EY, Moysenovich AM, Silachev DN, Danilina TI, Savchenko ES, Bobrova MM, Safonova LA, Tatarskiy VV, Kotliarova MS, Agapov II, Zorov DB. Effect of Silk Fibroin on Neuroregeneration After Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurochem Res 2018; 44:2261-2272. [PMID: 30519983 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2691-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury is one of the leading causes of disability among the working-age population worldwide. Despite attempts to develop neuroprotective therapeutic approaches, including pharmacological or cellular technologies, significant advances in brain regeneration have not yet been achieved. Development of silk fibroin-based biomaterials represents a new frontier in neuroregenerative therapies after brain injury. In this study, we estimated the short and long-term effects of silk fibroin scaffold transplantation on traumatic brain injury and biocompatibility of this biomaterial within rat neuro-vascular cells. Silk fibroin microparticles were injected into a brain damage area 1 day after the injury. Silk fibroin affords neuroprotection as judged by diminished brain damage and recovery of long-term neurological functions. We did not detect considerable toxicity to neuro-vascular cells cultured on fibroin/fibroin-gelatin microparticles in vitro. Cultivation of primary cell cultures of neurons and astrocytes on silk fibroin matrices demonstrated their higher viability under oxygen-glucose deprivation compared to 2D conditions on plastic plates. Thus, we conclude that scaffolds based on silk fibroin can become the basis for the creation of constructs aimed to treat brain regeneration after injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M M Moisenovich
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - E Y Plotnikov
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A M Moysenovich
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - D N Silachev
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - T I Danilina
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - E S Savchenko
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - M M Bobrova
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Bionanotechnology Laboratory, V.I.Shumakov National Medical Research Center of Transplantology and Artificial Organs, Moscow, Russia
| | - L A Safonova
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Bionanotechnology Laboratory, V.I.Shumakov National Medical Research Center of Transplantology and Artificial Organs, Moscow, Russia
| | - V V Tatarskiy
- N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - M S Kotliarova
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - I I Agapov
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Bionanotechnology Laboratory, V.I.Shumakov National Medical Research Center of Transplantology and Artificial Organs, Moscow, Russia
| | - D B Zorov
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Huang L, Xiao L, Jung Poudel A, Li J, Zhou P, Gauthier M, Liu H, Wu Z, Yang G. Porous chitosan microspheres as microcarriers for 3D cell culture. Carbohydr Polym 2018; 202:611-620. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
47
|
Marzec E, Pietrucha K. Selecting the correct scaffold model for assessing of the dielectric response of collagen-based biomaterials. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2018; 171:506-513. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.07.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
48
|
Poli D, Massobrio P. High-frequency electrical stimulation promotes reshaping of the functional connections and synaptic plasticity in in vitro cortical networks. Phys Biol 2018; 15:06LT01. [DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/aae43e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
49
|
Batth A, Thompson I. Nylon as an in vitro
scaffold for three-dimensional study of neural cells. J Biomed Mater Res A 2018; 106:1575-1584. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aran Batth
- Division of Tissue Engineering and Biophotonics; Dental Institute, King's College London, Guy's Hospital; London SE1 9RT United Kingdom
| | - Ian Thompson
- Division of Tissue Engineering and Biophotonics; Dental Institute, King's College London, Guy's Hospital; London SE1 9RT United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|