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Seadler MS, Ferraresso F, Bansal M, Haugen A, Hayssen WG, Flick MJ, de Moya M, Dyer MR, Kastrup CJ. Suppressing upregulation of fibrinogen after polytrauma mitigates thrombosis in mice. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2024:01586154-990000000-00798. [PMID: 39238094 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000004442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polytrauma results in systemic inflammation and increased circulating fibrinogen, which increases the risk of microvascular and macrovascular thrombosis that contributes to secondary organ damage and venous thromboembolism (VTE). There are no clinically approved agents to prevent hyperfibrinogenemia after polytrauma. We hypothesized that preventing the increase in fibrinogen levels after polytrauma would suppress thrombosis. METHODS Small-interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) against fibrinogen was encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (siFibrinogen). Mice underwent a model of polytrauma and were then given varying doses of siFibrinogen, control siRNA, or no treatment. Fibrinogen was measured for 1 week via enxyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To model postinjury VTE, the inferior vena cava was ligated 2 days after polytrauma in a portion of the mice. Thrombus weight was measured 48 hours after the inferior vena cava was ligated. RESULTS Treatment with siFibrinogen prevented hyperfibrinogenemia after trauma without exacerbating the hypofibrinogenemic state that occurs in the acute injury period (1 hour). In treated groups, fibrinogen was significantly lower from 6 hours postinjury through the 7-day monitoring period. Maximal fibrinogen reduction was observed at 72 hours. Here, mice that received 2.0 mg/kg of siFibrinogen had 1% of normal values relative to untreated mice, and mice that received 1.0 or 0.5 mg/kg had 4%. Mice treated with siFibrinogen that underwent the postinjury VTE model had significantly reduced thrombus weight compared with control siRNA-treated animals. More notably, among all siFibrinogen treated mice, 12 of 18 were completely protected from thrombosis, compared with 0 of 9 displaying protection in the control group. CONCLUSION The rise of fibrinogen and the size of thrombi after polytrauma can be mitigated via the administration of siRNA against fibrinogen. siFibrinogen represents a promising novel target for VTE prophylaxis posttrauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica S Seadler
- From the Department of Surgery (M.S.S., M.B., A.H., W.G.H., M.d.M., C.J.K.), Division of Trauma, Medical College of Wisconsin; Versiti Blood Research Institute (M.S.S., F.F., M.B., A.H., W.G.H., M.R.D., C.J.K.), Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Michael Smith Laboratories (F.F., C.J.K.), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (F.F., C.J.K.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.J.F.), and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (M.J.F.); UNC Blood Research Center (M.J.F.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Department of Surgery (M.R.D.), Division of Vascular Surgery, and Departments of Biochemistry (C.J.K.), Biomedical Engineering (C.J.K.), and Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.J.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Li T, Yuan Y, Gu L, Li J, Shao Y, Yan S, Zhao Y, Carlos C, Dong Y, Qian H, Wang X, Wu W, Wang S, Wang Z, Wang X. Ultrastable piezoelectric biomaterial nanofibers and fabrics as an implantable and conformal electromechanical sensor patch. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn8706. [PMID: 39028816 PMCID: PMC11259165 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn8706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a widely used U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved implantable biomaterial that also possesses strong piezoelectricity. However, the intrinsically low stability of its high-energy piezoelectric β phase and random domain orientations associated with current synthesis approaches remain a critical roadblock to practical applications. Here, we report an interfacial anchoring strategy for fabricating core/shell PLLA/glycine (Gly) nanofibers (NFs) by electrospinning, which show a high ratio of piezoelectric β phase and excellent orientation alignment. The self-assembled core/shell structure offers strong intermolecular interactions between the -OH groups on Gly and C=O groups on PLLA, which promotes the crystallization of oriented PLLA polymer chains and stabilizes the β phase structure. As-received core/shell NFs exhibit substantially enhanced piezoelectric performance and excellent stability. An all NF-based nonwoven fabric is fabricated and assembled as a flexible nanogenerator. The device offers excellent conformality to heavily wrinkled surfaces and thus can precisely detect complex physiological motions often found from biological organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yongjiu Yuan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Long Gu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Yan Shao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Shan Yan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Yunhe Zhao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Corey Carlos
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Yutao Dong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Hong Qian
- Department of Orthopedic, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Wenlong Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Steven Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Zuankai Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Alharbi N, Guthold M. Mechanical properties of hydrated electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 155:106564. [PMID: 38749267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106564] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers are a promising material for biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, slow degradation rate, and thermal stability. We electrospun PCL fibers onto a striated substrate with 12 μm wide ridges and grooves and determined their mechanical properties in an aqueous solution with a combined atomic force/inverted optical microscopy technique. Fiber diameters, D, ranged from 27 to 280 nm. The hydrated PCL fibers had an extensibility (breaking strain), εmax, of 137%. The Young's modulus, E, and tensile strength, σT, showed a strong dependence on fiber diameter, D; decreasing steeply with increasing diameter, following empirical equations E(D)=(4.3∙103∙e-D51nm+1.1∙102) MPa and σT(D)=(2.6∙103∙e-D55nm+0.6∙102) MPa. Incremental stress-strain measurements were employed to investigate the viscoelastic behavior of these fibers. The fibers exhibited stress relaxation with a fast and slow relaxation time of 3.7 ± 1.2 s and 23 ± 8 s and these experiments also allowed the determination of the elastic and viscous moduli. Cyclic stress-strain curves were used to determine that the elastic limit of the fibers, εelastic, is between 19% and 36%. These curves were also used to determine that these fibers showed small energy losses (<20%) at small strains (ε < 10%), and over 50% energy loss at large strains (ε > 50%), asymptotically approaching 61%, as Eloss=61%·(1-e-0.04*ε). Our work is the first mechanical characterization of hydrated electrospun PCL nanofibers; all previous experiments were performed on dry PCL fibers, to which we will compare our data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouf Alharbi
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109, USA
| | - Martin Guthold
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109, USA; Center for Functional Materials, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109, USA.
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Berger M, Hell T, Tobiasch A, Martini J, Lindner A, Tauber H, Bachler M, Hermann M. Analysis of fibrin networks using topological data analysis - a feasibility study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13123. [PMID: 38849447 PMCID: PMC11161616 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63935-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood clot formation, a crucial process in hemostasis and thrombosis, has garnered substantial attention for its implications in various medical conditions. Microscopic examination of blood clots provides vital insights into their composition and structure, aiding in the understanding of clot pathophysiology and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. This study explores the use of topological data analysis (TDA) to assess plasma clot characteristics microscopically, focusing on the identification of the elements components, holes and Wasserstein distances. This approach should enable researchers to objectively classify fibrin networks based on their topologic architecture. We tested this mathematical characterization approach on plasma clots formed in static conditions from porcine and human citrated plasma samples, where the effect of dilution and direct thrombin inhibition was explored. Confocal microscopy images showing fluorescence labeled fibrin networks were analyzed. Both treatments resulted in visual differences in plasma clot architecture, which could be quantified using TDA. Significant differences between baseline and diluted samples, as well as blood anticoagulated with argatroban, were detected mathematically. Therefore, TDA could be indicative of clots with compromised stability, providing a valuable tool for thrombosis risk assessment. In conclusion, microscopic examination of plasma clots, coupled with Topological Data Analysis, offers a promising avenue for comprehensive characterization of clot microstructure. This method could contribute to a deeper understanding of clot pathophysiology and thereby refine our ability to assess clot characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tobias Hell
- Data Lab Hell, Europastraße 2a, Zirl, Austria
| | - Anna Tobiasch
- organLife Laboratory, Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Judith Martini
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrea Lindner
- Department of Urology and Andrology, District Hospital Hall, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Helmuth Tauber
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Sanatorium Kettenbruecke der Barmherzigen Schwestern GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mirjam Bachler
- Institute for Sports Medicine, Alpine Medicine and Health Tourism, UMIT - University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Austria, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Martin Hermann
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Tran HCM, Mbemba E, Mourot N, Faltas B, Rousseau A, Lefkou E, Sabbah M, van Dreden P, Gerotziafas G. The procoagulant signature of cancer cells drives fibrin network formation in tumor microenvironment and impacts its quality. Implications in cancer cell migration and the resistance to anticancer agents. Thromb Res 2024; 238:172-183. [PMID: 38723522 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2024.04.015] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer cells induce hypercoagulability in the tumoral microenvironment by expressing Tissue Factor (TF). We aimed to study the impact of the procoagulant signature of cancer cells on the quality and structure of fibrin network. We also studied the impact of fibrin clot shield (FCS) on the efficiency of anticancer agents and the migration of cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pancreatic cancer cells BXPC3 and breast cancer cells MDA-MB231 and MCF7, were cultured in the presence of normal Platelet Poor Plasma (PPP), diluted 10 % in conditioning media. Their potential to induce thrombin generation and their fibrinolytic activity were assessed. The structure of fibrin network was analyzed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Cancer cells' mobility with fibrin clot and their interactions with fibrin were observed. Cancer cells were treated with paclitaxel (PTX) or 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen (4OHTam) in the presence or absence of FCS. RESULTS Cancer cells, in presence of PPP, induced fibrin network formation. High TF-expressing cancer cells (BXPC3 and MDA-MB23 cells), led to dense fibrin network with fine fibers. Low TF expressing cells MCF7 led to thick fibers. Exogenous TF enhanced the density of fibrin network formed by MCF7 cells. Cancer cells through their inherent profibrinolytic potential migrated within the fiber scaffold. The BXPC3 and MCF7 cells moved in clusters whereas the MDA-MB231 cells moved individually within the fibrin network. FCS decreased the efficiency of PTX and 4OHTam on the viability of cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS The procoagulant signature of cancer cells is determinant for the quality and structure of fibrin network in the microenvironment. Original SEM images show the architecture of "bird's nest"-like fibrin network being in touch with the cell membranes and surrounding cancer cells. Fibrin network constructed by triggering thrombin generation by cancer cells, provides a scaffold for cell migration. Fibrin clot shields protect cancer cells against PTX and 4OHTam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Chi Mai Tran
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France; Clinical Research Department, Diagnostica Stago, 125 Avenue Louis Roche, 92230 Gennevilliers, France
| | - Elisabeth Mbemba
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Noémie Mourot
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Beshoy Faltas
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Rousseau
- Clinical Research Department, Diagnostica Stago, 125 Avenue Louis Roche, 92230 Gennevilliers, France
| | - Elmina Lefkou
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Michèle Sabbah
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Patrick van Dreden
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France; Clinical Research Department, Diagnostica Stago, 125 Avenue Louis Roche, 92230 Gennevilliers, France
| | - Grigoris Gerotziafas
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France; Thrombosis Center, Tenon - Saint Antoine University Hospital,Hôpitaux Universitaires Est Parisien, Assitance Publique Hôpitaix de Paris (AP-HP), 4 Rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France.
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Goodarzi S, Abu-Hanna J, Harper S, Khan D, Morrow G, Curry N. Are all fibrinogen concentrates the same? The effects of two fibrinogen therapies in an afibrinogenemic patient and in a fibrinogen deficient plasma model. A clinical and laboratory case report. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1391422. [PMID: 38873197 PMCID: PMC11169818 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1391422] [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: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The choice of treatments for inherited, or acquired, fibrinogen deficient states is expanding and there are now several fibrinogen concentrate therapies commercially available. Patients with the rare inherited bleeding disorder, afibrinogenemia, commonly require life-long replacement therapy with fibrinogen concentrate to prevent hemorrhagic complications. Recent reports in the setting of acquired bleeding, namely trauma hemorrhage, have highlighted the potential importance of the different compositions of fibrinogen supplements, including cryoprecipitate and the various plasma- derived concentrates. Clot strength and the subsequent susceptibility of a clot to lysis is highly dependent on the amount of fibrinogen as well as its structural composition, the concentration of pro- and anti-coagulant factors, as well as fibrinolytic regulators, such as factor XIII (FXIII). This report details the effects of two commercially available fibrinogen concentrates (Riastap®, CSL Behring and Fibryga®, Octapharma) on important functional measures of clot formation and lysis in a patient with afibrinogenemia. Our report offers insights into the differential effects of these concentrates, at the clot level, according to the variable constituents of each product, thereby emphasizing that the choice of fibrinogen concentrate can influence the stability of a clot in vivo. Whether this alters clinical efficacy is yet to be understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soutiam Goodarzi
- Oxford University Medical School, Medical Sciences Division, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jeries Abu-Hanna
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Harper
- Oxford Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dalia Khan
- Oxford Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gael Morrow
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Curry
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Xiong Y, Li S, Zhang Y, Chen Q, Xing M, Zhang Y, Wang Q. MechanoBase: a comprehensive database for the mechanics of tissues and cells. Database (Oxford) 2024; 2024:baae040. [PMID: 38805752 PMCID: PMC11131424 DOI: 10.1093/database/baae040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical aspects of tissues and cells critically influence a myriad of biological processes and can substantially alter the course of diverse diseases. The emergence of diverse methodologies adapted from physical science now permits the precise quantification of the cellular forces and the mechanical properties of tissues and cells. Despite the rising interest in tissue and cellular mechanics across fields like biology, bioengineering and medicine, there remains a noticeable absence of a comprehensive and readily accessible repository of this pertinent information. To fill this gap, we present MechanoBase, a comprehensive tissue and cellular mechanics database, curating 57 480 records from 5634 PubMed articles. The records archived in MechanoBase encompass a range of mechanical properties and forces, such as modulus and tractions, which have been measured utilizing various technical approaches. These measurements span hundreds of biosamples across more than 400 species studied under diverse conditions. Aiming for broad applicability, we design MechanoBase with user-friendly search, browsing and data download features, making it a versatile tool for exploring biomechanical attributes in various biological contexts. Moreover, we add complementary resources, including the principles of popular techniques, the concepts of mechanobiology terms and the cellular and tissue-level expression of related genes, offering scientists unprecedented access to a wealth of knowledge in this field of research. Database URL: https://zhanglab-web.tongji.edu.cn/mechanobase/ and https://compbio-zhanglab.org/mechanobase/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Xiong
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shiyu Li
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qianqian Chen
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Mengtan Xing
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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Kell DB, Lip GYH, Pretorius E. Fibrinaloid Microclots and Atrial Fibrillation. Biomedicines 2024; 12:891. [PMID: 38672245 PMCID: PMC11048249 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040891] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a comorbidity of a variety of other chronic, inflammatory diseases for which fibrinaloid microclots are a known accompaniment (and in some cases, a cause, with a mechanistic basis). Clots are, of course, a well-known consequence of atrial fibrillation. We here ask the question whether the fibrinaloid microclots seen in plasma or serum may in fact also be a cause of (or contributor to) the development of AF. We consider known 'risk factors' for AF, and in particular, exogenous stimuli such as infection and air pollution by particulates, both of which are known to cause AF. The external accompaniments of both bacterial (lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acids) and viral (SARS-CoV-2 spike protein) infections are known to stimulate fibrinaloid microclots when added in vitro, and fibrinaloid microclots, as with other amyloid proteins, can be cytotoxic, both by inducing hypoxia/reperfusion and by other means. Strokes and thromboembolisms are also common consequences of AF. Consequently, taking a systems approach, we review the considerable evidence in detail, which leads us to suggest that it is likely that microclots may well have an aetiological role in the development of AF. This has significant mechanistic and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B. Kell
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, Building 220, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1 Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Gregory Y. H. Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK;
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1 Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
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Liu S, Bahmani A, Ghezelbash F, Li J. Fibrin clot fracture under cyclic fatigue and variable rate loading. Acta Biomater 2024; 177:265-277. [PMID: 38336270 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Fibrin clot is a vital class of fibrous materials, governing the mechanical response of blood clots. Fracture behavior of fibrin clots under complex physiological load is relevant for hemostasis and thrombosis. But how they fracture under cyclic and variable rate loading has not been reported. Here we conduct cyclic fatigue and monotonic variable rate loading tests on fibrin clots to characterize their fracture properties in terms of fatigue threshold and rate-dependent fracture toughness. We demonstrate that the fracture behavior of fibrin clots is sensitive to the amplitude of cyclic load and the loading rate. The cyclic fatigue tests show the fatigue threshold of fibrin clots at 1.66 J/m2, compared to the overall fracture toughness 15.8 J/m2. Furthermore, we rationalize the fatigue threshold using a semi-empirical model parameterized by 3D morphometric quantification to account for the hierarchical molecular structure of fibrin fibers. The variable loading tests reveal rate dependence of the overall fracture toughness of fibrin clots. Our analysis with a viscoelastic fracture model suggests the viscoelastic origin of the rate-dependent fracture toughness. The toughening mechanism of fibrin clots is further compared with biological tissues and hydrogels. This study advances the understanding and modeling of fatigue and fracture of blood clots and would motivate further investigation on the mechanics of fibrous materials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Fibrin clot is a soft fibrous gel, exhibiting nonlinear mechanical responses under complex physiological loads. It is the main load-bearing constituent of blood clots where red blood cells, platelets and other cells are trapped. How the fibrin clot fractures under complex mechanical loads is critical for hemostasis and thrombosis. We study the fracture behavior of fibrin clots under cyclic fatigue and monotonic variable rate loads. We characterize the fatigue-threshold and viscous energy dissipation of fibrin clots. We compare the toughness enhancement of fibrin clots with hydrogels. The findings offer new insights into the fatigue and fracture of blood clots and fibrous materials, which could improve design guidelines for bioengineered materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Aram Bahmani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Farshid Ghezelbash
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Jianyu Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada; Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada.
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10
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Bannish BE, Paynter B, Risman RA, Shroff M, Tutwiler V. The effect of plasmin-mediated degradation on fibrinolysis and tissue plasminogen activator diffusion. Biophys J 2024; 123:610-621. [PMID: 38356261 PMCID: PMC10938117 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
We modify a three-dimensional multiscale model of fibrinolysis to study the effect of plasmin-mediated degradation of fibrin on tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) diffusion and fibrinolysis. We propose that tPA is released from a fibrin fiber by simple kinetic unbinding, as well as by "forced unbinding," which occurs when plasmin degrades fibrin to which tPA is bound. We show that, if tPA is bound to a small-enough piece of fibrin that it can diffuse into the clot, then plasmin can increase the effective diffusion of tPA. If tPA is bound to larger fibrin degradation products (FDPs) that can only diffuse along the clot, then plasmin can decrease the effective diffusion of tPA. We find that lysis rates are fastest when tPA is bound to fibrin that can diffuse into the clot, and slowest when tPA is bound to FDPs that can only diffuse along the clot. Laboratory experiments confirm that FDPs can diffuse into a clot, and they support the model hypothesis that forced unbinding of tPA results in a mix of FDPs, such that tPA bound to FDPs can diffuse both into and along the clot. Regardless of how tPA is released from a fiber, a tPA mutant with a smaller dissociation constant results in slower lysis (because tPA binds strongly to fibrin), and a tPA mutant with a larger dissociation constant results in faster lysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany E Bannish
- University of Central Oklahoma, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Edmond, Oklahoma.
| | - Bradley Paynter
- University of Central Oklahoma, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Edmond, Oklahoma
| | - Rebecca A Risman
- Rutgers University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Mitali Shroff
- Rutgers University, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Valerie Tutwiler
- Rutgers University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Piscataway, New Jersey.
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11
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Sesena-Rubfiaro A, Prajapati NJ, Lou L, Ghimire G, Agarwal A, He J. Improving the development of human engineered cardiac tissue by gold nanorods embedded extracellular matrix for long-term viability. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:2983-2992. [PMID: 38259163 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05422e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
A myocardial infarction (MI), commonly called a heart attack, results in the death of cardiomyocytes (CMs) in the heart. Tissue engineering provides a promising strategy for the treatment of MI, but the maturation of human engineered cardiac tissue (hECT) still requires improvement. Conductive polymers and nanomaterials have been incorporated into the extracellular matrix to enhance the mechanical and electrical coupling between cardiac cells. Here we report a simple approach to incorporate gold nanorods (GNRs) into the fibrin hydrogel to form a GNR-fibrin matrix, which is used as the major component of the extracellular matrix for forming a 3D hECT construct suspended between two flexible posts. The hECTs made with GNR-fibrin hydrogel showed markers of maturation such as higher twitch force, synchronous beating activity, sarcomere maturation and alignment, t-tubule network development, and calcium handling improvement. Most importantly, the GNR-hECTs can survive over 9 months. We envision that the hECT with GNRs holds the potential to restore the functionality of the infarcted heart.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Navin J Prajapati
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
| | - Lihua Lou
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33174, USA
| | - Govinda Ghimire
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
| | - Arvind Agarwal
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33174, USA
| | - Jin He
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
- Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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12
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Risman RA, Paynter B, Percoco V, Shroff M, Bannish BE, Tutwiler V. Internal fibrinolysis of fibrin clots is driven by pore expansion. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2623. [PMID: 38297113 PMCID: PMC10830469 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52844-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood clots, which are composed of blood cells and a stabilizing mesh of fibrin fibers, are critical in cessation of bleeding following injury. However, their action is transient and after performing their physiological function they must be resolved through a process known as fibrinolysis. Internal fibrinolysis is the degradation of fibrin by the endogenous or innate presence of lytic enzymes in the bloodstream; under healthy conditions, this process regulates hemostasis and prevents bleeding or clotting. Fibrin-bound tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) converts nearby plasminogen into active plasmin, which is bound to the fibrin network, breaking it down into fibrin degradation products and releasing the entrapped blood cells. It is poorly understood how changes in the fibrin structure and lytic protein ratios influence the biochemical regulation and behavior of internal fibrinolysis. We used turbidity kinetic tracking and microscopy paired with mathematical modeling to study fibrin structure and lytic protein ratios that restrict internal fibrinolysis. Analysis of simulations and experiments indicate that fibrinolysis is driven by pore expansion of the fibrin network. We show that this effect is strongly influenced by the ratio of fibrin:tPAwhen compared to absolute tPA concentration. Thus, it is essential to consider relative protein concentrations when studying internal fibrinolysis both experimentally and in the clinic. An improved understanding of effective internal lysis can aid in development of better therapeutics for the treatment of bleeding and thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Risman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Bradley Paynter
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, USA
| | - Victoria Percoco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Mitali Shroff
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, USA
| | - Brittany E Bannish
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, USA
| | - Valerie Tutwiler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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13
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Eyisoylu H, Hazekamp ED, Cruts J, Koenderink GH, de Maat MPM. Flow affects the structural and mechanical properties of the fibrin network in plasma clots. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2024; 35:8. [PMID: 38285167 PMCID: PMC10824866 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-024-06775-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The fibrin network is one of the main components of thrombi. Altered fibrin network properties are known to influence the development and progression of thrombotic disorders, at least partly through effects on the mechanical stability of fibrin. Most studies investigating the role of fibrin in thrombus properties prepare clots under static conditions, missing the influence of blood flow which is present in vivo. In this study, plasma clots in the presence and absence of flow were prepared inside a Chandler loop. Recitrated plasma from healthy donors were spun at 0 and 30 RPM. The clot structure was characterized using scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy and correlated with the stiffness measured by unconfined compression testing. We quantified fibrin fiber density, pore size, and fiber thickness and bulk stiffness at low and high strain values. Clots formed under flow had thinner fibrin fibers, smaller pores, and a denser fibrin network with higher stiffness values compared to clots formed in absence of flow. Our findings indicate that fluid flow is an essential factor to consider when developing physiologically relevant in vitro thrombus models used in researching thrombectomy outcomes or risk of embolization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hande Eyisoylu
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Emma D Hazekamp
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke Cruts
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gijsje H Koenderink
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands.
| | - Moniek P M de Maat
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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14
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Ramanujam RK, Maksudov F, Litvinov RI, Nagaswami C, Weisel JW, Tutwiler V, Barsegov V. Biomechanics, Energetics, and Structural Basis of Rupture of Fibrin Networks. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300096. [PMID: 37611209 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300096] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Fibrin provides the main structural integrity and mechanical strength to blood clots. Failure of fibrin clots can result in life-threating complications, such as stroke or pulmonary embolism. The dependence of rupture resistance of fibrin networks (uncracked and cracked) on fibrin(ogen) concentrations in the (patho)physiological 1-5 g L-1 range is explored by performing the ultrastructural studies and theoretical analysis of the experimental stress-strain profiles available from mechanical tensile loading assays. Fibrin fibers in the uncracked network stretched evenly, whereas, in the cracked network, fibers around the crack tip showed greater deformation. Unlike fibrin fibers in cracked networks formed at the lower 1-2.7 g L-1 fibrinogen concentrations, fibers formed at the higher 2.7-5 g L-1 concentrations align and stretch simultaneously. Cracked fibrin networks formed in higher fibrinogen solutions are tougher yet less extensible. Statistical modeling revealed that the characteristic strain for fiber alignment, crack size, and fracture toughness of fibrin networks control their rupture resistance. The results obtained provide a structural and biomechanical basis to quantitatively understand the material properties of blood plasma clots and to illuminate the mechanisms of their rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjini K Ramanujam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Farkhad Maksudov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Rustem I Litvinov
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Chandrasekaran Nagaswami
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - John W Weisel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Valerie Tutwiler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Valeri Barsegov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
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15
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Maksudov F, Kliuchnikov E, Marx KA, Purohit PK, Barsegov V. Mechanical fatigue testing in silico: Dynamic evolution of material properties of nanoscale biological particles. Acta Biomater 2023; 166:326-345. [PMID: 37142109 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.04.042] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Biological particles have evolved to possess mechanical characteristics necessary to carry out their functions. We developed a computational approach to "fatigue testing in silico", in which constant-amplitude cyclic loading is applied to a particle to explore its mechanobiology. We used this approach to describe dynamic evolution of nanomaterial properties and low-cycle fatigue in the thin spherical encapsulin shell, thick spherical Cowpea Chlorotic Mottle Virus (CCMV) capsid, and thick cylindrical microtubule (MT) fragment over 20 cycles of deformation. Changing structures and force-deformation curves enabled us to describe their damage-dependent biomechanics (strength, deformability, stiffness), thermodynamics (released and dissipated energies, enthalpy, and entropy) and material properties (toughness). Thick CCMV and MT particles experience material fatigue due to slow recovery and damage accumulation over 3-5 loading cycles; thin encapsulin shells show little fatigue due to rapid remodeling and limited damage. The results obtained challenge the existing paradigm: damage in biological particles is partially reversible owing to particle's partial recovery; fatigue crack may or may not grow with each loading cycle and may heal; and particles adapt to deformation amplitude and frequency to minimize the energy dissipated. Using crack size to quantitate damage is problematic as several cracks might form simultaneously in a particle. Dynamic evolution of strength, deformability, and stiffness, can be predicted by analyzing the cycle number (N) dependent damage, [Formula: see text] , where α is a power law and Nf is fatigue life. Fatigue testing in silico can now be used to explore damage-induced changes in the material properties of other biological particles. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biological particles possess mechanical characteristics necessary to perform their functions. We developed "fatigue testing in silico" approach, which employes Langevin Dynamics simulations of constant-amplitude cyclic loading of nanoscale biological particles, to explore dynamic evolution of the mechanical, energetic, and material properties of the thin and thick spherical particles of encapsulin and Cowpea Chlorotic Mottle Virus, and the microtubule filament fragment. Our study of damage growth and fatigue development challenge the existing paradigm. Damage in biological particles is partially reversible as fatigue crack might heal with each loading cycle. Particles adapt to deformation amplitude and frequency to minimize energy dissipation. The evolution of strength, deformability, and stiffness, can be accurately predicted by analyzing the damage growth in particle structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farkhad Maksudov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States
| | - Evgenii Kliuchnikov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States
| | - Kenneth A Marx
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States
| | - Prashant K Purohit
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, PA, United States
| | - Valeri Barsegov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States.
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16
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Jimenez JM, Tuttle T, Guo Y, Miles D, Buganza-Tepole A, Calve S. Multiscale mechanical characterization and computational modeling of fibrin gels. Acta Biomater 2023; 162:292-303. [PMID: 36965611 PMCID: PMC10313219 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.03.026] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Fibrin is a naturally occurring protein network that forms a temporary structure to enable remodeling during wound healing. It is also a common tissue engineering scaffold because the structural properties can be controlled. However, to fully characterize the wound healing process and improve the design of regenerative scaffolds, understanding fibrin mechanics at multiple scales is necessary. Here, we present a strategy to quantify both the macroscale (1-10 mm) stress-strain response and the deformation of the mesoscale (10-1000 µm) network structure during unidirectional tensile tests. The experimental data were then used to inform a computational model to accurately capture the mechanical response of fibrin gels. Simultaneous mechanical testing and confocal microscopy imaging of fluorophore-conjugated fibrin gels revealed up to an 88% decrease in volume coupled with increase in volume fraction in deformed gels, and non-affine fiber alignment in the direction of deformation. Combination of the computational model with finite element analysis enabled us to predict the strain fields that were observed experimentally within heterogenous fibrin gels with spatial variations in material properties. These strategies can be expanded to characterize and predict the macroscale mechanics and mesoscale network organization of other heterogeneous biological tissues and matrices. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Fibrin is a naturally-occurring scaffold that supports cellular growth and assembly of de novo tissue and has tunable material properties. Characterization of meso- and macro-scale mechanics of fibrin gel networks can advance understanding of the wound healing process and impact future tissue engineering approaches. Using structural and mechanical characteristics of fibrin gels, a theoretical and computational model that can predict multiscale fibrin network mechanics was developed. These data and model can be used to design gels with tunable properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian M Jimenez
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Tyler Tuttle
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Dr, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Yifan Guo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Dalton Miles
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
| | - Adrian Buganza-Tepole
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States; School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States.
| | - Sarah Calve
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States; Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Dr, Boulder, CO 80309, United States.
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17
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Alharbi N, Brigham A, Guthold M. The Mechanical Properties of Blended Fibrinogen:Polycaprolactone (PCL) Nanofibers. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1359. [PMID: 37110944 PMCID: PMC10145448 DOI: 10.3390/nano13081359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Electrospinning is a process to produce versatile nanoscale fibers. In this process, synthetic and natural polymers can be combined to produce novel, blended materials with a range of physical, chemical, and biological properties. We electrospun biocompatible, blended fibrinogen:polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers with diameters ranging from 40 nm to 600 nm, at 25:75 and 75:25 blend ratios and determined their mechanical properties using a combined atomic force/optical microscopy technique. Fiber extensibility (breaking strain), elastic limit, and stress relaxation times depended on blend ratios but not fiber diameter. As the fibrinogen:PCL ratio increased from 25:75 to 75:25, extensibility decreased from 120% to 63% and elastic limit decreased from a range between 18% and 40% to a range between 12% and 27%. Stiffness-related properties, including the Young's modulus, rupture stress, and the total and relaxed, elastic moduli (Kelvin model), strongly depended on fiber diameter. For diameters less than 150 nm, these stiffness-related quantities varied approximately as D-2; above 300 nm the diameter dependence leveled off. 50 nm fibers were five-ten times stiffer than 300 nm fibers. These findings indicate that fiber diameter, in addition to fiber material, critically affects nanofiber properties. Drawing on previously published data, a summary of the mechanical properties for fibrinogen:PCL nanofibers with ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100 is provided.
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18
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Crossen J, Shankar KN, Diamond SL. Investigating thrombin-loaded fibrin in whole blood clot microfluidic assay via fluorogenic peptide. Biophys J 2023; 122:697-712. [PMID: 36635963 PMCID: PMC9989883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
During clotting under flow, thrombin rapidly generates fibrin, whereas fibrin potently sequesters thrombin. This co-regulation was studied using microfluidic whole blood clotting on collagen/tissue factor, followed by buffer wash, and a start/stop cycling flow assay using the thrombin fluorogenic substrate, Boc-Val-Pro-Arg-AMC. After 3 min of clotting (100 s-1) and 5 min of buffer wash, non-elutable thrombin activity was easily detected during cycles of flow cessation. Non-elutable thrombin was similarly detected in plasma clots or arterial whole blood clots (1000 s-1). This thrombin activity was ablated by Phe-Pro-Arg-chloromethylketone (PPACK), apixaban, or Gly-Pro-Arg-Pro to inhibit fibrin. Reaction-diffusion simulations predicted 108 nM thrombin within the clot. Heparin addition to the start/stop assay had little effect on fibrin-bound thrombin, whereas addition of heparin-antithrombin (AT) required over 6 min to inhibit the thrombin, indicating a substantial diffusion limitation. In contrast, heparin-AT rapidly inhibited thrombin within microfluidic plasma clots, indicating marked differences in fibrin structure and functionality between plasma clots and whole blood clots. Addition of GPVI-Fab to blood before venous or arterial clotting (200 or 1000 s-1) markedly reduced fibrin-bound thrombin, whereas GPVI-Fab addition after 90 s of clotting had no effect. Perfusion of AF647-fibrinogen over washed fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-fibrin clots resulted in an intense red layer around, but not within, the original FITC-fibrin. Similarly, introduction of plasma/AF647-fibrinogen generated substantial red fibrin masses that did not penetrate the original green clots, demonstrating that fibrin cannot be re-clotted with fibrinogen. Overall, thrombin within fibrin is non-elutable, easily accessed by peptides, slowly accessed by average-sized proteins (heparin/AT), and not accessible to fresh fibrinogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Crossen
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 1024 Vagelos Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Kaushik N Shankar
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 1024 Vagelos Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Scott L Diamond
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 1024 Vagelos Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
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19
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Evolution and Clinical Advances of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Musculoskeletal Regeneration. BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:bioengineering10010058. [PMID: 36671630 PMCID: PMC9854731 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, various forms of platelet concentrates have evolved with significant clinical utility. The newer generation products, including leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) and advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF), have shown superior biological properties in musculoskeletal regeneration than the first-generation concentrates, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and plasma rich in growth factors. These newer platelet concentrates have a complete matrix of physiological fibrin that acts as a scaffold with a three-dimensional (3D) architecture. Further, it facilitates intercellular signaling and migration, thereby promoting angiogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic activities. A-PRF with higher leukocyte inclusion possesses antimicrobial activity than the first generations. Due to the presence of enormous amounts of growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines that are released, A-PRF has the potential to replicate the various physiological and immunological factors of wound healing. In addition, there are more neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, all of which secrete essential chemotactic molecules. As a result, both L-PRF and A-PRF are used in the management of musculoskeletal conditions, such as chondral injuries, tendinopathies, tissue regeneration, and other sports-related injuries. In addition to this, its applications have been expanded to include the fields of reconstructive cosmetic surgery, wound healing in diabetic patients, and maxillofacial surgeries.
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20
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Feng M, Wei Y, Wei H, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Miron RJ, Wang Y. Effect of relative centrifugal force on the biological properties of liquid platelet-rich fibrin produced via horizontal centrifugation. Clin Oral Investig 2023; 27:399-409. [PMID: 36242639 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-022-04745-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in liquid form has shown advantages in tissue engineering including acting as injectable fillers and drug carriers. However, few studies have investigated the best relative centrifugal force (RCF) for preparing liquid PRF. The aim of the present study was to find out optimal centrifugation force for preparing liquid PRF. MATERIALS AND METHODS Liquid PRF was prepared using horizontal centrifugation (liquid H-PRF) with RCF ranging from 100 g, 300 g, 500 g, to 700 g for 8 min. The volume, weight, solidification time, and tensile properties were subsequently investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and rheologic tests were carried out to investigate the microstructure and rheologic properties of liquid H-PRF after natural polymerization. The total number, concentration, and distribution of cells within each liquid H-PRF was evaluated by complete blood count (CBC) analysis and hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS As RCF values increased, the volume and weight of liquid H-PRF both increased accordingly. SEM images revealed that as the centrifugal force increased, the fibrin bundles became thinner with a denser fibrin network, and rheologic tests revealed improved mechanical properties. CBC analysis demonstrated that 500 g group had the highest number of leukocytes and neutrophils, whereas 100 g group yielded the highest concentration of leukocytes and platelets. Furthermore, histological analysis suggests that cells obtained by 500 g for 8 min were most evenly distributed in liquid H-PRF. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the present study provided insights into the contents of liquid H-PRF prepared at different centrifugation forces, enabling clinicians to choose proper centrifugation forces based on their needs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The present findings provide theoretical basis for clinical choice of liquid H-PRF protocol from mechanical, cell contents, and histological aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengge Feng
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Wei
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongjiang Wei
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunxiao Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yufeng Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Richard J Miron
- Department of Periodontology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yulan Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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21
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Panchenko AY, Tchaicheeyan O, Berinskii IE, Lesman A. Does the Extracellular Matrix Support Cell-Cell Communication by Elastic Wave Packets? ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:5155-5170. [PMID: 36346743 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a fibrous network supporting biological cells and provides them a medium for interaction. Cells modify the ECM by applying traction forces, and these forces can propagate to long ranges and establish a mechanism of mechanical communication between neighboring cells. Previous studies have mainly focused on analysis of static force transmission across the ECM. In this study, we explore the plausibility of dynamic mechanical interaction, expressed as vibrations or abrupt fluctuations, giving rise to elastic waves propagating along ECM fibers. We use a numerical mass-spring model to simulate the longitudinal and transversal waves propagating along a single ECM fiber and across a 2D random fiber network. The elastic waves are induced by an active contracting cell (signaler) and received by a passive neighboring cell (receiver). We show that dynamic wave propagation may amplify the signal at the receiver end and support up to an order of magnitude stronger mechanical cues and longer-ranged communication relative to static transmission. Also, we report an optimal impulse duration corresponding to the most effective transmission, as well as extreme fast impulses, in which the waves are encaged around the active cell and do not reach the neighboring cell, possibly due to the Anderson localization effect. Finally, we also demonstrate that extracellular fluid viscosity reduces, but still allows, dynamic propagation along embedded ECM fibers. Our results motivate future biological experiments in mechanobiology to investigate, on the one hand, the mechanosensitivity of cells to dynamic forces traveling and guided by the ECM and, on the other hand, the impact of ECM architecture and remodeling on dynamic force transmission and its spectral filtering, dispersion, and decay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Y Panchenko
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Oren Tchaicheeyan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Igor E Berinskii
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Ayelet Lesman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel.,The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
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22
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Hong JK, Ruhoff AM, Mathur K, Neto C, Waterhouse A. Mechanisms for Reduced Fibrin Clot Formation on Liquid-Infused Surfaces. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2201360. [PMID: 36040004 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201360] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Biomedical devices are prone to blood clot formation (thrombosis), and liquid-infused surfaces (LIS) are effective in reducing the thrombotic response. However, the mechanisms that underpin this performance, and in particular the role of the lubricant, are not well understood. In this work, it is investigated whether the mechanism of LIS action is related to i) inhibition of factor XII (FXII) activation and the contact pathway; ii) reduced fibrin density of clots formed on surfaces; iii) increased mobility of proteins or cells on the surface due to the interfacial flow of the lubricant. The chosen LIS is covalently tethered, nanostructured layers of perfluorocarbons, infused with thin films of medical-grade perfluorodecalin (tethered-liquid perfluorocarbon), prepared with chemical vapor deposition previously optimized to retain lubricant under flow. Results show that in the absence of external flow, interfacial mobility is inherently higher at the liquid-blood interface, making it a key contributor to the low thrombogenicity of LIS, as FXII activity and fibrin density are equivalent at the interface. The findings of this study advance the understanding of the anti-thrombotic behavior of LIS-coated biomedical devices for future coating design. More broadly, enhanced interfacial mobility may be an important, underexplored mechanism for the anti-fouling behavior of surface coatings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ki Hong
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia.,The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Alexander M Ruhoff
- Heart Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia.,The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Kavya Mathur
- Heart Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia.,The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Chiara Neto
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Anna Waterhouse
- School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia.,The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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23
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Zheng X, Yan X, Cheng K, Feng M, Wang Y, Xiao B. Exploration of proper heating protocol for injectable horizontal platelet-rich fibrin gel. Int J Implant Dent 2022; 8:36. [PMID: 36098849 PMCID: PMC9470793 DOI: 10.1186/s40729-022-00436-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been proposed as promising biomaterials with the advantages of host accumulation of platelets and leukocytes with entrapment of growth factors and fibrin scaffold. However, limitations including fast resorption rate (~ 2 weeks) restricts its clinical application. Recent studies have demonstrated heating treatment can prolong PRF degradation. Current published articles used the method of 75 °C for 10 min to obtain longer degradation, while few studies investigated the most suitable temperature for heating horizontal PRF. Our present study was to discover and confirm the optimum temperature for heat treatment before obtaining H-PRF gels by investigating their structure, mechanical properties, and bioactivity of the H-PRF gels after heating treatment. METHODS In the present study, 2-mL upper layer of horizontal PRF was collected and heated at 45 °C, 60 °C, 75 °C, and 90 °C to heat 2-mL upper layer of horizontal PRF for 10 min before mixing with the 2-mL lower layer horizontal PRF. The weight, solidification time and the degradation properties were subsequently recorded. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and rheologic tests were carried out to investigate the microstructure and rheologic properties of each H-PRF gel. The biological activity of each H-PRF gel was also evaluated using live/dead staining. RESULTS H-PRF gel prepared at 75 °C for 10 min had the fast solidification period (over a tenfold increase than control) as well as the best resistance to degradation. The number of living cells in H-PRF gel is greater than 90%. SEM showed that H-PRF gel becomes denser as the heating temperature increases, and rheologic tests also revealed that the heat treatment improved the mechanical properties of H-PRF gels when compared to non-heated control group. Future clinical studies are needed to further support the clinical application of H-PRF gels in tissue regeneration procedures. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that the H-PRF gel obtained at 75 °C for 10 min could produce a uniform, moldable gel with a short time for solidification time, great rheologic behavior and, high percent of live cells in PRF gel. A promising use of the commonly utilized PRF gel was achieved facilitating tissue regeneration and preventing degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijiao Zheng
- Xiantao First People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Xiantao, China
| | - Xiang Yan
- Xiantao First People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Xiantao, China
| | - Kai Cheng
- Xiantao First People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Xiantao, China
| | - Mengge Feng
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Yulan Wang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Bing Xiao
- Xiantao First People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Xiantao, China.
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24
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Spiewak R, Gosselin A, Merinov D, Litvinov RI, Weisel JW, Tutwiler V, Purohit PK. Biomechanical origins of inherent tension in fibrin networks. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 133:105328. [PMID: 35803206 PMCID: PMC9434494 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Blood clots form at the site of vascular injury to seal the wound and prevent bleeding. Clots are in tension as they perform their biological functions and withstand hydrodynamic forces of blood flow, vessel wall fluctuations, extravascular muscle contraction and other forces. There are several mechanisms that generate tension in a blood clot, of which the most well-known is the contraction/retraction caused by activated platelets. Here we show through experiments and modeling that clot tension is generated by the polymerization of fibrin. Our mathematical model is built on the hypothesis that the shape of fibrin monomers having two-fold symmetry and off-axis binding sites is ultimately the source of inherent tension in individual fibers and the clot. As the diameter of a fiber grows during polymerization the fibrin monomers must suffer axial twisting deformation so that they remain in register to form the half-staggered arrangement characteristic of fibrin protofibrils. This deformation results in a pre-strain that causes fiber and network tension. Our results for the pre-strain in single fibrin fibers is in agreement with experiments that measured it by cutting fibers and measuring their relaxed length. We connect the mechanics of a fiber to that of the network using the 8-chain model of polymer elasticity. By combining this with a continuum model of swellable elastomers we can compute the evolution of tension in a constrained fibrin gel. The temporal evolution and tensile stresses predicted by this model are in qualitative agreement with experimental measurements of the inherent tension of fibrin clots polymerized between two fixed rheometer plates. These experiments also revealed that increasing thrombin concentration leads to increasing internal tension in the fibrin network. Our model may be extended to account for other mechanisms that generate pre-strains in individual fibers and cause tension in three-dimensional proteinaceous polymeric networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Spiewak
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Andrew Gosselin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, 599 Taylor Road, Room 209, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Danil Merinov
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 1154 BRB II/III, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6058, USA
| | - Rustem I Litvinov
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 1154 BRB II/III, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6058, USA
| | - John W Weisel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 1154 BRB II/III, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6058, USA.
| | - Valerie Tutwiler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, 599 Taylor Road, Room 209, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Prashant K Purohit
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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25
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Advances in Fibrin-Based Materials in Wound Repair: A Review. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144504. [PMID: 35889381 PMCID: PMC9322155 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The first bioprocess that occurs in response to wounding is the deterrence of local hemorrhage. This is accomplished by platelet aggregation and initiation of the hemostasis cascade. The resulting blood clot immediately enables the cessation of bleeding and then functions as a provisional matrix for wound healing, which begins a few days after injury. Here, fibrinogen and fibrin fibers are the key players, because they literally serve as scaffolds for tissue regeneration and promote the migration of cells, as well as the ingrowth of tissues. Fibrin is also an important modulator of healing and a host defense system against microbes that effectively maintains incoming leukocytes and acts as reservoir for growth factors. This review presents recent advances in the understanding and applications of fibrin and fibrin-fiber-incorporated biomedical materials applied to wound healing and subsequent tissue repair. It also discusses how fibrin-based materials function through several wound healing stages including physical barrier formation, the entrapment of bacteria, drug and cell delivery, and eventual degradation. Pure fibrin is not mechanically strong and stable enough to act as a singular wound repair material. To alleviate this problem, this paper will demonstrate recent advances in the modification of fibrin with next-generation materials exhibiting enhanced stability and medical efficacy, along with a detailed look at the mechanical properties of fibrin and fibrin-laden materials. Specifically, fibrin-based nanocomposites and their role in wound repair, sustained drug release, cell delivery to wound sites, skin reconstruction, and biomedical applications of drug-loaded fibrin-based materials will be demonstrated and discussed.
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26
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You J, Frazer H, Sayyar S, Chen Z, Liu X, Taylor A, Filippi B, Beirne S, Wise I, Petsoglou C, Hodge C, Wallace G, Sutton G. Development of an In Situ Printing System With Human Platelet Lysate-Based Bio-Adhesive to Treat Corneal Perforations. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:26. [PMID: 35767274 PMCID: PMC9251791 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.6.26] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Corneal perforation is a clinical emergency that can result in blindness. Currently corneal perforations are treated either by cyanoacrylate glue which is toxic to corneal cells, or by using commercial fibrin glue for small perforations. Both methods use manual delivery which lead to uncontrolled application of the glues to the corneal surface. Therefore, there is a need to develop a safe and effective alternative to artificial adhesives. Methods Previously, our group developed a transparent human platelet lysate (hPL)-based biomaterial that accelerated corneal epithelial cells healing in vitro. This biomaterial was further characterized in this study using rheometry and adhesive test, and a two-component delivery system was developed for its application. An animal trial (5 New Zealand white rabbits) to compare impact of the biomaterial and cyanoacrylate glue (control group) on a 2 mm perforation was conducted to evaluate safety and efficacy. Results The hPL-based biomaterial showed higher adhesiveness compared to commercial fibrin glue. Treatment rabbits had lower pain scores and faster recovery, despite generating similar scar-forming structure compared to controls. No secondary corneal ulcer was generated in rabbits treated with the bio-adhesive. Conclusions This study reports an in situ printing system capable of delivering a hPL-based, transparent bio-adhesive and successfully treating small corneal perforations. The bio-adhesive-treated rabbits recovered faster and required no additional analgesia. Translational Relevance The developed in situ hPL bio-adhesives treatment represents a new format of treating corneal perforation that is easy to use, allows for accurate application, and can be a potentially effective and pain relief treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing You
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hannah Frazer
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sepidar Sayyar
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Australian National Fabrication Facility - Materials Node, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Zhi Chen
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xiao Liu
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam Taylor
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Australian National Fabrication Facility - Materials Node, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Benjamin Filippi
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Australian National Fabrication Facility - Materials Node, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Stephen Beirne
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Australian National Fabrication Facility - Materials Node, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Innes Wise
- Laboratory Animal Services, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Constantinos Petsoglou
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,New South Wales Tissue Bank, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chris Hodge
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,New South Wales Tissue Bank, Sydney, Australia.,Vision Eye Institute, Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gordon Wallace
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Australian National Fabrication Facility - Materials Node, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Gerard Sutton
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,New South Wales Tissue Bank, Sydney, Australia.,Vision Eye Institute, Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia
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27
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Simões-Pedro M, Tróia PMBPS, dos Santos NBM, Completo AMG, Castilho RM, de Oliveira Fernandes GV. Tensile Strength Essay Comparing Three Different Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membranes (L-PRF, A-PRF, and A-PRF+): A Mechanical and Structural In Vitro Evaluation. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14071392. [PMID: 35406263 PMCID: PMC9002533 DOI: 10.3390/polym14071392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Predictable outcomes intended by the application of PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) derivative membranes have created a lack of consideration for their consistency and functional integrity. This study aimed to compare the mechanical properties through tensile strength and analyze the structural organization among the membranes produced by L-PRF (leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin), A-PRF (advanced platelet-rich fibrin), and A-PRF+ (advanced platelet-rich fibrin plus) (original protocols) that varied in centrifugation speed and time. L-PRF (n = 12), A-PRF (n = 19), and A-PRF+ (n = 13) membranes were submitted to a traction test, evaluating the maximum and average traction. For maximum traction, 0.0020, 0.0022, and 0.0010 N·mm−2 were obtained for A-PRF, A-PRF+, and L-PRF, respectively; regarding the average resistance to traction, 0.0012, 0.0015, and 0.006 N·mm−2 were obtained, respectively (A-PRF+ > A-PRF > L-PRF). For all groups studied, significant results were found. In the surface morphology observations through SEM, the L-PRF matrix showed a highly compact surface with thick fibers present within interfibrous areas with the apparent destruction of red blood cells and leukocytes. The A-PRF protocol showed a dense matrix composed of thin and elongated fibers that seemed to follow a preferential and orientated direction in which the platelets were well-adhered. Porosity was also evident with a large diameter of the interfibrous spaces whereas A-PRF+ was the most porous platelet concentrate with the greatest fiber abundance and cell preservation. Thus, this study concluded that A-PRF+ produced membranes with significant and higher maximum traction results, indicating a better viscoelastic strength when stretched by two opposing forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Simões-Pedro
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 3515-320 Viseu, Portugal; (M.S.-P.); (P.M.B.P.S.T.); (N.B.M.d.S.)
| | - Pedro Maria B. P. S. Tróia
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 3515-320 Viseu, Portugal; (M.S.-P.); (P.M.B.P.S.T.); (N.B.M.d.S.)
| | - Nuno Bernardo Malta dos Santos
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 3515-320 Viseu, Portugal; (M.S.-P.); (P.M.B.P.S.T.); (N.B.M.d.S.)
| | - António M. G. Completo
- Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, TEMA—University of Aveiro, 3810-549 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Rogerio Moraes Castilho
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA;
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28
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Matveeva VG, Senokosova EA, Sevostianova VV, Khanova MY, Glushkova TV, Akentieva TN, Antonova LV, Barbarash LS. Advantages of Fibrin Polymerization Method without the Use of Exogenous Thrombin for Vascular Tissue Engineering Applications. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040789. [PMID: 35453539 PMCID: PMC9026760 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrin is widely used in vascular tissue engineering. Typically, fibrin polymerization is initiated by adding exogenous thrombin. In this study, we proposed a protocol for the preparation of completely autologous fibrin without the use of endogenous thrombin and compared the properties of the prepared fibrin matrix with that obtained by the traditional method. Fibrinogen was obtained by ethanol precipitation followed by fibrin polymerization by adding either exogenous thrombin and calcium chloride (ExThr), or only calcium chloride (EnThr). We examined the structure, mechanical properties, thrombogenicity, degradation rate and cytocompatibility of fibrin matrices. Factor XIII (FXIII) quantitative assay was performed by ELISA, and FXIII activity was assessed by SDS-PAGE detection of γ-γ cross-links. The results show that network structure of EnThr fibrin was characterized by thinner fibers. The EnThr fibrin matrices had higher strength, stiffness and resistance to proteolytic degradation compared to ExThr fibrin. EnThr fibrin matrices exhibited less thrombogenicity in vitro than ExThr, and retained high cytocompatibility. Thus, the proposed approach has several advantages over the traditional method, namely the fabrication of a completely autologous coating material that has better mechanical properties, higher resistance to proteolysis and lower thrombogenicity.
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29
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Sun W, Gao X, Lei H, Wang W, Cao Y. Biophysical Approaches for Applying and Measuring Biological Forces. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105254. [PMID: 34923777 PMCID: PMC8844594 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, increasing evidence has indicated that mechanical loads can regulate the morphogenesis, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of living cells. Investigations of how cells sense mechanical stimuli or the mechanotransduction mechanism is an active field of biomaterials and biophysics. Gaining a further understanding of mechanical regulation and depicting the mechanotransduction network inside cells require advanced experimental techniques and new theories. In this review, the fundamental principles of various experimental approaches that have been developed to characterize various types and magnitudes of forces experienced at the cellular and subcellular levels are summarized. The broad applications of these techniques are introduced with an emphasis on the difficulties in implementing these techniques in special biological systems. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed, which can guide readers to choose the most suitable technique for their questions. A perspective on future directions in this field is also provided. It is anticipated that technical advancement can be a driving force for the development of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxu Sun
- School of SciencesNantong UniversityNantong226019P. R. China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
| | - Hai Lei
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation CenterNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
| | - Yi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and TechnologyDepartment of Polymer Science & EngineeringCollege of Chemistry & Chemical EngineeringNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation CenterNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
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30
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Feller T, Connell SDA, Ariёns RAS. Why fibrin biomechanical properties matter for hemostasis and thrombosis. J Thromb Haemost 2022; 20:6-16. [PMID: 34528378 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Polymeric fibrin displays unique structural and biomechanical properties that contribute to its essential role of generating blood clots that stem bleeds. The aim of this review is to discuss how the fibrin clot is formed, how protofibrils make up individual fibrin fibers, what the relationship is between the molecular structure and fibrin biomechanical properties, and how fibrin biomechanical properties relate to the risk of thromboembolic disease. Fibrin polymerization is driven by different types of bonds, including knob-hole interactions displaying catch-slip characteristics, and covalent crosslinking of fibrin polypeptides by activated factor XIII. Key biophysical properties of fibrin polymer are its visco-elasticity, extensibility and resistance to rupture. The internal packing of protofibrils within fibers changes fibrin biomechanical behavior. There are several methods to analyze fibrin biomechanical properties at different scales, including AFM force spectroscopy, magnetic or optical tweezers and rheometry, amongst others. Clinically, fibrin biomechanical characteristics are key for the prevention of thromboembolic disorders such as pulmonary embolism. Future studies are needed to address unanswered questions regarding internal molecular structure of the fibrin polymer, the structural and molecular basis of its remarkable mechanical properties and the relationship of fibrin biomechanical characteristics with thromboembolism in patients with deep vein thrombosis and ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tímea Feller
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Simon D A Connell
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Robert A S Ariёns
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Lei Y, Bortolin L, Benesch-Lee F, Oguntolu T, Dong Z, Bondah N, Billiar K. Hyaluronic acid regulates heart valve interstitial cell contraction in fibrin-based scaffolds. Acta Biomater 2021; 136:124-136. [PMID: 34592445 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Heart valve disease is associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide resulting in hundreds of thousands of heart valve replacements each year. Tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs) have the potential to overcome the major limitations of traditional replacement valves; however, leaflet retraction has led to the failure of TEHVs in preclinical studies. As native unmodified hyaluronic acid (HA) is known to promote healthy tissue development in native heart valves, we hypothesize that adding unmodified HA to fibrin-based scaffolds common to tissue engineering will reduce retraction by increasing cell-scaffold interactions and density of the scaffolds. Using a custom high-throughput culture system, we found that incorporating HA into millimeter-scale fibrin-based cell-populated scaffolds increases initial fiber diameter and cell-scaffold interactions, causing a cascade of mechanical, morphological, and cellular responses. These changes lead to higher levels of scaffold compaction and stiffness, increased cell alignment, and less bundling of fibrin fibers by the cells during culture. These effects significantly reduce scaffold retraction and total contractile force each by around 25%. These findings increase our understanding of how HA alters tissue remodeling and could inform the design of the next generation of tissue engineered heart valves to help reduce retraction. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs) have the potential to overcome the major limitations of traditional replacement valves; however, leaflet retraction induced by excessive myofibroblast activation has led to failure in preclinical studies. Developing valves are rich in hyaluronic acid (HA), which helps maintain a physiological environment for tissue remodeling without retraction. We hypothesized that adding unmodified HA to TEHVs would reduce retraction by increasing cell-scaffold interactions and density of the scaffolds. Using a high-throughput tissue culture platform, we demonstrate that HA incorporation into a fibrin-based scaffold can significantly reduce tissue retraction and total contractile force by increasing fiber bundling and altering cell-mediated matrix remodeling, therefore increasing gel density and stiffness. These finding increase our knowledge of native HA's effects within the extracellular matrix, and provide a new tool for TEHV design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lei
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Gateway Park 4008, 60 Prescott, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Luciano Bortolin
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Gateway Park 4008, 60 Prescott, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Frank Benesch-Lee
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Gateway Park 4008, 60 Prescott, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Teniola Oguntolu
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Gateway Park 4008, 60 Prescott, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Zhijie Dong
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Gateway Park 4008, 60 Prescott, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Narda Bondah
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Gateway Park 4008, 60 Prescott, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Kristen Billiar
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Gateway Park 4008, 60 Prescott, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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Maksudov F, Daraei A, Sesha A, Marx KA, Guthold M, Barsegov V. Strength, deformability and toughness of uncrosslinked fibrin fibers from theoretical reconstruction of stress-strain curves. Acta Biomater 2021; 136:327-342. [PMID: 34606991 PMCID: PMC8627496 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Structural mechanisms underlying the mechanical properties of fibrin fibers are elusive. We combined tensile testing of uncrosslinked fibrin polymers in vitro and in silico to explore their material properties. The experimental stress (σ) - strain (ε) curves for fibrin fibers are characterized by elastic deformations with a weaker elastic response for ε<160% due to unraveling of αC tethers and straightening of fibrin protofibrils, and a stronger response for ε>160% owing to unfolding of the coiled coils and γ nodules in fibrin monomers. Fiber rupture for strains ε>212% is due to dissociation of the knob-hole bonds and rupture of D:D interfaces. We developed the Fluctuating Bilinear Spring model to interpret the σ-ε profiles in terms of the free energy for protofibril alignment ΔG0 = 10.1-11.5 kBT, Young's moduli for protofibril alignment Yu = 1.9-3.2 MPa and stretching Ya = 5.7-9.7 MPa, strain scale ε˜≈ 12-40% for fiber rupture, and protofibril cooperativity m= 3.6-8. We applied the model to characterize the fiber strength σcr≈ 12-13 MPa, deformability εcr≈ 222%, and rupture toughness U≈ 9 MJ/m3, and to resolve thermodynamic state functions, 96.9 GJ/mol entropy change for protofibril alignment (at room temperature) and 113.6 GJ/mol enthalpy change for protofibril stretching, which add up to 210.5 GJ/mol free-energy change. Fiber elongation is associated with protofibril dehydration and sliding mechanism to create an ordered protofibril array. Fibrin fibers behave like a hydrogel; protofibril dehydration and water expulsion account for ∼94-98% of the total free-energy changes for fiber elongation and rupture. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Structural mechanisms underlying the mechanical properties of fibrin fibers, major components of blood clots and obstructive thrombi, are elusive. We performed tensile testing of uncrosslinked fibrin polymers in vitro and in silico to explore their material properties. Fluctuating Bilinear Spring theory was developed to interpret the stress-strain profiles in terms of the energy for protofibril alignment, elastic moduli for protofibril alignment and stretching, and strain scale for fiber rupture, and to probe the limits of fiber strength, extensibility and toughness. Fibrin fibers behave like a hydrogel. Fiber elongation is defined by the protofibril dehydration and sliding. Structural rearrangements in water matrix control fiber elasticity. These results contribute to fundamental understanding of blood clot breakage that underlies thrombotic embolization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farkhad Maksudov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States
| | - Ali Daraei
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, United States
| | - Anuj Sesha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States
| | - Kenneth A Marx
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States
| | - Martin Guthold
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, United States.
| | - Valeri Barsegov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States.
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Daraei A, Pieters M, Baker SR, de Lange-Loots Z, Siniarski A, Litvinov RI, Veen CSB, de Maat MPM, Weisel JW, Ariëns RAS, Guthold M. Automated Fiber Diameter and Porosity Measurements of Plasma Clots in Scanning Electron Microscopy Images. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1536. [PMID: 34680169 PMCID: PMC8533744 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is a powerful, high-resolution imaging technique widely used to analyze the structure of fibrin networks. Currently, structural features, such as fiber diameter, length, density, and porosity, are mostly analyzed manually, which is tedious and may introduce user bias. A reliable, automated structural image analysis method would mitigate these drawbacks. We evaluated the performance of DiameterJ (an ImageJ plug-in) for analyzing fibrin fiber diameter by comparing automated DiameterJ outputs with manual diameter measurements in four SEM data sets with different imaging parameters. We also investigated correlations between biophysical fibrin clot properties and diameter, and between clot permeability and DiameterJ-determined clot porosity. Several of the 24 DiameterJ algorithms returned diameter values that highly correlated with and closely matched the values of the manual measurements. However, optimal performance was dependent on the pixel size of the images-best results were obtained for images with a pixel size of 8-10 nm (13-16 pixels/fiber). Larger or smaller pixels resulted in an over- or underestimation of diameter values, respectively. The correlation between clot permeability and DiameterJ-determined clot porosity was modest, likely because it is difficult to establish the correct image depth of field in this analysis. In conclusion, several DiameterJ algorithms (M6, M5, T3) perform well for diameter determination from SEM images, given the appropriate imaging conditions (13-16 pixels/fiber). Determining fibrin clot porosity via DiameterJ is challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Daraei
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA; (A.D.); (S.R.B.)
| | - Marlien Pieters
- Center of Excellence for Nutrition (CEN), Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa;
- Medical Research Council Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Stephen R. Baker
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA; (A.D.); (S.R.B.)
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS16 8FX, UK;
| | - Zelda de Lange-Loots
- Center of Excellence for Nutrition (CEN), Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa;
- Medical Research Council Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Aleksander Siniarski
- Department of Coronary Disease and Heart Failure, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-202 Krakow, Poland;
- John Paul II Hospital, 31-202 Krakow, Poland
| | - Rustem I. Litvinov
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (R.I.L.); (J.W.W.)
| | - Caroline S. B. Veen
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (C.S.B.V.); (M.P.M.d.M.)
| | - Moniek P. M. de Maat
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (C.S.B.V.); (M.P.M.d.M.)
| | - John W. Weisel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (R.I.L.); (J.W.W.)
| | - Robert A. S. Ariëns
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS16 8FX, UK;
| | - Martin Guthold
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA; (A.D.); (S.R.B.)
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Yeh HH, Yu K, Vappala S, Kalathottukaren MT, Abbina S, Luo HD, Grecov D, Kizhakkedathu JN. Rheological and clot microstructure evaluation of heparin neutralization by UHRA and protamine. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2021; 124:104851. [PMID: 34600430 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The current study reports the use of small amplitude oscillatory rheometry to investigate the dynamics of blood clot formation upon heparin neutralization under three different oscillatory frequencies, two of which were mimicking physiological heart rates. We utilized two different heparin antidotes, namely protamine and newly developed universal heparin reversal agent (UHRA-7), at different concentrations to determine the quality of blood clot formed upon heparin neutralization by analyzing several key rheological parameters. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the morphology and microstructure of the blood clot after heparin neutralization to support the rheological observations. The current study revealed that the structure of blood clots formed had significant differences when an oscillatory frequency that mimicked the physiological heart rate was used in comparison to a lower frequency commonly used in current clinical measurements. The limited working dose range for protamine and its intrinsic anticoagulation behaviour was observed. The neutralization profile of UHRA-7 showed a large window of activity. The global assessment of rheological parameters and microstructure of the clot together revealed additional details describing anticoagulant reversal and blood coagulation dynamics by relating the blood clot's fiber thickness and the oscillatory measurements, including storage modulus and blood clot's contractile force. Additionally, a mechanical characterization was conducted to provide a further assessment of blood coagulation using the rheological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Hung Yeh
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Kai Yu
- Centre for Blood Research and Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sreeparna Vappala
- Centre for Blood Research and Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Manu Thomas Kalathottukaren
- Centre for Blood Research and Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Srinivas Abbina
- Centre for Blood Research and Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Haiming D Luo
- Centre for Blood Research and Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Dana Grecov
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Jayachandran N Kizhakkedathu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada; Centre for Blood Research and Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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Rausch MK, Parekh SH, Dortdivanlioglu B, Rosales AM. Synthetic hydrogels as blood clot mimicking wound healing materials. PROGRESS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2021; 3:042006. [PMID: 35822083 PMCID: PMC9273113 DOI: 10.1088/2516-1091/ac23a4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Excessive bleeding-or hemorrhage-causes millions of civilian and non-civilian casualties every year. Additionally, wound sequelae, such as infections, are a significant source of chronic morbidity, even if the initial bleeding is successfully stopped. To treat acute and chronic wounds, numerous wound healing materials have been identified, tested, and adopted. Among them are topical dressings, such as gauzes, as well as natural and biomimetic materials. However, none of these materials successfully mimic the complex and dynamic properties of the body's own wound healing material: the blood clot. Specifically, blood clots exhibit complex mechanical and biochemical properties that vary across spatial and temporal scales to guide the wound healing response, which make them the ideal wound healing material. In this manuscript, we review blood clots' complex mechanical and biochemical properties, review current wound healing materials, and identify opportunities where new materials can provide additional functionality, with a specific focus on hydrogels. We highlight recent developments in synthetic hydrogels that make them capable of mimicking a larger subset of blood clot features: as plugs and as stimuli for tissue repair. We conclude that future hydrogel materials designed to mimic blood clot biochemistry, mechanics, and architecture can be combined with exciting platelet-like particles to serve as hemostats that also promote the biological wound healing response. Thus, we believe synthetic hydrogels are ideal candidates to address the clear need for better wound healing materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel K. Rausch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America
- Department of Aerospace Engineering & Engineering Mechanics, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America
| | - Sapun H. Parekh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America
| | - Berkin Dortdivanlioglu
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America
| | - Adrianne M. Rosales
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America
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Li T, Shi C, Jin F, Yang F, Gu L, Wang T, Dong W, Feng ZQ. Cell activity modulation and its specific function maintenance by bioinspired electromechanical nanogenerator. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabh2350. [PMID: 34559554 PMCID: PMC8462902 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abh2350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The biophysical characteristics of the extracellular matrix (ECM), such as a three-dimensional (3D) network and bioelectricity, have a profound influence on cell development, migration, function expression, etc. Here, inspired by these biophysical cues of ECM, we develop an electromechanical coupling bio-nanogenerator (bio-NG) composed of highly discrete piezoelectric fibers. It can generate surface piezopotential up to millivolts by cell inherent force and thus provide in situ electrical stimulation for the living cells. Besides, the unique 3D space in the bio-NGs provides an ECM-like growth microenvironment for cells. As a result, our bio-NGs effectively promote cell viability and development and, more importantly, maintain its specific functional expression. These advanced in vitro bio-NGs are expected to fill the gap between the inaccurate 2D systems and the expensive and time-consuming animal models, mimicking the complexity of the ECM and the physiological relevance of an in vivo biological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, P. R. China
| | - Chuanmei Shi
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, P. R. China
| | - Fei Jin
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, P. R. China
| | - Fan Yang
- Institute of Rail Transit, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, P. R. China
| | - Long Gu
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Xi’an 710071, P. R. China
| | - Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, P. R. China
| | - Wei Dong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, P. R. China
| | - Zhang-Qi Feng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, P. R. China
- Corresponding author.
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Bryk-Wiązania AH, Undas A. Hypofibrinolysis in type 2 diabetes and its clinical implications: from mechanisms to pharmacological modulation. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2021; 20:191. [PMID: 34551784 PMCID: PMC8459566 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-021-01372-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A prothrombotic state is a typical feature of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Apart from increased platelet reactivity, endothelial dysfunction, hyperfibrinogenemia, and hypofibrinolysis are observed in T2DM. A variety of poorly elucidated mechanisms behind impaired fibrinolysis in this disease have been reported, indicating complex associations between platelet activation, fibrin formation and clot structure, and fibrinolysis inhibitors, in particular, elevated plasminogen antigen inhibitor-1 levels which are closely associated with obesity. Abnormal fibrin clot structure is of paramount importance for relative resistance to plasmin-mediated lysis in T2DM. Enhanced thrombin generation, a proinflammatory state, increased release of neutrophil extracellular traps, elevated complement C3, along with posttranslational modifications of fibrinogen and plasminogen have been regarded to contribute to altered clot structure and impaired fibrinolysis in T2DM. Antidiabetic agents such as metformin and insulin, as well as antithrombotic agents, including anticoagulants, have been reported to improve fibrin properties and accelerate fibrinolysis in T2DM. Notably, recent evidence shows that hypofibrinolysis, assessed in plasma-based assays, has a predictive value in terms of cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality in T2DM patients. This review presents the current data on the mechanisms underlying arterial and venous thrombotic complications in T2DM patients, with an emphasis on hypofibrinolysis and its impact on clinical outcomes. We also discuss potential modulators of fibrinolysis in the search for optimal therapy in diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Hanna Bryk-Wiązania
- Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland.,University Hospital, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anetta Undas
- Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 80 Prądnicka St., 31-202, Kraków, Poland. .,John Paul II Hospital, Kraków , Poland.
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Ravanbakhsh H, Bao G, Luo Z, Mongeau LG, Zhang YS. Composite Inks for Extrusion Printing of Biological and Biomedical Constructs. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:4009-4026. [PMID: 34510905 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Extrusion-based three-dimensional (3D) printing is an emerging technology for the fabrication of complex structures with various biological and biomedical applications. The method is based on the layer-by-layer construction of the product using a printable ink. The material used as the ink should possess proper rheological properties and desirable performances. Composite materials, which are extensively used in 3D printing applications, can improve the printability and offer superior performances for the printed constructs. Herein, we review composite inks with a focus on composite hydrogels. The properties of different additives including fibers and nanoparticles are discussed. The performances of various composite inks in biological and biomedical systems are delineated through analyzing the synergistic effects between the composite ink components. Different applications, including tissue engineering, tissue model engineering, soft robotics, and four-dimensional printing, are selected to demonstrate how 3D-printable composite inks are exploited to achieve various desired functionality. This review finally presents an outlook of future perspectives on the design of composite inks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Ravanbakhsh
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A0C3, Canada
| | - Guangyu Bao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A0C3, Canada
| | - Zeyu Luo
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.,Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Luc G Mongeau
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A0C3, Canada
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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Montero A, Atienza C, Elvira C, Jorcano JL, Velasco D. Hyaluronic acid-fibrin hydrogels show improved mechanical stability in dermo-epidermal skin substitutes. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 128:112352. [PMID: 34474900 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human plasma-derived bilayered skin substitutes have been successfully used by our group in different skin tissue engineering applications. However, several issues associated with their poor mechanical properties were observed, and they often resulted in rapid contraction and degradation. In this sense, hydrogels composed of plasma-derived fibrin and thiolated-hyaluronic acid (HA-SH, 0.05-0.2% w/v) crosslinked with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA, 2:1, 6:1, 10:1 and 14:1 mol of thiol to moles of acrylate) were developed to reduce the shrinking rates and enhance the mechanical properties of the plasma-derived matrices. Plasma/HA-SH-PEGDA hydrogels showed a decrease in the contraction behaviour ranging from 5% to 25% and an increase in Young's modulus. Furthermore, the results showed that a minimal amount of the added HA-SH was able to escape the plasma/HA-SH-PEGDA hydrogels after incubation in PBS. The results showed that the increase in rigidity of the matrices as well as the absence of adhesion cellular moieties in the second network of HA-SH/PEGDA, resulted in a decrease in contraction in the presence of the encapsulated primary human fibroblasts (hFBs), which may have been related to an overall decrease in proliferation of hFBs found for all hydrogels after 7 days with respect to the plasma control. The metabolic activity of hFB returned to the control levels at 14 days except for the 2:1 PEGDA crosslinking ratio. The metabolic activity of primary human keratinocytes (hKCs) seeded on the hydrogels showed a decrease when high amounts of HA-SH and PEGDA crosslinker were incorporated. Organotypic skins formed in vitro after 21 days with plasma/HA-SH-PEGDA hydrogels with an HA content of 0.05% w/v and a 2:1 crosslinking ratio were up to three times thicker than the plasma controls, evidencing a reduction in contraction, while they also showed better and more homogeneous keratin 10 (K10) expression in the supra-basal layer of the epidermis. Furthermore, filaggrin expression showed the formation of an enhanced stratum corneum for the constructs containing HA. These promising results indicate the potential of using these biomimetic hydrogels as in vitro skin models for pharmaceutical products and cosmetics and future work will elucidate their potential functionality for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Montero
- Department of Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), Spain
| | - Clara Atienza
- Department of Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), Spain
| | - Carlos Elvira
- Institute of Polymer Science and Technology, CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - José Luis Jorcano
- Department of Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Diego Velasco
- Department of Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
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Tutwiler V, Maksudov F, Litvinov RI, Weisel JW, Barsegov V. Strength and deformability of fibrin clots: Biomechanics, thermodynamics, and mechanisms of rupture. Acta Biomater 2021; 131:355-369. [PMID: 34233219 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Fibrin is the major determinant of the mechanical stability and integrity of blood clots and thrombi. To explore the rupture of blood clots, emulating thrombus breakage, we stretched fibrin gels with single-edge cracks of varying size. Ultrastructural alterations of the fibrin network correlated with three regimes of stress vs. strain profiles: the weakly non-linear regime due to alignment of fibrin fibers; linear regime owing to further alignment and stretching of fibers; and the rupture regime for large deformations reaching the critical strain and stress, at which irreversible breakage of fibers ahead of the crack tip occurs. To interpret the stress-strain curves, we developed a new Fluctuating Spring model, which maps the fibrin alignment at the characteristic strain, network stretching with the Young modulus, and simultaneous cooperative rupture of coupled fibrin fibers into a theoretical framework to obtain the closed-form expressions for the strain-dependent stress profiles. Cracks render network rupture stochastic, and the free energy change for fiber deformation and rupture decreases with the crack length, making network rupture more spontaneous. By contrast, mechanical cooperativity due to the presence of inter-fiber contacts strengthens fibrin networks. The results obtained provide a fundamental understanding of blood clot breakage that underlies thrombotic embolization. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Fibrin, a naturally occurring biomaterial, is the major determinant of mechanical stability and integrity of blood clots and obstructive thrombi. We tested mechanically fibrin gels with single-edge cracks and followed ultrastructural alterations of the fibrin network. Rupture of fibrin gel involves initial alignment and elastic stretching of fibers followed by their eventual rupture for deformations reaching the critical level. To interpret the stress-strain curves, we developed Fluctuating Spring model, which showed that cracks render rupture of fibrin networks more spontaneous; yet, coupled fibrin fibers reinforce cracked fibrin networks. The results obtained provide fundamental understanding of blood clot breakage that underlies thrombotic embolization. Fluctuating Spring model can be applied to other protein networks with cracks and to interpret the stress-strain profiles.
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Raynaud F, Rousseau A, Monteyne D, Perez-Morga D, Zouaoui Boudjeltia K, Chopard B. Investigating the two regimes of fibrin clot lysis: an experimental and computational approach. Biophys J 2021; 120:4091-4106. [PMID: 34384765 PMCID: PMC8510862 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been observed in vitro that complete clot lysis is generally preceded by a slow phase of lysis during which the degradation seems to be inefficient. However, this slow regime was merely noticed, but not yet quantitatively discussed. In our experiments, we observed that the lysis ubiquitously occurred in two distinct regimes, a slow and a fast lysis regime. We quantified extensively the duration of these regimes for a wide spectrum of experimental conditions and found that on average, the slow regime lasts longer than the fast one, meaning that during most of the process, the lysis is ineffective. We proposed a computational model in which the properties of the binding of the proteins change during the lysis: first, the biochemical reactions take place at the surface of the fibrin fibers, then in the bulk, resulting in the observed fast lysis regime. This simple hypothesis appeared to be sufficient to reproduce with a great accuracy the lysis profiles obtained experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Raynaud
- Department of Computer Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Alexandre Rousseau
- Laboratoire de Médecine Expérimentale, Medicine Faculty, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB 222 Unit), ISPPC CHU de Charleroi, Hôpital A. Vésale, Montigny-le-Tilleul, Belgium
| | - Daniel Monteyne
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium; Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - David Perez-Morga
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium; Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Karim Zouaoui Boudjeltia
- Laboratoire de Médecine Expérimentale, Medicine Faculty, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB 222 Unit), ISPPC CHU de Charleroi, Hôpital A. Vésale, Montigny-le-Tilleul, Belgium
| | - Bastien Chopard
- Department of Computer Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Rosenfeld MA, Wasserman LA, Vasilyeva AD, Podoplelova NA, Panteleev MA, Yurina LV. Hypochlorite-induced oxidation of fibrinogen: Effects on its thermal denaturation and fibrin structure. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129970. [PMID: 34339807 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human fibrinogen, which plays a key role in plasma haemostasis, is a highly vulnerable target for oxidants. Fibrinogen undergoes posttranslational modifications that can potentially disrupt protein structure and function. METHODS For the first time, by differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic and elastic light scattering and confocal laser scanning microscopy, the consequences of HOCl/-OCl-induced oxidation of fibrinogen on its thermal denaturation, molecular size distribution and fibrin clot network have been explored. RESULTS Within a wide range of HOCl/-OCl concentrations (50-300 μM), the molecular size distribution remained unimodal; however, the average size of the hydrated molecules decreased. HOCl/-OCl-induced oxidation of fibrinogen resulted in the diminished thermal stability of regions D and E. As evidenced by elastic light scattering and confocal laser scanning microscopy, HOCl/-OCl caused the formation of abnormal fibrin with a decreased diameter of individual fibres. CONCLUSIONS The current results along with data from previous studies enable one to conclude that the effect of HOCl/-OCl-mediated oxidation on the thermal stability of region D is influenced directly by oxidative damage to the D region structure. Since the E region is not subjected to oxidative modification, its structural damage is likely to be mediated by the oxidation of other protein structures, in particular α-helical coiled-coils. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The experimental findings acquired in the current study could help to elucidate the consequences of oxidative stress in vivo on damage to the structure of fibrinogen/fibrin under the action of different ROS species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Rosenfeld
- N.M. Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Lyubov A Wasserman
- N.M. Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandra D Vasilyeva
- N.M. Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nadezhda A Podoplelova
- Center for Theoretical Problems of Physicochemical Pharmacology, 119991 Moscow, Russia; Federal Research and Clinical Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Panteleev
- Center for Theoretical Problems of Physicochemical Pharmacology, 119991 Moscow, Russia; Federal Research and Clinical Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Lyubov V Yurina
- N.M. Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
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Siniarski A, Baker SR, Duval C, Malinowski KP, Gajos G, Nessler J, Ariëns RAS. Quantitative analysis of clot density, fibrin fiber radius, and protofibril packing in acute phase myocardial infarction. Thromb Res 2021; 205:110-119. [PMID: 34298252 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2021.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coronary artery disease is associated with impaired clot structure. The aim of this study was to investigate acute phase myocardial infarction (AMI) and provide detailed quantitative analysis of clot ultrastructure. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clot formation and breakdown, pore size, fiber density, fiber radius and protofibril packing were investigated in plasma clots from AMI patients. These data were compared to those from healthy controls. RESULTS Analysis on clot formation using turbidity showed increased lag time, suggesting changes in protofibril packing and increased fiber size for AMI patients compared to healthy controls. Additionally, increased average rate of clotting and decreased time to maximum absorbance in AMI patients suggest that clots formed more quickly. Moreover, we observed increased time from max OD to max rate of lysis. Increased fibrinogen and decreased plasminogen in AMI patients were accounted for in represented significant differences. AMI samples showed increased time to 25% and 50% lysis, but no change in 75% lysis, representative of delayed lysis onset, but expediated lysis once initiated. These data suggest that AMI patients formed less porous clots made from more densely packed fibers with decreased numbers of protofibrils, which was confirmed using decreased permeation and increased fiber density, and decreased turbidimetry. CONCLUSIONS AMI plasma formed clots that were denser, less permeable, and lysed more slowly than healthy controls. These findings were confirmed by detailed analysis of clot ultrastructure, fiber size, and protofibril packing. Dense clot structures that are resistant to lysis may contribute to a prothrombotic milieu in AMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Siniarski
- Department of Coronary Disease and Heart Failure, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland; John Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Stephen R Baker
- Leeds Thrombosis Collective, Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Cédric Duval
- Leeds Thrombosis Collective, Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Grzegorz Gajos
- Department of Coronary Disease and Heart Failure, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland; John Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jadwiga Nessler
- Department of Coronary Disease and Heart Failure, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland; John Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Robert A S Ariëns
- Leeds Thrombosis Collective, Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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Galanakis DK, Protopopova A, Zhang L, Li K, Marmorat C, Scheiner T, Koo J, Savitt AG, Rafailovich M, Weisel J. Fibers Generated by Plasma Des-AA Fibrin Monomers and Protofibril/Fibrinogen Clusters Bind Platelets: Clinical and Nonclinical Implications. TH OPEN 2021; 5:e273-e285. [PMID: 34240000 PMCID: PMC8260279 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1725976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Soluble fibrin (SF) is a substantial component of plasma fibrinogen (fg), but its composition, functions, and clinical relevance remain unclear. The study aimed to evaluate the molecular composition and procoagulant function(s) of SF. Materials and Methods Cryoprecipitable, SF-rich (FR) and cryosoluble, SF-depleted (FD) fg isolates were prepared and adsorbed on one hydrophilic and two hydrophobic surfaces and scanned by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Standard procedures were used for fibrin polymerization, crosslinking by factor XIII, electrophoresis, and platelet adhesion. Results Relative to FD fg, thrombin-induced polymerization of FR fg was accelerated and that induced by reptilase was markedly delayed, attributable to its decreased (fibrinopeptide A) FpA. FR fg adsorption to each surface yielded polymeric clusters and co-cryoprecipitable solitary monomers. Cluster components were crosslinked by factor XIII and comprised ≤21% of FR fg. In contrast to FD fg, FR fg adsorption on hydrophobic surfaces resulted in fiber generation enabled by both clusters and solitary monomers. This began with numerous short protofibrils, which following prolonged adsorption increased in number and length and culminated in surface-linked three-dimensional fiber networks that bound platelets. Conclusion The abundance of adsorbed protofibrils resulted from (1) protofibril/fg clusters whose fg was dissociated during adsorption, and (2) adsorbed des-AA monomers that attracted solution counterparts initiating protofibril assembly and elongation by their continued incorporation. The substantial presence of both components in transfused plasma and cryoprecipitate augments hemostasis by accelerating thrombin-induced fibrin polymerization and by tightly anchoring the resulting clot to the underlying wound or to other abnormal vascular surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis K Galanakis
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Anna Protopopova
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Liudi Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Kao Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Clement Marmorat
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Tomas Scheiner
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jaseung Koo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Anne G Savitt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Miriam Rafailovich
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - John Weisel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Dey M, Ayan B, Yurieva M, Unutmaz D, Ozbolat IT. Studying Tumor Angiogenesis and Cancer Invasion in a Three-Dimensional Vascularized Breast Cancer Micro-Environment. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2100090. [PMID: 33857356 PMCID: PMC8574137 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202100090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer is one of the deadliest forms of malignancy, primarily driven by its characteristic micro-environment comprising cancer cells interacting with stromal components. These interactions induce genetic and metabolic alterations creating a conducive environment for tumor growth. In this study, a physiologically relevant 3D vascularized breast cancer micro-environment is developed comprising of metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells loaded in human dermal fibroblasts laden fibrin, representing the tumor stroma. The matrix, as well as stromal cell density, impacts the transcriptional profile of genes involved in tumor angiogenesis and cancer invasion, which are hallmarks of cancer. Cancer-specific canonical pathways and activated upstream regulators are also identified by the differential gene expression signatures of these composite cultures. Additionally, a tumor-associated vascular bed of capillaries is established exhibiting dilated vessel diameters, representative of in vivo tumor physiology. Further, employing aspiration-assisted bioprinting, cancer-endothelial crosstalk, in the form of collective angiogenesis of tumor spheroids bioprinted at close proximity, is identified. Overall, this bottom-up approach of tumor micro-environment fabrication provides an insight into the potential of in vitro tumor models and enables the identification of novel therapeutic targets as a preclinical drug screening platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri Dey
- Department of Chemistry, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Bugra Ayan
- Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Marina Yurieva
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine and University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Derya Unutmaz
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine and University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Ibrahim T Ozbolat
- Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Materials Research Institute, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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Yurina LV, Vasilyeva AD, Vasserman LA, Podoplelova NA, Panteleev MA, Rosenfeld MA. Effect of Hypochlorite- and Peroxide-Induced Oxidation of Fibrinogen on the Fibrin Structure. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2021; 499:242-246. [PMID: 34426920 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672921040189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Using the methods of dynamic and elastic light scattering and confocal laser scanning microscopy, the damage in the spatial fibrin structure during peroxide- and hypochlorite-induced oxidation of fibrinogen was studied. Peroxide had a weak effect on the structural organization of fibrin, whereas hypochlorite caused the formation of abnormal fibrin with reduced individual fiber diameter and decreased porosity. Measurements of the size distributions of the native and oxidized fibrinogen revealed a decrease in the hydrodynamic size of the oxidized fibrinogen molecule with an increase in the concentration of oxidizers. These results indicate that the hydrophobicity of fibrinogen surface increased and its colloidal stability decreased. The possible role of oxidative sites in the assembly of structurally abnormal fibrin is analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L V Yurina
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
| | - A D Vasilyeva
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - L A Vasserman
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - N A Podoplelova
- Center for Theoretical Problems of Physicochemical Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia
- Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| | - M A Panteleev
- Center for Theoretical Problems of Physicochemical Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia
- Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| | - M A Rosenfeld
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Sun Y, Myers DR, Nikolov SV, Oshinowo O, Baek J, Bowie SM, Lambert TP, Woods E, Sakurai Y, Lam WA, Alexeev A. Platelet heterogeneity enhances blood clot volumetric contraction: An example of asynchrono-mechanical amplification. Biomaterials 2021; 274:120828. [PMID: 33964792 PMCID: PMC8184644 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Physiological processes such as blood clotting and wound healing as well as pathologies such as fibroses and musculoskeletal contractures, all involve biological materials composed of a contracting cellular population within a fibrous matrix, yet how the microscale interactions among the cells and the matrix lead to the resultant emergent behavior at the macroscale tissue level remains poorly understood. Platelets, the anucleate cell fragments that do not divide nor synthesize extracellular matrix, represent an ideal model to study such systems. During blood clot contraction, microscopic platelets actively pull fibers to shrink the macroscale clot to less than 10% of its initial volume. We discovered that platelets utilize a new emergent behavior, asynchrono-mechanical amplification, to enhanced volumetric material contraction and to magnify contractile forces. This behavior is triggered by the heterogeneity in the timing of a population of actuators. This result indicates that cell heterogeneity, often attributed to stochastic cell-to-cell variability, can carry an essential biophysical function, thereby highlighting the importance of considering 4 dimensions (space + time) in cell-matrix biomaterials. This concept of amplification via heterogeneity can be harnessed to increase mechanical efficiency in diverse systems including implantable biomaterials, swarm robotics, and active polymer composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyi Sun
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0405, USA
| | - David R Myers
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Svetoslav V Nikolov
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0405, USA
| | - Oluwamayokun Oshinowo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - John Baek
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Samuel M Bowie
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0405, USA
| | - Tamara P Lambert
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Eric Woods
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Yumiko Sakurai
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Wilbur A Lam
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| | - Alexander Alexeev
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0405, USA.
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Elastin-Plasma Hybrid Hydrogels for Skin Tissue Engineering. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13132114. [PMID: 34203144 PMCID: PMC8271496 DOI: 10.3390/polym13132114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermo-epidermal equivalents based on plasma-derived fibrin hydrogels have been extensively studied for skin engineering. However, they showed rapid degradation and contraction over time and low mechanical properties which limit their reproducibility and lifespan. In order to achieve better mechanical properties, elasticity and biological properties, we incorporated a elastin-like recombinamer (ELR) network, based on two types of ELR, one modified with azide (SKS-N3) and other with cyclooctyne (SKS-Cyclo) chemical groups at molar ratio 1:1 at three different SKS (serine-lysine-serine sequence) concentrations (1, 3, and 5 wt.%), into plasma-derived fibrin hydrogels. Our results showed a decrease in gelation time and contraction, both in the absence and presence of the encapsulated human primary fibroblasts (hFBs), higher mechanical properties and increase in elasticity when SKSs content is equal or higher than 3%. However, hFBs proliferation showed an improvement when the lowest SKS content (1 wt.%) was used but started decreasing when increasing SKS concentration at day 14 with respect to the plasma control. Proliferation of human primary keratinocytes (hKCs) seeded on top of the hybrid-plasma hydrogels containing 1 and 3% of SKS showed no differences to plasma control and an increase in hKCs proliferation was observed for hybrid-plasma hydrogels containing 5 wt.% of SKS. These promising results showed the need to achieve a balance between the reduced contraction, the better mechanical properties and biological properties and indicate the potential of using this type of hydrogel as a testing platform for pharmaceutical products and cosmetics, and future work will elucidate their potential.
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Jarrell DK, Vanderslice EJ, Lennon ML, Lyons AC, VeDepo MC, Jacot JG. Increasing salinity of fibrinogen solvent generates stable fibrin hydrogels for cell delivery or tissue engineering. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0239242. [PMID: 34010323 PMCID: PMC8133424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrin has been used clinically for wound coverings, surgical glues, and cell delivery because of its affordability, cytocompatibility, and ability to modulate angiogenesis and inflammation. However, its rapid degradation rate has limited its usefulness as a scaffold for 3D cell culture and tissue engineering. Previous studies have sought to slow the degradation rate of fibrin with the addition of proteolysis inhibitors or synthetic crosslinkers that require multiple functionalization or polymerization steps. These strategies are difficult to implement in vivo and introduce increased complexity, both of which hinder the use of fibrin in research and medicine. Previously, we demonstrated that additional crosslinking of fibrin gels using bifunctionalized poly(ethylene glycol)-n-hydroxysuccinimide (PEG-NHS) slows the degradation rate of fibrin. In this study, we aimed to further improve the longevity of these PEG-fibrin gels such that they could be used for tissue engineering in vitro or in situ without the need for proteolysis inhibitors. It is well documented that increasing the salinity of fibrin precursor solutions affects the resulting gel morphology. Here, we investigated whether this altered morphology influences the fibrin degradation rate. Increasing the final sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration from 145 mM (physiologic level) to 250 mM resulted in fine, transparent high-salt (HS) fibrin gels that degrade 2–3 times slower than coarse, opaque physiologic-salt (PS) fibrin gels both in vitro (when treated with proteases and when seeded with amniotic fluid stem cells) and in vivo (when injected subcutaneously into mice). Increased salt concentrations did not affect the viability of encapsulated cells, the ability of encapsulated endothelial cells to form rudimentary capillary networks, or the ability of the gels to maintain induced pluripotent stem cells. Finally, when implanted subcutaneously, PS gels degraded completely within one week while HS gels remained stable and maintained viability of seeded dermal fibroblasts. To our knowledge, this is the simplest method reported for the fabrication of fibrin gels with tunable degradation properties and will be useful for implementing fibrin gels in a wide range of research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon K. Jarrell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Ethan J. Vanderslice
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Mallory L. Lennon
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Anne C. Lyons
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Mitchell C. VeDepo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey G. Jacot
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Yesudasan S, Averett RD. Fracture mechanics analysis of fibrin fibers using mesoscale and continuum level methods. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2021; 23. [PMID: 33981824 PMCID: PMC8112576 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2021.100524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Computational models for simulating and predicting fibrin fiber fracture are important tools for studying bulk mechanical properties and mechanobiological response of fibrin networks in physiological conditions. In this work, we employed a new strategy to model the mechanical response of a single fibrin fiber using a collection of bundled protofibrils and modeled the time-dependent properties using discrete particle simulations. Using a systematic characterization of the parameters, this model can be used to mimic the elastic behavior of fibrin fibers accurately and also to simulate fibrin fiber fracture. In addition, a continuum model was modified and used to obtain the individual fibrin fiber fracture toughness properties. Using this model and the experimentally available fibrin mechanical properties, we predicted the range of fracture toughness (1 to k P a m ) values of a typical fibrin fiber of diameter 100 nm and its critical flaw size to rupture (~4 nm), both of which are not currently available in the literature. The models can be collectively used as a foundation for simulating the mechanical behavior of fibrin clots. Moreover, the tunable discrete mesoscopic model that was employed can be extended to simulate and estimate the mechanical properties of other biological or synthetic fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumith Yesudasan
- Department of Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, 77341, USA
| | - Rodney D Averett
- School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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