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Andolfi A, Arnaldi P, Lisa DD, Pepe S, Frega M, Fassio A, Lagazzo A, Martinoia S, Pastorino L. A micropatterned thermoplasmonic substrate for neuromodulation of in vitro neuronal networks. Acta Biomater 2023; 158:281-291. [PMID: 36563774 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how the spatial organization of a neural network affects its activity represents a leading issue in neuroscience. Thanks to their accessibility and easy handling, in vitro studies remain an essential tool to investigate the relationship between the structure and function of a neuronal network. Among all the patterning techniques, ink-jet printing acquired great interest thanks to its direct-write approach, which allows the patterned substrate realization without mold, leading to a considerable saving of both cost and time. However, the inks commonly used give the possibility to control only the structure of a neuronal network, leaving aside the functional aspect. In this work, we synthesize a photosensitive ink combining the rheological and bioadhesive properties of chitosan with the plasmonic properties of gold nanorods, obtaining an ink able to control both the spatial organization of a two-dimensional neuronal network and its activity through photothermal effect. After the ink characterization, we demonstrate that it is possible to print, with high precision, different geometries on a microelectrode array. In this way, it is possible obtaining a patterned device to control the structure of a neuronal network, to record its activity and to modulate it via photothermal effect. Finally, to our knowledge, we report the first evidence of photothermal inhibition of human neurons activity. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Patterned cell cultures remain the most efficient and simple tool for linking structural and functional studies, especially in the neuronal field. Ink-jet printing is the technique with which it is possible to realize patterned structures in the fastest, simple, versatile and low-cost way. However, the inks currently used permit the control only of the neuronal network structure but do not allow the control-modulation of the network activity. In this study, we realize and characterize a photosensitive bioink with which it is possible to drive both the structure and the activity of a neuronal network. Moreover, we report the first evidence of activity inhibition by the photothermal effect on human neurons as far as we know.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Andolfi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Pietro Arnaldi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Donatella Di Lisa
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Sara Pepe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Monica Frega
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - Anna Fassio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Alberto Lagazzo
- Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Sergio Martinoia
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Laura Pastorino
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
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Liu T, Zhu W, Zhang X, He C, Liu X, Xin Q, Chen K, Wang H. Recent Advances in Cell and Functional Biomaterial Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5079153. [PMID: 35978649 PMCID: PMC9377911 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5079153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating central nervous system disease caused by accidental events, resulting in loss of sensory and motor function. Considering the multiple effects of primary and secondary injuries after spinal cord injury, including oxidative stress, tissue apoptosis, inflammatory response, and neuronal autophagy, it is crucial to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, local microenvironment changes, and neural tissue functional recovery for preparing novel treatment strategies. Treatment based on cell transplantation has become the forefront of spinal cord injury therapy. The transplanted cells provide physical and nutritional support for the damaged tissue. At the same time, the implantation of biomaterials with specific biological functions at the site of the SCI has also been proved to improve the local inhibitory microenvironment and promote axonal regeneration, etc. The combined transplantation of cells and functional biomaterials for SCI treatment can result in greater neuroprotective and regenerative effects by regulating cell differentiation, enhancing cell survival, and providing physical and directional support for axon regeneration and neural circuit remodeling. This article reviews the pathophysiology of the spinal cord, changes in the microenvironment after injury, and the mechanisms and strategies for spinal cord regeneration and repair. The article will focus on summarizing and discussing the latest intervention models based on cell and functional biomaterial transplantation and the latest progress in combinational therapies in SCI repair. Finally, we propose the future prospects and challenges of current treatment regimens for SCI repair, to provide references for scientists and clinicians to seek better SCI repair strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wenhao Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Qiang Xin
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Kexin Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Haifeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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Di Lisa D, Muzzi L, Pepe S, Dellacasa E, Frega M, Fassio A, Martinoia S, Pastorino L. On the way back from 3D to 2D: Chitosan promotes adhesion and development of neuronal networks onto culture supports. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 297:120049. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.120049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Ozgun A, Lomboni D, Arnott H, Staines WA, Woulfe J, Variola F. Biomaterial-based strategies for in vitro neural models. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:1134-1165. [PMID: 35023513 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01361k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In vitro models have been used as a complementary tool to animal studies in understanding the nervous system's physiological mechanisms and pathological disorders, while also serving as platforms to evaluate the safety and efficiency of therapeutic candidates. Following recent advances in materials science, micro- and nanofabrication techniques and cell culture systems, in vitro technologies have been rapidly gaining the potential to bridge the gap between animal and clinical studies by providing more sophisticated models that recapitulate key aspects of the structure, biochemistry, biomechanics, and functions of human tissues. This was made possible, in large part, by the development of biomaterials that provide cells with physicochemical features that closely mimic the cellular microenvironment of native tissues. Due to the well-known material-driven cellular response and the importance of mimicking the environment of the target tissue, the selection of optimal biomaterials represents an important early step in the design of biomimetic systems to investigate brain structures and functions. This review provides a comprehensive compendium of commonly used biomaterials as well as the different fabrication techniques employed for the design of neural tissue models. Furthermore, the authors discuss the main parameters that need to be considered to develop functional platforms not only for the study of brain physiological functions and pathological processes but also for drug discovery/development and the optimization of biomaterials for neural tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alp Ozgun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David Lomboni
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hallie Arnott
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada
| | - William A Staines
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - John Woulfe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Fabio Variola
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Ottawa, Canada
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Soheilmoghaddam F, Rumble M, Cooper-White J. High-Throughput Routes to Biomaterials Discovery. Chem Rev 2021; 121:10792-10864. [PMID: 34213880 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Many existing clinical treatments are limited in their ability to completely restore decreased or lost tissue and organ function, an unenviable situation only further exacerbated by a globally aging population. As a result, the demand for new medical interventions has increased substantially over the past 20 years, with the burgeoning fields of gene therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine showing promise to offer solutions for full repair or replacement of damaged or aging tissues. Success in these fields, however, inherently relies on biomaterials that are engendered with the ability to provide the necessary biological cues mimicking native extracellular matrixes that support cell fate. Accelerating the development of such "directive" biomaterials requires a shift in current design practices toward those that enable rapid synthesis and characterization of polymeric materials and the coupling of these processes with techniques that enable similarly rapid quantification and optimization of the interactions between these new material systems and target cells and tissues. This manuscript reviews recent advances in combinatorial and high-throughput (HT) technologies applied to polymeric biomaterial synthesis, fabrication, and chemical, physical, and biological screening with targeted end-point applications in the fields of gene therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Limitations of, and future opportunities for, the further application of these research tools and methodologies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Soheilmoghaddam
- Tissue Engineering and Microfluidics Laboratory (TEaM), Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072.,School of Chemical Engineering, University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072
| | - Madeleine Rumble
- Tissue Engineering and Microfluidics Laboratory (TEaM), Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072.,School of Chemical Engineering, University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072
| | - Justin Cooper-White
- Tissue Engineering and Microfluidics Laboratory (TEaM), Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072.,School of Chemical Engineering, University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072
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Lomboni DJ, Steeves A, Schock S, Bonetti L, De Nardo L, Variola F. Compounded topographical and physicochemical cueing by micro-engineered chitosan substrates on rat dorsal root ganglion neurons and human mesenchymal stem cells. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:5284-5302. [PMID: 34075927 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm02170a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Given the intertwined physicochemical effects exerted in vivo by both natural and synthetic (e.g., biomaterial) interfaces on adhering cells, the evaluation of structure-function relationships governing cellular response to micro-engineered surfaces for applications in neuronal tissue engineering requires the use of in vitro testing platforms which consist of a clinically translatable material with tunable physiochemical properties. In this work, we micro-engineered chitosan substrates with arrays of parallel channels with variable width (20 and 60 μm). A citric acid (CA)-based crosslinking approach was used to provide an additional level of synergistic cueing on adhering cells by regulating the chitosan substrate's stiffness. Morphological and physicochemical characterization was conducted to unveil the structure-function relationships which govern the activity of rat dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGs) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), ultimately singling out the key role of microtopography, roughness and substrate's stiffness. While substrate's stiffness predominantly affected hMSC spreading, the modulation of the channels' design affected the neuronal architecture's complexity and guided the morphological transition of hMSCs. Finally, the combined analysis of tubulin expression and cell morphology allowed us to cast new light on the predominant role of the microtopography over substrate's stiffness in the process of hMSCs neurogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Lomboni
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ottawa, K1N 6N5 Canada. and Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada
| | - Alexander Steeves
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ottawa, K1N 6N5 Canada. and Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sarah Schock
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada and The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Canada
| | - Lorenzo Bonetti
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Italy
| | - Luigi De Nardo
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Variola
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ottawa, K1N 6N5 Canada. and Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada and The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Canada
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7
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Vermeulen S, de Boer J. Screening as a strategy to drive regenerative medicine research. Methods 2020; 190:80-95. [PMID: 32278807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the field of regenerative medicine, optimization of the parameters leading to a desirable outcome remains a huge challenge. Examples include protocols for the guided differentiation of pluripotent cells towards specialized and functional cell types, phenotypic maintenance of primary cells in cell culture, or engineering of materials for improved tissue interaction with medical implants. This challenge originates from the enormous design space for biomaterials, chemical and biochemical compounds, and incomplete knowledge of the guiding biological principles. To tackle this challenge, high-throughput platforms allow screening of multiple perturbations in one experimental setup. In this review, we provide an overview of screening platforms that are used in regenerative medicine. We discuss their fabrication techniques, and in silico tools to analyze the extensive data sets typically generated by these platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Vermeulen
- Laboratory for Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands; BioInterface Science Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, University of Eindhoven, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jan de Boer
- BioInterface Science Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, University of Eindhoven, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
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9
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Tsui C, Koss K, Churchward MA, Todd KG. Biomaterials and glia: Progress on designs to modulate neuroinflammation. Acta Biomater 2019; 83:13-28. [PMID: 30414483 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are multi-functional cells that play a vital role in establishing and maintaining the function of the nervous system and determining the fate of neurons following injury or neuropathology. The roles of microglia are diverse and essential to the capacity of the nervous system to recover from injury, however sustained inflammation can limit recovery and drive chronic disease processes such as neurodegenerative disorders. When assessing implantable therapeutic devices in the central nervous system, an improved lifetime of the implant is considered achievable through the attenuation of microglial inflammation. Consequently, there is a tremendous underexplored potential in biomaterial and engineered design to modulate neuroinflammation for therapeutic benefit. Several strategies for improving device compatibility reviewed here include: biocompatible coatings, improved designs in finer and flexible shapes to reduce tissue shear-related scarring, and loading of anti-inflammatory drugs. Studies about microglial cell cultures in 3D hydrogels and nanoscaffolds to assess various injuries and disorders are also discussed. A variety of other microglia-targeting treatments are also reviewed, including nanoparticulate systems, cellular backpacks, and gold plinths, with the intention of delivering anti-inflammatory drugs by targeting the phagocytic nature of microglia. Overall, this review highlights recent advances in biomaterials targeting microglia and inflammatory function with the potential for improving implant rejection and biocompatibility studies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, and thus play a central role in the neuroinflammatory response against conditions than span acute injuries, neuropsychiatric disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders. This review article presents a summary of biomaterials research that target microglia and other glial cells in order to attenuate neuroinflammation, including but not limited to: design of mechanically compliant and biocompatible stimulation electrodes, hydrogels for high-throughput 3D modelling of nervous tissue, and uptake of nanoparticle drug delivery systems. The goal of this paper is to identify strengths and gaps in the relevant literature, and to promote further consideration of microglia behaviour and neuroinflammation in biomaterial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tsui
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - K Koss
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - M A Churchward
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - K G Todd
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
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Guo L, Fan Y, Kawazoe N, Fan H, Zhang X, Chen G. Fabrication of gelatin-micropatterned surface and its effect on osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:1018-1025. [DOI: 10.1039/c7tb03165c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Micropatterned surface with different surface chemistries was fabricated for the direct comparison of their effect on the behaviors of hMSCs and to avoid any batch to batch variations during cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Likun Guo
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu
- China
- Research Center for Functional Materials
| | - Yujiang Fan
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu
- China
| | - Naoki Kawazoe
- Research Center for Functional Materials
- National Institute for Materials Science
- Tsukuba
- Japan
| | - Hongsong Fan
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu
- China
| | - Xingdong Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu
- China
| | - Guoping Chen
- Research Center for Functional Materials
- National Institute for Materials Science
- Tsukuba
- Japan
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