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Pipis N, Stewart KA, Tabatabaei M, Williams LN, Allen JB. Exploring the Fibrous Nature of Single-Stranded DNA-Collagen Complexes: Nanostructural Observations and Physicochemical Insights. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:32052-32058. [PMID: 39072094 PMCID: PMC11270544 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c04104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-collagen complexes (NACCs) are a self-assembled biomimetic fibrillary platform arising from the spontaneous complexation of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) oligonucleotides and collagen. NACCs merge the extracellular matrix functionality of collagen with the tunable bioactivity of ssDNA as aptamers for broad biomedical applications. We hypothesize that NACCs offer a hierarchical architecture across multiple length scales that significantly varies compared to native collagen. We investigate this using atomic force microscopy and electron microscopy (transmission electron microscopy and cryogenic electron microscopy). Results demonstrate key topographical differences induced by adding ssDNA oligonucleotides to collagen type I. NACCs form a dense network of intertwined collagen fiber bundles in the microscale and nanoscale while retaining their characteristic D-band periodicities (∼67 nm). Additionally, our exploration of thermodynamic parameters governing the interaction indicates an entropically favorable NACC formation driven by ssDNA. Thermal analysis demonstrates the preservation of collagen's triple helical domains and a more stabilized polypeptide structure at higher temperatures than native collagen. These findings offer important insights into our understanding of the ssDNA-induced complexation of collagen toward the further establishment of structure-property relationships in NACCs and their future development into practical biomaterials. They also provide pathways for manipulating and enhancing collagenous matrices' properties without requiring complex chemical modifications or fabrication procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Pipis
- J.
Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Kevin A. Stewart
- George
& Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of
Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Mohammad Tabatabaei
- J.
Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Lakiesha N. Williams
- J.
Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Josephine B. Allen
- J.
Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
- Department
of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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2
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Khattignavong E, Neshatian M, Vaez M, Guillermin A, Tauer JT, Odlyha M, Mittal N, Komarova SV, Zahouani H, Bozec L. Development of a facile method to compute collagen network pathological anisotropy using AFM imaging. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20173. [PMID: 37978303 PMCID: PMC10656449 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47350-y] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I collagen, a fundamental extracellular matrix (ECM) component, is pivotal in maintaining tissue integrity and strength. It is also the most prevalent fibrous biopolymer within the ECM, ubiquitous in mammalian organisms. This structural protein provides essential mechanical stability and resilience to various tissues, including tendons, ligaments, skin, bone, and dentin. Collagen has been structurally investigated for several decades, and variation to its ultrastructure by histology has been associated with several pathological conditions. The current study addresses a critical challenge in the field of collagen research by providing a novel method for studying collagen fibril morphology at the nanoscale. It offers a computational approach to quantifying collagen properties, enabling a deeper understanding of how collagen type I can be affected by pathological conditions. The application of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) coupled with Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) imaging distinguishes not only healthy and diseased skin but also holds potential for automated diagnosis of connective tissue disorders (CTDs), contributing to both clinical diagnostics and fundamental research in this area. Here we studied the changes in the structural parameters of collagen fibrils in Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS). We have used skin extracted from genetically mutant mice that exhibit EDS phenotype as our model system (Col1a1Jrt/+ mice). The collagen fibrils were analyzed by AFM based descriptive-structural parameters, coupled with a 2D Fast Fourier Transform(2D-FFT) approach that automated the analysis of AFM images. In addition, each sample was characterized based on its FFT and power spectral density. Our qualitative data showed morphological differences in collagen fibril clarity (clearness of the collagen fibril edge with their neighbouring fibri), D-banding, orientation, and linearity. We have also demonstrated that FFT could be a new tool for distinguishing healthy from tissues with CTDs by measuring the disorganization of fibrils in the matrix. We have also employed FFT to reveal the orientations of the collagen fibrils, providing clinically relevant phenotypic information on their organization and anisotropy. The result of this study can be used to develop a new automated tool for better diagnosis of CTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Khattignavong
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1G6, Canada
- UMR 5513, Laboratoire de Tribologie et Dynamique Des Systémes, École Centrale de Lyon-École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Saint, Université de Lyon, Étienne, France
| | - Mehrnoosh Neshatian
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - Mina Vaez
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - Amaury Guillermin
- UMR 5513, Laboratoire de Tribologie et Dynamique Des Systémes, École Centrale de Lyon-École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Saint, Université de Lyon, Étienne, France
| | - Josephine T Tauer
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marianne Odlyha
- School of Biological Science, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Nimish Mittal
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Svetlana V Komarova
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hassan Zahouani
- UMR 5513, Laboratoire de Tribologie et Dynamique Des Systémes, École Centrale de Lyon-École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Saint, Université de Lyon, Étienne, France
| | - Laurent Bozec
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1G6, Canada.
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3
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Sambani K, Kontomaris SV, Yova D. Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging of Elastin Nanofibers Self-Assembly. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:4313. [PMID: 37374496 DOI: 10.3390/ma16124313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Elastin is an extracellular matrix protein, providing elasticity to the organs, such as skin, blood vessels, lungs and elastic ligaments, presenting self-assembling ability to form elastic fibers. The elastin protein, as a component of elastin fibers, is one of the major proteins found in connective tissue and is responsible for the elasticity of tissues. It provides resilience to the human body, assembled as a continuous mesh of fibers that require to be deformed repetitively and reversibly. Thus, it is of great importance to investigate the development of the nanostructural surface of elastin-based biomaterials. The purpose of this research was to image the self-assembling process of elastin fiber structure under different experimental parameters such as suspension medium, elastin concentration, temperature of stock suspension and time interval after the preparation of the stock suspension. atomic force microscopy (AFM) was applied in order to investigate how different experimental parameters affected fiber development and morphology. The results demonstrated that through altering a number of experimental parameters, it was possible to affect the self-assembly procedure of elastin fibers from nanofibers and the formation of elastin nanostructured mesh consisting of naturally occurring fibers. Further clarification of the contribution of different parameters on fibril formation will enable the design and control of elastin-based nanobiomaterials with predetermined characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Sambani
- Biomedical Optics and Applied Biophysics Laboratory, Division of Electromagnetics, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrooptics and Electronic Materials, National Technical University of Athens, 9, Iroon Polytechniou, 15780 Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos Vasileios Kontomaris
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Metropolitan College, 15125 Athens, Greece
- BioNanoTec Ltd., 2404 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Dido Yova
- Biomedical Optics and Applied Biophysics Laboratory, Division of Electromagnetics, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrooptics and Electronic Materials, National Technical University of Athens, 9, Iroon Polytechniou, 15780 Athens, Greece
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4
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Han L, Lin J, Du C, Zhang C, Wang X, Feng Q. Effect of Mechanical Microenvironment on Collagen Self-Assembly In Vitro. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:jfb14040235. [PMID: 37103325 PMCID: PMC10141345 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14040235] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagen, as a structural protein, is widely distributed in the human body. Many factors influence collagen self-assembly in vitro, including physical-chemical conditions and mechanical microenvironment, and play a key role in driving the structure and arrangement. However, the exact mechanism is unknown. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the changes in the structure and morphology of collagen self-assembly in vitro under mechanical microenvironment, as well as the critical role of hyaluronic acid in this process. Using bovine type I collagen as the research object, collagen solution is loaded into tensile and stress-strain gradient devices. The morphology and distribution of collagen is observed using an atomic force microscope while changing the concentration of collagen solution, mechanical loading strength, tensile speed, and ratio of collagen to hyaluronic acid. The results demonstrate that the mechanics field governs collagen fibers and changes their orientation. Stress magnifies the differences in results caused by different stress concentrations and sizes, and hyaluronic acid improves collagen fiber orientation. This research is critical for expanding the use of collagen-based biomaterials in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leihan Han
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Advanced Mechatronic System Design and Intelligent Control, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Education, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Jiexiang Lin
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Advanced Mechatronic System Design and Intelligent Control, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Education, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Chengfei Du
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Advanced Mechatronic System Design and Intelligent Control, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Education, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Chunqiu Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Advanced Mechatronic System Design and Intelligent Control, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Education, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Advanced Mechatronic System Design and Intelligent Control, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Education, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Qijin Feng
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Second Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin 300151, China
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5
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Gupta I, Cherwoo L, Bhatia R, Setia H. Biopolymers: Implications and application in the food industry. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2022.102534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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6
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Yue C, Ding C, Su J, Cheng B. Effect of copper and zinc ions on type I collagen self-assembly. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLYMER ANALYSIS AND CHARACTERIZATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/1023666x.2022.2093569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chengfei Yue
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, China
| | - Changkun Ding
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jieliang Su
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bowen Cheng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, China
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7
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Atomic Force Microscopy Nanoindentation Method on Collagen Fibrils. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15072477. [PMID: 35407813 PMCID: PMC8999528 DOI: 10.3390/ma15072477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Atomic Force Microscopy nanoindentation method is a powerful technique that can be used for the nano-mechanical characterization of bio-samples. Significant scientific efforts have been performed during the last two decades to accurately determine the Young’s modulus of collagen fibrils at the nanoscale, as it has been proven that mechanical alterations of collagen are related to various pathological conditions. Different contact mechanics models have been proposed for processing the force–indentation data based on assumptions regarding the shape of the indenter and collagen fibrils and on the elastic or elastic–plastic contact assumption. However, the results reported in the literature do not always agree; for example, the Young’s modulus values for dry collagen fibrils expand from 0.9 to 11.5 GPa. The most significant parameters for the broad range of values are related to the heterogeneous structure of the fibrils, the water content within the fibrils, the data processing errors, and the uncertainties in the calibration of the probe. An extensive discussion regarding the models arising from contact mechanics and the results provided in the literature is presented, while new approaches with respect to future research are proposed.
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8
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Assessing Collagen D-Band Periodicity with Atomic Force Microscopy. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15041608. [PMID: 35208148 PMCID: PMC8877100 DOI: 10.3390/ma15041608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The collagen superfamily includes more than fifty collagen and/or collagen-like proteins with fibril-forming collagen type I being the most abundant protein within the extracellular matrix. Collagen type I plays a crucial role in a variety of functions, it has been associated with many pathological conditions and it is widely used due to its unique properties. One unique nano-scale characteristic of natural occurring collagen type I fibers is the so-called D-band periodicity, which has been associated with collagen natural structure and properties, while it seems to play a crucial role in the interactions between cells and collagen and in various pathological conditions. An accurate characterization of the surface and structure of collagen fibers, including D-band periodicity, on collagen-based tissues and/or (nano-)biomaterials can be achieved by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). AFM is a scanning probe microscope and is among the few techniques that can assess D-band periodicity. This review covers issues related to collagen and collagen D-band periodicity and the use of AFM for studying them. Through a systematic search in databases (PubMed and Scopus) relevant articles were identified. The study of these articles demonstrated that AFM can offer novel information concerning D-band periodicity. This study highlights the importance of studying collagen D-band periodicity and proves that AFM is a powerful tool for investigating a number of different properties related to collagen D-band periodicity.
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9
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Tarabanis C, Miranda-Nieves D, Ferrante T, Haller CA, Chaikof EL. Standardized User-Independent Confocal Microscopy Image Acquisition and Analysis for Thickness Measurements of Microscale Collagen Scaffolds. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2021; 27:1-6. [PMID: 33785078 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927621000234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The ability to accurately and precisely measure the thickness of biomaterial constructs is critical for characterizing both specific dimensional features and related mechanical properties. However, in the absence of a standardized approach for thickness measurements, a variety of imaging modalities have been employed, which have been associated with varying limits of accuracy, particularly for ultrathin hydrated structures. Electron microscopy (EM), a commonly used modality, yields thickness values for extensively processed and nonhydrated constructs, potentially resulting in overestimated mechanical properties, including elastic modulus and ultimate tensile strength. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) has often been used as a nondestructive imaging alternative. However, published CLSM-derived image analysis protocols use arbitrary signal intensity cutoffs and provide minimal information regarding thickness variability across imaged surfaces. To address the aforementioned limitations, we present a standardized, user-independent CLSM image acquisition and analysis approach developed as a custom ImageJ macro and validated with collagen-based scaffolds. In the process, we also quantify thickness discrepancies in collagen-based scaffolds between CLSM and EM techniques, further illustrating the need for improved strategies. Employing the same image acquisition protocol, we also demonstrate that this approach can be used to estimate the surface roughness of the same scaffolds without the use of specialized instrumentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantine Tarabanis
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Center for Life Sciences, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA02115, USA
| | - David Miranda-Nieves
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Center for Life Sciences, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA02115, USA
- Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering of Harvard University, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA02115, USA
| | - Thomas Ferrante
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering of Harvard University, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA02115, USA
| | - Carolyn A Haller
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Center for Life Sciences, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA02115, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering of Harvard University, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA02115, USA
| | - Elliot L Chaikof
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Center for Life Sciences, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA02115, USA
- Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering of Harvard University, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA02115, USA
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10
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Miranda A, Gómez-Varela AI, Stylianou A, Hirvonen LM, Sánchez H, De Beule PAA. How did correlative atomic force microscopy and super-resolution microscopy evolve in the quest for unravelling enigmas in biology? NANOSCALE 2021; 13:2082-2099. [PMID: 33346312 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr07203f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
With the invention of the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) in 1986 and the subsequent developments in liquid imaging and cellular imaging it became possible to study the topography of cellular specimens under nearly physiological conditions with nanometric resolution. The application of AFM to biological research was further expanded with the technological advances in imaging modes where topographical data can be combined with nanomechanical measurements, offering the possibility to retrieve the biophysical properties of tissues, cells, fibrous components and biomolecules. Meanwhile, the quest for breaking the Abbe diffraction limit restricting microscopic resolution led to the development of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques that brought the resolution of the light microscope comparable to the resolution obtained by AFM. The instrumental combination of AFM and optical microscopy techniques has evolved over the last decades from integration of AFM with bright-field and phase-contrast imaging techniques at first to correlative AFM and wide-field fluorescence systems and then further to the combination of AFM and fluorescence based super-resolution microscopy modalities. Motivated by the many developments made over the last decade, we provide here a review on AFM combined with super-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques and how they can be applied for expanding our understanding of biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelaide Miranda
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Avenida Mestre José Veiga s/n, Braga, Portugal.
| | - Ana I Gómez-Varela
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Avenida Mestre José Veiga s/n, Braga, Portugal. and Department of Applied Physics, University of Santiago de Compostela, E-15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Andreas Stylianou
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus and School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Liisa M Hirvonen
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis (CMCA), The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Humberto Sánchez
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter A A De Beule
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Avenida Mestre José Veiga s/n, Braga, Portugal.
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11
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Stylianou A, Gkretsi V, Louca M, Zacharia LC, Stylianopoulos T. Collagen content and extracellular matrix cause cytoskeletal remodelling in pancreatic fibroblasts. J R Soc Interface 2020; 16:20190226. [PMID: 31113335 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2019.0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In many solid tumours a desmoplastic reaction takes place, which results in tumour tissue stiffening due to the extensive production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as collagen, by stromal cells, mainly fibroblasts (FBs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In this study, we investigated the effect of collagen stiffness on pancreatic FBs and CAFs, particularly on specific cytoskeleton properties and gene expression involved in tumour invasion. We found that cells become stiffer when they are cultured on stiff substrates and express higher levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Also, it was confirmed that on stiff substrates, CAFs are softer than FBs, while on soft substrates they have comparable Young's moduli. Furthermore, the number of spread FBs and CAFs was higher in stiffer substrates, which was also confirmed by Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 ( RAC1) mRNA expression, which mediates cell spreading. Although stress fibres in FBs become more oriented on stiff substrates, CAFs have oriented stress fibres regardless of substrate stiffness. Subsequently, we demonstrated that cells' invasion has a differential response to stiffness, which was associated with regulation of Ras homologue family member ( RhoA) and Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 ( ROCK-1) mRNA expression. Overall, our results demonstrate that collagen stiffness modulates FBs and CAFs cytoskeleton remodelling and alters their invasion properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Stylianou
- 1 Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia 1678 , Cyprus
| | - Vasiliki Gkretsi
- 1 Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia 1678 , Cyprus
| | - Maria Louca
- 1 Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia 1678 , Cyprus
| | - Lefteris C Zacharia
- 2 Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia , 1700 Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- 1 Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia 1678 , Cyprus
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12
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Ghosh A, Grosvenor AJ, Dyer JM. Marine Spongia collagens: Protein characterization and evaluation of hydrogel films. J Appl Polym Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/app.47996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Arun Ghosh
- Food and Bio‐based Products Group, AgResearch Ltd 1365 Springs Road, Lincoln 7674 New Zealand
| | - Anita J. Grosvenor
- Food and Bio‐based Products Group, AgResearch Ltd 1365 Springs Road, Lincoln 7674 New Zealand
| | - Jolon M. Dyer
- Food and Bio‐based Products Group, AgResearch Ltd 1365 Springs Road, Lincoln 7674 New Zealand
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13
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Ras suppressor-1 (RSU-1) promotes cell invasion in aggressive glioma cells and inhibits it in non-aggressive cells through STAT6 phospho-regulation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7782. [PMID: 31123330 PMCID: PMC6533309 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44200-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Most gliomas are invasive tumors formed from glial cells and associated with high mortality rates. In this study, we characterized four glioma cell lines of varying degree of aggressiveness (H4, SW1088, A172 and U87-MG) in terms of morphology, cytoskeleton organization and stiffness, and evaluated their invasive potential by performing invasion, colony forming and spheroid invasion assays. Cells were divided into two distinct groups: aggressive cell lines (A172 and U87-MG) with more elongated, softer and highly invasive cells and less aggressive cells (H4 and SW088). Interestingly, we found that Ras Suppressor-1 (RSU-1), a cell-matrix adhesion protein involved in cancer cell invasion, was significantly upregulated in more aggressive glioma cells compared to less aggressive. Importantly, RSU-1 silencing had opposing effects on glioma cell invasion depending on their aggressiveness, inhibiting migration and invasion of aggressive cells and promoting those of less aggressive cells. Finally, we found that RSU-1 silencing in aggressive cells led to decreased Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription6 (STAT6) phosphorylation and Matrix Metalloproteinase13 (MMP13) expression in contrast to less invasive cells. Our study demonstrates that RSU-1 promotes invasion of aggressive glioma cells and inhibits it in the non-aggressive cells, indicating that it could serve as a predictor of gliomas progression.
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14
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Shi C, He Y, Ding M, Wang Y, Zhong J. Nanoimaging of food proteins by atomic force microscopy. Part II: Application for food proteins from different sources. Trends Food Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2018.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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15
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A New Approach for Glyco-Functionalization of Collagen-Based Biomaterials. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071747. [PMID: 30970594 PMCID: PMC6480084 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell microenvironment plays a pivotal role in mediating cell adhesion, survival, and proliferation in physiological and pathological states. The relevance of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in cell fate control is an important issue to take into consideration for both tissue engineering and cell biology studies. The glycosylation of ECM proteins remains, however, largely unexplored. In order to investigate the physio-pathological effects of differential ECM glycosylation, the design of affordable chemoselective methods for ECM components glycosylation is desirable. We will describe a new chemoselective glycosylation approach exploitable in aqueous media and on non-protected substrates, allowing rapid access to glyco-functionalized biomaterials.
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16
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PRGF-Modified Collagen Membranes for Guided Bone Regeneration: Spectroscopic, Microscopic and Nano-Mechanical Investigations. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9051035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to evaluate the properties of different commercially available resorbable collagen membranes for guided bone regeneration, upon addition of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF). The structural and morphological details, mechanical properties, and enzymatic degradation were investigated in a new approach, providing clinicians with new data in order to help them in a successful comparison and better selection of membranes with respect to their placement and working condition. Particular characteristics such as porosity, fiber density, and surface topography may influence the mechanical behavior and performances of the membranes, as revealed by SEM/AFM and nanoindentation measurements. The mechanical properties and enzymatic degradation of the membranes were analyzed in a comparative manner, before and after PRGF-modification. The changes in Young modulus values are correlated with the ultrastructural properties of each membrane type. The enzymatic (trypsin) degradation test also emphasized that PRGF-modified membranes exhibit a slower degradation compared to the native ones.
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Valencia GA, Luciano CG, Lourenço RV, Bittante AMQB, do Amaral Sobral PJ. Morphological and physical properties of nano-biocomposite films based on collagen loaded with laponite®. Food Packag Shelf Life 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fpsl.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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18
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Stylianou A, Kontomaris SV, Grant C, Alexandratou E. Atomic Force Microscopy on Biological Materials Related to Pathological Conditions. SCANNING 2019; 2019:8452851. [PMID: 31214274 PMCID: PMC6535871 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8452851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an easy-to-use, powerful, high-resolution microscope that allows the user to image any surface and under any aqueous condition. AFM has been used in the investigation of the structural and mechanical properties of a wide range of biological matters including biomolecules, biomaterials, cells, and tissues. It provides the capacity to acquire high-resolution images of biosamples at the nanoscale and allows at readily carrying out mechanical characterization. The capacity of AFM to image and interact with surfaces, under physiologically relevant conditions, is of great importance for realistic and accurate medical and pharmaceutical applications. The aim of this paper is to review recent trends of the use of AFM on biological materials related to health and sickness. First, we present AFM components and its different imaging modes and we continue with combined imaging and coupled AFM systems. Then, we discuss the use of AFM to nanocharacterize collagen, the major fibrous protein of the human body, which has been correlated with many pathological conditions. In the next section, AFM nanolevel surface characterization as a tool to detect possible pathological conditions such as osteoarthritis and cancer is presented. Finally, we demonstrate the use of AFM for studying other pathological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), through the investigation of amyloid fibrils and viruses, respectively. Consequently, AFM stands out as the ideal research instrument for exploring the detection of pathological conditions even at very early stages, making it very attractive in the area of bio- and nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Stylianou
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2238, Cyprus
| | - Stylianos-Vasileios Kontomaris
- Mobile Radio Communications Laboratory, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Iroon Polytechniou, Athens 15780, Greece
- Athens Metropolitan College, Sorou 74, Marousi 15125, Greece
| | - Colin Grant
- Hitachi High-Technologies Europe, Techspace One, Keckwick Lane, Warrington WA4 4AB, UK
| | - Eleni Alexandratou
- Biomedical Optics and Applied Biophysics Laboratory, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Iroon Polytechniou, Athens 15780, Greece
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Stylianou A, Lekka M, Stylianopoulos T. AFM assessing of nanomechanical fingerprints for cancer early diagnosis and classification: from single cell to tissue level. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:20930-20945. [PMID: 30406223 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr06146g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Cancer development and progression are closely associated with changes both in the mechano-cellular phenotype of cancer and stromal cells and in the extracellular matrix (ECM) structure, composition, and mechanics. In this paper, we review the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a tool for assessing the nanomechanical fingerprints of solid tumors, so as to be potentially used as a diagnostic biomarker for more accurate identification and early cancer grading/classification. The development of such a methodology is expected to provide new insights and a novel approach for cancer diagnosis. We propose that AFM measurements could be employed to complement standard biopsy procedures, offering an objective, novel and quantitative diagnostic approach with the properties of a blind assay, allowing unbiased evaluation of the sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Stylianou
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Cyprus.
| | - Malgorzata Lekka
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Cyprus.
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Schulze M, Rogge M, Stark RW. Atomic force microscopy measurements probing the mechanical properties of single collagen fibrils under the influence of UV light in situ. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2018; 88:415-421. [PMID: 30216931 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2018.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Collagen plays a decisive role as a functional substrate in tissue engineering. In particular, the rigidity of the collagen influences the behaviour of the attached cells. Thus, modification and controlled adjustment of collagen's characteristics are essential. To this end, controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is a promising process because it can be temporally and spatially well defined. In this study, we investigated the effect of UV exposure on surface supported single collagen fibrils in situ. This procedure allowed for a direct comparison between the untreated and modified states of type I collagen. Atomic force microscopy was used to map the mechanical properties. Exposure to UV light was used to influence the mechanical properties of the fibrils in varied liquid environments (deionized water and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)). The results led to the assumption that combined UV/thermal treatment in deionized water continuously lowers the elastic modulus. In contrast, experiments performed in PBS-based solutions in combination with UV-B and UV-C light or thermal treatment up to 45 °C suggested an increase in the modulus within the first 30-40 min that subsequently decreased again. Thus, the wavelength, exposure, temperature, and chemical environment are relevant parameters that need to be controlled when modifying collagen using UV light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Schulze
- Physics of Surfaces, Institute of Materials Science, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Str. 16, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany; Center of Smart Interfaces, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Str. 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Melanie Rogge
- Physics of Surfaces, Institute of Materials Science, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Str. 16, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany; Center of Smart Interfaces, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Str. 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Robert W Stark
- Physics of Surfaces, Institute of Materials Science, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Str. 16, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany; Center of Smart Interfaces, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Str. 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
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Stylianou A, Gkretsi V, Stylianopoulos T. Transforming growth factor-β modulates pancreatic cancer associated fibroblasts cell shape, stiffness and invasion. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1862:1537-1546. [PMID: 29477748 PMCID: PMC5957271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor microenvironment consists of the extracellular matrix (ECM), stromal cells, such as fibroblasts (FBs) and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and a myriad of soluble factors. In many tumor types, including pancreatic tumors, the interplay between stromal cells and the other tumor microenvironment components leads to desmoplasia, a cancer-specific type of fibrosis that hinders treatment. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and CAFs are thought to play a crucial role in this tumor desmoplastic reaction, although the involved mechanisms are unknown. METHODS Optical/fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy, image processing techniques, invasion assay in 3D collagen I gels and real-time PCR were employed to investigate the effect of TGF-β on normal pancreatic FBs and CAFs with regard to crucial cellular morphodynamic characteristics and relevant gene expression involved in tumor progression and metastasis. RESULTS CAFs present specific myofibroblast-like characteristics, such as α-smooth muscle actin expression and cell elongation, they also form more lamellipodia and are softer than FBs. TGF-β treatment increases cell stiffness (Young's modulus) of both FBs and CAFs and increases CAF's (but not FB's) elongation, cell spreading, lamellipodia formation and spheroid invasion. Gene expression analysis shows that these morphodynamic characteristics are mediated by Rac, RhoA and ROCK expression in CAFs treated with TGF-β. CONCLUSIONS TGF-β modulates CAFs', but not FBs', cell shape, stiffness and invasion. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Our findings elucidate on the effects of TGF-β on CAFs' behavior and stiffness providing new insights into the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Stylianou
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
| | - Vasiliki Gkretsi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus.
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Gkretsi V, Stylianou A, Louca M, Stylianopoulos T. Identification of Ras suppressor-1 (RSU-1) as a potential breast cancer metastasis biomarker using a three-dimensional in vitro approach. Oncotarget 2018; 8:27364-27379. [PMID: 28423706 PMCID: PMC5432341 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant disease in women, with most patients dying from metastasis to distant organs, making discovery of novel metastasis biomarkers and therapeutic targets imperative. Extracellular matrix (ECM)-related adhesion proteins as well as tumor matrix stiffness are important determinants for metastasis. As traditional two-dimensional culture does not take into account ECM stiffness, we employed 3-dimensional collagen I gels of increasing concentration and stiffness to embed BC cells of different invasiveness (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-231-LM2) or tumor spheroids. We tested the expression of cell-ECM adhesion proteins and found that Ras Suppressor-1 (RSU-1) is significantly upregulated in increased stiffness conditions. Interestingly, RSU-1 siRNA-mediated silencing inhibited Urokinase Plasminogen Activator, and metalloproteinase-13, whereas tumor spheroids formed from RSU-1-depleted cells lost their invasive capacity in all cell lines and stiffness conditions. Kaplan-Meier survival plot analysis corroborated our findings showing that high RSU-1 expression is associated with poor prognosis for distant metastasis-free and remission-free survival in BC patients. Taken together, our results indicate the important role of RSU-1 in BC metastasis and set the foundations for its validation as potential BC metastasis marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Gkretsi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Stylianou
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria Louca
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Iturri J, Toca-Herrera JL. Characterization of Cell Scaffolds by Atomic Force Microscopy. Polymers (Basel) 2017; 9:E383. [PMID: 30971057 PMCID: PMC6418519 DOI: 10.3390/polym9080383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This review reports on the use of the atomic force microscopy (AFM) in the investigation of cell scaffolds in recent years. It is shown how the technique is able to deliver information about the scaffold surface properties (e.g., topography), as well as about its mechanical behavior (Young's modulus, viscosity, and adhesion). In addition, this short review also points out the utilization of the atomic force microscope technique beyond its usual employment in order to investigate another type of basic questions related to materials physics, chemistry, and biology. The final section discusses in detail the novel uses that those alternative measuring modes can bring to this field in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagoba Iturri
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of NanoBiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Wien, Austria.
| | - José L Toca-Herrera
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of NanoBiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Wien, Austria.
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Kuzumaki T, Yamazaki K, Suzuki K, Torigoe K. Appropriate Tensile Mode and Timing of Applying Tension to Promote Tendon Gel Regeneration. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 14:465-475. [PMID: 30603502 PMCID: PMC6171615 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-017-0050-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
"Tendon gel" secreted from a parent tendon is regenerated for tendon repair by applying tension. However, the details of the tensile stimulus have not been clarified. This study aimed to evaluate an appropriate tensile stimulus mode and the optimal timing of applying tension to promote tendon gel regeneration. Tendon gel was prepared using a film model method in mice and was preserved in vivo for 3, 5, and 10 days. Unlike tendon gel on day 3 or day 5, a fibrous structure developed in the tendon gel on day 10 when tension was applied. Infrared spectroscopy revealed that characteristic peaks appearing for the tendon gel on days 3 and 5 disappeared on day 10. Disappearance of the peaks indicated maturity of the tendon gel, and it showed the optimal timing for tension application to the tendon gel. The effect of tensile load on tendon gel preserved for 10 days was investigated using a tensile test, a creep test, or a cycle test. In the tensile test, tendon gel was elongated into a thin cord of collagen fibers with an increase in stress, and the maximum diameter of the collagen fiber was approximately 50 times larger than that in the normal Achilles tendon of mice. The results suggest that the diameter of the oriented collagen fiber is controllable by adjusting the applied load and the time in mature tendon gel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Kuzumaki
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292 Japan
| | - Katsufumi Yamazaki
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292 Japan
| | - Keiichi Suzuki
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292 Japan
| | - Kojun Torigoe
- Department of Anatomy, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan
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Gkretsi V, Stylianou A, Stylianopoulos T. Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein (VASP) depletion from breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells inhibits tumor spheroid invasion through downregulation of Migfilin, β-catenin and urokinase-plasminogen activator (uPA). Exp Cell Res 2017; 352:281-292. [PMID: 28209486 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A hallmark of cancer cells is their ability to invade surrounding tissues and form metastases. Cell-extracellular matrix (ECM)-adhesion proteins are crucial in metastasis, connecting tumor ECM with actin cytoskeleton thus enabling cells to respond to mechanical cues. Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) is an actin-polymerization regulator which interacts with cell-ECM adhesion protein Migfilin, and regulates cell migration. We compared VASP expression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer (BC) cells and found that more invasive MDA-MB-231 cells overexpress VASP. We then utilized a 3-dimensional (3D) approach to study metastasis in MDA-MB-231 cells using a system that considers mechanical forces exerted by the ECM. We prepared 3D collagen I gels of increasing concentration, imaged them by atomic force microscopy, and used them to either embed cells or tumor spheroids, in the presence or absence of VASP. We show, for the first time, that VASP silencing downregulated Migfilin, β-catenin and urokinase plasminogen activator both in 2D and 3D, suggesting a matrix-independent mechanism. Tumor spheroids lacking VASP demonstrated impaired invasion, indicating VASP's involvement in metastasis, which was corroborated by Kaplan-Meier plotter showing high VASP expression to be associated with poor remission-free survival in lymph node-positive BC patients. Hence, VASP may be a novel BC metastasis biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Gkretsi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Stylianou
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Cyprus.
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Stylianou A, Gkretsi V, Patrickios CS, Stylianopoulos T. Exploring the Nano-Surface of Collagenous and Other Fibrotic Tissues with AFM. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1627:453-489. [PMID: 28836219 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7113-8_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Atomic force microscope (AFM) is a powerful and invaluable tool for imaging and probing the mechanical properties of biological samples at the nanometric scale. The importance of nano-scale characterization and nanomechanics of soft biological tissues is becoming widely appreciated, and AFM offers unique advantages in this direction. In this chapter, we describe the procedure to collect data sets (imaging and mechanical properties measurement) of collagen gels and tumor tissues. We provide step-by-step instructions throughout the procedure, from sample preparation to cantilever calibration, data acquisition, analysis, and visualization, using two commercial AFM systems (PicoPlus and Cypher ES) and software that accompanied the AFM systems and/or are freeware available (WSxM, AtomicJ). Our protocols are written specifically for these two systems and the mentioned software; however, most of the general concepts can be readily translated to other AFM systems and software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Stylianou
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus, Greece.
| | - Vasiliki Gkretsi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus, Greece
| | | | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus, Greece.
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Kontomaris SV, Stylianou A, Yova D. Investigation of the mechanical properties of collagen fibrils under the influence of low power red laser irradiation. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2016. [DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/aa5195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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28
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Real-time atomic force microscopy imaging of collagen fibril under ultraviolet irradiation. J IND ENG CHEM 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2016.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Stylianou A, Stylianopoulos T. Atomic Force Microscopy Probing of Cancer Cells and Tumor Microenvironment Components. BIONANOSCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s12668-015-0187-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Atomic force microscopy investigation of the interaction of low-level laser irradiation of collagen thin films in correlation with fibroblast response. Lasers Med Sci 2015; 30:2369-79. [PMID: 26498450 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-015-1823-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Low-level red laser (LLRL)-tissue interactions have a wide range of medical applications and are garnering increased attention. Although the positive effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) have frequently been reported and enhanced collagen accumulation has been identified as one of the most important mechanisms involved, little is known about LLRL-collagen interactions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of LLRL irradiation on collagen, in correlation with fibroblast response. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to characterize surfaces and identify conformational changes in collagen before and after LLRL irradiation. Irradiated and non-irradiated collagen thin films were used as culturing substrates to investigate fibroblast response with fluorescence microscopy. The results demonstrated that LLRL induced small alterations in fluorescence emission and had a negligible effect on the topography of collagen thin films. However, fibroblasts cultured on LLRL-irradiated collagen thin films responded to LRLL. The results of this study show for the first time the effect of LLRL irradiation on pure collagen. Although irradiation did not affect the nanotopography of collagen, it influenced cell behavior. The role of collagen appears to be crucial in the LLLT mechanism, and our results demonstrated that LLRL directly affects collagen and indirectly affects cell behavior.
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Gkretsi V, Stylianou A, Papageorgis P, Polydorou C, Stylianopoulos T. Remodeling Components of the Tumor Microenvironment to Enhance Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2015; 5:214. [PMID: 26528429 PMCID: PMC4604307 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumor pathophysiology is characterized by an abnormal microenvironment that guides tumor progression and poses barriers to the efficacy of cancer therapies. Most common among tumor types are abnormalities in the structure of the tumor vasculature and stroma. Remodeling the tumor microenvironment with the aim to normalize any aberrant properties has the potential to improve therapy. In this review, we discuss structural abnormalities of the tumor microenvironment and summarize the therapeutic strategies that have been developed to normalize tumors as well as their potential to enhance therapy. Finally, we present different in vitro models that have been developed to analyze and better understand the effects of the tumor microenvironment on cancer cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Gkretsi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Andreas Stylianou
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Panagiotis Papageorgis
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia , Cyprus ; Program in Biological Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, European University Cyprus , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Christiana Polydorou
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia , Cyprus
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Tronci G, Grant CA, Thomson NH, Russell SJ, Wood DJ. Multi-scale mechanical characterization of highly swollen photo-activated collagen hydrogels. J R Soc Interface 2015; 12:20141079. [PMID: 25411409 PMCID: PMC4277102 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.1079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological hydrogels have been increasingly sought after as wound dressings or scaffolds for regenerative medicine, owing to their inherent biofunctionality in biological environments. Especially in moist wound healing, the ideal material should absorb large amounts of wound exudate while remaining mechanically competent in situ. Despite their large hydration, however, current biological hydrogels still leave much to be desired in terms of mechanical properties in physiological conditions. To address this challenge, a multi-scale approach is presented for the synthetic design of cyto-compatible collagen hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties (from the nano- up to the macro-scale), uniquely high swelling ratios and retained (more than 70%) triple helical features. Type I collagen was covalently functionalized with three different monomers, i.e. 4-vinylbenzyl chloride, glycidyl methacrylate and methacrylic anhydride, respectively. Backbone rigidity, hydrogen-bonding capability and degree of functionalization (F: 16 ± 12–91 ± 7 mol%) of introduced moieties governed the structure–property relationships in resulting collagen networks, so that the swelling ratio (SR: 707 ± 51–1996 ± 182 wt%), bulk compressive modulus (Ec: 30 ± 7–168 ± 40 kPa) and atomic force microscopy elastic modulus (EAFM: 16 ± 2–387 ± 66 kPa) were readily adjusted. Because of their remarkably high swelling and mechanical properties, these tunable collagen hydrogels may be further exploited for the design of advanced dressings for chronic wound care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Tronci
- Nonwovens Research Group, School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Group, School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9LU, UK
| | - Colin A Grant
- Advanced Materials Engineering RKT Centre, School of Engineering, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Neil H Thomson
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK Biomineralisation Research Group, School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9LU, UK
| | - Stephen J Russell
- Nonwovens Research Group, School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - David J Wood
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Group, School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9LU, UK
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Kotova SL, Timashev PS, Guller AE, Shekhter AB, Misurkin PI, Bagratashvili VN, Solovieva AB. Collagen structure deterioration in the skin of patients with pelvic organ prolapse determined by atomic force microscopy. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2015; 21:324-333. [PMID: 25740571 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927615000148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to diagnose pathological changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of skin connective tissue in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). POP is a common condition affecting women that considerably decreases the patients' quality of life. Deviations from normal morphology of the skin ECM from patients with POP occur including packing and arrangement of individual collagen fibers and arrangement of collagen fibrils. The nanoindentation study revealed significant deterioration of the mechanical properties of collagen fibril bundles in the skin of POP patients as compared with the skin of healthy subjects. Changes in the skin ECM appeared to correlate well with changes in the ECM of the pelvic ligament tissue associated with POP. AFM data on the ECM structure of normal and pathologically altered connective tissue were in agreement with results of the standard histological study on the same clinical specimens. Thus, AFM and related techniques may serve as independent or complementary diagnostic tools for tracking POP-related pathological changes of connective tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana L Kotova
- 1N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics,Department of Polymers and Composites,4 Kosygin St.,119991,Moscow,Russia
| | - Peter S Timashev
- 2Institute of Laser and Information Technologies,2 Pionerskaya St.,142092,Troitsk,Moscow,Russia
| | - Anna E Guller
- 3Research Institute of Molecular Medicine,I.M. Sechenov First Moscow Medical University,8 Trubetskaya St.,Bldg. 2,119991,Moscow,Russia
| | - Anatoly B Shekhter
- 3Research Institute of Molecular Medicine,I.M. Sechenov First Moscow Medical University,8 Trubetskaya St.,Bldg. 2,119991,Moscow,Russia
| | - Pavel I Misurkin
- 1N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics,Department of Polymers and Composites,4 Kosygin St.,119991,Moscow,Russia
| | - Victor N Bagratashvili
- 2Institute of Laser and Information Technologies,2 Pionerskaya St.,142092,Troitsk,Moscow,Russia
| | - Anna B Solovieva
- 1N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics,Department of Polymers and Composites,4 Kosygin St.,119991,Moscow,Russia
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Kontomaris SV, Yova D, Stylianou A, Balogiannis G. The effects of UV irradiation on collagen D-band revealed by atomic force microscopy. SCANNING 2015; 37:101-11. [PMID: 25521598 DOI: 10.1002/sca.21185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this paper was to investigate the influence of UV irradiation on collagen D-band periodicity by using the AFM imaging and nanoindentation methods. It is well known than UV irradiation is one of the main factors inducing destabilization of collagen molecules. Due to the human's skin chronic exposure to sun light, the research concerning the influence of UV radiation on collagen is of great interest. The impact of UV irradiation on collagen can be studied in nanoscale using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). AFM is a powerful tool as far as surface characterization is concerned, due to its ability to relate high resolution imaging with mechanical properties. Hence, high resolution images of individual collagen fibrils and load-displacement curves on the overlapping and gap regions, under various time intervals of UV exposure, were obtained. The results demonstrated that the UV rays affect the height level differences between the overlapping and gap regions. Under various time intervals of UV exposure, the height difference between overlaps and gaps reduced from ~3.7 nm to ~0.8 nm and the fibril diameters showed an average of 8-10% reduction. In addition, the irradiation influenced the mechanical properties of collagen fibrils. The Young's modulus values were reduced per 66% (overlaps) and 61% (gaps) compared to their initial values. The observed alterations on the structural and the mechanical properties of collagen fibrils are probably a consequence of the polypeptide chain scission due to the impact of the UV irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos V Kontomaris
- Biomedical Optics & Applied Biophysics Lab, Division of Electromagnetics, Electrooptics & Electronic Materials, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Iroon Polytechniou, Athens, Greece; Interuniversity Postgraduate Programme on Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Patras, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the School of Mechanical Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Stylianou A, Yova D, Alexandratou E. Investigation of the influence of UV irradiation on collagen thin films by AFM imaging. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2014; 45:455-68. [PMID: 25491851 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Collagen is the major fibrous extracellular matrix protein and due to its unique properties, it has been widely used as biomaterial, scaffold and cell-substrate. The aim of the paper was to use Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in order to investigate well-characterized collagen thin films after ultraviolet light (UV) irradiation. The films were also used as in vitro culturing substrates in order to investigate the UV-induced alterations to fibroblasts. A special attention was given in the alteration on collagen D-periodicity. For short irradiation times, spectroscopy (fluorescence/absorption) studies demonstrated that photodegradation took place and AFM imaging showed alterations in surface roughness. Also, it was highlighted that UV-irradiation had different effects when it was applied on collagen solution than on films. Concerning fibroblast culturing, it was shown that fibroblast behavior was affected after UV irradiation of both collagen solution and films. Furthermore, after a long irradiation time, collagen fibrils were deformed revealing that collagen fibrils are consisting of multiple shells and D-periodicity occurred on both outer and inner shells. The clarification of the effects of UV light on collagen and the induced modifications of cell behavior on UV-irradiated collagen-based surfaces will contribute to the better understanding of cell-matrix interactions in the nanoscale and will assist in the appropriate use of UV light for sterilizing and photo-cross-linking applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Stylianou
- Biomedical Optics and Applied Biophysics Laboratory, Division of Electromagnetics, Electrooptics and Electronic Materials, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou, Athens 15780 Greece.
| | - Dido Yova
- Biomedical Optics and Applied Biophysics Laboratory, Division of Electromagnetics, Electrooptics and Electronic Materials, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou, Athens 15780 Greece
| | - Eleni Alexandratou
- Biomedical Optics and Applied Biophysics Laboratory, Division of Electromagnetics, Electrooptics and Electronic Materials, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou, Athens 15780 Greece
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