Techniques to investigate cellular and molecular interactions in the host response to implanted biomaterials

Alternative methods for assessing biocompatibility and function of implant materials

Biocompatibility testing is used to evaluate the host response to implantable materials and to assess their ability to perform in applications in which they are intended to interact with biological systems. In compliance with international and/or national standards, such assessment is based mainly on the results of experimental implantation into animal tissues. However, the development of in vitro experimental techniques creates new opportunities to observe and to understand the interaction of biomaterials with host tissue. The state-of-the-art application of alternative methods in biocompatibility testing is presented in this review article. It is discussed with respect to the Three Rs concept (reduction, refinement, replacement) of Russell & Burch. Perspectives on alternative methods in biocompatibility studies are discussed with regard to the possible role of biomaterials in tissue engineering.

Microdialysis sampling techniques applied to studies of the foreign body reaction

Implanted materials including drug delivery devices and chemical sensors undergo what is termed the foreign body reaction (FBR). Depending on the device and its intended application, the FBR can have differing consequences. An extensive scientific research effort has been devoted to elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive the FBR. Important, yet relatively unexplored, research includes the localized tissue biochemistry and the chemical signaling events that occur throughout the FBR. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms of the FBR, describes how the FBR affects different implanted devices, and illustrates the role that microdialysis sampling can play in further elucidating the chemical communication processes that drive FBR outcomes.

1,4-Dioxane enhances properties and biocompatibility of polyanionic collagen for tissue engineering applications

Polyanionic collagen obtained from bovine pericardial tissue submitted to alkaline hydrolysis is an acellular matrix with strong potential in tissue engineering. However, increasing the carboxyl content reduces fibril formation and thermal stability compared to the native tissues. In the present work, we propose a chemical protocol based on the association of alkaline hydrolysis with 1,4-dioxane treatment to either attenuate or revert the drastic structural modifications promoted by alkaline treatments. For the characterization of the polyanionic membranes treated with 1,4-dioxane, we found that (1) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows a stronger reorientation and aggregation of collagen microfibrils; (2) histological evaluation reveals recovering of the alignment of collagen fibers and reassociation with elastic fibers; (3) differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) shows an increase in thermal stability; and (4) in biocompatibility assays there is a normal attachment, morphology and proliferation associated with high survival of the mouse fibroblast cell line NIH3T3 in reconstituted membranes, which behave as native membranes. Our conclusions reinforce the ability of 1,4-dioxane to enhance the properties of negatively charged polyanionic collagen associated with its potential use as biomaterials for grafting, cationic drug- or cell-delivery systems and for the coating of cardiovascular devices.

Treatment of diabetes with encapsulated islets

Cell encapsulation has been proposed for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases since it allows for transplantation of cells in the absence of undesired immunosuppression. The technology has been proposed to be a solution for the treatment of diabetes since it potentially allows a mandatory minute-to-minute regulation of glucose levels without side-effects. Encapsulation is based on the principle that transplanted tissue is protected for the host immune system by a semipermeable capsule. Many different concepts of capsules have been tested. During the past two decades three major approaches of encapsulation have been studied. These include (i) intravascular macrocapsules, which are anastomosed to the vascular system as AV shunt, (ii) extravascular macrocapsules, which are mostly diffusion chambers transplanted at different sites and (iii) extravascular microcapsules transplanted in the peritoneal cavity. The advantages and pitfalls of the three approaches are discussed and compared in view of applicability in clinical islet transplantation.

Regional variations in small intestinal submucosa evoke differences in inflammation with subsequent impact on tissue regeneration in the rat bladder augmentation model

OBJECTIVE

To examine the histological differences in the inflammatory response and regenerative outcomes of distal vs proximal porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) grafts in the rat bladder, as SIS from distal small intestine yields reliable and reproducible bladder regeneration, while SIS from proximal portions of small intestine does not provide similar results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In all, 30 Sprague-Dawley rats underwent hemi-cystectomy followed by anastomosis of a bladder patch of SIS prepared from either distal or proximal small intestine. After bladder harvest, immunohistochemistry was used to quantify mast cells, eosinophils, macrophages, and neutrophils (PMNs). Total cell count per unit area was compared across the time course in univariate and logistic regression modelling.

RESULTS

There were more eosinophils and mast cells in proximal SIS grafts, while there were more macrophages and PMNs in distal SIS grafts (all P < 0.05). Trichrome analysis showed increased collagen deposition in proximal SIS grafts and little smooth muscle regeneration. There was also significant graft contracture in proximal SIS grafts compared with distal SIS grafts (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the location of SIS origin may evoke different inflammatory responses, which results in altered bladder tissue regeneration.

Electromagnetic enhancement of a culture of human SAOS-2 osteoblasts seeded onto titanium fiber-mesh scaffolds

The surface properties of a biomaterial are fundamental to determine the response of the host tissue. In the present study, we have followed a particular biomimetic strategy where electromagnetically stimulated SAOS-2 human osteoblasts proliferated and built a calcified extracellular matrix on a titanium fiber-mesh surface. In comparison with control conditions, the electromagnetic stimulation (magnetic field intensity, 2 mT; frequency, 75 Hz) caused higher cell proliferation and increased surface coating with type-I collagen, decorin, and osteopontin (9.8-fold, 11.3-fold, and 9.5-fold, respectively). Reverse transcriptase-polymerase analysis revealed the electromagnetically upregulated transcription specific for the foregoing matrix proteins and for the growth factor TGF-beta1. The immunofluorescence of type-I collagen, decorin, and osteopontin showed their colocalization in the cell-rich areas. The use of an electromagnetic bioreactor aimed at obtaining the surface modification of the biocompatible metallic scaffold in terms of cell colonization and coating with calcified extracellular matrix. The superficially modified biomaterial could be used, in clinical applications, as an implant for bone repair.

Preparation and characterization of D, L-PLA loaded 17-β-Estradiol valerate by emulsion/evaporation methods

PLA microparticles containing 17-β-estradiol valerate were prepared by an emulsion/evaporation method in order to sustain drug release. This system was characterized concerning particle size, particle morphology and the influence of formulation and processing parameters on drug encapsulation and in vitro drug release. The biodegradation of the microparticles was observed by tissue histological analysis. Scanning electron microscopy and particle size analysis showed that the microparticles were spherical, presenting non-aggregated homogeneous surface and had diameters in the range of 718-880 nm (inert micro-particles) and 3-4 µm (drug loaded microparticles). The encapsulation efficiency was ∼80%. Hormone released from microparticles was sustained. An in vivo degradation experiment confirmed that microparticles are biodegradable. The preparation method was shown to be suitable, since the morphological characteristics and efficiency yield were satisfactory. Thus, the method of developed microparticles seems to be a promising system for sustained release of 17-β-estradiol.

Multiplexed cytokine detection of interstitial fluid collected from polymeric hollow tube implants--a feasibility study

Cytokines are important cellular signaling proteins involved in inflammation, wound healing and are thought to direct the foreign body response to implanted materials. In this work, polyurethane tubes (25 mm length, 1.02 mm i.d., and 1.65 mm o.d.) were implanted into subcutaneous tissue of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The tubes served as the biomaterial and a means to collect the interstitial fluid that would be exchanged within the tube lumen and the surrounding tissue. After 3 and 7 days, the tubes were explanted and cytokines in the fluid were quantified with a multiplexed cytokine immunoassay. Six cytokines, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), were simultaneously quantified. All cytokine concentrations with the exception of IL-4 and TNF-alpha ranged between low pg/mL to mid ng/mL levels. Neither TNF-alpha nor IL-4 was detected from any sample. These results illustrate the potential of using the tube materials combined with bead-based immunoassays as a direct method for in vivo collection of multiple cytokines in low microliter sample volumes for fixed day biomaterial implant studies.

Foreign body gingival lesions: distribution, morphology, identification by X-ray energy dispersive analysis and possible origin of foreign material

BACKGROUND

Foreign material may cause and aggravate gingival lesions. This is rarely considered clinically. The lesions are resistant to frequently protracted conventional therapy. The foreign material is often inconspicuous and easily overlooked by the pathologist.

METHODS

85 cases of gingival lesions containing foreign material were investigated by conventional and polarization light microscopy, focusing on the morphology and optical characteristics of the foreign substance. Supplemented with the results of X-ray energy dispersive analysis the foreign material was compared with commonly used dental materials.

RESULTS

The foreign material was most frequently compatible with amalgam. Inconspicuous crystals, often revealed only by polarization microscopy, were most commonly compatible with abrasives, particularly corundum and silicates, and mostly occurred together with amalgam dust.

CONCLUSIONS

Iatrogenic introduction of dental materials during dental procedures explains most foreign body gingival lesions which could be reduced or avoided by prophylactic measures. Pathologists should meticulously scrutinize gingival biopsies routinely applying polarization microscopy.

Digital image analysis for morphometric evaluation of tissue response after implanting alloplastic vascular prostheses

The aim of this study was to examine the suitability of digital image analysis, using the KS400 software system, for the morphometric evaluation of the tissue response after prosthesis implantation in an animal model. Twenty-four female pigs aged 10 weeks were implanted with infrarenal Dacron(R) prostheses for 14, 21, 28, and 116 days. Following the explantation and investigation of the neointima region, the expression of beta-1-integrin, the proliferation rate by means of Ki-67 positive cells, and the intima thickness were evaluated as exemplary parameters of the tissue response after implantation. Frozen tissue sections were immunohistochemically stained and subsequently examined using computer-aided image analysis. A maximum expression of 32.9% was observed for beta-1-integrin 14 days after implantation, gradually declining over time to 9.8% after 116 days. The proliferation rate was found to be 19% on day 14, increasing to 39% on day 21 with a subsequent gradual decline to 5% after 116 days. The intima thickness increased from 189.9 microm on day 14 to 1228.0 microm on day 116. In conclusion, digital image analysis was found to be an efficient and reproducible method for the morphometric evaluation of a peri-prosthetic tissue response.

Molecular basis of cell-biomaterial interaction: insights gained from transcriptomic and proteomic studies

With the growing interest in clinical interventions that involve medical devices, the role for new biomaterials in modern medicine is currently expanding at a phenomenal rate. Failure of most implant materials stems from an inability to predict and control biological phenomena, such as protein adsorption and cell interaction, resulting in an inappropriate host response to the materials. Contemporary advances in biological investigation are starting to shift focus in the biomaterials field, in particular with the advent of high-throughput methodologies for gene and protein expression profiling. Here, we examine the role that emerging transcriptomic and proteomic technologies could play in relation to biomaterial development and usage. Moreover, a number of studies are highlighted which have utilized such approaches in order to try to create a deeper understanding of cell-biomaterial interactions and, hence, improve our ability to predict and control the biocompatibility of new materials.

Alginate-based microcapsules for immunoisolation of pancreatic islets

Transplantation of microencapsulated cells is proposed as a therapy for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases since it allows for transplantation of endocrine cells in the absence of undesired immunosuppression. The technology is based on the principle that foreign cells are protected from the host immune system by an artificial membrane. In spite of the simplicity of the concept, progress in the field of immunoisolation has been hampered for many years due to biocompatibility issues. During the last years important advances have been made in the knowledge of the characteristics and requirements capsules have to meet in order to provide optimal biocompatibility and survival of the enveloped tissue. Novel insight shows that not only the capsules material but also the enveloped cells should be hold responsible for loss of a significant portion of the immunoisolated cells and, thus, failure of the grafts on the long term. Microcapsules without cells can be produced as such that they remain free of any significant foreign body response for prolonged periods of time in both experimental animals and humans. New approaches in which newly discovered inflammatory responses are silenced bring the technology of transplantation of immunoisolated cells close to clinical application.

In vitro studies of calcium phosphate glass ceramics with different solubility with the use of human bone marrow cells

Two glass ceramics in the CaO--P2O5--MgO system with the incorporation of K2O or TiO2 oxides were prepared with the goal of using them as potential bone graft substitutes. The incorporation of TiO2 and K2O led to the preparation of specific crystalline phases in the structure of the glass ceramics, which show different degrees of biodegradation. In fact, the 45CaO--45P2O5--5MgO--5K2O has been previously demonstrated to be much more soluble in aqueous solutions than the 45CaO--37P2O5--5MgO--13TiO2 glass ceramic. The in vitro biological activity of the two calcium phosphate glass ceramics was studied with the use of human bone marrow osteoblast cell cultures maintained for 28 days, and seeded materials were assessed for cell proliferation and function. The Ti-containing glass ceramic showed a stable surface throughout the culture time, on macroscopic and SEM observation. Osteoblast cells proliferated gradually, especially during the third week, with a high alkaline phosphatase activity and formation of a mineralized matrix. On SEM observation, attached cells appeared with a spread-polygonal morphology typical of the osteoblast cells, with extensive cell-to-cell contact. Cell behavior on the seeded material was similar to that found on cultures performed on tissue-culture-grade polystyrene; except for the presence of lower cell numbers during the first 2 weeks. By contrast, the K-containing glass ceramic showed a highly instable surface with dissolution/precipitation processes occurring throughout the culture time. Few cells adhered to the material surface, and subsequent proliferation was also hindered, especially from the first week onwards. Cell numbers were significantly lower than those observed in the Ti-containing glass ceramic during most of the incubation time. Results suggest that the different in vitro biological behavior of these two glass ceramics is mainly due to the significant differences in the surface degradation rate, which is directly correlated to the chemical composition of the mother glass.

Nanoporous microsystems for islet cell replacement

The inadequacy of conventional insulin therapy for the treatment of Type I diabetes has stimulated research on several therapeutic alternatives, including insulin pumps and controlled release systems for insulin. One of the most physiological alternatives to insulin injections is the transplantation of insulin-secreting cells. It is the beta cells of the islets that secrete insulin in response to increasing blood glucose concentrations. Ideally, transplantation of such cells (allografts or xenografts) could restore normoglycemia. However, as with most tissue or cellular transplants, the cellular grafts, particularly xenografts, are subjected to immunorejection in the absence of chronic immunosuppression. Thus, it is of great interest to develop new technologies that may be used for islet cell replacement. This research proposal describes a new approach to cellular delivery based on micro- and nanotechnology. Utilizing this approach, nanoporous biocapsules are bulk and surface micromachined to present uniform and well-controlled pore sizes as small as 7 nm, tailored surface chemistries, and precise microarchitectures, in order to provide immunoisolating microenvironments for cells. Such a design may overcome some of the limitations associated with conventional encapsulation and delivery technologies, including chemical instabilities, material degradation or fracture, and broad membrane pore sizes.

Laminin-5-enriched extracellular matrix accelerates angiogenesis and neovascularization in association with ePTFE

The performance of biomedical implant devices is often limited by inappropriate tissue responses associated with synthetic materials used in device construction. Adverse healing responses, in particular the lack of an extensive vascular supply in the peri-implant tissue, are believed to lead to the ultimate failure of many of these medical devices. Accelerated formation of new blood vessels in the peri-implant tissue and within porous polymeric implants is hypothesized to improve the performance of such biomedical implant devices. The current study evaluated the use of cell-mediated, extracellular matrix modification of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) to increase vessel growth in peri-implant tissue and within the pores of the implants. Discs of ePTFE were modified through cell-mediated matrix deposition using epithelial and endothelial cell lines with variable deposition of collagen types, fibronectin, and laminin types. Cell matrix-modified discs, Matrigel-coated discs, and nonmodified discs were implanted in both the adipose and subcutaneous tissues of the rat. Following a 5-week implant period, samples were removed and evaluated histologically and morphometrically for the presence of blood vessels in the peri-implant tissue and within the pores of the polymer as well as for the presence of activated macrophages and monocytes. A significantly increased presence of activated macrophages and monocytes was associated only with the samples modified with the matrix from a human microvessel endothelial cell line. Increased vessel density was identified in association with those ePTFE samples modified with either the 804-G, HaCaT, or II-4 cell matrices, all of which have extracellular matrices enriched in the protein laminin-5.

Poly(ethylene glycol)-polyacrylate copolymers modified to control adherent monocyte-macrophage physiology: Interactions with attachingStaphylococcus epidermidis orPseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria

The ability of various surface modifications of poly(ethylene glycol)-graft-polyacrylate (PEG-g-PA) copolymers (tethered adhesion peptides and fragments of monoclonal antibodies) to modulate monocyte-macrophage cell interactions with surface colonizing bacteria is reported. The PEG-g-PA copolymers were made to inhibit nonspecific protein and cellular adhesion. The copolymers were then covalently modified with either cell adhesion peptides (YRGDS, YEILDV, or YRGES) or fragments of antibodies to monocyte-macrophage integrin receptors (anti-VLA4, anti-beta(1), anti-beta(2), and anti-CD64), which are known to enhance macrophage adhesion and perhaps modulate their activation. Cytokine expression and phagocytosis response by surface adherent monocyte-macrophages to Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria were quantified. The cytokine expression (interleukins 6 and 1 beta) of adherent macrophages in response to the modified polymers only and to bacterial challenges were quantified by dynamic ELISA assays. The adherent macrophage phagocytic response (oxidative burst) to various materials is compared to oxidative responses to both opsonized and nonopsonized S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa bacteria. The efficiency of adherent macrophages to ingest and kill both species was determined using radiolabeled and fluorescent labeled bacterial cell ingestion studies as a function of the PEG-g-PA surface modification. Materials modified with adhesion peptides marginally enhanced (2x) macrophage attachment versus controls but, upon bacterial challenges, these materials predisposed adherent macrophages to overexpress proinflammatory cytokines and to exhibit a significant phagocytic response. Conversely, PEG-g-PA materials modified by fragments of monoclonal antibodies significantly enhanced (7x) macrophage adhesion but, upon bacterial challenge, "per cell" cytokine expression levels were reduced compared to peptide modified materials. Macrophages adhering to antibody fragment modified surfaces also exhibited sustained enhanced phagocytic response and higher bacterial killing efficiencies when compared with peptide modified materials.

Monocyte/macrophage interactions with base and linear- and star-like PEG-modified PEG-poly(acrylic acid) co-polymers

Poly(ethylene glycol):poly(acrylate) PEG-g-PA co-polymers were made that inhibited nonspecific protein and cellular adhesion. PEG-g-PA co-polymers were then covalently modified with either cell adhesion peptides or fragments of antibodies to monocyte/macrophage integrin receptors (anti-VLA4, anti-beta(1), anti-beta(2), and anti-CD64) known to enhance macrophage adhesion and, perhaps, modulate their activation. Peptides were either directly conjugated to the base material or linked by way of PEO-star tethers. Fragments of the antibody region containing the antigen-binding site (Fab' fragments) were coupled to other PEG-g-PA samples using the sulhydryl end groups on Fab' fragments to amine-bearing PEO stars. Macrophage adhesion rates, phagocytic response (oxidative burst), and cytokine expression were determined for each PEG-g-PA material. Luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence was used as a semiquantitative indication of monocyte-macrophage phagocytic activation (oxidative burst). Macrophage cytokine expression in response to control, base, and modified materials was determined by ELISAs for TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and IL-8. Tissue culture poly(styrene) (TCPS)-mediated the greatest number of adherent monocyte/macrophage cells relative to PEG-g-PA materials. Both YRGDS and YEILDV peptides, whether directly or indirectly (via StarPEO) conjugated to PEG-g-PA, increased adhesion versus controls. Fab' fragments of all four antibodies also promoted enhanced adhesion versus controls. Fab'StarPEO materials presented two orders of magnitude fewer ligands per surface unit area than peptide star materials (10(8) vs. 10(10)), but were able to adhere similar numbers of cells. For surfaces presenting Fab'(VLA-4) or YEILDV, both of which may both bind to a cell's VLA-4 receptor, the Star:VLA4 surface showed a greater number of adherent monocyte/macrophages. This result suggests that the Fab' had a higher affinity to the cell receptor than a corresponding minimal peptide binding sequence. All materials exhibited low oxidative burst (luminescence counts per minute, LCPM) per cell DNA without the addition of exogenous stimuli (LCPM/DNA < 100). Directly conjugated peptide materials, poly(propylene) (PP), and TCPS showed the lowest levels of LCPM/DNA without the addition of exogenous stimulus (LCPM/DNA < 20). There was no correlation between LCPM/DNA ratios, with and without added LPS stimulus, versus the individual substrates. Monocyte/macrophages adherent to TCPS substrata showed the overall highest stimulatory potential in cytokine expression response to exogenous LPS, followed by PP > PEG-g-PA > StarPEO. Cells adherent to peptide-modified materials and Fab'-modified materials were overall less stimulated. The method of presenting the peptides (i.e., directly or via Star PEO) influenced the level of cytokine secreted by the adherent macrophage.

Cell adhesion and cytotoxicity studies over polyanionic collagen surfaces with variable negative charge and wettability

This work describes the cytotoxicity, and the cell adhesion behavior of K562 cell line from human erythroleukemia transfected with the DNA for the alpha(2)beta(1) integrin over type-I collagen matrices with variable degree of carboxyl group and wettability. The results showed that type-I collagen materials with variable degree of carboxyl group prepared by selective hydrolysis of carboxyamide side chains of Asn and Gln residues present in the protein, independently from the extent of side chain hydrolysis, was characterized by preserved triple helix structure for materials with a carboxyl group content up to 87 +/- 17. Imbibition and wettability increased linearly with increasing carboxyl group content from 46 +/- 12 to 87 +/- 17, and no signs of cytotoxicity were detected. Nevertheless, in comparison to native collagen, K562 cell adhesion to PACMs was significantly improved by factors ranging from 1.60 to 1.47x, with the reduction in cell adhesion observed with increasing carboxyl content attributed to a balance between the inhibition of increasing negative charge and the stimulation by increased wettability. On the other hand, the overall improvement of K562 cell adhesion to polyanionic collagen was attributed to the introduction of new distinct motifs described as the minimal active recognition sequence for alpha(2)beta(1) integrins binding with type-I collagen produced as a result of Asn-Gly Glu-Ala alpha2(I)294-297, and Gly Gln-Arg-Gly Val-Val carboxyamide side chains hydrolysis.

Tissue responses against immunoisolating alginate-PLL capsules in the immediate posttransplant period

Alginate-polylysine (PLL) capsules are commonly applied for immunoisolation of living cells for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. Large-scale application of the technique, however, is hampered by insufficient biocompatibility of the capsules with failure of the grafts as a consequence. Most studies addressing biocompatibility issues of alginate-PLL capsules have focused on the degree of overgrowth on the capsules after graft failure and not on the reaction against the capsules in the immediate posttransplant period. Therefore, capsules were implanted in the peritoneal cavity of rats and retrieved 1, 5, and 7 days later for histological examination and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis for evaluation of chemical changes at the capsule surface. After implantation, the nitrogen signal increased from 5% on day 0, to 8.6% on day 7, illustrating protein adsorption on the capsule's surface. This increase in protein content of the membrane was accompanied by an increase in the percentage of overgrown capsules from 0.5 +/- 0.3% on day 1 to 3.3 +/- 1.6% on day 7. The cellular overgrowth was composed of monocytes/macrophages, granulocytes, fibroblasts, erythrocytes, multinucleated giant cells, and basophils. This overgrowth was not statical as generally assumed but rather dynamic as illustrated by our observation that at day 1 after implantation we mainly found monocytes/macrophages and granulocytes that on later time points were substituted by fibroblasts. As the inflammatory reaction predictably interfere with survival of encapsulated cells, efforts should be made to suppress activities or recruitment of inflammatory cells. These efforts may be temporary rather than permanent because most inflammatory cells have disappeared after 2 weeks of implantation.

Study of a (trimethylenecarbonate-co-epsilon-caprolactone) polymer--part 2: in vitro cytocompatibility analysis and in vivo ED1 cell response of a new nerve guide

Future surgical strategies to restore neurological function in peripheral nerve loss may involve replacement of nerve tissue with cultured Schwann cells using biodegradable guiding implants. Random copolymers of trimethylene carbonate and epsilon caprolactone (P(epsilonCL-TMC), 50: 50) have been synthesized by ring opening polymerization using rare earth alkoxides as initiator. Their potential use as nerve guide repairs has been assessed through indirect and direct in vitro biocompatibility tests and in vivo soft tissue response to EDI subclass macrophages. In vitro, we exposed monolayers of human skin fibroblasts and an established continuous cell line (Hela) to liquid extracts (either pure or diluted in the culture medium) of epsilonCL-TMC copolymer including positive (phenol) and negative controls. Then, colorimetric assays (Neutral red and MTT) were performed. The extracts of epsilonCL-TMC induced no significant cytotoxic effect. We also exposed in vitro Schwann cells to pieces of P(epsilonCL-TMC) and P(LA-GA) copolymers. We evaluated cell attachment at 1 and 3 h by measuring the activity of the lysosomal enzyme (N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase) and cell proliferation at 1, 3, 6 and 9 days by measuring the cell metabolic activity (MTT assay). Values for attachment slightly decreased between 1 and 3 h but were significantly higher than on agars (negative control). Cells plated on epsilonCL-TMC showed a rate of proliferation comparable with that of normalized controls and higher than on PGA-PLA at day 9. Finally, we evaluated in vivo the soft tissue response after implantation of cylindrical tubes of P(epsilonCL-TMC) and P(LA-GA) copolymers with an immunohistochemistry staining procedure for the newly recruited ED1 macrophages. An image analysis system automatically measured the optical density of labelled positive ED1 cells at 9, 21 and 60 days after implantation. epsilonCL-TMC copolymer showed a mild soft tissue reaction with no adverse chronic inflammatory reaction. These data allowed us to consider this conduit as a potential effective substitute in nerve repair. El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Western blotting as a method for studying cell-biomaterial interactions: the role of protein collection

Research of cell-biomaterial interactions is building on knowledge and methods available in cell and molecular biology. Western blotting is one of the options to characterize protein expression in cell populations. Method transfer to biomaterial model systems is not trivial because of the structure that exists in many biomaterials, preventing the collection of cell lysate by mechanical means. In this technical report, we describe the influence of different protein collection methods in a model system for cell-biomaterial interactions, consisting of endothelial cells exposed to different stimuli. In particular, the influence of trypsinization before lysis, and handling complexity were determined. The results of this study indicate that many changes in proteins occur because of the intermediate enzymatic treatment, despite the use of ice-cold solutions and protease and tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors throughout the procedure. Protein degradation and slight depressions in molecular weight were observed. The enzymatic treatment induced a changed cell status associated with detachment from the substratum. Western blotting of lysates of cells obtained through enzymatic harvest therefore can only be used with internal controls for the assessment of artifacts introduced by trypsinization, or alternative methods should be sought.

Technology of mammalian cell encapsulation

Entrapment of mammalian cells in physical membranes has been practiced since the early 1950s when it was originally introduced as a basic research tool. The method has since been developed based on the promise of its therapeutic usefulness in tissue transplantation. Encapsulation physically isolates a cell mass from an outside environment and aims to maintain normal cellular physiology within a desired permeability barrier. Numerous encapsulation techniques have been developed over the years. These techniques are generally classified as microencapsulation (involving small spherical vehicles and conformally coated tissues) and macroencapsulation (involving larger flat-sheet and hollow-fiber membranes). This review is intended to summarize techniques of cell encapsulation as well as methods for evaluating the performance of encapsulated cells. The techniques reviewed include microencapsulation with polyelectrolyte complexation emphasizing alginate-polylysine capsules, thermoreversible gelation with agarose as a prototype system, interfacial precipitation and interfacial polymerization, as well as the technology of flat sheet and hollow fiber-based macroencapsulation. Four aspects of encapsulated cells that are critical for the success of the technology, namely the capsule permeability, mechanical properties, immune protection and biocompatibility, have been singled out and methods to evaluate these properties were summarized. Finally, speculations regarding future directions of cell encapsulation research and device development are included from the authors' perspective.