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Liu Y, Gilchrist AE, Heilshorn SC. Engineered Protein Hydrogels as Biomimetic Cellular Scaffolds. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2407794. [PMID: 39233559 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202407794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
The biochemical and biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) play a pivotal role in regulating cellular behaviors such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Engineered protein-based hydrogels, with highly tunable multifunctional properties, have the potential to replicate key features of the native ECM. Formed by self-assembly or crosslinking, engineered protein-based hydrogels can induce a range of cell behaviors through bioactive and functional domains incorporated into the polymer backbone. Using recombinant techniques, the amino acid sequence of the protein backbone can be designed with precise control over the chain-length, folded structure, and cell-interaction sites. In this review, the modular design of engineered protein-based hydrogels from both a molecular- and network-level perspective are discussed, and summarize recent progress and case studies to highlight the diverse strategies used to construct biomimetic scaffolds. This review focuses on amino acid sequences that form structural blocks, bioactive blocks, and stimuli-responsive blocks designed into the protein backbone for highly precise and tunable control of scaffold properties. Both physical and chemical methods to stabilize dynamic protein networks with defined structure and bioactivity for cell culture applications are discussed. Finally, a discussion of future directions of engineered protein-based hydrogels as biomimetic cellular scaffolds is concluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueming Liu
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Aidan E Gilchrist
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis 451 Health Sciences Dr, GBSF 3315, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Sarah C Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, 476 Lomita Mall, McCullough Room 246, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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Feng Z, Wang S, Huang W, Bai W. A potential bilayer skin substitute based on electrospun silk-elastin-like protein nanofiber membrane covered with bacterial cellulose. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 234:113677. [PMID: 38043505 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Skin substitutes are designed to promote wound healing by replacing extracellular matrix. Silk-elastin-like protein is a renewable extracellular matrix-like material that integrated the advantages of silk and elastin-like protein. In this study, electrospun silk-elastin-like protein (SELP) nanofiber membrane covered with bacterial cellulose (BC) was created as a potential skin substitute to mimic gradient structure of epidermis and dermis of skin. The two layers were glued together using adhesive SELP containing 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) converted from tyrosine by tyrosinase. Skin topical drugs commonly used in clinical practice can penetrate through the SELP/BC barrier, and the rate of penetration is proportional to drug concentration. BC with dense fibrous structure can act as a barrier to preserve the inner SELP layer and prevent bacterial invasion, with a blocking permeation efficiency over 99% against four species of bacteria. Cell experiments demonstrated that the reticular fibers of SELP could provide an appropriate growth environment for skin cells proliferation and adhesion, which is considered to promote tissue repair and regeneration. The promising results support this strategy to fabricate a silk-elastin-like protein-based biomaterial for skin substitutes in the clinical treatment of full skin injuries and ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxuan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Wenxin Huang
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Wenqin Bai
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin 300308, China.
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Guo Y, Liu S, Jing D, Liu N, Luo X. The construction of elastin-like polypeptides and their applications in drug delivery system and tissue repair. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:418. [PMID: 37951928 PMCID: PMC10638729 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02184-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are thermally responsive biopolymers derived from natural elastin. These peptides have a low critical solution temperature phase behavior and can be used to prepare stimuli-responsive biomaterials. Through genetic engineering, biomaterials prepared from ELPs can have unique and customizable properties. By adjusting the amino acid sequence and length of ELPs, nanostructures, such as micelles and nanofibers, can be formed. Correspondingly, ELPs have been used for improving the stability and prolonging drug-release time. Furthermore, ELPs have widespread use in tissue repair due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Here, this review summarizes the basic property composition of ELPs and the methods for modulating their phase transition properties, discusses the application of drug delivery system and tissue repair and clarifies the current challenges and future directions of ELPs in applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingshu Guo
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China.
| | - Shiwei Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China
| | - Dan Jing
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China
| | - Nianzu Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China
| | - Xiliang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Optic-Electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China.
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Thede AT, Tang JD, Cocker CE, Harold LJ, Amelung CD, Kittel AR, Taylor PA, Lampe KJ. Effects of Cell-Adhesive Ligand Presentation on Pentapeptide Supramolecular Assembly and Gelation: Simulations and Experiments. Cells Tissues Organs 2023; 212:468-483. [PMID: 37751723 DOI: 10.1159/000534280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex, hierarchical material containing structural and bioactive components. This complexity makes decoupling the effects of biomechanical properties and cell-matrix interactions difficult, especially when studying cellular processes in a 3D environment. Matrix mechanics and cell adhesion are both known regulators of specific cellular processes such as stem cell proliferation and differentiation. However, more information is required about how such variables impact various neural lineages that could, upon transplantation, therapeutically improve neural function after a central nervous system injury or disease. Rapidly Assembling Pentapeptides for Injectable Delivery (RAPID) hydrogels are one biomaterial approach to meet these goals, consisting of a family of peptide sequences that assemble into physical hydrogels in physiological media. In this study, we studied our previously reported supramolecularly-assembling RAPID hydrogels functionalized with the ECM-derived cell-adhesive peptide ligands RGD, IKVAV, and YIGSR. Using molecular dynamics simulations and experimental rheology, we demonstrated that these integrin-binding ligands at physiological concentrations (3-12 mm) did not impact the assembly of the KYFIL peptide system. In simulations, molecular measures of assembly such as hydrogen bonding and pi-pi interactions appeared unaffected by cell-adhesion sequence or concentration. Visualizations of clustering and analysis of solvent-accessible surface area indicated that the integrin-binding domains remained exposed. KYFIL or AYFIL hydrogels containing 3 mm of integrin-binding domains resulted in mechanical properties consistent with their non-functionalized equivalents. This strategy of doping RAPID gels with cell-adhesion sequences allows for the precise tuning of peptide ligand concentration, independent of the rheological properties. The controllability of the RAPID hydrogel system provides an opportunity to investigate the effect of integrin-binding interactions on encapsulated neural cells to discern how hydrogel microenvironment impacts growth, maturation, or differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Thede
- University of Virginia Biomedical Engineering, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - James D Tang
- University of Virginia Chemical Engineering, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Clare E Cocker
- University of Virginia Chemical Engineering, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Liza J Harold
- University of Virginia Biomedical Engineering, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Connor D Amelung
- University of Virginia Biomedical Engineering, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Anna R Kittel
- University of Virginia Biomedical Engineering, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Phillip A Taylor
- University of Virginia Chemical Engineering, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Al-Griw MA, Alghazeer R, Ratemi HW, Ben-Othman ME, Tabagah R, Shamlan G, Habibullah MM, Alnajeebi AM, Babteen NA, Eskandrani AA, Al-Farga A, Alansari WS. Blockade of L-Type Ca 2+ Channel Activity Alleviates Oligodendrocyte Pathology following Brain Injury in Male Rats. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3953-3964. [PMID: 37232721 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of studies suggests that Ca2+ signaling controls a variety of biological processes in brain elements. Activation of L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channels (VOCCs) plays a role in the development of oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage loss, and indicates that the blocking of these channels may be an effective way to inhibit OL lineage cell loss. For this study, 10.5-day-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to generate cerebellar tissue slices. The slice tissues were cultured and randomly allocated to one of four groups (six each) and treated as follows: Group I, (sham control); Group II, 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) only (vehicle control); Group III, injury (INJ); Group IV, (INJ and treatment with NIF). The injury was simulated by exposing the slice tissues to 20 min of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). At 3 days post-treatment, the survival, apoptosis, and proliferation of the OL lineages were measured and compared. Results: In the INJ group, there was a decrease in mature myelin basic protein+ OLs (MBP+ OLs) and their precursors, NG2+ OPCs (Nerve-glia antigen 2+ oligodendrocyte precursor cell), compared with controls. A significant elevation was observed in the NG2+ OPCs and apoptotic MBP+ OLs as confirmed by a TUNEL assay. However, the cell proliferation rate was decreased in NG2+ OPCs. NIF increased OL survival as measured by apoptosis rate in both OL lineages and preserved the rate of proliferation in the NG2+ OPCs. Conclusions: Activation of L-type VOCCs may contribute to OL pathology in association with reduced mitosis of OPCs following brain injury as a strategy to treat demyelinating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Al-Griw
- Department of Histology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli 13203, Libya
| | - Rabia Alghazeer
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli, Tripoli 50676, Libya
| | - Haithm W Ratemi
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology Research Center (BTRC), Tripoli 30313, Libya
| | - Mohamed E Ben-Othman
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli 13662, Libya
| | - Refaat Tabagah
- Division Developmental Biology, Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tripoli, Tripoli 13662, Libya
| | - Ghalia Shamlan
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmmoud M Habibullah
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afnan M Alnajeebi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21577, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf A Babteen
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21577, Saudi Arabia
| | - Areej A Eskandrani
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Medina 30002, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ammar Al-Farga
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21577, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wafa S Alansari
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21577, Saudi Arabia
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Tang X, Wei C, Zhang R, You J, Chen X. CCL21/CCR7 axis regulates demyelination and vascular cognitive impairment in a mouse model for chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Neurol Res 2023; 45:248-259. [PMID: 36215431 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2022.2132456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES White matter lesions (WML) are usually accompanied by cognitive decline, which consist of axonal loss and demyelination. CC chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) and its receptor C-C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) belong to the chemokine family, which are involved in many diseases. However, their function in the central nervous system (CNS) is still unexplored. This study aimed to explore the role of CCL21/CCR7 axis in the pathological process of chronic ischemia-induced WML. METHODS Bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) was employed in C57BL/6 mice as the in vivo WML model. Microarray analysis was performed to detect the overall molecular changes induced in the endothelial cells by BCAS. Q-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining were performed to evaluate expression levels of the related molecules. The mice were injected with LV-CCL21-GFP virus in the corpus callosum to overexpress CCL21. WML degree was determined via MRI, and cognitive ability was assessed by Y-maze and novel object recognition tests. Myelin sheath integrity was evaluated via immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS CCL21 was significantly downregulated in endothelial cells after BCAS and CCL21 overexpression alleviated BCAS-induced cognitive deficits and demyelination. Furthermore, CCR7 was found to be mainly expressed in oligodendrocytes (OLs) after exposed to hypoxia and CCR7 silencing blocked the protective effects induced by CCL21 overexpression. Conclusions CCL21/CCR7 axis may play a key role in demyelination induced by BCAS. This might provide a novel therapeutic target for WML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelian Tang
- These authors have contributed equally to this work and share the first authorship
| | - Cunsheng Wei
- These authors have contributed equally to this work and share the first authorship
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie You
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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González P, González-Fernández C, Maqueda A, Pérez V, Escalera-Anzola S, Rodríguez de Lope Á, Arias FJ, Girotti A, Rodríguez FJ. Silk-Elastin-like Polymers for Acute Intraparenchymal Treatment of the Traumatically Injured Spinal Cord: A First Systematic Experimental Approach. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122713. [PMID: 36559207 PMCID: PMC9784492 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the promising potential of hydrogel-based therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury (SCI), the need for new biomaterials to design effective strategies for SCI treatment and the outstanding properties of silk-elastin-like polymers (SELP), the potential use of SELPs in SCI is currently unknown. In this context, we assessed the effects elicited by the in vivo acute intraparenchymal injection of an SELP named (EIS)2-RGD6 in a clinically relevant model of SCI. After optimization of the injection system, the distribution, structure, biodegradability, and cell infiltration capacity of (EIS)2-RGD6 were assessed. Finally, the effects exerted by the (EIS)2-RGD6 injection-in terms of motor function, myelin preservation, astroglial and microglia/macrophage reactivity, and fibrosis-were evaluated. We found that (EIS)2-RGD6 can be acutely injected in the lesioned spinal cord without inducing further damage, showing a widespread distribution covering all lesioned areas with a single injection and facilitating the formation of a slow-degrading porous scaffold at the lesion site that allows for the infiltration and/or proliferation of endogenous cells with no signs of collapse and without inducing further microglial and astroglial reactivity, as well as even reducing SCI-associated fibrosis. Altogether, these observations suggest that (EIS)2-RGD6-and, by extension, SELPs-could be promising polymers for the design of therapeutic strategies for SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau González
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Alfredo Maqueda
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Virginia Pérez
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Sara Escalera-Anzola
- Smart Devices for NanoMedicine Group University of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
- Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Javier Arias
- Smart Devices for NanoMedicine Group University of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
- Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alessandra Girotti
- Smart Devices for NanoMedicine Group University of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
- Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 47003 Valladolid, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (F.J.R.)
| | - Francisco Javier Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, 45071 Toledo, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (F.J.R.)
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian R. James
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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9
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Liu H, Chen B, Zhu Q. Potential application of hydrogel to the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis. J Biol Eng 2022; 16:10. [PMID: 35395765 PMCID: PMC8991948 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-022-00288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. This disorder may cause progressive and permanent impairment, placing significant physical and psychological strain on sufferers. Each progress in MS therapy marks a significant advancement in neurological research. Hydrogels can serve as a scaffold with high water content, high expansibility, and biocompatibility to improve MS cell proliferation in vitro and therapeutic drug delivery to cells in vivo. Hydrogels may also be utilized as biosensors to detect MS-related proteins. Recent research has employed hydrogels as an adjuvant imaging agent in immunohistochemistry assays. Following an overview of the development and use of hydrogels in MS diagnostic and therapy, this review discussed hydrogel’s advantages and future opportunities in the diagnosis and treatment of MS. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Haochuan Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Xiantai Street No. 126, Changchun, TX, 130031, PR China
| | - Bing Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Xiantai Street No. 126, Changchun, TX, 130031, PR China.
| | - Qingsan Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Xiantai Street No. 126, Changchun, TX, 130031, PR China.
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Gray VP, Amelung CD, Duti IJ, Laudermilch EG, Letteri RA, Lampe KJ. Biomaterials via peptide assembly: Design, characterization, and application in tissue engineering. Acta Biomater 2022; 140:43-75. [PMID: 34710626 PMCID: PMC8829437 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A core challenge in biomaterials, with both fundamental significance and technological relevance, concerns the rational design of bioactive microenvironments. Designed properly, peptides can undergo supramolecular assembly into dynamic, physical hydrogels that mimic the mechanical, topological, and biochemical features of native tissue microenvironments. The relatively facile, inexpensive, and automatable preparation of peptides, coupled with low batch-to-batch variability, motivates the expanded use of assembling peptide hydrogels for biomedical applications. Integral to realizing dynamic peptide assemblies as functional biomaterials for tissue engineering is an understanding of the molecular and macroscopic features that govern assembly, morphology, and biological interactions. In this review, we first discuss the design of assembling peptides, including primary structure (sequence), secondary structure (e.g., α-helix and β-sheets), and molecular interactions that facilitate assembly into multiscale materials with desired properties. Next, we describe characterization tools for elucidating molecular structure and interactions, morphology, bulk properties, and biological functionality. Understanding of these characterization methods enables researchers to access a variety of approaches in this ever-expanding field. Finally, we discuss the biological properties and applications of peptide-based biomaterials for engineering several important tissues. By connecting molecular features and mechanisms of assembling peptides to the material and biological properties, we aim to guide the design and characterization of peptide-based biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Engineering peptide-based biomaterials that mimic the topological and mechanical properties of natural extracellular matrices provide excellent opportunities to direct cell behavior for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Here we review the molecular-scale features of assembling peptides that result in biomaterials that exhibit a variety of relevant extracellular matrix-mimetic properties and promote beneficial cell-biomaterial interactions. Aiming to inspire and guide researchers approaching this challenge from both the peptide biomaterial design and tissue engineering perspectives, we also present characterization tools for understanding the connection between peptide structure and properties and highlight the use of peptide-based biomaterials in neural, orthopedic, cardiac, muscular, and immune engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent P Gray
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, United States
| | - Connor D Amelung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, United States
| | - Israt Jahan Duti
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, United States
| | - Emma G Laudermilch
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, United States
| | - Rachel A Letteri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, United States.
| | - Kyle J Lampe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, United States.
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Mazur RA, Yokosawa R, VandeVord PJ, Lampe KJ. The Need for Tissue Engineered Models to Facilitate the Study of Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells in Traumatic Brain Injury and Repair. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2022.100378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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12
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Nelson DW, Gilbert RJ. Extracellular Matrix-Mimetic Hydrogels for Treating Neural Tissue Injury: A Focus on Fibrin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Elastin-Like Polypeptide Hydrogels. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2101329. [PMID: 34494398 PMCID: PMC8599642 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurological and functional recovery is limited following central nervous system injury and severe injury to the peripheral nervous system. Extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic hydrogels are of particular interest as regenerative scaffolds for the injured nervous system as they provide 3D bioactive interfaces that modulate cellular response to the injury environment and provide naturally degradable scaffolding for effective tissue remodeling. In this review, three unique ECM-mimetic hydrogels used in models of neural injury are reviewed: fibrin hydrogels, which rely on a naturally occurring enzymatic gelation, hyaluronic acid hydrogels, which require chemical modification prior to chemical crosslinking, and elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) hydrogels, which exhibit a temperature-sensitive gelation. The hydrogels are reviewed by summarizing their unique biological properties, their use as drug depots, and their combination with other biomaterials, such as electrospun fibers and nanoparticles. This review is the first to focus on these three ECM-mimetic hydrogels for their use in neural tissue engineering. Additionally, this is the first review to summarize the use of ELP hydrogels for nervous system applications. ECM-mimetic hydrogels have shown great promise in preclinical models of neural injury and future advancements in their design and use can likely lead to viable treatments for patients with neural injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek W Nelson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Ryan J Gilbert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
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