1
|
Ryoo H, Kimmel H, Rondo E, Underhill GH. Advances in high throughput cell culture technologies for therapeutic screening and biological discovery applications. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10627. [PMID: 38818120 PMCID: PMC11135158 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular phenotypes and functional responses are modulated by the signals present in their microenvironment, including extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, tissue mechanical properties, soluble signals and nutrients, and cell-cell interactions. To better recapitulate and analyze these complex signals within the framework of more physiologically relevant culture models, high throughput culture platforms can be transformative. High throughput methodologies enable scientists to extract increasingly robust and broad datasets from individual experiments, screen large numbers of conditions for potential hits, better qualify and predict responses for preclinical applications, and reduce reliance on animal studies. High throughput cell culture systems require uniformity, assay miniaturization, specific target identification, and process simplification. In this review, we detail the various techniques that researchers have used to face these challenges and explore cellular responses in a high throughput manner. We highlight several common approaches including two-dimensional multiwell microplates, microarrays, and microfluidic cell culture systems as well as unencapsulated and encapsulated three-dimensional high throughput cell culture systems, featuring multiwell microplates, micromolds, microwells, microarrays, granular hydrogels, and cell-encapsulated microgels. We also discuss current applications of these high throughput technologies, namely stem cell sourcing, drug discovery and predictive toxicology, and personalized medicine, along with emerging opportunities and future impact areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Ryoo
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Hannah Kimmel
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Evi Rondo
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Gregory H. Underhill
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Khang A, Meyer K, Sacks MS. An Inverse Modeling Approach to Estimate Three-Dimensional Aortic Valve Interstitial Cell Stress Fiber Force Levels. J Biomech Eng 2023; 145:121005. [PMID: 37715307 PMCID: PMC10680985 DOI: 10.1115/1.4063436] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Within the aortic valve (AV) leaflet exists a population of interstitial cells (AVICs) that maintain the constituent tissues by extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion, degradation, and remodeling. AVICs can transition from a quiescent, fibroblast-like phenotype to an activated, myofibroblast phenotype in response to growth or disease. AVIC dysfunction has been implicated in AV disease processes, yet our understanding of AVIC function remains quite limited. A major characteristic of the AVIC phenotype is its contractile state, driven by contractile forces generated by the underlying stress fibers (SF). However, direct assessment of the AVIC SF contractile state and structure within physiologically mimicking three-dimensional environments remains technically challenging, as the size of single SFs are below the resolution of light microscopy. Therefore, in the present study, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) computational approach of AVICs embedded in 3D hydrogels to estimate their SF local orientations and contractile forces. One challenge with this approach is that AVICs will remodel the hydrogel, so that the gel moduli will vary spatially. We thus utilized our previous approach (Khang et al. 2023, "Estimation of Aortic Valve Interstitial Cell-Induced 3D Remodeling of Poly (Ethylene Glycol) Hydrogel Environments Using an Inverse Finite Element Approach," Acta Biomater., 160, pp. 123-133) to define local hydrogel mechanical properties. The AVIC SF model incorporated known cytosol and nucleus mechanical behaviors, with the cell membrane assumed to be perfectly bonded to the surrounding hydrogel. The AVIC SFs were first modeled as locally unidirectional hyperelastic fibers with a contractile force component. An adjoint-based inverse modeling approach was developed to estimate local SF orientation and contractile force. Substantial heterogeneity in SF force and orientations were observed, with the greatest levels of SF alignment and contractile forces occurring in AVIC protrusions. The addition of a dispersed SF orientation to the modeling approach did not substantially alter these findings. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first fully 3D computational contractile cell models which can predict locally varying stress fiber orientation and contractile force levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Khang
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Austin, TX 78712; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 201 East 24th St, Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712-1229
| | - Kenneth Meyer
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Austin, TX 78712; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 201 East 24th St, Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712-1229
| | - Michael S Sacks
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Austin, TX 78712; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 201 East 24th St, Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712-1229
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khang A, Nguyen Q, Feng X, Howsmon DP, Sacks MS. Three-dimensional analysis of hydrogel-imbedded aortic valve interstitial cell shape and its relation to contractile behavior. Acta Biomater 2023; 163:194-209. [PMID: 35085795 PMCID: PMC9309197 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cell-shape is a conglomerate of mechanical, chemical, and biological mechanisms that reflects the cell biophysical state. In a specific application, we consider aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs), which maintain the structure and function of aortic heart valve leaflets. Actomyosin stress fibers help determine AVIC shape and facilitate processes such as adhesion, contraction, and mechanosensing. However, detailed 3D assessment of stress fiber architecture and function is currently impractical. Herein, we assessed AVIC shape and contractile behaviors using hydrogel-based 3D traction force microscopy to intuit the orientation and behavior of AVIC stress fibers. We utilized spherical harmonics (SPHARM) to quantify AVIC geometries through three days of incubation, which demonstrated a shift from a spherical shape to forming substantial protrusions. Furthermore, we assessed changes in post-three day AVIC shape and contractile function within two testing regimes: (1) normal contractile level to relaxation (cytochalasin D), and (2) normal contractile level to hyper-contraction (endothelin-1). In both scenarios, AVICs underwent isovolumic shape changes and produced complex displacement fields within the hydrogel. AVICs were more elongated when relaxed and more spherical in hyper-contraction. Locally, AVIC protrusions contracted along their long axis and expanded in their circumferential direction, indicating predominately axially aligned stress fibers. Furthermore, the magnitude of protrusion displacements was correlated with protrusion length and approached a consistent displacement plateau at a similar critical length across all AVICs. This implied that stress fiber behavior is conserved, despite great variations in AVIC shapes. We anticipate our findings will bolster future investigations into AVIC stress fiber architecture and function. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Within the aortic valve there exists a population of aortic valve interstitial cells, which orchestrate the turnover, secretion, and remodeling of its extracellular matrix, maintaining tissue integrity and ultimately sustaining the proper mechanical function. Alterations in these processes are thought to underlie diseases of the aortic valve, which affect hundreds of thousands domestically and world-wide. Yet, to date, there are no non-surgical treatments for aortic heart valve disease, in part due to our limited understanding of the underlying disease processes. In the present study, we built upon our previous study to include a full 3D analysis of aortic valve interstitial cell shapes at differing contractile levels. The resulting detailed shape and deformation analysis provided insight into the underlying stress-fiber structures and mechanical behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Khang
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 201 East 24th St, Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712-1229, USA
| | - Quan Nguyen
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 201 East 24th St, Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712-1229, USA
| | - Xinzeng Feng
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 201 East 24th St, Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712-1229, USA
| | - Daniel P Howsmon
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 201 East 24th St, Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712-1229, USA
| | - Michael S Sacks
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 201 East 24th St, Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712-1229, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Khang A, Steinman J, Tuscher R, Feng X, Sacks MS. Estimation of aortic valve interstitial cell-induced 3D remodeling of poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel environments using an inverse finite element approach. Acta Biomater 2023; 160:123-133. [PMID: 36812955 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.01.043] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs) reside within the leaflet tissues of the aortic valve and maintain and remodel its extracellular matrix components. Part of this process is a result of AVIC contractility brought about by underlying stress fibers whose behaviors can change in various disease states. Currently, it is challenging to directly investigate AVIC contractile behaviors within dense leaflet tissues. As a result, optically clear poly (ethylene glycol) hydrogel matrices have been used to study AVIC contractility via 3D traction force microscopy (3DTFM). However, the local stiffness of the hydrogel is difficult to measure directly and is further confounded by the remodeling activity of the AVIC. Ambiguity in hydrogel mechanics can lead to large errors in computed cellular tractions. Herein, we developed an inverse computational approach to estimate AVIC-induced remodeling of the hydrogel material. The model was validated with test problems comprised of an experimentally measured AVIC geometry and prescribed modulus fields containing unmodified, stiffened, and degraded regions. The inverse model estimated the ground truth data sets with high accuracy. When applied to AVICs assessed via 3DTFM, the model estimated regions of significant stiffening and degradation in the vicinity of the AVIC. We observed that stiffening was largely localized at AVIC protrusions, likely a result of collagen deposition as confirmed by immunostaining. Degradation was more spatially uniform and present in regions further away from the AVIC, likely a result of enzymatic activity. Looking forward, this approach will allow for more accurate computation of AVIC contractile force levels. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The aortic valve (AV), positioned between the left ventricle and the aorta, prevents retrograde flow into the left ventricle. Within the AV tissues reside a resident population of aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs) that replenish, restore, and remodel extracellular matrix components. Currently, it is technically challenging to directly investigate AVIC contractile behaviors within the dense leaflet tissues. As a result, optically clear hydrogels have been used to study AVIC contractility through means of 3D traction force microscopy. Herein, we developed a method to estimate AVIC-induced remodeling of PEG hydrogels. This method was able to accurately estimate regions of significant stiffening and degradation induced by the AVIC and allows a deeper understanding of AVIC remodeling activity, which can differ in normal and disease conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Khang
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 201 East 24th St, Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712-1229, USA
| | - John Steinman
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 201 East 24th St, Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712-1229, USA
| | - Robin Tuscher
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 201 East 24th St, Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712-1229, USA
| | - Xinzeng Feng
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 201 East 24th St, Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712-1229, USA
| | - Michael S Sacks
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 201 East 24th St, Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712-1229, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Creixell M, Kim H, Mohammadi F, Peyton SR, Meyer AS. Systems approaches to uncovering the contribution of environment-mediated drug resistance. CURRENT OPINION IN SOLID STATE & MATERIALS SCIENCE 2022; 26:101005. [PMID: 36321161 PMCID: PMC9620953 DOI: 10.1016/j.cossms.2022.101005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cancer drug response is heavily influenced by the extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. Despite a clear appreciation that the ECM influences cancer drug response and progression, a unified view of how, where, and when environment-mediated drug resistance contributes to cancer progression has not coalesced. Here, we survey some specific ways in which the ECM contributes to cancer resistance with a focus on how materials development can coincide with systems biology approaches to better understand and perturb this contribution. We argue that part of the reason that environment-mediated resistance remains a perplexing problem is our lack of a wholistic view of the entire range of environments and their impacts on cell behavior. We cover a series of recent experimental and computational tools that will aid exploration of ECM reactions space, and how they might be synergistically integrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Creixell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Hyuna Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst
| | - Farnaz Mohammadi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Shelly R Peyton
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst
| | - Aaron S Meyer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tayler IM, Stowers RS. Engineering hydrogels for personalized disease modeling and regenerative medicine. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:4-22. [PMID: 33882354 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Technological innovations and advances in scientific understanding have created an environment where data can be collected, analyzed, and interpreted at scale, ushering in the era of personalized medicine. The ability to isolate cells from individual patients offers tremendous promise if those cells can be used to generate functional tissue replacements or used in disease modeling to determine optimal treatment strategies. Here, we review recent progress in the use of hydrogels to create artificial cellular microenvironments for personalized tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, as well as to develop personalized disease models. We highlight engineering strategies to control stem cell fate through hydrogel design, and the use of hydrogels in combination with organoids, advanced imaging methods, and novel bioprinting techniques to generate functional tissues. We also discuss the use of hydrogels to study molecular mechanisms underlying diseases and to create personalized in vitro disease models to complement existing pre-clinical models. Continued progress in the development of engineered hydrogels, in combination with other emerging technologies, will be essential to realize the immense potential of personalized medicine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this review, we cover recent advances in hydrogel engineering strategies with applications in personalized medicine. Specifically, we focus on material systems to expand or control differentiation of patient-derived stem cells, and hydrogels to reprogram somatic cells to pluripotent states. We then review applications of hydrogels in developing personalized engineered tissues. We also highlight the use of hydrogel systems as personalized disease models, focusing on specific examples in fibrosis and cancer, and more broadly on drug screening strategies using patient-derived cells and hydrogels. We believe this review will be a valuable contribution to the Special Issue and the readership of Acta Biomaterialia will appreciate the comprehensive overview of the utility of hydrogels in the developing field of personalized medicine.
Collapse
|
7
|
Khang A, Lejeune E, Abbaspour A, Howsmon DP, Sacks MS. On the Three-Dimensional Correlation Between Myofibroblast Shape and Contraction. J Biomech Eng 2021; 143:1107995. [PMID: 33876206 DOI: 10.1115/1.4050915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are responsible for wound healing and tissue repair across all organ systems. In periods of growth and disease, myofibroblasts can undergo a phenotypic transition characterized by an increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition rate, changes in various protein expression (e.g., alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)), and elevated contractility. Cell shape is known to correlate closely with stress-fiber geometry and function and is thus a critical feature of cell biophysical state. However, the relationship between myofibroblast shape and contraction is complex, even as well in regards to steady-state contractile level (basal tonus). At present, the relationship between myofibroblast shape and basal tonus in three-dimensional (3D) environments is poorly understood. Herein, we utilize the aortic valve interstitial cell (AVIC) as a representative myofibroblast to investigate the relationship between basal tonus and overall cell shape. AVICs were embedded within 3D poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels containing degradable peptide crosslinkers, adhesive peptide sequences, and submicron fluorescent microspheres to track the local displacement field. We then developed a methodology to evaluate the correlation between overall AVIC shape and basal tonus induced contraction. We computed a volume averaged stretch tensor ⟨U⟩ for the volume occupied by the AVIC, which had three distinct eigenvalues (λ1,2,3=1.08,0.99, and 0.89), suggesting that AVIC shape is a result of anisotropic contraction. Furthermore, the direction of maximum contraction correlated closely with the longest axis of a bounding ellipsoid enclosing the AVIC. As gel-imbedded AVICs are known to be in a stable state by 3 days of incubation used herein, this finding suggests that the overall quiescent AVIC shape is driven by the underlying stress-fiber directional structure and potentially contraction level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Khang
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Emma Lejeune
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Ali Abbaspour
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Daniel P Howsmon
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Michael S Sacks
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schroeder ME, Gonzalez Rodriguez A, Speckl KF, Walker CJ, Midekssa FS, Grim JC, Weiss RM, Anseth KS. Collagen networks within 3D PEG hydrogels support valvular interstitial cell matrix mineralization. Acta Biomater 2021; 119:197-210. [PMID: 33181362 PMCID: PMC7738375 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Enzymatically degradable hydrogels were designed for the 3D culture of valvular interstitial cells (VICs), and through the incorporation of various functionalities, we aimed to investigate the role of the tissue microenvironment in promoting the osteogenic properties of VICs and matrix mineralization. Specifically, porcine VICs were encapsulated in a poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel crosslinked with a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degradable crosslinker (KCGPQG↓IWGQCK) and formed via a thiol-ene photoclick reaction in the presence or absence of collagen type I to promote matrix mineralization. VIC-laden hydrogels were treated with osteogenic medium for up to 15 days, and the osteogenic response was characterized by the expression of RUNX2 as an early marker of an osteoblast-like phenotype, osteocalcin (OCN) as a marker of a mature osteoblast-like phenotype, and vimentin (VIM) as a marker of the fibroblast phenotype. In addition, matrix mineralization was characterized histologically with Von Kossa stain for calcium phosphate. Osteogenic response was further characterized biochemically with calcium assays, and physically via optical density measurements. When the osteogenic medium was supplemented with calcium chloride, OCN expression was upregulated and mineralization was discernable at 12 days of culture. Finally, this platform was used to screen various drug therapeutics that were assessed for their efficacy in preventing mineralization using optical density as a higher throughput readout. Collectively, these results suggest that matrix composition has a key role in supporting mineralization deposition within diseased valve tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Schroeder
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Andrea Gonzalez Rodriguez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Kelly F Speckl
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Cierra J Walker
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Firaol S Midekssa
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Joseph C Grim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Robert M Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sarkar J, Kumar A. Recent Advances in Biomaterial-Based High-Throughput Platforms. Biotechnol J 2020; 16:e2000288. [PMID: 32914497 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
High-throughput systems allow screening and analysis of large number of samples simultaneously under same conditions. Over recent years, high-throughput systems have found applications in fields other than drug discovery like bioprocess industries, pollutant detection, material microarrays, etc. With the introduction of materials in such HT platforms, the screening system has been enabled for solid phases apart from conventional solution phase. The use of biomaterials has further facilitated cell-based assays in such platforms. Here, the authors have focused on the recent developments in biomaterial-based platforms including the fabricationusing contact and non-contact methods and utilization of such platforms for discovery of novel biomaterials exploiting interaction of biological entities with surface and bulk properties. Finally, the authors have elaborated on the application of the biomaterial-based high-throughput platforms in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, cancer and stem cell studies. The studies show encouraging applications of biomaterial microarrays. However, success in clinical applicability still seems to be a far off task majorly due to absence of robust characterization and analysis techniques. Extensive focus is required for developing personalized medicine, analytical tools and storage/shelf-life of cell laden microarrays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyita Sarkar
- Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai, Marathwada Campus, Jalna, BT-6/7, Biotechnology Park, Additional MIDC Area, Aurangabad Road, Jalna, Maharashtra, 43120, India.,Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208016, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208016, India.,Centre for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208016, India.,Centre for Nanosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208016, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Schiller JL, Lai SK. Tuning Barrier Properties of Biological Hydrogels. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:2875-2890. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
11
|
Scott RA, Robinson KG, Kiick KL, Akins RE. Human Adventitial Fibroblast Phenotype Depends on the Progression of Changes in Substrate Stiffness. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901593. [PMID: 32105417 PMCID: PMC7274877 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) are major contributors to vascular remodeling and maladaptive cascades associated with arterial disease, where AFs both contribute to and respond to alterations in their surrounding matrix. The relationships between matrix modulus and human aortic AF (AoAF) function are investigated using poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels designed with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-sensitive and integrin-binding peptides. Initial equilibrium shear storage moduli for the substrates examined are 0.33, 1.42, and 2.90 kPa; after 42 days of culture, all hydrogels exhibit similar storage moduli (0.3-0.7 kPa) regardless of initial modulus, with encapsulated AoAFs spreading and proliferating. In 10 and 7.5 wt% hydrogels, modulus decreases monotonically throughout culture; however, in 5 wt% hydrogels, modulus increases after an initial 7 days of culture, accompanied by an increase in myofibroblast transdifferentiation and expression of collagen I and III through day 28. Thereafter, significant reductions in both collagens occur, with increased MMP-9 and decreased tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1/-2 production. Releasing cytoskeletal tension or inhibiting cellular protein secretion in 5 wt% hydrogels block the stiffening of the polymer matrix. Results indicate that encapsulated AoAFs initiate cell-mediated matrix remodeling and demonstrate the utility of dynamic 3D systems to elucidate the complex interactions between cell behavior and substrate properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Scott
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 DuPont, Hall, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Nemours - Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, United States
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, 15 Innovation Way, Newark, DE 19711, United States
| | - Karyn G. Robinson
- Nemours - Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, United States
| | - Kristi L. Kiick
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 DuPont, Hall, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, 15 Innovation Way, Newark, DE 19711, United States
| | - Robert E. Akins
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 DuPont, Hall, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Nemours - Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Barros D, Amaral IF, Pêgo AP. Laminin-Inspired Cell-Instructive Microenvironments for Neural Stem Cells. Biomacromolecules 2019; 21:276-293. [PMID: 31789020 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Laminin is a heterotrimeric glycoprotein with a key role in the formation and maintenance of the basement membrane architecture and properties, as well as on the modulation of several biological functions, including cell adhesion, migration, differentiation and matrix-mediated signaling. In the central nervous system (CNS), laminin is differentially expressed during development and homeostasis, with an impact on the modulation of cell function and fate. Within neurogenic niches, laminin is one of the most important and well described extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Specifically, efforts have been made to understand laminin assembly, domain architecture, and interaction of its different bioactive domains with cell surface receptors, soluble signaling molecules, and ECM proteins, to gain insight into the role of this ECM protein and its receptors on the modulation of neurogenesis, both in homeostasis and during repair. This is also expected to provide a rational basis for the design of biomaterial-based matrices mirroring the biological properties of the basement membrane of neural stem cell niches, for application in neural tissue repair and cell transplantation. This review provides a general overview of laminin structure and domain architecture, as well as the main biological functions mediated by this heterotrimeric glycoprotein. The expression and distribution of laminin in the CNS and, more specifically, its role within adult neural stem cell niches is summarized. Additionally, a detailed overview on the use of full-length laminin and laminin derived peptide/recombinant laminin fragments for the development of hydrogels for mimicking the neurogenic niche microenvironment is given. Finally, the main challenges associated with the development of laminin-inspired hydrogels and the hurdles to overcome for these to progress from bench to bedside are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Barros
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde , Universidade do Porto (UPorto) , Porto 4200-153 , Portugal.,INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica , UPorto , Porto 4200-153 , Portugal.,ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar , UPorto , Porto 4200-153 , Portugal
| | - Isabel F Amaral
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde , Universidade do Porto (UPorto) , Porto 4200-153 , Portugal.,INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica , UPorto , Porto 4200-153 , Portugal.,FEUP - Faculdade de Engenharia , UPorto , Porto 4200-153 , Portugal
| | - Ana P Pêgo
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde , Universidade do Porto (UPorto) , Porto 4200-153 , Portugal.,INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica , UPorto , Porto 4200-153 , Portugal.,ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar , UPorto , Porto 4200-153 , Portugal.,FEUP - Faculdade de Engenharia , UPorto , Porto 4200-153 , Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Smithmyer ME, Cassel SE, Kloxin AM. Bridging 2D and 3D culture: probing impact of extracellular environment on fibroblast activation in layered hydrogels. AIChE J 2019; 65. [PMID: 32921797 DOI: 10.1002/aic.16837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Many cell behaviors are significantly affected by cell culture geometry, though it remains unclear which geometry from two- to three-dimensional (2D to 3D) culture is appropriate for probing a specific cell function and mimicking native microenvironments. Toward addressing this, we established a 2.5D culture geometry, enabling initial cell spreading while reducing polarization to bridge between 2D and 3D geometries, and examined the responses of wound healing cells, human pulmonary fibroblasts, within it. To achieve this, we used engineered biomimetic hydrogels formed by photopolymerization, creating robust layered hydrogels with spread fibroblasts at the interface. We found that fibroblast responses were similar between 2D and 2.5D culture and different from 3D culture, with some underlying differences in mechanotransduction. These studies established the 2.5D cell culture geometry in conjunction with biomimetic synthetic matrices as a useful tool for investigations of fibroblast activation with relevance to the study of other cell functions and types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Smithmyer
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark DE, 19716
| | - Samantha E Cassel
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark DE, 19716
| | - April M Kloxin
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark DE, 19716
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark DE. 19716
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Khang A, Gonzalez Rodriguez A, Schroeder ME, Sansom J, Lejeune E, Anseth KS, Sacks MS. Quantifying heart valve interstitial cell contractile state using highly tunable poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels. Acta Biomater 2019; 96:354-367. [PMID: 31323351 PMCID: PMC6717677 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Valve interstitial cells (VIC) are the primary cell type residing within heart valve tissues. In many valve pathologies, VICs become activated and will subsequently profoundly remodel the valve tissue extracellular matrix (ECM). A primary indicator of VIC activation is the upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) stress fibers, which in turn increase VIC contractility. Thus, contractile state reflects VIC activation and ECM biosynthesis levels. In general, cell contraction studies have largely utilized two-dimensional substrates, which are a vastly different micro mechanical environment than 3D native leaflet tissue. To address this limitation, hydrogels have been a popular choice for studying cells in a three-dimensional environment due to their tunable properties and optical transparency, which allows for direct cell visualization. In the present study, we extended the use of hydrogels to study the active contractile behavior of VICs. Aortic VICs (AVIC) were encapsulated within poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels and were subjected to flexural-deformation tests to assess the state of AVIC contraction. Using a finite element model of the experimental setup, we determined the effective shear modulus μ of the constructs. An increase in μ resulting from AVIC active contraction was observed. Results further indicated that AVIC contraction had a more pronounced effect on μ in softer gels (72 ± 21% increase in μ within 2.5 kPa gels) and was dependent upon the availability of adhesion sites (0.5-1 mM CRGDS). The transparency of the gel allowed us to image AVICs directly within the hydrogel, where we observed a time-dependent decrease in volume (time constant τ=3.04 min) when the AVICs were induced into a hypertensive state. Our results indicated that AVIC contraction was regulated by both the intrinsic (unseeded) gel stiffness and the CRGDS peptide concentrations. This finding suggests that AVIC contractile state can be profoundly modulated through their local micro environment using modifiable PEG gels in a 3D micromechanical-emulating environment. Moving forward, this approach has the potential to be used towards delineating normal and diseased VIC biomechanical properties using highly tunable PEG biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Khang
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 240 East 24th Street, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Andrea Gonzalez Rodriguez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Megan E Schroeder
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Jacob Sansom
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 240 East 24th Street, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Emma Lejeune
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 240 East 24th Street, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80309, United States; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80309, United States; Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado at Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO80309, United States
| | - Michael S Sacks
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 240 East 24th Street, Austin, TX 78712, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Brooks EA, Gencoglu MF, Corbett DC, Stevens KR, Peyton SR. An omentum-inspired 3D PEG hydrogel for identifying ECM-drivers of drug resistant ovarian cancer. APL Bioeng 2019; 3:026106. [PMID: 31263798 PMCID: PMC6594836 DOI: 10.1063/1.5091713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is a challenging disease to treat due to poor screening techniques and late diagnosis. There is an urgent need for additional therapy options, as patients recur in 70% of cases. The limited availability of clinical treatment options could be a result of poor predictions in early stage drug screens on standard tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). TCPS does not capture the mechanical and biochemical cues that cells experience in vivo, which can impact how cells will respond to a drug. Therefore, an in vitro model that captures some of the microenvironment features that the cells experience in vivo could provide better insights into drug responses. In this study, we formed 3D multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) in microwells and encapsulated them in 3D omentum-inspired hydrogels. SKOV-3 MCTS were resistant to Paclitaxel in our 3D hydrogels compared to a monolayer on TCPS. Toward clinical application, we tested cells from patients [ovarian carcinoma ascites spheroids (OCAS)] who had been treated with Paclitaxel, and drug responses predicted by using the 3D omentum-inspired hydrogels demonstrated the lack of the Paclitaxel response of these samples. Additionally, we observed the presence of collagen production around the encapsulated SKOV-3 MCTS, but not significantly on TCPS. Our results demonstrated that our 3D omentum-inspired hydrogel is an improved in vitro drug testing platform to study the OvCa drug response for patient-derived cells and helped us identify collagen 3 as a potential driver of Paclitaxel resistance in 3D.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Brooks
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N540 Life Science Laboratories, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9364, USA
| | - Maria F. Gencoglu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N540 Life Science Laboratories, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9364, USA
| | - Daniel C. Corbett
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195-5061, USA
| | - Kelly R. Stevens
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195-5061, USA
| | - Shelly R. Peyton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N540 Life Science Laboratories, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9364, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fernández-Colino A, Iop L, Ventura Ferreira MS, Mela P. Fibrosis in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: treat or trigger? Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 146:17-36. [PMID: 31295523 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a life-threatening pathological condition resulting from a dysfunctional tissue repair process. There is no efficient treatment and organ transplantation is in many cases the only therapeutic option. Here we review tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) approaches to address fibrosis in the cardiovascular system, the kidney, the lung and the liver. These strategies have great potential to achieve repair or replacement of diseased organs by cell- and material-based therapies. However, paradoxically, they might also trigger fibrosis. Cases of TERM interventions with adverse outcome are also included in this review. Furthermore, we emphasize the fact that, although organ engineering is still in its infancy, the advances in the field are leading to biomedically relevant in vitro models with tremendous potential for disease recapitulation and development of therapies. These human tissue models might have increased predictive power for human drug responses thereby reducing the need for animal testing.
Collapse
|
17
|
Schiller JL, Marvin A, McCallen JD, Lai SK. Robust antigen-specific tuning of the nanoscale barrier properties of biogels using matrix-associating IgG and IgM antibodies. Acta Biomater 2019; 89:95-103. [PMID: 30878451 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Biological hydrogels (biogels) are selective barriers that restrict passage of harmful substances yet allow the rapid movement of nutrients and select cells. Current methods to modulate the barrier properties of biogels typically involve bulk changes in order to restrict diffusion by either steric hindrance or direct high-affinity interactions with microstructural constituents. Here, we introduce a third mechanism, based on antibody-based third party anchors that bind specific foreign species but form only weak and transient bonds with biogel constituents. The weak affinity to biogel constituents allows antibody anchors to quickly accumulate on the surface of specific foreign species and facilitates immobilization via multiple crosslinks with the biogel matrix. Using the basement membrane Matrigel® and a mixture of laminin/entactin, we demonstrate that antigen-specific, but not control, IgG and IgM efficiently immobilize a variety of individual nanoparticles. The addition of Salmonella typhimurium-binding IgG to biogel markedly reduced the invasion of these highly motile bacteria. These results underscore a generalized strategy through which the barrier properties of biogels can be readily tuned with molecular specificity against a diverse array of particulates. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biological hydrogels (biogels) are essential in living systems to control the movement of cells and unwanted substances. However, current methods to control transport within biogels rely on altering the microstructure of the biogel matrix at a gross level, either by reducing the pore size to restrict passage through steric hindrance or by chemically modifying the matrix itself. Both methods are either nonspecific or not scalable. Here, we offer a new approach, based on weakly adhesive third-party molecular anchors, that allow for a variety of foreign entities to be trapped within a biogel simultaneously with exceptional potency and molecular specificity, without perturbing the bulk properties of the biogel. This strategy greatly increases our ability to control the properties of biogels at the nanoscale, including those used for wound healing or tissue engineering applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Schiller
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Allison Marvin
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Justin D McCallen
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Samuel K Lai
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Fakhouri AS, Weist JL, Tomusko AR, Leight JL. High-Throughput Three-Dimensional Hydrogel Cell Encapsulation Assay for Measuring Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2019; 17:100-115. [PMID: 30958702 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2018.877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems more closely mimic the in vivo cellular microenvironment than traditional two-dimensional cell culture methods, making them a valuable tool in drug screening assays. However, 3D environments often make analysis of cellular responses more difficult, so most high-throughput (HT) 3D assays have been limited to measurements of cell viability. Yet, many other cell functions contribute to disease and are important pharmacological targets. Therefore, there is a need for new technologies that enable HT measurements of a wider range of cell functions for drug screening. Here, we have adapted a hydrogel system that enables cells to be cultured in a 3D environment and allows for the simultaneous detection of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and metabolic activities. This system was then characterized for utility in HT screening approaches. MMPs are critical regulators of tissue homeostasis and are upregulated in many diseases, such as arthritis and cancer. The developed assay achieved Z'-factor values above 0.9 and 0.5 for enzymatic and cellular assays, respectively, intraplate coefficients of variation (%CV) below 10% and 12%, respectively, and signal measurement was unaffected by dimethyl sulfoxide, a common solvent of therapeutic compounds. Human MMP-1, -2, and -9 resulted in a significant increase in signal intensity. Encapsulation of several cell types produced robust signals above background noise and within the linear range of the assay. Multiple drugs that are known to alter MMP activity were utilized in a range of concentrations with a fibrosarcoma cell line to demonstrate the feasibility of the assay for HT applications. This assay combines 3D cellular encapsulation and MMP activity detection in HT format, which makes it suitable for drug screening and development applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz S Fakhouri
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,2 The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio.,3 Biomedical Technology Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Jessica L Weist
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,2 The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Anthony R Tomusko
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,2 The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jennifer L Leight
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,2 The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Design of Flotation Circuits Using Tabu-Search Algorithms: Multispecies, Equipment Design, and Profitability Parameters. MINERALS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/min9030181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The design of a flotation circuit based on optimization techniques requires a superstructure for representing a set of alternatives, a mathematical model for modeling the alternatives, and an optimization technique for solving the problem. The optimization techniques are classified into exact and approximate methods. The first has been widely used. However, the probability of finding an optimal solution decreases when the problem size increases. Genetic algorithms have been the approximate method used for designing flotation circuits when the studied problems were small. The Tabu-search algorithm (TSA) is an approximate method used for solving combinatorial optimization problems. This algorithm is an adaptive procedure that has the ability to employ many other methods. The TSA uses short-term memory to prevent the algorithm from being trapped in cycles. The TSA has many practical advantages but has not been used for designing flotation circuits. We propose using the TSA for solving the flotation circuit design problem. The TSA implemented in this work applies diversification and intensification strategies: diversification is used for exploring new regions, and intensification for exploring regions close to a good solution. Four cases were analyzed to demonstrate the applicability of the algorithm: different objective function, different mathematical models, and a benchmarking between TSA and Baron solver. The results indicate that the developed algorithm presents the ability to converge to a solution optimal or near optimal for a complex combination of requirements and constraints, whereas other methods do not. TSA and the Baron solver provide similar designs, but TSA is faster. We conclude that the developed TSA could be useful in the design of full-scale concentration circuits.
Collapse
|
20
|
Livingston MK, Morgan MM, Daly WT, Murphy WL, Johnson BP, Beebe DJ, Virumbrales-Muñoz M. Evaluation of PEG-based hydrogel influence on estrogen receptor driven responses in MCF7 breast cancer cells. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:6089-6098. [PMID: 31942444 PMCID: PMC6961958 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicking hydrogel scaffolds have greatly improved the physiological relevance of in vitro assays, but introduce another dimension that creates variability in cell related readouts when compared to traditional 2D cells-on-plastic assays. We have developed a synthetic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based ECM mimicking hydrogel and tested it against two gold standard animal-based naturally derived hydrogel scaffolds in MCF7 cell response. We have used the percent coefficient of variation (CV) as a metric to evaluate the reproducibility of said responses. Results indicated that PEG hydrogels performed similarly to naturally derived gold standards, and variance was similar in basic characterization assays, such as viability and cell adherence. PEG based hydrogels had lower CV values in estrogen receptor driven responses to several doses of estrogen in both estrogen receptor transactivation and estrogen induced proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan K. Livingston
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53726
| | - Molly M. Morgan
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53726
| | - William T. Daly
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 55705
| | - William L. Murphy
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 55705
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Engineering Dr, Madison, WI 53706
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1509 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Brian P. Johnson
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53726
| | - David J. Beebe
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53726
| | - Maria Virumbrales-Muñoz
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53726
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Liu S, Mou S, Zhou C, Guo L, Zhong A, Yang J, Yuan Q, Wang J, Sun J, Wang Z. Off-the-Shelf Biomimetic Graphene Oxide-Collagen Hybrid Scaffolds Wrapped with Osteoinductive Extracellular Matrix for the Repair of Cranial Defects in Rats. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:42948-42958. [PMID: 30421913 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b11071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels such as type I collagen (COL) have been widely studied in bone tissue repair, whereas their weak mechanical strength has limited their clinical application. By adding graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, researchers have successfully improved the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the hydrogels. However, for large bone defects, the osteoinductive and cell adhesion ability of the GO hybrid hydrogels need to be improved. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) secreted extracellular matrix (ECM), which is an intricate network, could provide a biomimetic microenvironment and functional molecules that enhance the cell proliferation and survival rate. To synergize the advantages of MSC-ECM with GO-COL hybrid implants, we developed a novel ECM scaffold construction method. First, an osteoinductive extracellular matrix (OiECM) was created by culturing osteodifferentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for 21 days. Then, the GO-COL scaffold was fully wrapped with the OiECM to construct the OiECM-GO-COL composite for implantation. The morphology, physical properties, biocompatibility, and osteogenic performance of the OiECM-GO-COL implants were assessed in vitro and in vivo (5 mm rat cranial defect model). Both gene expression and cell level assessments suggested that the BMSCs cultured on OiECM-GO-COL implants had a higher proliferation rate and osteogenic ability compared to the COL or GO-COL groups. In vivo results showed that the OiECM-GO-COL implants achieved better repair effects in a rat critical cranial defect model, whereas bone formation in other groups was limited. This study provides a promising strategy, which greatly improves the osteogenic ability and biocompatibility of the GO hydrogels without the procedure of seeding and culturing MSCs on scaffolds in vitro, demonstrating its potential as an off-the-shelf method for bone tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaokai Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1277 Jiefang Avenue , Wuhan 430022 , China
| | - Shan Mou
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1277 Jiefang Avenue , Wuhan 430022 , China
| | - Chuchao Zhou
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1277 Jiefang Avenue , Wuhan 430022 , China
| | - Liang Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1277 Jiefang Avenue , Wuhan 430022 , China
| | - Aimei Zhong
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1277 Jiefang Avenue , Wuhan 430022 , China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1277 Jiefang Avenue , Wuhan 430022 , China
| | - Quan Yuan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1277 Jiefang Avenue , Wuhan 430022 , China
| | - Jiecong Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1277 Jiefang Avenue , Wuhan 430022 , China
| | - Jiaming Sun
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1277 Jiefang Avenue , Wuhan 430022 , China
| | - Zhenxing Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1277 Jiefang Avenue , Wuhan 430022 , China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Su J. Thiol-Mediated Chemoselective Strategies for In Situ Formation of Hydrogels. Gels 2018; 4:E72. [PMID: 30674848 PMCID: PMC6209259 DOI: 10.3390/gels4030072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks composed of hydrated polymer chains and have been a material of choice for many biomedical applications such as drug delivery, biosensing, and tissue engineering due to their unique biocompatibility, tunable physical characteristics, flexible methods of synthesis, and range of constituents. In many cases, methods for crosslinking polymer precursors to form hydrogels would benefit from being highly selective in order to avoid cross-reactivity with components of biological systems leading to adverse effects. Crosslinking reactions involving the thiol group (SH) offer unique opportunities to construct hydrogel materials of diverse properties under mild conditions. This article reviews and comments on thiol-mediated chemoselective and biocompatible strategies for crosslinking natural and synthetic macromolecules to form injectable hydrogels for applications in drug delivery and cell encapsulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Su
- Department of Chemistry, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL 60625, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hao Y, Song J, Ravikrishnan A, Dicker KT, Fowler EW, Zerdoum AB, Li Y, Zhang H, Rajasekaran AK, Fox JM, Jia X. Rapid Bioorthogonal Chemistry Enables in Situ Modulation of the Stem Cell Behavior in 3D without External Triggers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:26016-26027. [PMID: 30015482 PMCID: PMC6214352 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b07632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Chemical modification of engineered microenvironments surrounding living cells represents a means for directing cellular behaviors through cell-matrix interactions. Presented here is a temporally controlled method for modulating the properties of biomimetic, synthetic extracellular matrices (ECM) during live cell culture employing the rapid, bioorthogonal tetrazine ligation with trans-cyclooctene (TCO) dienophiles. This approach is diffusion-controlled, cytocompatible, and does not rely on light, catalysts, or other external triggers. Human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were initially entrapped in a hydrogel prepared using hyaluronic acid carrying sulfhydryl groups (HA-SH) and a hydrophilic polymer bearing both acrylate and tetrazine groups (POM-AT). Inclusion of a matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-degradable peptidic cross-linker enabled hMSC-mediated remodeling of the synthetic environment. The resultant network displayed dangling tetrazine groups for subsequent conjugation with TCO derivatives. Two days later, the stiffness of the matrix was increased by adding chemically modified HA carrying multiple copies of TCO (HA-TCO) to the hMSC growth media surrounding the cell-laden gel construct. In response, cells developed small processes radially around the cell body without a significant alteration of the overall shape. By contrast, modification of the 3D matrix with a TCO-tagged cell-adhesive motif caused the resident cells to undergo significant actin polymerization, changing from a rounded shape to spindle morphology with long cellular processes. After additional 7 days of culture in the growth media, quantitative analysis showed that, at the mRNA level, RGD tagging upregulated cellular expression of MMP1, but downregulated the expression of collagen I/III and tenascin C. RGD tagging, however, was not sufficient to induce the classic osteoblastic, chondrogenic, adipogenic, or fibroblastic/myofibroblastic differentiation. The modular approach allows facile manipulation of synthetic ECM to modulate cell behavior, thus potentially applicable to the engineering of functional tissues or tissue models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Jiyeon Song
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Anitha Ravikrishnan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Kevin T. Dicker
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Eric W. Fowler
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Aidan B. Zerdoum
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - He Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | | | - Joseph M. Fox
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Xinqiao Jia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Smithmyer ME, Spohn JB, Kloxin AM. Probing fibroblast activation in response to extracellular cues with whole protein- or peptide-functionalized step-growth hydrogels. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2018; 4:3304-3316. [PMID: 32494587 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b00491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic hydrogels with well-defined mechanical properties have become invaluable tools for probing cell response to extracellular cues including matrix stiffness and integrin binding. These synthetic matrices are often decorated with either proteins or integrin-binding peptides to promote cell adhesion and to direct or probe cell behavior. For example, both collagen I-functionalized polyacrylamide and peptide-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels have been instrumental in elucidating the role of the elasticity or 'stiffness' of the matrix in promoting fibroblast activation in wound healing and fibrosis. However, the two methods of promoting integrin binding are not often directly compared in the same system, partly owing to differences in material designs, despite the potential differences in the way cells interact with whole proteins and protein mimetic peptides. We hypothesized that such a comparison could provide insight into the ways integrin binding affects fibroblast activation within commonly utilized in vitro cell culture models, and more broadly, to inform the design of materials to modulate fibroblast activation in studies of wound healing and disease. To enable this comparison, we developed a method to conjugate whole proteins to step-growth poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels and investigated fibroblast response to protein-peptide pairs: fibronectin and PHSRN(G)10RGDS or collagen I and (POG)3POGFOGER(POG)4, which are important in matrix remodeling and relevant to fibroblast activation. With this approach, we observed that human pulmonary fibroblasts adopted a similar morphology on fibronectin and PHSRN(G)10RGDS, although with a slight increase in the percentage of alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expressing cells on PHSRN(G)10RGDS. Interestingly, we observed that fibroblasts formed activated clusters on the collagen mimic (POG)3POGFOGER(POG)4 while exhibiting less activation on collagen I. This cell activation and clustering is reminiscent of fibroblast foci that are observed in lung fibrosis, suggesting the relevance of these well-defined polymer-peptide hydrogels for investigating fibrosis and decoupling biochemical and biophysical cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Smithmyer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Joseph B Spohn
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - April M Kloxin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Brooks EA, Jansen LE, Gencoglu MF, Yurkevicz AM, Peyton SR. Complementary, Semiautomated Methods for Creating Multidimensional PEG-Based Biomaterials. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2018; 4:707-718. [PMID: 33418758 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tunable biomaterials that mimic selected features of the extracellular matrix (ECM) such as its stiffness, protein composition, and dimensionality are increasingly popular for studying how cells sense and respond to ECM cues. In the field, there exists a significant trade-off for how complex and how well these biomaterials represent the in vivo microenvironment versus how easy they are to make and how adaptable they are to automated fabrication techniques. To address this need to integrate more complex biomaterials design with high-throughput screening approaches, we present several methods to fabricate synthetic biomaterials in 96-well plates and demonstrate that they can be adapted to semiautomated liquid handling robotics. These platforms include (1) glass bottom plates with covalently attached ECM proteins and (2) hydrogels with tunable stiffness and protein composition with either cells seeded on the surface or (3) laden within the three-dimensional hydrogel matrix. This study includes proof-of-concept results demonstrating control over breast cancer cell line phenotypes via these ECM cues in a semiautomated fashion. We foresee the use of these methods as a mechanism to bridge the gap between high-throughput cell-matrix screening and engineered ECM-mimicking biomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Brooks
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N540 Life Sciences Laboratories, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9364, United States
| | - Lauren E Jansen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N540 Life Sciences Laboratories, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9364, United States
| | - Maria F Gencoglu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N540 Life Sciences Laboratories, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9364, United States
| | - Annali M Yurkevicz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N540 Life Sciences Laboratories, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9364, United States
| | - Shelly R Peyton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N540 Life Sciences Laboratories, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9364, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Aguado BA, Grim JC, Rosales AM, Watson-Capps JJ, Anseth KS. Engineering precision biomaterials for personalized medicine. Sci Transl Med 2018; 10:eaam8645. [PMID: 29343626 PMCID: PMC6079507 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aam8645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
As the demand for precision medicine continues to rise, the "one-size-fits-all" approach to designing medical devices and therapies is becoming increasingly outdated. Biomaterials have considerable potential for transforming precision medicine, but individual patient complexity often necessitates integrating multiple functions into a single device to successfully tailor personalized therapies. Here, we introduce an engineering strategy based on unit operations to provide a unified vocabulary and contextual framework to aid the design of biomaterial-based devices and accelerate their translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Aguado
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Joseph C Grim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Adrianne M Rosales
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | | | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Oliveira MB, Mano JF. Cell-Based Microarrays Using Superhydrophobic Platforms Patterned with Wettable Regions. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1771:11-26. [PMID: 29633201 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7792-5_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The use of patterned platforms to print cellular arrays enables the high-throughput study of cell behavior under a multitude of different conditions. This rapid, cost-saving and systematic way of acquiring biologically relevant information has found application in diverse scientific and industrial fields. In an initial stage of development, platforms targeting high-throughput cellular studies were restricted to standard two-dimensional (2D) setups. The design of novel platforms compatible with three-dimensional (3D) cell culture arose after the elucidation of the extreme importance of culturing cells in matrices resembling the native extracellular matrix-cells and cell-cell interactions. This need for biomimetic environments has been established in fields like drug discovery and testing, disease model development, and regenerative medicine. Here, we provide a description of the processing of flat platforms based on wettability contrast, compatible with the high-throughput generation and study of cell response in 3D biomaterials, including cell-laden hydrogels and porous 3D scaffolds. The application of the aforementioned platforms to produce 3D microtissues, which may find application as tissue models for drug screening or as biomimetic building blocks for tissue engineering, is also addressed. In this chapter, a description of the steps for (1) high-throughput platform processing, (2) deposition of cell and biomaterial arrays, and (3) image-based results screening is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana B Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Huang G, Li F, Zhao X, Ma Y, Li Y, Lin M, Jin G, Lu TJ, Genin GM, Xu F. Functional and Biomimetic Materials for Engineering of the Three-Dimensional Cell Microenvironment. Chem Rev 2017; 117:12764-12850. [PMID: 28991456 PMCID: PMC6494624 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 457] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cell microenvironment has emerged as a key determinant of cell behavior and function in development, physiology, and pathophysiology. The extracellular matrix (ECM) within the cell microenvironment serves not only as a structural foundation for cells but also as a source of three-dimensional (3D) biochemical and biophysical cues that trigger and regulate cell behaviors. Increasing evidence suggests that the 3D character of the microenvironment is required for development of many critical cell responses observed in vivo, fueling a surge in the development of functional and biomimetic materials for engineering the 3D cell microenvironment. Progress in the design of such materials has improved control of cell behaviors in 3D and advanced the fields of tissue regeneration, in vitro tissue models, large-scale cell differentiation, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. However, the field is still in its infancy, and discoveries about the nature of cell-microenvironment interactions continue to overturn much early progress in the field. Key challenges continue to be dissecting the roles of chemistry, structure, mechanics, and electrophysiology in the cell microenvironment, and understanding and harnessing the roles of periodicity and drift in these factors. This review encapsulates where recent advances appear to leave the ever-shifting state of the art, and it highlights areas in which substantial potential and uncertainty remain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoyou Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Fei Li
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science,
Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
- Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical
Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong,
People’s Republic of China
| | - Yufei Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Yuhui Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Min Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Guorui Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Tian Jian Lu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
- MOE Key Laboratory for Multifunctional Materials
and Structures, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049,
People’s Republic of China
| | - Guy M. Genin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering &
Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis 63130, MO,
USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for
Engineering MechanoBiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis 63130,
MO, USA
| | - Feng Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Recent development in cell encapsulations and their therapeutic applications. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017; 77:1247-1260. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2017.04.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
30
|
Usprech J, Romero DA, Amon CH, Simmons CA. Combinatorial screening of 3D biomaterial properties that promote myofibrogenesis for mesenchymal stromal cell-based heart valve tissue engineering. Acta Biomater 2017; 58:34-43. [PMID: 28532900 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The physical and chemical properties of a biomaterial integrate with soluble cues in the cell microenvironment to direct cell fate and function. Predictable biomaterial-based control of integrated cell responses has been investigated with two-dimensional (2D) screening platforms, but integrated responses in 3D have largely not been explored systematically. To address this need, we developed a screening platform using polyethylene glycol norbornene (PEG-NB) as a model biomaterial with which the polymer wt% (to control elastic modulus) and adhesion peptide types (RGD, DGEA, YIGSR) and densities could be controlled independently and combinatorially in arrays of 3D hydrogels. We applied this platform and regression modeling to identify combinations of biomaterial and soluble biochemical (TGF-β1) factors that best promoted myofibrogenesis of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) in order to inform our understanding of regenerative processes for heart valve tissue engineering. In contrast to 2D culture, our screens revealed that soft hydrogels (low PEG-NB wt%) best promoted spread myofibroblastic cells that expressed high levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I. High concentrations of RGD enhanced α-SMA expression in the presence of TGF-β1 and cell spreading regardless of whether TGF-β1 was in the culture medium. Strikingly, combinations of peptides that maximized collagen expression depended on the presence or absence of TGF-β1, indicating that biomaterial properties can modulate MSC response to soluble signals. This combination of a 3D biomaterial array screening platform with statistical modeling is broadly applicable to systematically identify combinations of biomaterial and microenvironmental conditions that optimally guide cell responses. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE We present a novel screening platform and methodology to model and identify how combinations of biomaterial and microenvironmental conditions guide cell phenotypes in 3D. Our approach to systematically identify complex relationships between microenvironmental cues and cell responses enables greater predictive power over cell fate in conditions with interacting material design factors. We demonstrate that this approach not only predicts that mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) myofibrogenesis is promoted by soft, porous 3D biomaterials, but also generated new insights which demonstrate how biomaterial properties can differentially modulate MSC response to soluble signals. An additional benefit of the process includes utilizing both parametric and non parametric analyses which can demonstrate dominant significant trends as well as subtle interactions between biochemical and biomaterial cues.
Collapse
|
31
|
Liu X, Liu R, Gu Y, Ding J. Nonmonotonic Self-Deformation of Cell Nuclei on Topological Surfaces with Micropillar Array. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:18521-18530. [PMID: 28514142 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b04027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Cells respond to the mechanical signals from their surroundings and integrate physiochemical signals to initiate intricate mechanochemical processes. While many studies indicate that topological features of biomaterials impact cellular behaviors profoundly, little research has focused on the nuclear response to a mechanical force generated by a topological surface. Here, we fabricated a polymeric micropillar array with an appropriate dimension to induce a severe self-deformation of cell nuclei and investigated how the nuclear shape changed over time. Intriguingly, the nuclei of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) micropillars exhibited a significant initial deformation followed by a partial recovery, which led to an "overshoot" phenomenon. The treatment of cytochalasin D suppressed the recovery of nuclei, which indicated the involvement of actin cytoskeleton in regulating the recovery at the second stage of nuclear deformation. Additionally, we found that MSCs exhibited different overshoot extents from their differentiated lineage, osteoblasts. These findings enrich the understanding of the role of the cell nucleus in mechanotransduction. As the first quantitative report on nonmonotonic kinetic process of self-deformation of a cell organelle on biomaterials with unique topological surfaces, this study sheds new insight into cell-biomaterial interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangnan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University , Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ruili Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University , Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yexin Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University , Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiandong Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University , Shanghai 200433, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhang N, Milleret V, Thompson-Steckel G, Huang NP, Vörös J, Simona BR, Ehrbar M. Soft Hydrogels Featuring In-Depth Surface Density Gradients for the Simple Establishment of 3D Tissue Models for Screening Applications. SLAS DISCOVERY 2017; 22:635-644. [PMID: 28277889 DOI: 10.1177/2472555217693191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are gaining increasing interest for use in drug development pipelines due to their closer resemblance to human tissues. Hydrogels are the first-choice class of materials to recreate in vitro the 3D extra-cellular matrix (ECM) environment, important in studying cell-ECM interactions and 3D cellular organization and leading to physiologically relevant in vitro tissue models. Here we propose a novel hydrogel platform consisting of a 96-well plate containing pre-cast synthetic PEG-based hydrogels for the simple establishment of 3D (co-)culture systems without the need for the standard encapsulation method. The in-depth density gradient at the surface of the hydrogel promotes the infiltration of cells deposited on top of it. The ability to decouple hydrogel production and cell seeding is intended to simplify the use of hydrogel-based platforms and thus increase their accessibility. Using this platform, we established 3D cultures relevant for studying stem cell differentiation, angiogenesis, and neural and cancer models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- 1 Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,2 State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Vincent Milleret
- 3 Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,4 Ectica Technologies AG, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Greta Thompson-Steckel
- 1 Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ning-Ping Huang
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - János Vörös
- 1 Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Martin Ehrbar
- 3 Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|