1
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Nejati S, Mongeau L. In Vitro Investigation of Vocal Fold Cellular Response to Variations in Hydrogel Porosity and Elasticity. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:3909-3922. [PMID: 38783819 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00197] [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] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Tissue regeneration is intricately influenced by the dynamic interplay between the physical attributes of tissue engineering scaffolds and the resulting biological responses. A tunable microporous hydrogel system was engineered using gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), with polyethylene glycol (PEG) serving as a porogen. Through systematic variation of PEGDA molecular weights, hydrogels with varying mechanical and architectural properties were obtained. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the impact of substrate mechanics and architecture on the immunological and reparative activities of vocal fold tissues. Mechanical characterization of the hydrogels was performed using tensile strength measurements and rheometry. Their morphological properties were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy. A series of biological assays were conducted. Cellular morphology, differentiation, and collagen synthesis of human vocal fold fibroblasts (hVFFs) were evaluated using immunostaining. Fibroblast proliferation was studied using the WST-1 assay, and cell migration was investigated via the Boyden chamber assay. Macrophage polarization and secretions were also examined using immunostaining and ELISA. The results revealed that increasing the molecular weight of PEGDA from 700 Da to 10,000 Da resulted in decreased hydrogel stiffness, from 62.6 to 8.8 kPa, and increased pore dimensions from approximately 64.9 to 137.4 μm. Biological evaluations revealed that hydrogels with a higher stiffness promoted fibroblast proliferation and spreading, albeit with an increased propensity for fibrosis, as indicated by a surge in myofibroblast differentiation and collagen synthesis. In contrast, hydrogels with greater molecular weights had a softer matrix with expanded pores, enhancing cellular migration and promoting an M2 macrophage phenotype conducive to tissue healing. The findings show that the hydrogels formulated with a PEGDA molecular weight of 6000 Da are best among the hydrogels considered for vocal fold repair. The microporous hydrogels could be tuned to serve in other tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nejati
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Luc Mongeau
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C3, Canada
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2
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Curry CW, Sturgeon SM, O'Grady BJ, Yates A, Kjar A, Paige H, Mowery LS, Katdare KA, Patel R, Mlouk K, Stiefbold MR, Vafaie-Partin S, Kawabata A, McKee R, Moore-Lotridge S, Hawkes A, Kusunose J, Gibson-Corley KN, Schmeckpeper J, Schoenecker JG, Caskey CF, Lippmann ES. Growth factor free, peptide-functionalized gelatin hydrogel promotes arteriogenesis and attenuates tissue damage in a murine model of critical limb ischemia. Biomaterials 2023; 303:122397. [PMID: 37979513 PMCID: PMC10843678 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) occurs when blood flow is restricted through the arteries, resulting in ulcers, necrosis, and chronic wounds in the downstream extremities. The development of collateral arterioles (i.e. arteriogenesis), either by remodeling of pre-existing vascular networks or de novo growth of new vessels, can prevent or reverse ischemic damage, but it remains challenging to stimulate collateral arteriole development in a therapeutic context. Here, we show that a gelatin-based hydrogel, devoid of growth factors or encapsulated cells, promotes arteriogenesis and attenuates tissue damage in a murine CLI model. The gelatin hydrogel is functionalized with a peptide derived from the extracellular epitope of Type 1 cadherins. Mechanistically, these "GelCad" hydrogels promote arteriogenesis by recruiting smooth muscle cells to vessel structures in both ex vivo and in vivo assays. In a murine femoral artery ligation model of CLI, delivery of in situ crosslinking GelCad hydrogels was sufficient to restore limb perfusion and maintain tissue health for 14 days, whereas mice treated with gelatin hydrogels had extensive necrosis and autoamputated within 7 days. A small cohort of mice receiving the GelCad hydrogels were aged out to 5 months and exhibited no decline in tissue quality, indicating durability of the collateral arteriole networks. Overall, given the simplicity and off-the-shelf format of the GelCad hydrogel platform, we suggest it could have utility for CLI treatment and potentially other indications that would benefit from arteriole development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne W Curry
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sarah M Sturgeon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brian J O'Grady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alexis Yates
- Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrew Kjar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hayden Paige
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lucas S Mowery
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ketaki A Katdare
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Riya Patel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kate Mlouk
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Madison R Stiefbold
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sidney Vafaie-Partin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Atsuyuki Kawabata
- Department of Orthopedics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rachel McKee
- Department of Orthopedics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Adrienne Hawkes
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jiro Kusunose
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Katherine N Gibson-Corley
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Comparative Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schmeckpeper
- Department of Cardiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Charles F Caskey
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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3
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Sarma S, Deka DJ, Rajak P, Laloo D, Das T, Chetia P, Saha D, Bharali A, Deka B. Potential injectable hydrogels as biomaterials for central nervous system injury: A narrative review. IBRAIN 2023; 9:402-420. [PMID: 38680508 PMCID: PMC11045191 DOI: 10.1002/ibra.12137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Numerous modalities exist through which the central nervous system (CNS) may sustain injury or impairment, encompassing traumatic incidents, stroke occurrences, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Presently available pharmacological and therapeutic interventions are incapable of restoring or regenerating damaged CNS tissue, leading to substantial unmet clinical needs among patients with CNS ailments or injuries. To address and facilitate the recovery of the impaired CNS, cell-based repair strategies encompass multiple mechanisms, such as neuronal replacement, therapeutic factor secretion, and the promotion of host brain plasticity. Despite the progression of cell-based CNS reparation as a therapeutic strategy throughout the years, substantial barriers have impeded its widespread implementation in clinical settings. The integration of cell technologies with advancements in regenerative medicine utilizing biomaterials and tissue engineering has recently facilitated the surmounting of several of these impediments. This comprehensive review presents an overview of distinct CNS conditions necessitating cell reparation, in addition to exploring potential biomaterial methodologies that enhance the efficacy of treating brain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santa Sarma
- Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical ScienceAssam Science and Technology UniversityGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Dhruva J. Deka
- Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical ScienceAssam Science and Technology UniversityGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Prakash Rajak
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesDibrugarh UniversityDibrugarhAssamIndia
| | - Damiki Laloo
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGirijananda Chowdhury UniversityGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Trishna Das
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGirijananda Chowdhury UniversityGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Purbajit Chetia
- Department of PharmacologyNETES Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Nemcare Group of Institutes, MirzaGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Dipankar Saha
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGirijananda Chowdhury UniversityGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Alakesh Bharali
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesDibrugarh UniversityDibrugarhAssamIndia
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGirijananda Chowdhury UniversityGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Bhargab Deka
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGirijananda Chowdhury UniversityGuwahatiAssamIndia
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4
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Gan Z, Qin X, Liu H, Liu J, Qin J. Recent advances in defined hydrogels in organoid research. Bioact Mater 2023; 28:386-401. [PMID: 37334069 PMCID: PMC10273284 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Organoids are in vitro model systems that mimic the complexity of organs with multicellular structures and functions, which provide great potential for biomedical and tissue engineering. However, their current formation heavily relies on using complex animal-derived extracellular matrices (ECM), such as Matrigel. These matrices are often poorly defined in chemical components and exhibit limited tunability and reproducibility. Recently, the biochemical and biophysical properties of defined hydrogels can be precisely tuned, offering broader opportunities to support the development and maturation of organoids. In this review, the fundamental properties of ECM in vivo and critical strategies to design matrices for organoid culture are summarized. Two typically defined hydrogels derived from natural and synthetic polymers for their applicability to improve organoids formation are presented. The representative applications of incorporating organoids into defined hydrogels are highlighted. Finally, some challenges and future perspectives are also discussed in developing defined hydrogels and advanced technologies toward supporting organoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiao Gan
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinyuan Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jiayue Liu
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215123, China
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5
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Romero-Fernandez W, Carvajal-Tapia C, Prusky A, Katdare KA, Wang E, Shostak A, Ventura-Antunes L, Harmsen HJ, Lippmann ES, Fuxe K, MacGurn JA, Borroto-Escuela DO, Schrag MS. Detection, visualization and quantification of protein complexes in human Alzheimer's disease brains using proximity ligation assay. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11948. [PMID: 37488165 PMCID: PMC10366145 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38000-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Examination of healthy and diseased human brain is essential to translational neuroscience. Protein-protein interactions play a pivotal role in physiological and pathological processes, but their detection is difficult, especially in aged and fixed human brain tissue. We used the in-situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) to broaden the range of molecular interactions assessable in-situ in the human neuropathology. We adapted fluorescent in-situ PLA to detect ubiquitin-modified proteins in human brains with Alzheimer's disease (AD), including approaches for the management of autofluorescence and quantification using a high-content image analysis system. We confirmed that phosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau (Serine202, Threonine205) aggregates were modified by ubiquitin and that phospho-tau-ubiquitin complexes were increased in hippocampal and frontal cortex regions in AD compared to non-AD brains. Overall, we refined PLA for use in human neuropathology, which has revealed a profound change in the distribution of ubiquitin in AD brain and its association with characteristic tau pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilber Romero-Fernandez
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, MRBIII 465 21St Avenue S, Suite 6158, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA.
| | - Cristian Carvajal-Tapia
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, MRBIII 465 21St Avenue S, Suite 6158, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - Alex Prusky
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, MRBIII 465 21St Avenue S, Suite 6158, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - Ketaki A Katdare
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Emmeline Wang
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, MRBIII 465 21St Avenue S, Suite 6158, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - Alena Shostak
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, MRBIII 465 21St Avenue S, Suite 6158, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - Lissa Ventura-Antunes
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, MRBIII 465 21St Avenue S, Suite 6158, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - Hannah J Harmsen
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, MRBIII 465 21St Avenue S, Suite 6158, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Solna, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jason A MacGurn
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - Dasiel O Borroto-Escuela
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Solna, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Department of Human Physiology, Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaga, Edificio Lopez-Penalver, Jimenez Fraud 10, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Matthew S Schrag
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, MRBIII 465 21St Avenue S, Suite 6158, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA.
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.
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6
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Curry CW, Sturgeon SM, O’Grady BJ, Yates AK, Kjar A, Paige HA, Mowery LS, Katdare KA, Patel RV, Mlouk K, Stiefbold MR, Vafaie-Partin S, Kawabata A, McKee RM, Moore-Lotridge S, Hawkes A, Kusunose J, Gibson-Corley KN, Schmeckpeper J, Schoenecker JG, Caskey CF, Lippmann ES. Growth factor-free, peptide-functionalized gelatin hydrogel promotes arteriogenesis and attenuates tissue damage in a murine model of critical limb ischemia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.24.542150. [PMID: 37292898 PMCID: PMC10245920 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.24.542150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) occurs when blood flow is restricted through the arteries, resulting in ulcers, necrosis, and chronic wounds in the downstream extremities. The development of collateral arterioles (i.e. arteriogenesis), either by remodeling of pre-existing vascular networks or de novo growth of new vessels, can prevent or reverse ischemic damage, but it remains challenging to stimulate collateral arteriole development in a therapeutic context. Here, we show that a gelatin-based hydrogel, devoid of growth factors or encapsulated cells, promotes arteriogenesis and attenuates tissue damage in a murine CLI model. The gelatin hydrogel is functionalized with a peptide derived from the extracellular epitope of Type 1 cadherins. Mechanistically, these "GelCad" hydrogels promote arteriogenesis by recruiting smooth muscle cells to vessel structures in both ex vivo and in vivo assays. In a murine femoral artery ligation model of CLI, delivery of in situ crosslinking GelCad hydrogels was sufficient to restore limb perfusion and maintain tissue health for 14 days, whereas mice treated with gelatin hydrogels had extensive necrosis and autoamputated within 7 days. A small cohort of mice receiving the GelCad hydrogels were aged out to 5 months and exhibited no decline in tissue quality, indicating durability of the collateral arteriole networks. Overall, given the simplicity and off-the-shelf format of the GelCad hydrogel platform, we suggest it could have utility for CLI treatment and potentially other indications that would benefit from arteriole development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne W. Curry
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sarah M. Sturgeon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brian J. O’Grady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alexis K. Yates
- Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrew Kjar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hayden A. Paige
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lucas S. Mowery
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ketaki A. Katdare
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Riya V. Patel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kate Mlouk
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Madison R. Stiefbold
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sidney Vafaie-Partin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Atsuyuki Kawabata
- Department of Orthopedics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rachel M. McKee
- Department of Orthopedics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Adrienne Hawkes
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jiro Kusunose
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Katherine N. Gibson-Corley
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Comparative Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schmeckpeper
- Department of Cardiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Charles F. Caskey
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ethan S. Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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7
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Ligorio C, Mata A. Synthetic extracellular matrices with function-encoding peptides. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:1-19. [PMID: 37359773 PMCID: PMC10127181 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00055-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The communication of cells with their surroundings is mostly encoded in the epitopes of structural and signalling proteins present in the extracellular matrix (ECM). These peptide epitopes can be incorporated in biomaterials to serve as function-encoding molecules to modulate cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions. In this Review, we discuss natural and synthetic peptide epitopes as molecular tools to bioengineer bioactive hydrogel materials. We present a library of functional peptide sequences that selectively communicate with cells and the ECM to coordinate biological processes, including epitopes that directly signal to cells, that bind ECM components that subsequently signal to cells, and that regulate ECM turnover. We highlight how these epitopes can be incorporated in different biomaterials as individual or multiple signals, working synergistically or additively. This molecular toolbox can be applied in the design of biomaterials aimed at regulating or controlling cellular and tissue function, repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Ligorio
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alvaro Mata
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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8
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Kaur H, Sharma P, Pal VK, Sen S, Roy S. Exploring Supramolecular Interactions between the Extracellular-Matrix-Derived Minimalist Bioactive Peptide and Nanofibrillar Cellulose for the Development of an Advanced Biomolecular Scaffold. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:1422-1436. [PMID: 36826412 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
It has been increasingly evident over the last few years that bioactive peptide hydrogels in conjugation with polymer hydrogels are emerging as a new class of supramolecular materials suitable for various biomedical applications owing to their specificity, tunability, and nontoxicity toward the biological system. Despite their unique biocompatible features, both polymer- and peptide-based scaffolds suffer from certain limitations, which restrict their use toward developing efficient matrices for controlling cellular behavior. The peptide hydrogels usually form soft matrices with low mechanical strength, whereas most of the polymer hydrogels lack biofunctionality. In this direction, combining polymers with peptides to develop a conjugate hydrogel can be explored as an emergent approach to overcome the limitations of the individual components. The polymer will provide high mechanical strength, whereas the biofunctionality of the material can be induced by the bioactive peptide sequence. In this study, we utilized TEMPO-oxidized nanofibrillar cellulose as the polymer counterpart, which was co-assembled with a short N-cadherin mimetic bioactive peptide sequence, Nap-HAVDI, to fabricate an NFC-peptide conjugate hydrogel. Interestingly, the mechanical strength of the peptide hydrogel was found to be significantly improved by combining the peptide with the NFC in the conjugate hydrogel. The addition of the peptide into the NFC also reduced the pore size within NFC matrices, which further helped in improving cellular adhesion, survival, and proliferation. Furthermore, the cells grown on the NFC and NFC-peptide hybrid hydrogel demonstrated normal expression of cytoskeleton proteins, i.e., β-tubulin in C6 cells and actin in L929 cells, respectively. The selective response of neuronal cells toward the specific bioactive peptide was further observed through a protein expression study. Thus, our study demonstrated the collective role of the cellulose-peptide composite material that revealed superior physical properties and biological response of this composite scaffold, which may open up a new platform for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsimran Kaur
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector 81, Knowledge City, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Pooja Sharma
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector 81, Knowledge City, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Vijay K Pal
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector 81, Knowledge City, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Sourav Sen
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector 81, Knowledge City, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Sangita Roy
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector 81, Knowledge City, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
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9
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Romero-Fernandez W, Carvajal-Tapia C, Prusky A, Katdare K, Wang E, Shostak A, Ventura-Antunes L, Harmsen H, Lippmann E, Borroto-Escuela D, MacGurn J, Fuxe K, Schrag M. Detection, Visualization and Quantification of Protein Complexes in Human Alzheimer's Disease Brains using Proximity Ligation Assay. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2570335. [PMID: 36824944 PMCID: PMC9949263 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2570335/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Examination of healthy and diseased human brain is essential to translational neuroscience. Protein-protein interactions play a pivotal role in physiological and pathological processes, but their detection is difficult, especially in aged and fixed human brain tissue. We used the proximity ligation assay (PLA) to broaden the range of molecular interactions assessable in-situ in human neuropathology. We adapted fluorescent in-situ PLA to detect ubiquitin-modified proteins in human brains with Alzheimer's disease (AD), including approaches for the management of autofluorescence and quantification using a high-content image analysis system. We confirmed that hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau (Serine202, Threonine205) aggregates were modified by ubiquitin and that phospho-tau-ubiquitin complexes were increased in hippocampal and frontal cortex regions in AD compared to non-AD brains. Overall, we refined PLA for use in human neuropathology, which has revealed a profound change in the distribution of ubiquitin in AD brain and its association with characteristic tau pathologies.
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10
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Martinez B, Peplow PV. Biomaterial and tissue-engineering strategies for the treatment of brain neurodegeneration. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:2108-2116. [PMID: 35259816 PMCID: PMC9083174 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.336132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing due to changing age demographics and the incidence of sports-related traumatic brain injury is tending to increase over time. Currently approved medicines for neurodegenerative diseases only temporarily reduce the symptoms but cannot cure or delay disease progression. Cell transplantation strategies offer an alternative approach to facilitating central nervous system repair, but efficacy is limited by low in vivo survival rates of cells that are injected in suspension. Transplanting cells that are attached to or encapsulated within a suitable biomaterial construct has the advantage of enhancing cell survival in vivo. A variety of biomaterials have been used to make constructs in different types that included nanoparticles, nanotubes, microspheres, microscale fibrous scaffolds, as well as scaffolds made of gels and in the form of micro-columns. Among these, Tween 80-methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles loaded with rhynchophylline had higher transport across a blood-brain barrier model and decreased cell death in an in vitro model of Alzheimer’s disease than rhynchophylline or untreated nanoparticles with rhynchophylline. In an in vitro model of Parkinson’s disease, trans-activating transcriptor bioconjugated with zwitterionic polymer poly(2-methacryoyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) and protein-based nanoparticles loaded with non-Fe hemin had a similar protective ability as free non-Fe hemin. A positive effect on neuron survival in several in vivo models of Parkinson’s disease was associated with the use of biomaterial constructs such as trans-activating transcriptor bioconjugated with zwitterionic polymer poly(2-methacryoyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) and protein-based nanoparticles loaded with non-Fe hemin, carbon nanotubes with olfactory bulb stem cells, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres with attached DI-MIAMI cells, ventral midbrain neurons mixed with short fibers of poly-(L-lactic acid) scaffolds and reacted with xyloglucan with/without glial-derived neurotrophic factor, ventral midbrain neurons mixed with Fmoc-DIKVAV hydrogel with/without glial-derived neurotrophic factor. Further studies with in vivo models of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are warranted especially using transplantation of cells in agarose micro-columns with an inner lumen filled with an appropriate extracellular matrix material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Martinez
- Department of Medicine, St. Georges University School of Medicine, Grenada
| | - Philip V Peplow
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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11
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O'Grady BJ, Geuy MD, Kim H, Balotin KM, Allchin ER, Florian DC, Bute NN, Scott TE, Lowen GB, Fricker CM, Fitzgerald ML, Guelcher SA, Wikswo JP, Bellan LM, Lippmann ES. Rapid prototyping of cell culture microdevices using parylene-coated 3D prints. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4814-4822. [PMID: 34787148 PMCID: PMC8717820 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00744k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Fabrication of microfluidic devices by photolithography generally requires specialized training and access to a cleanroom. As an alternative, 3D printing enables cost-effective fabrication of microdevices with complex features that would be suitable for many biomedical applications. However, commonly used resins are cytotoxic and unsuitable for devices involving cells. Furthermore, 3D prints are generally refractory to elastomer polymerization such that they cannot be used as master molds for fabricating devices from polymers (e.g. polydimethylsiloxane, or PDMS). Different post-print treatment strategies, such as heat curing, ultraviolet light exposure, and coating with silanes, have been explored to overcome these obstacles, but none have proven universally effective. Here, we show that deposition of a thin layer of parylene, a polymer commonly used for medical device applications, renders 3D prints biocompatible and allows them to be used as master molds for elastomeric device fabrication. When placed in culture dishes containing human neurons, regardless of resin type, uncoated 3D prints leached toxic material to yield complete cell death within 48 hours, whereas cells exhibited uniform viability and healthy morphology out to 21 days if the prints were coated with parylene. Diverse PDMS devices of different shapes and sizes were easily cast from parylene-coated 3D printed molds without any visible defects. As a proof-of-concept, we rapid prototyped and tested different types of PDMS devices, including triple chamber perfusion chips, droplet generators, and microwells. Overall, we suggest that the simplicity and reproducibility of this technique will make it attractive for fabricating traditional microdevices and rapid prototyping new designs. In particular, by minimizing user intervention on the fabrication and post-print treatment steps, our strategy could help make microfluidics more accessible to the biomedical research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J O'Grady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Michael D Geuy
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hyosung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Kylie M Balotin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Everett R Allchin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - David C Florian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Neelansh N Bute
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Taylor E Scott
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Gregory B Lowen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Colin M Fricker
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Scott A Guelcher
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - John P Wikswo
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Leon M Bellan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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12
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Rizzo R, Ruetsche D, Liu H, Zenobi-Wong M. Optimized Photoclick (Bio)Resins for Fast Volumetric Bioprinting. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2102900. [PMID: 34611928 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202102900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Volumetric printing (VP) is a light-mediated technique enabling printing of complex, low-defect 3D objects within seconds, overcoming major drawbacks of layer-by-layer additive manufacturing. An optimized photoresin is presented for VP in the presence of cells (volumetric bioprinting) based on fast thiol-ene step-growth photoclick crosslinking. Gelatin-norbornene (Gel-NB) photoresin shows superior performance, both in physicochemical and biocompatibility aspects, compared to (meth-)acryloyl resins. The extremely efficient thiol-norbornene reaction produces the fastest VP reported to date (≈10 s), with significantly lower polymer content, degree of substitution (DS), and radical species, making it more suitable for cell encapsulation. This approach enables the generation of cellular free-form constructs with excellent cell viability (≈100%) and tissue maturation potential, demonstrated by development of contractile myotubes. Varying the DS, polymer content, thiol-ene ratio, and thiolated crosslinker allows fine-tuning of mechanical properties over a broad stiffness range (≈40 Pa to ≈15 kPa). These properties are achieved through fast and scalable methods for producing Gel-NB with inexpensive, off-the-shelf reagents that can help establish it as the gold standard for light-mediated biofabrication techniques. With potential applications from high-throughput bioprinting of tissue models to soft robotics and regenerative medicine, this work paves the way for exploitation of VPs unprecedented capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Rizzo
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Dominic Ruetsche
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Hao Liu
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Marcy Zenobi-Wong
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland
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13
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Motz CT, Kabat V, Saxena T, Bellamkonda RV, Zhu C. Neuromechanobiology: An Expanding Field Driven by the Force of Greater Focus. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100102. [PMID: 34342167 PMCID: PMC8497434 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The brain processes information by transmitting signals through highly connected and dynamic networks of neurons. Neurons use specific cellular structures, including axons, dendrites and synapses, and specific molecules, including cell adhesion molecules, ion channels and chemical receptors to form, maintain and communicate among cells in the networks. These cellular and molecular processes take place in environments rich of mechanical cues, thus offering ample opportunities for mechanical regulation of neural development and function. Recent studies have suggested the importance of mechanical cues and their potential regulatory roles in the development and maintenance of these neuronal structures. Also suggested are the importance of mechanical cues and their potential regulatory roles in the interaction and function of molecules mediating the interneuronal communications. In this review, the current understanding is integrated and promising future directions of neuromechanobiology are suggested at the cellular and molecular levels. Several neuronal processes where mechanics likely plays a role are examined and how forces affect ligand binding, conformational change, and signal induction of molecules key to these neuronal processes are indicated, especially at the synapse. The disease relevance of neuromechanobiology as well as therapies and engineering solutions to neurological disorders stemmed from this emergent field of study are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara T Motz
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| | - Victoria Kabat
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| | - Tarun Saxena
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Ravi V Bellamkonda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
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14
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Cameron T, Bennet T, Rowe EM, Anwer M, Wellington CL, Cheung KC. Review of Design Considerations for Brain-on-a-Chip Models. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:441. [PMID: 33921018 PMCID: PMC8071412 DOI: 10.3390/mi12040441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the need for sophisticated human in vitro models for integrative biology has motivated the development of organ-on-a-chip platforms. Organ-on-a-chip devices are engineered to mimic the mechanical, biochemical and physiological properties of human organs; however, there are many important considerations when selecting or designing an appropriate device for investigating a specific scientific question. Building microfluidic Brain-on-a-Chip (BoC) models from the ground-up will allow for research questions to be answered more thoroughly in the brain research field, but the design of these devices requires several choices to be made throughout the design development phase. These considerations include the cell types, extracellular matrix (ECM) material(s), and perfusion/flow considerations. Choices made early in the design cycle will dictate the limitations of the device and influence the end-point results such as the permeability of the endothelial cell monolayer, and the expression of cell type-specific markers. To better understand why the engineering aspects of a microfluidic BoC need to be influenced by the desired biological environment, recent progress in microfluidic BoC technology is compared. This review focuses on perfusable blood-brain barrier (BBB) and neurovascular unit (NVU) models with discussions about the chip architecture, the ECM used, and how they relate to the in vivo human brain. With increased knowledge on how to make informed choices when selecting or designing BoC models, the scientific community will benefit from shorter development phases and platforms curated for their application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Cameron
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (T.C.); (T.B.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tanya Bennet
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (T.C.); (T.B.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Elyn M. Rowe
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (E.M.R.); (M.A.); (C.L.W.)
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mehwish Anwer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (E.M.R.); (M.A.); (C.L.W.)
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Cheryl L. Wellington
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (E.M.R.); (M.A.); (C.L.W.)
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Karen C. Cheung
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (T.C.); (T.B.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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