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Wang S, Neufurth M, Schepler H, Muñoz-Espí R, Ushijima H, Schröder HC, Wang X, Müller WEG. Liquid-liquid phase transition as a basis for novel materials for skin repair and regeneration. J Mater Chem B 2024. [PMID: 39226118 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb01080a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Inorganic materials are of increasing interest not only for bone repair but also for other applications in regenerative medicine. In this study, the combined effects of energy-providing, regeneratively active inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) and also morphogenetically active pearl powder on wound healing were investigated. Aragonite, the mineralic constituent of pearl nacre and thermodynamically unstable form of crystalline calcium carbonate, was found to be converted into a soluble state in the presence of a Ca2+-containing wound exudate, particularly upon addition of sodium polyP (Na-polyP), driven by the transfer of Ca2+ ions from aragonite to polyP, leading to liquid-liquid phase separation to form an aqueous Ca-polyP coacervate. This process is further enhanced in the presence of Ca-polyP nanoparticles (Ca-polyP-NP). Kinetic studies revealed that the coacervation of polyP and nacre aragonite in wound exudate is a very rapid process that results in the formation of a stronger gel with a porous structure compared to polyP alone. Coacervate formation, enabled by phase transition of crystalline aragonite in the presence of Na-polyP/Ca-polyP-NP and wound exudate, could also be demonstrated in a hydroxyethyl cellulose-based hydrogel used for wound treatment. Furthermore, it is shown that Na-polyP/Ca-polyP-NP together with nacre aragonite strongly enhances the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells and promotes microtube formation in the in vitro angiogenesis assay with HUVEC endothelial cells. The latter effect was confirmed by gene expression studies, applying real-time polymerase chain reaction, using the biomarker genes VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α). Division of Escherichia coli is suppressed when suspended in a matrix containing Na-polyP/Ca-polyP-NP and aragonite. The potential medical relevance of these findings is supported by an animal study on genetically engineered diabetic mice (db/db), which demonstrated a marked increase in granulation tissue and microvessel formation in regenerating experimental wounds treated with Ca-polyP-NP compared to controls. Co-administration of aragonite significantly accelerated the wound healing-promoting effect of polyP in db/db mice. Based on these results, we propose that the ability of polyP to form a mixed coacervate with aragonite, in addition to its energy (ATP)-generating function, can decisively contribute to the regenerative activity of this polymer in wound repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunfeng Wang
- ERC Advanced Investigator Grant Research Group at the Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Meik Neufurth
- ERC Advanced Investigator Grant Research Group at the Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Hadrian Schepler
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Rafael Muñoz-Espí
- Institute of Materials Science (ICMUV), Universitat de València, C/Catedràtic José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna-València, Spain
| | - Hiroshi Ushijima
- Nihon University, Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University-School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Heinz C Schröder
- ERC Advanced Investigator Grant Research Group at the Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- ERC Advanced Investigator Grant Research Group at the Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Werner E G Müller
- ERC Advanced Investigator Grant Research Group at the Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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Zhang Y, Geng S, Yu G, Hong Y, Hu B. Research progress on formation mechanism of pearl. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35015. [PMID: 39170518 PMCID: PMC11336291 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pearls are deeply cherished for their rich color and gorgeous luster, and their quality directly affects their value. Currently, the evaluation of pearl quality is mainly based on four aspects: color, shape, size and smoothness. The quality of pearls is influenced by a variety of factors, categorized into internal factors, such as the structural composition of the nacreous layer and genetic factors of the mussels, and external factors, including the aquaculture environment. Existing research results indicates that genetic factors are the dominant factor controlling the pearl quality. However, the macromolecules such as metal ions, organic pigments and various physical and chemical factors in the aquaculture water environment will also significantly impact pearl quality. Among these, matrix proteins are organic macromolecules found in the nacreous layer that play an important role in pearl quality. They participate in the deposition of calcium carbonate and the construction of the organic framework, affecting the pearls' size and shape. The color of pearls is influenced by the deposition of metal ions, the transport of organic pigments and the regulation of microstructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyu Zhang
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shiyu Geng
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Guilan Yu
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Resources and Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yijiang Hong
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Resources and Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Beijuan Hu
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Resources and Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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Liu XL, Zhang CJ, Shi JJ, Ke QF, Ge YW, Zhu ZA, Guo YP. Nacre-mimetic cerium-doped nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan layered composite scaffolds regulate bone regeneration via OPG/RANKL signaling pathway. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:259. [PMID: 37550715 PMCID: PMC10408205 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01988-y] [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: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autogenous bone grafting has long been considered the gold standard for treating critical bone defects. However, its use is plagued by numerous drawbacks, such as limited supply, donor site morbidity, and restricted use for giant-sized defects. For this reason, there is an increasing need for effective bone substitutes to treat these defects. Mollusk nacre is a natural structure with outstanding mechanical property due to its notable "brick-and-mortar" architecture. Inspired by the nacre architecture, our team designed and fabricated a nacre-mimetic cerium-doped layered nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan layered composite scaffold (CeHA/CS). Hydroxyapatite can provide a certain strength to the material like a brick. And as a polymer material, chitosan can slow down the force when the material is impacted, like an adhesive. As seen in natural nacre, the combination of these inorganic and organic components results in remarkable tensile strength and fracture toughness. Cerium ions have been demonstrated exceptional anti-osteoclastogenesis capabilities. Our scaffold featured a distinct layered HA/CS composite structure with intervals ranging from 50 to 200 μm, which provided a conducive environment for human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (hBMSC) adhesion and proliferation, allowing for in situ growth of newly formed bone tissue. In vitro, Western-blot and qPCR analyses showed that the CeHA/CS layered composite scaffolds significantly promoted the osteogenic process by upregulating the expressions of osteogenic-related genes such as RUNX2, OCN, and COL1, while inhibiting osteoclast differentiation, as indicated by reduced TRAP-positive osteoclasts and decreased bone resorption. In vivo, calvarial defects in rats demonstrated that the layered CeHA/CS scaffolds significantly accelerated bone regeneration at the defect site, and immunofluorescence indicated a lowered RANKL/OPG ratio. Overall, our results demonstrate that CeHA/CS scaffolds offer a promising platform for bone regeneration in critical defect management, as they promote osteogenesis and inhibit osteoclast activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Liang Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Implants, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chuan-Jian Zhang
- The Education Ministry Key Lab of Resource Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Functional Materials, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Jing-Jing Shi
- The Education Ministry Key Lab of Resource Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Functional Materials, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Qin-Fei Ke
- The Education Ministry Key Lab of Resource Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Functional Materials, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Yu-Wei Ge
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China.
| | - Zhen-An Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Implants, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Ya-Ping Guo
- The Education Ministry Key Lab of Resource Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Functional Materials, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China.
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Sato K, Setiamarga DHE, Yonemitsu H, Higuchi K. Microstructural and Genetic Insights Into the Formation of the “Winter Diffusion Layer” in Japanese Pearl Oyster Pinctada fucata and Its Relation to Environmental Temperature Changes. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.794287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity in molluscan shell microstructures may be related to environmental changes. The “winter diffusion layer,” a shell microstructure of the Japanese pearl oyster Pinctada fucata, is an example of this phenomenon. In this study, we used P. fucata specimens with shared genetic background to evaluate the seasonal plasticity of shell microstructures, at molecular level. To detect the seasonal changes in shell microstructure and mineral composition, shells of multiple individuals were periodically collected and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectrophotometry. Our observations of the winter diffusion layer revealed that this irregular shell layer, located between the outer and middle shell layers, had a sphenoid shape in radial section. This distinct shape might be caused by the internal extension of the outer shell layer resulting from growth halts. The winter diffusion layer could be distinguished from the calcitic outer shell layer by its aragonitic components and microstructures. Moreover, the components of the winter diffusion layer were irregular simple prismatic (the outer and inner sublayers) and homogeneous structures (the middle sublayer). This irregular formation occurred until April, when the animals resumed their “normal” shell formation after hibernation. To check for a correlation between gene expression and the changes in microstructures, we conducted qPCR of seven major biomineralization-related shell matrix protein-coding genes (aspein, prismalin-14, msi7, msi60, nacrein, n16, and n19) in the shell-forming mantle tissue. Tissue samples were collected from the mantle edge (tissue secreting the outer shell layer) and mantle pallium (where the middle shell layer is constructed) of the same individuals used for microstructural observation and mineral identification that were collected in January (winter growth break period), April (irregular shell formation period), and August (normal shell formation period). Statistically significant differences in gene expression levels were observed between mantle edge and mantle pallium, but no seasonal differences were detected in the seasonal expression patterns of these genes. These results suggest that the formation of the irregular shell layer in P. fucata is caused by a currently unknown genetic mechanism unrelated to the genes targeted in the present study. Further studies using big data (transcriptomics and manipulation of gene expression) are required to answer the questions herein raised. Nevertheless, the results herein presented are essential to unravel the intriguing mystery of the formation of the winter diffusion layer, which may allow us to understand how marine mollusks adapt or acclimate to climate changes.
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Salman J, Stifler CA, Shahsafi A, Sun CY, Weibel SC, Frising M, Rubio-Perez BE, Xiao Y, Draves C, Wambold RA, Yu Z, Bradley DC, Kemeny G, Gilbert PUPA, Kats MA. Hyperspectral interference tomography of nacre. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2023623118. [PMID: 33833057 PMCID: PMC8053970 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2023623118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural characterization of biologically formed materials is essential for understanding biological phenomena and their enviro-nment, and for generating new bio-inspired engineering concepts. For example, nacre-the inner lining of some mollusk shells-encodes local environmental conditions throughout its formation and has exceptional strength due to its nanoscale brick-and-mortar structure. This layered structure, comprising alternating transparent aragonite (CaCO3) tablets and thinner organic polymer layers, also results in stunning interference colors. Existing methods of structural characterization of nacre rely on some form of cross-sectional analysis, such as scanning or transmission electron microscopy or polarization-dependent imaging contrast (PIC) mapping. However, these techniques are destructive and too time- and resource-intensive to analyze large sample areas. Here, we present an all-optical, rapid, and nondestructive imaging technique-hyperspectral interference tomography (HIT)-to spatially map the structural parameters of nacre and other disordered layered materials. We combined hyperspectral imaging with optical-interference modeling to infer the mean tablet thickness and its disorder in nacre across entire mollusk shells from red and rainbow abalone (Haliotis rufescens and Haliotis iris) at various stages of development. We observed that in red abalone, unexpectedly, nacre tablet thickness decreases with age of the mollusk, despite roughly similar appearance of nacre at all ages and positions in the shell. Our rapid, inexpensive, and nondestructive method can be readily applied to in-field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad Salman
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Cayla A Stifler
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Alireza Shahsafi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Chang-Yu Sun
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | | | - Michel Frising
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Bryan E Rubio-Perez
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Yuzhe Xiao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | | | - Raymond A Wambold
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Zhaoning Yu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Daniel C Bradley
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | | | - Pupa U P A Gilbert
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Department of Geoscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Mikhail A Kats
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706;
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
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