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Seyedsalehi A, Saeedinejad F, Toro S, Alipanah F, Quint J, Schmidt TA, Samandari M, Tamayol A. Benefits of In Situ Foamed and Printed Porous Scaffolds in Wound Healing. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2401944. [PMID: 39246293 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Macroporous hydrogels have shown significant promise in biomedical applications, particularly regenerative medicine, due to their enhanced nutrient and waste permeability, improved cell permissibility, and minimal immunogenicity. However, traditional methods of generating porous hydrogels require secondary post-processing steps or harmful reagents making simultaneous fabrication with bioactive factors and cells impossible. Therefore, a handheld printer is engineered for facile and continuous generation and deposition of hydrogel foams directly within the skin defect to form defect-specific macroporous scaffolds. Within the handheld system, a temperature-controlled microfluidic homogenizer is coupled with miniaturized liquid and air pumps to mix sterile air with gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) at the desired ratio. An integrated photocrosslinking unit is then utilized to crosslink the printed foam in situ to form scaffolds with controlled porosity. The system is optimized to form reliable and uniform GelMA foams. The resulting foam scaffolds demonstrate mechanical properties with excellent flexibility making them suitable for wound healing applications. The results of in vitro cell culture on the scaffolds demonstrate significantly increased cellular activity compared to the solid hydrogel. The in vivo printed foam scaffolds enhanced the rate and quality of wound healing in mice with full-thickness wound without the use of biological materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Seyedsalehi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Farnoosh Saeedinejad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Steven Toro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Fatemeh Alipanah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Jacob Quint
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Tannin A Schmidt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Mohamadmahdi Samandari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Ali Tamayol
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
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2
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Liu Y, Gilchrist AE, Heilshorn SC. Engineered Protein Hydrogels as Biomimetic Cellular Scaffolds. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2407794. [PMID: 39233559 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202407794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
The biochemical and biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) play a pivotal role in regulating cellular behaviors such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Engineered protein-based hydrogels, with highly tunable multifunctional properties, have the potential to replicate key features of the native ECM. Formed by self-assembly or crosslinking, engineered protein-based hydrogels can induce a range of cell behaviors through bioactive and functional domains incorporated into the polymer backbone. Using recombinant techniques, the amino acid sequence of the protein backbone can be designed with precise control over the chain-length, folded structure, and cell-interaction sites. In this review, the modular design of engineered protein-based hydrogels from both a molecular- and network-level perspective are discussed, and summarize recent progress and case studies to highlight the diverse strategies used to construct biomimetic scaffolds. This review focuses on amino acid sequences that form structural blocks, bioactive blocks, and stimuli-responsive blocks designed into the protein backbone for highly precise and tunable control of scaffold properties. Both physical and chemical methods to stabilize dynamic protein networks with defined structure and bioactivity for cell culture applications are discussed. Finally, a discussion of future directions of engineered protein-based hydrogels as biomimetic cellular scaffolds is concluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueming Liu
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Aidan E Gilchrist
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis 451 Health Sciences Dr, GBSF 3315, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Sarah C Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, 476 Lomita Mall, McCullough Room 246, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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3
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Mao Y, Hu H. Establishment of advanced tumor organoids with emerging innovative technologies. Cancer Lett 2024; 598:217122. [PMID: 39029781 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217122] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Tumor organoids have emerged as a crucial preclinical model for multiple cancer research. Their high establishment rates, stability, and ability to replicate key biological features of original tumor cells in vivo render them invaluable for exploring tumor molecular mechanisms, discovering potential anti-tumor drugs, and predicting clinical drug efficacy. Here, we review the establishment of tumor organoid models and provide an extensive overview of organoid culturing strategies. We also emphasize the significance of integrating cellular components of the tumor microenvironment and physicochemical factors in the organoid culturing system, highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence technology in advancing organoid construction. Moreover, we summarize recent advancements in utilizing organoid systems for novel anti-cancer drug screening and discuss promising trends for enhancing advanced organoids in next-generation disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunuo Mao
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, PR China
| | - Huili Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, PR China.
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4
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Cao H, Wang M, Ding J, Lin Y. Hydrogels: a promising therapeutic platform for inflammatory skin diseases treatment. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:8007-8032. [PMID: 39045804 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00887a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, pose significant health challenges due to their long-lasting nature, potential for serious complications, and significant health risks, which requires treatments that are both effective and exhibit minimal side effects. Hydrogels offer an innovative solution due to their biocompatibility, tunability, controlled drug delivery capabilities, enhanced treatment adherence and minimized side effects risk. This review explores the mechanisms that guide the design of hydrogel therapeutic platforms from multiple perspectives, focusing on the components of hydrogels, their adjustable physical and chemical properties, and their interactions with cells and drugs to underscore their clinical potential. We also examine various therapeutic agents for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis that can be integrated into hydrogels, including traditional drugs, novel compounds targeting oxidative stress, small molecule drugs, biologics, and emerging therapies, offering insights into their mechanisms and advantages. Additionally, we review clinical trial data to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of hydrogel-based treatments in managing psoriasis and atopic dermatitis under complex disease conditions. Lastly, we discuss the current challenges and future opportunities for hydrogel therapeutics in treating psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, such as improving skin barrier penetration and developing multifunctional hydrogels, and highlight emerging opportunities to enhance long-term safety and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huali Cao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117585, Singapore.
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117585, Singapore.
| | - Jianwei Ding
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117585, Singapore.
| | - Yiliang Lin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117585, Singapore.
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5
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Deshmukh R, Sethi P, Singh B, Shiekmydeen J, Salave S, Patel RJ, Ali N, Rashid S, Elossaily GM, Kumar A. Recent Review on Biological Barriers and Host-Material Interfaces in Precision Drug Delivery: Advancement in Biomaterial Engineering for Better Treatment Therapies. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:1076. [PMID: 39204421 PMCID: PMC11360117 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16081076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that precision therapy has a broad variety of treatment applications, making it an interesting research topic with exciting potential in numerous sectors. However, major obstacles, such as inefficient and unsafe delivery systems and severe side effects, have impeded the widespread use of precision medicine. The purpose of drug delivery systems (DDSs) is to regulate the time and place of drug release and action. They aid in enhancing the equilibrium between medicinal efficacy on target and hazardous side effects off target. One promising approach is biomaterial-assisted biotherapy, which takes advantage of biomaterials' special capabilities, such as high biocompatibility and bioactive characteristics. When administered via different routes, drug molecules deal with biological barriers; DDSs help them overcome these hurdles. With their adaptable features and ample packing capacity, biomaterial-based delivery systems allow for the targeted, localised, and prolonged release of medications. Additionally, they are being investigated more and more for the purpose of controlling the interface between the host tissue and implanted biomedical materials. This review discusses innovative nanoparticle designs for precision and non-personalised applications to improve precision therapies. We prioritised nanoparticle design trends that address heterogeneous delivery barriers, because we believe intelligent nanoparticle design can improve patient outcomes by enabling precision designs and improving general delivery efficacy. We additionally reviewed the most recent literature on biomaterials used in biotherapy and vaccine development, covering drug delivery, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and other similar fields; we have also addressed the difficulties and future potential of biomaterial-assisted biotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohitas Deshmukh
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura 281406, India;
| | - Pranshul Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Shri Venkateshwara University, Gajraula 244236, India;
| | - Bhupendra Singh
- School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun 248002, India;
- Department of Pharmacy, S.N. Medical College, Agra 282002, India
| | | | - Sagar Salave
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, India;
| | - Ravish J. Patel
- Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology, Changa, Anand 388421, India;
| | - Nemat Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Summya Rashid
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Gehan M. Elossaily
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, P.O. Box 71666, Riyadh 11597, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Arun Kumar
- School of Pharmacy, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India
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6
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Rijns L, Duijs H, Lafleur RP, Cardinaels R, Palmans ARA, Dankers PYW, Su L. Molecularly Engineered Supramolecular Thermoresponsive Hydrogels with Tunable Mechanical and Dynamic Properties. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:4686-4696. [PMID: 39059106 PMCID: PMC11323010 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic supramolecular polymers and hydrogels in water are emerging as promising biomaterials due to their modularity and intrinsic dynamics. Here, we introduce temperature sensitivity into the nonfunctionalized benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA-EG4) supramolecular system by incorporating a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-functionalized (BTA-PNIPAM) moiety, enabling 3D cell encapsulation applications. The viscous and structural properties in the solution state as well as the mechanical and dynamic features in the gel state of BTA-PNIPAM/BTA-EG4 mixtures were investigated and modulated. In the dilute state (c ∼μM), BTA-PNIPAM acted as a chain capper below the cloud point temperature (Tcp = 24 °C) but served as a cross-linker above Tcp. At higher concentrations (c ∼mM), weak or stiff hydrogels were obtained, depending on the BTA-PNIPAM/BTA-EG4 ratio. The mixture with the highest BTA-PNIPAM ratio was ∼100 times stiffer and ∼10 times less dynamic than BTA-EG4 hydrogel. Facile cell encapsulation in 3D was realized by leveraging the temperature-sensitive sol-gel transition, opening opportunities for utilizing this hydrogel as an extracellular matrix mimic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rijns
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems
(ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Heleen Duijs
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg
76, Leiden 2333 AL, The Netherlands
| | - René P.
M. Lafleur
- Laboratory
of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular
Systems (ICMS), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Ruth Cardinaels
- Processing
and Performance of Materials, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems
(ICMS), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
- Soft
Matter, Rheology and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium
| | - Anja R. A. Palmans
- Laboratory
of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular
Systems (ICMS), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y. W. Dankers
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems
(ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Lu Su
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg
76, Leiden 2333 AL, The Netherlands
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7
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Wang L, Zhao H, Han M, Yang H, Lei M, Wang W, Li K, Li Y, Sang Y, Xin T, Liu H, Qiu J. Electromagnetic Cellularized Patch with Wirelessly Electrical Stimulation for Promoting Neuronal Differentiation and Spinal Cord Injury Repair. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307527. [PMID: 38868910 PMCID: PMC11321663 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Although stem cell therapy holds promise for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI), its practical applications are limited by the low degree of neural differentiation. Electrical stimulation is one of the most effective ways to promote the differentiation of stem cells into neurons, but conventional wired electrical stimulation may cause secondary injuries, inflammation, pain, and infection. Here, based on the high conductivity of graphite and the electromagnetic induction effect, graphite nanosheets with neural stem cells (NSCs) are proposed as an electromagnetic cellularized patch to generate in situ wirelessly pulsed electric signals under a rotating magnetic field for regulating neuronal differentiation of NSCs to treat SCI. The strength and frequency of the induced voltage can be controlled by adjusting the rotation speed of the magnetic field. The generated pulsed electrical signals promote the differentiation of NSCs into functional mature neurons and increase the proportion of neurons from 12.5% to 33.7%. When implanted in the subarachnoid region of the injured spinal cord, the electromagnetic cellularized patch improves the behavioral performance of the hind limbs and the repair of spinal cord tissue in SCI mice. This work opens a new avenue for remote treatment of SCI and other nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal MaterialsShandong UniversityJinanShandong250100P. R. China
| | - Hongbo Zhao
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinan250014P. R. China
| | - Min Han
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinan250014P. R. China
| | - Hongru Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal MaterialsShandong UniversityJinanShandong250100P. R. China
| | - Ming Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal MaterialsShandong UniversityJinanShandong250100P. R. China
| | - Wenhan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal MaterialsShandong UniversityJinanShandong250100P. R. China
| | - Keyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal MaterialsShandong UniversityJinanShandong250100P. R. China
| | - Yiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal MaterialsShandong UniversityJinanShandong250100P. R. China
| | - Yuanhua Sang
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal MaterialsShandong UniversityJinanShandong250100P. R. China
| | - Tao Xin
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinan250014P. R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalShandong UniversityJinan250014P. R. China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation CenterShandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesJinan250117P. R. China
- Department of NeurosurgeryJiangxi Provincial People's HospitalNanchangJiangxi330006P. R. China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal MaterialsShandong UniversityJinanShandong250100P. R. China
- Institute for Advanced Interdisciplinary ResearchUniversity of JinanJinanShandong250022P. R. China
| | - Jichuan Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal MaterialsShandong UniversityJinanShandong250100P. R. China
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8
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Whitewolf J, Highley CB. Conformal encapsulation of mammalian stem cells using modified hyaluronic acid. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:7122-7134. [PMID: 38946474 PMCID: PMC11268093 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00223g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoencapsulation of cells has been studied as a strategy to protect cells from environmental stress and promote survival during delivery. Hydrogels used in encapsulation can be modified to influence cell behaviors and direct assembly in their surroundings. Here, we report a system that conformally encapsulated stem cells using hyaluronic acid (HA). We successfully modified HA with lipid, thiol, and maleimide pendant groups to facilitate a hydrogel system in which HA was deposited onto cell plasma membranes and subsequently crosslinked through thiol-maleimide click chemistry. We demonstrated conformal encapsulation of both neural stem cells (NSCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), with viability of both cell types greater than 90% after encapsulation. Additional material could be added to the conformal hydrogel through alternating addition of thiol-modified and maleimide-modified HA in a layering process. After encapsulation, we tracked egress and viability of the cells over days and observed differential responses of cell types to conformal hydrogels both according to cell type and the amount of material deposited on the cell surfaces. Through the design of the conformal hydrogels, we showed that multicellular assembly could be created in suspension and that encapsulated cells could be immobilized on surfaces. In conjunction with photolithography, conformal hydrogels enabled rapid assembly of encapsulated cells on hydrogel substrates with resolution at the scale of 100 μm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Whitewolf
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
| | - Christopher B Highley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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9
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Song J, Lyu W, Kawakami K, Ariga K. Bio-gel nanoarchitectonics in tissue engineering. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:13230-13246. [PMID: 38953604 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00609g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Given the creation of materials based on nanoscale science, nanotechnology must be combined with other disciplines. This role is played by the new concept of nanoarchitectonics, the process of constructing functional materials from nanocomponents. Nanoarchitectonics may be highly compatible with applications in biological systems. Conversely, it would be meaningful to consider nanoarchitectonics research oriented toward biological applications with a focus on materials systems. Perhaps, hydrogels are promising as a model medium to realize nanoarchitectonics in biofunctional materials science. In this review, we will provide an overview of some of the defined targets, especially for tissue engineering. Specifically, we will discuss (i) hydrogel bio-inks for 3D bioprinting, (ii) dynamic hydrogels as an artificial extracellular matrix (ECM), and (iii) topographical hydrogels for tissue organization. Based on these backgrounds and conceptual evolution, the construction strategies and functions of bio-gel nanoarchitectonics in medical applications and tissue engineering will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Song
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba 305-0044, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Wenyan Lyu
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa 277-8561, Japan
- Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan.
| | - Kohsaku Kawakami
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba 305-0044, Ibaraki, Japan.
- Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Ariga
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa 277-8561, Japan
- Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan.
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10
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Yin S, Wu H, Huang Y, Lu C, Cui J, Li Y, Xue B, Wu J, Jiang C, Gu X, Wang W, Cao Y. Structurally and mechanically tuned macroporous hydrogels for scalable mesenchymal stem cell-extracellular matrix spheroid production. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2404210121. [PMID: 38954541 PMCID: PMC11253011 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2404210121] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are essential in regenerative medicine. However, conventional expansion and harvesting methods often fail to maintain the essential extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which are crucial for their functionality and efficacy in therapeutic applications. Here, we introduce a bone marrow-inspired macroporous hydrogel designed for the large-scale production of MSC-ECM spheroids. Through a soft-templating approach leveraging liquid-liquid phase separation, we engineer macroporous hydrogels with customizable features, including pore size, stiffness, bioactive ligand distribution, and enzyme-responsive degradability. These tailored environments are conducive to optimal MSC proliferation and ease of harvesting. We find that soft hydrogels enhance mechanotransduction in MSCs, establishing a standard for hydrogel-based 3D cell culture. Within these hydrogels, MSCs exist as both cohesive spheroids, preserving their innate vitality, and as migrating entities that actively secrete functional ECM proteins. Additionally, we also introduce a gentle, enzymatic harvesting method that breaks down the hydrogels, allowing MSCs and secreted ECM to naturally form MSC-ECM spheroids. These spheroids display heightened stemness and differentiation capacity, mirroring the benefits of a native ECM milieu. Our research underscores the significance of sophisticated materials design in nurturing distinct MSC subpopulations, facilitating the generation of MSC-ECM spheroids with enhanced therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Yin
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan250021, China
| | - Haipeng Wu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan250021, China
| | - Yaying Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
| | - Chenjing Lu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan250021, China
| | - Jian Cui
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
| | - Ying Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing210044, China
| | - Bin Xue
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
| | - Junhua Wu
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan250021, China
- Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
| | - Chunping Jiang
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan250021, China
- Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan250021, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan250021, China
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
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11
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Ghorbani S, Sutherland DS. Building better habitats: Spatiotemporal signaling cues in 3D biointerfaces for tailored cellular functionality. Biointerphases 2024; 19:048501. [PMID: 38975887 DOI: 10.1116/6.0003685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
A promising research direction in the field of biological engineering is the design and functional programming of three-dimensional (3D) biointerfaces designed to support living cell functionality and growth in vitro, offering a route to precisely regulate cellular behaviors and phenotypes for addressing therapeutic challenges. While traditional two-dimensional (2D) biointerfaces have provided valuable insights, incorporating specific signaling cues into a 3D biointeractive microenvironment at the right locations and time is now recognized as crucial for accurately programming cellular decision-making and communication processes. This approach aims to engineer cell-centric microenvironments with the potential to recapitulate complex biological functions into a finite set of growing cellular organizations. Additionally, they provide insights into the hierarchical logic governing the relationship between molecular components and higher-order multicellular functionality. The functional live cell-based microenvironment engineered through such innovative biointerfaces has the potential to be used as an in vitro model system for expanding our understanding of cellular behaviors or as a therapeutic habitat where cellular functions can be reprogrammed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Ghorbani
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Duncan S Sutherland
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
- The Centre for Cellular Signal Patterns (CELLPAT), Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
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12
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Soliman BG, Nguyen AK, Gooding JJ, Kilian KA. Advancing Synthetic Hydrogels through Nature-Inspired Materials Chemistry. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2404235. [PMID: 38896849 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) mimics that can recapitulate the complex biochemical and mechanical nature of native tissues are needed for advanced models of development and disease. Biomedical research has heavily relied on the use of animal-derived biomaterials, which is now impeding their translational potential and convoluting the biological insights gleaned from in vitro tissue models. Natural hydrogels have long served as a convenient and effective cell culture tool, but advances in materials chemistry and fabrication techniques now present promising new avenues for creating xenogenic-free ECM substitutes appropriate for organotypic models and microphysiological systems. However, significant challenges remain in creating synthetic matrices that can approximate the structural sophistication, biochemical complexity, and dynamic functionality of native tissues. This review summarizes key properties of the native ECM, and discusses recent approaches used to systematically decouple and tune these properties in synthetic matrices. The importance of dynamic ECM mechanics, such as viscoelasticity and matrix plasticity, is also discussed, particularly within the context of organoid and engineered tissue matrices. Emerging design strategies to mimic these dynamic mechanical properties are reviewed, such as multi-network hydrogels, supramolecular chemistry, and hydrogels assembled from biological monomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram G Soliman
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Ashley K Nguyen
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - J Justin Gooding
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Kristopher A Kilian
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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13
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Huang R, Hua J, Ru M, Yu M, Wang L, Huang Y, Yan S, Zhang Q, Xu W. Superb Silk Hydrogels with High Adaptability, Bioactivity, and Versatility Enabled by Photo-Cross-Linking. ACS NANO 2024; 18:15312-15325. [PMID: 38809601 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The exceptional biocompatibility and adaptability of hydrogels have garnered significant interest in the biomedical field for the fabrication of biomedical devices. However, conventional synthetic hydrogels still exhibit relatively weak and fragile properties. Drawing inspiration from the photosynthesis process, we developed a facile approach to achieve a harmonious combination of superior mechanical properties and efficient preparation of silk fibroin hydrogel through photo-cross-linking technology, accomplished within 60 s. The utilization of riboflavin and H2O2 enabled a sustainable cyclic photo-cross-linking reaction, facilitating the transformation from tyrosine to dityrosine and ultimately contributing to the formation of highly cross-linked hydrogels. These photo-cross-linking hydrogels exhibited excellent elasticity and restorability even after undergoing 1000 cycles of compression. Importantly, our findings presented that hydrogel-encapsulated adipose stem cells possess the ability to stimulate cell proliferation along with stem cell stemness. This was evidenced by the continuous high expression levels of OCT4 and SOX2 over 21 days. Additionally, the utilization of photo-cross-linking hydrogels can be extended to various material molding platforms, including microneedles, microcarriers, and bone screws. Consequently, this study offered a significant approach to fabricating biomedical hydrogels capable of facilitating real-time cell delivery, thereby introducing an innovative avenue for designing silk devices with exceptional machinability and adaptability in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Hubei New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Jiahui Hua
- State Key Laboratory for Hubei New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Min Ru
- State Key Laboratory for Hubei New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Meng Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Hubei New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Hubei New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Shuqin Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Hubei New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Hubei New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Weilin Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Hubei New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
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14
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Gerrits L, Bakker B, Hendriks LD, Engels S, Hammink R, Kouwer PHJ. Tailoring of Physical Properties in Macroporous Poly(isocyanopeptide) Cryogels. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:3464-3474. [PMID: 38743442 PMCID: PMC11170948 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Over the years, synthetic hydrogels have proven remarkably useful as cell culture matrixes to elucidate the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) on cell behavior. Yet, their lack of interconnected macropores undermines the widespread use of hydrogels in biomedical applications. To overcome this limitation, cryogels, a class of macroporous hydrogels, are rapidly emerging. Here, we introduce a new, highly elastic, and tunable synthetic cryogel, based on poly(isocyanopeptides) (PIC). Introduction of methacrylate groups on PIC facilitated cryopolymerization through free-radical polymerization and afforded cryogels with an interconnected macroporous structure. We investigated which cryogelation parameters can be used to tune the architectural and mechanical properties of the PIC cryogels by systematically altering cryopolymerization temperature, polymer concentration, and polymer molecular weight. We show that for decreasing cryopolymerization temperatures, there is a correlation between cryogel pore size and stiffness. More importantly, we demonstrate that by simply varying the polymer concentration, we can selectively tune the compressive strength of PIC cryogels without affecting their architecture. This unique feature is highly useful for biomedical applications, as it facilitates decoupling of stiffness from other variables such as pore size. As such, PIC cryogels provide an interesting new biomaterial for scientists to unravel the role of the ECM in cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Gerrits
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Chemical Immunology, 6525 GA Nijmegen ,Netherlands
| | - Bram Bakker
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Chemical Immunology, 6525 GA Nijmegen ,Netherlands
| | - Lynn D. Hendriks
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Chemical Immunology, 6525 GA Nijmegen ,Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Engels
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Chemical Immunology, 6525 GA Nijmegen ,Netherlands
| | - Roel Hammink
- Department
of Medical BioSciences,Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 26, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Division
of Immunotherapy, Oncode Institute, Radboud
University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen ,Netherlands
| | - Paul H. J. Kouwer
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Chemical Immunology, 6525 GA Nijmegen ,Netherlands
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15
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Lin YH, Lou J, Xia Y, Chaudhuri O. Crosslinker Architectures Impact Viscoelasticity in Dynamic Covalent Hydrogels. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.07.593040. [PMID: 38766044 PMCID: PMC11100722 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.07.593040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic covalent crosslinked (DCC) hydrogels represent a significant advance in biomaterials for regenerative medicine and mechanobiology. These gels typically offer viscoelasticity and self-healing properties that more closely mimic in vivo tissue mechanics than traditional, predominantly elastic, covalent crosslinked hydrogels. Despite their promise, the effects of varying crosslinker architecture - side chain versus telechelic crosslinks - on the viscoelastic properties of DCC hydrogels have not been thoroughly investigated. This study introduces hydrazone-based alginate hydrogels and examines how side-chain and telechelic crosslinker architectures impact hydrogel viscoelasticity and stiffness. In hydrogels with side-chain crosslinking (SCX), higher polymer concentrations enhance stiffness and decelerates stress relaxation, while an off-stoichiometric hydrazine-to-aldehyde ratio leads to reduced stiffness and shorter relaxation time. In hydrogels with telechelic crosslinking, maximal stiffness and slowest stress relaxation occurs at intermediate crosslinker concentrations for both linear and star crosslinkers, with higher crosslinker valency further increasing stiffness and relaxation time. Our result suggested different ranges of stiffness and stress relaxation are accessible with the different crosslinker architectures, with SCX hydrogels leading to slower stress relaxation relative to the other architectures, and hydrogels with star crosslinking (SX) providing increased stiffness and slower stress relaxation relative to hydrogels with linear crosslinking (LX). The mechanical properties of SX hydrogels are more robust to changes induced by competing chemical reactions compared to LX hydrogels. Our research underscores the pivotal role of crosslinker architecture in defining hydrogel stiffness and viscoelasticity, providing crucial insights for the design of DCC hydrogels with tailored mechanical properties for specific biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Hao Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Junzhe Lou
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yan Xia
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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16
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Soliman BG, Longoni A, Major GS, Lindberg GCJ, Choi YS, Zhang YS, Woodfield TBF, Lim KS. Harnessing Macromolecular Chemistry to Design Hydrogel Micro- and Macro-Environments. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300457. [PMID: 38035637 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300457] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Cell encapsulation within three-dimensional hydrogels is a promising approach to mimic tissues. However, true biomimicry of the intricate microenvironment, biophysical and biochemical gradients, and the macroscale hierarchical spatial organizations of native tissues is an unmet challenge within tissue engineering. This review provides an overview of the macromolecular chemistries that have been applied toward the design of cell-friendly hydrogels, as well as their application toward controlling biophysical and biochemical bulk and gradient properties of the microenvironment. Furthermore, biofabrication technologies provide the opportunity to simultaneously replicate macroscale features of native tissues. Biofabrication strategies are reviewed in detail with a particular focus on the compatibility of these strategies with the current macromolecular toolkit described for hydrogel design and the challenges associated with their clinical translation. This review identifies that the convergence of the ever-expanding macromolecular toolkit and technological advancements within the field of biofabrication, along with an improved biological understanding, represents a promising strategy toward the successful tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram G Soliman
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Alessia Longoni
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584CX, The Netherlands
| | - Gretel S Major
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Gabriella C J Lindberg
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tim B F Woodfield
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Khoon S Lim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
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17
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Puertas-Bartolomé M, Venegas-Bustos D, Acosta S, Rodríguez-Cabello JC. Contribution of the ELRs to the development of advanced in vitro models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1363865. [PMID: 38650751 PMCID: PMC11033926 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1363865] [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: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing in vitro models that accurately mimic the microenvironment of biological structures or processes holds substantial promise for gaining insights into specific biological functions. In the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, in vitro models able to capture the precise structural, topographical, and functional complexity of living tissues, prove to be valuable tools for comprehending disease mechanisms, assessing drug responses, and serving as alternatives or complements to animal testing. The choice of the right biomaterial and fabrication technique for the development of these in vitro models plays an important role in their functionality. In this sense, elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs) have emerged as an important tool for the fabrication of in vitro models overcoming the challenges encountered in natural and synthetic materials due to their intrinsic properties, such as phase transition behavior, tunable biological properties, viscoelasticity, and easy processability. In this review article, we will delve into the use of ELRs for molecular models of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), as well as for the development of in vitro 3D models for regenerative medicine. The easy processability of the ELRs and their rational design has allowed their use for the development of spheroids and organoids, or bioinks for 3D bioprinting. Thus, incorporating ELRs into the toolkit of biomaterials used for the fabrication of in vitro models, represents a transformative step forward in improving the accuracy, efficiency, and functionality of these models, and opening up a wide range of possibilities in combination with advanced biofabrication techniques that remains to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Puertas-Bartolomé
- Technical Proteins Nanobiotechnology, S.L. (TPNBT), Valladolid, Spain
- Bioforge Lab (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER's Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Edificio LUCIA, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Desiré Venegas-Bustos
- Bioforge Lab (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER's Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Edificio LUCIA, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sergio Acosta
- Bioforge Lab (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER's Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Edificio LUCIA, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - José Carlos Rodríguez-Cabello
- Bioforge Lab (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER's Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Edificio LUCIA, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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18
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Hasani-Sadrabadi MM, Yuan W, Ferreira LDAQ, Liu Z, Shen J, Sarrión P, Sharifi F, Malek-Khatabi A, Dashtimoghadam E, Yu B, Ansari S, Moshaverinia A. Precise Engineering of Growth Factor Presentation Using Extracellular Microenvironment-Mimicking Microfluidic Microparticles. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1686-1696. [PMID: 38347681 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01922] [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] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
One of the main challenges in tissue engineering is finding a way to deliver specific growth factors (GFs) with precise spatiotemporal control over their presentation. Here, we report a novel strategy for generating microscale carriers with enhanced affinity for high content loading suitable for the sustained and localized delivery of GFs. Our developed microparticles can be injected locally and sustainably release encapsulated growth factors for up to 28 days. Fine-tuning of particles' size, affinity, microstructures, and release kinetics is achieved using a microfluidic system along with bioconjugation techniques. We also describe an innovative 3D micromixer platform to control the formation of core-shell particles based on superaffinity using a polymer-peptide conjugate for further tuning of release kinetics and delayed degradation. Chitosan shells block the burst release of encapsulated GFs and enable their sustained delivery for up to 10 days. The matched release profiles and degradation provide the local tissues with biomimetic, developmental-biologic-compatible signals to maximize regenerative effects. The versatility of this approach is verified using three different therapeutic proteins, including human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1α). As in vivo morphogenesis is typically driven by the combined action of several growth factors, the proposed technique can be developed to generate a library of GF-loaded particles with designated release profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mahdi Hasani-Sadrabadi
- Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, Section of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Weihao Yuan
- Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, Section of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Luiza de Almeida Queiroz Ferreira
- Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, Section of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270, Brazil
| | - Zeyang Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI), University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Patricia Sarrión
- Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, Section of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 11365, Iran
| | - Atefeh Malek-Khatabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14176, Iran
| | - Erfan Dashtimoghadam
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Troy University, Troy, Alabama 36082, United States
- Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences, Troy University, Troy, Alabama 36082, United States
| | - Bo Yu
- Section of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Sahar Ansari
- Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, Section of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Alireza Moshaverinia
- Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, Section of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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19
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Chapla R, Katz RR, West JL. Neurogenic Cell Behavior in 3D Culture Enhanced Within a Highly Compliant Synthetic Hydrogel Platform Formed via Competitive Crosslinking. Cell Mol Bioeng 2024; 17:35-48. [PMID: 38435792 PMCID: PMC10901766 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-024-00794-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Scaffold materials that better support neurogenesis are still needed to improve cell therapy outcomes for neural tissue damage. We have used a modularly tunable, highly compliant, degradable hydrogel to explore the impacts of hydrogel compliance stiffness on neural differentiation. Here we implemented competitive matrix crosslinking mechanics to finely tune synthetic hydrogel moduli within soft tissue stiffnesses, a range much softer than typically achievable in synthetic crosslinked hydrogels, providing a modularly controlled and ultrasoft 3D culture model which supports and enhances neurogenic cell behavior. Methods Soluble competitive allyl monomers were mixed with proteolytically-degradable poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate derivatives and crosslinked to form a matrix, and resultant hydrogel stiffness and diffusive properties were evaluated. Neural PC12 cells or primary rat fetal neural stem cells (NSCs) were encapsulated within the hydrogels, and cell morphology and phenotype were investigated to understand cell-matrix interactions and the effects of environmental stiffness on neural cell behavior within this model. Results Addition of allyl monomers caused a concentration-dependent decrease in hydrogel compressive modulus from 4.40 kPa to 0.26 kPa (natural neural tissue stiffness) without influencing soluble protein diffusion kinetics through the gel matrix. PC12 cells encapsulated in the softest hydrogels showed significantly enhanced neurite extension in comparison to PC12s in all other hydrogel stiffnesses tested. Encapsulated neural stem cells demonstrated significantly greater spreading and elongation in 0.26 kPa alloc hydrogels than in 4.4 kPa hydrogels. When soluble growth factor deprivation (for promotion of neural differentiation) was evaluated within the neural stiffness gels (0.26 kPa), NSCs showed increased neuronal marker expression, indicating early enhancement of neurogenic differentiation. Conclusions Implementing allyl-acrylate crosslinking competition reduced synthetic hydrogel stiffness to provide a supportive environment for 3D neural tissue culture, resulting in enhanced neurogenic behavior of encapsulated cells. These results indicate the potential suitability of this ultrasoft hydrogel system as a model platform for further investigating environmental factors on neural cell behavior. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-024-00794-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Chapla
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Rachel R. Katz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Jennifer L. West
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
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20
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Cameron O, Neves JF, Gentleman E. Listen to Your Gut: Key Concepts for Bioengineering Advanced Models of the Intestine. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302165. [PMID: 38009508 PMCID: PMC10837392 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The intestine performs functions central to human health by breaking down food and absorbing nutrients while maintaining a selective barrier against the intestinal microbiome. Key to this barrier function are the combined efforts of lumen-lining specialized intestinal epithelial cells, and the supportive underlying immune cell-rich stromal tissue. The discovery that the intestinal epithelium can be reproduced in vitro as intestinal organoids introduced a new way to understand intestinal development, homeostasis, and disease. However, organoids reflect the intestinal epithelium in isolation whereas the underlying tissue also contains myriad cell types and impressive chemical and structural complexity. This review dissects the cellular and matrix components of the intestine and discusses strategies to replicate them in vitro using principles drawing from bottom-up biological self-organization and top-down bioengineering. It also covers the cellular, biochemical and biophysical features of the intestinal microenvironment and how these can be replicated in vitro by combining strategies from organoid biology with materials science. Particularly accessible chemistries that mimic the native extracellular matrix are discussed, and bioengineering approaches that aim to overcome limitations in modelling the intestine are critically evaluated. Finally, the review considers how further advances may extend the applications of intestinal models and their suitability for clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Cameron
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative BiologyKing's College LondonLondonSE1 9RTUK
| | - Joana F. Neves
- Centre for Host‐Microbiome InteractionsKing's College LondonLondonSE1 9RTUK
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative BiologyKing's College LondonLondonSE1 9RTUK
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of LausanneLausanne1005Switzerland
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21
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Yan Y, Li X, Gao Y, Mathivanan S, Kong L, Tao Y, Dong Y, Li X, Bhattacharyya A, Zhao X, Zhang SC. 3D bioprinting of human neural tissues with functional connectivity. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:260-274.e7. [PMID: 38306994 PMCID: PMC10883639 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.009] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Probing how human neural networks operate is hindered by the lack of reliable human neural tissues amenable to the dynamic functional assessment of neural circuits. We developed a 3D bioprinting platform to assemble tissues with defined human neural cell types in a desired dimension using a commercial bioprinter. The printed neuronal progenitors differentiate into neurons and form functional neural circuits within and between tissue layers with specificity within weeks, evidenced by the cortical-to-striatal projection, spontaneous synaptic currents, and synaptic response to neuronal excitation. Printed astrocyte progenitors develop into mature astrocytes with elaborated processes and form functional neuron-astrocyte networks, indicated by calcium flux and glutamate uptake in response to neuronal excitation under physiological and pathological conditions. These designed human neural tissues will likely be useful for understanding the wiring of human neural networks, modeling pathological processes, and serving as platforms for drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanwei Yan
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xueyan Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yu Gao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sakthikumar Mathivanan
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815
| | - Linghai Kong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yunlong Tao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815
| | - Yi Dong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Su-Chun Zhang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; GK Goh Centre for Neuroscience, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815.
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22
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Koshy J, Sangeetha D. Recent progress and treatment strategy of pectin polysaccharide based tissue engineering scaffolds in cancer therapy, wound healing and cartilage regeneration. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 257:128594. [PMID: 38056744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128594] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Natural polymers and its mixtures in the form of films, sponges and hydrogels are playing a major role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Hydrogels have been extensively investigated as standalone materials for drug delivery purposes as they enable effective encapsulation and sustained release of drugs. Biopolymers are widely utilised in the fabrication of hydrogels due to their safety, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and regulated breakdown by human enzymes. Among all the biopolymers, polysaccharide-based polymer is well suited to overcome the limitations of traditional wound dressing materials. Pectin is a polysaccharide which can be extracted from different plant sources and is used in various pharmaceutical and biomedical applications including cartilage regeneration. Pectin itself cannot be employed as scaffolds for tissue engineering since it decomposes quickly. This article discusses recent research and developments on pectin polysaccharide, including its types, origins, applications, and potential demands for use in AI-mediated scaffolds. It also covers the materials-design process, strategy for implementation to material selection and fabrication methods for evaluation. Finally, we discuss unmet requirements and current obstacles in the development of optimal materials for wound healing and bone-tissue regeneration, as well as emerging strategies in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jijo Koshy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - D Sangeetha
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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23
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Li M, Sun H, Hou Z, Hao S, Jin L, Wang B. Engineering the Physical Microenvironment into Neural Organoids for Neurogenesis and Neurodevelopment. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306451. [PMID: 37771182 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the signals from the physical microenvironment is critical for deciphering the processes of neurogenesis and neurodevelopment. The discovery of how surrounding physical signals shape human developing neurons is hindered by the bottleneck of conventional cell culture and animal models. Notwithstanding neural organoids provide a promising platform for recapitulating human neurogenesis and neurodevelopment, building neuronal physical microenvironment that accurately mimics the native neurophysical features is largely ignored in current organoid technologies. Here, it is discussed how the physical microenvironment modulates critical events during the periods of neurogenesis and neurodevelopment, such as neural stem cell fates, neural tube closure, neuronal migration, axonal guidance, optic cup formation, and cortical folding. Although animal models are widely used to investigate the impacts of physical factors on neurodevelopment and neuropathy, the important roles of human stem cell-derived neural organoids in this field are particularly highlighted. Considering the great promise of human organoids, building neural organoid microenvironments with mechanical forces, electrophysiological microsystems, and light manipulation will help to fully understand the physical cues in neurodevelopmental processes. Neural organoids combined with cutting-edge techniques, such as advanced atomic force microscopes, microrobots, and structural color biomaterials might promote the development of neural organoid-based research and neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Heng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Zongkun Hou
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Engineering Research Center of Cellular Immunotherapy of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Shilei Hao
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Liang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Bochu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
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24
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Yan Y, Li X, Gao Y, Mathivanan S, Kong L, Tao Y, Dong Y, Li X, Bhattacharyya A, Zhao X, Zhang SC. 3D Bioprinting of Human Neural Tissues with Functional Connectivity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.18.576289. [PMID: 38328181 PMCID: PMC10849546 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.18.576289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Probing how the human neural networks operate is hindered by the lack of reliable human neural tissues amenable for dynamic functional assessment of neural circuits. We developed a 3D bioprinting platform to assemble tissues with defined human neural cell types in a desired dimension using a commercial bioprinter. The printed neuronal progenitors differentiate to neurons and form functional neural circuits in and between tissue layers with specificity within weeks, evidenced by the cortical-to-striatal projection, spontaneous synaptic currents and synaptic response to neuronal excitation. Printed astrocyte progenitors develop into mature astrocytes with elaborated processes and form functional neuron-astrocyte networks, indicated by calcium flux and glutamate uptake in response to neuronal excitation under physiological and pathological conditions. These designed human neural tissues will likely be useful for understanding the wiring of human neural networks, modeling pathological processes, and serving as platforms for drug testing.
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25
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Rasti Boroojeni F, Naeimipour S, Lifwergren P, Abrahamsson A, Dabrosin C, Selegård R, Aili D. Proteolytic remodeling of 3D bioprinted tumor microenvironments. Biofabrication 2024; 16:025002. [PMID: 38128125 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad17d1] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In native tissue, remodeling of the pericellular space is essential for cellular activities and is mediated by tightly regulated proteases. Protease activity is dysregulated in many diseases, including many forms of cancer. Increased proteolytic activity is directly linked to tumor invasion into stroma, metastasis, and angiogenesis as well as all other hallmarks of cancer. Here we show a strategy for 3D bioprinting of breast cancer models using well-defined protease degradable hydrogels that can facilitate exploration of the multifaceted roles of proteolytic extracellular matrix remodeling in tumor progression. We designed a set of bicyclo[6.1.0]nonyne functionalized hyaluronan (HA)-based bioinks cross-linked by azide-modified poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) or matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) degradable azide-functionalized peptides. Bioprinted structures combining PEG and peptide-based hydrogels were proteolytically degraded with spatial selectivity, leaving non-degradable features intact. Bioprinting of tumor-mimicking microenvironments using bioinks comprising human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and fibroblast in hydrogels with different susceptibilities to proteolytic degradation shows that MCF-7 proliferation and spheroid size were significantly increased in protease degradable hydrogel compartments, but only in the presence of fibroblasts. In the absence of fibroblasts in the stromal compartment, cancer cell proliferation was reduced and did not differ between degradable and nondegradable hydrogels. The interactions between spatially separated fibroblasts and MCF-7 cells consequently resulted in protease-mediated remodeling of the bioprinted structures and a significant increase in cancer cell spheroid size, highlighting the close interplay between cancer cells and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment and the influence of proteases in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Rasti Boroojeni
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sajjad Naeimipour
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Philip Lifwergren
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Annelie Abrahamsson
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Dabrosin
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robert Selegård
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Daniel Aili
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
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26
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Yuan W, Xu J, Yang N, Wang H, Li J, Zhang M, Zhu M. Engineered Dynamic Hydrogel Niches for the Regulation of Redox Homeostasis in Osteoporosis and Degenerative Endocrine Diseases. Gels 2023; 10:31. [PMID: 38247755 PMCID: PMC10815676 DOI: 10.3390/gels10010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis and degenerative endocrine diseases are some of the major causes of disability in the elderly. The feedback loop in the endocrine system works to control the release of hormones and maintain the homeostasis of metabolism, thereby regulating the function of target organs. The breakdown of this feedback loop results in various endocrine and metabolic disorders, such as osteoporosis, type II diabetes, hyperlipidemia, etc. The direct regulation of redox homeostasis is one of the most attractive strategies to redress the imbalance of the feedback loop. The biophysical regulation of redox homeostasis can be achieved through engineered dynamic hydrogel niches, with which cellular mechanics and redox homeostasis are intrinsically connected. Mechanotransduction-dependent redox signaling is initiated by cell surface protein assemblies, cadherins for cell-cell junctions, and integrins for cell-ECM interactions. In this review, we focused on the biophysical regulation of redox homeostasis via the tunable cell-ECM interactions in the engineered dynamic hydrogel niches. We elucidate processes from the rational design of the hydrogel matrix to the mechano-signaling initiation and then to the redox response of the encapsulated cells. We also gave a comprehensive summary of the current biomedical applications of this strategy in several degenerative endocrine disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihao Yuan
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China; (N.Y.)
- Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jiankun Xu
- Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Na Yang
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Han Wang
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jinteng Li
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Mengyao Zhang
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Meiling Zhu
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
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Suhar RA, Huang MS, Navarro RS, Aviles Rodriguez G, Heilshorn SC. A Library of Elastin-like Proteins with Tunable Matrix Ligands for In Vitro 3D Neural Cell Culture. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5926-5939. [PMID: 37988588 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels with encapsulated cells have widespread biomedical applications, both as tissue-mimetic 3D cultures in vitro and as tissue-engineered therapies in vivo. Within these hydrogels, the presentation of cell-instructive extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived ligands and matrix stiffness are critical factors known to influence numerous cell behaviors. While individual ECM biopolymers can be blended together to alter the presentation of cell-instructive ligands, this typically results in hydrogels with a range of mechanical properties. Synthetic systems that allow for the facile incorporation and modulation of multiple ligands without modification of matrix mechanics are highly desirable. In the present work, we leverage protein engineering to design a family of xeno-free hydrogels (i.e., devoid of animal-derived components) consisting of recombinant hyaluronan and recombinant elastin-like proteins (ELPs), cross-linked together with dynamic covalent bonds. The ELP components incorporate cell-instructive peptide ligands derived from ECM proteins, including fibronectin (RGD), laminin (IKVAV and YIGSR), collagen (DGEA), and tenascin-C (PLAEIDGIELTY and VFDNFVL). By carefully designing the protein primary sequence, we form 3D hydrogels with defined and tunable concentrations of cell-instructive ligands that have similar matrix mechanics. Utilizing this system, we demonstrate that neurite outgrowth from encapsulated embryonic dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cultures is significantly modified by cell-instructive ligand content. Thus, this library of protein-engineered hydrogels is a cell-compatible system to systematically study cell responses to matrix-derived ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley A Suhar
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Michelle S Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- The Institute for Chemistry, Stanford University, Engineering & Medicine for Human Health (Sarafan ChEM-H), Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Renato S Navarro
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Giselle Aviles Rodriguez
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Sarah C Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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28
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Liu Y, Liu X, Zhang Y, Cao Y, Luo B, Wang Z, Pei R. Interpenetrating Polymer Network HA/Alg-RGD Hydrogel: An Equilibrium of Macroscopic Stability and Microscopic Adaptability for 3D Cell Growth and Vascularization. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5977-5988. [PMID: 37939799 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture methods dominate the current research. However, the inherent responsiveness of cells to their native three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment necessitates a paradigm shift toward the development of advanced hydrogels that faithfully mimic the intricacies of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and enable continuous cell-ECM interactions. To address the constraints of traditional static hydrogel networks that impede effective cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, and to tackle the inherent stability issues associated with dynamically cross-linked hydrogels, which have become a pressing concern. Herein, we present an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel (HA/Alg-RGD hydrogel) that combines a physically cross-linked network between alginate and calcium ions (Alg-Ca2+) for the enhanced cell growth adaptability with a chemically cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) network to ensure macroscopic stability during cell culture. The incorporation of arginine-glycine-aspartic peptide modified alginate (Alg-RGD) further facilitates cell adhesion and improves the cell-hydrogel interaction. Notably, this IPN hydrogel demonstrates mechanical stability and enables cell spreading and growth within its structural framework. Leveraging the reversible characteristics of the ionically cross-linked Alg-Ca2+ network within IPN hydrogels, we demonstrate the feasibility of the gelatin sacrificial solution for 3D printing purposes within the hydrogel matrix. Subsequent UV-induced covalent cross-linking enables the fabrication of vascularized microfluidic channels within the resulting construct. Our results demonstrate endothelial cell spreading and spontaneous cell sprouting within the hydrogel matrix, thus highlighting the efficacy of this IPN hydrogel system in facilitating 3D cell growth. Additionally, our study emphasizes the potential of 3D printed constructs as a promising approach for vascularization in tissue engineering. The importance of RGD peptides in promoting favorable cell-hydrogel scaffold interactions is also highlighted, emphasizing their critical role in optimizing biomaterial-cell interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanshan Liu
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xingzhu Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yajie Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yi Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Bingqing Luo
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Renjun Pei
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
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29
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Li J, Shangguan Z, Ye X, Wang Z, Liu W, Chen G. Modified FGF Hydrogel for Effective Axon Formation by Enhanced Regeneration of Myelin Sheath of Schwann Cells Using Rat Model. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:7225-7236. [PMID: 38076728 PMCID: PMC10710222 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s417723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction An acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating event for which there is no targeted or effective treatment. Previous studies have shown that fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and Schwann cells (SC) exert a protective effect on the injured tissues. Because of their easy injectability and strength, hydrogels are considered to be ideal candidates for creating loadable tissues. However, the application and mechanism of bFGF-hydrogels have not been explored. Methods We synthesized a new class of bFGF-hydrosol and evaluated its safety and biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. Next, an SCI rat model was established to evaluate the effect of the hydrosol on an SCI by detecting various pro-inflammatory markers and evaluating the injury. The ability of hydrosol to promote axon formation was evaluated by detecting corresponding indexes, and its ability to promote remyelination was evaluated by detecting the corresponding indexes in Schwann cells. Results A novel in situ injectable hydrogel containing bFGF (HA-bFGF) was synthesized and found to have better biocompatibility than other gels. HA-bFGF helped to repair tissue damage after an SCI in vivo. Our mechanistic investigation also showed that HA-bFGF improved axon formation after an SCI by facilitating the regeneration of myelin sheath of Schwann cells. Conclusion In this study, we found that HA-bFGF could promote neural restoration and tissue recovery after an SCI. Our results indicate that hydrogels loaded with bFGF can alleviate a spinal cord injury by promoting the remyelination of Schwann cells, reducing inflammation at the injured site, and ultimately promoting axon generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiandong Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Union Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhitao Shangguan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Union Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ye
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Union Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Union Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wenge Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Union Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Union Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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30
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Vrehen AF, Rutten MGTA, Dankers PYW. Development of a Fully Synthetic Corneal Stromal Construct via Supramolecular Hydrogel Engineering. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301392. [PMID: 37747759 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301392] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the field of ophthalmology show great potential in the design of bioengineered constructs to mimic the corneal stroma. Hydrogels based on synthetic supramolecular polymers, are attractive synthetic mimics of the natural highly hydrated corneal stroma. Here, a fully synthetic corneal stromal construct is developed via engineering of an injectable supramolecular hydrogel based on ureido-pyrimidinone (UPy) moieties. The hydrogel displays a dynamic and tunable behavior, which allows for control of biochemical and mechanical cues. Two hydrogels are developed, a fully synthetic hydrogel functionalized with a bioactive cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartate UPy (UPy-cRGD) additive, and a hybrid hydrogel based on UPy-moieties mixed with collagen type I fibers. Both hydrogels supported cell encapsulation and associated cellular deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins after 21 days. Excitingly, the hydrogels support the activation of isolated primary keratocytes into stromal fibroblasts as well as the differentiation toward more quiescent corneal stromal keratocytes, demonstrated by their characteristic long dendritic protrusions and a substantially diminished cytokine secretion. Furthermore, cells survive shear stresses during an injectability test. Together, these findings highlight the development of an injectable supramolecular hydrogel as a synthetic corneal stromal microenvironment able to host primary keratocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika F Vrehen
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 7, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Martin G T A Rutten
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 7, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y W Dankers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 7, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
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31
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Abalymov A, Pinchasik BE, Akasov RA, Lomova M, Parakhonskiy BV. Strategies for Anisotropic Fibrillar Hydrogels: Design, Cell Alignment, and Applications in Tissue Engineering. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4532-4552. [PMID: 37812143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Efficient cellular alignment in biomaterials presents a considerable challenge, demanding the refinement of appropriate material morphologies, while ensuring effective cell-surface interactions. To address this, biomaterials are continuously researched with diverse coatings, hydrogels, and polymeric surfaces. In this context, we investigate the influence of physicochemical parameters on the architecture of fibrillar hydrogels that significantly orient the topography of flexible hydrogel substrates, thereby fostering cellular adhesion and spatial organization. Our Review comprehensively assesses various techniques for aligning polymer fibrils within hydrogels, specifically interventions applied during and after the cross-linking process. These methodologies include mechanical strains, precise temperature modulation, controlled fluidic dynamics, and chemical modulators, as well as the use of magnetic and electric fields. We highlight the intrinsic appeal of these methodologies in fabricating cell-aligning interfaces and discuss their potential implications within the fields of biomaterials and tissue engineering, particularly concerning the pursuit of optimal cellular alignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatolii Abalymov
- Science Medical Center, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
| | - Bat-El Pinchasik
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, 69978 Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Roman A Akasov
- Sechenov University and Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics" of Russian Academy of Sciences, 101000 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Lomova
- Science Medical Center, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
| | - Bogdan V Parakhonskiy
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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32
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Yuan W, Ferreira LDAQ, Yu B, Ansari S, Moshaverinia A. Dental-derived stem cells in tissue engineering: the role of biomaterials and host response. Regen Biomater 2023; 11:rbad100. [PMID: 38223292 PMCID: PMC10786679 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbad100] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Dental-derived stem cells (DSCs) are attractive cell sources due to their easy access, superior growth capacity and low immunogenicity. They can respond to multiple extracellular matrix signals, which provide biophysical and biochemical cues to regulate the fate of residing cells. However, the direct transplantation of DSCs suffers from poor proliferation and differentiation toward functional cells and low survival rates due to local inflammation. Recently, elegant advances in the design of novel biomaterials have been made to give promise to the use of biomimetic biomaterials to regulate various cell behaviors, including proliferation, differentiation and migration. Biomaterials could be tailored with multiple functionalities, e.g., stimuli-responsiveness. There is an emerging need to summarize recent advances in engineered biomaterials-mediated delivery and therapy of DSCs and their potential applications. Herein, we outlined the design of biomaterials for supporting DSCs and the host response to the transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihao Yuan
- Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, Section of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Luiza de Almeida Queiroz Ferreira
- Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, Section of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bo Yu
- Section of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sahar Ansari
- Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, Section of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alireza Moshaverinia
- Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, Section of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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33
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Pereira I, Lopez-Martinez MJ, Samitier J. Advances in current in vitro models on neurodegenerative diseases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1260397. [PMID: 38026882 PMCID: PMC10658011 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1260397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases are identified but their causes and cure are far from being well-known. The problem resides in the complexity of the neural tissue and its location which hinders its easy evaluation. Although necessary in the drug discovery process, in vivo animal models need to be reduced and show relevant differences with the human tissues that guide scientists to inquire about other possible options which lead to in vitro models being explored. From organoids to organ-on-a-chips, 3D models are considered the cutting-edge technology in cell culture. Cell choice is a big parameter to take into consideration when planning an in vitro model and cells capable of mimicking both healthy and diseased tissue, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), are recognized as good candidates. Hence, we present a critical review of the latest models used to study neurodegenerative disease, how these models have evolved introducing microfluidics platforms, 3D cell cultures, and the use of induced pluripotent cells to better mimic the neural tissue environment in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Pereira
- Nanobioengineering Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria J. Lopez-Martinez
- Nanobioengineering Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red: Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Samitier
- Nanobioengineering Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red: Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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34
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Roth JG, Huang MS, Navarro RS, Akram JT, LeSavage BL, Heilshorn SC. Tunable hydrogel viscoelasticity modulates human neural maturation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh8313. [PMID: 37862423 PMCID: PMC10588948 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh8313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have emerged as a promising in vitro model system for studying neurodevelopment. However, current models remain limited in their ability to incorporate tunable biomechanical signaling cues imparted by the extracellular matrix (ECM). The native brain ECM is viscoelastic and stress-relaxing, exhibiting a time-dependent response to an applied force. To recapitulate the remodelability of the neural ECM, we developed a family of protein-engineered hydrogels that exhibit tunable stress relaxation rates. hiPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) encapsulated within these gels underwent relaxation rate-dependent maturation. Specifically, NPCs within hydrogels with faster stress relaxation rates extended longer, more complex neuritic projections, exhibited decreased metabolic activity, and expressed higher levels of genes associated with neural maturation. By inhibiting actin polymerization, we observed decreased neuritic projections and a concomitant decrease in neural maturation gene expression. Together, these results suggest that microenvironmental viscoelasticity is sufficient to bias human NPC maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien G. Roth
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Complex in Vitro Systems, Safety Assessment, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michelle S. Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Renato S. Navarro
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jason T. Akram
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bauer L. LeSavage
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sarah C. Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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35
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Wang Y, Tong X, Shi X, Keswani T, Chatterjee E, Chen L, Li G, Lee K, Guo T, Yu Y. Chiral Cell Nanomechanics Originated in Clockwise/Counterclockwise Biofunctional Microarrays to Govern the Nuclear Mechanotransduction of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:48038-48049. [PMID: 37812566 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Cell chirality is extremely important for the evolution of cell morphogenesis to manipulate cell performance due to left-right asymmetry. Although chiral micro- and nanoscale biomaterials have been developed to regulate cell functions, how cell chirality affects cell nanomechanics to command nuclear mechanotransduction was ambiguous. In this study, chiral engineered microcircle arrays were prepared by photosensitive cross-linking synthesis on cell culture plates to control the clockwise/counterclockwise geometric topology of stem cells. Asymmetric focal adhesion and cytoskeleton structures could induce chiral cell nanomechanics measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation in left-/right-handed stem cells. Cell nanomechanics could be enhanced when the construction of mature focal adhesion and the assembly of actin and myosin cytoskeletons were well organized in chiral engineered stem cells. Curvature angles had a negative effect on cell nanomechanics, while cell chirality did not change cytoskeletal mechanics. The biased cytoskeleton tension would engender different nuclear mechanotransductions by yes-associated protein (YAP) evaluation. The chiral stimuli were delivered into the nuclei to oversee nuclear behaviors. A strong cell modulus could activate high nuclear DNA synthesis activity by mechanotransduction. The results will bring the possibility of understanding the interplay of chiral cell nanomechanics and mechanotransduction in nanomedicines and biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongtao Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 333 Nan Chen Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiaolan Tong
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 333 Nan Chen Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiaohui Shi
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 333 Nan Chen Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Tarun Keswani
- Center for Immunological and Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Emeli Chatterjee
- Cardiovascular Division of the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Department of Spine Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Guoping Li
- Center for Immunological and Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Kyubae Lee
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Tao Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Department of Spine Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
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36
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Princen K, Marien N, Guedens W, Graulus GJ, Adriaensens P. Hydrogels with Reversible Crosslinks for Improved Localised Stem Cell Retention: A Review. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300149. [PMID: 37220343 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300149] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Successful stem cell applications could have a significant impact on the medical field, where many lives are at stake. However, the translation of stem cells to the clinic could be improved by overcoming challenges in stem cell transplantation and in vivo retention at the site of tissue damage. This review aims to showcase the most recent insights into developing hydrogels that can deliver, retain, and accommodate stem cells for tissue repair. Hydrogels can be used for tissue engineering, as their flexibility and water content makes them excellent substitutes for the native extracellular matrix. Moreover, the mechanical properties of hydrogels are highly tuneable, and recognition moieties to control cell behaviour and fate can quickly be introduced. This review covers the parameters necessary for the physicochemical design of adaptable hydrogels, the variety of (bio)materials that can be used in such hydrogels, their application in stem cell delivery and some recently developed chemistries for reversible crosslinking. Implementing physical and dynamic covalent chemistry has resulted in adaptable hydrogels that can mimic the dynamic nature of the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Princen
- Biomolecule Design Group, Institute for Materials Research (IMO-IMOMEC), Hasselt University, Agoralaan-Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Neeve Marien
- Biomolecule Design Group, Institute for Materials Research (IMO-IMOMEC), Hasselt University, Agoralaan-Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Wanda Guedens
- Biomolecule Design Group, Institute for Materials Research (IMO-IMOMEC), Hasselt University, Agoralaan-Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Geert-Jan Graulus
- Biomolecule Design Group, Institute for Materials Research (IMO-IMOMEC), Hasselt University, Agoralaan-Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Peter Adriaensens
- Biomolecule Design Group, Institute for Materials Research (IMO-IMOMEC), Hasselt University, Agoralaan-Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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37
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Kwokdinata C, Ramanujam V, Chen J, de Oliveira PN, Nai MH, Chooi WH, Lim CT, Ng SY, David L, Chew SY. Encapsulation of Human Spinal Cord Progenitor Cells in Hyaluronan-Gelatin Hydrogel for Spinal Cord Injury Treatment. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:50679-50692. [PMID: 37751213 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c07419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Transplanting human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived spinal cord progenitor cells (SCPCs) is a promising approach to treat spinal cord injuries. However, stem cell therapies face challenges in cell survival, cell localization to the targeted site, and the control of cell differentiation. Here, we encapsulated SCPCs in thiol-modified hyaluronan-gelatin hydrogels and optimized scaffold mechanical properties and cell encapsulation density to promote cell viability and neuronal differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Different compositions of hyaluronan-gelatin hydrogels formulated by varying concentrations of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate were mechanically characterized by using atomic force microscopy. In vitro SCPC encapsulation study showed higher cell viability and proliferation with lower substrate Young's modulus (200 Pa vs 580 Pa) and cell density. Moreover, the soft hydrogels facilitated a higher degree of neuronal differentiation with extended filament structures in contrast to clumped cellular morphologies obtained in stiff hydrogels (p < 0.01). When transplanted in vivo, the optimized SCPC-encapsulated hydrogels resulted in higher cell survival and localization at the transplanted region as compared to cell delivery without hydrogel encapsulation at 2 weeks postimplantation within the rat spinal cord (p < 0.01). Notably, immunostaining demonstrated that the hydrogel-encapsulated SCPCs differentiated along the neuronal and oligodendroglial lineages in vivo. The lack of pluripotency and proliferation also supported the safety of the SCPC transplantation approach. Overall, the injectable hyaluronan-gelatin hydrogel shows promise in supporting the survival and neural differentiation of human SCPCs after transplantation into the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy Kwokdinata
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | - Vaibavi Ramanujam
- CNRS@CREATE, Create Tower #08-01, 1 Create Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Jiahui Chen
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | | | - Mui Hoon Nai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Wai Hon Chooi
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Republic of Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Shi Yan Ng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Republic of Singapore
| | - Laurent David
- CNRS@CREATE, Create Tower #08-01, 1 Create Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore
- Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères IMP UMR 5223, CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSA de Lyon, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, Villeurbanne F69622, France
| | - Sing Yian Chew
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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38
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Goldshmid R, Simaan-Yameen H, Ifergan L, Loebel C, Burdick JA, Seliktar D. Modulus-dependent effects on neurogenic, myogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells in three-dimensional hydrogel cultures. J Biomed Mater Res A 2023; 111:1441-1458. [PMID: 37066837 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37545] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) are of significant interest as a renewable source of therapeutically useful cells. In tissue engineering, hMSCs are implanted within a scaffold to provide enhanced capacity for tissue repair. The present study evaluates how mechanical properties of that scaffold can alter the phenotype and genotype of the cells, with the aim of augmenting hMSC differentiation along the myogenic, neurogenic or chondrogenic linages. The hMSCs were grown three-dimensionally (3D) in a hydrogel comprised of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-conjugated to fibrinogen. The hydrogel's shear storage modulus (G'), which was controlled by increasing the amount of PEG-diacrylate cross-linker in the matrix, was varied in the range of 100-2000 Pascal (Pa). The differentiation into each lineage was initiated by a defined culture medium, and the hMSCs grown in the different modulus hydrogels were characterized using gene and protein expression. Materials having lower storage moduli (G' = 100 Pa) exhibited more hMSCs differentiating to neurogenic lineages. Myogenesis was favored in materials having intermediate modulus values (G' = 500 Pa), whereas chondrogenesis was favored in materials with a higher modulus (G' = 1000 Pa). Enhancing the differentiation pathway of hMSCs in 3D hydrogel scaffolds using simple modifications to mechanical properties represents an important achievement toward the effective application of these cells in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revital Goldshmid
- The Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- The Interdisciplinary Program for Biotechnology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Haneen Simaan-Yameen
- The Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- The Interdisciplinary Program for Biotechnology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Liaura Ifergan
- The Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Claudia Loebel
- Materials Science & Engineering Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jason A Burdick
- BioFrontiers Institute and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Dror Seliktar
- The Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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39
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Silva-López MS, Alcántara-Quintana LE. The Era of Biomaterials: Smart Implants? ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:2982-2994. [PMID: 37437296 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00284] [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] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Conditions, accidents, and aging processes have brought with them the need to develop implants with higher technology that allow not only the replacement of missing tissue but also the formation of tissue and the recovery of its function. The development of implants is due to advances in different areas such as molecular-biochemistry (which allows the understanding of the molecular/cellular processes during tissue repair), materials engineering, tissue regeneration (which has contributed advances in the knowledge of the properties of the materials used for their manufacture), and the so-called intelligent biomaterials (which promote tissue regeneration through inductive effects of cell signaling in response to stimuli from the microenvironment to generate adhesion, migration, and cell differentiation processes). The implants currently used are combinations of biopolymers with properties that allow the formation of scaffolds with the capacity to mimic the characteristics of the tissue to be repaired. This review describes the advances of intelligent biomaterials in implants applied in different dental and orthopedic problems; by means of these advances, it is expected to overcome limitations such as additional surgeries, rejections and infections in implants, implant duration, pain mitigation, and mainly, tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Sarai Silva-López
- Coordination for the Innovation and Application of Science and Technology (CIACYT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, 550-2a Sierra Leona Ave, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| | - Luz E Alcántara-Quintana
- Coordination for the Innovation and Application of Science and Technology (CIACYT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, 550-2a Sierra Leona Ave, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
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40
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Gerardo-Nava JL, Jansen J, Günther D, Klasen L, Thiebes AL, Niessing B, Bergerbit C, Meyer AA, Linkhorst J, Barth M, Akhyari P, Stingl J, Nagel S, Stiehl T, Lampert A, Leube R, Wessling M, Santoro F, Ingebrandt S, Jockenhoevel S, Herrmann A, Fischer H, Wagner W, Schmitt RH, Kiessling F, Kramann R, De Laporte L. Transformative Materials to Create 3D Functional Human Tissue Models In Vitro in a Reproducible Manner. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301030. [PMID: 37311209 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301030] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recreating human tissues and organs in the petri dish to establish models as tools in biomedical sciences has gained momentum. These models can provide insight into mechanisms of human physiology, disease onset, and progression, and improve drug target validation, as well as the development of new medical therapeutics. Transformative materials play an important role in this evolution, as they can be programmed to direct cell behavior and fate by controlling the activity of bioactive molecules and material properties. Using nature as an inspiration, scientists are creating materials that incorporate specific biological processes observed during human organogenesis and tissue regeneration. This article presents the reader with state-of-the-art developments in the field of in vitro tissue engineering and the challenges related to the design, production, and translation of these transformative materials. Advances regarding (stem) cell sources, expansion, and differentiation, and how novel responsive materials, automated and large-scale fabrication processes, culture conditions, in situ monitoring systems, and computer simulations are required to create functional human tissue models that are relevant and efficient for drug discovery, are described. This paper illustrates how these different technologies need to converge to generate in vitro life-like human tissue models that provide a platform to answer health-based scientific questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Gerardo-Nava
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CMBS), Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jitske Jansen
- Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology and Department of Medicine 2, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3584CG, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Günther
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CMBS), Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), Advanced Materials for Biomedicine, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Laura Klasen
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), Advanced Materials for Biomedicine, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anja Lena Thiebes
- Department of Biohybrid and Medical Textiles (BioTex), AME - Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Helmholtz Institute, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 20, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD, Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Bastian Niessing
- Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT, Steinbachstraße 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Cédric Bergerbit
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna A Meyer
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), Advanced Materials for Biomedicine, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - John Linkhorst
- Department of Chemical Process Engineering (AVT.CVT), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 51, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mareike Barth
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Payam Akhyari
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Stingl
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of RWTH, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Saskia Nagel
- Applied Ethics Group, RWTH Aachen University, Theaterplatz 14, 52062, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Stiehl
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine - Disease Modeling, RWTH Aachen University, Templergraben 55, 52062, Aachen, Germany
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Neurohysiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rudolf Leube
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52057, Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Wessling
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Chemical Process Engineering (AVT.CVT), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 51, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Francesca Santoro
- Neuroelectronic Interfaces Research Group, RWTH Aachen University, Templergraben 55, 52062, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sven Ingebrandt
- Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Sommerfeldstraße 18, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Jockenhoevel
- Department of Biohybrid and Medical Textiles (BioTex), AME - Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Helmholtz Institute, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 20, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD, Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Herrmann
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CMBS), Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), Advanced Materials for Biomedicine, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Horst Fischer
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wagner
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 20, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Robert H Schmitt
- Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT, Steinbachstraße 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Campus-boulevard 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rafael Kramann
- Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology and Department of Medicine 2, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3584CG, The Netherlands
| | - Laura De Laporte
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CMBS), Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), Advanced Materials for Biomedicine, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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41
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Metkari AS, Fowler EW, Witt RL, Jia X. Matrix Degradability Contributes to the Development of Salivary Gland Progenitor Cells with Secretory Functions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:32148-32161. [PMID: 37364369 PMCID: PMC10529452 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic matrices that are cytocompatible, cell adhesive, and cell responsive are needed for the engineering of implantable, secretory salivary gland constructs to treat radiation induced xerostomia or dry mouth. Here, taking advantage of the bioorthogonality of the Michael-type addition reaction, hydrogels with comparable stiffness but varying degrees of degradability (100% degradable, 100DEG; 50% degradable, 50DEG; and nondegradable, 0DEG) by cell-secreted matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) were synthesized using thiolated HA (HA-SH), maleimide (MI)-conjugated integrin-binding peptide (RGD-MI), and MI-functionalized peptide cross-linkers that are protease degradable (GIW-bisMI) or nondegradable (GIQ-bisMI). Organized multicellular structures developed readily in all hydrogels from dispersed primary human salivary gland stem cells (hS/PCs). As the matrix became progressively degradable, cells proliferated more readily, and the multicellular structures became larger, less spherical, and more lobular. Immunocytochemical analysis showed positive staining for stem/progenitor cell markers CD44 and keratin 5 (K5) in all three types of cultures and positive staining for the acinar marker α-amylase under 50DEG and 100DEG conditions. Quantitatively at the mRNA level, the expression levels of key stem/progenitor markers KIT, KRT5, and ETV4/5 were significantly increased in the degradable gels as compared to the nondegradable counterparts. Western blot analyses revealed that imparting matrix degradation led to >3.8-fold increase in KIT expression by day 15. The MMP-degradable hydrogels also promoted the development of a secretary phenotype, as evidenced by the upregulation of acinar markers α-amylase (AMY), aquaporin-5 (AQP5), and sodium-potassium chloride cotransporter 1 (SLC12A2). Collectively, we show that cell-mediated matrix remodeling is necessary for the development of regenerative pro-acinar progenitor cells from hS/PCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apoorva S. Metkari
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Eric W. Fowler
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Robert L. Witt
- Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Xinqiao Jia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, Delaware, USA
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Shayan M, Huang MS, Navarro R, Chiang G, Hu C, Oropeza BP, Johansson PK, Suhar RA, Foster AA, LeSavage BL, Zamani M, Enejder A, Roth JG, Heilshorn SC, Huang NF. Elastin-like protein hydrogels with controllable stress relaxation rate and stiffness modulate endothelial cell function. J Biomed Mater Res A 2023; 111:896-909. [PMID: 36861665 PMCID: PMC10159914 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) regulate vascular endothelial cell (EC) morphology and function. Since naturally derived ECMs are viscoelastic, cells respond to viscoelastic matrices that exhibit stress relaxation, in which a cell-applied force results in matrix remodeling. To decouple the effects of stress relaxation rate from substrate stiffness on EC behavior, we engineered elastin-like protein (ELP) hydrogels in which dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) was used to crosslink hydrazine-modified ELP (ELP-HYD) and aldehyde/benzaldehyde-modified polyethylene glycol (PEG-ALD/PEG-BZA). The reversible DCC crosslinks in ELP-PEG hydrogels create a matrix with independently tunable stiffness and stress relaxation rate. By formulating fast-relaxing or slow-relaxing hydrogels with a range of stiffness (500-3300 Pa), we examined the effect of these mechanical properties on EC spreading, proliferation, vascular sprouting, and vascularization. The results show that both stress relaxation rate and stiffness modulate endothelial spreading on two-dimensional substrates, on which ECs exhibited greater cell spreading on fast-relaxing hydrogels up through 3 days, compared with slow-relaxing hydrogels at the same stiffness. In three-dimensional hydrogels encapsulating ECs and fibroblasts in coculture, the fast-relaxing, low-stiffness hydrogels produced the widest vascular sprouts, a measure of vessel maturity. This finding was validated in a murine subcutaneous implantation model, in which the fast-relaxing, low-stiffness hydrogel produced significantly more vascularization compared with the slow-relaxing, low-stiffness hydrogel. Together, these results suggest that both stress relaxation rate and stiffness modulate endothelial behavior, and that the fast-relaxing, low-stiffness hydrogels supported the highest capillary density in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdis Shayan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- The Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michelle S. Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Renato Navarro
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Gladys Chiang
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Caroline Hu
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Beu P. Oropeza
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- The Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Patrik K. Johansson
- Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Riley A. Suhar
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Abbygail A. Foster
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Bauer L. LeSavage
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Maedeh Zamani
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- The Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Annika Enejder
- Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Julien G. Roth
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Sarah C. Heilshorn
- The Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Ngan F. Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- The Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Saraswathibhatla A, Indana D, Chaudhuri O. Cell-extracellular matrix mechanotransduction in 3D. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:495-516. [PMID: 36849594 PMCID: PMC10656994 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00583-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 116.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECMs) regulate essential cell behaviours, including differentiation, migration and proliferation, through mechanotransduction. Studies of cell-ECM mechanotransduction have largely focused on cells cultured in 2D, on top of elastic substrates with a range of stiffnesses. However, cells often interact with ECMs in vivo in a 3D context, and cell-ECM interactions and mechanisms of mechanotransduction in 3D can differ from those in 2D. The ECM exhibits various structural features as well as complex mechanical properties. In 3D, mechanical confinement by the surrounding ECM restricts changes in cell volume and cell shape but allows cells to generate force on the matrix by extending protrusions and regulating cell volume as well as through actomyosin-based contractility. Furthermore, cell-matrix interactions are dynamic owing to matrix remodelling. Accordingly, ECM stiffness, viscoelasticity and degradability often play a critical role in regulating cell behaviours in 3D. Mechanisms of 3D mechanotransduction include traditional integrin-mediated pathways that sense mechanical properties and more recently described mechanosensitive ion channel-mediated pathways that sense 3D confinement, with both converging on the nucleus for downstream control of transcription and phenotype. Mechanotransduction is involved in tissues from development to cancer and is being increasingly harnessed towards mechanotherapy. Here we discuss recent progress in our understanding of cell-ECM mechanotransduction in 3D.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhiraj Indana
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Madl CM. Accelerating aging with dynamic biomaterials: Recapitulating aged tissue phenotypes in engineered platforms. iScience 2023; 26:106825. [PMID: 37250776 PMCID: PMC10213044 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is characterized by progressive decline in tissue function and represents the greatest risk factor for many diseases. Nevertheless, many fundamental mechanisms driving human aging remain poorly understood. Aging studies using model organisms are often limited in their applicability to humans. Mechanistic studies of human aging rely on relatively simple cell culture models that fail to replicate mature tissue function, making them poor surrogates for aged tissues. These culture systems generally lack well-controlled cellular microenvironments that capture the changes in tissue mechanics and microstructure that occur during aging. Biomaterial platforms presenting dynamic, physiologically relevant mechanical, structural, and biochemical cues can capture the complex changes in the cellular microenvironment in a well-defined manner, accelerating the process of cellular aging in model laboratory systems. By enabling selective tuning of relevant microenvironmental parameters, these biomaterials systems may enable identification of new therapeutic approaches to slow or reverse the detrimental effects of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Madl
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Oliver-Cervelló L, Martin-Gómez H, Gonzalez-Garcia C, Salmeron-Sanchez M, Ginebra MP, Mas-Moruno C. Protease-degradable hydrogels with multifunctional biomimetic peptides for bone tissue engineering. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1192436. [PMID: 37324414 PMCID: PMC10267393 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1192436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mimicking bone extracellular matrix (ECM) is paramount to develop novel biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. In this regard, the combination of integrin-binding ligands together with osteogenic peptides represents a powerful approach to recapitulate the healing microenvironment of bone. In the present work, we designed polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogels functionalized with cell instructive multifunctional biomimetic peptides (either with cyclic RGD-DWIVA or cyclic RGD-cyclic DWIVA) and cross-linked with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-degradable sequences to enable dynamic enzymatic biodegradation and cell spreading and differentiation. The analysis of the intrinsic properties of the hydrogel revealed relevant mechanical properties, porosity, swelling and degradability to engineer hydrogels for bone tissue engineering. Moreover, the engineered hydrogels were able to promote human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) spreading and significantly improve their osteogenic differentiation. Thus, these novel hydrogels could be a promising candidate for applications in bone tissue engineering, such as acellular systems to be implanted and regenerate bone or in stem cells therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluís Oliver-Cervelló
- Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering, UPC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena Martin-Gómez
- Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering, UPC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Gonzalez-Garcia
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Maria-Pau Ginebra
- Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering, UPC, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Mas-Moruno
- Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering, UPC, Barcelona, Spain
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46
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Hagelaars MJ, Rijns L, Dankers PYW, Loerakker S, Bouten CVC. Engineering Strategies to Move from Understanding to Steering Renal Tubulogenesis. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2023; 29:203-216. [PMID: 36173101 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2022.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rebuilding the kidney in the context of tissue engineering offers a major challenge as the organ is structurally complex and has a high variety of specific functions. Recreation of kidney function is inherently connected to the formation of tubules since the functional subunit of the kidney, the nephron, is based on tubular structures. In vivo, tubulogenesis culminates in a perfectly shaped, patterned, and functional renal tubule via different morphogenic processes that depend on delicately orchestrated chemical, physical, and mechanical interactions between cells and between cells and their microenvironment. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of the microenvironment in the morphogenic processes involved in in vivo renal tubulogenesis. We highlight the current state-of-the-art of renal tubular engineering and provide a view on the design elements that can be extracted from these studies. Next, we discuss how computational modeling can aid in specifying and identifying design parameters and provide directions on how these design parameters can be incorporated in biomaterials for the purpose of engineering renal tubulogenesis. Finally, we propose that a step-by-step reciprocal interaction between understanding and engineering is necessary to effectively guide renal tubulogenesis. Impact statement Tubular tissue engineering lies at the foundation of regenerating kidney tissue function, as the functional subunit of the kidney, the nephron, is based on tubular structures. Guiding renal tubulogenesis toward functional renal tubules requires in-depth knowledge of the developmental processes that lead to the formation of native tubules as well as engineering approaches to steer these processes. In this study, we review the role of the microenvironment in the developmental processes that lead to functional renal tubules and give directions how this knowledge can be harnessed for biomaterial-based tubular engineering using computational models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Hagelaars
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Rijns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y W Dankers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Loerakker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V C Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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47
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Hull SM, Lou J, Lindsay CD, Navarro RS, Cai B, Brunel LG, Westerfield AD, Xia Y, Heilshorn SC. 3D bioprinting of dynamic hydrogel bioinks enabled by small molecule modulators. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade7880. [PMID: 37000873 PMCID: PMC10065439 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade7880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional bioprinting has emerged as a promising tool for spatially patterning cells to fabricate models of human tissue. Here, we present an engineered bioink material designed to have viscoelastic mechanical behavior, similar to that of living tissue. This viscoelastic bioink is cross-linked through dynamic covalent bonds, a reversible bond type that allows for cellular remodeling over time. Viscoelastic materials are challenging to use as inks, as one must tune the kinetics of the dynamic cross-links to allow for both extrudability and long-term stability. We overcome this challenge through the use of small molecule catalysts and competitors that temporarily modulate the cross-linking kinetics and degree of network formation. These inks were then used to print a model of breast cancer cell invasion, where the inclusion of dynamic cross-links was found to be required for the formation of invasive protrusions. Together, we demonstrate the power of engineered, dynamic bioinks to recapitulate the native cellular microenvironment for disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Hull
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Junzhe Lou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Renato S. Navarro
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Betty Cai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lucia G. Brunel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Yan Xia
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sarah C. Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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48
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Wang D, Zhang M, Qiu G, Rong C, Zhu X, Qin G, Kong C, Zhou J, Liang X, Bu Z, Liu J, Luo T, Yang J, Zhang K. Extracellular Matrix Viscosity Reprogramming by In Situ Au Bioreactor-Boosted Microwavegenetics Disables Tumor Escape in CAR-T Immunotherapy. ACS NANO 2023; 17:5503-5516. [PMID: 36917088 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c10845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Incomplete microwave ablation (iMWA) caused by uncontrollable heat diffusion enhances the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITM), consequently disabling the prevalent immune checkpoint blockade-combined immunotherapy against tumor recurrence. Herein, we successfully constructed an intratumorally synthesized Au bioreactor to disperse heat in thermally sensitive hydrogel-filled tumors and improve the energy utilization efficiency, which magnified the effective ablation zone (EAZ), counteracted iMWA, and simultaneously established and enhanced multiple biological process-regulated microwavegenetics. More significantly, we identified the extracellular matrix (ECM) viscosity as a general immune escape "target". After remodeling ECM, including ECM ingredients and cell adhesion molecules, this physical target was blocked by viscosity reprogramming, furnishing an effective tool to regulate the viscosity target. Thereby, such in situ Au bioreactor-enlarged EAZ and enhanced microwavegenetics reversed the immune-desert tumor microenvironment, mitigated ITM, secreted immune cell-attracting chemokines, recruited and polarized various immune cells, and activated or reactivated them like dendritic cells, natural killing cells, M1-type macrophages, and effector CD8+ or CAR-T cells. Contributed by these multiple actions, the in situ oncolytic Au bioreactors evoked CAR-T immunotherapy to acquire a considerably increased inhibition effect against tumor progression and recurrence after iMWA, thus providing a general method to enhance iMWA and CAR-T immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University. No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University. No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Guanhua Qiu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University. No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Chao Rong
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University. No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqi Zhu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University. No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Guchun Qin
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University. No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Cunqing Kong
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University. No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University. No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
- Central Laboratory, Department of Medical Ultrasound, and Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University. No. 301 Yanchangzhong Road, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Xiayi Liang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University. No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
- Central Laboratory, Department of Medical Ultrasound, and Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University. No. 301 Yanchangzhong Road, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoting Bu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University. No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
- Central Laboratory, Department of Medical Ultrasound, and Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University. No. 301 Yanchangzhong Road, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Junjie Liu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University. No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Tao Luo
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University. No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Jianjun Yang
- Central Laboratory, Department of Medical Ultrasound, and Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University. No. 301 Yanchangzhong Road, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University. No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
- Central Laboratory, Department of Medical Ultrasound, and Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University. No. 301 Yanchangzhong Road, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
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Xu Y, Rothe R, Voigt D, Sayed A, Huang C, Hauser S, Lee PW, Cui M, Sáenz JP, Boccaccini AR, Zheng K, Pietzsch J, Zhang Y. A self-assembled dynamic extracellular matrix-like hydrogel system with multi-scale structures for cell bioengineering applications. Acta Biomater 2023; 162:211-225. [PMID: 36931420 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) provides various types of direct interactions with cells and a dynamic environment, which can be remodeled through different assembly/degradation mechanisms to adapt to different biological processes. Herein, through introducing polyphosphate-modified hyaluronic acid and bioactive glass (BG) nano-fibril into a self-assembled hydrogel system with peptide-polymer conjugate, we can realize many new ECM-like functions in a synthetic polymer network. The hydrogel network formation is mediated by coacervation, followed by a gradual transition of peptide structure from α-helix to β-sheet. The ECM-like hydrogels can be degraded through a number of orthogonal mechanisms, including treatments with protease, hyaluronidase, alkaline phosphatase, and calcium ion. As 2D coating, the ECM-like hydrogels can be used to modify the planar surface to promote the adhesion of mesenchymal stromal cells, or to coat the cell surface in a layer-by-layer fashion to shield the interaction with the substrate. As ECM-like hydrogels for 3D cell culture, the system is compatible with injection and cell encapsulation. Upon incorporating fragmented electrospun bioactive glass nano-fibril into the hydrogels, the synergetic effects of soft hydrogel and stiff reinforcement nanofibers on recapitulating ECM functions result in reduced cell circularity in 3D. Finally, by injecting the ECM-like hydrogels into mice, gradual degradations over a time period of one month and high biocompatibility have been shown in vivo. The contribution of complex network dynamics and hierarchical structures to cell-biomatrix interaction can be investigated multi-dimensionally, as many mechanisms are orthogonal to each other and can be regulated individually. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A list of native ECM features has attracted the most interest and attention in the research of synthetic biomaterials. In this research, we have described a simple ECM-like hydrogel system in which the complex and elegant functions of native ECM can be recapitulated in a chemically defined synthetic system. The ECM-like hydrogel systems were developed to avoid undesired features of biological substances (e.g., ethical concerns, batch-to-batch variation, immunogenicity, and potential risk of contamination), as well as gaining new functions to facilitate bioengineering applications (e.g., 3D cell culture, injection, and high stability). To this end, we have developed an ECM-like hydrogel system and provide evidence that this purely synthetic biomaterial is a promising candidate for cell bioengineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China; Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China; B CUBE Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany.
| | - Rebecca Rothe
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Dresden 01328, Germany; Technische Universität Dresden, School of Science, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Dresden 01062, Germany
| | - Dagmar Voigt
- Institute for Botany, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01062, Germany
| | - Ahmed Sayed
- B CUBE Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Can Huang
- Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P. R. China
| | - Sandra Hauser
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Dresden 01328, Germany
| | - Pao-Wan Lee
- B CUBE Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Meiying Cui
- B CUBE Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - James P Sáenz
- B CUBE Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Aldo R Boccaccini
- Institute of Biomaterials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | - Kai Zheng
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, P. R. China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, P. R. China.
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Dresden 01328, Germany; Technische Universität Dresden, School of Science, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Dresden 01062, Germany.
| | - Yixin Zhang
- B CUBE Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany; Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01062, Germany.
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Blatchley MR, Anseth KS. Middle-out methods for spatiotemporal tissue engineering of organoids. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:329-345. [PMID: 37168734 PMCID: PMC10010248 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00039-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Organoids recapitulate many aspects of the complex three-dimensional (3D) organization found within native tissues and even display tissue and organ-level functionality. Traditional approaches to organoid culture have largely employed a top-down tissue engineering strategy, whereby cells are encapsulated in a 3D matrix, such as Matrigel, alongside well-defined biochemical cues that direct morphogenesis. However, the lack of spatiotemporal control over niche properties renders cellular processes largely stochastic. Therefore, bottom-up tissue engineering approaches have evolved to address some of these limitations and focus on strategies to assemble tissue building blocks with defined multi-scale spatial organization. However, bottom-up design reduces the capacity for self-organization that underpins organoid morphogenesis. Here, we introduce an emerging framework, which we term middle-out strategies, that relies on existing design principles and combines top-down design of defined synthetic matrices that support proliferation and self-organization with bottom-up modular engineered intervention to limit the degrees of freedom in the dynamic process of organoid morphogenesis. We posit that this strategy will provide key advances to guide the growth of organoids with precise geometries, structures and function, thereby facilitating an unprecedented level of biomimicry to accelerate the utility of organoids to more translationally relevant applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Blatchley
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
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