1
|
Behroozi Kohlan T, Wen Y, Mini C, Finne-Wistrand A. Schiff base crosslinked hyaluronic acid hydrogels with tunable and cell instructive time-dependent mechanical properties. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 338:122173. [PMID: 38763720 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122173] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The dynamic interplay between cells and their native extracellular matrix (ECM) influences cellular behavior, imposing a challenge in biomaterial design. Dynamic covalent hydrogels are viscoelastic and show self-healing ability, making them a potential scaffold for recapitulating native ECM properties. We aimed to implement kinetically and thermodynamically distinct crosslinkers to prepare self-healing dynamic hydrogels to explore the arising properties and their effects on cellular behavior. To do so, aldehyde-substituted hyaluronic acid (HA) was synthesized to generate imine, hydrazone, and oxime crosslinked dynamic covalent hydrogels. Differences in equilibrium constants of these bonds yielded distinct properties including stiffness, stress relaxation, and self-healing ability. The effects of degree of substitution (DS), polymer concentration, crosslinker to aldehyde ratio, and crosslinker functionality on hydrogel properties were evaluated. The self-healing ability of hydrogels was investigated on samples of the same and different crosslinkers and DS to obtain hydrogels with gradient properties. Subsequently, human dermal fibroblasts were cultured in 2D and 3D to assess the cellular response considering the dynamic properties of the hydrogels. Moreover, assessing cell spreading and morphology on hydrogels having similar modulus but different stress relaxation rates showed the effects of matrix viscoelasticity with higher cell spreading in slower relaxing hydrogels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taha Behroozi Kohlan
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen, 56-58, SE 10044 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yanru Wen
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen, 56-58, SE 10044 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carina Mini
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen, 56-58, SE 10044 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Finne-Wistrand
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen, 56-58, SE 10044 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Qiao E, Fulmore CA, Schaffer DV, Kumar S. Substrate stress relaxation regulates neural stem cell fate commitment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317711121. [PMID: 38968101 PMCID: PMC11252819 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317711121] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) reside in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, and their capacity to generate neurons and glia plays a role in learning and memory. In addition, neurodegenerative diseases are known to be caused by a loss of neurons and glial cells, resulting in a need to better understand stem cell fate commitment processes. We previously showed that NSC fate commitment toward a neuronal or glial lineage is strongly influenced by extracellular matrix stiffness, a property of elastic materials. However, tissues in vivo are not purely elastic and have varying degrees of viscous character. Relatively little is known about how the viscoelastic properties of the substrate impact NSC fate commitment. Here, we introduce a polyacrylamide-based cell culture platform that incorporates mismatched DNA oligonucleotide-based cross-links as well as covalent cross-links. This platform allows for tunable viscous stress relaxation properties via variation in the number of mismatched base pairs. We find that NSCs exhibit increased astrocytic differentiation as the degree of stress relaxation is increased. Furthermore, culturing NSCs on increasingly stress-relaxing substrates impacts cytoskeletal dynamics by decreasing intracellular actin flow rates and stimulating cyclic activation of the mechanosensitive protein RhoA. Additionally, inhibition of motor-clutch model components such as myosin II and focal adhesion kinase partially or completely reverts cells to lineage distributions observed on elastic substrates. Collectively, our results introduce a unique system for controlling matrix stress relaxation properties and offer insight into how NSCs integrate viscoelastic cues to direct fate commitment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Qiao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Camille A. Fulmore
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - David V. Schaffer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Guo Y, Qian C, Chen K, Fang S, Qiu A, Zhong L, Zhang J, He R. Preparing gelatin-containing polycaprolactone / polylactic acid nanofibrous membranes for periodontal tissue regeneration using side-by-side electrospinning technology. J Biomater Appl 2024; 39:48-57. [PMID: 38659361 DOI: 10.1177/08853282241248778] [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: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Electrospinning technology has recently attracted increased attention in the biomedical field, and preparing various cellulose nanofibril membranes for periodontal tissue regeneration has unique advantages. However, the characteristics of using a single material tend to make it challenging to satisfy the requirements for a periodontal barrier film, and the production of composite fibrous membranes frequently impacts the quality of the final fiber membrane due to the influence of miscibility between different materials. In this study, nanofibrous membranes composed of polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers were fabricated using side-by-side electrospinning. Different concentrations of gelatin were added to the fiber membranes to improve their hydrophilic properties. The morphological structure of the different films as well as their composition, wettability and mechanical characteristics were examined. The results show that PCL/PLA dual-fibrous composite membranes with an appropriate amount of gelatin ensures sufficient mechanical strength while obtaining improved hydrophilic properties. The viability of L929 fibroblasts was evaluated using CCK-8 assays, and cell adhesion on the scaffolds was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and by immunofluorescence assays. The results demonstrated that none of the fibrous membranes were toxic to cells and the addition of gelatin improved cell adhesion to those membranes. Based on our findings, adding 30% gelatin to the membrane may be the most appropriate content for periodontal tissue regeneration, considering the scaffold's mechanical qualities, hydrophilic properties and biocompatibility. In addition, the PCL-gelatin/PLA-gelatin dual-fibrous membranes prepared using side-by-side electrospinning technology have potential applications for tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuochen Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yabin Guo
- School of Stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- College of Material, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Chemistry and Material Technology, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Qian
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kailun Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Fang
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Anna Qiu
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangjun Zhong
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- College of Material, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Chemistry and Material Technology, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rui He
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xie J, Huck WTS, Bao M. Unveiling the Intricate Connection: Cell Volume as a Key Regulator of Mechanotransduction. Annu Rev Biophys 2024; 53:299-317. [PMID: 38424091 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-030822-035656] [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: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The volumes of living cells undergo dynamic changes to maintain the cells' structural and functional integrity in many physiological processes. Minor fluctuations in cell volume can serve as intrinsic signals that play a crucial role in cell fate determination during mechanotransduction. In this review, we discuss the variability of cell volume and its role in vivo, along with an overview of the mechanisms governing cell volume regulation. Additionally, we provide insights into the current approaches used to control cell volume in vitro. Furthermore, we summarize the biological implications of cell volume regulation and discuss recent advances in understanding the fundamental relationship between cell volume and mechanotransduction. Finally, we delve into the potential underlying mechanisms, including intracellular macromolecular crowding and cellular mechanics, that govern the global regulation of cell fate in response to changes in cell volume. By exploring the intricate interplay between cell volume and mechanotransduction, we underscore the importance of considering cell volume as a fundamental signaling cue to unravel the basic principles of mechanotransduction. Additionally, we propose future research directions that can extend our current understanding of cell volume in mechanotransduction. Overall, this review highlights the significance of considering cell volume as a fundamental signal in understanding the basic principles in mechanotransduction and points out the possibility of controlling cell volume to control cell fate, mitigate disease-related damage, and facilitate the healing of damaged tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xie
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wilhelm T S Huck
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Min Bao
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lu Z, Tenjimbayashi M, Zhou J, Nakanishi J. Ultimately Adaptive Fluid Interfacial Phospholipid Membranes Unveiled Unanticipated High Cellular Mechanical Work. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2403396. [PMID: 38613213 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202403396] [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: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Living cells actively interact biochemically and mechanically with the surrounding extracellular matrices (ECMs) and undergo dramatic morphological and dimensional transitions, concomitantly remodeling ECMs. However, there is no suitable method to quantitatively discuss the contribution of mechanical interactions in such mutually adaptive processes. Herein, a highly deformable "living" cellular scaffold is developed to evaluate overall mechanical energy transfer between cell and ECMs. It is based on the water-perfluorocarbon interface decorated with phospholipids bearing a cell-adhesive ligand and fluorescent tag. The bioinert nature of the phospholipid membranes prevents the formation of solid-like protein nanofilms at the fluid interface, enabling to visualize and quantify cellular mechanical work against the ultimately adaptive model ECM. A new cellular wetting regime is identified, wherein interface deformation proceeds to cell flattening, followed by its eventual restoration. The cellular mechanical work during this adaptive wetting process is one order of magnitude higher than those reported with conventional elastic platforms. The behavior of viscous liquid drops at the air-water interface can simulate cellular adaptive wetting, suggesting that overall viscoelasticity of the cell body predominates the emergent wetting regime and regulates mechanical output. Cellular-force-driven high-energy states on the adaptive platform can be useful for cell fate manipulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Lu
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
| | - Mizuki Tenjimbayashi
- Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), NIMS, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
| | - Junhong Zhou
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Jun Nakanishi
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu X, Kong K, Wang J, Liu Z, Tang R. Molecular Weight-Dependent Physiochemical Behaviors of Calcium Carbonate Chains. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:5905-5913. [PMID: 38809103 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c01026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The regulation of physiochemical behaviors by changing molecular weights is an important cornerstone of polymer physics. However, similar correlations between molecular weights and properties have not been discovered in inorganic ionic compounds. In this work, we prepared a calcium carbonate specimen with a semiflexible chain topology analogous to those of polymers. The molecular weights of the calcium carbonate chains, which ranged from 3400 to 54 100 Da, were directly correlated to their physiochemical behaviors, including gel point, zero shear viscosity, and plateau modulus. The calcium carbonate chains showed similar polymeric characteristics, including shear thinning, thixotropy, entropic elasticity, and viscoelasticity. These features agreed with recent theories and formulas in polymer physics textbooks. On the basis of this understanding, the mechanical properties of calcium carbonate-based gels could be altered by changing their molecular weights. This study could represent a fusion of inorganic chemistry and polymer physics with similar molecular weight-dependent behaviors and material properties, establishing an alternative pathway for designing future inorganic materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kangren Kong
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhaoming Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon and Advanced Semiconductor Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Ruikang Tang
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon and Advanced Semiconductor Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Radman BA, Alhameed AMM, Shu G, Yin G, Wang M. Cellular elasticity in cancer: a review of altered biomechanical features. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:5299-5324. [PMID: 38742281 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00328d] [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: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
A large number of studies have shown that changes in biomechanical characteristics are an important indicator of tumor transformation in normal cells. Elastic deformation is one of the more studied biomechanical features of tumor cells, which plays an important role in tumourigenesis and development. Altered cell elasticity often brings many indications. This manuscript reviews the effects of altered cellular elasticity on cell characteristics, including adhesion viscosity, migration, proliferation, and differentiation elasticity and stiffness. Also, the physical factors that may affect cell elasticity, such as temperature, cell height, cell-viscosity, and aging, are summarized. Then, the effects of cell-matrix, cytoskeleton, in vitro culture medium, and cell-substrate with different three-dimensional structures on cell elasticity during cell tumorigenesis are outlined. Importantly, we summarize the current signaling pathways that may affect cellular elasticity, as well as tests for cellular elastic deformation. Finally, we summarize current hybrid materials: polymer-polymer, protein-protein, and protein-polymer hybrids, also, nano-delivery strategies that target cellular resilience and cases that are at least in clinical phase 1 trials. Overall, the behavior of cancer cell elasticity is modulated by biological, chemical, and physical changes, which in turn have the potential to alter cellular elasticity, and this may be an encouraging prediction for the future discovery of cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bakeel A Radman
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Education, Albaydha University, Yemen
| | | | - Guang Shu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Gang Yin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Maonan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Williams LT, Cao Z, Lateef AH, McGarry MDJ, Corbin EA, Johnson CL. Viscoelastic polyacrylamide MR elastography phantoms with tunable damping ratio independent of shear stiffness. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 154:106522. [PMID: 38537609 PMCID: PMC11023745 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106522] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Physiologically modeled test samples with known properties and characteristics, or phantoms, are essential for developing sensitive, repeatable, and accurate quantitative MRI techniques. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is one such technique used to estimate tissue mechanical properties, and it is advantageous to use phantoms with independently tunable mechanical properties to benchmark the accuracy of MRE methods. Phantoms with tunable shear stiffness are commonly used for MRE, but tuning the viscosity or damping ratio has proven to be difficult. A promising candidate for MRE phantoms with tunable damping ratio is polyacrylamide (PAA). While pure PAA has very low attenuation, viscoelastic hydrogels have been made by entrapping linear polyacrylamide strands (LPAA) within the PAA network. In this study, we evaluate the use of LPAA/PAA gels as physiologically accurate phantoms with tunable damping ratio, independent of shear stiffness, via MRE. Phantoms were made with 15.3 wt% PAA while the LPAA concentration ranged from 4.5 wt% to 8.0 wt%. MRE was performed at 9.4 T with 400 Hz vibration on all phantoms revealing a strong, positive correlation between damping ratio and LPAA content (p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between shear stiffness and LPAA content, confirming a constant PAA concentration yielded constant shear stiffness. Rheometry at 10 Hz was performed to verify the damping ratio of the phantoms. Nearly identical slopes for damping ratio versus LPAA content were found from both MRE and rheometry (0.0073 and 0.0075 respectively). Ultimately, this study validates the adaptation of polyacrylamide gels into physiologically-relevant MRE phantoms to enable testing of MRE estimates of damping ratio.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Tyler Williams
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Zheng Cao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Ali H Lateef
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | | | - Elise A Corbin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Curtis L Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li L, Griebel ME, Uroz M, Bubli SY, Gagnon KA, Trappmann B, Baker BM, Eyckmans J, Chen CS. A Protein-Adsorbent Hydrogel with Tunable Stiffness for Tissue Culture Demonstrates Matrix-Dependent Stiffness Responses. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2024; 34:2309567. [PMID: 38693998 PMCID: PMC11060701 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202309567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Although tissue culture plastic has been widely employed for cell culture, the rigidity of plastic is not physiologic. Softer hydrogels used to culture cells have not been widely adopted in part because coupling chemistries are required to covalently capture extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and support cell adhesion. To create an in vitro system with tunable stiffnesses that readily adsorbs ECM proteins for cell culture, we present a novel hydrophobic hydrogel system via chemically converting hydroxyl residues on the dextran backbone to methacrylate groups, thereby transforming non-protein adhesive, hydrophilic dextran to highly protein adsorbent substrates. Increasing methacrylate functionality increases the hydrophobicity in the resulting hydrogels and enhances ECM protein adsorption without additional chemical reactions. These hydrophobic hydrogels permit facile and tunable modulation of substrate stiffness independent of hydrophobicity or ECM coatings. Using this approach, we show that substrate stiffness and ECM adsorption work together to affect cell morphology and proliferation, but the strengths of these effects vary in different cell types. Furthermore, we reveal that stiffness mediated differentiation of dermal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is modulated by the substrate ECM. Our material system demonstrates remarkable simplicity and flexibility to tune ECM coatings and substrate stiffness and study their effects on cell function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linqing Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, 02115, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, 03824, United States
| | - Megan E Griebel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
| | - Marina Uroz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, 02115, United States
| | - Saniya Yesmin Bubli
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, 03824, United States
| | - Keith A Gagnon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
| | - Britta Trappmann
- Bioactive Materials Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, Münster, 48149 Germany
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Engineered Microenvironments and Mechanobiology Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109 United States
| | - Jeroen Eyckmans
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, 02115, United States
| | - Christopher S Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, 02115, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Walker M, Pringle EW, Ciccone G, Oliver-Cervelló L, Tassieri M, Gourdon D, Cantini M. Mind the Viscous Modulus: The Mechanotransductive Response to the Viscous Nature of Isoelastic Matrices Regulates Stem Cell Chondrogenesis. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302571. [PMID: 38014647 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302571] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The design of hydrogels as mimetics of tissues' matrices typically disregards the viscous nature of native tissues and focuses only on their elastic properties. In the case of stem cell chondrogenesis, this has led to contradictory results, likely due to unreported changes in the matrices' viscous modulus. Here, by employing isoelastic matrices with Young's modulus of ≈12 kPa, variations in viscous properties alone (i.e., loss tangent between 0.1 and 0.25) are demonstrated to be sufficient to drive efficient growth factor-free chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells, both in 2D and 3D cultures. The increase of the viscous component of RGD-functionalized polyacrylamide or polyethylene glycol maleimide hydrogels promotes a phenotype with reduced adhesion, alters mechanosensitive signaling, and boosts cell-cell contacts. In turn, this upregulates the chondrogenic transcription factor SOX9 and supports neocartilage formation, demonstrating that the mechanotransductive response to the viscous nature of the matrix can be harnessed to direct cell fate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Walker
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Eonan William Pringle
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Giuseppe Ciccone
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Lluís Oliver-Cervelló
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Manlio Tassieri
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Delphine Gourdon
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| | - Marco Cantini
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sternberg AK, Izmaylova L, Buck VU, Classen-Linke I, Leube RE. An Assessment of the Mechanophysical and Hormonal Impact on Human Endometrial Epithelium Mechanics and Receptivity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3726. [PMID: 38612536 PMCID: PMC11011295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073726] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The endometrial epithelium and underlying stroma undergo profound changes to support and limit embryo adhesion and invasion, which occur in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle during the window of implantation. This coincides with a peak in progesterone and estradiol production. We hypothesized that the interplay between hormone-induced changes in the mechanical properties of the endometrial epithelium and stroma supports this process. To study it, we used hormone-responsive endometrial adenocarcinoma-derived Ishikawa cells growing on substrates of different stiffness. We showed that Ishikawa monolayers on soft substrates are more tightly clustered and uniform than on stiff substrates. Probing for mechanical alterations, we found accelerated stress-relaxation after apical nanoindentation in hormone-stimulated monolayers on stiff substrates. Traction force microscopy furthermore revealed an increased number of foci with high traction in the presence of estradiol and progesterone on soft substrates. The detection of single cells and small cell clusters positive for the intermediate filament protein vimentin and the progesterone receptor further underscored monolayer heterogeneity. Finally, adhesion assays with trophoblast-derived AC-1M-88 spheroids were used to examine the effects of substrate stiffness and steroid hormones on endometrial receptivity. We conclude that the extracellular matrix and hormones act together to determine mechanical properties and, ultimately, embryo implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rudolf E. Leube
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.K.S.); (L.I.); (V.U.B.); (I.C.-L.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jeffreys N, Brockman JM, Zhai Y, Ingber DE, Mooney DJ. Mechanical forces amplify TCR mechanotransduction in T cell activation and function. APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 11:011304. [PMID: 38434676 PMCID: PMC10848667 DOI: 10.1063/5.0166848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell immunotherapies, including engineered T cell receptor (eTCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapies, have shown efficacy in treating a subset of hematologic malignancies, exhibit promise in solid tumors, and have many other potential applications, such as in fibrosis, autoimmunity, and regenerative medicine. While immunoengineering has focused on designing biomaterials to present biochemical cues to manipulate T cells ex vivo and in vivo, mechanical cues that regulate their biology have been largely underappreciated. This review highlights the contributions of mechanical force to several receptor-ligand interactions critical to T cell function, with central focus on the TCR-peptide-loaded major histocompatibility complex (pMHC). We then emphasize the role of mechanical forces in (i) allosteric strengthening of the TCR-pMHC interaction in amplifying ligand discrimination during T cell antigen recognition prior to activation and (ii) T cell interactions with the extracellular matrix. We then describe approaches to design eTCRs, CARs, and biomaterials to exploit TCR mechanosensitivity in order to potentiate T cell manufacturing and function in adoptive T cell immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yunhao Zhai
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Smith AM, Inocencio DG, Pardi BM, Gopinath A, Andresen Eguiluz RC. Facile Determination of the Poisson's Ratio and Young's Modulus of Polyacrylamide Gels and Polydimethylsiloxane. ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS 2024; 6:2405-2416. [PMID: 38420286 PMCID: PMC10897882 DOI: 10.1021/acsapm.3c03154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Polyacrylamide hydrogels (PAH gel) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, an elastomer) are two soft materials often used in cell mechanics and mechanobiology, in manufacturing lab-on-a-chip applications, among others. This is partly due to the ability to tune their elasticity with ease in addition to various chemical modifications. For affine polymeric networks, two (of three) elastic constants, Young's modulus (E), the shear modulus (G), and Poisson's ratio (ν), describe the purely elastic response to external forces. However, the literature addressing the experimental determination of ν for PAH (sometimes called PAA gels in the literature) and the PDMS elastomer is surprisingly limited when compared to the literature that reports values of the elastic moduli, E and G. Here, we present a facile method to obtain the Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus for PAH gel and PDMS elastomer based on static tensile tests. The value of ν obtained from the deformation of the sample is compared to the value determined by comparing E and G via a second independent method that utilizes small amplitude shear rheology. We show that the Poisson's ratio may vary significantly from the value for incompressible materials (ν = 0.5), often assumed in the literature even for soft compressible hydrogels. Surprisingly, we find a high degree of agreement between elastic constants obtained by shear rheology and macroscopic static tension test data for polyacrylamide hydrogels but not for elastomeric PDMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariell Marie Smith
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California 95344, United States
| | - Dominique Gabriele Inocencio
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California 95344, United States
| | - Brandon Michael Pardi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California 95344, United States
| | - Arvind Gopinath
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California 95344, United States
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California Merced, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California 95344, United States
| | - Roberto Carlos Andresen Eguiluz
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California 95344, United States
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California Merced, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California 95344, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Janssen ML, Liu T, Özel M, Bril M, Prasad Thelu HV, E Kieltyka R. Dynamic Exchange in 3D Cell Culture Hydrogels Based on Crosslinking of Cyclic Thiosulfinates. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202314738. [PMID: 38055926 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202314738] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic polymer materials are highly valued substrates for 3D cell culture due to their viscoelasticity, a time-dependent mechanical property that can be tuned to resemble the energy dissipation of native tissues. Herein, we report the coupling of a cyclic thiosulfinate, mono-S-oxo-4-methyl asparagusic acid, to a 4-arm PEG-OH to prepare a disulfide-based dynamic covalent hydrogel with the addition of 4-arm PEG-thiol. Ring opening of the cyclic thiosulfinate by nucleophilic substitution results in the rapid formation of a network showing a viscoelastic fluid-like behaviour and relaxation rates modulated by thiol content through thiol-disulfide exchange, whereas its viscoelastic behaviour upon application as a small molecule linear crosslinker is solid-like. Further introduction of 4-arm PEG-vinylsulfone in the network yields a hydrogel with weeks-long cell culture stability, permitting 3D culture of cell types that lack robust proliferation, such as human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs). These cells display native behaviours such as cell elongation and spontaneous beating as a function of the hydrogel's mechanical properties. We demonstrate that the mode of dynamic cyclic thiosulfinate crosslinker presentation within the network can result in different stress relaxation profiles, opening the door to model tissues with disparate mechanics in 3D cell culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merel L Janssen
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tingxian Liu
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mertcan Özel
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike Bril
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hari Veera Prasad Thelu
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roxanne E Kieltyka
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fan W, Adebowale K, Váncza L, Li Y, Rabbi MF, Kunimoto K, Chen D, Mozes G, Chiu DKC, Li Y, Tao J, Wei Y, Adeniji N, Brunsing RL, Dhanasekaran R, Singhi A, Geller D, Lo SH, Hodgson L, Engleman EG, Charville GW, Charu V, Monga SP, Kim T, Wells RG, Chaudhuri O, Török NJ. Matrix viscoelasticity promotes liver cancer progression in the pre-cirrhotic liver. Nature 2024; 626:635-642. [PMID: 38297127 PMCID: PMC10866704 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06991-9] [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: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanics contribute to cancer development1,2, and increased stiffness is known to promote HCC progression in cirrhotic conditions3,4. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by an accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in the ECM; however, how this affects HCC in non-cirrhotic conditions is unclear. Here we find that, in patients and animal models, AGEs promote changes in collagen architecture and enhance ECM viscoelasticity, with greater viscous dissipation and faster stress relaxation, but not changes in stiffness. High AGEs and viscoelasticity combined with oncogenic β-catenin signalling promote HCC induction, whereas inhibiting AGE production, reconstituting the AGE clearance receptor AGER1 or breaking AGE-mediated collagen cross-links reduces viscoelasticity and HCC growth. Matrix analysis and computational modelling demonstrate that lower interconnectivity of AGE-bundled collagen matrix, marked by shorter fibre length and greater heterogeneity, enhances viscoelasticity. Mechanistically, animal studies and 3D cell cultures show that enhanced viscoelasticity promotes HCC cell proliferation and invasion through an integrin-β1-tensin-1-YAP mechanotransductive pathway. These results reveal that AGE-mediated structural changes enhance ECM viscoelasticity, and that viscoelasticity can promote cancer progression in vivo, independent of stiffness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiguo Fan
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kolade Adebowale
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine for Human Health (ChEM-H), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lóránd Váncza
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Yuan Li
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Md Foysal Rabbi
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Koshi Kunimoto
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Dongning Chen
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Gergely Mozes
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - David Kung-Chun Chiu
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yisi Li
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Junyan Tao
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yi Wei
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Nia Adeniji
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Ryan L Brunsing
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Renumathy Dhanasekaran
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aatur Singhi
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David Geller
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Su Hao Lo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Louis Hodgson
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edgar G Engleman
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Vivek Charu
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Taeyoon Kim
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Rebecca G Wells
- Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine for Human Health (ChEM-H), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Natalie J Török
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sacco JL, Vaneman ZT, Gomez EW. Extracellular matrix viscoelasticity regulates TGFβ1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and apoptosis via integrin linked kinase. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31165. [PMID: 38149820 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31165] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is a multifunctional cytokine that plays important roles in health and disease. Previous studies have revealed that TGFβ1 activation, signaling, and downstream cell responses including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis are regulated by the elasticity or stiffness of the extracellular matrix. However, tissues within the body are not purely elastic, rather they are viscoelastic. How matrix viscoelasticity impacts cell fate decisions downstream of TGFβ1 remains unknown. Here, we synthesized polyacrylamide hydrogels that mimic the viscoelastic properties of breast tumor tissue. We found that increasing matrix viscous dissipation reduces TGFβ1-induced cell spreading, F-actin stress fiber formation, and EMT-associated gene expression changes, and promotes TGFβ1-induced apoptosis in mammary epithelial cells. Furthermore, TGFβ1-induced expression of integrin linked kinase (ILK) and colocalization of ILK with vinculin at cell adhesions is attenuated in mammary epithelial cells cultured on viscoelastic substrata in comparison to cells cultured on nearly elastic substrata. Overexpression of ILK promotes TGFβ1-induced EMT and reduces apoptosis in cells cultured on viscoelastic substrata, suggesting that ILK plays an important role in regulating cell fate downstream of TGFβ1 in response to matrix viscoelasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Sacco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zachary T Vaneman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Esther W Gomez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Matsuura K. Editorial for the Special Issue on Microfluidic Device Fabrication and Cell Manipulation. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:120. [PMID: 38258239 PMCID: PMC10819160 DOI: 10.3390/mi15010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices have been utilized for separation sciences, environmental sciences, food processing, drug delivery, bioimaging, diagnostics, and cell cultures [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koji Matsuura
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Life Science, Okayama University of Science, Okayama 700-0005, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wells RG. Liver fibrosis: Our evolving understanding. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0243. [PMID: 38961878 PMCID: PMC11221862 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
|
19
|
Deng H, Wang Y, Yin Y, Shu J, Zhang J, Shu X, Wu F, He J. Effects of matrix viscoelasticity on cell-matrix interaction, actin cytoskeleton organization, and apoptosis of osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. J Mater Chem B 2023; 12:222-232. [PMID: 38079114 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02001k] [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: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Many recent reports have shown the effects of viscoelasticity of the extracellular matrix on the spreading, migration, proliferation, survival and cell-matrix interaction of mesenchymal stem cells and normal cells. However, the effect of matrix viscoelasticity on the behavior of tumor cells is still in the state of preliminary exploration. To this aim, we prepared a viscoelastic hydrogel matrix with a storage modulus of about 2 kPa and a loss modulus adjustable from 0 to 600 Pa, through adding linear alginate and regulating the compactness of a polyacrylamide covalent network. Overall, the addition of viscous components inhibited the apoptosis of osteosarcoma MG-63 cells, while it promoted their spreading and proliferation and in particular led to a well-developed cytoskeleton organization. However, with the increase of the viscous fraction, this trend was reversed, and the apoptosis of MG-63 cells gradually increased with gradually decreased spreading and proliferation, accompanied by a surprising manner change of the cytoskeleton from fusiform cells dominated by focal adhesion to dendritic cells dominated by pseudopodia. Besides the upregulation of MAPK, Ras, Rap1 and PI3K-Akt pathways commonly involved in mechanotransduction, the upregulation of the Wnt pathway and inhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis were observed for the viscous matrix with a low loss modulus. The high viscosity matrix showed additional involvement of Hippo and NF-kappa B signaling pathways related to the cell-matrix interaction, with downregulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and upregulation related to mitochondrial organization. Our study would provide insight into the effect of viscosity on fundamental behaviors of tumor cells and might have important implications in designing antitumor materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Deng
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Yao Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Yue Yin
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Shu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Junwei Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Xuedong Shu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Fang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Jing He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hamilton M, Wang J, Dhar P, Stehno-Bittel L. Controlled-Release Hydrogel Microspheres to Deliver Multipotent Stem Cells for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1315. [PMID: 38002439 PMCID: PMC10669156 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10111315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease affecting articular cartilage and peri-articular tissues. Traditional treatments are insufficient, as they are aimed at mitigating symptoms. Multipotent Stromal Cell (MSC) therapy has been proposed as a treatment capable of both preventing cartilage destruction and treating symptoms. While many studies have investigated MSCs for treating OA, therapeutic success is often inconsistent due to low MSC viability and retention in the joint. To address this, biomaterial-assisted delivery is of interest, particularly hydrogel microspheres, which can be easily injected into the joint. Microspheres composed of hyaluronic acid (HA) were created as MSC delivery vehicles. Microrheology measurements indicated that the microspheres had structural integrity alongside sufficient permeability. Additionally, encapsulated MSC viability was found to be above 70% over one week in culture. Gene expression analysis of MSC-identifying markers showed no change in CD29 levels, increased expression of CD44, and decreased expression of CD90 after one week of encapsulation. Analysis of chondrogenic markers showed increased expressions of aggrecan (ACAN) and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), and decreased expression of osteogenic markers, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and alkaline phosphatase (ALPL). In vivo analysis revealed that HA microspheres remained in the joint for up to 6 weeks. Rats that had undergone destabilization of the medial meniscus and had overt OA were treated with empty HA microspheres, MSC-laden microspheres, MSCs alone, or a control vehicle. Pain measurements taken before and after the treatment illustrated temporarily decreased pain in groups treated with encapsulated cells. Finally, the histopathological scoring of each group illustrated significantly less OA damage in those treated with encapsulated cells compared to controls. Overall, these studies demonstrate the potential of using HA-based hydrogel microspheres to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in treating OA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Hamilton
- Bioengineering Program, School of Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA;
- Likarda, Kansas City, MO 64137, USA;
| | - Jinxi Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sport Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Prajnaparamita Dhar
- Bioengineering Program, School of Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA;
| | - Lisa Stehno-Bittel
- Likarda, Kansas City, MO 64137, USA;
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sport Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Anjum S, Turner L, Atieh Y, Eisenhoffer GT, Davidson L. Assessing mechanical agency during apical apoptotic cell extrusion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.26.564227. [PMID: 37961593 PMCID: PMC10634859 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.26.564227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial tissues maintain homeostasis through the continual addition and removal of cells. Homeostasis is necessary for epithelia to maintain barrier function and prevent the accumulation of defective cells. Unfit, excess, and dying cells can be removed from epithelia by the process of extrusion. Controlled cell death and extrusion in the epithelium of the larval zebrafish tail fin coincides with oscillation of cell area, both in the extruding cell and its neighbors. Both cell-autonomous and non-autonomous factors have been proposed to contribute to extrusion but have been challenging to test by experimental approaches. Here we develop a dynamic cell-based biophysical model that recapitulates the process of oscillatory cell extrusion to test and compare the relative contributions of these factors. Our model incorporates the mechanical properties of individual epithelial cells in a two-dimensional simulation as repelling active particles. The area of cells destined to extrude oscillates with varying durations or amplitudes, decreasing their mechanical contribution to the epithelium and surrendering their space to surrounding cells. Quantitative variations in cell shape and size during extrusion are visualized by a hybrid weighted Voronoi tessellation technique that renders individual cell mechanical properties directly into an epithelial sheet. To explore the role of autonomous and non-autonomous mechanics, we vary the biophysical properties and behaviors of extruding cells and neighbors such as the period and amplitude of repulsive forces, cell density, and tissue viscosity. Our data suggest that cell autonomous processes are major contributors to the dynamics of extrusion, with the mechanical microenvironment providing a less pronounced contribution. Our computational model based on in vivo data serves as a tool to provide insights into the cellular dynamics and localized changes in mechanics that promote elimination of unwanted cells from epithelia during homeostatic tissue maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sommer Anjum
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Llaran Turner
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Genetics and Epigenetics Graduate Program, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Youmna Atieh
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George T. Eisenhoffer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Genetics and Epigenetics Graduate Program, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lance Davidson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kittel Y, Guerzoni LPB, Itzin C, Rommel D, Mork M, Bastard C, Häßel B, Omidinia-Anarkoli A, Centeno SP, Haraszti T, Kim K, Guck J, Kuehne AJC, De Laporte L. Varying the Stiffness and Diffusivity of Rod-Shaped Microgels Independently through Their Molecular Building Blocks. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202309779. [PMID: 37712344 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202309779] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Microgels are water-swollen, crosslinked polymers that are widely used as colloidal building blocks in scaffold materials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Microgels can be controlled in their stiffness, degree of swelling, and mesh size depending on their polymer architecture, crosslink density, and fabrication method-all of which influence their function and interaction with the environment. Currently, there is a lack of understanding of how the polymer composition influences the internal structure of soft microgels and how this morphology affects specific biomedical applications. In this report, we systematically vary the architecture and molar mass of polyethylene glycol-acrylate (PEG-Ac) precursors, as well as their concentration and combination, to gain insight in the different parameters that affect the internal structure of rod-shaped microgels. We characterize the mechanical properties and diffusivity, as well as the conversion of acrylate groups during photopolymerization, in both bulk hydrogels and microgels produced from the PEG-Ac precursors. Furthermore, we investigate cell-microgel interaction, and we observe improved cell spreading on microgels with more accessible RGD peptide and with a stiffness in a range of 20 kPa to 50 kPa lead to better cell growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yonca Kittel
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V., Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Luis P B Guerzoni
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V., Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Carolina Itzin
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V., Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dirk Rommel
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V., Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Mork
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V., Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Céline Bastard
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V., Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CBMS), Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME), Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Häßel
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V., Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Abdolrahman Omidinia-Anarkoli
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V., Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Silvia P Centeno
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V., Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tamás Haraszti
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V., Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kyoohyun Kim
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudtstraße 2, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudtstraße 2, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander J C Kuehne
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e. V., Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CBMS), Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME), Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Belay B, Mäntylä E, Maibohm C, Silvestre OF, Hyttinen J, Nieder JB, Ihalainen TO. Substrate microtopographies induce cellular alignment and affect nuclear force transduction. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 146:106069. [PMID: 37586175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106069] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Cellular physiology has been mainly studied by using two-dimensional cell culture substrates which lack in vivo-mimicking extracellular environment and interactions. Thus, there is a growing need for more complex model systems in life sciences. Micro-engineered scaffolds have been proven to be a promising tool in understanding the role of physical cues in the co-regulation of cellular functions. These tools allow, for example, probing cell morphology and migration in response to changes in chemo-physical properties of their microenvironment. In order to understand how microtopographical features, what cells encounter in vivo, affect cytoskeletal organization and nuclear mechanics, we used direct laser writing via two-photon polymerization (TPP) to fabricate substrates which contain different surface microtopographies. By combining with advanced high-resolution spectral imaging, we describe how the constructed grid and vertical line microtopographies influence cellular alignment, nuclear morphology and mechanics. Specifically, we found that growing cells on grids larger than 10 × 20 μm2 and on vertical lines increased 3D actin cytoskeleton orientation along the walls of microtopographies and abolished basal actin stress fibers. In concert, the nuclei of these cells were also more aligned, elongated, deformed and less flattened, indicating changes in nuclear force transduction. Importantly, by using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for measuring Förster resonance energy transfer for a genetically encoded nesprin-2 molecular tension sensor, we show that growing cells on these microtopographic substrates induce lower mechanical tension at the nuclear envelope. To conclude, here used substrate microtopographies modulated the cellular mechanics, and affected actin organization and nuclear force transduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Birhanu Belay
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland; INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Ultrafast Bio- and Nanophotonics Group, Av. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal
| | - Elina Mäntylä
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Christian Maibohm
- INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Ultrafast Bio- and Nanophotonics Group, Av. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal
| | - Oscar F Silvestre
- INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Ultrafast Bio- and Nanophotonics Group, Av. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal
| | - Jari Hyttinen
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jana B Nieder
- INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Ultrafast Bio- and Nanophotonics Group, Av. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal
| | - Teemu O Ihalainen
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland; Tampere Institute for Advanced Study, Tampere University, 33100, Tampere, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wang H, Huang R, Bai L, Cai Y, Lei M, Bao C, Lin S, Ji S, Liu C, Qu X. Extracellular Matrix-Mimetic Immunomodulatory Hydrogel for Accelerating Wound Healing. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301264. [PMID: 37341519 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301264] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages play a crucial role in the complete processes of tissue repair and regeneration, and the activation of M2 polarization is an effective approach to provide a pro-regenerative immune microenvironment. Natural extracellular matrix (ECM) has the capability to modulate macrophage activities via its molecular, physical, and mechanical properties. Inspired by this, an ECM-mimetic hydrogel strategy to modulate macrophages via its dynamic structural characteristics and bioactive cell adhesion sites is proposed. The LZM-SC/SS hydrogel is in situ formed through the amidation reaction between lysozyme (LZM), 4-arm-PEG-SC, and 4-arm-PEG-SS, where LZM provides DGR tripeptide for cell adhesion, 4-arm-PEG-SS provides succinyl ester for dynamic hydrolysis, and 4-arm-PEG-SC balances the stability and dynamics of the network. In vitro and subcutaneous tests indicate the dynamic structural evolution and cell adhesion capacity promotes macrophage movement and M2 polarization synergistically. Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis further confirms the immunomodulatory ability, and reveals a significant correlation between M2 polarization and cell adhesion. A full-thickness wound model is employed to validate the induced M2 polarization, vessel development, and accelerated healing by LZM-SC/SS. This study represents a pioneering exploration of macrophage modulation by biomaterials' structures and components rather than drug or cytokines and provides new strategies to promote tissue repair and regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Honglei Wang
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Runzhi Huang
- Department of Burn Surgery, Institute of Burns, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Long Bai
- Organoid Research Center, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yixin Cai
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Miao Lei
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Chunyan Bao
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Institute of Fine Chemical School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Shaoliang Lin
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Shizhao Ji
- Department of Burn Surgery, Institute of Burns, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Changsheng Liu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xue Qu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
- Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Shanghai Frontier Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai, 200237, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Piazza F, Parisse P, Passerino J, Marsich E, Bersanini L, Porrelli D, Baj G, Donati I, Sacco P. Controlled Quenching of Agarose Defines Hydrogels with Tunable Structural, Bulk Mechanical, Surface Nanomechanical, and Cell Response in 2D Cultures. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300973. [PMID: 37369130 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300973] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The scaffolding of agarose hydrogel networks depends critically on the rate of cooling (quenching) after heating. Efforts are made to understand the kinetics and evolution of biopolymer self-assembly upon cooling, but information is lacking on whether quenching might affect the final hydrogel structure and performance. Here, a material strategy for the fine modulation of quenching that involves temperature-curing steps of agarose is reported. Combining microscopy techniques, standard and advanced macro/nanomechanical tools, it is revealed that agarose accumulates on the surface when the curing temperature is set at 121 °C. The inhomogeneity can be mostly recovered when it is reduced to 42 °C. This has a drastic effect on the stiffness of the surface, but not on the viscoelasticity, roughness, and wettability. When hydrogels are strained at small/large deformations, the curing temperature has no effect on the viscoelastic response of the hydrogel bulk but does play a role in the onset of the non-linear region. Cells cultured on these hydrogels exhibit surface stiffness-sensing that affects cell adhesion, spreading, F-actin fiber tension, and assembly of vinculin-rich focal adhesions. Collectively, the results indicate that the temperature curing of agarose is an efficient strategy to produce networks with tunable mechanics and is suitable for mechanobiology studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Piazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Pietro Parisse
- NanoInnovation Lab, Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, I-34149, Italy
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM-CNR), Area Science Park, Trieste, I-34149, Italy
| | - Julia Passerino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marsich
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell'Ospitale 1, Trieste, I-34129, Italy
| | - Luca Bersanini
- Optics11 Life, Hettenheuvelweg 37-39, Amsterdam, 1101 BM, The Netherlands
| | - Davide Porrelli
- Interdepartmental Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Alexander Fleming 31/A, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Ivan Donati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Pasquale Sacco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang ZM, Yu P, Zhou K, Yu FY, Bao RY, Yang MB, Qian ZY, Yang W. Hierarchically Porous Implants Orchestrating a Physiological Viscoelastic and Piezoelectric Microenvironment for Bone Regeneration. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300713. [PMID: 37498795 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300713] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix microenvironment of bone tissue comprises several physiological cues. Thus, artificial bone substitute materials with a single cue are insufficient to meet the demands for bone defect repair. Regeneration of critical-size bone defects remains challenging in orthopedic surgery. Intrinsic viscoelastic and piezoelectric cues from collagen fibers play crucial roles in accelerating bone regeneration, but scaffolds or implants providing integrated cues have seldom been reported. In this study, it is aimed to design and prepare hierarchically porous poly(methylmethacrylate)/polyethyleneimine/poly(vinylidenefluoride) composite implants presenting a similar viscoelastic and piezoelectric microenvironment to bone tissue via anti-solvent vapor-induced phase separation. The viscoelastic and piezoelectric cues of the composite implants for human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell line stimulate and activate Piezo1 proteins associated with mechanotransduction signaling pathways. Cortical and spongy bone exhibit excellent regeneration and integration in models of critical-size bone defects on the knee joint and femur in vivo. This study demonstrates that implants with integrated physiological cues are promising artificial bone substitute materials for regenerating critical-size bone defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Min Zhang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Peng Yu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Fan-Yuan Yu
- Department of Endodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rui-Ying Bao
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Ming-Bo Yang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Wei Yang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shi X, Janmey PA. Large Polyacrylamide Hydrogels for Large-Batch Cell Culture and Mechanobiological Studies. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300042. [PMID: 37128976 PMCID: PMC10524403 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300042] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The rigidity of a cell's substrate or extracellular matrix plays a vital role in regulating cell and tissue functions. Polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels are one of the most widely used cell culture substrates that provide a physiologically relevant range of stiffness. However, it is still arduous and time-consuming to prepare PAAm substrates in large batches for high-yield or multiscale cell cultures. In this communication, a simple method to prepare PAAm hydrogels with less time cost and easily accessible materials is presented. The hydrogel is mechanically uniform and supports cell culture in a large batch. It is further shown that the stiffness of the hydrogel covers a large range of Young's modulus and is sensed by cells, regulating various cell features including changes in cell morphology, proliferation, and contractility. This method improves the reproducibility of mechanobiology studies and can be easily applied for mechanobiology research requiring large numbers of cells or experimental groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuechen Shi
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering and Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 19104, USA
| | - Paul A Janmey
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering and Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zheng J, Chen H, Lu C, Yoshitomi T, Kawazoe N, Yang Y, Chen G. 3D culture of bovine articular chondrocytes in viscous medium encapsulated in agarose hydrogels for investigation of viscosity influence on cell functions. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:7424-7434. [PMID: 37431770 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01174g] [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: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of an extracellular microenvironment can affect cell functions. The effects of elasticity and viscoelasticity on cell functions have been extensively studied with hydrogels of tunable mechanical properties. However, investigation of the viscosity effect on cell functions is still very limited and it can be tricky to explore how viscosity affects cells in three-dimensional (3D) culture due to the lack of appropriate tools. In this study, agarose hydrogel containers were prepared and used to encapsulate viscous media for 3D cell culture to investigate the viscosity effect on the functions of bovine articular chondrocytes (BACs). Polyethylene glycol of different molecular weights was used to adjust culture medium viscosity in a large range (72.8-679.2 mPa s). The viscosity affected gene expression and secretion of cartilagenious matrices, while it did not affect BAC proliferation. The BACs cultured in the lower viscosity medium (72.8 mPa s) showed a higher level of cartilaginous gene expression and matrix secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zheng
- Research Center for Macromoleculaes and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Huajian Chen
- Research Center for Macromoleculaes and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.
| | - Chengyu Lu
- Research Center for Macromoleculaes and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Toru Yoshitomi
- Research Center for Macromoleculaes and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.
| | - Naoki Kawazoe
- Research Center for Macromoleculaes and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.
| | - Yingnan Yang
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Guoping Chen
- Research Center for Macromoleculaes and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
van Dalen M, Karperien M, Claessens MM, Post JN. Choice of Protein, Not Its Amyloid-Fold, Determines the Success of Amyloid-Based Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Regeneration. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:24198-24209. [PMID: 37457450 PMCID: PMC10339334 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The formation of fibrocartilage during articular cartilage regeneration remains a clinical problem affecting adequate restoration of articular cartilage in joints. To stimulate chondrocytes to form articular cartilage, we investigated the use of amyloid fibril-based scaffolds. The proteins α-synuclein, β-lactoglobulin, and lysozyme were induced to self-assemble into amyloid fibrils and, during dialysis, formed micrometer scale amyloid networks that resemble the cartilage extracellular matrix. Our results show that lysozyme amyloid micronetworks supported chondrocyte viability and extracellular matrix deposition, while α-synuclein and β-lactoglobulin maintained cell viability. With this study, we not only confirm the possible use of amyloid materials for tissue regeneration but also demonstrate that the choice of protein, rather than its amyloid-fold per se, affects the cellular response and tissue formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurice
C.E. van Dalen
- Developmental
BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University
of Twente, Enschede, Overijssel 7500 AE, The Netherlands
- Nanobiophysics,
Mesa+, University of Twente, Enschede 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Developmental
BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University
of Twente, Enschede, Overijssel 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | | | - Janine N. Post
- Developmental
BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University
of Twente, Enschede, Overijssel 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
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: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.0] [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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hafeez S, Aldana AA, Duimel H, Ruiter FAA, Decarli MC, Lapointe V, van Blitterswijk C, Moroni L, Baker MB. Molecular Tuning of a Benzene-1,3,5-Tricarboxamide Supramolecular Fibrous Hydrogel Enables Control over Viscoelasticity and Creates Tunable ECM-Mimetic Hydrogels and Bioinks. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2207053. [PMID: 36858040 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Traditional synthetic covalent hydrogels lack the native tissue dynamics and hierarchical fibrous structure found in the extracellular matrix (ECM). These dynamics and fibrous nanostructures are imperative in obtaining the correct cell/material interactions. Consequently, the challenge to engineer functional dynamics in a fibrous hydrogel and recapitulate native ECM properties remains a bottle-neck to biomimetic hydrogel environments. Here, the molecular tuning of a supramolecular benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) hydrogelator via simple modulation of hydrophobic substituents is reported. This tuning results in fibrous hydrogels with accessible viscoelasticity over 5 orders of magnitude, while maintaining a constant equilibrium storage modulus. BTA hydrogelators are created with systematic variations in the number of hydrophobic carbon atoms, and this is observed to control the viscoelasticity and stress-relaxation timescales in a logarithmic fashion. Some of these BTA hydrogels are shear-thinning, self-healing, extrudable, and injectable, and can be 3D printed into multiple layers. These hydrogels show high cell viability for chondrocytes and human mesenchymal stem cells, establishing their use in tissue engineering applications. This simple molecular tuning by changing hydrophobicity (with just a few carbon atoms) provides precise control over the viscoelasticity and 3D printability in fibrillar hydrogels and can be ported onto other 1D self-assembling structures. The molecular control and design of hydrogel network dynamics can push the field of supramolecular chemistry toward the design of new ECM-mimicking hydrogelators for numerous cell-culture and tissue-engineering applications and give access toward highly biomimetic bioinks for bioprinting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahzad Hafeez
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Ana A Aldana
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Duimel
- Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging (M4I) Institute, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Floor A A Ruiter
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Monize Caiado Decarli
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Vanessa Lapointe
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens van Blitterswijk
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew B Baker
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Baker AJ, Galindo EJ, Angelos JD, Salazar DK, Sterritt SM, Willis AM, Tartis MS. Mechanical characterization data of polyacrylamide hydrogel formulations and 3D printed PLA for application in human head phantoms. Data Brief 2023; 48:109114. [PMID: 37122918 PMCID: PMC10130753 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109114] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
To study human traumatic brain injury (TBI) mechanics, a realistic surrogate must be developed for testing in impact experiments. In this data brief, materials used to simulate brain tissue and skull are characterized for application in a full-scale human head phantom. Polyacrylamide hydrogels are implemented as tissue scaffolds and tissue mimics because they are bioinert and tunable. These properties make them ideal for use as brain tissue in studies that simulate head impacts. The objective is to modify hydrogel formulations to have minimal swelling and optical clarity while maintaining properties that mimic brain tissue, such as density, viscoelastic properties, and rheological properties. Secondly, polylactic acid (PLA) polymers are 3D printed to create biomimetic skulls to enclose the hydrogel brain tissue mimic or brain phantom. PLA samples are printed and tested to determine their mechanical strength with the intention of roughly matching human skull properties. Hydrogel data was obtained with an oscillatory rheometer, while PLA samples were tested using a mechanical tester with a 3-point bend setup. The present data brief highlights several hydrogel formulations and compares them to identify the benefits of each formula and reports mechanical values of 3D printed PLA samples with 100% grid infill patterns applied in a skull model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J.A. Baker
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA
| | - Eric J. Galindo
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA
| | - James D. Angelos
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA
| | - Dustin K. Salazar
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA
| | - Sorcha M. Sterritt
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA
| | - Adam M. Willis
- Michigan State University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, East Lansing MI, 48824, USA
- 59th Medical Wing, Office of the Chief Scientist, Lackland AFM, TX, 78236, USA
| | - Michaelann S. Tartis
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zhao P, Sun T, Lyu C, Du Y. Response to a Comment on "Scar-Degrading Endothelial Cells as a Treatment for Advanced Liver Fibrosis". ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301330. [PMID: 37119442 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tian Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Cheng Lyu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Baghersad S, Sathish Kumar A, Kipper MJ, Popat K, Wang Z. Recent Advances in Tissue-Engineered Cardiac Scaffolds-The Progress and Gap in Mimicking Native Myocardium Mechanical Behaviors. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:jfb14050269. [PMID: 37233379 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14050269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure is the leading cause of death in the US and worldwide. Despite modern therapy, challenges remain to rescue the damaged organ that contains cells with a very low proliferation rate after birth. Developments in tissue engineering and regeneration offer new tools to investigate the pathology of cardiac diseases and develop therapeutic strategies for heart failure patients. Tissue -engineered cardiac scaffolds should be designed to provide structural, biochemical, mechanical, and/or electrical properties similar to native myocardium tissues. This review primarily focuses on the mechanical behaviors of cardiac scaffolds and their significance in cardiac research. Specifically, we summarize the recent development of synthetic (including hydrogel) scaffolds that have achieved various types of mechanical behavior-nonlinear elasticity, anisotropy, and viscoelasticity-all of which are characteristic of the myocardium and heart valves. For each type of mechanical behavior, we review the current fabrication methods to enable the biomimetic mechanical behavior, the advantages and limitations of the existing scaffolds, and how the mechanical environment affects biological responses and/or treatment outcomes for cardiac diseases. Lastly, we discuss the remaining challenges in this field and suggestions for future directions to improve our understanding of mechanical control over cardiac function and inspire better regenerative therapies for myocardial restoration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Baghersad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Abinaya Sathish Kumar
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Matt J Kipper
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Ketul Popat
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Zhijie Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Mendonca T, Lis-Slimak K, Matheson AB, Smith MG, Anane-Adjei AB, Ashworth JC, Cavanagh R, Paterson L, Dalgarno PA, Alexander C, Tassieri M, Merry CLR, Wright AJ. OptoRheo: Simultaneous in situ micro-mechanical sensing and imaging of live 3D biological systems. Commun Biol 2023; 6:463. [PMID: 37117487 PMCID: PMC10147656 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04780-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) are essential for directing many cellular processes, from normal development and repair, to disease progression. To better understand cell-matrix interactions, we have developed a new instrument named 'OptoRheo' that combines light sheet fluorescence microscopy with particle tracking microrheology. OptoRheo lets us image cells in 3D as they proliferate over several days while simultaneously sensing the mechanical properties of the surrounding extracellular and pericellular matrix at a sub-cellular length scale. OptoRheo can be used in two operational modalities (with and without an optical trap) to extend the dynamic range of microrheology measurements. We corroborated this by characterising the ECM surrounding live breast cancer cells in two distinct culture systems, cell clusters in 3D hydrogels and spheroids in suspension culture. This cutting-edge instrument will transform the exploration of drug transport through complex cell culture matrices and optimise the design of the next-generation of disease models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Mendonca
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Katarzyna Lis-Slimak
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew B Matheson
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matthew G Smith
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Jennifer C Ashworth
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Robert Cavanagh
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lynn Paterson
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul A Dalgarno
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Manlio Tassieri
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Catherine L R Merry
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Amanda J Wright
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sáez P, Venturini C. Positive, negative and controlled durotaxis. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:2993-3001. [PMID: 37016959 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01326f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration is a physical process central to life. Among others, it regulates embryogenesis, tissue regeneration, and tumor growth. Therefore, understanding and controlling cell migration represent fundamental challenges in science. Specifically, the ability of cells to follow stiffness gradients, known as durotaxis, is ubiquitous across most cell types. Even so, certain cells follow positive stiffness gradients while others move along negative gradients. How the physical mechanisms involved in cell migration work to enable a wide range of durotactic responses is still poorly understood. Here, we provide a mechanistic rationale for durotaxis by integrating stochastic clutch models for cell adhesion with an active gel theory of cell migration. We show that positive and negative durotaxis found across cell types are explained by asymmetries in the cell adhesion dynamics. We rationalize durotaxis by asymmetric mechanotransduction in the cell adhesion behavior that further polarizes the intracellular retrograde flow and the protruding velocity at the cell membrane. Our theoretical framework confirms previous experimental observations and explains positive and negative durotaxis. Moreover, we show how durotaxis can be engineered to manipulate cell migration, which has important implications in biology, medicine, and bioengineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Sáez
- Laboratori de Càlcul Numèric (LaCaN), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
- E.T.S. de Ingeniería de Caminos, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Matemàtiques de la UPC-BarcelonaTech (IMTech), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Venturini
- Laboratori de Càlcul Numèric (LaCaN), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sumey JL, Johnston PC, Harrell AM, Caliari SR. Hydrogel mechanics regulate fibroblast DNA methylation and chromatin condensation. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:2886-2897. [PMID: 36880435 PMCID: PMC10329270 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm02058k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Cellular mechanotransduction plays a central role in fibroblast activation during fibrotic disease progression, leading to increased tissue stiffness and reduced organ function. While the role of epigenetics in disease mechanotransduction has begun to be appreciated, little is known about how substrate mechanics, particularly the timing of mechanical inputs, regulate epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and chromatin reorganization during fibroblast activation. In this work, we engineered a hyaluronic acid hydrogel platform with independently tunable stiffness and viscoelasticity to model normal (storage modulus, G' ∼ 0.5 kPa, loss modulus, G'' ∼ 0.05 kPa) to increasingly fibrotic (G' ∼ 2.5 and 8 kPa, G'' ∼ 0.05 kPa) lung mechanics. Human lung fibroblasts exhibited increased spreading and nuclear localization of myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) with increasing substrate stiffness within 1 day, with these trends holding steady for longer cultures. However, fibroblasts displayed time-dependent changes in global DNA methylation and chromatin organization. Fibroblasts initially displayed increased DNA methylation and chromatin decondensation on stiffer hydrogels, but both of these measures decreased with longer culture times. To investigate how culture time affected the responsiveness of fibroblast nuclear remodeling to mechanical signals, we engineered hydrogels amenable to in situ secondary crosslinking, enabling a transition from a compliant substrate mimicking normal tissue to a stiffer substrate resembling fibrotic tissue. When stiffening was initiated after only 1 day of culture, fibroblasts rapidly responded and displayed increased DNA methylation and chromatin decondensation, similar to fibroblasts on static stiffer hydrogels. Conversely, when fibroblasts experienced later stiffening at day 7, they showed no changes in DNA methylation and chromatin condensation, suggesting the induction of a persistent fibroblast phenotype. These results highlight the time-dependent nuclear changes associated with fibroblast activation in response to dynamic mechanical perturbations and may provide mechanisms to target for controlling fibroblast activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L Sumey
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, USA.
| | | | | | - Steven R Caliari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Dzobo K, Dandara C. The Extracellular Matrix: Its Composition, Function, Remodeling, and Role in Tumorigenesis. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:146. [PMID: 37092398 PMCID: PMC10123695 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a ubiquitous member of the body and is key to the maintenance of tissue and organ integrity. Initially thought to be a bystander in many cellular processes, the extracellular matrix has been shown to have diverse components that regulate and activate many cellular processes and ultimately influence cell phenotype. Importantly, the ECM's composition, architecture, and stiffness/elasticity influence cellular phenotypes. Under normal conditions and during development, the synthesized ECM constantly undergoes degradation and remodeling processes via the action of matrix proteases that maintain tissue homeostasis. In many pathological conditions including fibrosis and cancer, ECM synthesis, remodeling, and degradation is dysregulated, causing its integrity to be altered. Both physical and chemical cues from the ECM are sensed via receptors including integrins and play key roles in driving cellular proliferation and differentiation and in the progression of various diseases such as cancers. Advances in 'omics' technologies have seen an increase in studies focusing on bidirectional cell-matrix interactions, and here, we highlight the emerging knowledge on the role played by the ECM during normal development and in pathological conditions. This review summarizes current ECM-targeted therapies that can modify ECM tumors to overcome drug resistance and better cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- Medical Research Council, SA Wound Healing Unit, Hair and Skin Research Laboratory, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Collet Dandara
- Division of Human Genetics and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- The South African Medical Research Council-UCT Platform for Pharmacogenomics Research and Translation, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kalashnikov N, Moraes C. Substrate viscoelasticity affects human macrophage morphology and phagocytosis. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:2438-2445. [PMID: 36930245 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01683d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Viscoelasticity is an inherent characteristic of many living tissues and, in an attempt to better recapitulate this aspect in cell culture, hydrogel biomaterials have been engineered to exhibit time-dependent energy-dissipative mechanical behavior. Viscoelastic hydrogel culture platforms have been instrumental in understanding the biological effects of viscoelasticity. Although viscoelasticity has been shown to regulate fundamental cell processes such as spreading and differentiation in adherent cells, the influence of viscoelasticity on macrophage behavior has not been explored. Here, we use a tunable viscoelastic polyacrylamide hydrogel culture system to demonstrate that viscoelasticity is an important biophysical regulator of macrophage function. After biologically validating our system with HS-5 fibroblasts to show behavior consistent with existing reports, we seed human THP-1 monocytes on these viscoelastic substrates and differentiate them into macrophages. THP-1 macrophages become smaller and rounder, and less efficient at phagocytosis on more viscous polyacrylamide hydrogel substrates. Since macrophages play key roles in mounting responses such as inflammation and fibrosis, these results indicate that viscoelasticity is an important parameter in the design of immunomodulatory biomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Kalashnikov
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Xie W, Wei X, Kang H, Jiang H, Chu Z, Lin Y, Hou Y, Wei Q. Static and Dynamic: Evolving Biomaterial Mechanical Properties to Control Cellular Mechanotransduction. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2204594. [PMID: 36658771 PMCID: PMC10037983 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic system that constantly offers physical, biological, and chemical signals to embraced cells. Increasing evidence suggests that mechanical signals derived from the dynamic cellular microenvironment are essential controllers of cell behaviors. Conventional cell culture biomaterials, with static mechanical properties such as chemistry, topography, and stiffness, have offered a fundamental understanding of various vital biochemical and biophysical processes, such as cell adhesion, spreading, migration, growth, and differentiation. At present, novel biomaterials that can spatiotemporally impart biophysical cues to manipulate cell fate are emerging. The dynamic properties and adaptive traits of new materials endow them with the ability to adapt to cell requirements and enhance cell functions. In this review, an introductory overview of the key players essential to mechanobiology is provided. A biophysical perspective on the state-of-the-art manipulation techniques and novel materials in designing static and dynamic ECM-mimicking biomaterials is taken. In particular, different static and dynamic mechanical cues in regulating cellular mechanosensing and functions are compared. This review to benefit the development of engineering biomechanical systems regulating cell functions is expected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Xie
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610065China
| | - Xi Wei
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Heemin Kang
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringKorea UniversitySeoul02841South Korea
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610065China
| | - Zhiqin Chu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Joint Appointment with School of Biomedical Sciences)The University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Yong Hou
- Department of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Institut für Chemie und BiochemieFreie Universität BerlinTakustrasse 314195BerlinGermany
| | - Qiang Wei
- College of Polymer Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Pizzolitto C, Scognamiglio F, Sacco P, Lipari S, Romano M, Donati I, Marsich E. Immediate stress dissipation in dual cross-link hydrogels controls osteogenic commitment of mesenchymal stem cells. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 302:120369. [PMID: 36604049 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.120369] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In vitro studies of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiation have been predominantly performed with non-physiologically elastic materials. Here we report the effect of different viscoplastic ECM mimics on the osteogenic engagement of MSCs in 2D. We have developed soft hydrogels, composed of a lactose-modified chitosan, using a combination of permanent and temporary cross-links. The presence of temporary cross-links has a minor effect on the shear modulus of the hydrogels, but causes an immediate relaxation (dissipation) of the applied stress. This material property leads to early osteogenic commitment of MSCs, as evidenced by gene expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), type 1 collagen (COL1A1), osteocalcin (OCN), alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity (ALP) and calcium deposit formation. In contrast, cells cultured on purely elastic hydrogels with only permanent cross-link begin to differentiate only after a longer period of time, indicating a dissipation-mediated mechano-sensing in the osteogenic commitment of MSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pizzolitto
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell'Ospitale 1, I-34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Scognamiglio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell'Ospitale 1, I-34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Pasquale Sacco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell'Ospitale 1, I-34129 Trieste, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, I-34127 Trieste, Italy; AREA Science Park, loc. Padriciano 99, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Sara Lipari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Romano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Ivan Donati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marsich
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell'Ospitale 1, I-34129 Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Cao Z, Ball JK, Lateef AH, Virgile CP, Corbin EA. Biomimetic Substrate to Probe Dynamic Interplay of Topography and Stiffness on Cardiac Fibroblast Activation. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:5406-5414. [PMID: 36816659 PMCID: PMC9933230 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Materials with the ability to change properties can expand the capabilities of in vitro models of biological processes and diseases as it has become increasingly clear that static, stiff materials with smooth surfaces fall short in recapitulating the in vivo cellular microenvironment. Here, we introduce a patterned material that can be rapidly stiffened and softened in situ in response to an external magnetic field through the addition of magnetic inclusions into a soft silicone elastomer with topographic surface patterning. This substrate can be used for cell culture to investigate short-term cellular responses to dynamic stiffening or softening and the interaction with topography that encourages cells to assume a specific morphology. We investigated short-term cellular responses to dynamic stiffening or softening in human ventricular cardiac fibroblasts. Our results indicate that the combination of dynamic changes in stiffness with and without topographic cues induces different effects on the alignment and activation or deactivation of myofibroblasts. Cells cultured on patterned substrates exhibited a more aligned morphology than cells cultured on flat material; moreover, cell alignment was not dependent on substrate stiffness. On a patterned substrate, there was no significant change in the number of activated myofibroblasts when the material was temporally stiffened, but temporal softening caused a significant decrease in myofibroblast activation (50% to 38%), indicating a competing interaction of these characteristics on cell behavior. This material provides a unique in vitro platform to observe the time-dependent dynamics of cells by better mimicking more complex behaviors and realistic microenvironments for investigating biological processes, such as the development of fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Cao
- Biomedical
Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19713, United States
| | - Jacob K. Ball
- Biomedical
Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19713, United States
| | - Ali H. Lateef
- Biomedical
Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19713, United States
| | - Connor P. Virgile
- Biomedical
Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19713, United States
| | - Elise A. Corbin
- Biomedical
Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19713, United States
- Material
Science & Engineering, University of
Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716-3106, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Research, Nemours/A.I. DuPont
Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Zhu S, Wang Y, Wang Z, Chen L, Zhu F, Ye Y, Zheng Y, Yu W, Zheng Q. Metal-Coordinated Dynamics and Viscoelastic Properties of Double-Network Hydrogels. Gels 2023; 9:gels9020145. [PMID: 36826315 PMCID: PMC9956398 DOI: 10.3390/gels9020145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological soft tissues are intrinsically viscoelastic materials which play a significant role in affecting the activity of cells. As potential artificial alternatives, double-network (DN) gels, however, are pure elastic and mechanically time independent. The viscoelasticization of DN gels is an urgent challenge in enabling DN gels to be used for advanced development of biomaterial applications. Herein, we demonstrate a simple approach to regulate the viscoelasticity of tough double-network (DN) hydrogels by forming sulfonate-metal coordination. Owing to the dynamic nature of the coordination bonds, the resultant hydrogels possess highly viscoelastic, mechanical time-dependent, and self-recovery properties. Rheological measurements are performed to investigate the linear dynamic mechanical behavior at small strains. The tensile tests and cyclic tensile tests are also systematically performed to evaluate the rate-dependent large deformation mechanical behaviors and energy dissipation behaviors of various ion-loaded DN hydrogels. It has been revealed based on the systematic analysis that robust strong sulfonate-Zr4+ coordination interactions not only serve as dynamic crosslinks imparting viscoelastic rate-dependent mechanical performances, but also strongly affect the relative strength of the first PAMPS network, thereby increasing the yielding stress σy and the fracture stress at break σb and reducing the stretch ratio at break λb. It is envisioned that the viscoelasticization of DN gels enables versatile applications in the biomedical and engineering fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilei Zhu
- College of Physics, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Lin Chen
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Fengbo Zhu
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Yanan Ye
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yong Zheng
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Wenwen Yu
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Knutsen AK, Vidhate S, McIlvain G, Luster J, Galindo EJ, Johnson CL, Pham DL, Butman JA, Mejia-Alvarez R, Tartis M, Willis AM. Characterization of material properties and deformation in the ANGUS phantom during mild head impacts using MRI. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 138:105586. [PMID: 36516544 PMCID: PMC10169236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health concern affecting both military and civilian populations. Despite notable advances in TBI research in recent years, there remains a significant gap in linking the impulsive loadings from a blast or a blunt impact to the clinical injury patterns observed in TBI. Synthetic head models or phantoms can be used to establish this link as they can be constructed with geometry, anatomy, and material properties that match the human brain, and can be used as an alternative to animal models. This study presents one such phantom called the Anthropomorphic Neurologic Gyrencephalic Unified Standard (ANGUS) phantom, which is an idealized gyrencephalic brain phantom composed of polyacrylamide gel. Here we mechanically characterized the ANGUS phantom using tagged magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), and then compared the outcomes to data obtained in healthy volunteers. The direct comparison between the phantom's response and the data from a cohort of in vivo human subjects demonstrate that the ANGUS phantom may be an appropriate model for bulk tissue response and gyral dynamics of the human brain under small amplitude linear impulses. However, the phantom's response differs from that of the in vivo human brain under rotational impacts, suggesting avenues for future improvements to the phantom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew K Knutsen
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, The Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Suhas Vidhate
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Grace McIlvain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Josh Luster
- Department of Neurology, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, 78234, USA
| | - Eric J Galindo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM, 87801, USA
| | - Curtis L Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Dzung L Pham
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, The Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - John A Butman
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ricardo Mejia-Alvarez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Michaelann Tartis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM, 87801, USA
| | - Adam M Willis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; 59th Medical Wing, Office of the Chief Scientist, Lackland AFB, TX, 78236, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhu M, Wang Q, Gu T, Han Y, Zeng X, Li J, Dong J, Huang H, Qian P. Hydrogel-based microenvironment engineering of haematopoietic stem cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:49. [PMID: 36690903 PMCID: PMC11073069 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04696-w] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Haematopoietic Stem cells (HSCs) have the potential for self-renewal and multilineage differentiation, and their behaviours are finely tuned by the microenvironment. HSC transplantation (HSCT) is widely used in the treatment of haematologic malignancies while limited by the quantity of available HSCs. With the development of tissue engineering, hydrogels have been deployed to mimic the HSC microenvironment in vitro. Engineered hydrogels influence HSC behaviour by regulating mechanical strength, extracellular matrix microstructure, cellular ligands and cytokines, cell-cell interaction, and oxygen concentration, which ultimately facilitate the acquisition of sufficient HSCs. Here, we review recent advances in the application of hydrogel-based microenvironment engineering of HSCs, and provide future perspectives on challenges in basic research and clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhu
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qiwei Wang
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Tianning Gu
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingli Han
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jinxin Li
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jian Dong
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - He Huang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Pengxu Qian
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Suo L, Wu H, Wang P, Xue Z, Gao J, Shen J. The improvement of periodontal tissue regeneration using a 3D-printed carbon nanotube/chitosan/sodium alginate composite scaffold. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2023; 111:73-84. [PMID: 35841326 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Periodontal disease is a common disease in the oral field, and many researchers are studying periodontal disease and try to find some biological scaffold materials to make periodontal tissue regenerative. In this study, we attempted to construct a carbon nanotube/chitosan/sodium alginate (CNT/CS/AL) ternary composite hydrogel and then prepare porous scaffold by 3D printing technology. Subsequently, characterizing the materials and testing the mechanical properties of the scaffold. Additionally, its effect on the proliferation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and its antibacterial effect on Porphyromonas gingivalis were detected. We found that CNT/CS/AL porous composite scaffolds with uniform pores could be successfully prepared. Moreover, with increasing CNT concentration, the degradation rate and the swelling degree of scaffold showed a downward trend. The compressive strength test indicated the elastic modulus of composite scaffolds ranged from 18 to 80 kPa, and 1% CNT/CS/AL group had the highest quantitative value. Subsequently, cell experiments showed that the CNT/CS/AL scaffold had good biocompatibility and could promote the proliferation of hPDLCs. Among 0.1%-1% CNT/CS/AL groups, the biocompatibility of 0.5% CNT/CS/AL scaffold performed best. Meanwhile, in vitro antibacterial experiments showed that the CNT/CS/AL scaffold had a certain bacteriostatic effect on P. gingivalis. When the concentration of CNT was more than 0.5%, the antimicrobial activity of composite scaffold was significantly promoted, and about 30% bacteria were inactivated. In conclusion, this 3D-printed CNT/CS/AL composite scaffold, with good material properties, biocompatibility and bacteriostatic activity, may be used for periodontal tissue regeneration, providing a new avenue for the treatment of periodontal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lai Suo
- Department of International VIP Dental Clinic, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongshan Wu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Puyu Wang
- Department II of Endodontics, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhijun Xue
- Department II of Endodontics, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of International VIP Dental Clinic, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Department of International VIP Dental Clinic, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Mongera A, Pochitaloff M, Gustafson HJ, Stooke-Vaughan GA, Rowghanian P, Kim S, Campàs O. Mechanics of the cellular microenvironment as probed by cells in vivo during zebrafish presomitic mesoderm differentiation. NATURE MATERIALS 2023; 22:135-143. [PMID: 36577855 PMCID: PMC9812792 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-022-01433-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Tissue morphogenesis, homoeostasis and repair require cells to constantly monitor their three-dimensional microenvironment and adapt their behaviours in response to local biochemical and mechanical cues. Yet the mechanical parameters of the cellular microenvironment probed by cells in vivo remain unclear. Here, we report the mechanics of the cellular microenvironment that cells probe in vivo and in situ during zebrafish presomitic mesoderm differentiation. By quantifying both endogenous cell-generated strains and tissue mechanics, we show that individual cells probe the stiffness associated with deformations of the supracellular, foam-like tissue architecture. Stress relaxation leads to a perceived microenvironment stiffness that decreases over time, with cells probing the softest regime. We find that most mechanical parameters, including those probed by cells, vary along the anteroposterior axis as mesodermal progenitors differentiate. These findings expand our understanding of in vivo mechanosensation and might aid the design of advanced scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Mongera
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marie Pochitaloff
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Hannah J Gustafson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | | | - Payam Rowghanian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Sangwoo Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Otger Campàs
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Merli M, Sardelli L, Baranzini N, Grimaldi A, Jacchetti E, Raimondi MT, Briatico-Vangosa F, Petrini P, Tunesi M. Pectin-based bioinks for 3D models of neural tissue produced by a pH-controlled kinetics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1032542. [PMID: 36619394 PMCID: PMC9815771 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1032542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In the view of 3D-bioprinting with cell models representative of neural cells, we produced inks to mimic the basic viscoelastic properties of brain tissue. Moving from the concept that rheology provides useful information to predict ink printability, this study improves and expands the potential of the previously published 3D-reactive printing approach by introducing pH as a key parameter to be controlled, together with printing time. Methods: The viscoelastic properties, printability, and microstructure of pectin gels crosslinked with CaCO3 were investigated and their composition was optimized (i.e., by including cell culture medium, HEPES buffer, and collagen). Different cell models representative of the major brain cell populations (i.e., neurons, astrocytes, microglial cells, and oligodendrocytes) were considered. Results and Discussion: The outcomes of this study propose a highly controllable method to optimize the printability of internally crosslinked polysaccharides, without the need for additives or post-printing treatments. By introducing pH as a further parameter to be controlled, it is possible to have multiple (pH-dependent) crosslinking kinetics, without varying hydrogel composition. In addition, the results indicate that not only cells survive and proliferate following 3D-bioprinting, but they can also interact and reorganize hydrogel microstructure. Taken together, the results suggest that pectin-based hydrogels could be successfully applied for neural cell culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Merli
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Sardelli
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolò Baranzini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Annalisa Grimaldi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Emanuela Jacchetti
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Teresa Raimondi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Briatico-Vangosa
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Petrini
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Tunesi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy,*Correspondence: Marta Tunesi,
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Rizwan M, Ling C, Guo C, Liu T, Jiang JX, Bear CE, Ogawa S, Shoichet MS. Viscoelastic Notch Signaling Hydrogel Induces Liver Bile Duct Organoid Growth and Morphogenesis. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200880. [PMID: 36180392 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocyte organoids can be used to model liver biliary disease; however, both a defined matrix to emulate cholangiocyte self-assembly and the mechano-transduction pathways involved therein remain elusive. A series of defined viscoelastic hyaluronan hydrogels to culture primary cholangiocytes are designed and it is found that by mimicking the stress relaxation rate of liver tissue, cholangiocyte organoid growth can be induced and expression of Yes-associated protein (YAP) target genes could be significantly increased. Strikingly, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) does not significantly affect organoid growth in 3D culture, suggesting that mechanical remodeling of the viscoelastic microenvironment-and not MMP-mediated degradation-is the key to cholangiocyte organoid growth. By immobilizing Jagged1 to the hyaluronan, stress relaxing hydrogel, self-assembled bile duct structures form in organoid culture, indicating the synergistic effects of Notch signaling and viscoelasticity. By uncovering critical roles of hydrogel viscoelasticity, YAP signaling, and Notch activation, cholangiocyte organogenesis is controlled, thereby paving the way for their use in disease modeling and/or transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada.,Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Christopher Ling
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada.,Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Chengyu Guo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Tracy Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Jia-Xin Jiang
- Molecular Medicine Programme, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Christine E Bear
- Molecular Medicine Programme, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Shinichiro Ogawa
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada.,Soham & Shalia Ajmera Family Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Molly S Shoichet
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada.,Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E1, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3H6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Vasudevan J, Jiang K, Fernandez J, Lim CT. Extracellular matrix mechanobiology in cancer cell migration. Acta Biomater 2022; 163:351-364. [PMID: 36243367 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is pivotal in modulating tumor progression. Besides chemically stimulating tumor cells, it also offers physical support that orchestrates the sequence of events in the metastatic cascade upon dynamically modulating cell mechanosensation. Understanding this translation between matrix biophysical cues and intracellular signaling has led to rapid growth in the interdisciplinary field of cancer mechanobiology in the last decade. Substantial efforts have been made to develop novel in vitro tumor mimicking platforms to visualize and quantify the mechanical forces within the tissue that dictate tumor cell invasion and metastatic growth. This review highlights recent findings on tumor matrix biophysical cues such as fibrillar arrangement, crosslinking density, confinement, rigidity, topography, and non-linear mechanics and their implications on tumor cell behavior. We also emphasize how perturbations in these cues alter cellular mechanisms of mechanotransduction, consequently enhancing malignancy. Finally, we elucidate engineering techniques to individually emulate the mechanical properties of tumors that could help serve as toolkits for developing and testing ECM-targeted therapeutics on novel bioengineered tumor platforms. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Disrupted ECM mechanics is a driving force for transitioning incipient cells to life-threatening malignant variants. Understanding these ECM changes can be crucial as they may aid in developing several efficacious drugs that not only focus on inducing cytotoxic effects but also target specific matrix mechanical cues that support and enhance tumor invasiveness. Designing and implementing an optimal tumor mimic can allow us to predictively map biophysical cue-modulated cell behaviors and facilitate the design of improved lab-grown tumor models with accurately controlled structural features. This review focuses on the abnormal changes within the ECM during tumorigenesis and its implications on tumor cell-matrix mechanoreciprocity. Additionally, it accentuates engineering approaches to produce ECM features of varying levels of complexity which is critical for improving the efficiency of current engineered tumor tissue models.
Collapse
|