1
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Dong Y, Wang C, Ding X, Ma X, Huang R, Li M, Yang Q. The characterization of cell traction force on nonflat surfaces with different curvature by elastic hydrogel microspheres. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024. [PMID: 38978386 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
It is of great importance to study the detachment/attachment behaviors of cells (cancer cell, immune cell, and epithelial cell), as they are closely related with tumor metastasis, immunoreaction, and tissue development at variety scales. To characterize the detachment/attachment during the interaction between cells and substrate, some researchers proposed using cell traction force (CTF) as the indicator. To date, various strategies have been developed to measure the CTF. However, these methods only realize the measurements of cell passive forces on flat cases. To quantify the active CTF on nonflat surfaces, which can better mimic the in vivo case, we employed elastic hydrogel microspheres as a force sensor. The microspheres were fabricated by microfluidic chips with controllable size and mechanical properties to mimic substrate. Cells were cultured on microsphere and the CTF led to the deformation of microsphere. By detecting the morphology information, the CTF exerted by attached cells can be calculated by the in-house numerical code. Using these microspheres, the CTF of various cells (including tumor cell, immunological cell, and epithelium cell) were successfully obtained on nonflat surfaces with different curvature radii. The proposed method provides a versatile platform to measure the CTF with high precision and to understand the detachment/attachment behaviors during physiology processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Cong Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Xin Ding
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Xingquan Ma
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Moxiao Li
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
- Nanjing Center for Multifunctional Lightweight Materials and Structures (MLMS), Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Qingzhen Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
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2
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Ziegler KF, Joshi K, Wright CS, Roy S, Caruso W, Biswas RR, Iyer-Biswas S. Scaling of stochastic growth and division dynamics: A comparative study of individual rod-shaped cells in the Mother Machine and SChemostat platforms. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar78. [PMID: 38598301 PMCID: PMC11238078 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-11-0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic platforms enable long-term quantification of stochastic behaviors of individual bacterial cells under precisely controlled growth conditions. Yet, quantitative comparisons of physiological parameters and cell behaviors of different microorganisms in different experimental and device modalities is not available due to experiment-specific details affecting cell physiology. To rigorously assess the effects of mechanical confinement, we designed, engineered, and performed side-by-side experiments under otherwise identical conditions in the Mother Machine (with confinement) and the SChemostat (without confinement), using the latter as the ideal comparator. We established a protocol to cultivate a suitably engineered rod-shaped mutant of Caulobacter crescentus in the Mother Machine and benchmarked the differences in stochastic growth and division dynamics with respect to the SChemostat. While the single-cell growth rate distributions are remarkably similar, the mechanically confined cells in the Mother Machine experience a substantial increase in interdivision times. However, we find that the division ratio distribution precisely compensates for this increase, which in turn reflects identical emergent simplicities governing stochastic intergenerational homeostasis of cell sizes across device and experimental configurations, provided the cell sizes are appropriately mean-rescaled in each condition. Our results provide insights into the nature of the robustness of the bacterial growth and division machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl F. Ziegler
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health, Sciences, Monash University, Clayton/Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Kunaal Joshi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Charles S. Wright
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Shaswata Roy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Will Caruso
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Rudro R. Biswas
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Srividya Iyer-Biswas
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
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3
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Ma X, Wang C, Ji C, Cao X, Dong Y. Quantitative characterization of tumor cell traction force on extracellular matrix by hydrogel microsphere stress sensor. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:1820-1830. [PMID: 38407981 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28683] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Cell traction force (CTF) is a kind of active force that is a cell senses external environment and actively applies to the contact matrix which is currently a representative stress in cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction. Studying the distribution and variation of CTF during cell-ECM interaction help to explain the impact of physical factors on cell behaviors from the perspective of mechanobiology. However, most of the strategies of characterizing CTF are still limited by the measurement needs in three-dimensional (3D), quantitative characteristics and in vivo condition. Microsphere stress sensor (MSS) as a new type of technology is capable of realizing the quantitative characterization of CTF in 3D and in vivo. Herein, we employed microfluidic platform to design and fabricate MSS which possesses adjustable fluorescent performances, physical properties, and size ranges for better applicable to different cells (3T3, A549). Focusing on the common tumor cells behaviors (adhesion, spreading, and migration) in the process of metastasis, we chose SH-SY5Y as the representative research object in this work. We calculated CTF with the profile and distribution to demonstrate that the normal and shear stress can determined different cell behaviors. Additionally, CTF can also regulate cell adhesion, spreading, and migration in different cell states. Based on this method, the quantitative characterization of CFT of health and disease cells can be achieved, which further help to study and explore the potential mechanism of cell-ECM interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingquan Ma
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, P.R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Cong Wang
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Changchun Ji
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shaanxi Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoshan Cao
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Yuqing Dong
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
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4
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Parameshwar PK, Li C, Arnauts K, Jiang J, Rostami S, Campbell BE, Lu H, Rosenzweig DH, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Directed biomechanical compressive forces enhance fusion efficiency in model placental trophoblast cultures. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11312. [PMID: 38760496 PMCID: PMC11101427 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61747-3] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The syncytiotrophoblast is a multinucleated structure that arises from fusion of mononucleated cytotrophoblasts, to sheath the placental villi and regulate transport across the maternal-fetal interface. Here, we ask whether the dynamic mechanical forces that must arise during villous development might influence fusion, and explore this question using in vitro choriocarcinoma trophoblast models. We demonstrate that mechanical stress patterns arise around sites of localized fusion in cell monolayers, in patterns that match computational predictions of villous morphogenesis. We then externally apply these mechanical stress patterns to cell monolayers and demonstrate that equibiaxial compressive stresses (but not uniaxial or equibiaxial tensile stresses) enhance expression of the syndecan-1 and loss of E-cadherin as markers of fusion. These findings suggest that the mechanical stresses that contribute towards sculpting the placental villi may also impact fusion in the developing tissue. We then extend this concept towards 3D cultures and demonstrate that fusion can be enhanced by applying low isometric compressive stresses to spheroid models, even in the absence of an inducing agent. These results indicate that mechanical stimulation is a potent activator of cellular fusion, suggesting novel avenues to improve experimental reproductive modelling, placental tissue engineering, and understanding disorders of pregnancy development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kaline Arnauts
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Junqing Jiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sabra Rostami
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Benjamin E Campbell
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Hongyan Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Derek Hadar Rosenzweig
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Injury, Repair and Recovery Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, and Research Center Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux (CIUSSS) du Nord-de-L'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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5
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Zheng S, Banerji R, LeBourdais R, Zhang S, DuBois E, O’Shea T, Nia HT. Alteration of mechanical stresses in the murine brain by age and hemorrhagic stroke. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae141. [PMID: 38659974 PMCID: PMC11042661 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Residual mechanical stresses, also known as solid stresses, emerge during rapid differential growth or remodeling of tissues, as observed in morphogenesis and tumor growth. While residual stresses typically dissipate in most healthy adult organs, as the growth rate decreases, high residual stresses have been reported in mature, healthy brains. However, the origins and consequences of residual mechanical stresses in the brain across health, aging, and disease remain poorly understood. Here, we utilized and validated a previously developed method to map residual mechanical stresses in the brains of mice across three age groups: 5-7 days, 8-12 weeks, and 22 months. We found that residual solid stress rapidly increases from 5-7 days to 8-12 weeks and remains high in mature 22 months mice brains. Three-dimensional mapping revealed unevenly distributed residual stresses from the anterior to posterior coronal brain sections. Since the brain is rich in negatively charged hyaluronic acid, we evaluated the contribution of charged extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents in maintaining solid stress levels. We found that lower ionic strength leads to elevated solid stresses, consistent with its unshielding effect and the subsequent expansion of charged ECM components. Lastly, we demonstrated that hemorrhagic stroke, accompanied by loss of cellular density, resulted in decreased residual stress in the murine brain. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of spatiotemporal alterations of residual solid stresses in healthy and diseased brains, a crucial step toward uncovering the biological and immunological consequences of this understudied mechanical phenotype in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rohin Banerji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rob LeBourdais
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sue Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric DuBois
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timothy O’Shea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hadi T Nia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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6
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Krüger LJ, Vrugt MT, Bröker S, Wallmeyer B, Betz T, Wittkowski R. Analytical method for reconstructing the stress on a spherical particle from its surface deformation. Biophys J 2024; 123:527-537. [PMID: 38258291 PMCID: PMC10938078 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanical forces that cells experience from the tissue surrounding them are crucial for their behavior and development. Experimental studies of such mechanical forces require a method for measuring them. A widely used approach in this context is bead deformation analysis, where spherical particles are embedded into the tissue. The deformation of the particles then allows to reconstruct the mechanical stress acting on them. Existing approaches for this reconstruction are either very time-consuming or not sufficiently general. In this article, we present an analytical approach to this problem based on an expansion in solid spherical harmonics that allows us to find the complete stress tensor describing the stress acting on the tissue. Our approach is based on the linear theory of elasticity and uses an ansatz specifically designed for deformed spherical bodies. We clarify the conditions under which this ansatz can be used, making our results useful also for other contexts in which this ansatz is employed. Our method can be applied to arbitrary radial particle deformations and requires a very low computational effort. The usefulness of the method is demonstrated by an application to experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Johanna Krüger
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Center for Soft Nanoscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Te Vrugt
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Center for Soft Nanoscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany; DAMTP, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephan Bröker
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Center for Soft Nanoscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bernhard Wallmeyer
- Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Timo Betz
- Third Institute of Physics - Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Raphael Wittkowski
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Center for Soft Nanoscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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7
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Plummer A, Adkins C, Louf JF, Košmrlj A, Datta SS. Obstructed swelling and fracture of hydrogels. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:1425-1437. [PMID: 38252539 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01470c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Obstructions influence the growth and expansion of bodies in a wide range of settings-but isolating and understanding their impact can be difficult in complex environments. Here, we study obstructed growth/expansion in a model system accessible to experiments, simulations, and theory: hydrogels swelling around fixed cylindrical obstacles with varying geometries. When the obstacles are large and widely-spaced, hydrogels swell around them and remain intact. In contrast, our experiments reveal that when the obstacles are narrow and closely-spaced, hydrogels fracture as they swell. We use finite element simulations to map the magnitude and spatial distribution of stresses that build up during swelling at equilibrium in a 2D model, providing a route toward predicting when this phenomenon of self-fracturing is likely to arise. Applying lessons from indentation theory, poroelasticity, and nonlinear continuum mechanics, we also develop a theoretical framework for understanding how the maximum principal tensile and compressive stresses that develop during swelling are controlled by obstacle geometry and material parameters. These results thus help to shed light on the mechanical principles underlying growth/expansion in environments with obstructions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Plummer
- Princeton Center for Complex Materials, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Caroline Adkins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Jean-François Louf
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Andrej Košmrlj
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
- Princeton Materials Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Sujit S Datta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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8
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Wu Z, Huang D, Wang J, Zhao Y, Sun W, Shen X. Engineering Heterogeneous Tumor Models for Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304160. [PMID: 37946674 PMCID: PMC10767453 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304160] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Tumor tissue engineering holds great promise for replicating the physiological and behavioral characteristics of tumors in vitro. Advances in this field have led to new opportunities for studying the tumor microenvironment and exploring potential anti-cancer therapeutics. However, the main obstacle to the widespread adoption of tumor models is the poor understanding and insufficient reconstruction of tumor heterogeneity. In this review, the current progress of engineering heterogeneous tumor models is discussed. First, the major components of tumor heterogeneity are summarized, which encompasses various signaling pathways, cell proliferations, and spatial configurations. Then, contemporary approaches are elucidated in tumor engineering that are guided by fundamental principles of tumor biology, and the potential of a bottom-up approach in tumor engineering is highlighted. Additionally, the characterization approaches and biomedical applications of tumor models are discussed, emphasizing the significant role of engineered tumor models in scientific research and clinical trials. Lastly, the challenges of heterogeneous tumor models in promoting oncology research and tumor therapy are described and key directions for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuhao Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Danqing Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325035China
| | - Weijian Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325027China
| | - Xian Shen
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325035China
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9
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Zhang S, Grifno G, Passaro R, Regan K, Zheng S, Hadzipasic M, Banerji R, O'Connor L, Chu V, Kim SY, Yang J, Shi L, Karrobi K, Roblyer D, Grinstaff MW, Nia HT. Intravital measurements of solid stresses in tumours reveal length-scale and microenvironmentally dependent force transmission. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1473-1492. [PMID: 37640900 PMCID: PMC10836235 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
In cancer, solid stresses impede the delivery of therapeutics to tumours and the trafficking and tumour infiltration of immune cells. Understanding such consequences and the origin of solid stresses requires their probing in vivo at the cellular scale. Here we report a method for performing volumetric and longitudinal measurements of solid stresses in vivo, and findings from its applicability to tumours. We used multimodal intravital microscopy of fluorescently labelled polyacrylamide beads injected in breast tumours in mice as well as mathematical modelling to compare solid stresses at the single-cell and tissue scales, in primary and metastatic tumours, in vitro and in mice, and in live mice and post-mortem tissue. We found that solid-stress transmission is scale dependent, with tumour cells experiencing lower stresses than their embedding tissue, and that tumour cells in lung metastases experience substantially higher solid stresses than those in the primary tumours. The dependence of solid stresses on length scale and the microenvironment may inform the development of therapeutics that sensitize cancer cells to such mechanical forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gabrielle Grifno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Passaro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn Regan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Siyi Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Muhamed Hadzipasic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rohin Banerji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Logan O'Connor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vinson Chu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sung Yeon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiarui Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Linzheng Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kavon Karrobi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Darren Roblyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hadi T Nia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Chen MB, Javanmardi Y, Shahreza S, Serwinski B, Aref A, Djordjevic B, Moeendarbary E. Mechanobiology in oncology: basic concepts and clinical prospects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1239749. [PMID: 38020912 PMCID: PMC10644154 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1239749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between genetic transformations, biochemical communications, and physical interactions is crucial in cancer progression. Metastasis, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, involves a series of steps, including invasion, intravasation, circulation survival, and extravasation. Mechanical alterations, such as changes in stiffness and morphology, play a significant role in all stages of cancer initiation and dissemination. Accordingly, a better understanding of cancer mechanobiology can help in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Targeting the physical properties of tumours and their microenvironment presents opportunities for intervention. Advancements in imaging techniques and lab-on-a-chip systems enable personalized investigations of tumor biomechanics and drug screening. Investigation of the interplay between genetic, biochemical, and mechanical factors, which is of crucial importance in cancer progression, offers insights for personalized medicine and innovative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle B. Chen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Yousef Javanmardi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Somayeh Shahreza
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bianca Serwinski
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd., London, United Kingdom
- Northeastern University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amir Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Boris Djordjevic
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd., London, United Kingdom
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Ben Meriem Z, Mateo T, Faccini J, Denais C, Dusfour-Castan R, Guynet C, Merle T, Suzanne M, Di-Luoffo M, Guillermet-Guibert J, Alric B, Landiech S, Malaquin L, Mesnilgrente F, Laborde A, Mazenq L, Courson R, Delarue M. A microfluidic mechano-chemostat for tissues and organisms reveals that confined growth is accompanied with increased macromolecular crowding. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4445-4455. [PMID: 37740366 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00313b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Conventional culture conditions are oftentimes insufficient to study tissues, organisms, or 3D multicellular assemblies. They lack both dynamic chemical and mechanical control over the microenvironment. While specific microfluidic devices have been developed to address chemical control, they often do not allow the control of compressive forces emerging when cells proliferate in a confined environment. Here, we present a generic microfluidic device to control both chemical and mechanical compressive forces. This device relies on the use of sliding elements consisting of microfabricated rods that can be inserted inside a microfluidic device. Sliding elements enable the creation of reconfigurable closed culture chambers for the study of whole organisms or model micro-tissues. By confining the micro-tissues, we studied the biophysical impact of growth-induced pressure and showed that this mechanical stress is associated with an increase in macromolecular crowding, shedding light on this understudied type of mechanical stress. Our mechano-chemostat allows the long-term culture of biological samples and can be used to study both the impact of specific conditions as well as the consequences of mechanical compression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiphaine Mateo
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France.
| | - Julien Faccini
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France.
| | - Céline Denais
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France.
| | - Romane Dusfour-Castan
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), CNRS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000, Toulouse, France
| | - Catherine Guynet
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), CNRS, Université de Toulouse, F-31000, Toulouse, France
| | - Tatiana Merle
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology unit (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France
| | - Magali Suzanne
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology unit (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France
| | - Mickaël Di-Luoffo
- INSERM U1037, CRCT, Université de Toulouse, F-31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Julie Guillermet-Guibert
- INSERM U1037, CRCT, Université de Toulouse, F-31037 Toulouse, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence TouCAN, F-31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Baptiste Alric
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France.
| | | | | | | | - Adrian Laborde
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France.
| | - Laurent Mazenq
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France.
| | | | - Morgan Delarue
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France.
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12
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Yousafzai MS, Hammer JA. Using Biosensors to Study Organoids, Spheroids and Organs-on-a-Chip: A Mechanobiology Perspective. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:905. [PMID: 37887098 PMCID: PMC10605946 DOI: 10.3390/bios13100905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The increasing popularity of 3D cell culture models is being driven by the demand for more in vivo-like conditions with which to study the biochemistry and biomechanics of numerous biological processes in health and disease. Spheroids and organoids are 3D culture platforms that self-assemble and regenerate from stem cells, tissue progenitor cells or cell lines, and that show great potential for studying tissue development and regeneration. Organ-on-a-chip approaches can be used to achieve spatiotemporal control over the biochemical and biomechanical signals that promote tissue growth and differentiation. These 3D model systems can be engineered to serve as disease models and used for drug screens. While culture methods have been developed to support these 3D structures, challenges remain to completely recapitulate the cell-cell and cell-matrix biomechanical interactions occurring in vivo. Understanding how forces influence the functions of cells in these 3D systems will require precise tools to measure such forces, as well as a better understanding of the mechanobiology of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Biosensors will prove powerful for measuring forces in both of these contexts, thereby leading to a better understanding of how mechanical forces influence biological systems at the cellular and tissue levels. Here, we discussed how biosensors and mechanobiological research can be coupled to develop accurate, physiologically relevant 3D tissue models to study tissue development, function, malfunction in disease, and avenues for disease intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Sulaiman Yousafzai
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - John A. Hammer
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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13
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Wong SHD, Yin B, Li Z, Yuan W, Zhang Q, Xie X, Tan Y, Wong N, Zhang K, Bian L. Mechanical manipulation of cancer cell tumorigenicity via heat shock protein signaling. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg9593. [PMID: 37418519 PMCID: PMC10328411 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg9593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Biophysical cues of rigid tumor matrix play a critical role in cancer cell malignancy. We report that stiffly confined cancer cells exhibit robust growth of spheroids in the stiff hydrogel that exerts substantial confining stress on the cells. The stressed condition activated Hsp (heat shock protein)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling via the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt axis, thereby up-regulating the expression of the stemness-related markers in cancer cells, whereas these signaling activities were suppressed in cancer cells cultured in softer hydrogels or stiff hydrogels with stress relief or Hsp70 knockdown/inhibition. This mechanopriming based on three-dimensional culture enhanced cancer cell tumorigenicity and metastasis in animal models upon transplantation, and pharmaceutically inhibiting Hsp70 improved the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapy. Mechanistically, our study reveals the crucial role of Hsp70 in regulating cancer cell malignancy under mechanically stressed conditions and its impacts on cancer prognosis-related molecular pathways for cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu Hong Dexter Wong
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
- Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Bohan Yin
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Weihao Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Xian Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Youhua Tan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, P. R. China
| | - Nathalie Wong
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Kunyu Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Liming Bian
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
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14
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Cassel de Camps C, Mok S, Ashby E, Li C, Lépine P, Durcan TM, Moraes C. Compressive molding of engineered tissues via thermoresponsive hydrogel devices. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2057-2067. [PMID: 36916609 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00007a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Biofabrication of tissues requires sourcing appropriate combinations of cells, and then arranging those cells into a functionally-useful construct. Recently, organoids with diverse cell populations have shown great promise as building blocks from which to assemble more complex structures. However, organoids typically adopt spherical or uncontrolled morphologies, which intrinsically limit the tissue structures that can be produced using this bioassembly technique. Here, we develop microfabricated smart hydrogel platforms in thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) to compressively mold microtissues such as spheroids or organoids into customized forms, on demand. These Compressive Hydrogel Molders (CHyMs) compact at cell culture temperatures to force loaded tissues into a new shape, and then expand to release the tissues for downstream applications. As a first demonstration, breast cancer spheroids were biaxially compacted in cylindrical cavities, and uniaxially compacted in rectangular ones. Spheroid shape changes persisted after the tissues were released from the CHyMs. We then demonstrate long-term molding of spherical brain organoids in ring-shaped CHyMs over one week. Fused bridges formed only when brain organoids were encased in Matrigel, and the resulting ring-shaped organoids expressed tissue markers that correspond with expected differentiation profiles. These results demonstrate that tissues differentiate appropriately even during long-term molding in a CHyM. This platform hence provides a new tool to shape pre-made tissues as desired, via temporary compression and release, allowing an exploration of alternative organoid geometries as building blocks for bioassembly applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Mok
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 0C5 QC, Canada
| | - Emily Ashby
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 0C5 QC, Canada
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 0C5 QC, Canada
| | - Paula Lépine
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montréal, H3A 2B4 QC, Canada
| | - Thomas M Durcan
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montréal, H3A 2B4 QC, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 2B4 QC, Canada.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 0C5 QC, Canada
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 1A3 QC, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H4A 3J1, QC, Canada
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15
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Morales IA, Boghdady CM, Campbell BE, Moraes C. Integrating mechanical sensor readouts into organ-on-a-chip platforms. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1060895. [PMID: 36588933 PMCID: PMC9800895 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1060895] [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: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Organs-on-a-chip have emerged as next-generation tissue engineered models to accurately capture realistic human tissue behaviour, thereby addressing many of the challenges associated with using animal models in research. Mechanical features of the culture environment have emerged as being critically important in designing organs-on-a-chip, as they play important roles in both stimulating realistic tissue formation and function, as well as capturing integrative elements of homeostasis, tissue function, and tissue degeneration in response to external insult and injury. Despite the demonstrated impact of incorporating mechanical cues in these models, strategies to measure these mechanical tissue features in microfluidically-compatible formats directly on-chip are relatively limited. In this review, we first describe general microfluidically-compatible Organs-on-a-chip sensing strategies, and categorize these advances based on the specific advantages of incorporating them on-chip. We then consider foundational and recent advances in mechanical analysis techniques spanning cellular to tissue length scales; and discuss their integration into Organs-on-a-chips for more effective drug screening, disease modeling, and characterization of biological dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christopher Moraes
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,*Correspondence: Christopher Moraes,
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16
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Zarubova J, Hasani-Sadrabadi MM, Norris SCP, Majedi FS, Xiao C, Kasko AM, Li S. Cell-Taxi: Mesenchymal Cells Carry and Transport Clusters of Cancer Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2203515. [PMID: 36307906 PMCID: PMC9772300 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202203515] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cell clusters that collectively migrate from primary tumors appear to be far more potent in forming distant metastases than single cancer cells. A better understanding of the collective cell migration phenomenon and the involvement of various cell types during this process is needed. Here, an in vitro platform based on inverted-pyramidal microwells to follow and quantify the collective migration of hundreds of tumor cell clusters at once is developed. These results indicate that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) or cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the heterotypic tumor cell clusters may facilitate metastatic dissemination by transporting low-motile cancer cells in a Rac-dependent manner and that extracellular vesicles secreted by mesenchymal cells only play a minor role in this process. Furthermore, in vivo studies show that cancer cell spheroids containing MSCs or CAFs have faster spreading rates. These findings highlight the active role of co-traveling stromal cells in the collective migration of tumor cell clusters and may help in developing better-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Zarubova
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, 420 Westwood Plaza, 5121 Engineering V, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1600, USA
- Department of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 14220, Czech Republic
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Hasani-Sadrabadi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, 420 Westwood Plaza, 5121 Engineering V, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1600, USA
| | - Sam C P Norris
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, 420 Westwood Plaza, 5121 Engineering V, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1600, USA
| | - Fatemeh Sadat Majedi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, 420 Westwood Plaza, 5121 Engineering V, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1600, USA
| | - Crystal Xiao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, 420 Westwood Plaza, 5121 Engineering V, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1600, USA
| | - Andrea M Kasko
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, 420 Westwood Plaza, 5121 Engineering V, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1600, USA
| | - Song Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, 420 Westwood Plaza, 5121 Engineering V, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1600, USA
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17
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Lee S, Choi S, Byun H, Lee J, Kwon H, Shin H. Composite Multicellular Spheroids Containing Fibers with Pores and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Coating on the Surface for Enhanced Proliferation of Stem Cells. Macromol Biosci 2022; 22:e2200195. [PMID: 36111565 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200195] [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: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Multicellular spheroids are formed by strong cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions and are widely utilized in tissue engineering for therapeutic treatments or ex vivo tissue modeling. However, diffusion of oxygen into the spheroid gradually decreases, forming a necrotic core. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers with pores and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) coating on their surface to provide a structural framework within the spheroids and investigated their ability to mitigate diffusional limitation and control over the proliferation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) is engineered. The DNA content of composite spheroids prepared from fibers and hADSCs decreased in unadjusted cells (1224 ± 134 ng), in those with fibers with a smooth surface (SF) (1447 ± 331 ng), and in those EGCG-coated with SF (E-SF) (1437 ± 289 ng). Cells with fibers with pores on the surface (PF) (2020 ± 32 ng) and those with EGCG-coated PF (E-PF) (1911 ± 80 ng) increased after 7 days of culture, with a significantly greater number of proliferating cells (29 ± 8% and 30 ± 8%, respectively). These results indicate that physical modification through the formation of pores on the fiber surface alleviates diffusion limitation of composite spheroids, playing a dominant role over chemical modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangmin Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Soomi Choi
- Department of Bioengineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.,Education and Research Group for Biopharmaceutical Innovation Leader, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hayeon Byun
- Department of Bioengineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinkyu Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunseok Kwon
- Department of Bioengineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.,Education and Research Group for Biopharmaceutical Innovation Leader, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Heungsoo Shin
- Department of Bioengineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.,Education and Research Group for Biopharmaceutical Innovation Leader, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
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18
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Cheng N, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Li B, Wang H, Chen S, Zhao P, Cui J, Shen X, Zhu X, Zheng Y. Hydrogel platform capable of molecularly resolved pulling on cells for mechanotransduction. Mater Today Bio 2022; 17:100476. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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19
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Kim H, Kamm RD, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Wu JC. Progress in multicellular human cardiac organoids for clinical applications. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:503-514. [PMID: 35395186 PMCID: PMC9352318 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Advances in self-organizing cardiac organoids to recapitulate human cardiogenesis have provided a powerful tool for unveiling human cardiac development, studying cardiovascular diseases, testing drugs, and transplantation. Here, we highlight the recent remarkable progress on multicellular cardiac organoids and review the current status for their practical applications. We then introduce key readouts and tools for assessing cardiac organoids for clinical applications, address major challenges, and provide suggestions for each assessment method. Lastly, we discuss the current limitations of cardiac organoids as miniature models of the human heart and suggest a direction for moving forward toward building the mini-heart from cardiac organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonyu Kim
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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20
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Gong X, Qiao Z, Liao Y, Zhu S, Shi L, Kim M, Chen YC. Enzyme-Programmable Microgel Lasers for Information Encoding and Anti-Counterfeiting. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2107809. [PMID: 34918404 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microscale laser emissions have emerged as a promising approach for information encoding and anti-counterfeiting for their feature-rich spectra and high sensitivity to the surrounding environment. Compared with artificial materials, natural responsive biomaterials enable a higher level of complexity and versatile ways for tailoring optical responses. However, precise control of lasing wavelengths and spatial locations with biomolecules remains a huge challenge. Here, a biologically programmable laser, in which the lasing can be manipulated by biomolecular activities at the nanoscale, is developed. Tunable lasing wavelengths are achieved by exploiting the swelling properties of enzyme-responsive hydrogel droplets in a Fabry-Pérot microcavity. Both experimental and theoretical means demonstrate that inner 3D network structures and external curvature of the hydrogel droplets lead to different lasing thresholds and resonance wavelengths. Finally, inkjet-printed multiwavelength laser encoding and anti-counterfeiting are showcased under different scalabilities and environments. Hyperspectral laser images are utilized as an advanced feature for a higher level of security. The biologically encoded laser will provide a new insight into the development of biosynthetic and bioprogrammable laser devices, offering new opportunities for secure communication and smart sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuerui Gong
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Zhen Qiao
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yikai Liao
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Song Zhu
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Lei Shi
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Munho Kim
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yu-Cheng Chen
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637459, Singapore
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21
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Souchaud A, Boutillon A, Charron G, Asnacios A, Noûs C, David NB, Graner F, Gallet F. Live 3D imaging and mapping of shear stresses within tissues using incompressible elastic beads. Development 2022; 149:274481. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.199765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
To investigate the role of mechanical constraints in morphogenesis and development, we have developed a pipeline of techniques based on incompressible elastic sensors. These techniques combine the advantages of incompressible liquid droplets, which have been used as precise in situ shear stress sensors, and of elastic compressible beads, which are easier to tune and to use. Droplets of a polydimethylsiloxane mix, made fluorescent through specific covalent binding to a rhodamin dye, are produced by a microfluidics device. The elastomer rigidity after polymerization is adjusted to the tissue rigidity. Its mechanical properties are carefully calibrated in situ, for a sensor embedded in a cell aggregate submitted to uniaxial compression. The local shear stress tensor is retrieved from the sensor shape, accurately reconstructed through an active contour method. In vitro, within cell aggregates, and in vivo, in the prechordal plate of the zebrafish embryo during gastrulation, our pipeline of techniques demonstrates its efficiency to directly measure the three dimensional shear stress repartition within a tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Souchaud
- Matière et Systèmes Complexes, UMR 7057 associée au CNRS et à l'Université de Paris, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Arthur Boutillon
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Gaëlle Charron
- Matière et Systèmes Complexes, UMR 7057 associée au CNRS et à l'Université de Paris, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Atef Asnacios
- Matière et Systèmes Complexes, UMR 7057 associée au CNRS et à l'Université de Paris, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Camille Noûs
- Laboratory Cogitamus, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas B. David
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - François Graner
- Matière et Systèmes Complexes, UMR 7057 associée au CNRS et à l'Université de Paris, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, 75013 Paris, France
| | - François Gallet
- Matière et Systèmes Complexes, UMR 7057 associée au CNRS et à l'Université de Paris, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, 75013 Paris, France
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22
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Raghuraman S, Schubert A, Bröker S, Jurado A, Müller A, Brandt M, Vos BE, Hofemeier AD, Abbasi F, Stehling M, Wittkowski R, Ivaska J, Betz T. Pressure Drives Rapid Burst-Like Coordinated Cellular Motion from 3D Cancer Aggregates. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104808. [PMID: 34994086 PMCID: PMC8867140 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
A key behavior observed during morphogenesis, wound healing, and cancer invasion is that of collective and coordinated cellular motion. Hence, understanding the different aspects of such coordinated migration is fundamental for describing and treating cancer and other pathological defects. In general, individual cells exert forces on their environment in order to move, and collective motion is coordinated by cell-cell adhesion-based forces. However, this notion ignores other mechanisms that encourage cellular movement, such as pressure differences. Here, using model tumors, it is found that increased pressure drove coordinated cellular motion independent of cell-cell adhesion by triggering cell swelling in a soft extracellular matrix (ECM). In the resulting phenotype, a rapid burst-like stream of cervical cancer cells emerged from 3D aggregates embedded in soft collagen matrices (0.5 mg mL-1 ). This fluid-like pushing mechanism, recorded within 8 h after embedding, shows high cell velocities and super-diffusive motion. Because the swelling in this model system critically depends on integrin-mediated cell-ECM adhesions and cellular contractility, the swelling is likely triggered by unsustained mechanotransduction, providing new evidence that pressure-driven effects must be considered to more completely understand the mechanical forces involved in cell and tissue movement as well as invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Raghuraman
- Institute of Cell BiologyZMBEUniversity of MünsterVon‐Esmarch‐Straße 56D‐48149MünsterGermany
| | - Ann‐Sophie Schubert
- Institute of Cell BiologyZMBEUniversity of MünsterVon‐Esmarch‐Straße 56D‐48149MünsterGermany
| | - Stephan Bröker
- Institute of Theoretical PhysicsCenter for Soft NanoscienceUniversity of MünsterBusso‐Peus‐Str. 10D‐48149MünsterGermany
| | - Alejandro Jurado
- Institute of Cell BiologyZMBEUniversity of MünsterVon‐Esmarch‐Straße 56D‐48149MünsterGermany
- Third Physical InstituteUniversity of GöttingenFriedrich‐Hund‐Platz 1D‐37077GöttingenGermany
| | - Annika Müller
- Institute of Cell BiologyZMBEUniversity of MünsterVon‐Esmarch‐Straße 56D‐48149MünsterGermany
| | - Matthias Brandt
- Institute of Cell BiologyZMBEUniversity of MünsterVon‐Esmarch‐Straße 56D‐48149MünsterGermany
| | - Bart E. Vos
- Institute of Cell BiologyZMBEUniversity of MünsterVon‐Esmarch‐Straße 56D‐48149MünsterGermany
- Third Physical InstituteUniversity of GöttingenFriedrich‐Hund‐Platz 1D‐37077GöttingenGermany
| | - Arne D. Hofemeier
- Institute of Cell BiologyZMBEUniversity of MünsterVon‐Esmarch‐Straße 56D‐48149MünsterGermany
| | - Fatemeh Abbasi
- Institute of Cell BiologyZMBEUniversity of MünsterVon‐Esmarch‐Straße 56D‐48149MünsterGermany
- Third Physical InstituteUniversity of GöttingenFriedrich‐Hund‐Platz 1D‐37077GöttingenGermany
| | - Martin Stehling
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstraße 20D‐48149MünsterGermany
| | - Raphael Wittkowski
- Institute of Theoretical PhysicsCenter for Soft NanoscienceUniversity of MünsterBusso‐Peus‐Str. 10D‐48149MünsterGermany
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Biosience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityTurkuFI‐20520Finland
- Department of Life TechnologiesUniversity of TurkuTurkuFI‐20520Finland
| | - Timo Betz
- Institute of Cell BiologyZMBEUniversity of MünsterVon‐Esmarch‐Straße 56D‐48149MünsterGermany
- Third Physical InstituteUniversity of GöttingenFriedrich‐Hund‐Platz 1D‐37077GöttingenGermany
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23
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Beshay PE, Cortes-Medina MG, Menyhert MM, Song JW. The biophysics of cancer: emerging insights from micro- and nanoscale tools. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022; 2:2100056. [PMID: 35156093 PMCID: PMC8827905 DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex and dynamic disease that is aberrant both biologically and physically. There is growing appreciation that physical abnormalities with both cancer cells and their microenvironment that span multiple length scales are important drivers for cancer growth and metastasis. The scope of this review is to highlight the key advancements in micro- and nano-scale tools for delineating the cause and consequences of the aberrant physical properties of tumors. We focus our review on three important physical aspects of cancer: 1) solid mechanical properties, 2) fluid mechanical properties, and 3) mechanical alterations to cancer cells. Beyond posing physical barriers to the delivery of cancer therapeutics, these properties are also known to influence numerous biological processes, including cancer cell invasion and migration leading to metastasis, and response and resistance to therapy. We comment on how micro- and nanoscale tools have transformed our fundamental understanding of the physical dynamics of cancer progression and their potential for bridging towards future applications at the interface of oncology and physical sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E. Beshay
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | | | - Miles M. Menyhert
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Jonathan W. Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210,The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
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24
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Zhu Y, Hartel MC, Yu N, Garrido PR, Kim S, Lee J, Bandaru P, Guan S, Lin H, Emaminejad S, de Barros NR, Ahadian S, Kim HJ, Sun W, Jucaud V, Dokmeci MR, Weiss PS, Yan R, Khademhosseini A. Epidermis-Inspired Wearable Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors Using Reduced Graphene Oxide Self-Wrapped Copper Nanowire Networks. SMALL METHODS 2022; 6:e2100900. [PMID: 35041280 PMCID: PMC8852346 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202100900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Wearable piezoresistive sensors are being developed as electronic skins (E-skin) for broad applications in human physiological monitoring and soft robotics. Tactile sensors with sufficient sensitivities, durability, and large dynamic ranges are required to replicate this critical component of the somatosensory system. Multiple micro/nanostructures, materials, and sensing modalities have been reported to address this need. However, a trade-off arises between device performance and device complexity. Inspired by the microstructure of the spinosum at the dermo epidermal junction in skin, a low-cost, scalable, and high-performance piezoresistive sensor is developed with high sensitivity (0.144 kPa-1 ), extensive sensing range ( 0.1-15 kPa), fast response time (less than 150 ms), and excellent long-term stability (over 1000 cycles). Furthermore, the piezoresistive functionality of the device is realized via a flexible transparent electrode (FTE) using a highly stable reduced graphene oxide self-wrapped copper nanowire network. The developed nanowire-based spinosum microstructured FTEs are amenable to wearable electronics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangzhi Zhu
- Corresponding Authors: (Y. Zhu); (R. Yan); (A. Khademhosseini)
| | | | - Ning Yu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Bourns College of Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Pamela Rosario Garrido
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, California 90064, United States; Department of Electric and Electronic Engineering, Technological Institute of Merida, Merida, Yucatan 97118, Mexico
| | - Sanggon Kim
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Bourns College of Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Junmin Lee
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, California 90064, United States
| | - Praveen Bandaru
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, California 90064, United States
| | - Shenghan Guan
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, California 90064, United States
| | - Haisong Lin
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, California 90064, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Sam Emaminejad
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, California 90064, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | | | - Samad Ahadian
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, California 90064, United States
| | - Han-Jun Kim
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, California 90064, United States
| | - Wujin Sun
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, California 90064, United States
| | - Vadim Jucaud
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, California 90064, United States
| | - Mehmet R. Dokmeci
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, California 90064, United States
| | - Paul S. Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States; Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Ruoxue Yan
- Corresponding Authors: (Y. Zhu); (R. Yan); (A. Khademhosseini)
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25
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Brewer G, Fortier AM, Park M, Moraes C. The case for cancer-associated fibroblasts: essential elements in cancer drug discovery? FUTURE DRUG DISCOVERY 2022; 4:FDD71. [PMID: 35600290 PMCID: PMC9112234 DOI: 10.4155/fdd-2021-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained increased attention for supporting cancer progression, current CAF-targeted therapeutic options are limited and failing in clinical trials. As the largest component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), CAFs alter the biochemical and physical structure of the TME, modulating cancer progression. Here, we review the role of CAFs in altering drug response, modifying the TME mechanics and the current models for studying CAFs. To provide new perspectives, we highlight key considerations of CAF activity and discuss emerging technologies that can better address CAFs; and therefore, increase the likelihood of therapeutic efficacy. We argue that CAFs are crucial components of the cancer drug discovery pipeline and incorporating these cells will improve drug discovery success rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Brewer
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Avenues des Pins, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, 3649 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Fortier
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Avenues des Pins, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Morag Park
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Avenues des Pins, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, 3649 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, 5100 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, 3775 rue University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Avenues des Pins, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 rue University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, 3775 rue University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
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26
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Yan H, Ramirez-Guerrero D, Lowengrub J, Wu M. Stress generation, relaxation and size control in confined tumor growth. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009701. [PMID: 34932555 PMCID: PMC8726498 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Experiments on tumor spheroids have shown that compressive stress from their environment can reversibly decrease tumor expansion rates and final sizes. Stress release experiments show that nonuniform anisotropic elastic stresses can be distributed throughout. The elastic stresses are maintained by structural proteins and adhesive molecules, and can be actively relaxed by a variety of biophysical processes. In this paper, we present a new continuum model to investigate how the growth-induced elastic stresses and active stress relaxation, in conjunction with cell size control feedback machinery, regulate the cell density and stress distributions within growing tumors as well as the tumor sizes in the presence of external physical confinement and gradients of growth-promoting chemical fields. We introduce an adaptive reference map that relates the current position with the reference position but adapts to the current position in the Eulerian frame (lab coordinates) via relaxation. This type of stress relaxation is similar to but simpler than the classical Maxwell model of viscoelasticity in its formulation. By fitting the model to experimental data from two independent studies of tumor spheroid growth and their cell density distributions, treating the tumors as incompressible, neo-Hookean elastic materials, we find that the rates of stress relaxation of tumor tissues can be comparable to volumetric growth rates. Our study provides insight on how the biophysical properties of the tumor and host microenvironment, mechanical feedback control and diffusion-limited differential growth act in concert to regulate spatial patterns of stress and growth. When the tumor is stiffer than the host, our model predicts tumors are more able to change their size and mechanical state autonomously, which may help to explain why increased tumor stiffness is an established hallmark of malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaming Yan
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Daniel Ramirez-Guerrero
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Studies, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - John Lowengrub
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Studies, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
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27
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Mendoza-Martinez AK, Loessner D, Mata A, Azevedo HS. Modeling the Tumor Microenvironment of Ovarian Cancer: The Application of Self-Assembling Biomaterials. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5745. [PMID: 34830897 PMCID: PMC8616551 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is one of the leading causes of gynecologic malignancies. Despite treatment with surgery and chemotherapy, OvCa disseminates and recurs frequently, reducing the survival rate for patients. There is an urgent need to develop more effective treatment options for women diagnosed with OvCa. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key driver of disease progression, metastasis and resistance to treatment. For this reason, 3D models have been designed to represent this specific niche and allow more realistic cell behaviors compared to conventional 2D approaches. In particular, self-assembling peptides represent a promising biomaterial platform to study tumor biology. They form nanofiber networks that resemble the architecture of the extracellular matrix and can be designed to display mechanical properties and biochemical motifs representative of the TME. In this review, we highlight the properties and benefits of emerging 3D platforms used to model the ovarian TME. We also outline the challenges associated with using these 3D systems and provide suggestions for future studies and developments. We conclude that our understanding of OvCa and advances in materials science will progress the engineering of novel 3D approaches, which will enable the development of more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Karen Mendoza-Martinez
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK;
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V., 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alvaro Mata
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Helena S. Azevedo
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK;
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
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28
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Javanmardi Y, Colin-York H, Szita N, Fritzsche M, Moeendarbary E. Quantifying cell-generated forces: Poisson's ratio matters. COMMUNICATIONS PHYSICS 2021; 4:237. [PMID: 34841089 PMCID: PMC7612038 DOI: 10.1038/s42005-021-00740-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying mechanical forces generated by cellular systems has led to key insights into a broad range of biological phenomena from cell adhesion to immune cell activation. Traction force microscopy (TFM), the most widely employed force measurement methodology, fundamentally relies on knowledge of the force-displacement relationship and mechanical properties of the substrate. Together with the elastic modulus, the Poisson's ratio is a basic material property that to date has largely been overlooked in TFM. Here, we evaluate the sensitivity of TFM to Poisson's ratio by employing a series of computer simulations and experimental data analysis. We demonstrate how applying the correct Poisson's ratio is important for accurate force reconstruction and develop a framework for the determination of error levels resulting from the misestimation of the Poisson's ratio. In addition, we provide experimental estimation of the Poisson's ratios of elastic substrates commonly applied in TFM. Our work thus highlights the role of Poisson's ratio underpinning cellular force quantification studied across many biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Javanmardi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Huw Colin-York
- Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Nicolas Szita
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Marco Fritzsche
- Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK
- Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Campus, Didcot OX11 0FA, UK
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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29
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Boghdady CM, Kalashnikov N, Mok S, McCaffrey L, Moraes C. Revisiting tissue tensegrity: Biomaterial-based approaches to measure forces across length scales. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:041501. [PMID: 34632250 PMCID: PMC8487350 DOI: 10.1063/5.0046093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-generated forces play a foundational role in tissue dynamics and homeostasis and are critically important in several biological processes, including cell migration, wound healing, morphogenesis, and cancer metastasis. Quantifying such forces in vivo is technically challenging and requires novel strategies that capture mechanical information across molecular, cellular, and tissue length scales, while allowing these studies to be performed in physiologically realistic biological models. Advanced biomaterials can be designed to non-destructively measure these stresses in vitro, and here, we review mechanical characterizations and force-sensing biomaterial-based technologies to provide insight into the mechanical nature of tissue processes. We specifically and uniquely focus on the use of these techniques to identify characteristics of cell and tissue “tensegrity:” the hierarchical and modular interplay between tension and compression that provide biological tissues with remarkable mechanical properties and behaviors. Based on these observed patterns, we highlight and discuss the emerging role of tensegrity at multiple length scales in tissue dynamics from homeostasis, to morphogenesis, to pathological dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikita Kalashnikov
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Stephanie Mok
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 0C5, Canada
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30
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Rasouli R, Tabrizian M. Rapid Formation of Multicellular Spheroids in Boundary-Driven Acoustic Microstreams. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2101931. [PMID: 34418307 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202101931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
3D cell spheroid culture has emerged as a more faithful recreation of cell growth environment compared to conventional 2D culture, as it can maintain tissue structures, physicochemical characteristics, and cell phenotypes. The majority of current spheroid formation methods are limited to a physical agglomeration of the desired cell type, and then relying on cell capacity to secrete extracellular matrix to form coherent spheroids. Hence, apart from being time-consuming, their success in leading to functional spheroid formation is also cell-type dependent. In this study, a boundary-driven acoustic microstreaming tool is presented that can simultaneously congregate cells and generate sturdy cell clusters through incorporating a bioadhesive such as collagen for rapid production of spheroids. The optimized mixture of type I collagen (0.42 mg mL-1 ) and methylcellulose (0.4% w/v ) accelerates the coagulation of cell-matrix as fast as 10 s while avoiding their adhesion to the device, and thereby offering easy spheroid retrieval. The versatility of the platform is shown for the production of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 spheroids, multicellular spheroids, and composite spheroids made of cells and microparticles. The ability to produce densely packed spheroids embedded within a biomimetic extracellular matrix component, along with rapid formation and easy collection of spheroids render the proposed device a step in technology development required to realize potentials of 3D constructs such as building blocks for the emerging field of bottom-up tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Rasouli
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Maryam Tabrizian
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, Canada
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31
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Mechanical mapping of mammalian follicle development using Brillouin microscopy. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1133. [PMID: 34580426 PMCID: PMC8476509 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02662-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In early mammalian development, the maturation of follicles containing the immature oocytes is an important biological process as the functional oocytes provide the bulk genetic and cytoplasmic materials for successful reproduction. Despite recent work demonstrating the regulatory role of mechanical stress in oocyte growth, quantitative studies of ovarian mechanical properties remain lacking both in vivo and ex vivo. In this work, we quantify the material properties of ooplasm, follicles and connective tissues in intact mouse ovaries at distinct stages of follicle development using Brillouin microscopy, a non-invasive tool to probe mechanics in three-dimensional (3D) tissues. We find that the ovarian cortex and its interior stroma have distinct material properties associated with extracellular matrix deposition, and that intra-follicular mechanical compartments emerge during follicle maturation. Our work provides an alternative approach to study the role of mechanics in follicle morphogenesis and might pave the way for future understanding of mechanotransduction in reproductive biology, with potential implications for infertility diagnosis and treatment.
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32
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Mechanical Studies of the Third Dimension in Cancer: From 2D to 3D Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810098. [PMID: 34576261 PMCID: PMC8472581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
From the development of self-aggregating, scaffold-free multicellular spheroids to the inclusion of scaffold systems, 3D models have progressively increased in complexity to better mimic native tissues. The inclusion of a third dimension in cancer models allows researchers to zoom out from a significant but limited cancer cell research approach to a wider investigation of the tumor microenvironment. This model can include multiple cell types and many elements from the extracellular matrix (ECM), which provides mechanical support for the tissue, mediates cell-microenvironment interactions, and plays a key role in cancer cell invasion. Both biochemical and biophysical signals from the extracellular space strongly influence cell fate, the epigenetic landscape, and gene expression. Specifically, a detailed mechanistic understanding of tumor cell-ECM interactions, especially during cancer invasion, is lacking. In this review, we focus on the latest achievements in the study of ECM biomechanics and mechanosensing in cancer on 3D scaffold-based and scaffold-free models, focusing on each platform’s level of complexity, up-to-date mechanical tests performed, limitations, and potential for further improvements.
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33
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Sensitive detection of cell-derived force and collagen matrix tension in microtissues undergoing large-scale densification. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2106061118. [PMID: 34470821 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106061118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces generated by cells and the tension of the extracellular matrix (ECM) play a decisive role in establishment, homeostasis maintenance, and repair of tissue morphology. However, the dynamic change of cell-derived force during large-scale remodeling of soft tissue is still unknown, mainly because the current techniques of force detection usually produce a nonnegligible and interfering feedback force on the cells during measurement. Here, we developed a method to fabricate highly stretchable polymer-based microstrings on which a microtissue of fibroblasts in collagen was cultured and allowed to contract to mimic the densification of soft tissue. Taking advantage of the low-spring constant and large deflection range of the microstrings, we detected a strain-induced contraction force as low as 5.2 µN without disturbing the irreversible densification. Meanwhile, the microtissues displayed extreme sensitivity to the mechanical boundary within a narrow range of tensile stress. More importantly, results indicated that the cell-derived force did not solely increase with increased ECM stiffness as previous studies suggested. Indeed, the cell-derived force and collagen tension exchanged dramatically in dominating the microtissue strain during the densification, and the proportion of cell-derived force decreased linearly as the microtissue densified, with stiffness increasing to ∼500 Pa. Thus, this study provides insights into the biomechanical cross-talk between the cells and ECM of extremely soft tissue during large-extent densification, which may be important to guide the construction of life-like tissue by applying appropriate mechanical boundary conditions.
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34
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Hobson CM, Aaron JS, Heddleston JM, Chew TL. Visualizing the Invisible: Advanced Optical Microscopy as a Tool to Measure Biomechanical Forces. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:706126. [PMID: 34552926 PMCID: PMC8450411 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.706126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of mechanical force in biology is evident across diverse length scales, ranging from tissue morphogenesis during embryo development to mechanotransduction across single adhesion proteins at the cell surface. Consequently, many force measurement techniques rely on optical microscopy to measure forces being applied by cells on their environment, to visualize specimen deformations due to external forces, or even to directly apply a physical perturbation to the sample via photoablation or optogenetic tools. Recent developments in advanced microscopy offer improved approaches to enhance spatiotemporal resolution, imaging depth, and sample viability. These advances can be coupled with already existing force measurement methods to improve sensitivity, duration and speed, amongst other parameters. However, gaining access to advanced microscopy instrumentation and the expertise necessary to extract meaningful insights from these techniques is an unavoidable hurdle. In this Live Cell Imaging special issue Review, we survey common microscopy-based force measurement techniques and examine how they can be bolstered by emerging microscopy methods. We further explore challenges related to the accompanying data analysis in biomechanical studies and discuss the various resources available to tackle the global issue of technology dissemination, an important avenue for biologists to gain access to pre-commercial instruments that can be leveraged for biomechanical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad M. Hobson
- Advanced Imaging Center, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | - Jesse S. Aaron
- Advanced Imaging Center, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | - John M. Heddleston
- Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center, Port St. Lucie, FL, United States
| | - Teng-Leong Chew
- Advanced Imaging Center, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
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35
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Hu Y, Ma VP, Ma R, Chen W, Duan Y, Glazier R, Petrich BG, Li R, Salaita K. DNA‐Based Microparticle Tension Sensors (μTS) for Measuring Cell Mechanics in Non‐planar Geometries and for High‐Throughput Quantification. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202102206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuesong Hu
- Department of Chemistry Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | | | - Rong Ma
- Department of Chemistry Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Wenchun Chen
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Department of Pediatrics Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Yuxin Duan
- Department of Chemistry Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Roxanne Glazier
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Brian G. Petrich
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Department of Pediatrics Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Renhao Li
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Department of Pediatrics Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
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36
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Cuvelier M, Pešek J, Papantoniou I, Ramon H, Smeets B. Distribution and propagation of mechanical stress in simulated structurally heterogeneous tissue spheroids. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:6603-6615. [PMID: 34142683 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm02033h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical microenvironment of cells has been associated with phenotypic changes that cells undergo in three-dimensional spheroid culture formats. Radial asymmetry in mechanical stress - with compression in the core and tension at the periphery - has been analyzed by representing tissue spheroids as homogeneous visco-elastic droplets under surface tension. However, the influence of the granular microstructure of tissue spheroids in the distribution of mechanical stress in tissue spheroids has not been accounted for in a generic manner. Here, we quantify the distribution and propagation of mechanical forces in structurally heterogeneous multicellular assemblies. For this, we perform numerical simulations of a deformable cell model, which represents cells as elastic, contractile shells surrounding a liquid incompressible cytoplasm, interacting by means of non-specific adhesion. Using this model, we show how cell-scale properties such as cortical stiffness, active tension and cell-cell adhesive tension influence the distribution of mechanical stress in simulated tissue spheroids. Next, we characterize the transition at the tissue-scale from a homogeneous liquid droplet to a heterogeneous packed granular assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Cuvelier
- MeBioS, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium. and Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jiří Pešek
- MeBioS, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium. and Team MAMBA, Inria de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Ioannis Papantoniou
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium and Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICEHT), Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Patras, Greece and Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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37
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Hu Y, Ma VPY, Ma R, Chen W, Duan Y, Glazier R, Petrich BG, Li R, Salaita K. DNA-Based Microparticle Tension Sensors (μTS) for Measuring Cell Mechanics in Non-planar Geometries and for High-Throughput Quantification. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:18044-18050. [PMID: 33979471 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202102206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction, the interplay between physical and chemical signaling, plays vital roles in many biological processes. The state-of-the-art techniques to quantify cell forces employ deformable polymer films or molecular probes tethered to glass substrates. However, the applications of these assays in fundamental and clinical research are restricted by the planar geometry and low throughput of microscopy readout. Herein, we develop a DNA-based microparticle tension sensor, which features a spherical surface and thus allows for investigation of mechanotransduction at curved interfaces. The micron-scale of μTS enables flow cytometry readout, which is rapid and high throughput. We applied the method to map and measure T-cell receptor forces and platelet integrin forces at 12 and 56 pN thresholds. Furthermore, we quantified the inhibition efficiency of two anti-platelet drugs providing a proof-of-concept demonstration of μTS to screen drugs that modulate cellular mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuesong Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Rong Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Wenchun Chen
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Yuxin Duan
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Roxanne Glazier
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Brian G Petrich
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Renhao Li
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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38
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Tsai YA, Li T, Torres-Fernández LA, Weise SC, Kolanus W, Takeoka S. Ultra-Thin Porous PDLLA Films Promote Generation, Maintenance, and Viability of Stem Cell Spheroids. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:674384. [PMID: 34195179 PMCID: PMC8236593 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.674384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) culture bridges and minimizes the gap between in vitro and in vivo states of cells and various 3D culture systems have been developed according to different approaches. However, most of these approaches are either complicated to operate, or costive to scale up. Therefore, a simple method for stem cell spheroid formation and preservation was proposed using poly(D,L-lactic acid) porous thin film (porous nanosheet), which were fabricated by a roll-to-roll gravure coating method combining a solvent etching process. The obtained porous nanosheet was less than 200 nm in thickness and had an average pore area of 6.6 μm2 with a porosity of 0.887. It offered a semi-adhesive surface for stem cells to form spheroids and maintained the average spheroid diameter below 100 μm for 5 days. In comparison to the spheroids formed in suspension culture, the porous nanosheets improved cell viability and cell division rate, suggesting the better feasibility to be applied as 3D culture scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya An Tsai
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University (TWIns), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tianshu Li
- Institute for Advanced Research of Biosystem Dynamics, Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Stefan C Weise
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Waldemar Kolanus
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Shinji Takeoka
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University (TWIns), Tokyo, Japan.,Institute for Advanced Research of Biosystem Dynamics, Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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39
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Berg IC, Mohagheghian E, Habing K, Wang N, Underhill GH. Microtissue Geometry and Cell-Generated Forces Drive Patterning of Liver Progenitor Cell Differentiation in 3D. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100223. [PMID: 33890430 PMCID: PMC8222189 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
3D microenvironments provide a unique opportunity to investigate the impact of intrinsic mechanical signaling on progenitor cell differentiation. Using a hydrogel-based microwell platform, arrays of 3D, multicellular microtissues in constrained geometries, including toroids and cylinders are produced. These generated distinct mechanical profiles to investigate the impact of geometry and stress on early liver progenitor cell fate using a model liver development system. Image segmentation allows the tracking of individual cell fate and the characterization of distinct patterning of hepatocytic makers to the outer shell of the microtissues, and the exclusion from the inner diameter surface of the toroids. Biliary markers are distributed throughout the interior regions of micropatterned tissues and are increased in toroidal tissues when compared with those in cylindrical tissues. Finite element models of predicted stress distributions, combined with mechanical measurements, demonstrates that intercellular tension correlates with increased hepatocytic fate, while compression correlates with decreased hepatocytic and increased biliary fate. This system, which integrates microfabrication, imaging, mechanical modeling, and quantitative analysis, demonstrates how microtissue geometry can drive patterning of mechanical stresses that regulate cell differentiation trajectories. This approach may serve as a platform for further investigation of signaling mechanisms in the liver and other developmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C. Berg
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Bioengineering, 1102 Everitt Lab, MC-278, 1406 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Erfan Mohagheghian
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Building, 1206 W. Green St. MC 244, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Krista Habing
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Bioengineering, 1102 Everitt Lab, MC-278, 1406 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Building, 1206 W. Green St. MC 244, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Gregory H. Underhill
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Bioengineering, 1102 Everitt Lab, MC-278, 1406 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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40
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Ort C, Chen Y, Ghagre A, Ehrlicher A, Moraes C. Bioprintable, Stiffness-Tunable Collagen-Alginate Microgels for Increased Throughput 3D Cell Culture Studies. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:2814-2822. [PMID: 34019377 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
3D culture platforms with tunable stiffness have the potential to improve many applications, such as drug discovery, organoid studies, and stem cell differentiation. Both dimensionality and stiffness regulate crucial and relevant cellular processes. However, 3D culture models are often limited in throughput and difficult to adopt for widespread use. Here, we demonstrate an accessible 3D, stiffness-tunable tissue culture platform, based on an interpenetrating network of collagen-1 and alginate. When blended with polymers that induce phase separation, these networks can be bioprinted at microliter volumes, using standard liquid handling infrastructure. We demonstrate robust reproducibility in printing these microgels, consistent tunability of mechanical properties, and maintained viability of multiple printed cell types. To highlight the utility and importance of this system, we demonstrate distinct morphological changes to cells in culture, use the system to probe the role of matrix mechanics and soluble factors in a collagen contraction assay, and perform a prototype viability screen against a candidate chemotherapeutic, demonstrating stiffness-dependent responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carley Ort
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 rue University, Montreal H3A 0G4, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yimai Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 rue University, Montreal H3A 0G4, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ajinkya Ghagre
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal H3A 2K6, Quebec, Canada
| | - Allen Ehrlicher
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, 3775 rue University, Montreal H3A 2B4, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal H3A 2K6, Quebec, Canada.,Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal H3A 1A3, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C7, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C3, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 rue University, Montreal H3A 0G4, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, 3775 rue University, Montreal H3A 2B4, Quebec, Canada.,Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal H3A 1A3, Quebec, Canada
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41
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Lee D, Greer SE, Kuss MA, An Y, Dudley AT. 3D printed alginate bead generator for high-throughput cell culture. Biomed Microdevices 2021; 23:22. [PMID: 33821331 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-021-00561-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Alginate hydrogel beads are a common platform for generating 3D cell cultures in biomedical research. Simple methods for bead generation using a manual pipettor or syringe are low-throughput and produce beads showing high variability in size and shape. To address these challenges, we designed a 3D printed bead generator that uses an airflow to cleave beads from a stream of hydrogel solution. The performance of the proposed alginate bead generator was evaluated by changing the volume flow rates of alginate (QAlg) and air (QA), the diameter of device nozzle (d) and the concentration of alginate gel solution (C). We identified that the diameter of beads (D = 0.9 -2.8 mm) can be precisely controlled by changing QA and d. Also the bead generation frequency (f) can be tuned by changing QAlg. Finally, we demonstrated that viability and biological function (pericellular matrix deposition) of chondrocytes were not adversely affected by high f using this bead generator. Because 3D printing is becoming a more accessible technique, our unique design will allow greater access to average biomedical research laboratories, STEM education and industries in cost- and time-effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghee Lee
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Sydney E Greer
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Mitchell A Kuss
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Yang An
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Andrew T Dudley
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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42
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Roffay C, Chan CJ, Guirao B, Hiiragi T, Graner F. Inferring cell junction tension and pressure from cell geometry. Development 2021; 148:148/18/dev192773. [PMID: 33712442 DOI: 10.1242/dev.192773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Recognizing the crucial role of mechanical regulation and forces in tissue development and homeostasis has stirred a demand for in situ measurement of forces and stresses. Among emerging techniques, the use of cell geometry to infer cell junction tensions, cell pressures and tissue stress has gained popularity owing to the development of computational analyses. This approach is non-destructive and fast, and statistically validated based on comparisons with other techniques. However, its qualitative and quantitative limitations, in theory as well as in practice, should be examined with care. In this Primer, we summarize the underlying principles and assumptions behind stress inference, discuss its validity criteria and provide guidance to help beginners make the appropriate choice of its variants. We extend our discussion from two-dimensional stress inference to three dimensional, using the early mouse embryo as an example, and list a few possible extensions. We hope to make stress inference more accessible to the scientific community and trigger a broader interest in using this technique to study mechanics in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Roffay
- Matière et Systèmes Complexes, Université de Paris - Diderot, CNRS UMR7057, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, F-75205 Paris Cedex 13, France.,Polarity, Division and Morphogenesis Team, Genetics and Developmental Biology Unit, (CNRS UMR3215/Inserm U934), Institut Curie, F-75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Chii J Chan
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Boris Guirao
- Polarity, Division and Morphogenesis Team, Genetics and Developmental Biology Unit, (CNRS UMR3215/Inserm U934), Institut Curie, F-75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Takashi Hiiragi
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - François Graner
- Matière et Systèmes Complexes, Université de Paris - Diderot, CNRS UMR7057, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, F-75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
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43
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Louf JF, Lu NB, O'Connell MG, Cho HJ, Datta SS. Under pressure: Hydrogel swelling in a granular medium. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/7/eabd2711. [PMID: 33579709 PMCID: PMC7880600 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd2711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels hold promise in agriculture as reservoirs of water in dry soil, potentially alleviating the burden of irrigation. However, confinement in soil can markedly reduce the ability of hydrogels to absorb water and swell, limiting their widespread adoption. Unfortunately, the underlying reason remains unknown. By directly visualizing the swelling of hydrogels confined in three-dimensional granular media, we demonstrate that the extent of hydrogel swelling is determined by the competition between the force exerted by the hydrogel due to osmotic swelling and the confining force transmitted by the surrounding grains. Furthermore, the medium can itself be restructured by hydrogel swelling, as set by the balance between the osmotic swelling force, the confining force, and intergrain friction. Together, our results provide quantitative principles to predict how hydrogels behave in confinement, potentially improving their use in agriculture as well as informing other applications such as oil recovery, construction, mechanobiology, and filtration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Louf
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Nancy B Lu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Margaret G O'Connell
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - H Jeremy Cho
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Sujit S Datta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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44
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Rodriguez-Salvador M, Perez-Benitez BE, Padilla-Aguirre KM. Discovering the Latest Scientific Pathways on Tissue Spheroids: Opportunities to Innovate. Int J Bioprint 2021; 7:331. [PMID: 33585717 PMCID: PMC7875053 DOI: 10.18063/ijb.v7i1.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue spheroids consist of a three-dimensional model of cells which is capable of imitating the complicated composition of healthy and unhealthy human tissue. Due to their unique properties, they can bring innovative solutions to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where they can be used as building blocks for the formation of organ and tissue models used in drug experimentation. Considering the rapid transformation of the health industry, it is crucial to assess the research dynamics of this field to support the development of innovative applications. In this research, a scientometric analysis was performed as part of a Competitive Technology Intelligence methodology, to determine the main applications of tissue spheroids. Papers from Scopus and Web of Science published between 2000 and 2019 were organized and analyzed. In total, 868 scientific publications were identified, and four main categories of application were determined. Main subject areas, countries, cities, authors, journals, and institutions were established. In addition, a cluster analysis was performed to determine networks of collaborations between institutions and authors. This article provides insights into the applications of cell aggregates and the research dynamics of this field, which can help in the decision-making process to incorporate emerging and innovative technologies in the health industry.
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45
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Gutierrez RA, Fang W, Kesari H, Darling EM. Force sensors for measuring microenvironmental forces during mesenchymal condensation. Biomaterials 2021; 270:120684. [PMID: 33535143 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are an essential element to early tissue formation. However, few techniques exist that can quantify the mechanical microenvironment present within cell-dense neotissues and organoid structures. Here is a versatile approach to measure microscale, cellular forces during mesenchymal condensation using specially tailored, hyper-compliant microparticles (HCMPs). Through monitoring of HCMP deformation over both space and time, measurements of the mechanical forces that cells exert, and have exerted on them, during tissue formation are acquired. The current study uses this technology to track changes in the mechanical microenvironment as mesenchymal stem cells self-assemble into spheroids and condense into cohesive units. An array analysis approach, using a high-content imaging system, shows that cells exert a wide range of tensile and compressive forces during the first few hours of self-assembly, followed by a period of relative equilibrium. Cellular interactions with HCMPs are further examined by applying collagen coating, which allows for increased tensile forces to be exerted compared to non-coated HCMPs. Importantly, the hyper-compliant nature of our force sensors allows for increased precision over less compliant versions of the same particle. This sensitivity resolves small changes in the microenvironment even at the earliest stages of development and morphogenesis. The overall experimental platform provides a versatile means for measuring direct and indirect spatiotemporal forces in cell-dense biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Gutierrez
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Wenqiang Fang
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Haneesh Kesari
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
| | - Eric M Darling
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA; School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA; Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
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46
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Hofemeier AD, Limon T, Muenker TM, Wallmeyer B, Jurado A, Afshar ME, Ebrahimi M, Tsukanov R, Oleksiievets N, Enderlein J, Gilbert PM, Betz T. Global and local tension measurements in biomimetic skeletal muscle tissues reveals early mechanical homeostasis. eLife 2021; 10:60145. [PMID: 33459593 PMCID: PMC7906603 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tension and mechanical properties of muscle tissue are tightly related to proper skeletal muscle function, which makes experimental access to the biomechanics of muscle tissue formation a key requirement to advance our understanding of muscle function and development. Recently developed elastic in vitro culture chambers allow for raising 3D muscle tissue under controlled conditions and to measure global tissue force generation. However, these chambers are inherently incompatible with high-resolution microscopy limiting their usability to global force measurements, and preventing the exploitation of modern fluorescence based investigation methods for live and dynamic measurements. Here, we present a new chamber design pairing global force measurements, quantified from post-deflection, with local tension measurements obtained from elastic hydrogel beads embedded in muscle tissue. High-resolution 3D video microscopy of engineered muscle formation, enabled by the new chamber, shows an early mechanical tissue homeostasis that remains stable in spite of continued myotube maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne D Hofemeier
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tamara Limon
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Alejandro Jurado
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mohammad Ebrahim Afshar
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Majid Ebrahimi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Roman Tsukanov
- 3rd Institute of Physics-Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nazar Oleksiievets
- 3rd Institute of Physics-Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Enderlein
- 3rd Institute of Physics-Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Penney M Gilbert
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Timo Betz
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,3rd Institute of Physics-Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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47
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Özkale B, Sakar MS, Mooney DJ. Active biomaterials for mechanobiology. Biomaterials 2021; 267:120497. [PMID: 33129187 PMCID: PMC7719094 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Active biomaterials offer novel approaches to study mechanotransduction in mammalian cells. These material systems probe cellular responses by dynamically modulating their resistance to endogenous forces or applying exogenous forces on cells in a temporally controlled manner. Stimuli-responsive molecules, polymers, and nanoparticles embedded inside cytocompatible biopolymer networks transduce external signals such as light, heat, chemicals, and magnetic fields into changes in matrix elasticity (few kPa to tens of kPa) or forces (few pN to several μN) at the cell-material interface. The implementation of active biomaterials in mechanobiology has generated scientific knowledge and therapeutic potential relevant to a variety of conditions including but not limited to cancer metastasis, fibrosis, and tissue regeneration. We discuss the repertoire of cellular responses that can be studied using these platforms including receptor signaling as well as downstream events namely, cytoskeletal organization, nuclear shuttling of mechanosensitive transcriptional regulators, cell migration, and differentiation. We highlight recent advances in active biomaterials and comment on their future impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna Özkale
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Mahmut Selman Sakar
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - David J Mooney
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
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Tran R, Hoesli CA, Moraes C. Accessible dynamic micropatterns in monolayer cultures via modified desktop xurography. Biofabrication 2020; 13. [PMID: 33238251 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abce0b] [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: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Micropatterned cell cultures provide an important tool to understand dynamic biological processes, but often require specialized equipment and expertise. Here we present subtractive bioscribing (SuBscribe), a readily accessible and inexpensive technique to generate dynamic micropatterns in biomaterial monolayers on-the-fly. We first describe our modifications to a commercially available desktop xurographer and demonstrate the utility and limits of this system in creating micropatterned cultures by mechanically scribing patterns into a brittle, non-adhesive biomaterial layer. Patterns are sufficiently small to influence cell morphology and orientation and can be extended to pattern large areas with complex reproducible shapes. We also demonstrate the use of this system as a dynamic patterning tool for cocultures. Finally, we use this technique to explore and improve upon the well-established epithelial scratch assay, and demonstrate that robotic control of the scratching tool can be used to create custom-shaped wounds in epithelial monolayers, and that the scribing direction leaves trace remnants of matrix molecules that may significantly affect conventional implementations of this common assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Tran
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H4X1N3, CANADA
| | - Corinne Annette Hoesli
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H4X 1N3, CANADA
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University Street, Rm 3A, Montreal, Quebec, H4X1N3, CANADA
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Tran R, Moraes C, Hoesli CA. Developmentally-Inspired Biomimetic Culture Models to Produce Functional Islet-Like Cells From Pluripotent Precursors. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:583970. [PMID: 33117786 PMCID: PMC7576674 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.583970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-producing beta cells sourced from pluripotent stem cells hold great potential as a virtually unlimited cell source to treat diabetes. Directed pancreatic differentiation protocols aim to mimic various stimuli present during embryonic development through sequential changes of in vitro culture conditions. This is commonly accomplished by the timed addition of soluble signaling factors, in conjunction with cell-handling steps such as the formation of 3D cell aggregates. Interestingly, when stem cells at the pancreatic progenitor stage are transplanted, they form functional insulin-producing cells, suggesting that in vivo microenvironmental cues promote beta cell specification. Among these cues, biophysical stimuli have only recently emerged in the context of optimizing pancreatic differentiation protocols. This review focuses on studies of cell–microenvironment interactions and their impact on differentiating pancreatic cells when considering cell signaling, cell–cell and cell–ECM interactions. We highlight the development of in vitro cell culture models that allow systematic studies of pancreatic cell mechanobiology in response to extracellular matrix proteins, biomechanical effects, soluble factor modulation of biomechanics, substrate stiffness, fluid flow and topography. Finally, we explore how these new mechanical insights could lead to novel pancreatic differentiation protocols that improve efficiency, maturity, and throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Tran
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Corinne A Hoesli
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Wada H, Koike Y, Yokoyama Y, Hayakawa T. Evaluation of the Response Characteristics of On-Chip Gel Actuators for Various Single Cell Manipulations. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2020. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2020.3006792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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