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Dejea H, Pierantoni M, Orozco GA, B Wrammerfors ET, Gstöhl SJ, Schlepütz CM, Isaksson H. In Situ Loading and Time-Resolved Synchrotron-Based Phase Contrast Tomography for the Mechanical Investigation of Connective Knee Tissues: A Proof-of-Concept Study. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308811. [PMID: 38520713 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308811] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Articular cartilage and meniscus transfer and distribute mechanical loads in the knee joint. Degeneration of these connective tissues occurs during the progression of knee osteoarthritis, which affects their composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties. A deeper understanding of disease progression can be obtained by studying them simultaneously. Time-resolved synchrotron-based X-ray phase-contrast tomography (SR-PhC-µCT) allows to capture the tissue dynamics. This proof-of-concept study presents a rheometer setup for simultaneous in situ unconfined compression and SR-PhC-µCT of connective knee tissues. The microstructural response of bovine cartilage (n = 16) and meniscus (n = 4) samples under axial continuously increased strain, or two steps of 15% strain (stress-relaxation) is studied. The chondrocyte distribution in cartilage and the collagen fiber orientation in the meniscus are assessed. Variations in chondrocyte density reveal an increase in the top 40% of the sample during loading, compared to the lower half. Meniscus collagen fibers reorient perpendicular to the loading direction during compression and partially redisperse during relaxation. Radiation damage, image repeatability, and image quality assessments show little to no effects on the results. In conclusion, this approach is highly promising for future studies of human knee tissues to understand their microstructure, mechanical response, and progression in degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Dejea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Box 118, Lund, 221 00, Sweden
- MAX IV Laboratory, Lund University, Lund, 224 84, Sweden
| | - Maria Pierantoni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Box 118, Lund, 221 00, Sweden
| | - Gustavo A Orozco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Box 118, Lund, 221 00, Sweden
| | | | - Stefan J Gstöhl
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen PSI, 5232, Switzerland
| | | | - Hanna Isaksson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Box 118, Lund, 221 00, Sweden
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Iori G, Foudeh I, Alzu’bi M, Al Mohammad M, Matalgah S. Alrecon: computed tomography reconstruction web application based on Solara. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2024; 4:54. [PMID: 38779342 PMCID: PMC11109687 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.16863.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Synchrotron X-ray computed tomography is a non-destructive 3D imaging technique that offers the possibility to study the internal microstructure of samples with high spatial and temporal resolution. Given its unmatched image quality and acquisition speed, and the possibility to preserve the specimens, there is an increasing demand for this technique, from scientific users from innumerable disciplines. Computed tomography reconstruction is the computational process by which experimental radiographs are converted to a meaningful 3-dimensional image after the scan. The procedure involves pre-processing steps for image background and artifact correction on raw data, a reconstruction step approximating the inverse Radon-transform, and writing of the reconstructed volume image to disk. Several open-source Python packages exist to help scientists in the process of tomography reconstruction, by offering efficient implementations of reconstruction algorithms exploiting central or graphics processing unit (CPU and GPU, respectively), and by automating significant portions of the data processing pipeline. A further increase in productivity is attained by scheduling and parallelizing demanding reconstructions on high performance computing (HPC) clusters. Nevertheless, visual inspection and interactive selection of optimal reconstruction parameters remain crucial steps that are often performed in close interaction with the end-user of the data. As a result, the reconstruction task involves more than one software. Graphical user interfaces are provided to the user for fast inspection and optimization of reconstructions, while HPC resources are often accessed through scripts and command line interface. We propose Alrecon, a pure Python web application for tomographic reconstruction built using Solara. Alrecon offers users an intuitive and reactive environment for exploring data and customizing reconstruction pipelines. By leveraging upon popular 3D image visualization tools, and by providing a user-friendly interface for reconstruction scheduling on HPC resources, Alrecon guarantees productivity and efficient use of resources for any type of beamline user.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Iori
- SESAME - Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East, Allan, 19252, Jordan
| | - Ibrahim Foudeh
- SESAME - Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East, Allan, 19252, Jordan
| | - Mustafa Alzu’bi
- SESAME - Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East, Allan, 19252, Jordan
| | - Malik Al Mohammad
- SESAME - Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East, Allan, 19252, Jordan
| | - Salman Matalgah
- SESAME - Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East, Allan, 19252, Jordan
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Berni M, Marchiori G, Baleani M, Giavaresi G, Lopomo NF. Biomechanics of the Human Osteochondral Unit: A Systematic Review. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:1698. [PMID: 38612211 PMCID: PMC11012636 DOI: 10.3390/ma17071698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The damping system ensured by the osteochondral (OC) unit is essential to deploy the forces generated within load-bearing joints during locomotion, allowing furthermore low-friction sliding motion between bone segments. The OC unit is a multi-layer structure including articular cartilage, as well as subchondral and trabecular bone. The interplay between the OC tissues is essential in maintaining the joint functionality; altered loading patterns can trigger biological processes that could lead to degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis. Currently, no effective treatments are available to avoid degeneration beyond tissues' recovery capabilities. A thorough comprehension on the mechanical behaviour of the OC unit is essential to (i) soundly elucidate its overall response to intra-articular loads for developing diagnostic tools capable of detecting non-physiological strain levels, (ii) properly evaluate the efficacy of innovative treatments in restoring physiological strain levels, and (iii) optimize regenerative medicine approaches as potential and less-invasive alternatives to arthroplasty when irreversible damage has occurred. Therefore, the leading aim of this review was to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art-up to 2022-about the mechanical behaviour of the OC unit. A systematic search is performed, according to PRISMA standards, by focusing on studies that experimentally assess the human lower-limb joints' OC tissues. A multi-criteria decision-making method is proposed to quantitatively evaluate eligible studies, in order to highlight only the insights retrieved through sound and robust approaches. This review revealed that studies on human lower limbs are focusing on the knee and articular cartilage, while hip and trabecular bone studies are declining, and the ankle and subchondral bone are poorly investigated. Compression and indentation are the most common experimental techniques studying the mechanical behaviour of the OC tissues, with indentation also being able to provide information at the micro- and nanoscales. While a certain comparability among studies was highlighted, none of the identified testing protocols are currently recognised as standard for any of the OC tissues. The fibril-network-reinforced poro-viscoelastic constitutive model has become common for describing the response of the articular cartilage, while the models describing the mechanical behaviour of mineralised tissues are usually simpler (i.e., linear elastic, elasto-plastic). Most advanced studies have tested and modelled multiple tissues of the same OC unit but have done so individually rather than through integrated approaches. Therefore, efforts should be made in simultaneously evaluating the comprehensive response of the OC unit to intra-articular loads and the interplay between the OC tissues. In this regard, a multidisciplinary approach combining complementary techniques, e.g., full-field imaging, mechanical testing, and computational approaches, should be implemented and validated. Furthermore, the next challenge entails transferring this assessment to a non-invasive approach, allowing its application in vivo, in order to increase its diagnostic and prognostic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Berni
- Laboratorio di Tecnologia Medica, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Gregorio Marchiori
- Scienze e Tecnologie Chirurgiche, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Baleani
- Laboratorio di Tecnologia Medica, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Gianluca Giavaresi
- Scienze e Tecnologie Chirurgiche, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
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Davis S, Karali A, Balcaen T, Zekonyte J, Pétré M, Roldo M, Kerckhofs G, Blunn G. Comparison of two contrast-enhancing staining agents for use in X-ray imaging and digital volume correlation measurements across the cartilage-bone interface. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 152:106414. [PMID: 38277908 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with subchondral bone changes, which is linked to abnormal strain distribution in the overlying articular cartilage. This highlights the importance of understanding mechanical interaction at the cartilage-bone interface. The aim of this study is to compare solutions of two contrast-enhancing staining agents (CESA) for combining high-resolution Contrast-Enhanced X-ray microfocus Computed Tomography (CECT) with Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) for full-field strain measurements at the cartilage-bone interface. DESIGN Bovine osteochondral plugs were stained with phosphotungstic acid (PTA) in 70% ethanol or 1:2 hafnium-substituted Wells-Dawson polyoxometalate (Hf-WD POM) in PBS. Mechanical properties were assessed using micromechanical probing and nanoindentation. Strain uncertainties (from CECT data) were evaluated following two consecutive unloaded scans. Residual strains were computed following unconfined compression (ex situ) testing. RESULTS PTA and Hf-WD POM enabled the visualisation of structural features in cartilage, allowing DVC computation on the CECT data. Residual strains up to ∼10,000 μɛ were detected up to the tidemark. Nanoindentation showed that PTA-staining caused an average ∼6-fold increase in articular cartilage stiffness, a ∼19-fold increase in reduced modulus and ∼7-fold increase in hardness, whereas Hf-WD POM-stained specimens had mechanical properties similar to pre-stain tissue. Micromechanical probing showed a 77% increase in cartilage surface stiffness after PTA-staining, in comparison to a 16% increase in stiffness after staining with Hf-WD POM. CONCLUSION Hf-WD POM is a more suitable CESA solution compared to PTA for CECT imaging combined with DVC as it allowed visualisation of structural features in the cartilage tissue whilst more closely maintaining tissue mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Davis
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK; School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, PO1 3DJ, UK.
| | - Aikaterina Karali
- School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, PO1 3DJ, UK
| | - Tim Balcaen
- Biomechanics Lab, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; Pole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium; Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jurgita Zekonyte
- School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, PO1 3DJ, UK
| | - Maïté Pétré
- Biomechanics Lab, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; Pole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium; Biomechanics Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Marta Roldo
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK
| | - Greet Kerckhofs
- Biomechanics Lab, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; Pole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium; Prometheus, Division for Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gordon Blunn
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK
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Dai GC, Wang H, Ming Z, Lu PP, Li YJ, Gao YC, Shi L, Cheng Z, Liu XY, Rui YF. Heterotopic mineralization (ossification or calcification) in aged musculoskeletal soft tissues: A new candidate marker for aging. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102215. [PMID: 38325754 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Aging can lead to various disorders in organisms and with the escalating impact of population aging, the incidence of age-related diseases is steadily increasing. As a major risk factor for chronic illnesses in humans, the prevention and postponement of aging have become focal points of research among numerous scientists. Aging biomarkers, which mirror molecular alterations at diverse levels in organs, tissues, and cells, can be used to monitor and evaluate biological changes associated with aging. Currently, aging biomarkers are primarily categorized into physiological traits, imaging characteristics, histological features, cellular-level alterations, and molecular-level changes that encompass the secretion of aging-related factors. However, in the context of the musculoskeletal soft tissue system, aging-related biological indicators primarily involve microscopic parameters at the cellular and molecular levels, resulting in inconvenience and uncertainty in the assessment of musculoskeletal soft tissue aging. To identify convenient and effective indicators, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to investigate the correlation between ectopic mineralization and age-related changes in the musculoskeletal soft tissue system. Here, we introduce the concept of ectopic mineralization as a macroscopic, reliable, and convenient biomarker for musculoskeletal soft tissue aging and present novel targets and strategies for the future management of age-related musculoskeletal soft tissue disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Chun Dai
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Trauma Center, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Trauma Center, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China
| | - Zhang Ming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Trauma Center, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China
| | - Pan-Pan Lu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Trauma Center, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China
| | - Ying-Juan Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Trauma Center, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China
| | - Yu-Cheng Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Trauma Center, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China
| | - Liu Shi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Trauma Center, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China
| | - Zhang Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Trauma Center, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Trauma Center, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China
| | - Yun-Feng Rui
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China; Trauma Center, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China.
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Tavana S, Shek C, Rahman T, Baxan N, Newell N. The influence of geometry on intervertebral disc stiffness. J Biomech 2024; 163:111915. [PMID: 38233311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Geometry plays an important role in intervertebral disc (IVD) mechanics. Previous computational studies have found a link between IVD geometry and stiffness. However, few experimental studies have investigated this link, possibly due to difficulties in non-destructively quantifying internal geometric features. Recent advances in ultra-high resolution MRI provides the opportunity to visualise IVD features in unprecedented detail. This study aimed to quantify 3D human IVD geometries using 9.4 T MRIs and to investigate correlations between geometric variations and IVD stiffness. Thirty human lumbar motion segments (fourteen non-degenerate and sixteen degenerate) were scanned using a 9.4 T MRI and geometric parameters were measured. A 1kN compressive load was applied to each motion segment and stiffness was calculated. Degeneration caused a reduction (p < 0.05) in IVD height, a decreased nucleus-annulus area ratio, and a 1.6 ± 3.0 mm inward collapse of the inner annulus. The IVD height, anteroposterior (AP) width, lateral width, cross-sectional area, nucleus-annulus boundary curvature, and nucleus-annulus area ratio had a significant (p < 0.05) influence on IVD stiffness. Linear relationships (p < 0.05, r > 0.47) were observed between these geometric features and IVD compressive stiffness and a multivariate regression model was generated to enable stiffness to be predicted from features observable on clinical imaging (stiffness, N/mm = 6062 - (61.2 × AP width, mm) - (169.2 × IVD height, mm)). This study advances our understanding of disc structure-function relationships and how these change with degeneration, which can be used to both generate and validate more realistic computational models.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tavana
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - C Shek
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - T Rahman
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, UK
| | - N Baxan
- Biological Imaging Centre, Central Biomedical Services, Imperial College London, UK; National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
| | - N Newell
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Kurz B, Lange T, Voelker M, Hart ML, Rolauffs B. Articular Cartilage-From Basic Science Structural Imaging to Non-Invasive Clinical Quantitative Molecular Functional Information for AI Classification and Prediction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14974. [PMID: 37834422 PMCID: PMC10573252 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This review presents the changes that the imaging of articular cartilage has undergone throughout the last decades. It highlights that the expectation is no longer to image the structure and associated functions of articular cartilage but, instead, to devise methods for generating non-invasive, function-depicting images with quantitative information that is useful for detecting the early, pre-clinical stage of diseases such as primary or post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA/PTOA). In this context, this review summarizes (a) the structure and function of articular cartilage as a molecular imaging target, (b) quantitative MRI for non-invasive assessment of articular cartilage composition, microstructure, and function with the current state of medical diagnostic imaging, (c), non-destructive imaging methods, (c) non-destructive quantitative articular cartilage live-imaging methods, (d) artificial intelligence (AI) classification of degeneration and prediction of OA progression, and (e) our contribution to this field, which is an AI-supported, non-destructive quantitative optical biopsy for early disease detection that operates on a digital tissue architectural fingerprint. Collectively, this review shows that articular cartilage imaging has undergone profound changes in the purpose and expectations for which cartilage imaging is used; the image is becoming an AI-usable biomarker with non-invasive quantitative functional information. This may aid in the development of translational diagnostic applications and preventive or early therapeutic interventions that are yet beyond our reach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodo Kurz
- Department of Anatomy, Christian-Albrechts-University, Otto-Hahn-Platz 8, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Lange
- Medical Physics Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany;
| | - Marita Voelker
- G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (M.V.); (M.L.H.)
| | - Melanie L. Hart
- G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (M.V.); (M.L.H.)
| | - Bernd Rolauffs
- G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (M.V.); (M.L.H.)
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8
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Pierantoni M, Silva Barreto I, Hammerman M, Novak V, Diaz A, Engqvist J, Eliasson P, Isaksson H. Multimodal and multiscale characterization reveals how tendon structure and mechanical response are altered by reduced loading. Acta Biomater 2023; 168:264-276. [PMID: 37479155 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Tendons are collagen-based connective tissues where the composition, structure and mechanics respond and adapt to the local mechanical environment. Adaptation to prolonged inactivity can result in stiffer tendons that are more prone to injury. However, the complex relation between reduced loading, structure, and mechanical performance is still not fully understood. This study combines mechanical testing with high-resolution synchrotron X-ray imaging, scattering techniques and histology to elucidate how reduced loading affects the structural properties and mechanical response of rat Achilles tendons on multiple length scales. The results show that reduced in vivo loading leads to more crimped and less organized fibers and this structural inhomogeneity could be the reason for the altered mechanical response. Unloading also seems to change the fibril response, possibly by altering the strain partitioning between hierarchical levels, and to reduce cell density. This study elucidates the relation between in vivo loading, the Achilles tendon nano-, meso‑structure and mechanical response. The results provide fundamental insights into the mechanoregulatory mechanisms guiding the intricate biomechanics, tissue structural organization, and performance of complex collagen-based tissues. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Achilles tendon properties allow a dynamic interaction between muscles and tendon and influence force transmission during locomotion. Lack of physiological loading can have dramatic effects on tendon structure and mechanical properties. We have combined the use of cutting-edge high-resolution synchrotron techniques with mechanical testing to show how reduced loading affects the tendon on multiple hierarchical levels (from nanoscale up to whole organ) clarifying the relation between structural changes and mechanical performance. Our findings set the first step to address a significant healthcare challenge, such as the design of tailored rehabilitations that take into consideration structural changes after tendon immobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pierantoni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden.
| | | | - Malin Hammerman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Ana Diaz
- Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Engqvist
- Department of Solid Mechanics, Lund University, Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Eliasson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanna Isaksson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
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Tits A, Blouin S, Rummler M, Kaux JF, Drion P, van Lenthe GH, Weinkamer R, Hartmann MA, Ruffoni D. Structural and functional heterogeneity of mineralized fibrocartilage at the Achilles tendon-bone insertion. Acta Biomater 2023; 166:409-418. [PMID: 37088163 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
A demanding task of the musculoskeletal system is the attachment of tendon to bone at entheses. This region often presents a thin layer of fibrocartilage (FC), mineralized close to the bone and unmineralized close to the tendon. Mineralized FC deserves increased attention, owing to its crucial anchoring task and involvement in enthesis pathologies. Here, we analyzed mineralized FC and subchondral bone at the Achilles tendon-bone insertion of rats. This location features enthesis FC anchoring tendon to bone and sustaining tensile loads, and periosteal FC facilitating bone-tendon sliding with accompanying compressive and shear forces. Using a correlative multimodal investigation, we evaluated potential specificities in mineral content, fiber organization and mechanical properties of enthesis and periosteal FC. Both tissues had a lower degree of mineralization than subchondral bone, yet used the available mineral very efficiently: for the same local mineral content, they had higher stiffness and hardness than bone. We found that enthesis FC was characterized by highly aligned mineralized collagen fibers even far away from the attachment region, whereas periosteal FC had a rich variety of fiber arrangements. Except for an initial steep spatial gradient between unmineralized and mineralized FC, local mechanical properties were surprisingly uniform inside enthesis FC while a modulation in stiffness, independent from mineral content, was observed in periosteal FC. We interpreted these different structure-property relationships as a demonstration of the high versatility of FC, providing high strength at the insertion (to resist tensile loading) and a gradual compliance at the periosteal surface (to resist contact stresses). STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Mineralized fibrocartilage (FC) at entheses facilitates the integration of tendon in bone, two strongly dissimilar tissues. We focus on the structure-function relationships of two types of mineralized FC, enthesis and periosteal, which have clearly distinct mechanical demands. By investigating them with multiple high-resolution methods in a correlative manner, we demonstrate differences in fiber architecture and mechanical properties between the two tissues, indicative of their mechanical roles. Our results are relevant both from a medical viewpoint, targeting a clinically relevant location, as well as from a material science perspective, identifying FC as high-performance versatile composite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Tits
- Mechanics of Biological and Bioinspired Materials Laboratory, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Stéphane Blouin
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology at Hanusch Hospital of OEGK and AUVA Trauma Centre Meidling, 1st Medical Department Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Rummler
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jean-François Kaux
- Department of Physical Medicine and Sports Traumatology, University of Liège and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pierre Drion
- Experimental Surgery unit, GIGA & Credec, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Richard Weinkamer
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Markus A Hartmann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology at Hanusch Hospital of OEGK and AUVA Trauma Centre Meidling, 1st Medical Department Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Davide Ruffoni
- Mechanics of Biological and Bioinspired Materials Laboratory, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
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10
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Brunet J, Walsh CL, Wagner WL, Bellier A, Werlein C, Marussi S, Jonigk DD, Verleden SE, Ackermann M, Lee PD, Tafforeau P. Preparation of large biological samples for high-resolution, hierarchical, synchrotron phase-contrast tomography with multimodal imaging compatibility. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:1441-1461. [PMID: 36859614 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00804-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Imaging across different scales is essential for understanding healthy organ morphology and pathophysiological changes. The macro- and microscale three-dimensional morphology of large samples, including intact human organs, is possible with X-ray microtomography (using laboratory or synchrotron sources). Preparation of large samples for high-resolution imaging, however, is challenging due to limitations such as sample shrinkage, insufficient contrast, movement of the sample and bubble formation during mounting or scanning. Here, we describe the preparation, stabilization, dehydration and mounting of large soft-tissue samples for X-ray microtomography. We detail the protocol applied to whole human organs and hierarchical phase-contrast tomography at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, yet it is applicable to a range of biological samples, including complete organisms. The protocol enhances the contrast when using X-ray imaging, while preventing sample motion during the scan, even with different sample orientations. Bubbles trapped during mounting and those formed during scanning (in the case of synchrotron X-ray imaging) are mitigated by multiple degassing steps. The sample preparation is also compatible with magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and histological observation. The sample preparation and mounting require 24-36 d for a large organ such as a whole human brain or heart. The preparation time varies depending on the composition, size and fragility of the tissue. Use of the protocol enables scanning of intact organs with a diameter of 150 mm with a local voxel size of 1 μm. The protocol requires users with expertise in handling human or animal organs, laboratory operation and X-ray imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Brunet
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France.
| | - C L Walsh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.
| | - W L Wagner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational Lung Research Centre Heidelberg (TLRC), German Lung Research Centre (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A Bellier
- Laboratoire d'Anatomie des Alpes Françaises (LADAF), Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - C Werlein
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - S Marussi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - D D Jonigk
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in End-stage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), German Lung Research Centre (DZL), Hannover, Germany
| | - S E Verleden
- Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M Ackermann
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Helios University Clinic Wuppertal, University of Witten/Herdecke, Wuppertal, Germany
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter D Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.
- Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, UK.
| | - Paul Tafforeau
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France.
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11
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Wang X, Wu Q, Zhang R, Fan Z, Li W, Mao R, Du Z, Yao X, Ma Y, Yan Y, Sun W, Wu H, Wei W, Hu Y, Hong Y, Hu H, Koh YW, Duan W, Chen X, Ouyang H. Stage-specific and location-specific cartilage calcification in osteoarthritis development. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:393-402. [PMID: 36261249 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-222944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the stage-specific and location-specific deposition and characteristics of minerals in human osteoarthritis (OA) cartilages via multiple nano-analytical technologies. METHODS Normal and OA cartilages were serially sectioned for micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution electron energy loss spectrometry with transmission electron microscopy, nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy to analyse the structural, compositional and mechanical properties of cartilage in OA progression. RESULTS We found that OA progressed by both top-down calcification at the joint surface and bottom-up calcification at the osteochondral interface. The top-down calcification process started with spherical mineral particle formation in the joint surface during early-stage OA (OA-E), followed by fibre formation and densely packed material transformation deep into the cartilage during advanced-stage OA (OA-A). The bottom-up calcification in OA-E started when an excessive layer of calcified tissue formed above the original calcified cartilage, exhibiting a calcified sandwich structure. Over time, the original and upper layers of calcified cartilage fused, which thickened the calcified cartilage region and disrupted the cartilage structure. During OA-E, the calcified cartilage was hypermineralised, containing stiffer carbonated hydroxyapatite (HAp). During OA-A, it was hypomineralised and contained softer HAp. This discrepancy may be attributed to matrix vesicle nucleation during OA-E and carbonate cores during OA-A. CONCLUSIONS This work refines our current understanding of the mechanism underlying OA progression and provides the foothold for potential therapeutic targeting strategies once the location-specific cartilage calcification features in OA are established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhao Wang
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, CORMed, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qin Wu
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ru Zhang
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, CORMed, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhang Fan
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenyue Li
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, CORMed, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renwei Mao
- ZJU-UIUC Institute, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zihao Du
- ZJU-UIUC Institute, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xudong Yao
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanzhu Ma
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, CORMed, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiyang Yan
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, CORMed, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, CORMed, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongwei Wu
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, CORMed, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Wei
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yejun Hu
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, CORMed, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Hong
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, CORMed, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huan Hu
- ZJU-UIUC Institute, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Wen Koh
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wangping Duan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, CORMed, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongwei Ouyang
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China .,Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, CORMed, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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12
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Measurement of bone damage caused by quasi-static compressive loading-unloading to explore dental implants stability: Simultaneous use of in-vitro tests, μ-CT images, and digital volume correlation. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 138:105566. [PMID: 36435034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105566] [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: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Primary stability of dental implants is the initial mechanical engagement of the implant with its adjacent bone. Implantation and the subsequent loading may cause mechanical damage in the peripheral bone, which ultimately reduces the stability of the implant. This study aimed at evaluating primary stability of dental implants through applying stepwise compressive displacement-controlled, loading-unloading cycles to obtain overall stiffness and dissipated energy of the bone-implant structure; and quantifying induced plastic strains in surrounding bone using digital volume correlation (DVC) method, through comparing μCT images in different loading steps. To this end, dental implants were inserted into the cylindrical trabecular bones, then the bone-implant structure was undergone step-wise loading-unloading cycles, and μCT images were taken in some particular steps, then comparison was made between undeformed and deformed configurations using DVC to quantify plastic strain within the trabecular bone. Comparing stiffness reduction and dissipated energy values in different loading steps, obtained from the force-displacement curve in each loading step, revealed that the maximum displacement of 0.16 mm can be deemed as a safe threshold above which damages in peri-implant bone started to increase considerably (p < 0.05). In addition, it was found here that peri-implant bone strain linearly increased with decreasing bone-implant stiffness (p < 0.05). Moreover, strain concentration in peri-implant bone region showed that the plastic strain in trabecular bone spread up to a distance of about 2.5 mm away from the implant surface. Research of this kind can be used to optimize the design of dental implants, with the ultimate goal of improving their stability, also to validate in-silico models, e.g., micro-finite element models, which can help gain a deeper understanding of bone-implant construct behavior.
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13
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Zhang H, Ma Y, Wang Y, Niu L, Zou R, Zhang M, Liu H, Genin GM, Li A, Xu F. Rational Design of Soft-Hard Interfaces through Bioinspired Engineering. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2204498. [PMID: 36228093 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Soft-hard tissue interfaces in nature present a diversity of hierarchical transitions in composition and structure to address the challenge of stress concentrations that would otherwise arise at their interface. The translation of these into engineered materials holds promise for improved function of biomedical interfaces. Here, soft-hard tissue interfaces found in the body in health and disease, and the application of the diverse, functionally graded, and hierarchical structures that they present to bioinspired engineering materials are reviewed. A range of such bioinspired engineering materials and associated manufacturing technologies that are on the horizon in interfacial tissue engineering, hydrogel bioadhesion at the interfaces, and healthcare and medical devices are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, P. R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Yufei Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Yijie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, P. R. China
| | - Lin Niu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, P. R. China
| | - Rui Zou
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, P. R. China
| | - Min Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Department of General Dentistry and Emergency, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Hao Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Guy M Genin
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Ang Li
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, P. R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
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14
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Evans LAE, Pitsillides AA. Structural clues to articular calcified cartilage function: A descriptive review of this crucial interface tissue. J Anat 2022; 241:875-895. [PMID: 35866709 PMCID: PMC9482704 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Articular calcified cartilage (ACC) has been dismissed, by some, as a remnant of endochondral ossification without functional relevance to joint articulation or weight-bearing. Recent research indicates that morphologic and metabolic ACC features may be important, reflecting knee joint osteoarthritis (OA) predisposition. ACC is less investigated than neighbouring joint tissues, with its component chondrocytes and mineralised matrix often being either ignored or integrated into analyses of hyaline articular cartilage and subchondral bone tissue respectively. Anatomical variation in ACC is recognised between species, individuals and age groups, but the selective pressures underlying this variation are unknown. Consequently, optimal ACC biomechanical features are also unknown as are any potential locomotory roles. This review collates descriptions of ACC anatomy and biology in health and disease, with a view to revealing its structure/function relationship and highlighting potential future research avenues. Mouse models of healthy and OA joint ageing have shown disparities in ACC load-induced deformations at the knee joint. This raises the hypothesis that ACC response to locomotor forces over time may influence, or even underlie, the bony and hyaline cartilage symptoms characteristic of OA. To effectively investigate the ACC, greater resolution of joint imaging and merging of hierarchical scale data will be required. An appreciation of OA as a 'whole joint disease' is expanding, as is the possibility that the ACC may be a key player in healthy ageing and in the transition to OA joint pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucinda A. E. Evans
- Department of Comparative Biomedical SciencesRoyal Veterinary College, University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Andrew A. Pitsillides
- Department of Comparative Biomedical SciencesRoyal Veterinary College, University of LondonLondonUK
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15
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Badar W, Ali H, Brooker ON, Newham E, Snow T, Terrill NJ, Tozzi G, Fratzl P, Knight MM, Gupta HS. Collagen pre-strain discontinuity at the bone—Cartilage interface. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273832. [PMID: 36108273 PMCID: PMC9477506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The bone-cartilage unit (BCU) is a universal feature in diarthrodial joints, which is mechanically-graded and subjected to shear and compressive strains. Changes in the BCU have been linked to osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Here we report existence of a physiological internal strain gradient (pre-strain) across the BCU at the ultrastructural scale of the extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents, specifically the collagen fibril. We use X-ray scattering that probes changes in the axial periodicity of fibril-level D-stagger of tropocollagen molecules in the matrix fibrils, as a measure of microscopic pre-strain. We find that mineralized collagen nanofibrils in the calcified plate are in tensile pre-strain relative to the underlying trabecular bone. This behaviour contrasts with the previously accepted notion that fibrillar pre-strain (or D-stagger) in collagenous tissues always reduces with mineralization, via reduced hydration and associated swelling pressure. Within the calcified part of the BCU, a finer-scale gradient in pre-strain (0.6% increase over ~50μm) is observed. The increased fibrillar pre-strain is linked to prior research reporting large tissue-level residual strains under compression. The findings may have biomechanical adaptative significance: higher in-built molecular level resilience/damage resistance to physiological compression, and disruption of the molecular-level pre-strains during remodelling of the bone-cartilage interface may be potential factors in osteoarthritis-based degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqas Badar
- Institute of Bioengineering and School of Engineering and Material Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Husna Ali
- Institute of Bioengineering and School of Engineering and Material Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia N. Brooker
- Institute of Bioengineering and School of Engineering and Material Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elis Newham
- Institute of Bioengineering and School of Engineering and Material Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Snow
- Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Diamond Light Source, Harwell, Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. Terrill
- Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Diamond Light Source, Harwell, Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Gianluca Tozzi
- School of Engineering, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Peter Fratzl
- Department of Biomaterials, Max-Planck-Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam Wissenschaftspark, Golm, Germany
| | - Martin M. Knight
- Institute of Bioengineering and School of Engineering and Material Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Himadri S. Gupta
- Institute of Bioengineering and School of Engineering and Material Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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16
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Dall'Ara E, Bodey AJ, Isaksson H, Tozzi G. A practical guide for in situ mechanical testing of musculoskeletal tissues using synchrotron tomography. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 133:105297. [PMID: 35691205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105297] [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] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal tissues are complex hierarchical materials where mechanical response is linked to structural and material properties at different dimensional levels. Therefore, high-resolution three-dimensional tomography is very useful for assessing tissue properties at different scales. In particular, Synchrotron Radiation micro-Computed Tomography (SR-microCT) has been used in several applications to analyze the structure of bone and biomaterials. In the past decade the development of digital volume correlation (DVC) algorithms applied to SR-microCT images and its combination with in situ mechanical testing (four-dimensional imaging) have allowed researchers to visualise, for the first time, the deformation of musculoskeletal tissues and their interaction with biomaterials under different loading scenarios. However, there are several experimental challenges that make these measurements difficult and at high risk of failure. Challenges relate to sample preparation, imaging parameters, loading setup, accumulated tissue damage for multiple tomographic acquisitions, reconstruction methods and data processing. Considering that access to SR-microCT facilities is usually associated with bidding processes and long waiting times, the failure of these experiments could notably slow down the advancement of this research area and reduce its impact. Many of the experimental failures can be avoided with increased experience in performing the tests and better guidelines for preparation and execution of these complex experiments; publication of negative results could help interested researchers to avoid recurring mistakes. Therefore, the goal of this article is to highlight the potential and pitfalls in the design and execution of in situ SR-microCT experiments, involving multiple scans, of musculoskeletal tissues for the assessment of their structural and/or mechanical properties. The advice and guidelines that follow should improve the success rate of this type of experiment, allowing the community to reach higher impact more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dall'Ara
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, University of Sheffield, UK; INSIGNEO Institute for in Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, UK.
| | | | - H Isaksson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - G Tozzi
- School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London, UK
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17
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Grote L, Seyrich M, Döhrmann R, Harouna-Mayer SY, Mancini F, Kaziukenas E, Fernandez-Cuesta I, A Zito C, Vasylieva O, Wittwer F, Odstrčzil M, Mogos N, Landmann M, Schroer CG, Koziej D. Imaging Cu 2O nanocube hollowing in solution by quantitative in situ X-ray ptychography. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4971. [PMID: 36038564 PMCID: PMC9424245 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32373-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding morphological changes of nanoparticles in solution is essential to tailor the functionality of devices used in energy generation and storage. However, we lack experimental methods that can visualize these processes in solution, or in electrolyte, and provide three-dimensional information. Here, we show how X-ray ptychography enables in situ nano-imaging of the formation and hollowing of nanoparticles in solution at 155 °C. We simultaneously image the growth of about 100 nanocubes with a spatial resolution of 66 nm. The quantitative phase images give access to the third dimension, allowing to additionally study particle thickness. We reveal that the substrate hinders their out-of-plane growth, thus the nanocubes are in fact nanocuboids. Moreover, we observe that the reduction of Cu2O to Cu triggers the hollowing of the nanocuboids. We critically assess the interaction of X-rays with the liquid sample. Our method enables detailed in-solution imaging for a wide range of reaction conditions. Observing morphological changes of nanoparticles in solution requires advanced in-situ imaging methods. Here, the authors use X-ray ptychography to image the growth and hollowing of Cu2O nanocubes in 3D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Grote
- University of Hamburg, Institute for Nanostructure and Solid-State Physics, Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.,Center for X-ray and Nano Science CXNS, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Seyrich
- University of Hamburg, Institute for Nanostructure and Solid-State Physics, Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.,Center for X-ray and Nano Science CXNS, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ralph Döhrmann
- Center for X-ray and Nano Science CXNS, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sani Y Harouna-Mayer
- University of Hamburg, Institute for Nanostructure and Solid-State Physics, Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.,The Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Federica Mancini
- University of Hamburg, Institute for Nanostructure and Solid-State Physics, Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC), National Research Council (CNR), Via Granarolo 64, 48018, Faenza (RA), Italy
| | - Emilis Kaziukenas
- University of Hamburg, Institute for Nanostructure and Solid-State Physics, Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge, CB3 0WA, UK
| | - Irene Fernandez-Cuesta
- The Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Physics, University of Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cecilia A Zito
- University of Hamburg, Institute for Nanostructure and Solid-State Physics, Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.,São Paulo State University UNESP, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, 15054000, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Olga Vasylieva
- University of Hamburg, Institute for Nanostructure and Solid-State Physics, Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Felix Wittwer
- University of Hamburg, Institute for Nanostructure and Solid-State Physics, Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.,Center for X-ray and Nano Science CXNS, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michal Odstrčzil
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232, Villigen PSI, Switzerland.,Carl Zeiss SMT, Carl-Zeiss-Straße 22, 73447, Oberkochen, Germany
| | - Natnael Mogos
- University of Hamburg, Institute for Nanostructure and Solid-State Physics, Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mirko Landmann
- Center for X-ray and Nano Science CXNS, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian G Schroer
- University of Hamburg, Institute for Nanostructure and Solid-State Physics, Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.,Center for X-ray and Nano Science CXNS, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.,Helmholtz Imaging Platform, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dorota Koziej
- University of Hamburg, Institute for Nanostructure and Solid-State Physics, Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany. .,The Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Hamburg, Germany.
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18
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Peña Fernández M, Sasso SJ, McPhee S, Black C, Kanczler J, Tozzi G, Wolfram U. Nonlinear micro finite element models based on digital volume correlation measurements predict early microdamage in newly formed bone. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 132:105303. [PMID: 35671669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bone regeneration in critical-sized defects is a clinical challenge, with biomaterials under constant development aiming at enhancing the natural bone healing process. The delivery of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in appropriate carriers represents a promising strategy for bone defect treatment but optimisation of the spatial-temporal release is still needed for the regeneration of bone with biological, structural, and mechanical properties comparable to the native tissue. Nonlinear micro finite element (μFE) models can address some of these challenges by providing a tool able to predict the biomechanical strength and microdamage onset in newly formed bone when subjected to physiological or supraphysiological loads. Yet, these models need to be validated against experimental data. In this study, experimental local displacements in newly formed bone induced by osteoinductive biomaterials subjected to in situ X-ray computed tomography compression in the apparent elastic regime and measured using digital volume correlation (DVC) were used to validate μFE models. Displacement predictions from homogeneous linear μFE models were highly correlated to DVC-measured local displacements, while tissue heterogeneity capturing mineralisation differences showed negligible effects. Nonlinear μFE models improved the correlation and showed that tissue microdamage occurs at low apparent strains. Microdamage seemed to occur next to large cavities or in biomaterial-induced thin trabeculae, independent of the mineralisation. While localisation of plastic strain accumulation was similar, the amount of damage accumulated in these locations was slightly higher when including material heterogeneity. These results demonstrate the ability of the nonlinear μFE model to capture local microdamage in newly formed bone tissue and can be exploited to improve the current understanding of healing bone and mechanical competence. This will ultimately aid the development of BMPs delivery systems for bone defect treatment able to regenerate bone with optimal biological, mechanical, and structural properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Peña Fernández
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Sebastian J Sasso
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Samuel McPhee
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Cameron Black
- Bone & Joint Research Group, Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Human Development & Health, Institute of Development Sciences, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Janos Kanczler
- Bone & Joint Research Group, Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Human Development & Health, Institute of Development Sciences, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Gianluca Tozzi
- Zeiss Global Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, PO1 3DJ, UK
| | - Uwe Wolfram
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS, UK.
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19
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Wang X, Lin J, Li Z, Ma Y, Zhang X, He Q, Wu Q, Yan Y, Wei W, Yao X, Li C, Li W, Xie S, Hu Y, Zhang S, Hong Y, Li X, Chen W, Duan W, Ouyang H. Identification of an Ultrathin Osteochondral Interface Tissue with Specific Nanostructure at the Human Knee Joint. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:2309-2319. [PMID: 35238577 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c04649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cartilage adheres to subchondral bone via a specific osteochondral interface tissue where forces are transferred from soft cartilage to hard bone without conferring fatigue damage over a lifetime of load cycles. However, the fine structure and mechanical properties of the osteochondral interface tissue remain unclear. Here, we identified an ultrathin ∼20-30 μm graded calcified region with two-layered micronano structures of osteochondral interface tissue in the human knee joint, which exhibited characteristic biomolecular compositions and complex nanocrystals assembly. Results from finite element simulations revealed that within this region, an exponential increase of modulus (3 orders of magnitude) was conducive to force transmission. Nanoscale heterogeneity in the hydroxyapatite, coupled with enrichment of elastic-responsive protein-titin, which is usually present in muscle, endowed the osteochondral tissue with excellent mechanical properties. Collectively, these results provide novel insights into the potential design for high-performance interface materials for osteochondral interface regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhao Wang
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, Hangzhou (CorMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Junxin Lin
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, Hangzhou (CorMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zonghao Li
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yuanzhu Ma
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, Hangzhou (CorMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xianzhu Zhang
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, Hangzhou (CorMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qiulin He
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, Hangzhou (CorMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qin Wu
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China
| | - Yiyang Yan
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, Hangzhou (CorMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, Hangzhou (CorMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xudong Yao
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, Hangzhou (CorMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chenglin Li
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, Hangzhou (CorMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wenyue Li
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, Hangzhou (CorMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shaofang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yejun Hu
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shufang Zhang
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, Hangzhou (CorMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi Hong
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, Hangzhou (CorMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xu Li
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Weiqiu Chen
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Wangping Duan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Hongwei Ouyang
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine & Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group, Hangzhou (CorMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
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20
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Samvelyan HJ, Huesa C, Cui L, Farquharson C, Staines KA. The role of accelerated growth plate fusion in the absence of SOCS2 on osteoarthritis vulnerability. Bone Joint Res 2022; 11:162-170. [PMID: 35272487 PMCID: PMC8962856 DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.113.bjr-2021-0259.r1] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent systemic musculoskeletal disorder, characterized by articular cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone (SCB) sclerosis. Here, we sought to examine the contribution of accelerated growth to OA development using a murine model of excessive longitudinal growth. Suppressor of cytokine signalling 2 (SOCS2) is a negative regulator of growth hormone (GH) signalling, thus mice deficient in SOCS2 (Socs2 -/-) display accelerated bone growth. METHODS We examined vulnerability of Socs2 -/- mice to OA following surgical induction of disease (destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)), and with ageing, by histology and micro-CT. RESULTS We observed a significant increase in mean number (wild-type (WT) DMM: 532 (SD 56); WT sham: 495 (SD 45); knockout (KO) DMM: 169 (SD 49); KO sham: 187 (SD 56); p < 0.001) and density (WT DMM: 2.2 (SD 0.9); WT sham: 1.2 (SD 0.5); KO DMM: 13.0 (SD 0.5); KO sham: 14.4 (SD 0.7)) of growth plate bridges in Socs2 -/- in comparison with WT. Histological examination of WT and Socs2 -/- knees revealed articular cartilage damage with DMM in comparison to sham. Articular cartilage lesion severity scores (mean and maximum) were similar in WT and Socs2 -/- mice with either DMM, or with ageing. Micro-CT analysis revealed significant decreases in SCB thickness, epiphyseal trabecular number, and thickness in the medial compartment of Socs2 -/-, in comparison with WT (p < 0.001). DMM had no effect on the SCB thickness in comparison with sham in either genotype. CONCLUSION Together, these data suggest that enhanced GH signalling through SOCS2 deletion accelerates growth plate fusion, however this has no effect on OA vulnerability in this model. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(3):162-170.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasmik Jasmine Samvelyan
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
- Centre for Stress and Age-Related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
- The Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, School of Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Carmen Huesa
- Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lin Cui
- The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Katherine Ann Staines
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
- Centre for Stress and Age-Related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
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21
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Dall'Ara E, Tozzi G. Digital volume correlation for the characterization of musculoskeletal tissues: Current challenges and future developments. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1010056. [PMID: 36267445 PMCID: PMC9577231 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological tissues are complex hierarchical materials, difficult to characterise due to the challenges associated to the separation of scale and heterogeneity of the mechanical properties at different dimensional levels. The Digital Volume Correlation approach is the only image-based experimental approach that can accurately measure internal strain field within biological tissues under complex loading scenarios. In this minireview examples of DVC applications to study the deformation of musculoskeletal tissues at different dimensional scales are reported, highlighting the potential and challenges of this relatively new technique. The manuscript aims at reporting the wide breath of DVC applications in the past 2 decades and discuss future perspective for this unique technique, including fast analysis, applications on soft tissues, high precision approaches, and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Dall'Ara
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,INSIGNEO Institute for in Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Gianluca Tozzi
- School of Engineering, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, United Kingdom
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22
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Wittig NK, Østergaard M, Palle J, Christensen TEK, Langdahl BL, Rejnmark L, Hauge EM, Brüel A, Thomsen JS, Birkedal H. Opportunities for biomineralization research using multiscale computed X-ray tomography as exemplified by bone imaging. J Struct Biol 2021; 214:107822. [PMID: 34902560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2021.107822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Biominerals typically have complex hierarchical structures traversing many length scales. This makes their structural characterization complicated, since it requires 3D techniques that can probe full specimens at down to nanometer-resolution, a combination that is difficult - if not impossible - to achieve simultaneously. One challenging example is bone, a mineralized tissue with a highly complex architecture that is replete with a network of cells. X-ray computed tomography techniques enable multiscale structural characterization through the combination of various equipment and emerge as promising tools for characterizing biominerals. Using bone as an example, we discuss how combining different X-ray imaging instruments allow characterizing bone structures from the nano- to the organ-scale. In particular, we compare and contrast human and rodent bone, emphasize the importance of the osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network in bone, and finally illustrate how combining synchrotron X-ray imaging with laboratory instrumentation for computed tomography is especially helpful for multiscale characterization of biominerals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kølln Wittig
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Maja Østergaard
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jonas Palle
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thorbjørn Erik Køppen Christensen
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; Sino-Danish College (SDC), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Bente Lomholt Langdahl
- Department of Clinical Medicine - The Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars Rejnmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine - The Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ellen-Margrethe Hauge
- Department of Clinical Medicine - The Department of Rheumatology, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 45, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Annemarie Brüel
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jesper Skovhus Thomsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Henrik Birkedal
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
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23
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Reinhard C, Drakopoulos M, Ahmed SI, Deyhle H, James A, Charlesworth CM, Burt M, Sutter J, Alexander S, Garland P, Yates T, Marshall R, Kemp B, Warrick E, Pueyos A, Bradnick B, Nagni M, Winter AD, Filik J, Basham M, Wadeson N, King ONF, Aslani N, Dent AJ. Beamline K11 DIAD: a new instrument for dual imaging and diffraction at Diamond Light Source. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2021; 28:1985-1995. [PMID: 34738954 PMCID: PMC8570216 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577521009875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The Dual Imaging and Diffraction (DIAD) beamline at Diamond Light Source is a new dual-beam instrument for full-field imaging/tomography and powder diffraction. This instrument provides the user community with the capability to dynamically image 2D and 3D complex structures and perform phase identification and/or strain mapping using micro-diffraction. The aim is to enable in situ and in operando experiments that require spatially correlated results from both techniques, by providing measurements from the same specimen location quasi-simultaneously. Using an unusual optical layout, DIAD has two independent beams originating from one source that operate in the medium energy range (7-38 keV) and are combined at one sample position. Here, either radiography or tomography can be performed using monochromatic or pink beam, with a 1.4 mm × 1.2 mm field of view and a feature resolution of 1.2 µm. Micro-diffraction is possible with a variable beam size between 13 µm × 4 µm and 50 µm × 50 µm. One key functionality of the beamline is image-guided diffraction, a setup in which the micro-diffraction beam can be scanned over the complete area of the imaging field-of-view. This moving beam setup enables the collection of location-specific information about the phase composition and/or strains at any given position within the image/tomography field of view. The dual beam design allows fast switching between imaging and diffraction mode without the need of complicated and time-consuming mode switches. Real-time selection of areas of interest for diffraction measurements as well as the simultaneous collection of both imaging and diffraction data of (irreversible) in situ and in operando experiments are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Reinhard
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sharif I Ahmed
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Hans Deyhle
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew James
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher M Charlesworth
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Burt
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - John Sutter
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Alexander
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Garland
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Yates
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Russell Marshall
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Kemp
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Edmund Warrick
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Armando Pueyos
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Bradnick
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Maurizio Nagni
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - A Douglas Winter
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Jacob Filik
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Basham
- Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0FA, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Wadeson
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver N F King
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Navid Aslani
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Dent
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
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24
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A novel approach to evaluate the effects of artificial bone focal lesion on the three-dimensional strain distributions within the vertebral body. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251873. [PMID: 34061879 PMCID: PMC8168867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251873] [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: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The spine is the first site for incidence of bone metastasis. Thus, the vertebrae have a high potential risk of being weakened by metastatic tissues. The evaluation of strength of the bone affected by the presence of metastases is fundamental to assess the fracture risk. This work proposes a robust method to evaluate the variations of strain distributions due to artificial lesions within the vertebral body, based on in situ mechanical testing and digital volume correlation. Five porcine vertebrae were tested in compression up to 6500N inside a micro computed tomography scanner. For each specimen, images were acquired before and after the application of the load, before and after the introduction of the artificial lesions. Principal strains were computed within the bone by means of digital volume correlation (DVC). All intact specimens showed a consistent strain distribution, with peak minimum principal strain in the range -1.8% to -0.7% in the middle of the vertebra, demonstrating the robustness of the method. Similar distributions of strains were found for the intact vertebrae in the different regions. The artificial lesion generally doubled the strain in the middle portion of the specimen, probably due to stress concentrations close to the defect. In conclusion, a robust method to evaluate the redistribution of the strain due to artificial lesions within the vertebral body was developed and will be used in the future to improve current clinical assessment of fracture risk in metastatic spines.
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25
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Hughes JH, Keenan CM, Sutherland H, Edwards HR, Wilson PJM, Ranganath LR, Jarvis JC, Bou-Gharios G, Gallagher JA. Anatomical Distribution of Ochronotic Pigment in Alkaptonuric Mice is Associated with Calcified Cartilage Chondrocytes at Osteochondral Interfaces. Calcif Tissue Int 2021; 108:207-218. [PMID: 33057760 PMCID: PMC7820185 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-020-00764-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alkaptonuria (AKU) is characterised by increased circulating homogentisic acid and deposition of ochronotic pigment in collagen-rich connective tissues (ochronosis), stiffening the tissue. This process over many years leads to a painful and severe osteoarthropathy, particularly affecting the cartilage of the spine and large weight bearing joints. Evidence in human AKU tissue suggests that pigment binds to collagen. The exposed collagen hypothesis suggests that collagen is initially protected from ochronosis, and that ageing and mechanical loading causes loss of protective molecules, allowing pigment binding. Schmorl's staining has previously demonstrated knee joint ochronosis in AKU mice. This study documents more comprehensively the anatomical distribution of ochronosis in two AKU mouse models (BALB/c Hgd-/-, Hgd tm1a-/-), using Schmorl's staining. Progression of knee joint pigmentation with age in the two AKU mouse models was comparable. Within the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist joints, pigmentation was associated with chondrons of calcified cartilage. Pigmented chondrons were identified in calcified endplates of intervertebral discs and the calcified knee joint meniscus, suggesting that calcified tissues are more susceptible to pigmentation. There were significantly more pigmented chondrons in lumbar versus tail intervertebral disc endplates (p = 0.002) and clusters of pigmented chondrons were observed at the insertions of ligaments and tendons. These observations suggest that loading/strain may be associated with increased pigmentation but needs further experimental investigation. The calcified cartilage may be the first joint tissue to acquire matrix damage, most likely to collagen, through normal ageing and physiological loading, as it is the first to become susceptible to pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette H Hughes
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.
| | - Craig M Keenan
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Hazel Sutherland
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
- School of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Henry R Edwards
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Peter J M Wilson
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Lakshminarayan R Ranganath
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, L7 8XP, UK
| | - Jonathan C Jarvis
- School of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - George Bou-Gharios
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - James A Gallagher
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.
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26
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Davis S, Roldo M, Blunn G, Tozzi G, Roncada T. Influence of the Mechanical Environment on the Regeneration of Osteochondral Defects. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:603408. [PMID: 33585430 PMCID: PMC7873466 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.603408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Articular cartilage is a highly specialised connective tissue of diarthrodial joints which provides a smooth, lubricated surface for joint articulation and plays a crucial role in the transmission of loads. In vivo cartilage is subjected to mechanical stimuli that are essential for cartilage development and the maintenance of a chondrocytic phenotype. Cartilage damage caused by traumatic injuries, ageing, or degradative diseases leads to impaired loading resistance and progressive degeneration of both the articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone. Since the tissue has limited self-repairing capacity due its avascular nature, restoration of its mechanical properties is still a major challenge. Tissue engineering techniques have the potential to heal osteochondral defects using a combination of stem cells, growth factors, and biomaterials that could produce a biomechanically functional tissue, representative of native hyaline cartilage. However, current clinical approaches fail to repair full-thickness defects that include the underlying subchondral bone. Moreover, when tested in vivo, current tissue-engineered grafts show limited capacity to regenerate the damaged tissue due to poor integration with host cartilage and the failure to retain structural integrity after insertion, resulting in reduced mechanical function. The aim of this review is to examine the optimal characteristics of osteochondral scaffolds. Additionally, an overview on the latest biomaterials potentially able to replicate the natural mechanical environment of articular cartilage and their role in maintaining mechanical cues to drive chondrogenesis will be detailed, as well as the overall mechanical performance of grafts engineered using different technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Davis
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Roldo
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Blunn
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Gianluca Tozzi
- Zeiss Global Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Tosca Roncada
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
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27
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Arora H, Mitchell RL, Johnston R, Manolesos M, Howells D, Sherwood JM, Bodey AJ, Wanelik K. Correlating Local Volumetric Tissue Strains with Global Lung Mechanics Measurements. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:439. [PMID: 33477444 PMCID: PMC7829924 DOI: 10.3390/ma14020439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The mechanics of breathing is a fascinating and vital process. The lung has complexities and subtle heterogeneities in structure across length scales that influence mechanics and function. This study establishes an experimental pipeline for capturing alveolar deformations during a respiratory cycle using synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SR-micro-CT). Rodent lungs were mechanically ventilated and imaged at various time points during the respiratory cycle. Pressure-Volume (P-V) characteristics were recorded to capture any changes in overall lung mechanical behaviour during the experiment. A sequence of tomograms was collected from the lungs within the intact thoracic cavity. Digital volume correlation (DVC) was used to compute the three-dimensional strain field at the alveolar level from the time sequence of reconstructed tomograms. Regional differences in ventilation were highlighted during the respiratory cycle, relating the local strains within the lung tissue to the global ventilation measurements. Strains locally reached approximately 150% compared to the averaged regional deformations of approximately 80-100%. Redistribution of air within the lungs was observed during cycling. Regions which were relatively poorly ventilated (low deformations compared to its neighbouring region) were deforming more uniformly at later stages of the experiment (consistent with its neighbouring region). Such heterogenous phenomena are common in everyday breathing. In pathological lungs, some of these non-uniformities in deformation behaviour can become exaggerated, leading to poor function or further damage. The technique presented can help characterize the multiscale biomechanical nature of a given pathology to improve patient management strategies, considering both the local and global lung mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Arora
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (R.J.); (M.M.); (D.H.)
| | - Ria L. Mitchell
- Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK;
| | - Richard Johnston
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (R.J.); (M.M.); (D.H.)
| | - Marinos Manolesos
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (R.J.); (M.M.); (D.H.)
| | - David Howells
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (R.J.); (M.M.); (D.H.)
| | - Joseph M. Sherwood
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - Andrew J. Bodey
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Didcot OX11 0DE, Oxfordshire, UK; (A.J.B.); (K.W.)
| | - Kaz Wanelik
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Didcot OX11 0DE, Oxfordshire, UK; (A.J.B.); (K.W.)
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28
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Samvelyan HJ, Madi K, Törnqvist AE, Javaheri B, Staines KA. Characterisation of Growth Plate Dynamics in Murine Models of Osteoarthritis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:734988. [PMID: 34745003 PMCID: PMC8564143 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.734988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate growth plate dynamics in surgical and loading murine models of osteoarthritis, to understand whether abnormalities in these dynamics are associated with osteoarthritis development. 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice underwent destabilisation of medial meniscus (DMM) (n = 8) surgery in right knee joints. Contralateral left knee joints had no intervention (controls). In 16-week-old C57BL/6 male mice (n = 6), osteoarthritis was induced using non-invasive mechanical loading of right knee joints with peak force of 11N. Non-loaded left knee joints were internal controls. Chondrocyte transiency in tibial articular cartilage and growth plate was confirmed by histology and immunohistochemistry. Tibial subchondral bone parameters were measured using microCT and correlated to 3-dimensional (3D) growth plate bridging analysis. Higher expression of chondrocyte hypertrophy markers; Col10a1 and MMP13 were observed in tibial articular cartilage chondrocytes of DMM and loaded mice. In tibial growth plate, Col10a1 and MMP13 expressions were widely expressed in a significantly enlarged zone of proliferative and hypertrophic chondrocytes in DMM (p=0.002 and p<0.0001, respectively) and loaded (both p<0.0001) tibiae of mice compared to their controls. 3D quantification revealed enriched growth plate bridging and higher bridge densities in medial compared to lateral tibiae of DMM and loaded knee joints of the mice. Growth plate dynamics were associated with increased subchondral bone volume fraction (BV/TV; %) in medial tibiae of DMM and loaded knee joints and epiphyseal trabecular bone volume fraction in medial tibiae of loaded knee joints. The results confirm articular cartilage chondrocyte transiency in a surgical and loaded murine models of osteoarthritis. Herein, we reveal spatial variation of growth plate bridging in surgical and loaded osteoarthritis models and how these may contribute to anatomical variation in vulnerability of osteoarthritis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasmik J. Samvelyan
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Stress and Age-Related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
- The Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, School of Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Hasmik J. Samvelyan, orcid.org/0000-0001-9576-8001
| | - Kamel Madi
- 3Dmagination Ltd, Harwell Campus, Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Anna E. Törnqvist
- Rheumatology and Bone Diseases Unit, Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Medical Research Council (MRC) Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Behzad Javaheri
- School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, City University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine A. Staines
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Stress and Age-Related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
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29
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Zhang Y, Garrevoet J, Wang Y, Roeh JT, Terrill NJ, Falkenberg G, Dong Y, Gupta HS. Molecular to Macroscale Energy Absorption Mechanisms in Biological Body Armour Illuminated by Scanning X-ray Diffraction with In Situ Compression. ACS NANO 2020; 14:16535-16546. [PMID: 33034451 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c02879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Determining multiscale, concurrent strain, and deformation mechanisms in hierarchical biological materials is a crucial engineering goal, to understand structural optimization strategies in Nature. However, experimentally characterizing complex strain and displacement fields within a 3D hierarchical composite, in a multiscale full-field manner, is challenging. Here, we determined the in situ strains at the macro-, meso-, and molecular-levels in stomatopod cuticle simultaneously, by exploiting the anisotropy of the 3D fiber diffraction coupled with sample rotation. The results demonstrate the method, using the mineralized 3D α-chitin fiber networks as strain sensors, can capture submicrometer deformation of a single lamella (mesoscale), can extract strain information on multiple constituents concurrently, and shows that α-chitin fiber networks deform elastically while the surrounding matrix deforms plastically before systematic failure under compression. Further, the results demonstrate a molecular-level prestrain gradient in chitin fibers, resulting from different mineralization degrees in the exo- and endo cuticle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, 100049 Beijing, China
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Garrevoet
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Queen Mary University of London, Institute of Bioengineering and School of Engineering and Material Science, E1 4NS London, U.K
| | - Jan Torben Roeh
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicholas J Terrill
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0DE Harwell, U.K
| | | | - Yuhui Dong
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Himadri S Gupta
- Queen Mary University of London, Institute of Bioengineering and School of Engineering and Material Science, E1 4NS London, U.K
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30
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Tavana S, Clark JN, Newell N, Calder JD, Hansen U. In Vivo Deformation and Strain Measurements in Human Bone Using Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) and 3T Clinical MRI. MATERIALS 2020; 13:ma13235354. [PMID: 33255848 PMCID: PMC7728341 DOI: 10.3390/ma13235354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Strains within bone play an important role in the remodelling process and the mechanisms of fracture. The ability to assess these strains in vivo can provide clinically relevant information regarding bone health, injury risk, and can also be used to optimise treatments. In vivo bone strains have been investigated using multiple experimental techniques, but none have quantified 3D strains using non-invasive techniques. Digital volume correlation based on clinical MRI (DVC-MRI) is a non-invasive technique that has the potential to achieve this. However, before it can be implemented, uncertainties associated with the measurements must be quantified. Here, DVC-MRI was evaluated to assess its potential to measure in vivo strains in the talus. A zero-strain test (two repeated unloaded scans) was conducted using three MRI sequences, and three DVC approaches to quantify errors and to establish optimal settings. With optimal settings, strains could be measured with a precision of 200 με and accuracy of 480 με for a spatial resolution of 7.5 mm, and a precision of 133 με and accuracy of 251 με for a spatial resolution of 10 mm. These results demonstrate that this technique has the potential to measure relevant levels of in vivo bone strain and to be used for a range of clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Tavana
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (J.N.C.); (N.N.)
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (U.H.); Tel.: +44-(0)20-7594-7061 (U.H.)
| | - Jeffrey N. Clark
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (J.N.C.); (N.N.)
| | - Nicolas Newell
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (J.N.C.); (N.N.)
| | - James D. Calder
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
- Fortius Clinic, 17 Fitzhardinge St, London W1H 6EQ, UK
| | - Ulrich Hansen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (J.N.C.); (N.N.)
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (U.H.); Tel.: +44-(0)20-7594-7061 (U.H.)
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31
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Zanjani-Pour S, Giorgi M, Dall'Ara E. Development of Subject Specific Finite Element Models of the Mouse Knee Joint for Preclinical Applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:558815. [PMID: 33178671 PMCID: PMC7593650 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.558815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is the most common musculoskeletal disabling disease worldwide. Preclinical studies on mice are commonly performed to test new interventions. Finite element (FE) models can be used to study joint mechanics, but usually simplified geometries are used. The aim of this project was to create a realistic subject specific FE model of the mouse knee joint for the assessment of joint mechanical properties. Four different FE models of a C57Bl/6 female mouse knee joint were created based on micro-computed tomography images of specimens stained with phosphotungstic acid in order to include different features: individual cartilage layers with meniscus, individual cartilage layers without meniscus, homogeneous cartilage layers with two different thickness values, and homogeneous cartilage with same thickness for both condyles. They were all analyzed under compressive displacement and the cartilage contact pressure was compared at 0.3 N reaction force. Peak contact pressure in the femur cartilage was 25% lower in the model with subject specific cartilage compared to the simpler model with homogeneous cartilage. A much more homogeneous pressure distribution across the joint was observed in the model with meniscus, with cartilage peak pressure 5–34% lower in the two condyles compared to that with individual cartilage layers. In conclusion, modeling the meniscus and individual cartilage was found to affect the pressure distribution in the mouse knee joint under compressive load and should be included in realistic models for assessing the effect of interventions preclinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahand Zanjani-Pour
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Mellanby Center for Bone Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Insigneo Institute for in Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Mario Giorgi
- Insigneo Institute for in Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Certara Quantitative System Pharmacology, Certara UK Ltd., Simcyp Division, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico Dall'Ara
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Mellanby Center for Bone Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Insigneo Institute for in Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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32
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Clark JN, Heyraud A, Tavana S, Al-Jabri T, Tallia F, Clark B, Blunn GW, Cobb JP, Hansen U, Jones JR, Jeffers JRT. Exploratory Full-Field Mechanical Analysis across the Osteochondral Tissue-Biomaterial Interface in an Ovine Model. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E3911. [PMID: 32899671 PMCID: PMC7559087 DOI: 10.3390/ma13183911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Osteochondral injuries are increasingly prevalent, yet success in articular cartilage regeneration remains elusive, necessitating the development of new surgical interventions and novel medical devices. As part of device development, animal models are an important milestone in illustrating functionality of novel implants. Inspection of the tissue-biomaterial system is vital to understand and predict load-sharing capacity, fixation mechanics and micromotion, none of which are directly captured by traditional post-mortem techniques. This study aims to characterize the localised mechanics of an ex vivo ovine osteochondral tissue-biomaterial system extracted following six weeks in vivo testing, utilising laboratory micro-computed tomography, in situ loading and digital volume correlation. Herein, the full-field displacement and strain distributions were visualised across the interface of the system components, including newly formed tissue. The results from this exploratory study suggest that implant micromotion in respect to the surrounding tissue could be visualised in 3D across multiple loading steps. The methodology provides a non-destructive means to assess device performance holistically, informing device design to improve osteochondral regeneration strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey N. Clark
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (J.N.C.); (S.T.); (U.H.)
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (A.H.); (F.T.); (J.R.J.)
| | - Agathe Heyraud
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (A.H.); (F.T.); (J.R.J.)
| | - Saman Tavana
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (J.N.C.); (S.T.); (U.H.)
| | - Talal Al-Jabri
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (T.A.-J.); (J.P.C.)
| | - Francesca Tallia
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (A.H.); (F.T.); (J.R.J.)
| | - Brett Clark
- Imaging and Analysis Centre, Natural History Museum London, London SW7 5BD, UK;
| | - Gordon W. Blunn
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK;
| | - Justin P. Cobb
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (T.A.-J.); (J.P.C.)
| | - Ulrich Hansen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (J.N.C.); (S.T.); (U.H.)
| | - Julian R. Jones
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (A.H.); (F.T.); (J.R.J.)
| | - Jonathan R. T. Jeffers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (J.N.C.); (S.T.); (U.H.)
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Clark JN, Tavana S, Heyraud A, Tallia F, Jones JR, Hansen U, Jeffers JRT. Quantifying 3D Strain in Scaffold Implants for Regenerative Medicine. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E3890. [PMID: 32899192 PMCID: PMC7504351 DOI: 10.3390/ma13173890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine solutions require thoughtful design to elicit the intended biological response. This includes the biomechanical stimulus to generate an appropriate strain in the scaffold and surrounding tissue to drive cell lineage to the desired tissue. To provide appropriate strain on a local level, new generations of scaffolds often involve anisotropic spatially graded mechanical properties that cannot be characterised with traditional materials testing equipment. Volumetric examination is possible with three-dimensional (3D) imaging, in situ loading and digital volume correlation (DVC). Micro-CT and DVC were utilised in this study on two sizes of 3D-printed inorganic/organic hybrid scaffolds (n = 2 and n = 4) with a repeating homogenous structure intended for cartilage regeneration. Deformation was observed with a spatial resolution of under 200 µm whilst maintaining displacement random errors of 0.97 µm, strain systematic errors of 0.17% and strain random errors of 0.031%. Digital image correlation (DIC) provided an analysis of the external surfaces whilst DVC enabled localised strain concentrations to be examined throughout the full 3D volume. Strain values derived using DVC correlated well against manually calculated ground-truth measurements (R2 = 0.98, n = 8). The technique ensures the full 3D micro-mechanical environment experienced by cells is intimately considered, enabling future studies to further examine scaffold designs for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey N. Clark
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (J.N.C.); (S.T.); (U.H.)
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (A.H.); (F.T.); (J.R.J.)
| | - Saman Tavana
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (J.N.C.); (S.T.); (U.H.)
| | - Agathe Heyraud
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (A.H.); (F.T.); (J.R.J.)
| | - Francesca Tallia
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (A.H.); (F.T.); (J.R.J.)
| | - Julian R. Jones
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (A.H.); (F.T.); (J.R.J.)
| | - Ulrich Hansen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (J.N.C.); (S.T.); (U.H.)
| | - Jonathan R. T. Jeffers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (J.N.C.); (S.T.); (U.H.)
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Tozzi G, Peña Fernández M, Davis S, Karali A, Kao AP, Blunn G. Full-Field Strain Uncertainties and Residuals at the Cartilage-Bone Interface in Unstained Tissues Using Propagation-Based Phase-Contrast XCT and Digital Volume Correlation. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E2579. [PMID: 32516970 PMCID: PMC7321571 DOI: 10.3390/ma13112579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A deeper understanding of the cartilage-bone mechanics is fundamental to unravel onset and progression of osteoarthritis, enabling better diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study is therefore to explore the capability of X-ray computed (XCT) phase-contrast imaging in a lab-based system to enable digital volume correlation (DVC) measurements of unstained cartilage-bone plugs from healthy adult bovines. DVC strain uncertainties were computed for both articular cartilage and mineralized tissue (calcified cartilage and subchondral bone) in the specimens at increasing propagation distances, ranging from absorption up to four times (4× such effective distance. In addition, a process of dehydration and rehydration was proposed to improve feature recognition in XCT of articular cartilage and mechanical properties of this tissue during the process were assessed via micromechanical probing (indentation), which was also used to determine the effect of long X-ray exposure. Finally, full-field strain from DVC was computed to quantify residual strain distribution at the cartilage-bone interface following unconfined compression test (ex situ). It was found that enhanced gray-scale feature recognition at the cartilage-bone interface was achieved using phase-contrast, resulting in reduced DVC strain uncertainties compared to absorption. Residual strains up to ~7000 µε in the articular cartilage were transferred to subchondral bone via the calcified cartilage and micromechanics revealed the predominant effect of long phase-contrast X-ray exposure in reducing both stiffness and hardness of the articular cartilage. The results of this study will pave the way for further development and refinement of the techniques, improving XCT-based strain measurements in cartilage-bone and other soft-hard tissue interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Tozzi
- Zeiss Global Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 3DJ, UK; (M.P.F.); (A.K.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Marta Peña Fernández
- Zeiss Global Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 3DJ, UK; (M.P.F.); (A.K.); (A.P.K.)
- School of Engineering Sciences, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sarah Davis
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK; (S.D.); (G.B.)
| | - Aikaterina Karali
- Zeiss Global Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 3DJ, UK; (M.P.F.); (A.K.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Alexander Peter Kao
- Zeiss Global Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 3DJ, UK; (M.P.F.); (A.K.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Gordon Blunn
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK; (S.D.); (G.B.)
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