Spatially patterned gene delivery for localized neuron survival and neurite extension

Towards systems tissue engineering: Elucidating the dynamics, spatial coordination, and individual cells driving emergent behaviors

Biomaterial systems have enabled the in vitro production of complex, emergent tissue behaviors that were not possible with conventional two-dimensional culture systems, allowing for analysis of both normal development and disease processes. We propose that the path towards developing the design parameters for biomaterial systems lies with identifying the molecular drivers of emergent behavior through leveraging technological advances in systems biology, including single cell omics, genetic engineering, and high content imaging. This growing research opportunity at the intersection of the fields of tissue engineering and systems biology - systems tissue engineering - can uniquely interrogate the mechanisms by which complex tissue behaviors emerge with the potential to capture the contribution of i) dynamic regulation of tissue development and dysregulation, ii) single cell heterogeneity and the function of rare cell types, and iii) the spatial distribution and structure of individual cells and cell types within a tissue. By leveraging advances in both biological and materials data science, systems tissue engineering can facilitate the identification of biomaterial design parameters that will accelerate basic science discovery and translation.

Screening a chemically defined extracellular matrix mimetic substrate library to identify substrates that enhance substrate-mediated transfection

Nonviral gene delivery, though limited by inefficiency, has extensive utility in cell therapy, tissue engineering, and diagnostics. Substrate-mediated gene delivery (SMD) increases efficiency and allows transfection at a cell-biomaterial interface, by immobilizing and concentrating nucleic acid complexes on a surface. Efficient SMD generally requires substrates to be coated with serum or other protein coatings to mediate nucleic acid complex immobilization, as well as cell adhesion and growth; however, this strategy limits reproducibility and may be difficult to translate for clinical applications. As an alternative, we screened a chemically defined combinatorial library of 20 different extracellular matrix mimetic substrates containing combinations of (1) different sulfated polysaccharides that are essential extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), with (2) mimetic peptides derived from adhesion proteins, growth factors, and cell-penetrating domains, for use as SMD coatings. We identified optimal substrates for DNA lipoplex and polyplex SMD transfection of fibroblasts and human mesenchymal stem cells. Optimal extracellular matrix mimetic substrates varied between cell type, donor source, and transfection reagent, but typically contained Heparin GAG and an adhesion peptide. Multiple substrates significantly increased transgene expression (i.e. 2- to 20-fold) over standard protein coatings. Considering previous research of similar ligands, we hypothesize extracellular matrix mimetic substrates modulate cell adhesion, proliferation, and survival, as well as plasmid internalization and trafficking. Our results demonstrate the utility of screening combinatorial extracellular matrix mimetic substrates for optimal SMD transfection towards application- and patient-specific technologies.

Impact statement

Substrate-mediated gene delivery (SMD) approaches have potential for modification of cells in applications where a cell-material interface exists. Conventional SMD uses ill-defined serum or protein coatings to facilitate immobilization of nucleic acid complexes, cell attachment, and subsequent transfection, which limits reproducibility and clinical utility. As an alternative, we screened a defined library of extracellular matrix mimetic substrates containing combinations of different glycosaminoglycans and bioactive peptides to identify optimal substrates for SMD transfection of fibroblasts and human mesenchymal stem cells. This strategy could be utilized to develop substrates for specific SMD applications in which variability exists between different cell types and patient samples.

Morphometric and computational assessments to evaluate neuron survival and maturation within compartmentalized microfluidic devices: The influence of design variation on diffusion-driven nutrient transport

Burgeoning use of segregated microfluidic platforms that parse somas and neurites into discrete compartments is fueling unique examinations of neuronal structure and physiology in a manner impossible to achieve with non-compartmentalized systems. However, even though this line of axon-soma polarizing microfluidic devices stems from the same general design of a Campenot chamber set-up, slight deviations in device geometry appear to induce vastly different nutrient transport profiles that influence neuron survival and maturation. Here we examine the uptake of nerve growth factor (NGF) by a pheochromocytoma PC12 cell line cultured using two Campenot-like device designs, a "Standard" layout, representative of a commercial device, and a custom "Notch" layout, predicted to encourage more efficient nutrient transfer that gives rise to sustained neuron viability and extensive neurite elaboration. Exploiting in vitro culture schemes coupled with computational analyses, we identify the influence of device design geometry on the interplay between neuronal survival and maturation, gauged from morphometric assessments and the spatiotemporal distribution of NGF. Computer simulations of NGF transport within the devices revealed that the microfluidic neuron culture system is highly sensitive to change, where nutrient transport is intricately linked to device geometry and cell plating density, and premature depletion of nutrients is observed if specific design criteria are not met. This study underscores the importance of validating specific device geometries for a particular neuro-based assessment, while showcasing computational modeling as a powerful tool to achieve this goal.

Surface- and Hydrogel-Mediated Delivery of Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles

Gene expression within a cell population can be directly altered through gene delivery approaches. Traditionally for nonviral delivery, plasmids or siRNA molecules, encoding or targeting the gene of interest, are packaged within nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are then delivered to the media surrounding cells seeded onto tissue culture plastic; this technique is termed bolus delivery. Although bolus delivery is widely utilized to screen for efficient delivery vehicles and to study gene function in vitro, this delivery strategy may not result in efficient gene transfer for all cell types or may not identify those delivery vehicles that will be efficient in vivo. Furthermore, bolus delivery cannot be used in applications where patterning of gene expression is needed. In this chapter, we describe methods that incorporate material surfaces (i.e., surface-mediated delivery) or hydrogel scaffolds (i.e., hydrogel-mediated delivery) to efficiently deliver genes. This chapter includes protocols for surface-mediated DNA delivery focusing on the simplest and most effective methods, which include nonspecific immobilization of DNA complexes (both polymer and lipid vectors) onto serum-coated cell culture polystyrene and self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols on gold. Also, protocols for the encapsulation of DNA/cationic polymer nanoparticles into hydrogel scaffolds are described, including methods for the encapsulation of low amounts of DNA (<0.2 μg/μl) and high amounts of DNA (>0.2 μg/μl) since incorporation of high amounts of DNA pose significant challenges due to aggregation.

Functionalization of microparticles with mineral coatings enhances non-viral transfection of primary human cells

Gene delivery to primary human cells is a technology of critical interest to both life science research and therapeutic applications. However, poor efficiencies in gene transfer and undesirable safety profiles remain key limitations in advancing this technology. Here, we describe a materials-based approach whereby application of a bioresorbable mineral coating improves microparticle-based transfection of plasmid DNA lipoplexes in several primary human cell types. In the presence of these mineral-coated microparticles (MCMs), we observed up to 4-fold increases in transfection efficiency with simultaneous reductions in cytotoxicity. We identified mechanisms by which MCMs improve transfection, as well as coating compositions that improve transfection in three-dimensional cell constructs. The approach afforded efficient transfection in primary human fibroblasts as well as mesenchymal and embryonic stem cells for both two- and three-dimensional transfection strategies. This MCM-based transfection is an advancement in gene delivery technology, as it represents a non-viral approach that enables highly efficient, localized transfection and allows for transfection of three-dimensional cell constructs.

Gene delivery strategies to promote spinal cord repair

Gene therapies hold great promise for the treatment of many neurodegenerative disorders and traumatic injuries in the central nervous system. However, development of effective methods to deliver such therapies in a controlled manner to the spinal cord is a necessity for their translation to the clinic. Although essential progress has been made to improve efficiency of transgene delivery and reduce the immunogenicity of genetic vectors, there is still much work to be done to achieve clinical strategies capable of reversing neurodegeneration and mediating tissue regeneration. In particular, strategies to achieve localized, robust expression of therapeutic transgenes by target cell types, at controlled levels over defined time periods, will be necessary to fully regenerate functional spinal cord tissues. This review summarizes the progress over the last decade toward the development of effective gene therapies in the spinal cord, including identification of appropriate target genes, improvements to design of genetic vectors, advances in delivery methods, and strategies for delivery of multiple transgenes with synergistic actions. The potential of biomaterials to mediate gene delivery while simultaneously providing inductive scaffolding to facilitate tissue regeneration is also discussed.

Magnetically deliverable calcium phosphate nanoparticles for localized gene expression

Iron oxide doped tricalcium phosphate nanoparticles can be used to achieve a spatially controlled green fluorescent gene delivery without using potentially cytotoxic agents.

Electrospun nanofibers as versatile interfaces for efficient gene delivery

The integration of gene delivery technologies with electrospun nanofibers is a versatile strategy to increase the potential of gene therapy as a key platform technology that can be readily utilized for numerous biomedical applications, including cancer therapy, stem cell therapy, and tissue engineering. As a spatial template for gene delivery, electrospun nanofibers possess highly advantageous characteristics, such as their ease of production, their ECM-analogue nature, the broad range of choices for materials, the feasibility of producing structures with varied physical and chemical properties, and their large surface-to-volume ratios. Thus, electrospun fiber-mediated gene delivery exhibits a great capacity to modulate the spatial and temporal release kinetics of gene vectors and enhance gene delivery efficiency. This review discusses the powerful characteristics of electrospun nanofibers, which can function as spatial interfaces capable of promoting controlled and efficient gene delivery.

Spatial control of cell transfection using soluble or solid-phase redox agents and a redox-active ferrocenyl lipid

We report principles for active, user-defined control over the locations and timing with which DNA is expressed in cells. Our approach exploits unique properties of a ferrocenyl cationic lipid that is inactive when oxidized, but active when chemically reduced. We show that methods that exert spatial control over the administration of reducing agents can lead to local activation of lipoplexes and spatial control over gene expression. The versatility of this approach is demonstrated using both soluble and solid-phase reducing agents. These methods provide control over cell transfection, including methods for remote activation and the patterning of expression using solid-phase redox agents, that are difficult to achieve using conventional lipoplexes.

Surface- and hydrogel-mediated delivery of nucleic acid nanoparticles

Gene expression within a cell population can be directly altered through gene delivery approaches. Traditionally for nonviral delivery, plasmids or siRNA molecules, encoding or targeting the gene of interest, are packaged within nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are then delivered to the media surrounding cells seeded onto tissue culture plastic; this technique is termed bolus delivery. Although bolus delivery is widely utilized to screen for efficient delivery vehicles and to study gene function in vitro, this delivery strategy may not result in efficient gene transfer for all cell types or may not identify those delivery vehicles that will be efficient in vivo. Furthermore, bolus delivery cannot be used in applications where patterning of gene expression is needed. In this chapter, we describe methods that incorporate material surfaces (i.e., surface-mediated delivery) or hydrogel scaffolds (i.e., hydrogel-mediated delivery) to efficiently deliver genes. This chapter includes protocols for surface-mediated DNA delivery focusing on the simplest and most effective methods, which include nonspecific immobilization of DNA complexes (both polymer and lipid vectors) onto serum-coated cell culture polystyrene and self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols on gold. Also, protocols for the encapsulation of DNA/cationic polymer nanoparticles into hydrogel scaffolds are described, including methods for the encapsulation of low amounts of DNA (<0.2 μg/μL) and high amounts of DNA (>0.2 μg/μL) since incorporation of high amounts of DNA poses significant challenges due to aggregation.

Combining topographical and genetic cues to promote neuronal fate specification in stem cells

There is little remedy for the devastating effects resulting from neuronal loss caused by neural injury or neurodegenerative disease. Reconstruction of damaged neural circuitry with stem cell-derived neurons is a promising approach to repair these defects, but controlling differentiation and guiding synaptic integration with existing neurons remain significant unmet challenges. Biomaterial surfaces can present nanoscale topographical cues that influence neuronal differentiation and process outgrowth. By combining these scaffolds with additional molecular biology strategies, synergistic control over cell fate can be achieved. Here, we review recent progress in promoting neuronal fate using techniques at the interface of biomaterial science and genetic engineering. New data demonstrates that combining nanofiber topography with an induced genetic program enhances neuritogenesis in a synergistic fashion. We propose combining patterned biomaterial surface cues with prescribed genetic programs to achieve neuronal cell fates with the desired sublineage specification, neurochemical profile, targeted integration, and electrophysiological properties.

The identity of the cell adhesive protein substrate affects the efficiency of adeno-associated virus reverse transduction

Delivering genes from surfaces, called substrate-mediated gene delivery or reverse transduction, is a useful method to achieve spatial localization of gene delivery. We tested the compatibility of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors with various cell adhesive proteins to mediate gene delivery from surfaces. Our studies demonstrate that AAV vectors can be successfully adsorbed on collagen I, elastin, and laminin substrates leading to robust gene delivery to overlying cells. Notably, AAV immobilization on laminin yields the highest efficiency of gene expression. This increased gene expression cannot be explained by increases in the levels of virus deposition, transcriptional activity of cells, or virus vector uptake into cells. Further refinement of our knowledge of AAV interactions with extracellular matrix proteins may have important implications in a variety of applications ranging from tissue engineering to in vivo gene therapy.

Hydrogel design for supporting neurite outgrowth and promoting gene delivery to maximize neurite extension

Hydrogels capable of gene delivery provide a combinatorial approach for nerve regeneration, with the hydrogel supporting neurite outgrowth and gene delivery inducing the expression of inductive factors. This report investigates the design of hydrogels that balance the requirements for supporting neurite growth with those requirements for promoting gene delivery. Enzymatically-degradable PEG hydrogels encapsulating dorsal root ganglia explants, fibroblasts, and lipoplexes encoding nerve growth factor were gelled within channels that can physically guide neurite outgrowth. Transfection of fibroblasts increased with increasing concentration of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) cell adhesion sites and decreasing PEG content. The neurite length increased with increasing RGD concentration within 10% PEG hydrogels, yet was maximal within 7.5% PEG hydrogels at intermediate RGD levels. Delivering lipoplexes within the gel produced longer neurites than culture in NGF-supplemented media or co-culture with cells exposed to DNA prior to encapsulation. Hydrogels designed to support neurite outgrowth and deliver gene therapy vectors locally may ultimately be employed to address multiple barriers that limit regeneration.

Engineering biomaterial systems to enhance viral vector gene delivery

Integrating viral gene delivery with engineered biomaterials is a promising strategy to overcome a number of challenges associated with virus-mediated gene delivery, including inefficient delivery to specific cell types, limited tropism, spread of vectors to distant sites, and immune responses. Viral vectors can be combined with biomaterials either through encapsulation within the material or immobilization onto a material surface. Subsequent biomaterial-based delivery can increase the vector's residence time within the target site, thereby potentially providing localized delivery, enhancing transduction, and extending the duration of gene expression. Alternatively, physical or chemical modification of viral vectors with biomaterials can be employed to modulate the tropism of viruses or reduce inflammatory and immune responses, both of which may benefit transduction. This review describes strategies to promote viral gene delivery technologies using biomaterials, potentially providing opportunities for numerous applications of gene therapy to inherited or acquired disorders, infectious disease, and regenerative medicine.

A temporal gene delivery system based on fibrin microspheres

Combining complementary nonviral gene delivery vehicles such as tissue engineering scaffolds and liposomes not only is a promising avenue for development of safe and effective gene delivery system but also provides an opportunity to design dynamic extended release systems with spatiotemporal control. However, the DNA loading capacity of scaffolds such as fibrin is limited. Fibrin microspheres carrying DNA complexes can be utilized to extend the capacity of fibrin scaffold. Here, in a proof of concept study, the feasibility of fibrin microspheres for extending gene delivery capacity is described. Toward this goal, fibrin microspheres encapsulating lipoplexes were fabricated. The structural and functional integrity of DNA was assessed respectively by gel electrophoresis and an in vivo pilot study, using endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) as a model therapeutic gene in a rabbit ear ulcer model of compromised wound healing. The results confirmed structural integrity and successful delivery and functional integrity, assessed qualitatively by angiogenic effect of eNOS. Finally, as a step toward development of a "fibrin in fibrin" temporal release system, fibrin microspheres were shown to degrade and release DNA differentially compared to fibrin scaffold. It can thus be concluded that fibrin microspheres can be utilized for gene delivery to extend the capacity of a fibrin scaffold and can form a component of a "fibrin in fibrin" temporal release system.

Microfluidic devices for bioapplications

Harnessing the ability to precisely and reproducibly actuate fluids and manipulate bioparticles such as DNA, cells, and molecules at the microscale, microfluidics is a powerful tool that is currently revolutionizing chemical and biological analysis by replicating laboratory bench-top technology on a miniature chip-scale device, thus allowing assays to be carried out at a fraction of the time and cost while affording portability and field-use capability. Emerging from a decade of research and development in microfluidic technology are a wide range of promising laboratory and consumer biotechnological applications from microscale genetic and proteomic analysis kits, cell culture and manipulation platforms, biosensors, and pathogen detection systems to point-of-care diagnostic devices, high-throughput combinatorial drug screening platforms, schemes for targeted drug delivery and advanced therapeutics, and novel biomaterials synthesis for tissue engineering. The developments associated with these technological advances along with their respective applications to date are reviewed from a broad perspective and possible future directions that could arise from the current state of the art are discussed.

Localized cell uptake of His-tagged polyplexes immobilized on NTA self-assembled monolayers

A new method to study substrate-mediated gene delivery was developed using a hexahistidine-tagged polymeric gene delivery vehicle (His-tagged polyplex) and nickel nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold surfaces. The His-tagged polyplexes showed specific interaction with Ni-NTA surfaces compared to control surfaces, with increasing NTA content in SAM formulations corresponding to increasing amounts of immobilized His-tagged polypexes on the surface. Cells seeded on NTA SAMs demonstrated uptake of His-tagged polyplexes in the presence of imidazole and EDTA with low cytotoxicity. Cells seeded on NTA SAMs without imidazole and EDTA showed minimal a amount of His-tagged polyplex uptake. This showed that the release of polyplexes from the surface by imidazole and EDTA was necessary for cell uptake. Thus, this system provides potential spatial specificity for polyplex delivery controlled by location of NTA surfaces and temporal specificity for polyplex delivery controlled by the addition of imidazole and EDTA.

Patterned transgene expression in multiple-channel bridges after spinal cord injury

Patterning of gene delivery on sub-millimeter length scales within tissue engineering scaffolds is fundamental to recreating the complex architectures of tissues. Surface-mediated delivery of lipoplexes mixed with fibronectin was investigated to pattern vectors within 250 microm channels in poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) bridges. Initial studies performed in vitro on PLG surfaces indicated that a DNA density of 0.07 microg mm(-2) inside each channel with a weight ratio of DNA to fibronectin of 1:20 maximized the number of transfected cells and the levels of transgene expression. Patterned vectors encoding for nerve growth factor (NGF) resulted in localized neurite extension within the channel. Translation to three-dimensional multiple-channel bridges enabled patterned transfection of different vectors throughout the channels for DNA:fibronectin ratios of 1:4 and multiple DNA depositions, with a large increase of neural cell bodies and neurite extension for delivery of DNA encoding for NGF. In vivo, the immobilization of non-viral vectors within the channels resulted in localized transfection within the pore structure of the bridge immediately around the channels of the bridge containing DNA. This surface immobilization strategy enables patterned gene delivery in vitro and in vivo on length scales of hundreds of microns and may find utility in strategies aimed at regenerating tissues with complex architectures.

A microfluidic platform for complete mammalian cell culture

We introduce the first lab-on-a-chip platform for complete mammalian cell culture. The new method is powered by digital microfluidics (DMF), a technique in which nanolitre-sized droplets are manipulated on an open surface of an array of electrodes. This is the first application of DMF to adherent cell culture and analysis, and more importantly, represents the first microfluidic platform capable of implementing all of the steps required for mammalian cell culture-cell seeding, growth, detachment, and re-seeding on a fresh surface. Three key innovations were required to implement complete cell culture on a microfluidic device: (1) a technique for growing cells on patterned islands (or "adhesion pads") positioned on an array of DMF actuation electrodes; (2) a method for rapidly and efficiently exchanging media and other reagents on cells grown on adhesion pads; and (3) a system capable of detachment and collection of cells from an (old) origin site and delivery to a (new) destination site for subculture. The new technique was applied to cells from several different lines which were seeded and repeatedly subcultured for weeks at a time in 150 nL droplets. Cells handled in this manner exhibited growth characteristics and morphology comparable to those cultured in standard tissue culture vessels. To illustrate an application for this system, a microfluidic method was developed to implement transient transfection-we propose that the combination of this technique with multigenerational culture allows for "on-demand" generation of transiently transfected cells. Broadly, we anticipate that the automated cell microculture technique presented here will be useful in myriad applications that would benefit from automated mammalian cell culture.

Non-viral gene delivery transfection profiles influence neuronal architecture in an in vitro co-culture model

Gene delivery from tissue engineering scaffolds can induce expression of tissue inductive factors to stimulate the cellular processes required for regeneration. Transfected cells secrete diffusible proteins that can create local concentration gradients, depending on the number, distribution, and expression level of transfected cells. These gradients are linked to cellular organization and tissue architecture during embryogenesis. In this report, we investigate neuronal architecture and neurite guidance in response to the concentration gradients achieved by localized secretion of a neurotrophic factor from transfected cells. A co-culture model was employed to examine neuronal responses to multiple transfection profiles, which affects the local concentration of secreted nerve growth factor (NGF). Neuronal architecture, as defined by number of neurites per neuron and length of neurites, was influenced by the transfection profile. Low levels of NGF production by few transfected cells produced longer primary neurites with less branching relative to the higher expression levels or increased numbers of transfected cells. Furthermore, for low NGF production by few transfected cells, the growth cone of the axons was marked by longer extensions and larger surface area, suggesting the presence of a guidance cue. Control studies with varying NGF concentrations did not substantially alter the neuronal architecture, further supporting an effect of localized concentration gradients, and not simply the concentration. Mathematical modeling of NGF diffusion was employed to predict the concentration gradients produced by the transfection profiles, and the resultant gradients were correlated to the cellular response. This report connects the transfection profile, concentration gradients, and the resulting cellular architecture, suggesting a critical design consideration for the application of gene delivery to regenerative medicine.

Multilayer mediated forward and patterned siRNA transfection using linear-PEI at extended N/P ratios

Gene delivery from a substrate depends, in part, on the vector-nucleic acid complex that is bound to the surface and the cell adhesive properties of the surface. Here, we present a method to deliver patterns of small interfering RNA (siRNA) that capitalize on a forward transfection method (transfection by introducing siRNA transfection reagent complexes onto plated cells); herein denoted as multilayer mediated forward transfection (MFT). This method separates the substrate-mediated delivery from the cell adhesive properties of the surface. pH responsive layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled multilayers were used as the delivery platform and microcontact printing technique (microCP) was used to pattern nanoparticles of transfection reagent-siRNA complexes onto degradable multilayers. Efficient MFT depend on optimal formulation of the nanoparticles. 25 kDa linear polyethylenimine (LPEI) was optimized as the siRNA transfection reagent for normal forward transfection (NFT) of the nanoparticles. A broad range of LPEI-siRNA nitrogen/phosphate (N/P) ratios (ranging from 5 to 90) was evaluated for the relative amounts of siRNA incorporated into the nanoparticles, nanoparticle size and NFT efficiencies. All the siRNA was incorporated into the nanoparticles at N/P ratio near 90. Increasing the amount of siRNA incorporated into the nanoparticles, with increasing N/P ratio correlated with a linear blue shift in the ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) absorbance spectrum of the LPEI-siRNA nanoparticles. NFT efficiency greater than 80% was achieved with minimal cytotoxicity at N/P ratio of 30 and siRNA concentration of 200 nM. Similarly, MFT efficiency 60% was achieved for LPEI-siRNA nanoparticles at N/P ratios greater than 30.

Spatially patterned gene expression for guided neurite extension

Axon pathfinding by localized expression of guidance molecules is critical for the proper development of the nervous system. In this report, we present a well-defined spatially patterned gene expression system to investigate neurite guidance in vitro. Nonviral gene delivery was patterned by combining substrate-mediated gene delivery with soft lithography techniques, and the amount of protein produced at the region of localized expression was varied by altering the vector concentration and the width of the pattern, highlighting the flexibility of the system. A neuronal coculture model was used to investigate responses to spatial patterns of nerve growth factor (NGF) expression. The soluble NGF gradient elicited a guidance cue, and the degree of guidance was governed by the distance a neuron was cultured from the pattern and the time between accessory cell and neuron seedings. A portion of the diffusible NGF bound to the culture surface in the extracellular space, and the surface-associated NGF supported neuron survival and neurite outgrowth. However, the surface-bound NGF gradient alone did not elicit a guidance signal, and in fact masked the guidance cue by soluble NGF gradients. Mathematical modeling of NGF diffusion was used to predict the concentration gradients, and both the absolute and fractional gradients capable of guiding neurites produced by patterned gene expression differed substantially from the values obtained with existing engineered protein gradients. Spatially patterned gene expression provides a versatile tool to investigate the factors that may promote neurite guidance.

Fibrin hydrogels for non-viral vector delivery in vitro

Fibrin based hydrogels have been employed in vitro as a scaffold to promote tissue formation and investigate underlying molecular mechanisms. These hydrogels support a variety of cellular processes, and are being developed to enhance the presentation of biological cues, or to tailor the biological cues for specific tissues. The presentation of these cues could alternatively be enhanced through gene delivery, which can be employed to induce the expression of tissue inductive factors in the local environment. This report investigates gene delivery within fibrin hydrogels for two in vitro models of tissue growth: i) cell encapsulation within and ii) cell seeding onto the hydrogel. Naked plasmid and lipoplexes can be efficiently entrapped within the hydrogel, and after 1 day in solution more than 70% of the entrapped DNA is retained within the gel, with a sustained release observed for at least 19 days. Encapsulated lipoplexes did not aggregate and retain their original size. Transgene expression in vitro by delivery of lipoplexes was a function of the fibrinogen and DNA concentration. For encapsulated cells, all cells had intracellular plasmid and transgene expression persisted for at least 10 days, with maximal levels achieved at day 1. For cell infiltration, expression levels were less than those observed for encapsulation, and expression increased throughout the culture period. The increasing expression levels suggest that lipoplexes retain their activity after encapsulation; however, interactions between fibrin and the lipoplexes likely limit internalization. The inclusion of non-viral vectors into fibrin-based hydrogels can be employed to induce transgene expression of encapsulated and infiltrating cells, and may be employed with in vitro models of tissue growth to augment the intrinsic bioactivity of fibrin.

Local gene delivery from ECM-coated poly(lactide-co-glycolide) multiple channel bridges after spinal cord injury

Tissue engineering scaffolds with complex geometries can provide an architecture that directs tissue formation. Drug delivery from these scaffolds to promote regeneration is often challenging due to the complex fabrication processes. Surface-mediated DNA delivery from multiple channel bridges was applied to deliver lipoplexes in vivo to the injured spinal cord. The surface properties of the polymer, DNA deposition with or without drying, and the presence of ECM components were investigated. In vitro studies revealed that fibronectin produced greater expression levels and immobilization efficiencies compared with collagen, laminin, and no coating. In addition, lipoplex incubation on ECM-coated PLG increased expression relative to either of the drying methods. Additionally, the incubation method had more homogeneously distributed lipoplexes and a higher number of transfected cells relative to the dried conditions. Translation to three-dimensional bridges led to high levels of transgene expression in vitro. In vivo, lipoplexes immobilized to the bridge produced transgene expression levels in a rat spinal cord hemisection model that were 2-fold greater than naked plasmid. Additionally, expression with lipoplexes persisted for at least three weeks. Surface-mediated delivery can be applied to scaffolds with complex geometries to promote transgene expression in vivo.

Plasmid releasing multiple channel bridges for transgene expression after spinal cord injury

The regeneration of tissues with complex architectures requires strategies that promote the appropriate cellular processes, and can direct their organization. Plasmid-loaded multiple channel bridges were engineered for spinal cord regeneration with the ability to support and direct cellular processes and promote gene transfer at the injury site. The bridges were manufactured with a gas foaming technique, and had multiple channels with controllable diameter and encapsulated plasmid. Initial studies investigating bridge implantation subcutaneously (SC) indicated transgene expression in vivo for 44 days, with gene expression dependent upon the pore size of the bridge. In the rat spinal cord, bridges implanted into a lateral hemisection supported substantial cell infiltration, aligned cells within the channels, axon growth across the channels, and high levels of transgene expression at the implant site with decreasing levels rostral and caudal. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the transfected cells at the implant site were present in both the pores and channels of the bridge and were mainly identified as Schwann cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages, in descending order of transfection. This synergy between gene delivery and the scaffold architecture may enable the engineering of tissues with complex architectures.

Pluronic additives: a solution to sticky problems in digital microfluidics

Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a promising technique for carrying out miniaturized, automated biochemical assays in which discrete droplets of reagents are actuated on the surface of an array of electrodes. A limitation for DMF is nonspecific protein adsorption to device surfaces, which interferes with assay fidelity and can cause droplets to become unmovable. Here, we report the results of a quantitative analysis of protein adsorption on DMF devices by means of confocal microscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry. This study led us to a simple and effective method for limiting the extent of protein adsorption: the use of low concentrations of Pluronic F127 as a solution additive. This strategy has a transformative effect on digital microfluidics, facilitating the actuation of droplets containing greater than 1000-fold higher protein concentrations than is possible without the additive. To illustrate the benefits of this new method, we implemented a DMF-driven protein digest assay using large concentrations (1 mg/mL) of protein-substrate. The use of Pluronic additives solves a sticky problem in DMF, which greatly expands the range of applications that are compatible with this promising technology.

Surface polyethylene glycol enhances substrate-mediated gene delivery by nonspecifically immobilized complexes

Substrate-mediated gene delivery describes the immobilization of gene therapy vectors to a biomaterial, which enhances gene transfer by exposing adhered cells to elevated DNA concentrations within the local microenvironment. Surface chemistry has been shown to affect transfection by nonspecifically immobilized complexes using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols on gold. In this report, SAMs were again used to provide a controlled surface to investigate whether the presence of oligo(ethylene glycol) (EG) groups in a SAM could affect complex morphology and enhance transfection. EG groups were included at percentages that did not affect cell adhesion. Nonspecific complex immobilization to SAMs containing combinations of EG- and carboxylic acid-terminated alkanethiols resulted in substantially greater transfection than surfaces containing no EG groups or SAMs composed of EG groups combined with other functional groups. Enhancement in transfection levels could not be attributed to complex binding densities or release profiles. Atomic force microscopy imaging of immobilized complexes revealed that EG groups within SAMs affected complex size and appearance and could indicate the ability of these surfaces to preserve complex morphology upon binding. The ability to control the morphology of the immobilized complexes and influence transfection levels through surface chemistry could be translated to scaffolds for gene delivery in tissue engineering and diagnostic applications.

Gene expression and internalization following vector adsorption to immobilized proteins: dependence on protein identity and density

BACKGROUND

Gene delivery by non-specific adsorption of non-viral vectors to protein-coated surfaces can reduce the amount of DNA required, and also increase transgene expression and the number of cells expressing the transgene. The protein on the surface mediates cell adhesion and vector immobilization, and functions to colocalize the two to enhance gene delivery. This report investigates the mechanism and specificity by which the protein coating enhances gene transfer, and determines if the protein coating targets the vector for internalization by a specific pathway.

METHODS

Proteins (FBS, BSA, fibronectin, collagen I, and laminin) were dried onto culture dishes, followed by PEI/DNA complex adsorption for surface delivery. Reporter genes were employed to characterize transfection as a function of the protein identity and density. Vector immobilization was measured using radiolabeled plasmid, and internalization was quantified in the presence and absence of the endocytosis inhibitors chlorpromazine and genistein.

RESULTS

Fibronectin coating yielded the greatest expression for PEI/DNA polyplexes, with maximal expression at intermediate protein densities. Expression in control studies with bolus delivery was independent of the protein identity. Substrate binding was independent of the protein identity; however, internalization was greatest on surfaces coated with fibronectin and collagen I. Inhibition of caveolae-mediated endocytosis reduced gene expression more than clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Similarly, inhibition of caveolae-mediated endocytosis significantly reduced the intracellular levels of DNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Fibronectin at intermediate densities mediated the highest levels of transgene expression, potentially by targeting internalization through caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Substrate modifications, such as the identity and density of proteins, provide an opportunity for modification of biomaterials for enhancing gene expression.

Biomaterial-mediated retroviral gene transfer using self-assembled monolayers

Biomaterial-mediated gene delivery has recently emerged as a promising alternative to conventional gene transfer technologies that focus on direct delivery of viral vectors or DNA-polymer/matrix complexes. However, biomaterial-based strategies have primarily targeted transient gene expression vehicles, including plasmid DNA and adenovirus particles. This study expands on this work by characterizing biomaterial properties conducive to the surface immobilization of retroviral particles and subsequent transduction of mammalian cells at the cell-material interface. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of functionally-terminated alkanethiols on gold were used to establish biomaterial surfaces of defined chemical composition. Gene transfer was observed to be greater than 90% on NH(2)-terminated surfaces, approximately 50% on COOH-functionalized surfaces, and undetectable on CH(3)-terminated SAMs, similar to controls of tissue culture-treated polystyrene. Gene delivery via the NH(2)-SAM was further characterized as a function of retrovirus coating time, virus concentration, and cell seeding density. Finally, SAM-mediated gene delivery was comparable to fibronectin- and poly-l-lysine-based methods for gene transfer. This work is significant to establishing safe and effective gene therapy strategies, developing efficient methods for gene delivery, and supporting recent progress in the field of biomaterial-mediated gene transfer.

Matrices and scaffolds for DNA delivery in tissue engineering

Regenerative medicine aims to create functional tissue replacements, typically through creating a controlled environment that promotes and directs the differentiation of stem or progenitor cells, either endogenous or transplanted. Scaffolds serve a central role in many strategies by providing the means to control the local environment. Gene delivery from the scaffold represents a versatile approach to manipulating the local environment for directing cell function. Research at the interface of biomaterials, gene therapy, and drug delivery has identified several design parameters for the vector and the biomaterial scaffold that must be satisfied. Progress has been made towards achieving gene delivery within a tissue engineering scaffold, though the design principles for the materials and vectors that produce efficient delivery require further development. Nevertheless, these advances in obtaining transgene expression with the scaffold have created opportunities to develop greater control of either delivery or expression and to identify the best practices for promoting tissue formation. Strategies to achieve controlled, localized expression within the tissue engineering scaffold will have broad application to the regeneration of many tissues, with great promise for clinical therapies.