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Wu KZ, Adine C, Mitriashkin A, Aw BJJ, Iyer NG, Fong ELS. Making In Vitro Tumor Models Whole Again. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202279. [PMID: 36718949 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202279] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
As a reductionist approach, patient-derived in vitro tumor models are inherently still too simplistic for personalized drug testing as they do not capture many characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as tumor architecture and stromal heterogeneity. This is especially problematic for assessing stromal-targeting drugs such as immunotherapies in which the density and distribution of immune and other stromal cells determine drug efficacy. On the other end, in vivo models are typically costly, low-throughput, and time-consuming to establish. Ex vivo patient-derived tumor explant (PDE) cultures involve the culture of resected tumor fragments that potentially retain the intact TME of the original tumor. Although developed decades ago, PDE cultures have not been widely adopted likely because of their low-throughput and poor long-term viability. However, with growing recognition of the importance of patient-specific TME in mediating drug response, especially in the field of immune-oncology, there is an urgent need to resurrect these holistic cultures. In this Review, the key limitations of patient-derived tumor explant cultures are outlined and technologies that have been developed or could be employed to address these limitations are discussed. Engineered holistic tumor explant cultures may truly realize the concept of personalized medicine for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Zhuoran Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Christabella Adine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Aleksandr Mitriashkin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Jun Jie Aw
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - N Gopalakrishna Iyer
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Eliza Li Shan Fong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute (CSI), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
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Developments on the Smart Hydrogel-Based Drug Delivery System for Oral Tumor Therapy. Gels 2022; 8:gels8110741. [PMID: 36421563 PMCID: PMC9689473 DOI: 10.3390/gels8110741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, an oral tumor is usually treated by surgery combined with preoperative or postoperative radiotherapies and chemotherapies. However, traditional chemotherapies frequently result in substantial toxic side effects, including bone marrow suppression, malfunction of the liver and kidneys, and neurotoxicity. As a new local drug delivery system, the smart drug delivery system based on hydrogel can control drug release in time and space, and effectively alleviate or avoid these problems. Environmentally responsive hydrogels for smart drug delivery could be triggered by temperature, photoelectricity, enzyme, and pH. An overview of the most recent research on smart hydrogels and their controlled-release drug delivery systems for the treatment of oral cancer is given in this review. It is anticipated that the local drug release method and environment-responsive benefits of smart hydrogels will offer a novel technique for the low-toxicity and highly effective treatment of oral malignancy.
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Katz RR, West JL. Reductionist Three-Dimensional Tumor Microenvironment Models in Synthetic Hydrogels. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051225. [PMID: 35267532 PMCID: PMC8909517 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumors exist in a complex, three-dimensional environment which helps them to survive, grow, metastasize, and resist drug treatment. Simple, reproducible, in vitro models of this environment are necessary in order to better understand tumor behavior. Naturally derived polymers are great 3D cell culture substrates, but they often lack the tunability and batch-to-batch consistency which can be found in synthetic polymer systems. In this review, we describe the current state of and future directions for tumor microenvironment models in synthetic hydrogels. Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a determining role in everything from disease progression to drug resistance. As such, in vitro models which can recapitulate the cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions that occur in situ are key to the investigation of tumor behavior and selecting effective therapeutic drugs. While naturally derived matrices can retain the dimensionality of the native TME, they lack tunability and batch-to-batch consistency. As such, many synthetic polymer systems have been employed to create physiologically relevant TME cultures. In this review, we discussed the common semi-synthetic and synthetic polymers used as hydrogel matrices for tumor models. We reviewed studies in synthetic hydrogels which investigated tumor cell interactions with vasculature and immune cells. Finally, we reviewed the utility of these models as chemotherapeutic drug-screening platforms, as well as the future directions of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R. Katz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA;
| | - Jennifer L. West
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Correspondence:
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Mahajan V, Beck T, Gregorczyk P, Ruland A, Alberti S, Guck J, Werner C, Schlüßler R, Taubenberger AV. Mapping Tumor Spheroid Mechanics in Dependence of 3D Microenvironment Stiffness and Degradability by Brillouin Microscopy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5549. [PMID: 34771711 PMCID: PMC8583550 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered biophysical properties of cancer cells and of their microenvironment contribute to cancer progression. While the relationship between microenvironmental stiffness and cancer cell mechanical properties and responses has been previously studied using two-dimensional (2D) systems, much less is known about it in a physiologically more relevant 3D context and in particular for multicellular systems. To investigate the influence of microenvironment stiffness on tumor spheroid mechanics, we first generated MCF-7 tumor spheroids within matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degradable 3D polyethylene glycol (PEG)-heparin hydrogels, where spheroids showed reduced growth in stiffer hydrogels. We then quantitatively mapped the mechanical properties of tumor spheroids in situ using Brillouin microscopy. Maps acquired for tumor spheroids grown within stiff hydrogels showed elevated Brillouin frequency shifts (hence increased longitudinal elastic moduli) with increasing hydrogel stiffness. Maps furthermore revealed spatial variations of the mechanical properties across the spheroids' cross-sections. When hydrogel degradability was blocked, comparable Brillouin frequency shifts of the MCF-7 spheroids were found in both compliant and stiff hydrogels, along with similar levels of growth-induced compressive stress. Under low compressive stress, single cells or free multicellular aggregates showed consistently lower Brillouin frequency shifts compared to spheroids growing within hydrogels. Thus, the spheroids' mechanical properties were modulated by matrix stiffness and degradability as well as multicellularity, and also to the associated level of compressive stress felt by tumor spheroids. Spheroids generated from a panel of invasive breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer cell lines within degradable stiff hydrogels, showed higher Brillouin frequency shifts and less cell invasion compared to those in compliant hydrogels. Taken together, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the interplay between cancer cells and microenvironment mechanics and degradability, which is relevant to better understand cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Mahajan
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Timon Beck
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudtstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Paulina Gregorczyk
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - André Ruland
- Max Bergmann Center, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (A.R.); (C.W.)
| | - Simon Alberti
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudtstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Carsten Werner
- Max Bergmann Center, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (A.R.); (C.W.)
| | - Raimund Schlüßler
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Anna Verena Taubenberger
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
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5
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Micalet A, Moeendarbary E, Cheema U. 3D In Vitro Models for Investigating the Role of Stiffness in Cancer Invasion. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021. [PMID: 34081437 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumorigenesis is attributed to the interactions of cancer cells with the tumor microenvironment through both biochemical cues and physical stimuli. Increased matrix deposition and realignment of the collagen fibers are detected by cancer cells, inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which in turn stimulates cell motility and invasiveness. METHODS This review provides an overview of current research on the role of the physical microenvironment in cancer invasion. This was achieved by using a systematic approach and providing meta-analyses. Particular focus was placed on in vitro three-dimensional models of epithelial cancers. We investigated questions such as the effect of matrix stiffening, activation of stromal cells, and identified potential advances in mechano-based therapies. RESULTS Meta-analysis revealed that 64% of studies report cancer invasion promotion as stiffness increases, while 36% report the opposite. Experimental approaches and data interpretations were varied, each affecting the invasion of cancer differently. Examples are the experimental timeframes used (24 h to 21 days), the type of polymer used (24 types), and choice of cell line (33 cell lines). The stiffness of the 3D matrices varied from 0.5 to 300 kPa and 19% of these matrices' stiffness were outside commonly accepted physiological range. 100% of the studies outside biological stiffness range (above 20 kPa) report that stiffness does not promote cancer invasion. CONCLUSIONS Taking this analysis into account, we inform on the type of experimental approaches that could be the most relevant and provide what would be a standardized protocol and reporting strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auxtine Micalet
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London (UCL), Torrington Place, London, U.K. WC1E 6BT.,Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, University College London (UCL), Charles Bell House, London, U.K. W1W 7TS
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London (UCL), Torrington Place, London, U.K. WC1E 6BT.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Umber Cheema
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, University College London (UCL), Charles Bell House, London, U.K. W1W 7TS
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Cruz-Acuña R, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Burdick JA, Rustgi AK. Emerging technologies provide insights on cancer extracellular matrix biology and therapeutics. iScience 2021; 24:102475. [PMID: 34027324 PMCID: PMC8131321 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent engineering technologies have transformed traditional perspectives of cancer to include the important role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in recapitulating the malignant behaviors of cancer cells. Novel biomaterials and imaging technologies have advanced our understanding of the role of ECM density, structure, mechanics, and remodeling in tumor cell-ECM interactions in cancer biology and have provided new approaches in the development of cancer therapeutics. Here, we review emerging technologies in cancer ECM biology and recent advances in engineered systems for evaluating cancer therapeutics and provide new perspectives on how engineering tools present an opportunity for advancing the modeling and treatment of cancer. This review offers the cell biology and cancer cell biology communities insight into how engineering tools can improve our understanding of cancer ECM biology and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Cruz-Acuña
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jason A. Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anil K. Rustgi
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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7
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Wang C, Sinha S, Jiang X, Murphy L, Fitch S, Wilson C, Grant G, Yang F. Matrix Stiffness Modulates Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Cell Fates in Three-Dimensional Hydrogels. Tissue Eng Part A 2021; 27:390-401. [PMID: 32731804 PMCID: PMC7984937 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2020.0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression is known to be accompanied by changes in tissue stiffness. Previous studies have primarily employed immortalized cell lines and 2D hydrogel substrates, which do not recapitulate the 3D tumor niche. How matrix stiffness affects patient-derived cancer cell fate in 3D remains unclear. In this study, we report a matrix metalloproteinase-degradable poly(ethylene-glycol)-based hydrogel platform with brain-mimicking biochemical cues and tunable stiffness (40-26,600 Pa) for 3D culture of patient-derived glioblastoma xenograft (PDTX GBM) cells. Our results demonstrate that decreasing hydrogel stiffness enhanced PDTX GBM cell proliferation, and hydrogels with stiffness 240 Pa and below supported robust PDTX GBM cell spreading in 3D. PDTX GBM cells encapsulated in hydrogels demonstrated higher drug resistance than 2D control, and increasing hydrogel stiffness further enhanced drug resistance. Such 3D hydrogel platforms may provide a valuable tool for mechanistic studies of the role of niche cues in modulating cancer progression for different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Engineering and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sauradeep Sinha
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Engineering and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Luke Murphy
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Engineering and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sergio Fitch
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Christy Wilson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gerald Grant
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Engineering and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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8
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Morales X, Cortés-Domínguez I, Ortiz-de-Solorzano C. Modeling the Mechanobiology of Cancer Cell Migration Using 3D Biomimetic Hydrogels. Gels 2021; 7:17. [PMID: 33673091 PMCID: PMC7930983 DOI: 10.3390/gels7010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how cancer cells migrate, and how this migration is affected by the mechanical and chemical composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical to investigate and possibly interfere with the metastatic process, which is responsible for most cancer-related deaths. In this article we review the state of the art about the use of hydrogel-based three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds as artificial platforms to model the mechanobiology of cancer cell migration. We start by briefly reviewing the concept and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the materials commonly used to recreate the cancerous ECM. Then we summarize the most relevant knowledge about the mechanobiology of cancer cell migration that has been obtained using 3D hydrogel scaffolds, and relate those discoveries to what has been observed in the clinical management of solid tumors. Finally, we review some recent methodological developments, specifically the use of novel bioprinting techniques and microfluidics to create realistic hydrogel-based models of the cancer ECM, and some of their applications in the context of the study of cancer cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carlos Ortiz-de-Solorzano
- IDISNA, Ciberonc and Solid Tumors and Biomarkers Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (X.M.); (I.C.-D.)
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9
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Fernando K, Kwang LG, Lim JTC, Fong ELS. Hydrogels to engineer tumor microenvironments in vitro. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:2362-2383. [DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01943g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Illustration of engineered hydrogel to recapitulate aspects of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanishka Fernando
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore
| | - Leng Gek Kwang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore
| | - Joanne Tze Chin Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore
| | - Eliza Li Shan Fong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health
- National University of Singapore
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10
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Wang C, Sinha S, Jiang X, Fitch S, Wilson C, Caretti V, Ponnuswami A, Monje M, Grant G, Yang F. A comparative study of brain tumor cells from different age and anatomical locations using 3D biomimetic hydrogels. Acta Biomater 2020; 116:201-208. [PMID: 32911104 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Brain tumors exhibit vast genotypic and phenotypic diversity depending on patient age and anatomical location. Hydrogels hold great promise as 3D in vitro models for studying brain tumor biology and drug screening, yet previous studies were limited to adult glioblastoma cells, and most studies used immortalized cell lines. Here we report a hydrogel platform that supports the proliferation and invasion of patient-derived brain tumor cell cultures (PDCs) isolated from different patient age groups and anatomical locations. Hydrogel stiffness was tuned by varying poly(ethylene-glycol) concentration. Cell adhesive peptide (CGRDS), hyaluronic acid, and MMP-cleavable crosslinkers were incorporated to facilitate cell adhesion and cell-mediated degradation. Three PDC lines were compared including adult glioblastoma cells (aGBM), pediatric glioblastoma cells (pGBM), and diffuse pontine intrinsic glioma (DIPG). A commonly used immortalized adult glioblastoma cell line U87 was included as a control. PDCs displayed stiffness-dependent behavior, with 40 Pa hydrogel promoting faster tumor proliferation and invasion. Adult GBM cells exhibited faster proliferation than pediatric GBM, and DIPG showed slowest proliferation. These results suggest both patient age and tumor location affects brain tumor behaviors. Adult GBM PDCs also exhibited very different cell proliferation and morphology from U87. The hydrogel reported here can provide a useful tool for future studies to better understand how age and anatomical locations impacts brain tumor progression using 3D in vitro models.
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11
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Ferrari E, Palma C, Vesentini S, Occhetta P, Rasponi M. Integrating Biosensors in Organs-on-Chip Devices: A Perspective on Current Strategies to Monitor Microphysiological Systems. BIOSENSORS 2020; 10:E110. [PMID: 32872228 PMCID: PMC7558092 DOI: 10.3390/bios10090110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Organs-on-chip (OoC), often referred to as microphysiological systems (MPS), are advanced in vitro tools able to replicate essential functions of human organs. Owing to their unprecedented ability to recapitulate key features of the native cellular environments, they represent promising tools for tissue engineering and drug screening applications. The achievement of proper functionalities within OoC is crucial; to this purpose, several parameters (e.g., chemical, physical) need to be assessed. Currently, most approaches rely on off-chip analysis and imaging techniques. However, the urgent demand for continuous, noninvasive, and real-time monitoring of tissue constructs requires the direct integration of biosensors. In this review, we focus on recent strategies to miniaturize and embed biosensing systems into organs-on-chip platforms. Biosensors for monitoring biological models with metabolic activities, models with tissue barrier functions, as well as models with electromechanical properties will be described and critically evaluated. In addition, multisensor integration within multiorgan platforms will be further reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (E.F.); (C.P.); (S.V.); (P.O.)
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12
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Dubbin K, Robertson C, Hinckley A, Alvarado JA, Gilmore SF, Hynes WF, Wheeler EK, Moya ML. Macromolecular gelatin properties affect fibrin microarchitecture and tumor spheroid behavior in fibrin-gelatin gels. Biomaterials 2020; 250:120035. [PMID: 32334200 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The biophysical properties of extracellular matrices (ECM) are known to regulate cell behavior, however decoupling cell behavior changes due to the relative contributions of material microstructure versus biomechanics or nutrient permeability remains challenging, especially within complex, multi-material matrices. We developed four gelatin-fibrin interpenetrating network (IPN) formulations which are identical in composition but possess variable gelatin molecular weight distributions, and display differences in microstructure, biomechanics, and diffusivity. In this work we interrogate the response of multicellular tumor spheroids to these IPN formulations and found that a high stiffness, gelatin-network dominated IPNs impeded remodeling and invasion of multicellular tumor spheroids; whereas relatively lower stiffness, fibrin-network dominated IPNs permitted protease-dependent remodeling and spheroid invasion. Cell proliferation correlated to nutrient diffusivity across tested IPN formulations. These findings demonstrate the complexity of ECM IPNs, relative to single polymer matrices, and highlight that cell response does not derive from a single aspect of the ECM, but rather from the interplay of multiple biomechanical properties. The methodology developed here represents a framework for future studies which aim to characterize cellular phenotypic responses to biophysical cues present within complex, multi-material matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Dubbin
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Claire Robertson
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Aubree Hinckley
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Javier A Alvarado
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Sean F Gilmore
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - William F Hynes
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Wheeler
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Monica L Moya
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA.
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13
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Azadi S, Tafazzoli Shadpour M. The microenvironment and cytoskeletal remodeling in tumor cell invasion. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 356:257-289. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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14
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Husman D, Welzel PB, Vogler S, Bray LJ, Träber N, Friedrichs J, Körber V, Tsurkan MV, Freudenberg U, Thiele J, Werner C. Multiphasic microgel-in-gel materials to recapitulate cellular mesoenvironments in vitro. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:101-108. [DOI: 10.1039/c9bm01009b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell-instructive biohybrid microgel-in-gel materials can guide the faithful in vitro reconstitution of tissues.
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15
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Taubenberger AV, Girardo S, Träber N, Fischer-Friedrich E, Kräter M, Wagner K, Kurth T, Richter I, Haller B, Binner M, Hahn D, Freudenberg U, Werner C, Guck J. 3D Microenvironment Stiffness Regulates Tumor Spheroid Growth and Mechanics via p21 and ROCK. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 3:e1900128. [PMID: 32648654 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of cancer cells and their microenvironment contribute to breast cancer progression. While mechanosensing has been extensively studied using 2D substrates, much less is known about it in a physiologically more relevant 3D context. Here it is demonstrated that breast cancer tumor spheroids, growing in 3D polyethylene glycol-heparin hydrogels, are sensitive to their environment stiffness. During tumor spheroid growth, compressive stresses of up to 2 kPa build up, as quantitated using elastic polymer beads as stress sensors. Atomic force microscopy reveals that tumor spheroid stiffness increases with hydrogel stiffness. Also, constituent cell stiffness increases in a Rho associated kinase (ROCK)- and F-actin-dependent manner. Increased hydrogel stiffness correlated with attenuated tumor spheroid growth, a higher proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase, and elevated levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21. Drug-mediated ROCK inhibition not only reverses cell stiffening upon culture in stiff hydrogels but also increases tumor spheroid growth. Taken together, a mechanism by which the growth of a tumor spheroid can be regulated via cytoskeleton rearrangements in response to its mechanoenvironment is revealed here. Thus, the findings contribute to a better understanding of how cancer cells react to compressive stress when growing under confinement in stiff environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Taubenberger
- TU Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Salvatore Girardo
- TU Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudtstr. 2, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicole Träber
- TU Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany.,Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center, Hohe Str. 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Fischer-Friedrich
- TU Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Kräter
- TU Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudtstr. 2, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Katrin Wagner
- TU Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurth
- TU Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Isabel Richter
- TU Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara Haller
- TU Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marcus Binner
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center, Hohe Str. 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dominik Hahn
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center, Hohe Str. 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Uwe Freudenberg
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center, Hohe Str. 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Carsten Werner
- TU Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany.,Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center, Hohe Str. 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jochen Guck
- TU Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudtstr. 2, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
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16
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Hunckler MD, Medina JD, Coronel MM, Weaver JD, Stabler CL, García AJ. Linkage Groups within Thiol-Ene Photoclickable PEG Hydrogels Control In Vivo Stability. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1900371. [PMID: 31111689 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201900371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Thiol-norbornene (thiol-ene) photoclickable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels are a versatile biomaterial for cell encapsulation, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. Numerous in vitro studies with these 4-arm ester-linked PEG-norbornene (PEG-4eNB) hydrogels demonstrate robust cytocompatibility and ability to retain long-term integrity with nondegradable crosslinkers. However, when transplanted in vivo into the subcutaneous or intraperitoneal space, these PEG-4eNB hydrogels with nondegradable crosslinkers rapidly degrade within 24 h. This characteristic limits the usefulness of PEG-4eNB hydrogels in biomedical applications. Replacing the ester linkage with an amide linkage (PEG-4aNB) mitigates this rapid in vivo degradation, and the PEG-4aNB hydrogels maintain long-term in vivo stability for months. Furthermore, when compared to PEG-4eNB, the PEG-4aNB hydrogels demonstrate equivalent mechanical properties, crosslinking kinetics, and high cytocompatibility with rat islets and human mesenchymal stem cells. Thus, the PEG-4aNB hydrogels may be a suitable replacement platform without necessitating critical design changes or sacrificing key properties relevant to the well-established PEG-4eNB hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Hunckler
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience Georgia Institute of Technology 315 Ferst Dr. NW Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Juan D. Medina
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology 313 Ferst Dr. NW Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Maria M. Coronel
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience Georgia Institute of Technology 315 Ferst Dr. NW Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Jessica D. Weaver
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience Georgia Institute of Technology 315 Ferst Dr. NW Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Cherie L. Stabler
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Florida 1275 Center Dr. Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - Andrés J. García
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience Georgia Institute of Technology 315 Ferst Dr. NW Atlanta GA 30332 USA
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17
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Massimini M, De Maria R, Malatesta D, Romanucci M, D'Anselmo A, Della Salda L. Establishment of three-dimensional canine osteosarcoma cell lines showing vasculogenic mimicry and evaluation of biological properties after treatment with 17-AAG. Vet Comp Oncol 2019; 17:376-384. [PMID: 31006970 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is an alternative type of blood perfusion characterized by formation of non-endothelial cell-lined microcirculatory channels and is responsible for aggressive tumour biology and increased tumour-related mortality. VM-correlated genes are associated with vascular endothelial grown factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1), and hypoxia-related (hypoxia inducible factor 1 α-HIF1α) signalling pathways, whose molecules are client proteins of Hsp90 (heat shock protein 90) and are potential therapeutic targets. This pilot study was aimed to investigate vasculogenic mimicry in a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture system of two aggressive canine osteosarcoma (OSA) cell lines (D22 and D17), and to evaluate the response of these cells to 17-AAG (17-N-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin) treatment in relation to tubular-like structure formation in vitro. Only D17 cell line formed hollow matrix channels in long-term 3D cultures and assumed endothelial morphology, with cells expressing both Hsp90 and VEGFR1, but lacking expression of endothelial marker CD31. 17-AAG treatment inhibited migration of D17 OSA cells, also decreasing VM markers in vitro and inducing a reduction of HIF1α transcript and protein in this cell line. Taken together, these preliminary data indicate that the biological effects of 17-AAG on D17 3D culture and on HIF1α regulation can provide interesting information to translate these findings from the basic research to clinical approach for the treatment of canine OSA as a model in comparative oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raffaella De Maria
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | | | | | - Angela D'Anselmo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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18
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Hauptmann N, Lian Q, Ludolph J, Rothe H, Hildebrand G, Liefeith K. Biomimetic Designer Scaffolds Made of D,L-Lactide- ɛ-Caprolactone Polymers by 2-Photon Polymerization. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2019; 25:167-186. [PMID: 30632460 PMCID: PMC6589497 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2018.0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT In tissue engineering (TE), the establishment of cell targeting materials, which mimic the conditions of the physiological extracellular matrix (ECM), seems to be a mission impossible without advanced materials and fabrication techniques. With this in mind we established a toolbox based on (D,L)-lactide-ɛ-caprolactone methacrylate (LCM) copolymers in combination with a nano-micromaskless lithography technique, the two-photon polymerization (2-PP) to mimic the hierarchical structured and complex milieu of the natural ECM. To demonstrate the versatility of this toolbox, we choose two completely different application scenarios in bone and tumor TE to show the high potential of this concept in therapeutic and diagnostic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hauptmann
- Department of Biomaterials, Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques e.V. (iba), Rosenhof, Heilbad Heiligenstadt, Germany
| | - Qilin Lian
- Department of Biomaterials, Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques e.V. (iba), Rosenhof, Heilbad Heiligenstadt, Germany
| | - Johanna Ludolph
- Department of Biomaterials, Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques e.V. (iba), Rosenhof, Heilbad Heiligenstadt, Germany
| | - Holger Rothe
- Department of Biomaterials, Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques e.V. (iba), Rosenhof, Heilbad Heiligenstadt, Germany
| | - Gerhard Hildebrand
- Department of Biomaterials, Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques e.V. (iba), Rosenhof, Heilbad Heiligenstadt, Germany
| | - Klaus Liefeith
- Department of Biomaterials, Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques e.V. (iba), Rosenhof, Heilbad Heiligenstadt, Germany
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19
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Kim M, Lee S, Ki CS. Cellular Behavior of RAW264.7 Cells in 3D Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogel Niches. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:922-932. [PMID: 33405849 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b01150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Although macrophages undergo dynamic cellular responses in diverse extracellular environments, macrophage research has mostly relied on conventional culture methodologies such as two-dimensional and suspension cultures. In contrast, recent efforts have revealed evidence of the characteristic cellular behaviors of macrophages in actual tissues using a three-dimensional (3D) culture matrix. In this work, we exploited a poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel as a macrophage culture matrix and observed cellular behaviors in 3D by manipulating the matrix properties. In the 3D microenvironment, macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells proliferated and formed spherical clusters by degrading the surrounding hydrogel network. Interestingly, we observed the significant upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (i.e., MMP9 and MMP14) as well as M1 polarization markers (i.e., iNOS, COX2, TNF-α) in 3D, whereas M2 polarization markers (i.e., CD206, Arg1, TGF-β) were downregulated. Specifically, the expressions of both M1 and M2 markers were simultaneously increased in a stiff matrix compared to those of a soft matrix. In addition, matrix degradability significantly influenced the TNF-α secretion of encapsulated RAW264.7 cells. The MMP sensitivity of the hydrogel decreased TNF-α expression in a soft matrix, whereas it upregulated TNF-α in a stiff matrix compared to those of MMP-insensitive hydrogel. These findings suggest that the highly tunable poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels can dictate macrophage behavior by altering the surrounding 3D microenvironment.
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20
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Livingston MK, Morgan MM, Daly WT, Murphy WL, Johnson BP, Beebe DJ, Virumbrales-Muñoz M. Evaluation of PEG-based hydrogel influence on estrogen receptor driven responses in MCF7 breast cancer cells. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:6089-6098. [PMID: 31942444 PMCID: PMC6961958 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicking hydrogel scaffolds have greatly improved the physiological relevance of in vitro assays, but introduce another dimension that creates variability in cell related readouts when compared to traditional 2D cells-on-plastic assays. We have developed a synthetic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based ECM mimicking hydrogel and tested it against two gold standard animal-based naturally derived hydrogel scaffolds in MCF7 cell response. We have used the percent coefficient of variation (CV) as a metric to evaluate the reproducibility of said responses. Results indicated that PEG hydrogels performed similarly to naturally derived gold standards, and variance was similar in basic characterization assays, such as viability and cell adherence. PEG based hydrogels had lower CV values in estrogen receptor driven responses to several doses of estrogen in both estrogen receptor transactivation and estrogen induced proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K. Livingston
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53726
| | - Molly M. Morgan
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53726
| | - William T. Daly
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 55705
| | - William L. Murphy
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 55705
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Engineering Dr, Madison, WI 53706
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1509 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Brian P. Johnson
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53726
| | - David J. Beebe
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53726
| | - Maria Virumbrales-Muñoz
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53726
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21
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Papalazarou V, Salmeron-Sanchez M, Machesky LM. Tissue engineering the cancer microenvironment-challenges and opportunities. Biophys Rev 2018; 10:1695-1711. [PMID: 30406572 PMCID: PMC6297082 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-018-0466-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensing is increasingly recognised as important for tumour progression. Tumours become stiff and the forces that normally balance in the healthy organism break down and become imbalanced, leading to increases in migration, invasion and metastatic dissemination. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of how extracellular matrix properties, such as stiffness, viscoelasticity and architecture control cell behaviour. In addition, we discuss how the tumour microenvironment can be modelled in vitro, capturing these mechanical aspects, to better understand and develop therapies against tumour spread. We argue that by gaining a better understanding of the microenvironment and the mechanical forces that govern tumour dynamics, we can make advances in combatting cancer dormancy, recurrence and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilis Papalazarou
- CRUK Beatson Institute for Cancer Research and Institute of cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- The Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | | | - Laura M Machesky
- CRUK Beatson Institute for Cancer Research and Institute of cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK.
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22
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Jiang Z, Jiang K, McBride R, Oakey JS. Comparative cytocompatibility of multiple candidate cell types to photoencapsulation in PEGNB/PEGDA macroscale or microscale hydrogels. Biomed Mater 2018; 13:065012. [PMID: 30191888 PMCID: PMC6215765 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/aadf9a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The encapsulation of live cells into photopolymerized hydrogel scaffolds has the potential to augment or repair tissue defects, establish versatile regenerative medicine strategies, and be developed as well-defined, yet tunable microenvironments to study fundamental cellular behavior. However, hydrogel fabrication limitations constrain most studies to macroscale hydrogel scaffolds encapsulating millions of cells. These macroscale materials possess regions of heterogeneous photopolymerization conditions and are therefore poor platforms to identify the response of individual cells to encapsulation. Recently, microfluidic droplet-based hydrogel miniaturization and cell encapsulation offers high-throughput, reproducible, and continuous fabrication. Reports of post-encapsulation cell viability, however, vary widely among specific techniques. Furthermore, different cell types often exhibit different level of tolerance to photoencapsulation-induced toxicity. Accordingly, we evaluate the cellular tolerance of various encapsulation techniques and photopolymerization parameters for four mammalian cell types, with potential applications in tissue regeneration, using polyethylene glycol diacrylate or polyethylene glycol norbornene (PEGNB) hydrogels on micro- and macro-length scales. We found PEGNB provides excellent cellular tolerance and supports long-term cell survival by mitigating the deleterious effects of acrylate photopolymerization, which are exacerbated at diminishing volumes. PEGNB, therefore, is an excellent candidate for hydrogel miniaturization. PEGNB hydrogel properties, however, were found to have variable effects on encapsulating different cell candidates. This study could provide guidance for cell encapsulation practices in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongliang Jiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, United States of America
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23
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Kenney RM, Lloyd CC, Whitman NA, Lockett MR. 3D cellular invasion platforms: how do paper-based cultures stack up? Chem Commun (Camb) 2018. [PMID: 28621775 DOI: 10.1039/c7cc02357j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cellular invasion is the gateway to metastasis, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Invasion is driven by a number of chemical and mechanical stresses that arise in the tumor microenvironment. In vitro assays are needed for the systematic study of cancer progress. To be truly predictive, these assays must generate tissue-like environments that can be experimentally controlled and manipulated. While two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures are easily assembled and evaluated, they lack the extracellular components needed to assess invasion. Three-dimensional (3D) cultures are better suited for invasion studies because they generate cellular phenotypes that are more representative of those found in vivo. This feature article provides an overview of four invasion platforms. We focus on paper-based cultures, an emerging 3D culture platform capable of generating tissue-like structures and quantifying cellular invasion. Paper-based cultures are as easily assembled and analyzed as monolayers, but provide an experimentally powerful platform capable of supporting: co-cultures and representative extracellular environments; experimentally controlled gradients; readouts capable of quantifying, discerning, and separating cells based on their invasiveness. With a series of examples we highlight the potential of paper-based cultures, and discuss how they stack up against other invasion platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Kenney
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, USA.
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24
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Leggett SE, Khoo AS, Wong IY. Multicellular tumor invasion and plasticity in biomimetic materials. Biomater Sci 2017; 5:1460-1479. [PMID: 28530743 PMCID: PMC5531215 DOI: 10.1039/c7bm00272f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cell invasion through the extracellular matrix is associated with metastatic spread and therapeutic resistance. In carcinomas, the detachment and dissemination of individual cells has been associated with an epithelial-mesenchymal transition, but tumors can also invade using collective, multicellular phenotypes. This malignant tumor progression is also associated with alignment and stiffening of the surrounding extracellular matrix. Historically, tumor invasion has been investigated using 2D monolayer culture, small animal models or patient histology. These assays have been complemented by the use of natural biomaterials such as reconstituted basement membrane and collagen I. More recently, engineered materials with well-defined physical, chemical and biomolecular properties have enabled more controlled microenvironments. In this review, we highlight recent developments in multicellular tumor invasion based on microfabricated structures or hydrogels. We emphasize the role of interfacial geometries, biomaterial stiffness, matrix remodeling, and co-culture models. Finally, we discuss future directions for the field, particularly integration with precision measurements of biomaterial properties and single cell heterogeneity, standardization and scale-up of these platforms, as well as integration with patient-derived samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Leggett
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA. and Pathobiology Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Amanda S Khoo
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
| | - Ian Y Wong
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA. and Pathobiology Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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25
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Abstract
The physiological relevance of Matrigel as a cell-culture substrate and in angiogenesis assays is often called into question. Here, we describe an array-based method for the identification of synthetic hydrogels that promote the formation of robust in vitro vascular networks for the detection of putative vascular disruptors, and that support human embryonic stem cell expansion and pluripotency. We identified hydrogel substrates that promoted endothelial-network formation by primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells and by endothelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, and used the hydrogels with endothelial networks to identify angiogenesis inhibitors. The synthetic hydrogels show superior sensitivity and reproducibility over Matrigel when evaluating known inhibitors, as well as in a blinded screen of a subset of 38 chemicals, selected according to predicted vascular disruption potential, from the Toxicity ForeCaster library of the US Environmental Protection Agency. The identified synthetic hydrogels should be suitable alternatives to Matrigel for common cell-culture applications.
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26
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Tam RY, Smith LJ, Shoichet MS. Engineering Cellular Microenvironments with Photo- and Enzymatically Responsive Hydrogels: Toward Biomimetic 3D Cell Culture Models. Acc Chem Res 2017; 50:703-713. [PMID: 28345876 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.6b00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Conventional cell culture techniques using 2D polystyrene or glass have provided great insight into key biochemical mechanisms responsible for cellular events such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell-cell interactions. However, the physical and chemical properties of 2D culture in vitro are dramatically different than those found in the native cellular microenvironment in vivo. Cells grown on 2D substrates differ significantly from those grown in vivo, and this explains, in part, why many promising drug candidates discovered through in vitro drug screening assays fail when they are translated to in vivo animal or human models. To overcome this obstacle, 3D cell culture using biomimetic hydrogels has emerged as an alternative strategy to recapitulate native cell growth in vitro. Hydrogels, which are water-swollen polymers, can be synthetic or naturally derived. Many methods have been developed to control the physical and chemical properties of the hydrogels to match those found in specific tissues. Compared to 2D culture, cells cultured in 3D gels with the appropriate physicochemical cues can behave more like they naturally do in vivo. While conventional hydrogels involve modifications to the bulk material to mimic the static aspects of the cellular microenvironment, recent progress has focused on using more dynamic hydrogels, the chemical and physical properties of which can be altered with external stimuli to better mimic the dynamics of the native cellular microenvironment found in vivo. In this Account, we describe our progress in designing stimuli-responsive, optically transparent hydrogels that can be used as biomimetic extracellular matrices (ECMs) to study cell differentiation and migration in the context of modeling the nervous system and cancer. Specifically, we developed photosensitive agarose and hyaluronic acid hydrogels that are activated by single or two-photon irradiation for biomolecule immobilization at specific volumes within the 3D hydrogel. By controlling the spatial location of protein immobilization, we created 3D patterns and protein concentration gradients within these gels. We used the latter to study the effect of VEGF-165 concentration gradients on the interactions between endothelial cells and retinal stem cells. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is particularly compelling as it is naturally found in the ECM of many tissues and the tumor microenvironment. We used Diels-Alder click chemistry and cryogelation to alter the chemical and physical properties of these hydrogels. We also designed HA hydrogels to study the invasion of breast cancer cells. HA gels were chemically cross-linked with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degradable peptides that degrade in the presence of cancer cell-secreted MMPs, thus allowing cells to remodel their local microenvironment and invade into HA/MMP-degradable gels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Y. Tam
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Laura J. Smith
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
- Institute
of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Molly S. Shoichet
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
- Institute
of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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27
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Valdez J, Cook CD, Ahrens CC, Wang AJ, Brown A, Kumar M, Stockdale L, Rothenberg D, Renggli K, Gordon E, Lauffenburger D, White F, Griffith L. On-demand dissolution of modular, synthetic extracellular matrix reveals local epithelial-stromal communication networks. Biomaterials 2017; 130:90-103. [PMID: 28371736 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Methods to parse paracrine epithelial-stromal communication networks are a vital need in drug development, as disruption of these networks underlies diseases ranging from cancer to endometriosis. Here, we describe a modular, synthetic, and dissolvable extracellular matrix (MSD-ECM) hydrogel that fosters functional 3D epithelial-stromal co-culture, and that can be dissolved on-demand to recover cells and paracrine signaling proteins intact for subsequent analysis. Specifically, synthetic polymer hydrogels, modified with cell-interacting adhesion motifs and crosslinked with peptides that include a substrate for cell-mediated proteolytic remodeling, can be rapidly dissolved by an engineered version of the microbial transpeptidase Sortase A (SrtA) if the crosslinking peptide includes a SrtA substrate motif and a soluble second substrate. SrtA-mediated dissolution affected only 1 of 31 cytokines and growth factors assayed, whereas standard protease degradation methods destroyed about half of these same molecules. Using co-encapsulated endometrial epithelial and stromal cells as one model system, we show that the dynamic cytokine and growth factor response of co-cultures to an inflammatory cue is richer and more nuanced when measured from SrtA-dissolved gel microenvironments than from the culture supernate. This system employs accessible, reproducible reagents and facile protocols; hence, has potential as a tool in identifying and validating therapeutic targets in complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Valdez
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Christi D Cook
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Caroline Chopko Ahrens
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alex J Wang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alexander Brown
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Manu Kumar
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Linda Stockdale
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Daniel Rothenberg
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kasper Renggli
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Elizabeth Gordon
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Douglas Lauffenburger
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Forest White
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Linda Griffith
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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Smith Callahan LA. Combinatorial Method/High Throughput Strategies for Hydrogel Optimization in Tissue Engineering Applications. Gels 2016; 2:E18. [PMID: 30674150 PMCID: PMC6318679 DOI: 10.3390/gels2020018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Combinatorial method/high throughput strategies, which have long been used in the pharmaceutical industry, have recently been applied to hydrogel optimization for tissue engineering applications. Although many combinatorial methods have been developed, few are suitable for use in tissue engineering hydrogel optimization. Currently, only three approaches (design of experiment, arrays and continuous gradients) have been utilized. This review highlights recent work with each approach. The benefits and disadvantages of design of experiment, array and continuous gradient approaches depending on study objectives and the general advantages of using combinatorial methods for hydrogel optimization over traditional optimization strategies will be discussed. Fabrication considerations for combinatorial method/high throughput samples will additionally be addressed to provide an assessment of the current state of the field, and potential future contributions to expedited material optimization and design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Smith Callahan
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery & Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biomedical Engineering, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Cruz-Acuña R, García AJ. Synthetic hydrogels mimicking basement membrane matrices to promote cell-matrix interactions. Matrix Biol 2016; 57-58:324-333. [PMID: 27283894 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Naturally-derived materials have been extensively used as 3D cellular matrices as their inherent bioactivity makes them suitable for the study of many cellular processes. Nevertheless, lot-to-lot variability, inability to decouple biochemical and biophysical properties and, in some types, their tumor-derived nature limits their translational potential and reliability. One innovative approach to overcome these limitations has focused on incorporating bioactivity into cytocompatible, synthetic hydrogels that present tunable physicochemical properties. This review provides an overview of successful approaches to convey basement membrane-like bioactivity into 3D artificial hydrogel matrices in order to recapitulate cellular responses to native matrices. Recent advances involving biofunctionalization of synthetic hydrogels via incorporation of bioactive motifs that promote cell-matrix interactions and cell-directed matrix degradation will be discussed. This review highlights how the tunable physicochemical properties of biofunctionalized synthetic hydrogel matrices can be exploited to study the separate contributions of biochemical and biophysical matrix properties to different cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Cruz-Acuña
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States; Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Andrés J García
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States; Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States.
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Abstract
Enzymes play a central role in a spectrum of fundamental physiological processes and their altered expression level has been associated with many diseases and pathological disorders. Enzymes therefore can be exploited as a pristine biological trigger to tune material responses and to achieve controlled release of biomolecules at desired sites. This mini-review highlights enzyme-responsive polymer hydrogels for therapeutic delivery applications developed within the last five years, focusing on protease- and glycosidase-based catalyzed reactions. Strategies employed to produce responsive materials are described. Successful applications for controlled drug delivery are highlighted, and finally, future opportunities and challenges are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rona Chandrawati
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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