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Parikh A, Krogman W, Walker J. The impact of volatile anesthetics and propofol on phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate signaling. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 757:110045. [PMID: 38801966 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.110045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), as well as other anionic phospholipids, play a pivotal role in various cellular processes, including ion channel regulation, receptor trafficking, and intracellular signaling pathways. The binding of volatile anesthetics and propofol to PIP2 leads to alterations in PIP2-mediated signaling causing modulation of ion channels such as ɣ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors, voltage-gated calcium channels, and potassium channels through various mechanisms. Additionally, the interaction between anionic phospholipids and G protein-coupled receptors plays a critical role in various anesthetic pathways, with these anesthetic-induced changes impacting PIP2 levels which cause cascading effects on receptor trafficking, including GABAA receptor internalization. This comprehensive review of various mechanisms of interaction provides insights into the intricate interplay between PIP2 signaling and anesthetic-induced changes, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaan Parikh
- Wichita Collegiate School, Wichita, KS. 9115 E 13th St N, Wichita, KS, 67206, USA.
| | - William Krogman
- University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, KS, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, 929 N St Francis, Room 8079, Wichita, KS, 67214, USA
| | - James Walker
- University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, KS, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, 929 N St Francis, Room 8079, Wichita, KS, 67214, USA
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2
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Yuan B, Jiang X, Xie Z, Zhang X, Zhang J, Hong J. Organic photovoltaic biomaterial with fullerene derivatives for near-infrared light sensing in neural cells. Biointerphases 2024; 19:041001. [PMID: 39007691 DOI: 10.1116/6.0003279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases, which can lead to photoreceptor cell apoptosis, have now become the leading irreversible cause of blindness worldwide. In this study, we developed an organic photovoltaic biomaterial for artificial retinas, enabling neural cells to detect photoelectric stimulation. The biomaterial was prepared using a conjugated polymer donor, PCE-10, and a non-fullerene receptor, Y6, both known for their strong near-infrared light absorption capabilities. Additionally, a fullerene receptor, PC61BM, was incorporated, which possesses the ability to absorb reactive oxygen species. We conducted a comprehensive investigation into the microstructure, photovoltaic properties, and photothermal effects of this three-component photovoltaic biomaterial. Furthermore, we employed Rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells (PC-12) as a standard neural cell model to evaluate the in vitro photoelectric stimulation effect of this photovoltaic biomaterial. The results demonstrate that the photovoltaic biomaterial, enriched with fullerene derivatives, can induce intracellular calcium influx in PC-12 cells under 630 nm (red light) and 780 nm (near-infrared) laser irradiation. Moreover, there were lower levels of oxidative stress and higher levels of mitochondrial activity compared to the non-PC61BM group. This photovoltaic biomaterial proves to be an ideal substrate for near-infrared photoelectrical stimulation of neural cells and holds promise for restoring visual function in patients with photoreceptor apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowei Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100089, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100089, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zijun Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100089, China
| | - Xuanjun Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100089, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100089, China
| | - Jing Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100089, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100089, China
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3
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Rahmani A, Eom K. Enhanced organic photovoltaic-based retinal prosthesis using a cathode-modified structure with plasmonic silver nanoparticles: a computational study. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1385567. [PMID: 38873618 PMCID: PMC11169897 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1385567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Organic interfaces have recently emerged as a breakthrough trend in biomedical applications, demonstrating exceptional performance in stimulating retinal neuronal cells owing to their high flexibility and compatibility with tissues. However, the primary challenge associated with organic photovoltaics is their low efficiency compared to that of their inorganic counterparts. Among different approaches, embedding plasmonic metal nanoparticles (NPs) in active or buffer layers can efficiently improve photovoltaic cell performance. Methods A cathode decorated with silver nanoparticles is introduced to increase the absorption Phenomenon and improve the interface performance as a computational study. In addition to embedding spherical silver nanoparticles in the active layer (A-AgNPs), a monolayer array of spherical AgNPs in the cathode electrode (K-AgNPs) is incorporated. In this configuration, the large K-AgNPs play dual roles: acting as cathode electrode and serving as plasmonic centers to increase light trapping and absorption. The bulk heterojunction PCPDTBT:PCBM is chosen as the active layer due to its favorable electronic properties. Results Our computational analysis demonstrates a notable 10% enhancement in the photovoltaic cell current density for the developed structure with K-AgNPs in contrast to without them. Additionally, the simulation results reveal that the modeled device achieves a two-fold efficiency of the bare photovoltaic cell (without A-AgNPs and K-AgNPs), which is particularly evident at a low intensity of 0.26 mW/mm2. Discussion This study aims to propose an efficient epiretinal prosthesis structure using a different strategy for plasmonic effects rather than conventional methods, such as incorporating NPs into the active or buffer layer. This structure can prevent the harmful side effects of using large metal NPs (r > 10 nm) in the active layer during exciton quenching, charge trapping, and recombination, which deteriorate the power conversion efficiency (PCE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rahmani
- Department of Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Electronics, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Yadegar-e-Imam Khomeini (RAH) Shahre Rey Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kyungsik Eom
- Department of Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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4
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Sander MY, Zhu X. Infrared neuromodulation-a review. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2024; 87:066701. [PMID: 38701769 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/ad4729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Infrared (IR) neuromodulation (INM) is an emerging light-based neuromodulation approach that can reversibly control neuronal and muscular activities through the transient and localized deposition of pulsed IR light without requiring any chemical or genetic pre-treatment of the target cells. Though the efficacy and short-term safety of INM have been widely demonstrated in both peripheral and central nervous systems, the investigations of the detailed cellular and biological processes and the underlying biophysical mechanisms are still ongoing. In this review, we discuss the current research progress in the INM field with a focus on the more recently discovered IR nerve inhibition. Major biophysical mechanisms associated with IR nerve stimulation are summarized. As the INM effects are primarily attributed to the spatiotemporal thermal transients induced by water and tissue absorption of pulsed IR light, temperature monitoring techniques and simulation models adopted in INM studies are discussed. Potential translational applications, current limitations, and challenges of the field are elucidated to provide guidance for future INM research and advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Y Sander
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, 8 Saint Mary's Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
- Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, 15 Saint Mary's Street, Brookline, MA 02446, United States of America
- Photonics Center, Boston University, 8 Saint Mary's Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, 24 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Xuedong Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
- Photonics Center, Boston University, 8 Saint Mary's Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, 24 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
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5
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Coghi P, Coluccini C. Literature Review on Conjugated Polymers as Light-Sensitive Materials for Photovoltaic and Light-Emitting Devices in Photonic Biomaterial Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1407. [PMID: 38794599 PMCID: PMC11125275 DOI: 10.3390/polym16101407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to their extended p-orbital delocalization, conjugated polymers absorb light in the range of visible-NIR frequencies. We attempt to exploit this property to create materials that compete with inorganic semiconductors in photovoltaic and light-emitting materials. Beyond competing for applications in photonic devices, organic conjugated compounds, polymers, and small molecules have also been extended to biomedical applications like phototherapy and biodetection. Recent research on conjugated polymers has focused on bioapplications based on the absorbed light energy conversions in electric impulses, chemical energy, heat, and light emission. In this review, we describe the working principles of those photonic devices that have been applied and researched in the field of biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Coghi
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery from Natural Resources & Industrialization, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China;
| | - Carmine Coluccini
- Institute of New Drug Development, College of Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
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Luponosov YN, Solodukhin AN, Aseyev NA, Rokitskaya TI, Kolotova DE, Kotova EA, Kurkin TS, Poletavkina LA, Isaeva YA, Antonenko YN, Balaban PM, Ponomarenko SA. Nanoparticles of Push-Pull Triphenylamine-Based Molecules for Light-Controlled Stimulation of Neuronal Activity. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1139-1152. [PMID: 38241460 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Organic semiconductor materials with a unique set of properties are very attractive for interfacing biological objects and can be used for noninvasive therapy or detection of biological signals. Here, we describe the synthesis and investigation of a novel series of organic push-pull conjugated molecules with the star-shaped architecture, consisting of triphenylamine as a branching electron donor core linked through the thiophene π-spacer to electron-withdrawing alkyl-dicyanovinyl groups. The molecules could form stable aqueous dispersions of nanoparticles (NPs) without the addition of any surfactants or amphiphilic polymer matrixes with the average size distribution varying from 40 to 120 nm and absorption spectra very similar to those of human eye retina pigments such as rods and green cones. Variation of the terminal alkyl chain length of the molecules forming NPs from 1 to 12 carbon atoms was found to be an efficient tool to modulate their lipophilic and biological properties. Possibilities of using the NPs as light nanoactuators in biological systems or as artificial pigments for therapy of degenerative retinal diseases were studied both on the model planar bilayer lipid membranes and on the rat cortical neurons. In the planar bilayer system, the photodynamic activity of these NPs led to photoinactivation of ion channels formed by pentadecapeptide gramicidin A. Treatment of rat cortical neurons with the NPs caused depolarization of cell membranes upon light irradiation, which could also be due to the photodynamic activity of the NPs. The results of the work gave more insight into the mechanisms of light-controlled stimulation of neuronal activity and for the first time showed that fine-tuning of the lipophilic affinity of NPs based on organic conjugated molecules is of high importance for creating a bioelectronic interface for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriy N Luponosov
- Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymeric Materials of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Profsoyuznaya st. 70, Moscow 117393, Russia
| | - Alexander N Solodukhin
- Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymeric Materials of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Profsoyuznaya st. 70, Moscow 117393, Russia
| | - Nikolay A Aseyev
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Butlerova 5A, Moscow 117485, Russia
| | - Tatyana I Rokitskaya
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Vorobyevy Gory 1, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Darya E Kolotova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Butlerova 5A, Moscow 117485, Russia
| | - Elena A Kotova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Vorobyevy Gory 1, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Tikhon S Kurkin
- Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymeric Materials of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Profsoyuznaya st. 70, Moscow 117393, Russia
| | - Liya A Poletavkina
- Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymeric Materials of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Profsoyuznaya st. 70, Moscow 117393, Russia
| | - Yulia A Isaeva
- Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymeric Materials of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Profsoyuznaya st. 70, Moscow 117393, Russia
| | - Yuri N Antonenko
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Vorobyevy Gory 1, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Pavel M Balaban
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Butlerova 5A, Moscow 117485, Russia
| | - Sergey A Ponomarenko
- Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymeric Materials of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Profsoyuznaya st. 70, Moscow 117393, Russia
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Ronchi C, Galli C, Tullii G, Marzuoli C, Mazzola M, Malferrari M, Crasto S, Rapino S, Di Pasquale E, Antognazza MR. Nongenetic Optical Modulation of Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived Cardiomyocytes Function in the Red Spectral Range. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304303. [PMID: 37948328 PMCID: PMC10797444 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Optical stimulation in the red/near infrared range recently gained increasing interest, as a not-invasive tool to control cardiac cell activity and repair in disease conditions. Translation of this approach to therapy is hampered by scarce efficacy and selectivity. The use of smart biocompatible materials, capable to act as local, NIR-sensitive interfaces with cardiac cells, may represent a valuable solution, capable to overcome these limitations. In this work, a far red-responsive conjugated polymer, namely poly[2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-4,7-diyl[4,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl]] (PCPDTBT) is proposed for the realization of photoactive interfaces with cardiomyocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells (hPSC-CMs). Optical excitation of the polymer turns into effective ionic and electrical modulation of hPSC-CMs, in particular by fastening Ca2+ dynamics, inducing action potential shortening, accelerating the spontaneous beating frequency. The involvement in the phototransduction pathway of Sarco-Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase (SERCA) and Na+ /Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) is proven by pharmacological assays and is correlated with physical/chemical processes occurring at the polymer surface upon photoexcitation. Very interestingly, an antiarrhythmogenic effect, unequivocally triggered by polymer photoexcitation, is also observed. Overall, red-light excitation of conjugated polymers may represent an unprecedented opportunity for fine control of hPSC-CMs functionality and can be considered as a perspective, noninvasive approach to treat arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Ronchi
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaMilano20133Italy
| | - Camilla Galli
- Humanitas Cardio CenterIRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalVia Manzoni 56RozzanoMilan20089Italy
| | - Gabriele Tullii
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaMilano20133Italy
| | - Camilla Marzuoli
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaMilano20133Italy
- Politecnico di MilanoPhysics Dept.P.zza L. Da Vinci 32Milano20133Italy
| | - Marta Mazzola
- Humanitas Cardio CenterIRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalVia Manzoni 56RozzanoMilan20089Italy
| | - Marco Malferrari
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna‘‘Giacomo Ciamician,’’via Francesco Selmi 2Bologna40126Italy
| | - Silvia Crasto
- Humanitas Cardio CenterIRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalVia Manzoni 56RozzanoMilan20089Italy
| | - Stefania Rapino
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna‘‘Giacomo Ciamician,’’via Francesco Selmi 2Bologna40126Italy
| | - Elisa Di Pasquale
- Humanitas Cardio CenterIRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalVia Manzoni 56RozzanoMilan20089Italy
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB)UOS of Milan—National Research Council of Italy (CNR)Milan20138Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaMilano20133Italy
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8
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Rahmani A, Eom K. Computational analysis of efficient organic solar cell-based retinal prosthesis using plasmonic gold nanoparticles. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1205048. [PMID: 37576567 PMCID: PMC10413124 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1205048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Photovoltaic restoration of vision, especially in conjunction with the use of silicon photodiodes, has gained attention for use in patients affected by blindness due to retinal layer disease. Although the use of silicon photodiodes offers miniaturization of the implant unit and increase in the stimulation channel, the implant unit may suffer from the fracture of these brittle photodiodes when mechanical pressure exerted. Methods We present an organic solar cell (OSC)-based retinal prosthesis in which spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are embedded into the active layer to increase the efficiency of the bioelectric interface. Results We demonstrate computationally that a modeled OSC incorporating spherical AuNPs has three times higher efficiency than that of a bare OSC presented before for retinal prostheses. Our AuNP based OSC was able to activate the neuron at the minimum light intensity of 0.26 mW/mm2, which is lower than that of the bare OSC. Discussion The use of AuNPs in OSC allows device miniaturization or lowering of the light exposure required for neural activation using a photovoltaic retinal prosthesis, which can generally be applied in a broad range of neural prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rahmani
- Department of Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Electronics, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Yadegar-e-Imam Khomeini (RAH) Shahre-e-Rey Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kyungsik Eom
- Department of Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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9
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Moccia F, Fiorio Pla A, Lim D, Lodola F, Gerbino A. Intracellular Ca 2+ signalling: unexpected new roles for the usual suspect. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1210085. [PMID: 37576340 PMCID: PMC10413985 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1210085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic Ca2+ signals are organized in complex spatial and temporal patterns that underlie their unique ability to regulate multiple cellular functions. Changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) are finely tuned by the concerted interaction of membrane receptors and ion channels that introduce Ca2+ into the cytosol, Ca2+-dependent sensors and effectors that translate the elevation in [Ca2+]i into a biological output, and Ca2+-clearing mechanisms that return the [Ca2+]i to pre-stimulation levels and prevent cytotoxic Ca2+ overload. The assortment of the Ca2+ handling machinery varies among different cell types to generate intracellular Ca2+ signals that are selectively tailored to subserve specific functions. The advent of novel high-speed, 2D and 3D time-lapse imaging techniques, single-wavelength and genetic Ca2+ indicators, as well as the development of novel genetic engineering tools to manipulate single cells and whole animals, has shed novel light on the regulation of cellular activity by the Ca2+ handling machinery. A symposium organized within the framework of the 72nd Annual Meeting of the Italian Society of Physiology, held in Bari on 14-16th September 2022, has recently addressed many of the unexpected mechanisms whereby intracellular Ca2+ signalling regulates cellular fate in healthy and disease states. Herein, we present a report of this symposium, in which the following emerging topics were discussed: 1) Regulation of water reabsorption in the kidney by lysosomal Ca2+ release through Transient Receptor Potential Mucolipin 1 (TRPML1); 2) Endoplasmic reticulum-to-mitochondria Ca2+ transfer in Alzheimer's disease-related astroglial dysfunction; 3) The non-canonical role of TRP Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) as a Rap1A inhibitor in the definition of some cancer hallmarks; and 4) Non-genetic optical stimulation of Ca2+ signals in the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gerbino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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10
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Karatum O, Han M, Erdogan ET, Karamursel S, Nizamoglu S. Physical mechanisms of emerging neuromodulation modalities. J Neural Eng 2023; 20:031001. [PMID: 37224804 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/acd870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
One of the ultimate goals of neurostimulation field is to design materials, devices and systems that can simultaneously achieve safe, effective and tether-free operation. For that, understanding the working mechanisms and potential applicability of neurostimulation techniques is important to develop noninvasive, enhanced, and multi-modal control of neural activity. Here, we review direct and transduction-based neurostimulation techniques by discussing their interaction mechanisms with neurons via electrical, mechanical, and thermal means. We show how each technique targets modulation of specific ion channels (e.g. voltage-gated, mechanosensitive, heat-sensitive) by exploiting fundamental wave properties (e.g. interference) or engineering nanomaterial-based systems for efficient energy transduction. Overall, our review provides a detailed mechanistic understanding of neurostimulation techniques together with their applications toin vitro, in vivo, and translational studies to guide the researchers toward developing more advanced systems in terms of noninvasiveness, spatiotemporal resolution, and clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onuralp Karatum
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Mertcan Han
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Tuna Erdogan
- Department of Physiology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Sacit Karamursel
- Department of Physiology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Sedat Nizamoglu
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
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11
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Rodrigues AF, Rebelo C, Reis T, Simões S, Bernardino L, Peça J, Ferreira L. Engineering optical tools for remotely controlled brain stimulation and regeneration. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:3034-3050. [PMID: 36947145 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm02059a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
Neurological disorders are one of the world's leading medical and societal challenges due to the lack of efficacy of the first line treatment. Although pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have been employed with the aim of regulating neuronal activity and survival, they have failed to avoid symptom relapse and disease progression in the vast majority of patients. In the last 5 years, advanced drug delivery systems delivering bioactive molecules and neuromodulation strategies have been developed to promote tissue regeneration and remodel neuronal circuitry. However, both approaches still have limited spatial and temporal precision over the desired target regions. While external stimuli such as electromagnetic fields and ultrasound have been employed in the clinic for non-invasive neuromodulation, they do not have the capability of offering single-cell spatial resolution as light stimulation. Herein, we review the latest progress in this area of study and discuss the prospects of using light-responsive nanomaterials to achieve on-demand delivery of drugs and neuromodulation, with the aim of achieving brain stimulation and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Filipe Rodrigues
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Rebelo
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Central, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Tiago Reis
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Central, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Susana Simões
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Central, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Liliana Bernardino
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - João Peça
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Central, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Lino Ferreira
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Central, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.
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12
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Barsotti J, Perotto S, Candini A, Colombo E, Camargo FVA, Di Marco S, Zangoli M, Sardar S, Barker AJ, D'Andrea C, Cerullo G, Rozen S, Benfenati F, Di Maria F, Lanzani G. Core-Shell Architecture in Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Nanoparticles: Tuning of the Photophysical Properties for Enhanced Neuronal Photostimulation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:13472-13483. [PMID: 36857156 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c20640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study shows that entirely thiophene-based core@shell nanoparticles, in which the shell is made of the oxidized form of the core polymer (P3HT@PTDOx NPs), result in a type II interface at the particle surface. This enables the development of advanced photon nanotransducers with unique chemical-physical and biofunctional properties due to the core@shell nanoarchitecture. We demonstrate that P3HT@PTDOx NPs present a different spatial localization of the excitation energy with respect to the nonoxidized NPs, showing a prevalence of surface states as a result of a different alignment of the HOMO/LUMO energy levels between the core and shell. This allows for the efficient photostimulation of retinal neurons. Indeed, thanks to the stronger and longer-lived charge separation, P3HT@PTDOx NPs, administered subretinally in degenerate retinas from the blind Royal College of Surgeons rats, are more effective in photostimulation of inner retinal neurons than the gold standard P3HT NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Barsotti
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Perotto
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Colombo
- IIT Centro di Neuroscienze e Tecnologie Sinaptiche, Centro di Biotecnologie Avanzate, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Di Marco
- IIT Centro di Neuroscienze e Tecnologie Sinaptiche, Centro di Biotecnologie Avanzate, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Samim Sardar
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Alex J Barker
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Cosimo D'Andrea
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giulio Cerullo
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Shlomo Rozen
- School of Chemistry, Tel-Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- IIT Centro di Neuroscienze e Tecnologie Sinaptiche, Centro di Biotecnologie Avanzate, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
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13
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Ciocca M, Marcozzi S, Mariani P, Lacconi V, Di Carlo A, Cinà L, Rosato-Siri MD, Zanon A, Cattelan G, Avancini E, Lugli P, Priya S, Camaioni A, Brown TM. A Polymer Bio–Photoelectrolytic Platform for Electrical Signal Measurement and for Light Modulation of Ion Fluxes and Proliferation in a Neuroblastoma Cell Line. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202200127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Ciocca
- Department of Electronic Engineering University of Rome Tor Vergata Via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
- Faculty of Science and Technology Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Piazza Università 1 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Serena Marcozzi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention University of Rome Tor Vergata Via Montpellier 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Paolo Mariani
- Department of Electronic Engineering University of Rome Tor Vergata Via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Valentina Lacconi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention University of Rome Tor Vergata Via Montpellier 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Aldo Di Carlo
- Istituto di Struttura della Materia CNR-ISM via Fosso del Cavaliere 100 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Lucio Cinà
- Cicci Research srl., Via Giordania 227 58100 Grosseto Italy
| | - Marcelo D. Rosato-Siri
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Alessandra Zanon
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Giada Cattelan
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Enrico Avancini
- Faculty of Science and Technology Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Piazza Università 1 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Paolo Lugli
- Faculty of Science and Technology Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Piazza Università 1 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Shashank Priya
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering Pennsylvania State University University Park PA 16802 USA
| | - Antonella Camaioni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention University of Rome Tor Vergata Via Montpellier 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Thomas M. Brown
- Department of Electronic Engineering University of Rome Tor Vergata Via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
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14
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Rodrigues AF, Tavares APM, Simões S, Silva RPFF, Sobrino T, Figueiredo BR, Sales G, Ferreira L. Engineering graphene-based electrodes for optical neural stimulation. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:687-706. [PMID: 36515425 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr05256c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Graphene-based materials (GBMs) have been investigated in recent years with the aim of developing flexible interfaces to address a range of neurological disorders, where electrical stimulation may improve brain function and tissue regeneration. The recent discovery that GBM electrodes can generate an electrical response upon light exposure has inspired the development of non-genetic approaches capable of selectively modulating brain cells without genetic manipulation (i.e., optogenetics). Here, we propose the conjugation of graphene with upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), which enable wireless transcranial activation using tissue-penetrating near-infrared (NIR) radiation. Following a design of experiments approach, we first investigated the influence of different host matrices and dopants commonly used to synthesize UCNPs in the electrical response of graphene. Two UCNP formulations achieving optimal enhancement of electrical conductivity upon NIR activation at λ = 780 or 980 nm were identified. These formulations were then covalently attached to graphene nanoplatelets following selective hydroxyl derivatization. The resulting nanocomposites were evaluated in vitro using SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. NIR activation at λ = 980 nm promoted cell proliferation and downregulated neuronal and glial differentiation markers, suggesting the potential application of GBMs in minimally invasive stimulation of cells for tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Filipe Rodrigues
- CNC - Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Ana P M Tavares
- BioMark@UC, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Susana Simões
- CNC - Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Rui P F F Silva
- Graphenest S.A., Edifício Vouga Park, 3740-070 Paradela do Vouga, Portugal
| | - Tomás Sobrino
- NeuroAging Laboratory, Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Bruno R Figueiredo
- Graphenest S.A., Edifício Vouga Park, 3740-070 Paradela do Vouga, Portugal
| | - Goreti Sales
- BioMark@UC, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lino Ferreira
- CNC - Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Central, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
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15
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Collins MN, Mesce KA. A review of the bioeffects of low-intensity focused ultrasound and the benefits of a cellular approach. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1047324. [PMID: 36439246 PMCID: PMC9685663 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1047324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article highlights the historical developments and current state of knowledge of an important neuromodulation technology: low-intensity focused ultrasound. Because compelling studies have shown that focused ultrasound can modulate neuronal activity non-invasively, especially in deep brain structures with high spatial specificity, there has been a renewed interest in attempting to understand the specific bioeffects of focused ultrasound at the cellular level. Such information is needed to facilitate the safe and effective use of focused ultrasound to treat a number of brain and nervous system disorders in humans. Unfortunately, to date, there appears to be no singular biological mechanism to account for the actions of focused ultrasound, and it is becoming increasingly clear that different types of nerve cells will respond to focused ultrasound differentially based on the complement of their ion channels, other membrane biophysical properties, and arrangement of synaptic connections. Furthermore, neurons are apparently not equally susceptible to the mechanical, thermal and cavitation-related consequences of focused ultrasound application-to complicate matters further, many studies often use distinctly different focused ultrasound stimulus parameters to achieve a reliable response in neural activity. In this review, we consider the benefits of studying more experimentally tractable invertebrate preparations, with an emphasis on the medicinal leech, where neurons can be studied as unique individual cells and be synaptically isolated from the indirect effects of focused ultrasound stimulation on mechanosensitive afferents. In the leech, we have concluded that heat is the primary effector of focused ultrasound neuromodulation, especially on motoneurons in which we observed a focused ultrasound-mediated blockade of action potentials. We discuss that the mechanical bioeffects of focused ultrasound, which are frequently described in the literature, are less reliably achieved as compared to thermal ones, and that observations ascribed to mechanical responses may be confounded by activation of synaptically-coupled sensory structures or artifacts associated with electrode resonance. Ultimately, both the mechanical and thermal components of focused ultrasound have significant potential to contribute to the sculpting of specific neural outcomes. Because focused ultrasound can generate significant modulation at a temperature <5°C, which is believed to be safe for moderate durations, we support the idea that focused ultrasound should be considered as a thermal neuromodulation technology for clinical use, especially targeting neural pathways in the peripheral nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan N. Collins
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Karen A. Mesce
- Department of Entomology and Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
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16
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Onorato G, Fardella F, Lewinska A, Gobbo F, Tommasini G, Wnuk M, Tino A, Moros M, Antognazza MR, Tortiglione C. Optical Control of Tissue Regeneration through Photostimulation of Organic Semiconducting Nanoparticles. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200366. [PMID: 35861262 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Next generation bioengineering strives to identify crucial cues that trigger regeneration of damaged tissues, and to control the cells that execute these programs with biomaterials and devices. Molecular and biophysical mechanisms driving embryogenesis may inspire novel tools to reactivate developmental programs in situ. Here nanoparticles based on conjugated polymers are employed for optical control of regenerating tissues by using an animal with unlimited regenerative potential, the polyp Hydra, as in vivo model, and human keratinocytes as an in vitro model to investigate skin repair. By integrating animal, cellular, molecular, and biochemical approaches, nanoparticles based on poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) are shown able to enhance regeneration kinetics, stem cell proliferation, and biomolecule oxidation levels. Opposite outputs are obtained with PCPDTBT-NPs (Poly[2,6-(4,4-bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta [2,1-b;3,4-b'] dithiophene)-alt-4,7(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)], causing a beneficial effect on Hydra regeneration but not on the migratory capability of keratinocytes. These results suggest that the artificial modulation of the redox potential in injured tissues may represent a powerful modality to control their regenerative potential. Importantly, the possibility to fine-tuning materials' photocatalytic efficiency may enable a biphasic modulation over a wide dynamic range, which can be exploited to augment the tissue regenerative capacity or inhibit the unlimited potential of cancerous cells in pathological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Onorato
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "E. Caianiello", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078, Italy.,Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, Via Pietro Castellino 111, Napoli, Italy
| | - Federica Fardella
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "E. Caianiello", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078, Italy.,Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón, C/Mariano Esquillor 15, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Anna Lewinska
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Rzeszow, Pigonia 1, Rzeszow, 35-310, Poland
| | - Federico Gobbo
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, Milano, 20133, Italy.,Politecnico di Milano, Dip. di Fisica, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Tommasini
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "E. Caianiello", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078, Italy.,Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón, C/Mariano Esquillor 15, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Maciej Wnuk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Rzeszow, Pigonia 1, Rzeszow, 35-310, Poland
| | - Angela Tino
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "E. Caianiello", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078, Italy
| | - Maria Moros
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón, C/Mariano Esquillor 15, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Claudia Tortiglione
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "E. Caianiello", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078, Italy
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17
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Huang Y, Cui Y, Deng H, Wang J, Hong R, Hu S, Hou H, Dong Y, Wang H, Chen J, Li L, Xie Y, Sun P, Fu X, Yin L, Xiong W, Shi SH, Luo M, Wang S, Li X, Sheng X. Bioresorbable thin-film silicon diodes for the optoelectronic excitation and inhibition of neural activities. Nat Biomed Eng 2022; 7:486-498. [PMID: 36065014 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00931-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neural activities can be modulated by leveraging light-responsive nanomaterials as interfaces for exerting photothermal, photoelectrochemical or photocapacitive effects on neurons or neural tissues. Here we show that bioresorbable thin-film monocrystalline silicon pn diodes can be used to optoelectronically excite or inhibit neural activities by establishing polarity-dependent positive or negative photovoltages at the semiconductor/solution interface. Under laser illumination, the silicon-diode optoelectronic interfaces allowed for the deterministic depolarization or hyperpolarization of cultured neurons as well as the upregulated or downregulated intracellular calcium dynamics. The optoelectronic interfaces can also be mounted on nerve tissue to activate or silence neural activities in peripheral and central nervous tissues, as we show in mice with exposed sciatic nerves and somatosensory cortices. Bioresorbable silicon-based optoelectronic thin films that selectively excite or inhibit neural tissue may find advantageous biomedical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiang Huang
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Institute for Precision Medicine, Center for Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,School of Materials Science and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Center for Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuting Cui
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China.,National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hanjie Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rongqi Hong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuhan Hu
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hanqing Hou
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanrui Dong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Huachun Wang
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Institute for Precision Medicine, Center for Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Institute for Precision Medicine, Center for Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lizhu Li
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Institute for Precision Medicine, Center for Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Xie
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Institute for Precision Medicine, Center for Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Pengcheng Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Center for Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Fu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Center for Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lan Yin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Center for Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Song-Hai Shi
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Minmin Luo
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China.,National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shirong Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaojian Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xing Sheng
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Institute for Precision Medicine, Center for Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. .,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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18
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Abdel Aziz I, Maver L, Giannasi C, Niada S, Brini AT, Antognazza MR. Polythiophene-mediated light modulation of membrane potential and calcium signalling in human adipose-derived stem/stromal cells. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY. C 2022; 10:9823-9833. [PMID: 36277082 PMCID: PMC9487879 DOI: 10.1039/d2tc01426b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent progress in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering has been strongly fostered both by the investigation of crucial cues, able to trigger the regeneration of damaged tissues, and by the development of ad hoc functional materials, capable of selectively (re-)activating relevant physiological pathways. In parallel to the successful realization of biochemical cues and the optimization of delivery protocols, the use of biophysical stimuli has been emerging as an alternative, highly effective strategy. Techniques based on electrical, magnetic and mechanical stimulation have been reported to efficiently direct differentiation of stem cells and modulate cell physiology at different developmental stages. In this framework, the use of optical stimulation represents a valuable approach, possibly overcoming current limitations of chemical cues, like limited spatial and temporal resolution and poor control over the extracellular environment. Surprisingly, the effects of light on the physiological properties (light toxicity, cell membrane potential, and cell ionic trafficking) of undifferentiated cells, as well as on their differentiation pathways, were investigated to a very limited extent and rarely quantified in a systematic way. In this work, we aim at clarifying the effects of optical excitation on the physiological behaviour of undifferentiated human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC), cultured on top of a light-sensitive conjugated polymer, region-regular poly-3-hexyl-thiophene (P3HT). Interestingly, we observe statistically significant modulation of the cell membrane potential, as well as noticeable effects on intracellular calcium signalling, triggered by P3HT excitation upon green light stimuli. Possible mechanisms involved in the signal transduction pathways are considered and critically discussed. The capability to modulate the physiological response of hASC upon photoexcitation, in a highly controlled and selective manner, provides a promptly available and non invasive diagnostic tool, thus contributing to the understanding of the complex machinery behind stem cells and material interfaces. Moreover, it may open the route to novel techniques to drive the differentiation path with unprecedented versatility and operational easiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Abdel Aziz
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Giovanni Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. da Vinci 32 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Leonardo Maver
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Giovanni Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. da Vinci 32 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Chiara Giannasi
- University of Milan, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Via Vanvitelli 32 20129 Milano Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Galeazzi 4 20161 Milano Italy
| | - Stefania Niada
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Galeazzi 4 20161 Milano Italy
| | - Anna T Brini
- University of Milan, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Via Vanvitelli 32 20129 Milano Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Galeazzi 4 20161 Milano Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Giovanni Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
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19
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Feyen PLC, Matarèse BFE, Urbano L, Abelha TF, Rahmoune H, Green M, Dailey LA, de Mello JC, Benfenati F. Photosensitized and Photothermal Stimulation of Cellular Membranes by Organic Thin Films and Nanoparticles. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:932877. [PMID: 35875499 PMCID: PMC9302485 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.932877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Conjugated polymers are increasingly exploited for biomedical applications. In this work, we explored the optical characteristics of conjugated polymers of variable chemical structures at multiple levels relevant to biological interfacing, from fluorescence yield to their influence on cellular membrane potential. We systematically compared the performance of conjugated polymer as cast thin films and as nanoparticles stabilized with amphiphilic polyethylene glycol-poly lactic acid-co-glycolic acid (PEG-PLGA). We assessed in both the dark and under illumination the stability of key optoelectronic properties in various environments, including air and biologically relevant physiological saline solutions. We found that photoreduction of oxygen correlates with nanoparticle and film degradation in physiologically relevant media. Using patch-clamp recordings in cell lines and primary neurons, we identified two broad classes of membrane potential response, which correspond to photosensitizer- and photothermal-mediated effects. Last, we introduced a metric named OED50 (optical energy for 50% depolarization), which conveys the phototoxic potency of a given agent and thereby its operational photo-safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L. C. Feyen
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- DZNE—German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Bruno F. E. Matarèse
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Heamatology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Urbano
- King’s College London, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Thais F. Abelha
- King’s College London, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, London, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Optics and Photonics, Institute of Physics, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Hassan Rahmoune
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Green
- Department of Physics, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lea A. Dailey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - John C. de Mello
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Organic Electronic Materials, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- *Correspondence: John C. de Mello, ; Fabio Benfenati,
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- *Correspondence: John C. de Mello, ; Fabio Benfenati,
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20
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Papaioannou S, Medini P. Advantages, Pitfalls, and Developments of All Optical Interrogation Strategies of Microcircuits in vivo. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:859803. [PMID: 35837124 PMCID: PMC9274136 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.859803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The holy grail for every neurophysiologist is to conclude a causal relationship between an elementary behaviour and the function of a specific brain area or circuit. Our effort to map elementary behaviours to specific brain loci and to further manipulate neural activity while observing the alterations in behaviour is in essence the goal for neuroscientists. Recent advancements in the area of experimental brain imaging in the form of longer wavelength near infrared (NIR) pulsed lasers with the development of highly efficient optogenetic actuators and reporters of neural activity, has endowed us with unprecedented resolution in spatiotemporal precision both in imaging neural activity as well as manipulating it with multiphoton microscopy. This readily available toolbox has introduced a so called all-optical physiology and interrogation of circuits and has opened new horizons when it comes to precisely, fast and non-invasively map and manipulate anatomically, molecularly or functionally identified mesoscopic brain circuits. The purpose of this review is to describe the advantages and possible pitfalls of all-optical approaches in system neuroscience, where by all-optical we mean use of multiphoton microscopy to image the functional response of neuron(s) in the network so to attain flexible choice of the cells to be also optogenetically photostimulated by holography, in absence of electrophysiology. Spatio-temporal constraints will be compared toward the classical reference of electrophysiology methods. When appropriate, in relation to current limitations of current optical approaches, we will make reference to latest works aimed to overcome these limitations, in order to highlight the most recent developments. We will also provide examples of types of experiments uniquely approachable all-optically. Finally, although mechanically non-invasive, all-optical electrophysiology exhibits potential off-target effects which can ambiguate and complicate the interpretation of the results. In summary, this review is an effort to exemplify how an all-optical experiment can be designed, conducted and interpreted from the point of view of the integrative neurophysiologist.
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21
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Moccia F, Negri S, Faris P, Ronchi C, Lodola F. Optical excitation of organic semiconductors as a highly selective strategy to induce vascular regeneration and tissue repair. Vascul Pharmacol 2022; 144:106998. [PMID: 35589009 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2022.106998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic neovascularization represents a promising strategy to rescue the vascular network and restore organ function in cardiovascular disorders (CVDs), including acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, and brain stroke. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs), which are mobilized in circulation upon an ischemic insult, are commonly regarded as the most suitable cellular tool to achieve therapeutic neovascularization. ECFCs can be genetically or pharmacologically manipulated to enhance their vasoreparative potential by boosting specific pro-angiogenic signalling pathways. However, optical stimulation represents the most reliable approach to control cellular activity because of its high selectivity and unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution. Herein, we discuss a novel strategy to drive ECFC angiogenic activity in ischemic tissues by combining geneless optical excitation with photosensitive organic semiconductors. We describe how photoexcitation of the conducting polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl), also known as P3HT, stimulates extracellular Ca2+ entry through Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels upon the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the cleft between the nanomaterial and the cell membrane. H2O2-induced TRPV1-dependent Ca2+ entry stimulates ECFC proliferation and tube formation, thereby providing the proof-of-concept that photoexcitation of organic semiconductors may offer a reliable strategy to stimulate ECFCs-dependent neovascularization in CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Moccia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Laboratory of General Physiology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Sharon Negri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Laboratory of General Physiology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Pawan Faris
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Laboratory of General Physiology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlotta Ronchi
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, Laboratory of Cardiac Cellular Physiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
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22
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Deepak CS, Krishnan A, Narayan KS. Light Controlled Signaling Initiated by Subretinal Semiconducting-Polymer Layer in Developing-Blind-Retina Mimics the Response of the Neonatal Retina. J Neural Eng 2022; 19. [PMID: 35561667 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac6f80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Optoelectronic semiconducting polymer material interfaced with a blind-developing chick-retina (E13-E18) in subretinal configuration reveals a response to full-field flash stimulus that resembles an elicited response from natural photoreceptors in a mature chick retina. The response manifests as evoked-firing of action potentials was recorded using a multi-electrode array in contact with the retinal ganglion layer. Characteristics of increasing features in the signal unfold during different retina-development stages and highlight the emerging network mediated pathways typically present in the vision process of the artificial photoreceptor interfaced retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Deepak
- Chemistry and Physics of Materials Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research, Molecular Electronics Lab, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560064, INDIA
| | - Abhijith Krishnan
- Chemistry and Physics of Materials Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Molecular Electronics Lab, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560064, INDIA
| | - K S Narayan
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), JNCASR, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560064, INDIA
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23
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Jung H, Nam Y. Optical recording of neural responses to gold-nanorod mediated photothermal neural inhibition. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 373:109564. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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24
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Liang E, Shi J, Tian B. Freestanding nanomaterials for subcellular neuronal interfaces. iScience 2022; 25:103534. [PMID: 34977499 PMCID: PMC8683583 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current technological advances in neural probing and modulation have enabled an extraordinary glimpse into the intricacies of the nervous system. Particularly, nanomaterials are proving to be an incredibly versatile platform for neurological applications owing to their biocompatibility, tunability, highly specific targeting and sensing, and long-term chemical stability. Among the most desirable nanomaterials for neuroengineering, freestanding nanomaterials are minimally invasive and remotely controlled. This review outlines the most recent developments of freestanding nanomaterials that operate on the neuronal interface. First, the different nanomaterials and their mechanisms for modulating neurons are explored to provide a basis for how freestanding nanomaterials operate. Then, the three main applications of subcellular neuronal engineering-modulating neuronal behavior, exploring fundamental neuronal mechanism, and recording neuronal signal-are highlighted with specific examples of current advancements. Finally, we conclude with our perspective on future nanomaterial designs and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Liang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jiuyun Shi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- The James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- The Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Bozhi Tian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- The James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- The Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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25
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Zhu X, Lin JW, Turnali A, Sander MY. Single infrared light pulses induce excitatory and inhibitory neuromodulation. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 13:374-388. [PMID: 35154878 PMCID: PMC8803021 DOI: 10.1364/boe.444577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The excitatory and inhibitory effects of single and brief infrared (IR) light pulses (2 µm) with millisecond durations and various power levels are investigated with a custom-built fiber amplification system. Intracellular recordings from motor axons of the crayfish opener neuromuscular junction are performed ex vivo. Single IR light pulses induce a membrane depolarization during the light pulses, which is followed by a hyperpolarization that can last up to 100 ms. The depolarization amplitude is dependent on the optical pulse duration, total energy deposition and membrane potential, but is insensitive to tetrodotoxin. The hyperpolarization reverses its polarity near the potassium equilibrium potential and is barium-sensitive. The membrane depolarization activates an action potential (AP) when the axon is near firing threshold, while the hyperpolarization reversibly inhibits rhythmically firing APs. In summary, we demonstrate for the first time that single and brief IR light pulses can evoke initial depolarization followed by hyperpolarization on individual motor axons. The corresponding mechanisms and functional outcomes of the dual effects are investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedong Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, 24 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Photonics Center, Boston University, 8 Saint Mary’s Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jen-Wei Lin
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ahmet Turnali
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, 8 Saint Mary’s Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Photonics Center, Boston University, 8 Saint Mary’s Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Michelle Y. Sander
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, 24 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, 8 Saint Mary’s Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Photonics Center, Boston University, 8 Saint Mary’s Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, 15 Saint Mary’s Street, Brookline, MA 02446, USA
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26
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Pitsalidis C, Pappa AM, Boys AJ, Fu Y, Moysidou CM, van Niekerk D, Saez J, Savva A, Iandolo D, Owens RM. Organic Bioelectronics for In Vitro Systems. Chem Rev 2021; 122:4700-4790. [PMID: 34910876 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectronics have made strides in improving clinical diagnostics and precision medicine. The potential of bioelectronics for bidirectional interfacing with biology through continuous, label-free monitoring on one side and precise control of biological activity on the other has extended their application scope to in vitro systems. The advent of microfluidics and the considerable advances in reliability and complexity of in vitro models promise to eventually significantly reduce or replace animal studies, currently the gold standard in drug discovery and toxicology testing. Bioelectronics are anticipated to play a major role in this transition offering a much needed technology to push forward the drug discovery paradigm. Organic electronic materials, notably conjugated polymers, having demonstrated technological maturity in fields such as solar cells and light emitting diodes given their outstanding characteristics and versatility in processing, are the obvious route forward for bioelectronics due to their biomimetic nature, among other merits. This review highlights the advances in conjugated polymers for interfacing with biological tissue in vitro, aiming ultimately to develop next generation in vitro systems. We showcase in vitro interfacing across multiple length scales, involving biological models of varying complexity, from cell components to complex 3D cell cultures. The state of the art, the possibilities, and the challenges of conjugated polymers toward clinical translation of in vitro systems are also discussed throughout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Pitsalidis
- Department of Physics, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi 127788, UAE.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K
| | - Anna-Maria Pappa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi 127788, UAE
| | - Alexander J Boys
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K
| | - Ying Fu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K.,Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1RD, U.K
| | - Chrysanthi-Maria Moysidou
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K
| | - Douglas van Niekerk
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K
| | - Janire Saez
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K.,Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, BIOMICs Microfluidics Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Avenida Miguel de Unamuno, 3, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, E-48011 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Achilleas Savva
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K
| | - Donata Iandolo
- INSERM, U1059 Sainbiose, Université Jean Monnet, Mines Saint-Étienne, Université de Lyon, 42023 Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Róisín M Owens
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K
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27
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Palanker D, Głowacki ED, Ghezzi D. Questions about the role of P3HT nanoparticles in retinal stimulation. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 16:1330-1332. [PMID: 34887532 PMCID: PMC10789482 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-021-01044-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Palanker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Eric Daniel Głowacki
- Bioelectronics Materials and Devices Laboratory, Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Diego Ghezzi
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
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28
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Negri S, Faris P, Tullii G, Vismara M, Pellegata AF, Lodola F, Guidetti G, Rosti V, Antognazza MR, Moccia F. Conjugated polymers mediate intracellular Ca 2+ signals in circulating endothelial colony forming cells through the reactive oxygen species-dependent activation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). Cell Calcium 2021; 101:102502. [PMID: 34896699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2021.102502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) represent the most suitable cellular substrate to induce revascularization of ischemic tissues. Recently, optical excitation of the light-sensitive conjugated polymer, regioregular Poly (3-hexyl-thiophene), rr-P3HT, was found to stimulate ECFC proliferation and tube formation by activating the non-selective cation channel, Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). Herein, we adopted a multidisciplinary approach, ranging from intracellular Ca2+ imaging to pharmacological manipulation and genetic suppression of TRPV1 expression, to investigate the effects of photoexcitation on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in circulating ECFCs plated on rr-P3HT thin films. Polymer-mediated optical excitation induced a long-lasting increase in [Ca2+]i that could display an oscillatory pattern at shorter light stimuli. Pharmacological and genetic manipulation revealed that the Ca2+ response to light was triggered by extracellular Ca2+ entry through TRPV1, whose activation required the production of reactive oxygen species at the interface between rr-P3HT and the cell membrane. Light-induced TRPV1-mediated Ca2+ entry was able to evoke intracellular Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum through inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors, followed by store-operated Ca2+ entry on the plasma membrane. These data show that TRPV1 may serve as a decoder at the interface between rr-P3HT thin films and ECFCs to translate optical excitation in pro-angiogenic Ca2+ signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Negri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Pawan Faris
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Tullii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Mauro Vismara
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro F Pellegata
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Gianni Guidetti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Rosti
- Center for the Study of Myelofibrosis, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Advanced Diagnosis, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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29
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An Y, Nam Y. Closed-loop control of neural spike rate of cultured neurons using a thermoplasmonics-based photothermal neural stimulation. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34678786 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac3265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Photothermal neural stimulation has been developed in a variety of interfaces as an alternative technology that can perturb neural activity. The demonstrations of these techniques have heavily relied on open-loop stimulation or complete suppression of neural activity. To extend the controllability of photothermal neural stimulation, combining it with a closed-loop system is required. In this work, we investigated whether photothermal suppression mechanism can be used in a closed-loop system to reliably modulate neural spike rate to non-zero setpoints.Approach. To incorporate the photothermal inhibition mechanism into the neural feedback system, we combined a thermoplasmonic stimulation platform based on gold nanorods (GNRs) and near-infrared illuminations (808 nm, spot size: 2 mm or 200μm in diameter) with a proportional-integral (PI) controller. The closed-loop feedback control system was implemented to track predetermined target spike rates of hippocampal neuronal networks cultured on GNR-coated microelectrode arrays.Main results. The closed-loop system for neural spike rate control was successfully implemented using a PI controller and the thermoplasmonic neural suppression platform. Compared to the open-loop control, the target-channel spike rates were precisely modulated to remain constant or change in a sinusoidal form in the range below baseline spike rates. The spike rate response behaviors were affected by the choice of the controller gain. We also demonstrated that the functional connectivity of a synchronized bursting network could be altered by controlling the spike rate of one of the participating channels.Significance.The thermoplasmonic feedback controller proved that it can precisely modulate neural spike rate of neural activityin vitro. This technology can be used for studying neuronal network dynamics and might provide insights in developing new neuromodulation techniques in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin An
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonkey Nam
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.,KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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30
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Bondelli G, Sardar S, Chiaravalli G, Vurro V, Paternò GM, Lanzani G, D'Andrea C. Shedding Light on Thermally Induced Optocapacitance at the Organic Biointerface. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:10748-10758. [PMID: 34524830 PMCID: PMC8488932 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c06054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Photothermal
perturbation
of the cell membrane is typically achieved
using transducers that convert light into thermal energy, eventually
heating the cell membrane. In turn, this leads to the modulation of
the membrane electrical capacitance that is assigned to a geometrical
modification of the membrane structure. However, the nature of such
a change is not understood. In this work, we employ an all-optical
spectroscopic approach, based on the use of fluorescent probes, to
monitor the membrane polarity, viscosity, and order directly in living
cells under thermal excitation transduced by a photoexcited polymer
film. We report two major results. First, we show that rising temperature
does not just change the geometry of the membrane but indeed it affects
the membrane dielectric characteristics by water penetration. Second,
we find an additional effect, which is peculiar for the photoexcited
semiconducting polymer film, that contributes to the system perturbation
and that we tentatively assigned to the photoinduced polarization
of the polymer interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Bondelli
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.,Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Samim Sardar
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Greta Chiaravalli
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.,Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Vito Vurro
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maria Paternò
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.,Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cosimo D'Andrea
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.,Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy
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31
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Milos F, Tullii G, Gobbo F, Lodola F, Galeotti F, Verpelli C, Mayer D, Maybeck V, Offenhäusser A, Antognazza MR. High Aspect Ratio and Light-Sensitive Micropillars Based on a Semiconducting Polymer Optically Regulate Neuronal Growth. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:23438-23451. [PMID: 33983012 PMCID: PMC8161421 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c03537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Many nano- and microstructured devices capable of promoting neuronal growth and network formation have been previously investigated. In certain cases, topographical cues have been successfully complemented with external bias, by employing electrically conducting scaffolds. However, the use of optical stimulation with topographical cues was rarely addressed in this context, and the development of light-addressable platforms for modulating and guiding cellular growth and proliferation remains almost completely unexplored. Here, we develop high aspect ratio micropillars based on a prototype semiconducting polymer, regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT), as an optically active, three-dimensional platform for embryonic cortical neurons. P3HT micropillars provide a mechanically compliant environment and allow a close contact with neuronal cells. The combined action of nano/microtopography and visible light excitation leads to effective optical modulation of neuronal growth and orientation. Embryonic neurons cultured on polymer pillars show a clear polarization effect and, upon exposure to optical excitation, a significant increase in both neurite and axon length. The biocompatible, microstructured, and light-sensitive platform developed here opens up the opportunity to optically regulate neuronal growth in a wireless, repeatable, and spatio-temporally controlled manner without genetic modification. This approach may be extended to other cell models, thus uncovering interesting applications of photonic devices in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frano Milos
- Institute
of Biological Information Processing IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- RWTH
University Aachen, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Tullii
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Federico Gobbo
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Physics
Department, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Galeotti
- Istituto
di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche G. Natta (SCITEC), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Verpelli
- Istituto
di Neuroscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle
Ricerche, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Dirk Mayer
- Institute
of Biological Information Processing IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Vanessa Maybeck
- Institute
of Biological Information Processing IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Andreas Offenhäusser
- Institute
of Biological Information Processing IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- RWTH
University Aachen, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center
for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
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32
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Moccia F, Antognazza MR, Lodola F. Towards Novel Geneless Approaches for Therapeutic Angiogenesis. Front Physiol 2021; 11:616189. [PMID: 33551844 PMCID: PMC7855168 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.616189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Such a widespread diffusion makes the conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels a primary medical and economic burden. It, therefore, becomes mandatory to identify effective treatments that can alleviate this global problem. Among the different solutions brought to the attention of the medical-scientific community, therapeutic angiogenesis is one of the most promising. However, this approach, which aims to treat cardiovascular diseases by generating new blood vessels in ischemic tissues, has so far led to inadequate results due to several issues. In this perspective, we will discuss cutting-edge approaches and future perspectives to alleviate the potentially lethal impact of cardiovascular diseases. We will focus on the consolidated role of resident endothelial progenitor cells, particularly endothelial colony forming cells, as suitable candidates for cell-based therapy demonstrating the importance of targeting intracellular Ca2+ signaling to boost their regenerative outcome. Moreover, we will elucidate the advantages of physical stimuli over traditional approaches. In particular, we will critically discuss recent results obtained by using optical stimulation, as a novel strategy to drive endothelial colony forming cells fate and its potential in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Moccia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Maiolo L, Guarino V, Saracino E, Convertino A, Melucci M, Muccini M, Ambrosio L, Zamboni R, Benfenati V. Glial Interfaces: Advanced Materials and Devices to Uncover the Role of Astroglial Cells in Brain Function and Dysfunction. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001268. [PMID: 33103375 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Research over the past four decades has highlighted the importance of certain brain cells, called glial cells, and has moved the neurocentric vision of structure, function, and pathology of the nervous system toward a more holistic perspective. In this view, the demand for technologies that are able to target and both selectively monitor and control glial cells is emerging as a challenge across neuroscience, engineering, chemistry, and material science. Frequently neglected or marginally considered as a barrier to be overcome between neural implants and neuronal targets, glial cells, and in particular astrocytes, are increasingly considered as active players in determining the outcomes of device implantation. This review provides a concise overview not only of the previously established but also of the emerging physiological and pathological roles of astrocytes. It also critically discusses the most recent advances in biomaterial interfaces and devices that interact with glial cells and thus have enabled scientists to reach unprecedented insights into the role of astroglial cells in brain function and dysfunction. This work proposes glial interfaces and glial engineering as multidisciplinary fields that have the potential to enable significant advancement of knowledge surrounding cognitive function and acute and chronic neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Maiolo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Microelettronica e i Microsistemi Via del Fosso del Cavaliere n.100 Roma 00133 Italy
| | - Vincenzo Guarino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per i Polimeri Compositi e Biomateriali Viale J.F. Kennedy 54, Mostra d'Oltremare, Pad 20 Napoli 80125 Italy
| | - Emanuela Saracino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività via P. Gobetti 101 Bologna 40129 Italy
| | - Annalisa Convertino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Microelettronica e i Microsistemi Via del Fosso del Cavaliere n.100 Roma 00133 Italy
| | - Manuela Melucci
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività via P. Gobetti 101 Bologna 40129 Italy
| | - Michele Muccini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati via P. Gobetti 101 Bologna 40129 Italy
| | - Luigi Ambrosio
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per i Polimeri Compositi e Biomateriali Viale J.F. Kennedy 54, Mostra d'Oltremare, Pad 20 Napoli 80125 Italy
| | - Roberto Zamboni
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività via P. Gobetti 101 Bologna 40129 Italy
| | - Valentina Benfenati
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività via P. Gobetti 101 Bologna 40129 Italy
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Maya-Vetencourt JF, Di Marco S, Mete M, Di Paolo M, Ventrella D, Barone F, Elmi A, Manfredi G, Desii A, Sannita WG, Bisti S, Lanzani G, Pertile G, Bacci ML, Benfenati F. Biocompatibility of a Conjugated Polymer Retinal Prosthesis in the Domestic Pig. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:579141. [PMID: 33195139 PMCID: PMC7605258 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.579141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The progressive degeneration of retinal photoreceptors is one of the most significant causes of blindness in humans. Conjugated polymers represent an attractive solution to the field of retinal prostheses, and a multi-layer fully organic prosthesis implanted subretinally in dystrophic Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats was able to rescue visual functions. As a step toward human translation, we report here the fabrication and in vivo testing of a similar device engineered to adapt to the human-like size of the eye of the domestic pig, an excellent animal paradigm to test therapeutic strategies for photoreceptors degeneration. The active conjugated polymers were layered onto two distinct passive substrates, namely electro-spun silk fibroin (ESF) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Naive pigs were implanted subretinally with the active device in one eye, while the contralateral eye was sham implanted with substrate only. Retinal morphology and functionality were assessed before and after surgery by means of in vivo optical coherence tomography and full-field electroretinogram (ff-ERG) analysis. After the sacrifice, the retina morphology and inflammatory markers were analyzed by immunohistochemistry of the excised retinas. Surprisingly, ESF-based prostheses caused a proliferative vitreoretinopathy with disappearance of the ff-ERG b-wave in the implanted eyes. In contrast, PET-based active devices did not evoke significant inflammatory responses. As expected, the subretinal implantation of both PET only and the PET-based prosthesis locally decreased the thickness of the outer nuclear layer due to local photoreceptor loss. However, while the implantation of the PET only substrate decreased the ff-ERG b-wave amplitude with respect to the pre-implant ERG, the eyes implanted with the active device fully preserved the ERG responses, indicating an active compensation of the surgery-induced photoreceptor loss. Our findings highlight the possibility of developing a new generation of conjugated polymer/PET-based prosthetic devices that are highly biocompatible and potentially suitable for subretinal implantation in patients suffering from degenerative blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Fernando Maya-Vetencourt
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, San Martino Hospital, Genova, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, San Martino Hospital, Genova, Italy.,Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mete
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Domenico Ventrella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Barone
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Elmi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Manfredi
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Desii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Walter G Sannita
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.,Consorzio Interuniversitario INBB, Rome, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Grazia Pertile
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, San Martino Hospital, Genova, Italy
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35
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Fekete Z, Horváth ÁC, Zátonyi A. Infrared neuromodulation:a neuroengineering perspective. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:051003. [PMID: 33055373 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/abb3b2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Infrared neuromodulation (INM) is a branch of photobiomodulation that offers direct or indirect control of cellular activity through elevation of temperature in a spatially confined region of the target tissue. Research on INM started about 15 ago and is gradually attracting the attention of the neuroscience community, as numerous experimental studies have provided firm evidence on the safe and reproducible excitation and inhibition of neuronal firing in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. However, its biophysical mechanism is not fully understood and several engineered interfaces have been created to investigate infrared stimulation in both the peripheral and central nervous system. In this review, recent applications and present knowledge on the effects of INM on cellular activity are summarized, and an overview of the technical approaches to deliver infrared light to cells and to interrogate the optically evoked response is provided. The micro- and nanoengineered interfaces used to investigate the influence of INM are described in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Fekete
- Research Group for Implantable Microsystems, Faculty of Information Technology & Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest 1083, Hungary. Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed
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Ohayon D, Inal S. Organic Bioelectronics: From Functional Materials to Next-Generation Devices and Power Sources. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e2001439. [PMID: 32691880 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202001439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Conjugated polymers (CPs) possess a unique set of features setting them apart from other materials. These properties make them ideal when interfacing the biological world electronically. Their mixed electronic and ionic conductivity can be used to detect weak biological signals, deliver charged bioactive molecules, and mechanically or electrically stimulate tissues. CPs can be functionalized with various (bio)chemical moieties and blend with other functional materials, with the aim of modulating biological responses or endow specificity toward analytes of interest. They can absorb photons and generate electronic charges that are then used to stimulate cells or produce fuels. These polymers also have catalytic properties allowing them to harvest ambient energy and, along with their high capacitances, are promising materials for next-generation power sources integrated with bioelectronic devices. In this perspective, an overview of the key properties of CPs and examination of operational mechanism of electronic devices that leverage these properties for specific applications in bioelectronics is provided. In addition to discussing the chemical structure-functionality relationships of CPs applied at the biological interface, the development of new chemistries and form factors that would bring forth next-generation sensors, actuators, and their power sources, and, hence, advances in the field of organic bioelectronics is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ohayon
- Organic Bioelectronics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sahika Inal
- Organic Bioelectronics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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Maya-Vetencourt JF, Manfredi G, Mete M, Colombo E, Bramini M, Di Marco S, Shmal D, Mantero G, Dipalo M, Rocchi A, DiFrancesco ML, Papaleo ED, Russo A, Barsotti J, Eleftheriou C, Di Maria F, Cossu V, Piazza F, Emionite L, Ticconi F, Marini C, Sambuceti G, Pertile G, Lanzani G, Benfenati F. Subretinally injected semiconducting polymer nanoparticles rescue vision in a rat model of retinal dystrophy. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 15:698-708. [PMID: 32601447 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-020-0696-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies and late-stage age-related macular degeneration, for which treatments remain limited, are among the most prevalent causes of legal blindness. Retinal prostheses have been developed to stimulate the inner retinal network; however, lack of sensitivity and resolution, and the need for wiring or external cameras, have limited their application. Here we show that conjugated polymer nanoparticles (P3HT NPs) mediate light-evoked stimulation of retinal neurons and persistently rescue visual functions when subretinally injected in a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa. P3HT NPs spread out over the entire subretinal space and promote light-dependent activation of spared inner retinal neurons, recovering subcortical, cortical and behavioural visual responses in the absence of trophic effects or retinal inflammation. By conferring sustained light sensitivity to degenerate retinas after a single injection, and with the potential for high spatial resolution, P3HT NPs provide a new avenue in retinal prosthetics with potential applications not only in retinitis pigmentosa, but also in age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Fernando Maya-Vetencourt
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Manfredi
- Centre for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mete
- Ophthalmology Department, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mattia Bramini
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Dmytro Shmal
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Mantero
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Dipalo
- Plasmon Nanotechnologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Rocchi
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mattia L DiFrancesco
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ermanno D Papaleo
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Angela Russo
- Ophthalmology Department, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Jonathan Barsotti
- Centre for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Cyril Eleftheriou
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, Weil Medical College of Cornell University, White Plains, NY, USA
| | - Francesca Di Maria
- CNR Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), Bologna, Italy
| | - Vanessa Cossu
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Flavia Ticconi
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Oncohematology, Nuclear Medicine Unit, Faenza Hospital, Faenza, Italy
| | - Cecilia Marini
- CNR Institute of Bioimages and Molecular Physiology, Milan (Genoa Section), Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianmario Sambuceti
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Grazia Pertile
- Ophthalmology Department, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Centre for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta J.I. Airaghi Leccardi
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne 1202 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Diego Ghezzi
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne 1202 Geneva Switzerland
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39
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Negri S, Faris P, Rosti V, Antognazza MR, Lodola F, Moccia F. Endothelial TRPV1 as an Emerging Molecular Target to Promote Therapeutic Angiogenesis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061341. [PMID: 32471282 PMCID: PMC7349285 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic angiogenesis represents an emerging strategy to treat ischemic diseases by stimulating blood vessel growth to rescue local blood perfusion. Therefore, injured microvasculature may be repaired by stimulating resident endothelial cells or circulating endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) or by autologous cell-based therapy. Endothelial Ca2+ signals represent a crucial player in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis; indeed, several angiogenic stimuli induce neovessel formation through an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Several members of the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channel superfamily are expressed and mediate Ca2+-dependent functions in vascular endothelial cells and in ECFCs, the only known truly endothelial precursor. TRP Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), a polymodal cation channel, is emerging as an important player in endothelial cell migration, proliferation, and tubulogenesis, through the integration of several chemical stimuli. Herein, we first summarize TRPV1 structure and gating mechanisms. Next, we illustrate the physiological roles of TRPV1 in vascular endothelium, focusing our attention on how endothelial TRPV1 promotes angiogenesis. In particular, we describe a recent strategy to stimulate TRPV1-mediated pro-angiogenic activity in ECFCs, in the presence of a photosensitive conjugated polymer. Taken together, these observations suggest that TRPV1 represents a useful target in the treatment of ischemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Negri
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (S.N.); (P.F.)
| | - Pawan Faris
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (S.N.); (P.F.)
| | - Vittorio Rosti
- Center for the Study of Myelofibrosis, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Advanced Diagnosis, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.R.A.); (F.L.)
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.R.A.); (F.L.)
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (S.N.); (P.F.)
- Correspondence:
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40
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DiFrancesco ML, Lodola F, Colombo E, Maragliano L, Bramini M, Paternò GM, Baldelli P, Serra MD, Lunelli L, Marchioretto M, Grasselli G, Cimò S, Colella L, Fazzi D, Ortica F, Vurro V, Eleftheriou CG, Shmal D, Maya-Vetencourt JF, Bertarelli C, Lanzani G, Benfenati F. Neuronal firing modulation by a membrane-targeted photoswitch. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 15:296-306. [PMID: 32015505 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-019-0632-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Optical technologies allowing modulation of neuronal activity at high spatio-temporal resolution are becoming paramount in neuroscience. In this respect, azobenzene-based photoswitches are promising nanoscale tools for neuronal photostimulation. Here we engineered a light-sensitive azobenzene compound (Ziapin2) that stably partitions into the plasma membrane and causes its thinning through trans-dimerization in the dark, resulting in an increased membrane capacitance at steady state. We demonstrated that in neurons loaded with the compound, millisecond pulses of visible light induce a transient hyperpolarization followed by a delayed depolarization that triggers action potential firing. These effects are persistent and can be evoked in vivo up to 7 days, proving the potential of Ziapin2 for the modulation of membrane capacitance in the millisecond timescale, without directly affecting ion channels or local temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Lorenzo DiFrancesco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Maragliano
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mattia Bramini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Mattia Bramini, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Pietro Baldelli
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mauro Dalla Serra
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Trento, Italy
- Laboratory of Biomarker Studies and Structure Analysis for Health, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lunelli
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Trento, Italy
- Laboratory of Biomarker Studies and Structure Analysis for Health, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Marta Marchioretto
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Trento, Italy
- Laboratory of Biomarker Studies and Structure Analysis for Health, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Giorgio Grasselli
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simone Cimò
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica 'Giulio Natta', Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Colella
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica 'Giulio Natta', Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Fazzi
- Department of Chemistry, Institut für Physikalische Chemie, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Fausto Ortica
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Vito Vurro
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Cyril Giles Eleftheriou
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Cyril Giles Eleftheriou, Departments of Ophtalmology and Neurology, Burke Medical Research Institute, Weil Medical College of Cornell University, White Plains, NY, USA
| | - Dmytro Shmal
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - José Fernando Maya-Vetencourt
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- José Fernando Maya-Vetencourt, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Bertarelli
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica 'Giulio Natta', Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy.
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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Lodola F, Rosti V, Tullii G, Desii A, Tapella L, Catarsi P, Lim D, Moccia F, Antognazza MR. Conjugated polymers optically regulate the fate of endothelial colony-forming cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaav4620. [PMID: 31598549 PMCID: PMC6764832 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aav4620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The control of stem and progenitor cell fate is emerging as a compelling urgency for regenerative medicine. Here, we propose a innovative strategy to gain optical control of endothelial colony-forming cell fate, which represents the only known truly endothelial precursor showing robust in vitro proliferation and overwhelming vessel formation in vivo. We combine conjugated polymers, used as photo-actuators, with the advantages offered by optical stimulation over current electromechanical and chemical stimulation approaches. Light modulation provides unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution, permitting at the same time lower invasiveness and higher selectivity. We demonstrate that polymer-mediated optical excitation induces a robust enhancement of proliferation and lumen formation in vitro. We identify the underlying biophysical pathway as due to light-induced activation of TRPV1 channel. Altogether, our results represent an effective way to induce angiogenesis in vitro, which represents the proof of principle to improve the outcome of autologous cell-based therapy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Lodola
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Corresponding author. (F.L.); (M.R.A.)
| | - V. Rosti
- Center for the Study of Myelofibrosis, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Advanced Diagnosis, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - G. Tullii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - A. Desii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - L. Tapella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro,” Novara, Italy
| | - P. Catarsi
- Center for the Study of Myelofibrosis, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Advanced Diagnosis, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - D. Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro,” Novara, Italy
| | - F. Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani,” University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - M. R. Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Corresponding author. (F.L.); (M.R.A.)
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42
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Shan D, Ma C, Yang J. Enabling biodegradable functional biomaterials for the management of neurological disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 148:219-238. [PMID: 31228483 PMCID: PMC6888967 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of patients are being diagnosed with neurological diseases, but are rarely cured because of the lack of curative therapeutic approaches. This situation creates an urgent clinical need to develop effective diagnosis and treatment strategies for repair and regeneration of injured or diseased neural tissues. In this regard, biodegradable functional biomaterials provide promising solutions to meet this demand owing to their unique responsiveness to external stimulation fields, which enable neuro-imaging, neuro-sensing, specific targeting, hyperthermia treatment, controlled drug delivery, and nerve regeneration. This review discusses recent progress in the research and development of biodegradable functional biomaterials including electroactive biomaterials, magnetic materials and photoactive biomaterials for the management of neurological disorders with emphasis on their applications in bioimaging (photoacoustic imaging, MRI and fluorescence imaging), biosensing (electrochemical sensing, magnetic sensing and opical sensing), and therapy strategies (drug delivery, hyperthermia treatment, and tissue engineering). It is expected that this review will provide an insightful discussion on the roles of biodegradable functional biomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases, and lead to innovations for the design and development of the next generation biodegradable functional biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingying Shan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Materials Research Institute, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Chuying Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Materials Research Institute, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Materials Research Institute, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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43
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Xia Q, Nyberg T. Inhibition of cortical neural networks using infrared laser. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2019; 12:e201800403. [PMID: 30859700 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201800403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to optimize parameters for inhibiting neuronal activity safely and investigating thermal inhibition of rat cortex neural networks in vitro by continuous infrared (IR) laser. Rat cortex neurons were cultured on multi-electrode arrays until neural networks were formed with spontaneous neural activity. Neurons were then irradiated to inhibit the activity of the networks using different powers of 1550 nm IR laser light. A finite element heating model, calibrated by the open glass pipette method, was used to calculate temperature increases at different laser irradiation intensities. A damage signal ratio (DSR) was evaluated to avoid excessive heating that may damage cells. The DSR predicted that cortex neurons should be safe at temperatures up to 49.6°C for 30 seconds, but experiments suggested that cortex neurons should not be exposed to temperatures over 46°C for 30 seconds. Neural response experiments showed that the inhibition of neural activity is temperature dependent. The normal neural activity could be inhibited safely with an inhibition degree up to 80% and induced epileptiform activity could be suppressed. These results show that continuous IR laser radiations provide a possible way to safely inhibit the neural network activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingling Xia
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Division of Neuronic Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tobias Nyberg
- Division of Neuronic Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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44
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Lodola F, Vurro V, Crasto S, Di Pasquale E, Lanzani G. Optical Pacing of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes Mediated by a Conjugated Polymer Interface. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1900198. [PMID: 31066237 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201900198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The use of light for triggering skeletal and cardiac muscles allows lower invasiveness higher selectivity and unprecedented possibility to target individual cells or even subcellular compartments in a temporally and spatially precise manner. Because cells are in general transparent, this requires the development of suitable interfaces that bestow light sensitivity to living matter. In the present work, successfully demonstrated is the use of conjugated polymer films as transducer to optically enhance the contraction rate of a human and patient-specific cardiac in vitro cell model. By different experimental approaches, the coupling mechanism to the photothermal effect is assigned. This work extends the range of application of the polymer-mediated cell photostimulation phenomenon to cardiac muscle cells, opening up possible applications in cardiac therapy and for implementation of in vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lodola
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia Via Pascoli 70/3 Milan 20133 Italy
| | - Vito Vurro
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia Via Pascoli 70/3 Milan 20133 Italy
- Department of PhysicsPolitecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32 Milan 20133 Italy
| | - Silvia Crasto
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS Via Alessandro Manzoni, 56 Rozzano Milan 20089 Italy
- Istituto Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica – UOS di MilanoConsiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche via Fantoli 15/16 Milan 20138 Italy
| | - Elisa Di Pasquale
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS Via Alessandro Manzoni, 56 Rozzano Milan 20089 Italy
- Istituto Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica – UOS di MilanoConsiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche via Fantoli 15/16 Milan 20138 Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia Via Pascoli 70/3 Milan 20133 Italy
- Department of PhysicsPolitecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32 Milan 20133 Italy
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45
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Manfredi G, Colombo E, Barsotti J, Benfenati F, Lanzani G. Photochemistry of Organic Retinal Prostheses. Annu Rev Phys Chem 2019; 70:99-121. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physchem-042018-052445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Organic devices are attracting considerable attention as prostheses for the recovery of retinal light sensitivity lost to retinal degenerative disease. The biotic/abiotic interface created when light-sensitive polymers and living tissues are placed in contact allows excitation of a response in blind laboratory rats exposed to visual stimuli. Although polymer retinal prostheses have proved to be efficient, their working mechanism is far from being fully understood. In this review article, we discuss the results of the studies conducted on these kinds of polymer devices and compare them with the data found in the literature for inorganic retinal prostheses, where the working mechanisms are better comprehended. This comparison, which tries to set some reference values and figures of merit, is intended for use as a starting point to determine the direction for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Manfredi
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy;,
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genoa, Italy;,
| | - Jonathan Barsotti
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy;,
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genoa, Italy;,
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milan, Italy;,
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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46
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Yoo S, Park JH, Nam Y. Single-Cell Photothermal Neuromodulation for Functional Mapping of Neural Networks. ACS NANO 2019; 13:544-551. [PMID: 30592595 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b07277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Photothermal neuromodulation is one of the emerging technologies being developed for neuroscience studies because it can provide minimally invasive control of neural activity in the deep brain with submillimeter precision. However, single-cell modulation without genetic modification still remains a challenge, hindering its path to broad applications. Here, we introduce a nanoplasmonic approach to inhibit single-neural activity with high temporal resolution. Low-intensity near-infrared light was focused at the single cell size on a gold-nanorod-integrated microelectrode array platform, generating a photothermal effect underneath a target neuron for photothermal stimulation. We found that the photothermal stimulation modulates the spontaneous activity of a target neuron in an inhibitory manner. Single neuron inhibition was fast and highly reliable without thermal damage, and it can induce changes in network firing patterns, potentially suggesting their application for in vivo circuit modulation and functional connectomes.
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47
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A microfabricated nerve-on-a-chip platform for rapid assessment of neural conduction in explanted peripheral nerve fibers. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4403. [PMID: 30353009 PMCID: PMC6199302 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06895-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerves are anisotropic and heterogeneous neural tissues. Their complex physiology restricts realistic in vitro models, and high resolution and selective probing of axonal activity. Here, we present a nerve-on-a-chip platform that enables rapid extracellular recording and axonal tracking of action potentials collected from tens of myelinated fibers. The platform consists of microfabricated stimulation and recording microchannel electrode arrays. First, we identify conduction velocities of action potentials traveling through the microchannel and propose a robust data-sorting algorithm using velocity selective recording. We optimize channel geometry and electrode spacing to enhance the algorithm reliability. Second, we demonstrate selective heat-induced neuro-inhibition of peripheral nerve activity upon local illumination of a conjugated polymer (P3HT) blended with a fullerene derivative (PCBM) coated on the floor of the microchannel. We demonstrate the nerve-on-a-chip platform is a versatile tool to optimize the design of implantable peripheral nerve interfaces and test selective neuromodulation techniques ex vivo. Peripheral nerves have a complex physiology and it is therefore difficult to measure axonal activity in vitro. Here the authors make a nerve-on-a-chip platform to align peripheral nerves and permit measurement of conduction amplitude and velocity along several axons in a single experiment.
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48
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Ferlauto L, D'Angelo AN, Vagni P, Airaghi Leccardi MJI, Mor FM, Cuttaz EA, Heuschkel MO, Stoppini L, Ghezzi D. Development and Characterization of PEDOT:PSS/Alginate Soft Microelectrodes for Application in Neuroprosthetics. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:648. [PMID: 30283296 PMCID: PMC6156361 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Reducing the mechanical mismatch between the stiffness of a neural implant and the softness of the neural tissue is still an open challenge in neuroprosthetics. The emergence of conductive hydrogels in the last few years has considerably widened the spectrum of possibilities to tackle this issue. Nevertheless, despite the advancements in this field, further improvements in the fabrication of conductive hydrogel-based electrodes are still required. In this work, we report the fabrication of a conductive hydrogel-based microelectrode array for neural recording using a hybrid material composed of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate), and alginate. The mechanical properties of the conductive hydrogel have been investigated using imaging techniques, while the electrode arrays have been electrochemically characterized at each fabrication step, and successfully validated both in vitro and in vivo. The presence of the conductive hydrogel, selectively electrodeposited onto the platinum microelectrodes, allowed achieving superior electrochemical characteristics, leading to a lower electrical noise during recordings. These findings represent an advancement in the design of soft conductive electrodes for neuroprosthetic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ferlauto
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Nunzio D'Angelo
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Paola Vagni
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marta Jole Ildelfonsa Airaghi Leccardi
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Flavio Maurizio Mor
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory, HEPIA, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Estelle Annick Cuttaz
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marc Olivier Heuschkel
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory, HEPIA, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Luc Stoppini
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory, HEPIA, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Diego Ghezzi
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
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49
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Bossio C, Abdel Aziz I, Tullii G, Zucchetti E, Debellis D, Zangoli M, Di Maria F, Lanzani G, Antognazza MR. Photocatalytic Activity of Polymer Nanoparticles Modulates Intracellular Calcium Dynamics and Reactive Oxygen Species in HEK-293 Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:114. [PMID: 30211158 PMCID: PMC6119808 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optical modulation of living cells activity by light-absorbing exogenous materials is gaining increasing interest, due to the possibility both to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution with a minimally invasive and reversible technique and to avoid the need of viral transfection with light-sensitive proteins. In this context, conjugated polymers represent ideal candidates for photo-transduction, due to their excellent optoelectronic and biocompatibility properties. In this work, we demonstrate that organic polymer nanoparticles, based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) conjugated polymer, establish a functional interaction with an in vitro cell model (Human Embryonic Kidney cells, HEK-293). They display photocatalytic activity in aqueous environment and, once internalized within the cell cytosol, efficiently generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon visible light excitation, without affecting cell viability. Interestingly, light-activated ROS generation deterministically triggers modulation of intracellular calcium ion flux, successfully controlled at the single cell level. In perspective, the capability of polymer NPs to produce ROS and to modulate Ca2+ dynamics by illumination on-demand, at non-toxic levels, may open the path to the study of biological processes with a gene-less approach and unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution, as well as to the development of new biotechnology tools for cell optical modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Bossio
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Abdel Aziz
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Tullii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Zucchetti
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Doriana Debellis
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Mattia Zangoli
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity, CNR-ISOF, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Maria
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity, CNR-ISOF, Bologna, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
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50
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Munshi R, Qadri SM, Pralle A. Transient Magnetothermal Neuronal Silencing Using the Chloride Channel Anoctamin 1 (TMEM16A). Front Neurosci 2018; 12:560. [PMID: 30154692 PMCID: PMC6103273 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining the role and necessity of specific neurons in a network calls for precisely timed, reversible removal of these neurons from the circuit via remotely triggered transient silencing. Previously, we have shown that alternating magnetic field mediated heating of magnetic nanoparticles, bound to neurons, expressing temperature-sensitive cation channels TRPV1 remotely activates these neurons, evoking behavioral responses in mice. Here, we demonstrate how to apply magnetic nanoparticle heating to silence target neurons. Rat hippocampal neuronal cultures were transfected to express the temperature gated chloride channel, anoctamin 1 (TMEM16A). Spontaneous firing was suppressed within seconds of alternating magnetic field application to anoctamin 1 (TMEM16A) channel expressing, magnetic nanoparticle decorated neurons. Five seconds of magnetic field application leads to 12 s of silencing, with a latency of 2 s and an average suppression ratio of more than 80%. Immediately following the silencing period spontaneous activity resumed. The method provides a promising avenue for tether free, remote, transient neuronal silencing in vivo for both scientific and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arnd Pralle
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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