1
|
Xu F, Jin H, Wu H, Jiang A, Qiu B, Liu L, Gao Q, Lin B, Kong W, Chen S, Sun D. Digital light processing printed hydrogel scaffolds with adjustable modulus. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15695. [PMID: 38977824 PMCID: PMC11231320 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66507-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels are extensively explored as biomaterials for tissue scaffolds, and their controlled fabrication has been the subject of wide investigation. However, the tedious mechanical property adjusting process through formula control hindered their application for diverse tissue scaffolds. To overcome this limitation, we proposed a two-step process to realize simple adjustment of mechanical modulus over a broad range, by combining digital light processing (DLP) and post-processing steps. UV-curable hydrogels (polyacrylamide-alginate) are 3D printed via DLP, with the ability to create complex 3D patterns. Subsequent post-processing with Fe3+ ions bath induces secondary crosslinking of hydrogel scaffolds, tuning the modulus as required through soaking in solutions with different Fe3+ concentrations. This innovative two-step process offers high-precision (10 μm) and broad modulus adjusting capability (15.8-345 kPa), covering a broad range of tissues in the human body. As a practical demonstration, hydrogel scaffolds with tissue-mimicking patterns were printed for cultivating cardiac tissue and vascular scaffolds, which can effectively support tissue growth and induce tissue morphologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xu
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Hang Jin
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Huiquan Wu
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Acan Jiang
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Bin Qiu
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Lingling Liu
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bin Lin
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Beating Origin Regenerative Medicine Co. Ltd, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiwei Kong
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Beating Origin Regenerative Medicine Co. Ltd, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong, China
| | - Songyue Chen
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| | - Daoheng Sun
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Basara G, Bahcecioglu G, Ren X, Zorlutuna P. An Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Cardiac Tissue-Patch Interrelation. J Biomech Eng 2023; 145:081004. [PMID: 37337466 PMCID: PMC10321148 DOI: 10.1115/1.4062736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineered cardiac patches have great potential as a regenerative therapy for myocardial infarction. Yet, the mutual interaction of cardiac patches with healthy tissue has not been completely understood. Here, we investigated the impact of acellular and cellular patches on a beating two-dimensional (2D) cardiac cell layer, and the effect of the beating of this layer on the cells encapsulated in the patch. We cultured human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iCMs) on a coverslip and placed gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel alone or with encapsulated iCMs to create acellular and cellular patches, respectively. When the acellular patch was placed on the cardiac cell layer, the beating characteristics and Ca+2 handling properties reduced, whereas placing the cellular patch restored these characteristics. To better understand the effects of the cyclic contraction and relaxation induced by the beating cardiac cell layer on the patch placed on top of it, a simulation model was developed, and the calculated strain values were in agreement with the values measured experimentally. Moreover, this dynamic culture induced by the beating 2D iCM layer on the iCMs encapsulated in the cellular patch improved their beating velocity and frequency. Additionally, the encapsulated iCMs were observed to be coupled with the underlying beating 2D iCM layer. Overall, this study provides a detailed investigation on the mutual relationship of acellular/cellular patches with the beating 2D iCM layer, understanding of which would be valuable for developing more advanced cardiac patches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gozde Basara
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 225 Multidisciplinary Research Building, Notre Dame, IN 46556
| | - Gokhan Bahcecioglu
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 108B Multidisciplinary Research Building, Notre Dame, IN 46556
| | - Xiang Ren
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556
| | - Pinar Zorlutuna
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 143 Multidisciplinary Research Building, Notre Dame, IN 46556
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shi T, Wang P, Ren Y, Zhang W, Ma J, Li S, Tan X, Chi B. Conductive Hydrogel Patches with High Elasticity and Fatigue Resistance for Cardiac Microenvironment Remodeling. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 36880699 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c22673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Remodeling the conductive zone to assist normal myocardial contraction and relaxation during myocardial fibrosis has become the primary concern of myocardial infarction (MI) regeneration. Herein, we report an unbreakable and self-recoverable hyaluronic acid conductive cardiac patch for MI treatment, which can maintain structural integrity under mechanical load and integrate mechanical and electrical conduction and biological cues to restore cardiac electrical conduction and diastolic contraction function. Using the free carboxyl groups and aldehyde groups in the hydrogel system, excellent adhesion properties are achieved in the interface between the myocardial patch and the tissue, which can be closely integrated with the rabbit myocardial tissue, reducing the need for suture. Interestingly, the hydrogel patch exhibits sensitive conductivity (ΔR/R0 ≈ 2.5) for 100 cycles and mechanical stability for 500 continuous loading cycles without collapse, which allows the patch to withstand mechanical damage caused by sustained contraction and relaxation of the myocardial tissue. Moreover, considering the oxidative stress state caused by excessive ROS in the MI area, we incorporated Rg1 into the hydrogel to improve the abnormal myocardial microenvironment, which achieved more than 80% free radicalscavenging efficiency in the local infarcted region and promoted myocardial reconstruction. Overall, these Rg1-loaded conductive hydrogels with highly elastic fatigue resistance have great potential in restoring the abnormal electrical conduction pathway and promoting the myocardial microenvironment, thereby repairing the heart and improving the cardiac function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Food Science and Light Industry, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Penghui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Food Science and Light Industry, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Yanhan Ren
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, United States
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Food Science and Light Industry, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Juping Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Food Science and Light Industry, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Shuang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Food Science and Light Industry, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xiaoyan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Food Science and Light Industry, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Bo Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Food Science and Light Industry, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Santos GL, DeGrave AN, Rehman A, Al Disi S, Xhaxho K, Schröder H, Bao G, Meyer T, Tiburcy M, Dworatzek E, Zimmermann WH, Lutz S. Using different geometries to modulate the cardiac fibroblast phenotype and the biomechanical properties of engineered connective tissues. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 139:213041. [PMID: 35909053 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineering with human cardiac fibroblasts (CF) allows identifying novel mechanisms and anti-fibrotic drugs in the context of cardiac fibrosis. However, substantial knowledge on the influences of the used materials and tissue geometries on tissue properties and cell phenotypes is necessary to be able to choose an appropriate model for a specific research question. As there is a clear lack of information on how CF react to the mold architecture in engineered connective tissues (ECT), we first compared the effect of two mold geometries and materials with different hardnesses on the biomechanical properties of ECT. We could show that ECT, which formed around two distant poles (non-uniform model) were less stiff and more strain-resistant than ECT, which formed around a central rod (uniform model), independent of the materials used for poles and rods. Next, we investigated the cell state and could demonstrate that in the uniform versus non-uniform model, the embedded cells have a higher cell cycle activity and display a more pronounced myofibroblast phenotype. Differential gene expression analysis revealed that uniform ECT displayed a fibrosis-associated gene signature similar to the diseased heart. Furthermore, we were able to identify important relationships between cell and tissue characteristics, as well as between biomechanical tissue parameters by implementing cells from normal heart and end-stage heart failure explants from patients with ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy. Finally, we show that the application of pro- and anti-fibrotic factors in the non-uniform and uniform model, respectively, is not sufficient to mimic the effect of the other geometry. Taken together, we demonstrate that modifying the mold geometry in tissue engineering with CF offers the possibility to compare different cellular phenotypes and biomechanical tissue properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela L Santos
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany; Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) partner site, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Alisa N DeGrave
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) partner site, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Abdul Rehman
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) partner site, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Sara Al Disi
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany
| | - Kristin Xhaxho
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany
| | - Helen Schröder
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany
| | - Guobin Bao
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) partner site, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Tim Meyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) partner site, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Malte Tiburcy
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) partner site, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Elke Dworatzek
- Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universitaet Berlin, and Berliner Institute of Health, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) partner site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) partner site, Goettingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Goettingen, Germany; Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Germany
| | - Susanne Lutz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) partner site, Goettingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li Y, Ye Z, Zhang J, Zhao Y, Zhu T, Song J, Xu F, Li F. In Situ and Quantitative Monitoring of Cardiac Tissues Using Programmable Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy. Anal Chem 2022; 94:10515-10523. [PMID: 35822575 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In vitro cardiac tissue model holds great potential as a powerful platform for drug screening. Respiratory activity, contraction frequency, and extracellular H2O2 levels are the three key parameters for determining the physiological functions of cardiac tissues, which are technically challenging to be monitored in an in situ and quantitative manner. Herein, we constructed an in vitro cardiac tissue model on polyacrylamide gels and applied a pulsatile electrical field to promote the maturation of the cardiac tissue. Then, we built a scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) platform with programmable pulse potentials to in situ characterize the dynamic changes in the respiratory activity, contraction frequency, and extracellular H2O2 level of cardiac tissues under both normal physiological and drug (isoproterenol and propranolol) treatment conditions using oxygen, ferrocenecarboxylic acid (FcCOOH), and H2O2 as the corresponding redox mediators. The SECM results showed that isoproterenol treatment induced enhanced oxygen consumption, accelerated contractile frequency, and increased released H2O2 level, while propranolol treatment induced dynamically decreased oxygen consumption and contractile frequency and no obvious change in H2O2 levels, suggesting the effects of activation and inhibition of β-adrenoceptor on the metabolic and electrophysiological activities of cardiac tissues. Our work realizes the in situ and quantitative monitoring of respiratory activity, contraction frequency, and secreted H2O2 level of living cardiac tissues using SECM for the first time. The programmable SECM methodology can also be used to real-time and quantitatively monitor electrochemical and electrophysiological parameters of cardiac tissues for future drug screening studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yabei Li
- School of Chemistry, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China.,Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoyang Ye
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| | - Yuxiang Zhao
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| | - Tong Zhu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China.,Department of Cardiovasology, Xidian Group Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710077, P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Song
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| | - Fei Li
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li M, Wu J, Hu G, Song Y, Shen J, Xin J, Li Z, Liu W, Dong E, Xu M, Zhang Y, Xiao H. Pathological matrix stiffness promotes cardiac fibroblast differentiation through the POU2F1 signaling pathway. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 64:242-254. [PMID: 32617828 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-019-1747-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblast (CF) differentiation into myofibroblasts is a crucial cause of cardiac fibrosis, which increases in the extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness. The increased stiffness further promotes CF differentiation and fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanism is still unclear. We used bioinformatics analysis to find new candidates that regulate the genes involved in stiffness-induced CF differentiation, and found that there were binding sites for the POU-domain transcription factor, POU2F1 (also known as Oct-1), in the promoters of 50 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CFs on the stiffer substrate. Immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting revealed that pathological stiffness upregulated POU2F1 expression and increased CF differentiation on polyacrylamide hydrogel substrates and in mouse myocardial infarction tissue. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that POU2F1 bound to the promoters of fibrosis repressors IL1R2, CD69, and TGIF2. The expression of these fibrosis repressors was inhibited on pathological substrate stiffness. Knockdown of POU2F1 upregulated these repressors and attenuated CF differentiation on pathological substrate stiffness (35 kPa). Whereas, overexpression of POU2F1 downregulated these repressors and enhanced CF differentiation. In conclusion, pathological stiffness upregulates the transcription factor POU2F1 to promote CF differentiation by inhibiting fibrosis repressors. Our work elucidated the crosstalk between CF differentiation and the ECM and provided a potential target for cardiac fibrosis treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhe Li
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jimin Wu
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Guomin Hu
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yao Song
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Junzhou Xin
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zijian Li
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Erdan Dong
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Youyi Zhang
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu Y, Li L, Chen X, Wang Y, Liu MN, Yan J, Cao L, Wang L, Wang ZB. Atomic force acoustic microscopy reveals the influence of substrate stiffness and topography on cell behavior. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 10:2329-2337. [PMID: 31886109 PMCID: PMC6902897 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.10.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The stiffness and the topography of the substrate at the cell-substrate interface are two key properties influencing cell behavior. In this paper, atomic force acoustic microscopy (AFAM) is used to investigate the influence of substrate stiffness and substrate topography on the responses of L929 fibroblasts. This combined nondestructive technique is able to characterize materials at high lateral resolution. To produce substrates of tunable stiffness and topography, we imprint nanostripe patterns on undeveloped and developed SU-8 photoresist films using electron-beam lithography (EBL). Elastic deformations of the substrate surfaces and the cells are revealed by AFAM. Our results show that AFAM is capable of imaging surface elastic deformations. By immunofluorescence experiments, we find that the L929 cells significantly elongate on the patterned stiffness substrate, whereas the elasticity of the pattern has only little effect on the spreading of the L929 cells. The influence of the topography pattern on the cell alignment and morphology is even more pronounced leading to an arrangement of the cells along the nanostripe pattern. Our method is useful for the quantitative characterization of cell-substrate interactions and provides guidance for the tissue regeneration therapy in biomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
- Computer Department, Changchun Medical College, Changchun 130031, China
| | - Li Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Meng-Nan Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Jin Yan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Liang Cao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Zuo-Bin Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
- JR3CN & IRAC, University of Bedfordshire, Luton LU1 3JU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pires RH, Shree N, Manu E, Guzniczak E, Otto O. Cardiomyocyte mechanodynamics under conditions of actin remodelling. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20190081. [PMID: 31587648 PMCID: PMC6792454 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical performance of cardiomyocytes (CMs) is an important indicator of their maturation state and of primary importance for the development of therapies based on cardiac stem cells. As the mechanical analysis of adherent cells at high-throughput remains challenging, we explore the applicability of real-time deformability cytometry (RT-DC) to probe cardiomyocytes in suspension. RT-DC is a microfluidic technology allowing for real-time mechanical analysis of thousands of cells with a throughput exceeding 1000 cells per second. For CMs derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells, we determined a Young's modulus of 1.25 ± 0.08 kPa which is in close range to previous reports. Upon challenging the cytoskeleton with cytochalasin D (CytoD) to induce filamentous actin depolymerization, we distinguish three different regimes in cellular elasticity. Transitions are observed below 10 nM and above 103 nM and are characterized by a decrease in Young's modulus. These regimes can be linked to cytoskeletal and sarcomeric actin contributions by CM contractility measurements at varying CytoD concentrations, where we observe a significant reduction in pulse duration only above 103 nM while no change is found for compound exposure at lower concentrations. Comparing our results to mechanical cell measurements using atomic force microscopy, we demonstrate for the first time to our knowledge, the feasibility of using a microfluidic technique to measure mechanical properties of large samples of adherent cells while linking our results to the composition of the cytoskeletal network. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Single cell ecology'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo H. Pires
- Zentrum für Innovationskompetenz: Humorale Immunreaktionen bei kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen, Universität Greifswald, Fleischmannstrasse 42, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Nithya Shree
- Zentrum für Innovationskompetenz: Humorale Immunreaktionen bei kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen, Universität Greifswald, Fleischmannstrasse 42, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Manu
- Zentrum für Innovationskompetenz: Humorale Immunreaktionen bei kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen, Universität Greifswald, Fleischmannstrasse 42, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ewa Guzniczak
- Heriot-Watt University School of Engineering and Physical Science, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Oliver Otto
- Zentrum für Innovationskompetenz: Humorale Immunreaktionen bei kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen, Universität Greifswald, Fleischmannstrasse 42, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Viji Babu PK, Rianna C, Mirastschijski U, Radmacher M. Nano-mechanical mapping of interdependent cell and ECM mechanics by AFM force spectroscopy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12317. [PMID: 31444369 PMCID: PMC6707266 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48566-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM), as a dynamic component of the tissue, influences cell behavior and plays an important role in cell mechanics and tissue homeostasis. Reciprocally, this three-dimensional scaffold is dynamically, structurally and mechanically modified by cells. In the field of biophysics, the independent role of cell and ECM mechanics has been largely investigated; however, there is a lack of experimental data reporting the interdependent interplay between cell and ECM mechanics, measured simultaneously. Here, using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) we have characterized five different decellularized matrices diverse in their topography, ECM composition and stiffness and cultured them with normal and pathological fibroblasts (scar and Dupuytren's). We investigated the change in topography and elasticity of these matrices due to cell seeding, by using AFM peak force imaging and mechanical mapping, respectively. We found normal fibroblasts soften these matrices more than pathological fibroblasts, suggesting that pathological fibroblasts are profoundly influencing tissue stiffening in fibrosis. We detected different ECM composition of decellularized matrices used here influences fibroblast stiffness, thus highlighting that cell mechanics not only depends on ECM stiffness but also on their composition. We used confocal microscopy to assess fibroblasts invasion and found pathological fibroblasts were invading the matrices deeper than normal fibroblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmela Rianna
- Institute of Biophysics, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ursula Mirastschijski
- Wound Repair Unit, Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jannatbabaei A, Tafazzoli-Shadpour M, Seyedjafari E, Fatouraee N. Cytoskeletal remodeling induced by substrate rigidity regulates rheological behaviors in endothelial cells. J Biomed Mater Res A 2018; 107:71-80. [PMID: 30242964 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Altered microenvrionmental mechanical cues induce cytoskeletal remodeling in cells and have a profound impact on their functions as well as rheological properties. This article is aimed to characterize the viscoelastic behavior of endothelial cells, cultivated on variably compliant substrates. Synthetic tunable poly(dimethylsyloxane) substrates, with elastic moduli ranging from 1.5 MPa to 3 kPa, were used to trigger cytoskeletal remodeling of endothelial cells, verified by morphological analysis and actin fluorescent labeling. Elasticity and stress relaxation tests were conducted using an AFM, resulting in a wide range of data. To account for this heterogeneity, fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm was applied to partition elastic data into biologically meaningful groups, representative of different regions in cells. Nanocharacterization of biomechanical properties, along with cytoskeletal studies, proved a significant correlation between substrate flexibility and viscoelasticity of the cells. Regardless of the viscoelastic model applied, increasing substrate rigidity was related to an overall increase in cell stiffness and apparent viscosity (2.95 ± 1.56 kPa and 921.45 ± 102.46 Pa.s for the stiff substrate; 2.17 ± 1.30 kPa and 557.37 ± 494.11 Pa.s for the intermediate substrate), associated with an organized actin cytoskeleton. Conversely, cells on soft substrate were more deformable (1.84 ± 1.3 kPa) and less viscous (327.13 ± 124.25 Pa.s), exhibiting an increased actin disorganization. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 71-80, 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Jannatbabaei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ehsan Seyedjafari
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasser Fatouraee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Novel insights into cardiomyocytes provided by atomic force microscopy. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 73:4-12. [PMID: 28687239 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death globally, therefore interest in studying aetiology, hallmarks, progress and therapies for these disorders is constantly growing. Over the last decades, the introduction and development of atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique allowed the study of biological samples at the micro- and nanoscopic level, hence revealing noteworthy details and paving the way for investigations on physiological and pathological conditions at cellular scale. The present work is aimed to collect and review the literature on cardiomyocytes (CMs) studied by AFM, in order to emphasise the numerous potentialities of this approach and provide a platform for researchers in the field of cardiovascular diseases. Original data are also presented to highlight the application of AFM to characterise the viscoelastic properties of CMs.
Collapse
|
12
|
Joo S, Oh SH, Sittadjody S, Opara EC, Jackson JD, Lee SJ, Yoo JJ, Atala A. The effect of collagen hydrogel on 3D culture of ovarian follicles. Biomed Mater 2016; 11:065009. [DOI: 10.1088/1748-6041/11/6/065009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
13
|
Lin F, Du F, Huang J, Chau A, Zhou Y, Duan H, Wang J, Xiong C. Substrate effect modulates adhesion and proliferation of fibroblast on graphene layer. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2016; 146:785-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
14
|
Haddad SMH, Samani A. A novel micro-to-macro approach for cardiac tissue mechanics. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2016; 20:215-229. [DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2016.1214270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
15
|
Rother J, Richter C, Turco L, Knoch F, Mey I, Luther S, Janshoff A, Bodenschatz E, Tarantola M. Crosstalk of cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts in co-cultures. Open Biol 2016; 5:150038. [PMID: 26085516 PMCID: PMC4632504 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.150038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Electromechanical function of cardiac muscle depends critically on the crosstalk of myocytes with non-myocytes. Upon cardiac fibrosis, fibroblasts translocate into infarcted necrotic tissue and alter their communication capabilities. In the present in vitro study, we determined a multiple parameter space relevant for fibrotic cardiac tissue development comprising the following essential processes: (i) adhesion to substrates with varying elasticity, (ii) dynamics of contractile function, and (iii) electromechanical connectivity. By combining electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) with conventional optical microscopy, we could measure the impact of fibroblast–cardiomyocyte ratio on the aforementioned parameters in a non-invasive fashion. Adhesion to electrodes was quantified via spreading rates derived from impedance changes, period analysis allowed us to measure contraction dynamics and modulations of the barrier resistance served as a measure of connectivity. In summary, we claim that: (i) a preferred window for substrate elasticity around 7 kPa for low fibroblast content exists, which is shifted to stiffer substrates with increasing fibroblast fractions. (ii) Beat frequency decreases nonlinearly with increasing fraction of fibroblasts, while (iii) the intercellular resistance increases with a maximal functional connectivity at 75% fibroblasts. For the first time, cardiac cell–cell junction density-dependent connectivity in co-cultures of cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts was quantified using ECIS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Rother
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Goettingen, Tammannstrasse 6, Goettingen 37077, Germany
| | - C Richter
- Research Group Biomedical Physics, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPIDS), Am Fassberg 17, Goettingen 37077, Germany Heart Research Center Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, Goettingen 37099, Germany
| | - L Turco
- Laboratory for Fluid Dynamics, Pattern Formation and Biocomplexity, Am Fassberg 17, Goettingen 37077, Germany
| | - F Knoch
- Laboratory for Fluid Dynamics, Pattern Formation and Biocomplexity, Am Fassberg 17, Goettingen 37077, Germany
| | - I Mey
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August University, Tammannstrasse 6, Goettingen 37077, Germany
| | - S Luther
- Research Group Biomedical Physics, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPIDS), Am Fassberg 17, Goettingen 37077, Germany German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Oudenarder Strasse 16, Berlin 13347, Germany Heart Research Center Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, Goettingen 37099, Germany Institute of Nonlinear Dynamics, Georg-August University, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, Goettingen 37077, Germany
| | - A Janshoff
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Goettingen, Tammannstrasse 6, Goettingen 37077, Germany
| | - E Bodenschatz
- Laboratory for Fluid Dynamics, Pattern Formation and Biocomplexity, Am Fassberg 17, Goettingen 37077, Germany German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Oudenarder Strasse 16, Berlin 13347, Germany Heart Research Center Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, Goettingen 37099, Germany Institute of Nonlinear Dynamics, Georg-August University, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, Goettingen 37077, Germany
| | - M Tarantola
- Laboratory for Fluid Dynamics, Pattern Formation and Biocomplexity, Am Fassberg 17, Goettingen 37077, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Palankar R, Glaubitz M, Martens U, Medvedev N, von der Ehe M, Felix SB, Münzenberg M, Delcea M. 3D Micropillars Guide the Mechanobiology of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Adv Healthc Mater 2016; 5:335-41. [PMID: 26676091 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201500740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
3D micropillars generated by photolithography are used as a platform to probe by atomic force microscopy the mechanodynamics of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. 3D micropillars guide subcellular cytoskeletal modifications of cardiomyocytes and lead to biochemical changes altering beating rate, stiffness, and calcium dynamics of the cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raghavendra Palankar
- ZIK HIKE - Centre for Innovation Competence (Humoral Immune Reactions in Cardiovascular Diseases); Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University; 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Michael Glaubitz
- ZIK HIKE - Centre for Innovation Competence (Humoral Immune Reactions in Cardiovascular Diseases); Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University; 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Ulrike Martens
- Institute for Physics; University of Greifswald; 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Nikolay Medvedev
- ZIK HIKE - Centre for Innovation Competence (Humoral Immune Reactions in Cardiovascular Diseases); Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University; 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Marvin von der Ehe
- Institute for Physics; University of Greifswald; 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Stephan B. Felix
- Clinic for Internal Medicine B (Cardiology); University of Greifswald Sauebruchstrasse; 17475 Greifswald Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) partner site; Greifswald Germany
| | - Markus Münzenberg
- Institute for Physics; University of Greifswald; 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Mihaela Delcea
- ZIK HIKE - Centre for Innovation Competence (Humoral Immune Reactions in Cardiovascular Diseases); Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University; 17489 Greifswald Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) partner site; Greifswald Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhao X, Zhong Y, Ye T, Wang D, Mao B. Discrimination Between Cervical Cancer Cells and Normal Cervical Cells Based on Longitudinal Elasticity Using Atomic Force Microscopy. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2015; 10:482. [PMID: 26666911 PMCID: PMC4678138 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-015-1174-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of cells are considered promising biomarkers for the early diagnosis of cancer. Recently, atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based nanoindentation technology has been utilized for the examination of cell cortex mechanics in order to distinguish malignant cells from normal cells. However, few attempts to evaluate the biomechanical properties of cells have focused on the quantification of the non-homogeneous longitudinal elasticity of cellular structures. In the present study, we applied a variation of the method of Carl and Schillers to investigate the differences between longitudinal elasticity of human cervical squamous carcinoma cells (CaSki) and normal cervical epithelial cells (CRL2614) using AFM. The results reveal a three-layer heterogeneous structure in the probing volume of both cell types studied. CaSki cells exhibited a lower whole-cell stiffness and a softer nuclei zone compared to the normal counterpart cells. Moreover, a better differentiated cytoskeleton was found in the inner cytoplasm/nuclei zone of the normal CRL2614 cells, whereas a deeper cytoskeletal distribution was observed in the probing volume of the cancerous counterparts. The sensitive cortical panel of CaSki cells, with a modulus of 0.35~0.47 kPa, was located at 237~225 nm; in normal cells, the elasticity was 1.20~1.32 kPa at 113~128 nm. The present improved method may be validated using the conventional Hertz-Sneddon method, which is widely reported in the literature. In conclusion, our results enable the quantification of the heterogeneous longitudinal elasticity of cancer cells, in particular the correlation with the corresponding depth. Preliminary results indicate that our method may potentially be applied to improve the detection of cancerous cells and provide insights into the pathophysiology of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yunxin Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of the Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Ye
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Dajing Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingwei Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of the Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tian J, Tu C, Liang Y, Zhou J, Ye X. Study of laser uncaging induced morphological alteration of rat cortical neurites using atomic force microscopy. J Neurosci Methods 2015; 253:151-60. [PMID: 26149288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2015.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Activity-dependent structural remodeling is an important aspect of neuronal plasticity. In the previous researches, neuronal structure variations resulting from external interventions were detected by the imaging instruments such as the fluorescence microscopy, the scanning/transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM) and the laser confocal microscopy. In this article, a new platform which combined the photochemical stimulation with atomic force microscopy (AFM) was set up to detect the activity-dependent structural remodeling. In the experiments, the cortical neurites on the glass coverslips were stimulated by locally uncaged glutamate under the ultraviolet (UV) laser pulses, and a calcium-related structural collapse of neurites (about 250 nm height decrease) was observed by an AFM. This was the first attempt to combine the laser uncaging with AFM in living cell researches. With the advantages of highly localized stimulation (<5 μm), super resolution imaging (<3.8 nm), and convenient platform building, this system was suitable for the quantitative observation of the neuron mechanical property variations and morphological alterations modified by neural activities under different photochemical stimulations, which would be helpful for studying physiological and pathological mechanisms of structural and functional changes induced by the biomolecule acting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Tian
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of BME of the Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China.
| | - Chunlong Tu
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of BME of the Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China.
| | - Yitao Liang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of BME of the Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China.
| | - Jian Zhou
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of BME of the Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China.
| | - Xuesong Ye
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory of BME of the Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chandra P, Lee SJ. Synthetic Extracellular Microenvironment for Modulating Stem Cell Behaviors. Biomark Insights 2015; 10:105-16. [PMID: 26106260 PMCID: PMC4472032 DOI: 10.4137/bmi.s20057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate ability of stem cells to self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types makes them a promising source for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Their capacity for self-renewal and differentiation is largely influenced by the combination of physical, chemical, and biological signals found in the stem cell niche, both temporally and spatially. Embryonic and adult stem cells are potentially useful for cell-based approaches; however, regulating stem cell behavior remains a major challenge in their clinical use. Most of the current approaches for controlling stem cell fate do not fully address all of the complex signaling pathways that drive stem cell behaviors in their natural microenvironments. To overcome this limitation, a new generation of biomaterials is being developed for use as three-dimensional synthetic microenvironments that can mimic the regulatory characteristics of natural extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and ECM-bound growth factors. These synthetic microenvironments are currently being investigated as a substrate with surface immobilization and controlled release of bioactive molecules to direct the stem cell fate in vitro, as a tissue template to guide and improve the neo-tissue formation both in vitro and in vivo, and as a delivery vehicle for cell therapy in vivo. The continued advancement of such an intelligent biomaterial system as the synthetic extracellular microenvironment holds the promise of improved therapies for numerous debilitating medical conditions for which no satisfactory cure exists today.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prafulla Chandra
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Sang Jin Lee
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Andreu I, Luque T, Sancho A, Pelacho B, Iglesias-García O, Melo E, Farré R, Prósper F, Elizalde MR, Navajas D. Heterogeneous micromechanical properties of the extracellular matrix in healthy and infarcted hearts. Acta Biomater 2014; 10:3235-42. [PMID: 24717359 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2014.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Infarcted hearts are macroscopically stiffer than healthy organs. Nevertheless, although cell behavior is mediated by the physical features of the cell niche, the intrinsic micromechanical properties of healthy and infarcted heart extracellular matrix (ECM) remain poorly characterized. Using atomic force microscopy, we studied ECM micromechanics of different histological regions of the left ventricle wall of healthy and infarcted mice. Hearts excised from healthy (n=8) and infarcted mice (n=8) were decellularized with sodium dodecyl sulfate and cut into 12 μm thick slices. Healthy ventricular ECM revealed marked mechanical heterogeneity across histological regions of the ventricular wall with the effective Young's modulus ranging from 30.2 ± 2.8 to 74.5 ± 8.7 kPa in collagen- and elastin-rich regions of the myocardium, respectively. Infarcted ECM showed a predominant collagen composition and was 3-fold stiffer than collagen-rich regions of the healthy myocardium. ECM of both healthy and infarcted hearts exhibited a solid-like viscoelastic behavior that conforms to two power-law rheology. Knowledge of intrinsic micromechanical properties of the ECM at the length scale at which cells sense their environment will provide further insight into the cell-scaffold interplay in healthy and infarcted hearts.
Collapse
|
21
|
Microtubules mediate changes in membrane cortical elasticity during contractile activation. Exp Cell Res 2014; 322:21-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2013.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
22
|
Sullivan KE, Black LD. The role of cardiac fibroblasts in extracellular matrix-mediated signaling during normal and pathological cardiac development. J Biomech Eng 2014; 135:71001. [PMID: 23720014 DOI: 10.1115/1.4024349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is no longer considered a static support structure for cells but a dynamic signaling network with the power to influence cell, tissue, and whole organ physiology. In the myocardium, cardiac fibroblasts are the primary cell type responsible for the synthesis, deposition, and degradation of matrix proteins, and they therefore play a critical role in the development and maintenance of functional heart tissue. This review will summarize the extensive research conducted in vivo and in vitro, demonstrating the influence of both physical and chemical stimuli on cardiac fibroblasts and how these interactions impact both the extracellular matrix and, by extension, cardiomyocytes. This work is of considerable significance, given that cardiovascular diseases are marked by extensive remodeling of the extracellular matrix, which ultimately impairs the functional capacity of the heart. We seek to summarize the unique role of cardiac fibroblasts in normal cardiac development and the most prevalent cardiac pathologies, including congenital heart defects, hypertension, hypertrophy, and the remodeled heart following myocardial infarction. We will conclude by identifying existing holes in the research that, if answered, have the potential to dramatically improve current therapeutic strategies for the repair and regeneration of damaged myocardium via mechanotransductive signaling.
Collapse
|
23
|
You J, Park SA, Shin DS, Patel D, Raghunathan VK, Kim M, Murphy CJ, Tae G, Revzin A. Characterizing the effects of heparin gel stiffness on function of primary hepatocytes. Tissue Eng Part A 2013; 19:2655-63. [PMID: 23815179 PMCID: PMC3856597 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2012.0681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In the liver, hepatocytes are exposed to a large array of stimuli that shape hepatic phenotype. This in vivo microenvironment is lost when hepatocytes are cultured in standard cell cultureware, making it challenging to maintain hepatocyte function in vitro. Our article focused on one of the least studied inducers of the hepatic phenotype-the mechanical properties of the underlying substrate. Gel layers comprised of thiolated heparin (Hep-SH) and diacrylated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-DA) were formed on glass substrates via a radical mediated thiol-ene coupling reaction. The substrate stiffness varied from 10 to 110 kPa by changing the concentration of the precursor solution. ELISA analysis revealed that after 5 days, hepatocytes cultured on a softer heparin gel were synthesizing five times higher levels of albumin compared to those on a stiffer heparin gel. Immunofluorescent staining for hepatic markers, albumin and E-cadherin, confirmed that softer gels promoted better maintenance of the hepatic phenotype. Our findings point to the importance of substrate mechanical properties on hepatocyte function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jungmok You
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Su-A Park
- Nano Convergence & Manufacturing Systems Research Division, Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Dong-Sik Shin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Dipali Patel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Vijay Krishna Raghunathan
- Department of Surgical & Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Mihye Kim
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Christopher J Murphy
- Department of Surgical & Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Giyoong Tae
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Alexander Revzin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Al-Rekabi Z, Pelling AE. Cross talk between matrix elasticity and mechanical force regulates myoblast traction dynamics. Phys Biol 2013; 10:066003. [PMID: 24164970 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/10/6/066003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that critical cellular processes are profoundly influenced by the cross talk between extracellular nanomechanical forces and the material properties of the cellular microenvironment. Although many studies have examined either the effect of nanomechanical forces or the material properties of the microenvironment on biological processes, few have investigated the influence of both. Here, we performed simultaneous atomic force microscopy and traction force microscopy to demonstrate that muscle precursor cells (myoblasts) rapidly generate a significant increase in traction when stimulated with a local 10 nN force. Cells were cultured and nanomechanically stimulated on hydrogel substrates with controllable local elastic moduli varying from ~16-89 kPa, as confirmed with atomic force microscopy. Importantly, cellular traction dynamics in response to nanomechanical stimulation only occurred on substrates that were similar to the elasticity of working muscle tissue (~64-89 kPa) as opposed to substrates mimicking resting tissue (~16-51 kPa). The traction response was also transient, occurring within 30 s, and dissipating by 60 s, during constant nanomechanical stimulation. The observed biophysical dynamics are very much dependent on rho-kinase and myosin-II activity and likely contribute to the physiology of these cells. Our results demonstrate the fundamental ability of cells to integrate nanoscale information in the cellular microenvironment, such as nanomechanical forces and substrate mechanics, during the process of mechanotransduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Al-Rekabi
- Department of Physics, MacDonald Hall, 150 Louis Pasteur, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
|
26
|
Wan Z, Zhang S, Fan Y, Liu K, Du F, Davey AM, Zhang H, Han W, Xiong C, Liu W. B Cell Activation Is Regulated by the Stiffness Properties of the Substrate Presenting the Antigens. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:4661-75. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1202976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
27
|
Hersch N, Wolters B, Dreissen G, Springer R, Kirchgeßner N, Merkel R, Hoffmann B. The constant beat: cardiomyocytes adapt their forces by equal contraction upon environmental stiffening. Biol Open 2013; 2:351-61. [PMID: 23519595 PMCID: PMC3603417 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20133830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes are responsible for the permanent blood flow by coordinated heart contractions. This vital function is accomplished over a long period of time with almost the same performance, although heart properties, as its elasticity, change drastically upon aging or as a result of diseases like myocardial infarction. In this paper we have analyzed late rat embryonic heart muscle cells' morphology, sarcomere/costamere formation and force generation patterns on substrates of various elasticities ranging from ∼1 to 500 kPa, which covers physiological and pathological heart stiffnesses. Furthermore, adhesion behaviour, as well as single myofibril/sarcomere contraction patterns, was characterized with high spatial resolution in the range of physiological stiffnesses (15 kPa to 90 kPa). Here, sarcomere units generate an almost stable contraction of ∼4%. On stiffened substrates the contraction amplitude remains stable, which in turn leads to increased force levels allowing cells to adapt almost instantaneously to changing environmental stiffness. Furthermore, our data strongly indicate specific adhesion to flat substrates via both costameric and focal adhesions. The general appearance of the contractile and adhesion apparatus remains almost unaffected by substrate stiffness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Hersch
- Institute of Complex Systems, ICS-7: Biomechanics, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH , 52425 Jülich , Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Shi X, Zhang X, Xia T, Fang X. Living cell study at the single-molecule and single-cell levels by atomic force microscopy. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2012; 7:1625-37. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.12.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been emerging as a multifunctional molecular tool in nanobiology and nanomedicine. This review summarizes the recent advances in AFM study of living mammalian cells at the single-molecule and single-cell levels. Besides nanoscale imaging of cell membrane structure, AFM-based force measurements on living cells are mainly discussed. These include the development and application of single-molecule force spectroscopy to investigate ligand–receptor binding strength and dissociation dynamics, and the characterization of cell mechanical properties in a physiological environment. Molecular manipulation of cells by AFM to change the cellular process is also described. Living-cell AFM study offers a new approach to understand the molecular mechanisms of cell function, disease development and drug effect, as well as to develop new strategies to achieve single-cell-based diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Shi
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2 Zhongguancun North First Street, 100190 Beijing, PR China
| | - Xuejie Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2 Zhongguancun North First Street, 100190 Beijing, PR China
| | - Tie Xia
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2 Zhongguancun North First Street, 100190 Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Fang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2 Zhongguancun North First Street, 100190 Beijing, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Michaelson J, Choi H, So P, Huang H. Depth-resolved cellular microrheology using HiLo microscopy. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2012; 3:1241-55. [PMID: 22741071 PMCID: PMC3370965 DOI: 10.1364/boe.3.001241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/29/2012] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
It is increasingly important to measure cell mechanical properties in three-dimensional environments. Particle tracking microrheology (PTM) can measure cellular viscoelastic properties; however, out-of-plane data can introduce artifacts into these measurements. We developed a technique that employs HiLo microscopy to reduce out-of-plane contributions. This method eliminated signals from 90% of probes 0.5 μm or further from the focal plane, while retaining all in-plane probes. We used this technique to characterize live-cell bilayers and found that there were significant, frequency-dependent changes to the extracted cell moduli when compared to conventional analysis. Our results indicate that removal of out-of-plane information is vital for accurate assessments of cell mechanical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jarett Michaelson
- Biomedical Engineering, 351 Engineering Terrace, 500 W 120th Street, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Heejin Choi
- Mechanical Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter So
- Mechanical Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Biological Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hayden Huang
- Biomedical Engineering, 351 Engineering Terrace, 500 W 120th Street, Columbia University, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Chan V, Jeong JH, Bajaj P, Collens M, Saif T, Kong H, Bashir R. Multi-material bio-fabrication of hydrogel cantilevers and actuators with stereolithography. LAB ON A CHIP 2012; 12:88-98. [PMID: 22124724 DOI: 10.1039/c1lc20688e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based biohybrid actuators are integrated systems that use biological components including proteins and cells to power material components by converting chemical energy to mechanical energy. The latest progress in cell-based biohybrid actuators has been limited to rigid materials, such as silicon and PDMS, ranging in elastic moduli on the order of mega (10(6)) to giga (10(9)) Pascals. Recent reports in the literature have established a correlation between substrate rigidity and its influence on the contractile behavior of cardiomyocytes (A. J. Engler, C. Carag-Krieger, C. P. Johnson, M. Raab, H. Y. Tang and D. W. Speicher, et al., J. Cell Sci., 2008, 121(Pt 22), 3794-3802, P. Bajaj, X. Tang, T. A. Saif and R. Bashir, J. Biomed. Mater. Res., Part A, 2010, 95(4), 1261-1269). This study explores the fabrication of a more compliant cantilever, similar to that of the native myocardium, with elasticity on the order of kilo (10(3)) Pascals. 3D stereolithographic technology, a layer-by-layer UV polymerizable rapid prototyping system, was used to rapidly fabricate multi-material cantilevers composed of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and acrylic-PEG-collagen (PC) mixtures. The incorporation of acrylic-PEG-collagen into PEGDA-based materials enhanced cell adhesion, spreading, and organization without altering the ability to vary the elastic modulus through the molecular weight of PEGDA. Cardiomyocytes derived from neonatal rats were seeded on the cantilevers, and the resulting stresses and contractile forces were calculated using finite element simulations validated with classical beam equations. These cantilevers can be used as a mechanical sensor to measure the contractile forces of cardiomyocyte cell sheets, and as an early prototype for the design of optimal cell-based biohybrid actuators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Chan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Reprogramming cardiomyocyte mechanosensing by crosstalk between integrins and hyaluronic acid receptors. J Biomech 2011; 45:824-31. [PMID: 22196970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2011.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The elastic modulus of bioengineered materials has a strong influence on the phenotype of many cells including cardiomyocytes. On polyacrylamide (PAA) gels that are laminated with ligands for integrins, cardiac myocytes develop well organized sarcomeres only when cultured on substrates with elastic moduli in the range 10 kPa-30 kPa, near those of the healthy tissue. On stiffer substrates (>60 kPa) approximating the damaged heart, myocytes form stress fiber-like filament bundles but lack organized sarcomeres or an elongated shape. On soft (<1 kPa) PAA gels myocytes exhibit disorganized actin networks and sarcomeres. However, when the polyacrylamide matrix is replaced by hyaluronic acid (HA) as the gel network to which integrin ligands are attached, robust development of functional neonatal rat ventricular myocytes occurs on gels with elastic moduli of 200 Pa, a stiffness far below that of the neonatal heart and on which myocytes would be amorphous and dysfunctional when cultured on polyacrylamide-based gels. The HA matrix by itself is not adhesive for myocytes, and the myocyte phenotype depends on the type of integrin ligand that is incorporated within the HA gel, with fibronectin, gelatin, or fibrinogen being more effective than collagen I. These results show that HA alters the integrin-dependent stiffness response of cells in vitro and suggests that expression of HA within the extracellular matrix (ECM) in vivo might similarly alter the response of cells that bind the ECM through integrins. The integration of HA with integrin-specific ECM signaling proteins provides a rationale for engineering a new class of soft hybrid hydrogels that can be used in therapeutic strategies to reverse the remodeling of the injured myocardium.
Collapse
|