1
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Jakob R, Britt BR, Giampietro C, Mazza E, Ehret AE. Discrete network models of endothelial cells and their interactions with the substrate. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2024; 23:941-957. [PMID: 38351427 PMCID: PMC11101350 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01815-1] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial cell monolayers line the inner surfaces of blood and lymphatic vessels. They are continuously exposed to different mechanical loads, which may trigger mechanobiological signals and hence play a role in both physiological and pathological processes. Computer-based mechanical models of cells contribute to a better understanding of the relation between cell-scale loads and cues and the mechanical state of the hosting tissue. However, the confluency of the endothelial monolayer complicates these approaches since the intercellular cross-talk needs to be accounted for in addition to the cytoskeletal mechanics of the individual cells themselves. As a consequence, the computational approach must be able to efficiently model a large number of cells and their interaction. Here, we simulate cytoskeletal mechanics by means of molecular dynamics software, generally suitable to deal with large, locally interacting systems. Methods were developed to generate models of single cells and large monolayers with hundreds of cells. The single-cell model was considered for a comparison with experimental data. To this end, we simulated cell interactions with a continuous, deformable substrate, and computationally replicated multistep traction force microscopy experiments on endothelial cells. The results indicate that cell discrete network models are able to capture relevant features of the mechanical behaviour and are thus well-suited to investigate the mechanics of the large cytoskeletal network of individual cells and cell monolayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Jakob
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ben R Britt
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Costanza Giampietro
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Edoardo Mazza
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Alexander E Ehret
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
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2
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Li W, Guo J, Hobson EC, Xue X, Li Q, Fu J, Deng CX, Guo Z. Metabolic-Glycoengineering-Enabled Molecularly Specific Acoustic Tweezing Cytometry for Targeted Mechanical Stimulation of Cell Surface Sialoglycans. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202401921. [PMID: 38498603 PMCID: PMC11073901 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401921] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we developed a novel type of dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-functionalized microbubbles (MBs) and validated their attachment to azide-labelled sialoglycans on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) generated by metabolic glycoengineering (MGE). This enabled the application of mechanical forces to sialoglycans on hPSCs through molecularly specific acoustic tweezing cytometry (mATC), that is, displacing sialoglycan-anchored MBs using ultrasound (US). It was shown that subjected to the acoustic radiation forces of US pulses, sialoglycan-anchored MBs exhibited significantly larger displacements and faster, more complete recovery after each pulse than integrin-anchored MBs, indicating that sialoglycans are more stretchable and elastic than integrins on hPSCs in response to mechanical force. Furthermore, stimulating sialoglycans on hPSCs using mATC reduced stage-specific embryonic antigen-3 (SSEA-3) and GD3 expression but not OCT4 and SOX2 nuclear localization. Conversely, stimulating integrins decreased OCT4 nuclear localization but not SSEA-3 and GD3 expression, suggesting that mechanically stimulating sialoglycans and integrins initiated distinctive mechanoresponses during the early stages of hPSC differentiation. Taken together, these results demonstrated that MGE-enabled mATC uncovered not only different mechanical properties of sialoglycans on hPSCs and integrins but also their different mechanoregulatory impacts on hPSC differentiation, validating MGE-based mATC as a new, powerful tool for investigating the roles of glycans and other cell surface biomolecules in mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jiatong Guo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Eric C. Hobson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xufeng Xue
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Qingjiang Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Cheri X. Deng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Zhongwu Guo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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3
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Hoque MA, Mahmood N, Ali KM, Sefat E, Huang Y, Petersen E, Harrington S, Fang X, Gluck JM. Development of a Pneumatic-Driven Fiber-Shaped Robot Scaffold for Use as a Complex 3D Dynamic Culture System. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:biomimetics8020170. [PMID: 37092422 PMCID: PMC10123682 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells can sense and respond to different kinds of continuous mechanical strain in the human body. Mechanical stimulation needs to be included within the in vitro culture system to better mimic the existing complexity of in vivo biological systems. Existing commercial dynamic culture systems are generally two-dimensional (2D) which fail to mimic the three-dimensional (3D) native microenvironment. In this study, a pneumatically driven fiber robot has been developed as a platform for 3D dynamic cell culture. The fiber robot can generate tunable contractions upon stimulation. The surface of the fiber robot is formed by a braiding structure, which provides promising surface contact and adequate space for cell culture. An in-house dynamic stimulation using the fiber robot was set up to maintain NIH3T3 cells in a controlled environment. The biocompatibility of the developed dynamic culture systems was analyzed using LIVE/DEAD™ and alamarBlue™ assays. The results showed that the dynamic culture system was able to support cell proliferation with minimal cytotoxicity similar to static cultures. However, we observed a decrease in cell viability in the case of a high strain rate in dynamic cultures. Differences in cell arrangement and proliferation were observed between braided sleeves made of different materials (nylon and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). In summary, a simple and cost-effective 3D dynamic culture system has been proposed, which can be easily implemented to study complex biological phenomena in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muh Amdadul Hoque
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Nasif Mahmood
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Kiran M Ali
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Eelya Sefat
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Yihan Huang
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Emily Petersen
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Shane Harrington
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Xiaomeng Fang
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Jessica M Gluck
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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4
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Melo-Fonseca F, Carvalho O, Gasik M, Miranda G, Silva FS. Mechanical stimulation devices for mechanobiology studies: a market, literature, and patents review. Biodes Manuf 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s42242-023-00232-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
AbstractSignificant advancements in various research and technological fields have contributed to remarkable findings on the physiological dynamics of the human body. To more closely mimic the complex physiological environment, research has moved from two-dimensional (2D) culture systems to more sophisticated three-dimensional (3D) dynamic cultures. Unlike bioreactors or microfluidic-based culture models, cells are typically seeded on polymeric substrates or incorporated into 3D constructs which are mechanically stimulated to investigate cell response to mechanical stresses, such as tensile or compressive. This review focuses on the working principles of mechanical stimulation devices currently available on the market or custom-built by research groups or protected by patents and highlights the main features still open to improvement. These are the features which could be focused on to perform, in the future, more reliable and accurate mechanobiology studies.
Graphic abstract
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5
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Morales IA, Boghdady CM, Campbell BE, Moraes C. Integrating mechanical sensor readouts into organ-on-a-chip platforms. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1060895. [PMID: 36588933 PMCID: PMC9800895 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1060895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Organs-on-a-chip have emerged as next-generation tissue engineered models to accurately capture realistic human tissue behaviour, thereby addressing many of the challenges associated with using animal models in research. Mechanical features of the culture environment have emerged as being critically important in designing organs-on-a-chip, as they play important roles in both stimulating realistic tissue formation and function, as well as capturing integrative elements of homeostasis, tissue function, and tissue degeneration in response to external insult and injury. Despite the demonstrated impact of incorporating mechanical cues in these models, strategies to measure these mechanical tissue features in microfluidically-compatible formats directly on-chip are relatively limited. In this review, we first describe general microfluidically-compatible Organs-on-a-chip sensing strategies, and categorize these advances based on the specific advantages of incorporating them on-chip. We then consider foundational and recent advances in mechanical analysis techniques spanning cellular to tissue length scales; and discuss their integration into Organs-on-a-chips for more effective drug screening, disease modeling, and characterization of biological dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christopher Moraes
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,*Correspondence: Christopher Moraes,
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6
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Sun W, Gao X, Lei H, Wang W, Cao Y. Biophysical Approaches for Applying and Measuring Biological Forces. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105254. [PMID: 34923777 PMCID: PMC8844594 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, increasing evidence has indicated that mechanical loads can regulate the morphogenesis, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of living cells. Investigations of how cells sense mechanical stimuli or the mechanotransduction mechanism is an active field of biomaterials and biophysics. Gaining a further understanding of mechanical regulation and depicting the mechanotransduction network inside cells require advanced experimental techniques and new theories. In this review, the fundamental principles of various experimental approaches that have been developed to characterize various types and magnitudes of forces experienced at the cellular and subcellular levels are summarized. The broad applications of these techniques are introduced with an emphasis on the difficulties in implementing these techniques in special biological systems. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed, which can guide readers to choose the most suitable technique for their questions. A perspective on future directions in this field is also provided. It is anticipated that technical advancement can be a driving force for the development of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxu Sun
- School of SciencesNantong UniversityNantong226019P. R. China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
| | - Hai Lei
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation CenterNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
| | - Yi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and TechnologyDepartment of Polymer Science & EngineeringCollege of Chemistry & Chemical EngineeringNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation CenterNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
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7
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Yes-associated protein reacts differently in vascular smooth muscle cells under different intensities of mechanical stretch. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:286-296. [PMID: 34983026 PMCID: PMC8791225 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are stromal cells of the vascular wall and are continually exposed to mechanical signals. The loss of VSMCs is closely related to the occurrence of many vascular diseases, such as aortic aneurysms and aortic dissection. The proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs are mechanically stimulated. Yes-associated protein (YAP), one of the core components of the Hippo pathway, plays a key role in the response of VSMCs to mechanical signals. In this study, we tested the impact of different intensities of mechanical stretch on the proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs, as well as YAP. We tested VSMCs’ proliferation and apoptosis and YAP reaction via immunocytochemistry, western blotting, CCK-8 and flow cytometric analysis. We found that 10% elongation could increase the phosphorylation of YAP and prevent it from entering the nucleus, as well as inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis. However, 15% elongation reduced YAP phosphorylation and promoted its nuclear entry, thereby promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. Accordingly, YAP knockdown suppressed the phenotype of VMSCs induced by 15% elongation. Taken together, YAP regulates proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs differently under different intensity of mechanical stretch. Mechanical stretch with appropriate intensity can promote the proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of VSMCs by activating YAP.
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8
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Aguilera Suarez S, Sekar NC, Nguyen N, Lai A, Thurgood P, Zhou Y, Needham S, Pirogova E, Khoshmanesh K, Baratchi S. Studying the Mechanobiology of Aortic Endothelial Cells Under Cyclic Stretch Using a Modular 3D Printed System. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:791116. [PMID: 34957080 PMCID: PMC8698250 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.791116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we describe a motorized cam-driven system for the cyclic stretch of aortic endothelial cells. Our modular design allows for generating customized spatiotemporal stretch profiles by varying the profile and size of 3D printed cam and follower elements. The system is controllable, compact, inexpensive, and amenable for parallelization and long-term experiments. Experiments using human aortic endothelial cells show significant changes in the cytoskeletal structure and morphology of cells following exposure to 5 and 10% cyclic stretch over 9 and 16 h. The system provides upportunities for exploring the complex molecular and cellular processes governing the response of mechanosensitive cells under cyclic stretch.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadia Chandra Sekar
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ngan Nguyen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Austin Lai
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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9
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Nguyen N, Thurgood P, Sekar NC, Chen S, Pirogova E, Peter K, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K. Microfluidic models of the human circulatory system: versatile platforms for exploring mechanobiology and disease modeling. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:769-786. [PMID: 34777617 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00815-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human circulatory system is a marvelous fluidic system, which is very sensitive to biophysical and biochemical cues. The current animal and cell culture models do not recapitulate the functional properties of the human circulatory system, limiting our ability to fully understand the complex biological processes underlying the dysfunction of this multifaceted system. In this review, we discuss the unique ability of microfluidic systems to recapitulate the biophysical, biochemical, and functional properties of the human circulatory system. We also describe the remarkable capacity of microfluidic technologies for exploring the complex mechanobiology of the cardiovascular system, mechanistic studying of cardiovascular diseases, and screening cardiovascular drugs with the additional benefit of reducing the need for animal models. We also discuss opportunities for further advancement in this exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngan Nguyen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nadia Chandra Sekar
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Sheng Chen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
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10
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Boghdady CM, Kalashnikov N, Mok S, McCaffrey L, Moraes C. Revisiting tissue tensegrity: Biomaterial-based approaches to measure forces across length scales. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:041501. [PMID: 34632250 PMCID: PMC8487350 DOI: 10.1063/5.0046093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-generated forces play a foundational role in tissue dynamics and homeostasis and are critically important in several biological processes, including cell migration, wound healing, morphogenesis, and cancer metastasis. Quantifying such forces in vivo is technically challenging and requires novel strategies that capture mechanical information across molecular, cellular, and tissue length scales, while allowing these studies to be performed in physiologically realistic biological models. Advanced biomaterials can be designed to non-destructively measure these stresses in vitro, and here, we review mechanical characterizations and force-sensing biomaterial-based technologies to provide insight into the mechanical nature of tissue processes. We specifically and uniquely focus on the use of these techniques to identify characteristics of cell and tissue “tensegrity:” the hierarchical and modular interplay between tension and compression that provide biological tissues with remarkable mechanical properties and behaviors. Based on these observed patterns, we highlight and discuss the emerging role of tensegrity at multiple length scales in tissue dynamics from homeostasis, to morphogenesis, to pathological dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikita Kalashnikov
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Stephanie Mok
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 0C5, Canada
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11
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Yang L, Pijuan-Galito S, Rho HS, Vasilevich AS, Eren AD, Ge L, Habibović P, Alexander MR, de Boer J, Carlier A, van Rijn P, Zhou Q. High-Throughput Methods in the Discovery and Study of Biomaterials and Materiobiology. Chem Rev 2021; 121:4561-4677. [PMID: 33705116 PMCID: PMC8154331 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The complex interaction of cells with biomaterials (i.e., materiobiology) plays an increasingly pivotal role in the development of novel implants, biomedical devices, and tissue engineering scaffolds to treat diseases, aid in the restoration of bodily functions, construct healthy tissues, or regenerate diseased ones. However, the conventional approaches are incapable of screening the huge amount of potential material parameter combinations to identify the optimal cell responses and involve a combination of serendipity and many series of trial-and-error experiments. For advanced tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, highly efficient and complex bioanalysis platforms are expected to explore the complex interaction of cells with biomaterials using combinatorial approaches that offer desired complex microenvironments during healing, development, and homeostasis. In this review, we first introduce materiobiology and its high-throughput screening (HTS). Then we present an in-depth of the recent progress of 2D/3D HTS platforms (i.e., gradient and microarray) in the principle, preparation, screening for materiobiology, and combination with other advanced technologies. The Compendium for Biomaterial Transcriptomics and high content imaging, computational simulations, and their translation toward commercial and clinical uses are highlighted. In the final section, current challenges and future perspectives are discussed. High-throughput experimentation within the field of materiobiology enables the elucidation of the relationships between biomaterial properties and biological behavior and thereby serves as a potential tool for accelerating the development of high-performance biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Yang
- University
of Groningen, W. J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and
Materials Science, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sara Pijuan-Galito
- School
of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University
of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Hoon Suk Rho
- Department
of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired
Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Aliaksei S. Vasilevich
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University
of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Aysegul Dede Eren
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University
of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lu Ge
- University
of Groningen, W. J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and
Materials Science, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pamela Habibović
- Department
of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired
Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Morgan R. Alexander
- School
of Pharmacy, Boots Science Building, University
of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Jan de Boer
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University
of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Aurélie Carlier
- Department
of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired
Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick van Rijn
- University
of Groningen, W. J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and
Materials Science, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Qihui Zhou
- Institute
for Translational Medicine, Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated
Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao
University, Qingdao 266003, China
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12
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Zheng Y, Shao Y, Fu J. A microfluidics-based stem cell model of early post-implantation human development. Nat Protoc 2020; 16:309-326. [PMID: 33311712 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-00417-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Early post-implantation human embryonic development has been challenging to study due to both technical limitations and ethical restrictions. Proper modeling of the process is important for infertility and toxicology research. Here we provide details of the design and implementation of a microfluidic device that can be used to model human embryo development. The microfluidic human embryo model is established from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), and the resulting structures exhibit molecular and cellular features resembling the progressive development of the early post-implantation human embryo. The compartmentalized configuration of the microfluidic device allows the formation of spherical hPSC clusters in prescribed locations in the device, enabling the two opposite regions of each hPSC cluster to be exposed to two different exogenous chemical environments. Under such asymmetrical chemical conditions, several early post-implantation human embryo developmental landmarks, including lumenogenesis of the epiblast and the resultant pro-amniotic cavity, formation of a bipolar embryonic sac, and specification of primordial germ cells and gastrulating cells (or mesendoderm cells), can be robustly recapitulated using the microfluidic device. The microfluidic human embryo model is compatible with high-throughput studies, live imaging, immunofluorescence staining, fluorescent in situ hybridization, and single-cell sequencing. This protocol takes ~5 d to complete, including microfluidic device fabrication (2 d), cell seeding (1 d), and progressive development of the microfluidic model until gastrulation-like events occur (1-2 d).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yue Shao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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13
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Zhang W, Huang G, Xu F. Engineering Biomaterials and Approaches for Mechanical Stretching of Cells in Three Dimensions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:589590. [PMID: 33154967 PMCID: PMC7591716 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.589590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical stretch is widely experienced by cells of different tissues in the human body and plays critical roles in regulating their behaviors. Numerous studies have been devoted to investigating the responses of cells to mechanical stretch, providing us with fruitful findings. However, these findings have been mostly observed from two-dimensional studies and increasing evidence suggests that cells in three dimensions may behave more closely to their in vivo behaviors. While significant efforts and progresses have been made in the engineering of biomaterials and approaches for mechanical stretching of cells in three dimensions, much work remains to be done. Here, we briefly review the state-of-the-art researches in this area, with focus on discussing biomaterial considerations and stretching approaches. We envision that with the development of advanced biomaterials, actuators and microengineering technologies, more versatile and predictive three-dimensional cell stretching models would be available soon for extensive applications in such fields as mechanobiology, tissue engineering, and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zhang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoyou Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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14
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Han S, Kim J, Lee G, Kim D. Mechanical Properties of Materials for Stem Cell Differentiation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e2000247. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seong‐Beom Han
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology Korea University 145, Anam‐ro, Seongbuk‐gu Seoul 02841 Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong‐Ki Kim
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology Korea University 145, Anam‐ro, Seongbuk‐gu Seoul 02841 Republic of Korea
| | - Geonhui Lee
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology Korea University 145, Anam‐ro, Seongbuk‐gu Seoul 02841 Republic of Korea
| | - Dong‐Hwee Kim
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology Korea University 145, Anam‐ro, Seongbuk‐gu Seoul 02841 Republic of Korea
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15
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Nguyen AK, Kilian KA. Physicochemical Tools for Visualizing and Quantifying Cell-Generated Forces. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:1731-1746. [PMID: 32530602 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To discern how mechanical forces coordinate biological outcomes, methods that map cell-generated forces in a spatiotemporal manner, and at cellular length scales, are critical. In their native environment, whether it be within compact multicellular three-dimensional structures or sparsely populated fibrillar networks of the extracellular matrix, cells are constantly exposed to a slew of physical forces acting on them from all directions. At the same time, cells exert highly localized forces of their own on their surroundings and on neighboring cells. Together, the generation and transmission of these forces can control diverse cellular activities and behavior as well as influence cell fate decisions. To thoroughly understand these processes, we must first be able to characterize and measure such forces. However, our experimental needs and technical capabilities are in discord-while it is apparent that we should study cell-generated forces within more biologically relevant 3D environments, this goal remains challenging because of caveats associated with complex "sensing-transduction-readout" modalities. In this Review, we will discuss the latest techniques for measuring cell-generated forces. We will highlight recent advances in traction force microscopy and examine new alternative approaches for quantifying cell-generated forces, both of individual cells and within 3D tissues. Finally, we will explore the future direction of novel cellular force-sensing tools in the context of mechanobiology and next-generation biomaterials design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley K. Nguyen
- School of Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Kristopher A. Kilian
- School of Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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16
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Ghosh S, Seelbinder B, Henderson JT, Watts RD, Scott AK, Veress AI, Neu CP. Deformation Microscopy for Dynamic Intracellular and Intranuclear Mapping of Mechanics with High Spatiotemporal Resolution. Cell Rep 2020; 27:1607-1620.e4. [PMID: 31042484 PMCID: PMC8769958 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural heterogeneity is a hallmark of living cells that drives local mechanical properties and dynamic cellular responses. However, the robust quantification of intracellular mechanics is lacking from conventional methods. Here, we describe the development of deformation microscopy, which leverages conventional imaging and an automated hyperelastic warping algorithm to investigate strain history, deformation dynamics, and changes in structural heterogeneity within the interior of cells and cell nuclei. Using deformation microscopy, we found that partial or complete disruption of LINC complexes in cardiomyocytes in vitro and lamin A/C deficiency in myocytes in vivo abrogate dominant tensile loading in the nuclear interior. We also found that cells cultured on stiff substrates or in hyperosmotic conditions displayed abnormal strain burden and asymmetries at interchromatin regions, which are associated with active transcription. Deformation microscopy represents a foundational approach toward intracellular elastography, with the potential utility to provide mechanistic and quantitative insights in diverse mechanobiological applications. Ghosh et al. show that deformation microscopy, a technique based on image analysis and mechanics, reveals deformation dynamics and structural heterogeneity changes for several applications and at multiple scales, including tissues, cells, and nuclei. They reveal how the disruption of nuclear proteins and pathological conditions abrogate mechanical strain in the nuclear interior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soham Ghosh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Benjamin Seelbinder
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Jonathan T Henderson
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Ryan D Watts
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Adrienne K Scott
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Alexander I Veress
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Corey P Neu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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17
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Obenaus AM, Mollica MY, Sniadecki NJ. (De)form and Function: Measuring Cellular Forces with Deformable Materials and Deformable Structures. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901454. [PMID: 31951099 PMCID: PMC7274881 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The ability for biological cells to produce mechanical forces is important for the development, function, and homeostasis of tissue. The measurement of cellular forces is not a straightforward task because individual cells are microscopic in size and the forces they produce are at the nanonewton scale. Consequently, studies in cell mechanics rely on advanced biomaterials or flexible structures that permit one to infer these forces by the deformation they impart on the material or structure. Herein, the scientific progression on the use of deformable materials and deformable structures to measure cellular forces are reviewed. The findings and insights made possible with these approaches in the field of cell mechanics are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava M Obenaus
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Molly Y Mollica
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Nathan J Sniadecki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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18
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Asmani M, Kotei C, Hsia I, Marecki L, Wang T, Zhou C, Zhao R. Cyclic Stretching of Fibrotic Microtissue Array for Evaluation of Anti-Fibrosis Drugs. Cell Mol Bioeng 2019; 12:529-540. [PMID: 31719931 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-019-00590-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Progression of pulmonary fibrosis, characterized by the deterioration of lung tissue's mechanical properties, is affected by respiratory motion-induced dynamic loading. Since the development of anti-fibrosis drugs faces major hurdles in animal tests and human clinical trials, preclinical models that can recapitulate fibrosis progression under physiologically-relevant cyclic loading hold great promise. However, the integration of these two functions has not been achieved in existing models. Methods Recently we developed static human lung microtissue arrays that recapitulate the progressive changes in tissue mechanics during lung fibrogenesis. In the current study, we integrate the lung microtissue array with a membrane stretching system to enable dynamic loading to the microtissues. The effects of a pro-fibrotic agent and anti-fibrosis drugs were tested under cyclic stretching. Results Cyclic stretching that mimics respiratory motion was shown to affect the cytoskeletal organization and cellular orientation in the microtissue and cause the increase in microtissue contractility and stiffness. Fibrosis induction using TGF-β1 further promoted fibrosis-related mechanical activity of the lung microtissues. Using this system, we examined the therapeutic effects of two FDA approved anti-fibrotic drugs. Our results showed that Nintedanib was able to fully inhibit TGF-β1 induced force increase but only partially inhibited stretching induced force increase. In contrast, Pirfenidone was able to fully inhibit both TGF-β1 induced force increase and stretching-induced force increase. Conclusions Together, these results highlight the pathophysiologically-relevant modeling capability of the current fibrotic microtissue system and demonstrated the potential of this system to be used for anti-fibrosis drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadnabi Asmani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260 USA
| | - Christopher Kotei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260 USA
| | - Isaac Hsia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260 USA
| | - Leo Marecki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260 USA
| | - Tianjiao Wang
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260 USA
| | - Chi Zhou
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260 USA
| | - Ruogang Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260 USA
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19
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Feng Q, Lee SS, Kornmann B. A Toolbox for Organelle Mechanobiology Research-Current Needs and Challenges. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:E538. [PMID: 31426349 PMCID: PMC6723503 DOI: 10.3390/mi10080538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mechanobiology studies from the last decades have brought significant insights into many domains of biological research, from development to cellular signaling. However, mechano-regulation of subcellular components, especially membranous organelles, are only beginning to be unraveled. In this paper, we take mitochondrial mechanobiology as an example to discuss recent advances and current technical challenges in this field. In addition, we discuss the needs for future toolbox development for mechanobiological research of intracellular organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Feng
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Sung Sik Lee
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
- Scientific Center for Optical and Electron Microscopy (ScopeM), ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Benoît Kornmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
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20
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Huang J, Lin F, Xiong C. Mechanical characterization of single cells based on microfluidic techniques. Trends Analyt Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2019.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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21
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Qian W, Chen W. Probing Single-Cell Mechanical Allostasis Using Ultrasound Tweezers. Cell Mol Bioeng 2019; 12:415-427. [PMID: 31719924 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-019-00578-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In response to external stress, cells alter their morphology, metabolic activity, and functions to mechanically adapt to the dynamic, local environment through cell allostasis. To explore mechanotransduction in cellular allostasis, we applied an integrated micromechanical system that combines an 'ultrasound tweezers'-based mechanical stressor and a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based molecular force biosensor, termed "actinin-sstFRET," to monitor in situ single-cell allostasis in response to transient stimulation in real time. Methods The ultrasound tweezers utilize 1 Hz, 10-s transient ultrasound pulses to acoustically excite a lipid-encapsulated microbubble, which is bound to the cell membrane, and apply a pico- to nano-Newton range of forces to cells through an RGD-integrin linkage. The actinin-sstFRET molecular sensor, which engages the actin stress fibers in live cells, is used to map real-time actomyosin force dynamics over time. Then, the mechanosensitive behaviors were examined by profiling the dynamics in Ca2+ influx, actomyosin cytoskeleton (CSK) activity, and GTPase RhoA signaling to define a single-cell mechanical allostasis. Results By subjecting a 1 Hz, 10-s physical stress, single vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were observed to remodeled themselves in a biphasic mechanical allostatic manner within 30 min that caused them to adjust their contractility and actomyosin activities. The cellular machinery that underscores the vital role of CSK equilibrium in cellular mechanical allostasis, includes Ca2+ influx, remodeling of actomyosin CSK and contraction, and GTPase RhoA signaling. Mechanical allostasis was observed to be compromised in VSMCs from patients with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which could potentiate an allostatic maladaptation. Conclusions By integrating tools that simultaneously permit localized mechanical perturbation and map actomyosin forces, we revealed distinct cellular mechanical allostasis profiles in our micromechanical system. Our findings of cell mechanical allostasis and maladaptation provide the potential for mechanophenotyping cells to reveal their pathogenic contexts and their biophysical mediators that underlie multi-etiological diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Qian
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201 USA
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201 USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201 USA
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22
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Bashirzadeh Y, Dumbali S, Qian S, Maruthamuthu V. Mechanical response of an epithelial island subject to uniaxial stretch on a hybrid silicone substrate. Cell Mol Bioeng 2019; 12:33-40. [PMID: 31105800 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-018-00560-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The mechanical response of large multi-cellular collectives to external stretch has remained largely unexplored, despite its relevance to normal function and to external challenges faced by some tissues. Here, we introduced a simple hybrid silicone substrate to enable external stretch while providing a physiologically relevant physical micro-environment for cells. Methods We micropatterned epithelial islands on the substrate using a stencil to allow for a circular island shape without restraining island edges. We then used traction force microscopy to determine the strain energy and the inter-cellular sheet tension within the island as a function of time after stretch. Results While the strain energy stored in the substrate for unstretched cell islands stayed constant over time, a uniaxial 10% stretch resulted in an abrupt increase, followed by sustained increase in the strain energy of the islands over tens of minutes, indicating slower dynamics than for single cells reported previously. The sheet tension at the island mid-line perpendicular to the stretch direction also more than doubled compared to unstretched islands. Interestingly, the sheet tension at the island mid-line parallel to the stretch direction also reached similar levels over tens of minutes indicating the tendency of the island to homogenize its internal stress. Conclusions We found that the sheet tension within large epithelial islands depends on its direction relative to that of the stretch initially, but not at longer times. We suggest that the hybrid silicone substrate provides for an accessible substrate for studying the mechanobiology of large epithelial cell islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashar Bashirzadeh
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, 4635 Hampton Blvd, 238e Kaufman, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
| | - Sandeep Dumbali
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, 4635 Hampton Blvd, 238e Kaufman, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
| | - Shizhi Qian
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, 4635 Hampton Blvd, 238e Kaufman, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
| | - Venkat Maruthamuthu
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, 4635 Hampton Blvd, 238e Kaufman, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
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23
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Friedrich O, Merten AL, Schneidereit D, Guo Y, Schürmann S, Martinac B. Stretch in Focus: 2D Inplane Cell Stretch Systems for Studies of Cardiac Mechano-Signaling. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:55. [PMID: 30972334 PMCID: PMC6445849 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanobiology is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary research field, involving biophysics, molecular and cell biology, biomedical engineering, and medicine. Rapid progress has been possible due to emerging devices and tools engineered for studies of the effect of mechanical forces, such as stretch or shear force, impacting on biological cells and tissues. In response to such mechanical stimuli, cells possess various mechanosensors among which mechanosensitive ion channels are molecular transducers designed to convert mechanical stimuli into electrical and/or biochemical intracellular signals on millisecond time scales. To study their role in cellular signaling pathways, devices have been engineered that enable application of different strain protocols to cells allowing for determination of the stress-strain relationship or other, preferably optical, readouts. Frequently, these devices are mounted on fluorescence microscopes, allowing simultaneous investigation of cellular mechanotransduction processes combined with live-cell imaging. Mechanical stress in organs/tissues can be complex and multiaxial, e.g., in hollow organs, like lung alveoli, bladder, or the heart. Therefore, biomedical engineers have, in recent years, developed devices based on elastomeric membranes for application of biaxial or multiaxial stretch to 2D substrate-adhered or even 3D-embedded cells. Here, we review application of stretch technologies to cellular mechanotransduction with a focus on cardiovascular systems. We also present new results obtained by our IsoStretcher device to examine mechanosensitivity of adult ventricular cardiomyocytes. We show that sudden isotropic stretch of cardiomyocytes can already trigger arrhythmic Ca2+ transients on the single cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Mechanosensory Biophysics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Muscle Research Center Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Merten
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Muscle Research Center Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dominik Schneidereit
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Muscle Research Center Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yang Guo
- Mechanosensory Biophysics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Sebastian Schürmann
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Boris Martinac
- Mechanosensory Biophysics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
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24
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Rosowski KA, Boltyanskiy R, Xiang Y, Van den Dries K, Schwartz MA, Dufresne ER. Vinculin and the mechanical response of adherent fibroblasts to matrix deformation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17967. [PMID: 30568231 PMCID: PMC6299284 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36272-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells respond to the mechanics of their environment. Mechanical cues include extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and deformation, which are primarily sensed through integrin-mediated adhesions. We investigated the impact of ECM deformation on cellular forces, measuring the time-evolution of traction forces of isolated mouse fibroblasts in response to stretch and release. Stretch triggered a marked increase of traction stresses and apparent stiffness. Expression of the focal adhesion protein vinculin not only increased baseline traction forces, but also increased dissipation of mechanical energy, which was correlated with the cells’ failure to recover baseline traction forces after release of stretch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Rosowski
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Rostislav Boltyanskiy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Yingjie Xiang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Koen Van den Dries
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.,Departments of Cell Biology and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Eric R Dufresne
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland. .,Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
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25
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Basoli F, Giannitelli SM, Gori M, Mozetic P, Bonfanti A, Trombetta M, Rainer A. Biomechanical Characterization at the Cell Scale: Present and Prospects. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1449. [PMID: 30498449 PMCID: PMC6249385 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapidly growing field of mechanobiology demands for robust and reproducible characterization of cell mechanical properties. Recent achievements in understanding the mechanical regulation of cell fate largely rely on technological platforms capable of probing the mechanical response of living cells and their physico–chemical interaction with the microenvironment. Besides the established family of atomic force microscopy (AFM) based methods, other approaches include optical, magnetic, and acoustic tweezers, as well as sensing substrates that take advantage of biomaterials chemistry and microfabrication techniques. In this review, we introduce the available methods with an emphasis on the most recent advances, and we discuss the challenges associated with their implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Basoli
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Manuele Gori
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Pamela Mozetic
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Alessandra Bonfanti
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marcella Trombetta
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Rainer
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy.,Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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26
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Ermis M, Antmen E, Hasirci V. Micro and Nanofabrication methods to control cell-substrate interactions and cell behavior: A review from the tissue engineering perspective. Bioact Mater 2018; 3:355-369. [PMID: 29988483 PMCID: PMC6026330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-substrate interactions play a crucial role in the design of better biomaterials and integration of implants with the tissues. Adhesion is the binding process of the cells to the substrate through interactions between the surface molecules of the cell membrane and the substrate. There are several factors that affect cell adhesion including substrate surface chemistry, topography, and stiffness. These factors physically and chemically guide and influence the adhesion strength, spreading, shape and fate of the cell. Recently, technological advances enabled us to precisely engineer the geometry and chemistry of substrate surfaces enabling the control of the interaction cells with the substrate. Some of the most commonly used surface engineering methods for eliciting the desired cellular responses on biomaterials are photolithography, electron beam lithography, microcontact printing, and microfluidics. These methods allow production of nano- and micron level substrate features that can control cell adhesion, migration, differentiation, shape of the cells and the nuclei as well as measurement of the forces involved in such activities. This review aims to summarize the current techniques and associate these techniques with cellular responses in order to emphasize the effect of chemistry, dimensions, density and design of surface patterns on cell-substrate interactions. We conclude with future projections in the field of cell-substrate interactions in the hope of providing an outlook for the future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menekse Ermis
- BIOMATEN, Middle East Technical University (METU) Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Ankara, Turkey
- METU, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Antmen
- BIOMATEN, Middle East Technical University (METU) Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Ankara, Turkey
- METU, Department of Biotechnology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Vasif Hasirci
- BIOMATEN, Middle East Technical University (METU) Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Ankara, Turkey
- METU, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ankara, Turkey
- METU, Department of Biotechnology, Ankara, Turkey
- METU, Department of Biological Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
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27
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Abstract
Recent findings suggest that mechanical forces strongly influence wound repair and fibrosis across multiple organ systems. Traction force is vital to the characterization of cellular responses to mechanical stimuli. Using hydrogel-based traction force microscopy, a FRET-based tension sensor, or microengineered cantilevers, the magnitude of traction forces can be measured. Here, we describe a traction force measurement methodology using a dense array of elastomeric microposts. This platform can be used to measure the traction force of a single cell or a colony of cells with or without geometric confinement.
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28
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Zhang Y, Liao K, Li C, Lai ACK, Foo JJ, Chan V. Progress in Integrative Biomaterial Systems to Approach Three-Dimensional Cell Mechanotransduction. Bioengineering (Basel) 2017; 4:E72. [PMID: 28952551 PMCID: PMC5615318 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering4030072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanotransduction between cells and the extracellular matrix regulates major cellular functions in physiological and pathological situations. The effect of mechanical cues on biochemical signaling triggered by cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions on model biomimetic surfaces has been extensively investigated by a combination of fabrication, biophysical, and biological methods. To simulate the in vivo physiological microenvironment in vitro, three dimensional (3D) microstructures with tailored bio-functionality have been fabricated on substrates of various materials. However, less attention has been paid to the design of 3D biomaterial systems with geometric variances, such as the possession of precise micro-features and/or bio-sensing elements for probing the mechanical responses of cells to the external microenvironment. Such precisely engineered 3D model experimental platforms pave the way for studying the mechanotransduction of multicellular aggregates under controlled geometric and mechanical parameters. Concurrently with the progress in 3D biomaterial fabrication, cell traction force microscopy (CTFM) developed in the field of cell biophysics has emerged as a highly sensitive technique for probing the mechanical stresses exerted by cells onto the opposing deformable surface. In the current work, we first review the recent advances in the fabrication of 3D micropatterned biomaterials which enable the seamless integration with experimental cell mechanics in a controlled 3D microenvironment. Then, we discuss the role of collective cell-cell interactions in the mechanotransduction of engineered tissue equivalents determined by such integrative biomaterial systems under simulated physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, UAE.
| | - Kin Liao
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, UAE.
| | - Chuan Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Alvin C K Lai
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Ji-Jinn Foo
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Vincent Chan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, UAE.
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29
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An Electromagnetically Actuated Double-Sided Cell-Stretching Device for Mechanobiology Research. MICROMACHINES 2017; 8:mi8080256. [PMID: 30400447 PMCID: PMC6190231 DOI: 10.3390/mi8080256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cellular response to mechanical stimuli is an integral part of cell homeostasis. The interaction of the extracellular matrix with the mechanical stress plays an important role in cytoskeleton organisation and cell alignment. Insights from the response can be utilised to develop cell culture methods that achieve predefined cell patterns, which are critical for tissue remodelling and cell therapy. We report the working principle, design, simulation, and characterisation of a novel electromagnetic cell stretching platform based on the double-sided axial stretching approach. The device is capable of introducing a cyclic and static strain pattern on a cell culture. The platform was tested with fibroblasts. The experimental results are consistent with the previously reported cytoskeleton reorganisation and cell reorientation induced by strain. Our observations suggest that the cell orientation is highly influenced by external mechanical cues. Cells reorganise their cytoskeletons to avoid external strain and to maintain intact extracellular matrix arrangements.
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30
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Steucke KE, Win Z, Stemler TR, Walsh EE, Hall JL, Alford PW. Empirically Determined Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Mechano-Adaptation Law. J Biomech Eng 2017; 139:2619314. [PMID: 28418526 PMCID: PMC5467037 DOI: 10.1115/1.4036454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease can alter the mechanical environment of the vascular system, leading to mechano-adaptive growth and remodeling. Predictive models of arterial mechano-adaptation could improve patient treatments and outcomes in cardiovascular disease. Vessel-scale mechano-adaptation includes remodeling of both the cells and extracellular matrix. Here, we aimed to experimentally measure and characterize a phenomenological mechano-adaptation law for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) within an artery. To do this, we developed a highly controlled and reproducible system for applying a chronic step-change in strain to individual VSMCs with in vivo like architecture and tracked the temporal cellular stress evolution. We found that a simple linear growth law was able to capture the dynamic stress evolution of VSMCs in response to this mechanical perturbation. These results provide an initial framework for development of clinically relevant models of vascular remodeling that include VSMC adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerianne E Steucke
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 312 Church Street SE NHH 7-105, Minneapolis, MN 55455 e-mail:
| | - Zaw Win
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 312 Church Street SE NHH 7-105, Minneapolis, MN 55455 e-mail:
| | - Taylor R Stemler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 312 Church Street SE NHH 7-105, Minneapolis, MN 55455 e-mail:
| | - Emily E Walsh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 312 Church Street SE NHH 7-105, Minneapolis, MN 55455 e-mail:
| | - Jennifer L Hall
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 2231 6th Street SE CCRB, Minneapolis, MN 55455 e-mail:
| | - Patrick W Alford
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 312 Church Street SE NHH 7-105, Minneapolis, MN 55455 e-mail:
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31
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Cirka H, Monterosso M, Diamantides N, Favreau J, Wen Q, Billiar K. Active Traction Force Response to Long-Term Cyclic Stretch Is Dependent on Cell Pre-stress. Biophys J 2017; 110:1845-1857. [PMID: 27119644 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical stimulation is recognized as a potent modulator of cellular behaviors such as proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix assembly. However, the study of how cell-generated traction force changes in response to stretch is generally limited to short-term stimulation. The goal of this work is to determine how cells actively alter their traction force in response to long-term physiological cyclic stretch as a function of cell pre-stress. We have developed, to our knowledge, a novel method to assess traction force after long-term (24 h) uniaxial or biaxial cyclic stretch under conditions of high cell pre-stress with culture on stiff (7.5 kPa) polyacrylamide gels (with or without transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)) and low pre-stress by treating with blebbistatin or culture on soft gels (0.6 kPa). In response to equibiaxial stretch, valvular interstitial cells on stiff substrates decreased their traction force (from 300 nN to 100 nN) and spread area (from 3000 to 2100 μm(2)). With uniaxial stretch, the cells had similar decreases in traction force and area and reoriented perpendicular to the stretch. TGF-β1-treated valvular interstitial cells had higher pre-stress (1100 nN) and exhibited a larger drop in traction force with uniaxial stretch, but the percentage changes in force and area with stretch were similar to the non-TGF-β1-treated group. Cells with inhibited myosin II motors increased traction force (from 41 nN to 63 nN) and slightly reoriented toward the stretch direction. In contrast, cells cultured on soft gels increased their traction force significantly, from 15 nN to 45 nN, doubled their spread area, elongated from an initially rounded morphology, and reoriented perpendicular to the uniaxial stretch. Contractile-moment measurements provided results consistent with total traction force measurements. The combined results indicate that the change in traction force in response to external cyclic stretch is dependent upon the initial cell pre-stress. This finding is consistent with depolymerization of initially high-tension actin stress fibers, and reinforcement of an initially low-tension actin cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Cirka
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | | | - Nicole Diamantides
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
| | - John Favreau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Qi Wen
- Department of Physics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Kristen Billiar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts.
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32
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Zhang H, Wang Y, Vasilescu S, Gu Z, Sun T. Bio-inspired enhancement of friction and adhesion at the polydimethylsiloxane-intestine interface and biocompatibility characterization. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2016; 74:246-252. [PMID: 28254291 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An active navigation of self-propelled miniaturized robot along the intestinal tract without injuring the soft tissue remains a challenge as yet. Particularly in this case an effective control of the interfacial friction and adhesion between the material used and the soft tissue is crucial. In the present study, we investigated the frictional and adhesive properties between polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, microscopically patterned with micro-pillar arrays and non-patterned with a flat surface) and rabbit small intestinal tract using a universal material tester. The friction coefficient-time plot and adhesive force-time plot were recorded during the friction test (sliding speed: 0.25mm/s; normal loading: 0.4N) and adhesion test (preloading: 0.5N; hoisting speed: 2.5×10-3mm/s). In addition, biocompatibility of the PDMS samples was characterized in terms of cell morphology (scanning electron microscope) and cell cytotoxicity (alamarBlue assay) using human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). The results demonstrated that the interfacial friction (0.27 vs 0.19) and adhesion (34.9mN vs 26.7mN) were greatly increased using microscopically patterned PDMS, in comparison with non-patterned PDMS. HUVECs adhered to and proliferated on non-patterned/microscopically patterned PDMS very well, with a relative cell viability of about 90% following seeding at 1d, 3d, and 5d. The favorable enhancement of the frictional and adhesive properties, along with the excellent biocompatibility of the microscopically patterned PDMS, makes it a propitious choice for clinical application of self-propelled miniaturized robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Steven Vasilescu
- School of Mathematics and Physical Science, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Zhibin Gu
- Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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33
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Weng S, Shao Y, Chen W, Fu J. Mechanosensitive subcellular rheostasis drives emergent single-cell mechanical homeostasis. NATURE MATERIALS 2016; 15:961-967. [PMID: 27240108 PMCID: PMC4996707 DOI: 10.1038/nmat4654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical homeostasis-a fundamental process by which cells maintain stable states under environmental perturbations-is regulated by two subcellular mechanotransducers: cytoskeleton tension and integrin-mediated focal adhesions (FAs). Here, we show that single-cell mechanical homeostasis is collectively driven by the distinct, graduated dynamics (rheostasis) of subcellular cytoskeleton tension and FAs. Such rheostasis involves a mechanosensitive pattern wherein ground states of cytoskeleton tension and FA determine their distinct reactive paths through either relaxation or reinforcement. Pharmacological perturbations of the cytoskeleton and molecularly modulated integrin catch-slip bonds biased the rheostasis and induced non-homeostasis of FAs, but not of cytoskeleton tension, suggesting a unique sensitivity of FAs in regulating homeostasis. Theoretical modelling revealed myosin-mediated cytoskeleton contractility and catch-slip-bond-like behaviours in FAs and the cytoskeleton as sufficient and necessary mechanisms for quantitatively recapitulating mechanosensitive rheostasis. Our findings highlight the previously underappreciated physical nature of the mechanical homeostasis of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinuo Weng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yue Shao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence should be addressed to J.F. ()
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34
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Kamble H, Barton MJ, Jun M, Park S, Nguyen NT. Cell stretching devices as research tools: engineering and biological considerations. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:3193-203. [PMID: 27440436 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00607h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cells within the human body are subjected to continuous, cyclic mechanical strain caused by various organ functions, movement, and growth. Cells are well known to have the ability to sense and respond to mechanical stimuli. This process is referred to as mechanotransduction. A better understanding of mechanotransduction is of great interest to clinicians and scientists alike to improve clinical diagnosis and understanding of medical pathology. However, the complexity involved in in vivo biological systems creates a need for better in vitro technologies, which can closely mimic the cells' microenvironment using induced mechanical strain. This technology gap motivates the development of cell stretching devices for better understanding of the cell response to mechanical stimuli. This review focuses on the engineering and biological considerations for the development of such cell stretching devices. The paper discusses different types of stretching concepts, major design consideration and biological aspects of cell stretching and provides a perspective for future development in this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshad Kamble
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Matthew J Barton
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Myeongjun Jun
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sungsu Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, QLD 4111, Australia.
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35
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Deng S, Yu X, Liu R, Chen W, Wang P. A two-compartment microfluidic device for long-term live cell detection based on surface plasmon resonance. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2016; 10:044109. [PMID: 27570574 PMCID: PMC4975751 DOI: 10.1063/1.4960487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A two-compartment microfluidic device integrated with a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) interferometric imaging system has been developed for long-term and real-time cell detection. The device uses a porous membrane sandwiched between two chambers to obtain an exact medium exchange rate and minimal fluid shear stress for cell culture. The two-compartment device was optimized by COMSOL simulations and fabricated using Poly (dimethylsiloxane) elastomer replica molding methods. To confirm the capability of the microfluidic device to maintain the cell physiological environment over long intervals, HeLa cells were cultured in the device for up to 48 h. The cell proliferation process was monitored by both SPR and microscopic time-lapse imaging. The SPR response showed four phases with different growth rates, and agreed well with the time-lapse imaging. Furthermore, real-time detection of cell behaviors under different doses of Paclitaxel and Cisplatin was performed. The SPR responses revealed dose-dependent inhibitions of cell proliferation, with distinct drug action kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinglong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixing Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
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36
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Harshad K, Jun M, Park S, Barton MJ, Vadivelu RK, St John J, Nguyen NT. An electromagnetic cell-stretching device for mechanotransduction studies of olfactory ensheathing cells. Biomed Microdevices 2016; 18:45. [DOI: 10.1007/s10544-016-0071-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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37
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Gupta M, Doss B, Lim CT, Voituriez R, Ladoux B. Single cell rigidity sensing: A complex relationship between focal adhesion dynamics and large-scale actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Cell Adh Migr 2016; 10:554-567. [PMID: 27050660 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2016.1173800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Many physiological and pathological processes involve tissue cells sensing the rigidity of their environment. In general, tissue cells have been shown to react to the stiffness of their environment by regulating their level of contractility, and in turn applying traction forces on their environment to probe it. This mechanosensitive process can direct early cell adhesion, cell migration and even cell differentiation. These processes require the integration of signals over time and multiple length scales. Multiple strategies have been developed to understand force- and rigidity-sensing mechanisms and much effort has been concentrated on the study of cell adhesion complexes, such as focal adhesions, and cell cytoskeletons. Here, we review the major biophysical methods used for measuring cell-traction forces as well as the mechanosensitive processes that drive cellular responses to matrix rigidity on 2-dimensional substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukund Gupta
- a Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) , National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Bryant Doss
- a Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) , National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- a Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) , National University of Singapore , Singapore.,b Department of Biomedical Engineering , Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | | | - Benoit Ladoux
- a Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) , National University of Singapore , Singapore.,d Institut Jacques Monod (IJM) , CNRS UMR 7592 & University Paris Diderot , Paris , France
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38
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Kural MH, Billiar KL. Myofibroblast persistence with real-time changes in boundary stiffness. Acta Biomater 2016; 32:223-230. [PMID: 26712600 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are critical for connective tissue remodeling and wound healing since they can close wound beds and shape tissues rapidly by generating high traction forces and secreting abundant extracellular matrix proteins and matrix metalloproteinases. However, their presence in excessive numbers is associated with fibrotic and calcific diseases and tissue thickening in engineered tissues. While activation of the myofibroblast phenotype has been studied extensively, whether myofibroblasts are "cleared" by phenotypic reversal or by apoptosis remains controversial. The goal of this work is to test the hypothesis that mechanical inhibition of myofibroblast force generation leads to de-differentiation or apoptosis depending upon the magnitude of the decrease in tension. To test this hypothesis, we cultured valvular interstitial cells (VICs) in fibrin micro-tissues suspended between flexible posts and dynamically altered the ability of the cells to generate tension by altering boundary stiffness via magnetic forces applied to posts. The flexible posts capped with magnetic beads enable the measurement and modulation of tension generated by the cells within the tissue. As expected, the cell-generated forces were elevated with dynamically increased boundary (post) stiffness, yet surprisingly, the forces continued to increase following dynamic reduction of boundary stiffness back to baseline levels. Increased apoptosis and reduced α-SMA staining were observed with complete freeing of the tissues from the posts but not upon removal of the magnet, resulting in a twofold decrease in post stiffness. Together, these data indicate that an increase in myofibroblast force generation, even if modest and temporary (1 day), can have lasting effects on myofibroblast persistence in tissues, and that a significant reduction in the ability of the cells to generate tension is required to trigger dedifferentiation and/or apoptosis. The ability to dedifferentiate myofibroblasts to a quiescent phenotype and to control the percentage of apoptosis would be of great benefit for therapeutic and tissue engineering applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Myofibroblasts play an important role in tissue remodeling and wound healing. However, excessive activation of this phenotype is associated with fibrotic diseases and scar formation. Being able to dedifferentiate these cells or controlling their clearance with apoptosis (programmed cell death) would be beneficial. It is known that releasing rigid tissue boundaries trigger apoptosis, while reducing the substrate stiffness can cause myofibroblast dedifferentiation. However, the mechanical tension was not quantified in any of the studies. Here we used micro-cantilever posts at tissue boundaries to measure tension and to regulate boundary stiffness in real time by pulling posts with magnets. We show that temporary stiffening of boundary causes irreversible myofibroblast activation and the magnitude of tension drop controls apoptosis.
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39
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Bernardeschi I, Greco F, Ciofani G, Marino A, Mattoli V, Mazzolai B, Beccai L. A soft, stretchable and conductive biointerface for cell mechanobiology. Biomed Microdevices 2016; 17:46. [PMID: 25797705 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-015-9950-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In mechanobiology the study of cell response to mechanical stimuli is fundamental, and the involved processes (i.e., mechanotransduction) need to be investigated by interfacing (mechanically and electrically) with the cells in dynamic and non-invasive natural-like conditions. In this work, we present a novel soft, stretchable and conductive biointerface that allows both cell mechanical stimulation and dynamic impedance recording. The biointerface stretchability and conductivity, jointly to the biocompatibility and transparency needed to perform cell culture studies, were obtained by exploiting the formation of wrinkles on the surface of a 90 nm thick conductive layer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) on a pre-stretched 130 μm thick poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrate. Cell adhesion and proliferation of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells were evaluated, and cell differentiation on the corrugated surface was assessed. We demonstrate how the biointerface remains conductive when applying uniaxial strain up to 10%, and when cell culturing is performed. Finally, a reduction of about 30% of the relative impedance variation signal was measured, with respect to the control, as a result of the mechanical stimulation of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Bernardeschi
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, PI, Italy
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40
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Integrated Circuit-Based Biofabrication with Common Biomaterials for Probing Cellular Biomechanics. Trends Biotechnol 2016; 34:171-186. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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41
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Wang J, Fan B, Wei Y, Suo X, Ding Y. A simple multi-well stretching device to induce inflammatory responses of vascular endothelial cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:360-367. [PMID: 26669969 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01416f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We herein introduce a novel multi-well stretching device that is made of three polydimethylsiloxane layers, consisting of a top hole-punched layer, middle thin membrane, and bottom patterned layer. It is the first time that such a simple device has been used to supply axisymmetric and nonuniform strains to cells cultured on well bottoms that are stretchable. These mechanical stimuli can somewhat mimic the stretching at the bending sites of blood vessels, where the strains are complicated. In this device, nonuniform strain is given to cells through the deformation of a membrane from a flat surface to a spherical cap during the injection of a certain volume of water into the chamber between the middle membrane and bottom layer. EA.hy926 cells (a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line) were seeded on the well bottoms and exposed to axisymmetric strain under a 5, 10, 15, and 20% degree of deformation of the membrane. The cellular responses were characterized in terms of cell morphology, cell viability, and expression of inflammatory mRNAs and proteins. With increasing the degree of deformation, the cells exhibited an inclination toward detachment and apoptosis; meanwhile the expression of inflammatory mRNAs and proteins, such as MCP-1, IL-8, IL-6 and ICAM-1, showed a significant increment. The obtained results demonstrate that the inflammatory responses of EA.hy926 cells can be induced by increasing the magnitude of the strain. This simple device provides a useful tool for in vitro investigation of the inflammatory mechanisms related to vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Wang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Beiyuan Fan
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Yuanchen Wei
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xingmei Suo
- School of information engineering, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Yongsheng Ding
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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42
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Gao Y, Zhou B, Wu X, Gao X, Zeng X, Xie J, Wang C, Ye Z, Wan J, Wen W. Three Dimensional and Homogenous Single Cell Cyclic Stretch within a Magnetic Micropillar Array (mMPA) for a Cell Proliferation Study. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2016; 2:65-72. [PMID: 33418644 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.5b00381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The physical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are a key aspect of the cell microenvironment. A biological system is a highly dynamic organization. In our study, we designed and prepared a large area of magnetic PDMS elastomer micropillar array (mMPA) with robust and tunable movement for cell mechanics study. The rotational movement frequency of the micropillars could be precisely controlled by a home-built magnetic actuation apparatus. Cells cultured in the mMPA could be suspended in between two micropillars in a single level and exhibited a 3D structure. With the rotational movement of the micropillar, a homogeneous stretchable force could be applied to a single cell along it long axis with various frequencies. We exclusively studied the influence of dynamic properties of the micropillar movement on cell behaviors. We found that, by fixing the amplitude of the stretchable force, the frequency-based properties of the cell microenvironment could significantly change cell functions. The cell behaviors are dependent on the micropillar movement frequency and a transition from proliferation to apoptosis/death exhibited with the increment of the force application frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Gao
- Environmental Science Programs, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Physics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bingpu Zhou
- Department of Physics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wu
- Department of Physics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinghua Gao
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiping Zeng
- Department of Physics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiao Xie
- Soft Matter and Interdisciplinary Research Institute, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Physics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ziran Ye
- Department of Physics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Wan
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weijia Wen
- Department of Physics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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43
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Krishnan R, Park JA, Seow CY, Lee PVS, Stewart AG. Cellular Biomechanics in Drug Screening and Evaluation: Mechanopharmacology. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2015; 37:87-100. [PMID: 26651416 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The study of mechanobiology is now widespread. The impact of cell and tissue mechanics on cellular responses is well appreciated. However, knowledge of the impact of cell and tissue mechanics on pharmacological responsiveness, and its application to drug screening and mechanistic investigations, have been very limited in scope. We emphasize the need for a heightened awareness of the important bidirectional influence of drugs and biomechanics in all living systems. We propose that the term 'mechanopharmacology' be applied to approaches that employ in vitro systems, biomechanically appropriate to the relevant (patho)physiology, to identify new drugs and drug targets. This article describes the models and techniques that are being developed to transform drug screening and evaluation, ranging from a 2D environment to the dynamic 3D environment of the target expressed in the disease of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramaswamy Krishnan
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jin-Ah Park
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chun Y Seow
- Center for Heart Lung Innovation, St Pauls Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Peter V-S Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alastair G Stewart
- Lung Health Research Centre, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Goedecke N, Bollhalder M, Bernet R, Silvan U, Snedeker J. Easy and Accurate Mechano-profiling on Micropost Arrays. J Vis Exp 2015. [PMID: 26650118 DOI: 10.3791/53350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell culture substrates with integrated flexible microposts enable a user to study the mechanical interactions between cells and their immediate surroundings. Particularly, cell-substrate interactions are the main interest. Today micropost arrays are a well-characterized and established method with a broad range of applications that have been published over the last decade. However, there seems to be a reservation among biologists to adapt the technique due to the lengthy and challenging process of micropost manufacture along with the lack of easily approachable software for analyzing images of cells interacting with microposts. The force read-out from microposts is surprisingly easy. A micropost acts like a spring with the cell ideally attached at its tip. Depending on size a cell applies force from its cytoskeleton through one or multiple focal adhesion points to the micropost, thus deflecting the micropost. The amount of deflection correlates directly to the applied force in direction and in magnitude. The number of microposts covered by a cell and the post deflection patterns are characteristic and allow determination of values like force per post and many biologically relevant parameters that allow "mechano-profiling" of cell phenotypes. A convenient method for mechano-profiling is described here combining the first generation of ready-to-use commercially available microposts with an in-house developed software package that is now accessible to all researchers. As a demonstration of typical application, single images of bone cancer cells were taken in bright-field microscopy for mechano-profiling of cell line models of metastasis. This combination of commercial traction force sensors and open source software for analysis allows for the first time a rapid implementation of the micropost array technique into routine lab work done by non-expert users. Furthermore, a robust and streamlined analysis process enables a user to analyze a large number of micropost images in a highly time-efficient manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Remo Bernet
- University of Zurich, Balgrist University Hospital
| | - Unai Silvan
- University of Zurich, Balgrist University Hospital
| | - Jess Snedeker
- University of Zurich, Balgrist University Hospital; Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich;
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45
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Single cell active force generation under dynamic loading - Part I: AFM experiments. Acta Biomater 2015; 27:236-250. [PMID: 26360596 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A novel series of experiments are performed on single cells using a bespoke AFM system where the response of cells to dynamic loading at physiologically relevant frequencies is uncovered. Measured forces for the untreated cells are dramatically different to cytochalasin-D (cyto-D) treated cells, indicating that the contractile actin cytoskeleton plays a critical role in the response of cells to dynamic loading. Following a change in applied strain magnitude, while maintaining a constant applied strain rate, the compression force for contractile cells recovers to 88.9±7.8% of the steady state force. In contrast, cyto-D cell compression forces recover to only 38.0±6.7% of the steady state force. Additionally, untreated cells exhibit strongly negative (pulling) forces during unloading half-cycles when the probe is retracted. In comparison, negligible pulling forces are measured for cyto-D cells during probe retraction. The current study demonstrates that active contractile forces, generated by actin-myosin cross-bridge cycling, dominate the response of single cells to dynamic loading. Such active force generation is shown to be independent of applied strain magnitude. Passive forces generated by the applied deformation are shown to be of secondary importance, exhibiting a high dependence on applied strain magnitude, in contrast to the active forces in untreated cells. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE A novel series of experiments are performed on single cells using a bespoke AFM system where the response of cells to dynamic loading at physiologically relevant frequencies is uncovered. Contractile cells, which contain the active force generation machinery of the actin cytoskeleton, are shown to be insensitive to applied strain magnitude, exhibiting high resistance to dynamic compression and stretching. Such trends are not observed for cells in which the actin cytoskeleton has been chemically disrupted. These biomechanical insights have not been previously reported. This detailed characterisation of single cell active and passive stress during dynamic loading has important implications for tissue engineering strategies, where applied deformation has been reported to significantly affect cell mechanotransduction and matrix synthesis.
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Hu D, Cheng TK, Xie K, Lam RHW. Microengineered Conductive Elastomeric Electrodes for Long-Term Electrophysiological Measurements with Consistent Impedance under Stretch. SENSORS 2015; 15:26906-20. [PMID: 26512662 PMCID: PMC4634439 DOI: 10.3390/s151026906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this research, we develop a micro-engineered conductive elastomeric electrode for measurements of human bio-potentials with the absence of conductive pastes. Mixing the biocompatible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicone with other biocompatible conductive nano-particles further provides the material with an electrical conductivity. We apply micro-replica mold casting for the micro-structures, which are arrays of micro-pillars embedded between two bulk conductive-PDMS layers. These micro-structures can reduce the micro-structural deformations along the direction of signal transmission; therefore the corresponding electrical impedance under the physical stretch by the movement of the human body can be maintained. Additionally, we conduct experiments to compare the electrical properties between the bulk conductive-PDMS material and the microengineered electrodes under stretch. We also demonstrate the working performance of these micro-engineered electrodes in the acquisition of the 12-lead electrocardiographs (ECG) of a healthy subject. Together, the presented gel-less microengineered electrodes can provide a more convenient and stable bio-potential measurement platform, making tele-medical care more achievable with reduced technical barriers for instrument installation performed by patients/users themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinglong Hu
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Tin Kei Cheng
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Kai Xie
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Raymond H W Lam
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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47
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Sears C, Kaunas R. The many ways adherent cells respond to applied stretch. J Biomech 2015; 49:1347-1354. [PMID: 26515245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cells in various tissues are subjected to mechanical stress and strain that have profound effects on cell architecture and function. The specific response of the cell to applied strain depends on multiple factors, including cell contractility, spatial and temporal strain pattern, and substrate dimensionality and rigidity. Recent work has demonstrated that the cell response to applied strain depends on a complex combination of these factors, but the way these factors interact to elicit a specific response is not intuitive. We submit that an understanding of the integrated response of a cell to these factors will provide new insight into mechanobiology and contribute to the effective design of deformable engineered scaffolds meant to provide appropriate mechanical cues to the resident cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Sears
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3120, USA
| | - Roland Kaunas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3120, USA.
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48
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Two-bubble acoustic tweezing cytometry for biomechanical probing and stimulation of cells. Biophys J 2015; 108:32-42. [PMID: 25564850 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 10/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of mechanotransduction relies on tools that are capable of applying mechanical forces to elicit and assess cellular responses. Here we report a new (to our knowledge) technique, called two-bubble acoustic tweezing cytometry (TB-ATC), for generating spatiotemporally controlled subcellular mechanical forces on live cells by acoustic actuation of paired microbubbles targeted to the cell adhesion receptor integrin. By measuring the ultrasound-induced activities of cell-bound microbubbles and the actin cytoskeleton contractile force responses, we determine that TB-ATC elicits mechanoresponsive cellular changes via cyclic, paired displacements of integrin-bound microbubbles driven by the attractive secondary acoustic radiation force (sARF) between the bubbles in an ultrasound field. We demonstrate the feasibility of dual-mode TB-ATC for both subcellular probing and mechanical stimulation. By exploiting the robust and unique interaction of ultrasound with microbubbles, TB-ATC provides distinct advantages for experimentation and quantification of applied forces and cellular responses for biomechanical probing and stimulation of cells.
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49
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Signs of stress on soft surfaces : A commentary on: Cui, Y., F.M. Hameed, B. Yang, K. Lee, C.Q. Pan, S. Park, and M. Sheetz. 2015. Cyclic stretching of soft substrates induces spreading and growth. Nat Commun. 6:6333. J Cell Commun Signal 2015; 9:305-7. [PMID: 26277348 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-015-0305-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells experience mechanical stimuli during growth and differentiation and transduce these stimuli into biochemical signals that in turn regulate cell responses to the imposed forces. Reduced spreading and impaired stress fiber formation are indicators of the mechano-response to growth on soft elastic culture substrates. However, Cui and coworkers demonstrate that cell spreading and stress fiber formation on soft substrates is possible if simultaneous cyclic stretching compensates for the lack of substrate stiffness-induced cell stress. The stress(ed) response is dependent on cyclic stretch amplitude and frequency and, at least in part, mediated by myocardin related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) and Yes-associated protein (YAP). The study thus provides novel insight into the mechanisms of cell mechanosensing and how materials can be designed to mimic mechanical conditions of body tissues.
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50
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Geng Y, Wang Z. Review of cellular mechanotransduction on micropost substrates. Med Biol Eng Comput 2015; 54:249-71. [PMID: 26245253 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-015-1343-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
As physical entities, living cells can sense and respond to various stimulations within and outside the body through cellular mechanotransduction. Any deviation in cellular mechanotransduction will not only undermine the orchestrated regulation of mechanical responses, but also lead to the breakdown of their physiological function. Therefore, a quantitative study of cellular mechanotransduction needs to be conducted both in experiments and in computational simulations to investigate the underlying mechanisms of cellular mechanotransduction. In this review, we present an overview of the current knowledge and significant progress in cellular mechanotransduction via micropost substrates. In the aspect of experimental studies, we summarize significant experimental progress and place an emphasis on the coupled relationship among cellular spreading, focal adhesion and contractility as well as the influence of substrate properties on force-involved cellular behaviors. In the other aspect of computational investigations, we outline a coupled framework including the biochemically motivated stress fiber model and thermodynamically motivated adhesion model and present their predicted biomechanical responses and then compare predicted simulation results with experimental observations to further explore the mechanisms of cellular mechanotransduction. At last, we discuss the future perspectives both in experimental technologies and in computational models, as well as facing challenges in the area of cellular mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxu Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmission, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Zhanjiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmission, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
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