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Hernandez-Miranda ML, Xu D, Ben Issa AA, Johnston DA, Browne M, Cook RB, Sengers BG, Evans N. Geometric constraint of mechanosensing by modification of hydrogel thickness prevents stiffness-induced differentiation in bone marrow stromal cells. J R Soc Interface 2024; 21:20240485. [PMID: 39353563 PMCID: PMC11444768 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2024.0485] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness is fundamental in cell division, movement and differentiation. The stiffness that cells sense is determined not only by the elastic modulus of the ECM material but also by ECM geometry and cell density. We hypothesized that these factors would influence cell traction-induced matrix deformations and cellular differentiation in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). To achieve this, we cultivated BMSCs on polyacrylamide hydrogels that varied in elastic modulus and geometry and measured cell spreading, cell-imparted matrix deformations and differentiation. At low cell density BMSCs spread to a greater extent on stiff compared with soft hydrogels, or on thin compared with thick hydrogels. Cell-imparted matrix deformations were greater on soft compared with stiff hydrogels or thick compared with thin hydrogels. There were no significant differences in osteogenic differentiation relative to hydrogel elastic modulus and thickness. However, increased cell density and/or prolonged culture significantly reduced matrix deformations on soft hydrogels to levels similar to those on stiff substrates. This suggests that at high cell densities cell traction-induced matrix displacements are reduced by both neighbouring cells and the constraint imposed by an underlying stiff support. This may explain observations of the lack of difference in osteogenic differentiation as a function of stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L. Hernandez-Miranda
- Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Bone and Joint Research Group, Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Dichu Xu
- Ningbo Institute of Technology, Beihang University, Ningbo315800, People’s Republic of China
- Bioengineering Science Research Group, University of Southampton Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Southampton, UK
| | - Aya A. Ben Issa
- Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Bone and Joint Research Group, Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - David A. Johnston
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Martin Browne
- Bioengineering Science Research Group, University of Southampton Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Southampton, UK
| | - Richard B. Cook
- Bioengineering Science Research Group, University of Southampton Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Southampton, UK
| | - Bram G. Sengers
- Bioengineering Science Research Group, University of Southampton Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Southampton, UK
| | - Nicholas Evans
- Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Bone and Joint Research Group, Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Bioengineering Science Research Group, University of Southampton Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Southampton, UK
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2
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Mišković V, Greco I, Minetti C, Cialdai F, Monici M, Gazzi A, Marcellino J, Samad YA, Delogu LG, Ferrari AC, Iorio CS. Hydrogel mechanical properties in altered gravity. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:83. [PMID: 39117674 PMCID: PMC11310329 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00388-2] [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: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to altered gravity influences cellular behaviour in cell cultures. Hydrogels are amongst the most common materials used to produce tissue-engineering scaffolds, and their mechanical properties play a crucial role in cell-matrix interaction. However, little is known about the influence of altered gravity on hydrogel properties. Here we study the mechanical properties of Poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and PEGDA incorporated with graphene oxide (GO) by performing tensile tests in micro and hypergravity during a Parabolic flight campaign, and by comparing them to the same tests performed in Earth gravity. We show that gravity levels do not result in a statistically significant difference in Young's modulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Mišković
- Centre for Research and Engineering in Space Technologies, École Polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Immacolata Greco
- Centre for Research and Engineering in Space Technologies, École Polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Minetti
- Centre for Research and Engineering in Space Technologies, École Polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francesca Cialdai
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Research Division, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences « Mario Serio », University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Monici
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Research Division, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences « Mario Serio », University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Arianna Gazzi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Yarjan Abdul Samad
- Cambridge Graphene Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0FA, UK
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Khalifa university of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE
| | - Lucia Gemma Delogu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Department of Biological Science, Khalifa university of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Andrea C Ferrari
- Cambridge Graphene Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0FA, UK
| | - Carlo Saverio Iorio
- Centre for Research and Engineering in Space Technologies, École Polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
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3
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Põhako-Palu K, Lorenz K, Randmäe K, Putrinš M, Kingo K, Tenson T, Kogermann K. In vitro experimental conditions and tools can influence the safety and biocompatibility results of antimicrobial electrospun biomaterials for wound healing. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305137. [PMID: 38950036 PMCID: PMC11216574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrospun (ES) fibrous nanomaterials have been widely investigated as novel biomaterials. These biomaterials have to be safe and biocompatible; hence, they need to be tested for cytotoxicity before being administered to patients. The aim of this study was to develop a suitable and biorelevant in vitro cytotoxicity assay for ES biomaterials (e.g. wound dressings). We compared different in vitro cytotoxicity assays, and our model wound dressing was made from polycaprolactone and polyethylene oxide and contained chloramphenicol as the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Baby Hamster Kidney cells (BHK-21), human primary fibroblasts and MTS assays together with real-time cell analysis were selected. The extract exposure and direct contact safety evaluation setups were tested together with microscopic techniques. We found that while extract exposure assays are suitable for the initial testing, the biocompatibility of the biomaterial is revealed in in vitro direct contact assays where cell interactions with the ES wound dressing are evaluated. We observed significant differences in the experimental outcome, caused by the experimental set up modification such as cell line choice, cell medium and controls used, conducting the phosphate buffer washing step or not. A more detailed technical protocol for the in vitro cytotoxicity assessment of ES wound dressings was developed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kairi Lorenz
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kelli Randmäe
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marta Putrinš
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Külli Kingo
- Dermatology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tanel Tenson
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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4
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Nejati S, Mongeau L. In Vitro Investigation of Vocal Fold Cellular Response to Variations in Hydrogel Porosity and Elasticity. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:3909-3922. [PMID: 38783819 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00197] [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] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Tissue regeneration is intricately influenced by the dynamic interplay between the physical attributes of tissue engineering scaffolds and the resulting biological responses. A tunable microporous hydrogel system was engineered using gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), with polyethylene glycol (PEG) serving as a porogen. Through systematic variation of PEGDA molecular weights, hydrogels with varying mechanical and architectural properties were obtained. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the impact of substrate mechanics and architecture on the immunological and reparative activities of vocal fold tissues. Mechanical characterization of the hydrogels was performed using tensile strength measurements and rheometry. Their morphological properties were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy. A series of biological assays were conducted. Cellular morphology, differentiation, and collagen synthesis of human vocal fold fibroblasts (hVFFs) were evaluated using immunostaining. Fibroblast proliferation was studied using the WST-1 assay, and cell migration was investigated via the Boyden chamber assay. Macrophage polarization and secretions were also examined using immunostaining and ELISA. The results revealed that increasing the molecular weight of PEGDA from 700 Da to 10,000 Da resulted in decreased hydrogel stiffness, from 62.6 to 8.8 kPa, and increased pore dimensions from approximately 64.9 to 137.4 μm. Biological evaluations revealed that hydrogels with a higher stiffness promoted fibroblast proliferation and spreading, albeit with an increased propensity for fibrosis, as indicated by a surge in myofibroblast differentiation and collagen synthesis. In contrast, hydrogels with greater molecular weights had a softer matrix with expanded pores, enhancing cellular migration and promoting an M2 macrophage phenotype conducive to tissue healing. The findings show that the hydrogels formulated with a PEGDA molecular weight of 6000 Da are best among the hydrogels considered for vocal fold repair. The microporous hydrogels could be tuned to serve in other tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nejati
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Luc Mongeau
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C3, Canada
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5
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Tsuji Y. Molecular Understanding of the Distinction between Adhesive Failure and Cohesive Failure in Adhesive Bonds with Epoxy Resin Adhesives. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:7479-7491. [PMID: 38591184 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c04015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
In the development of adhesives, an understanding of the fracture behavior of the bonded joints is inevitable. Two typical failure modes are known: adhesive failure and cohesive failure. However, a molecular understanding of the cohesive failure process is not as advanced as that of the adhesive failure process. In this study, research was developed to establish a molecular understanding of cohesive failure using the example of a system in which epoxy resin is bonded to a hydroxyl-terminated self-assembled monolayer (SAM) surface. Adhesive failure was modeled as a process in which an epoxy molecule is pulled away from the SAM surface. Cohesive failure, on the other hand, was modeled as the process of an epoxy molecule separating from another epoxy molecule on the SAM surface or breaking of a covalent bond within the epoxy resin. The results of the simulations based on the models described above showed that the results of the calculations using the model of cohesive failure based on the breakdown of intermolecular interactions agreed well with the experimental results in the literature. Therefore, it was suggested that the cohesive failure of epoxy resin adhesives is most likely due to the breakdown of intermolecular interactions between adhesive molecules. We further analyzed the interactions at the adhesive failure and cohesive failure interfaces and found that the interactions at the cohesive failure interface are mainly accounted for by dispersion forces, whereas the interactions at the adhesive failure interface involve not only dispersion forces but also various chemical interactions, including hydrogen bonds. The selectivity between adhesive failure and cohesive failure was explained by the fact that varying the functional group density affected the chemical interactions but not the dispersion forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Tsuji
- Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan
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6
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Lemine AS, Ahmad Z, Al-Thani NJ, Hasan A, Bhadra J. Mechanical properties of human hepatic tissues to develop liver-mimicking phantoms for medical applications. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2024; 23:373-396. [PMID: 38072897 PMCID: PMC10963485 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01785-4] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Using liver phantoms for mimicking human tissue in clinical training, disease diagnosis, and treatment planning is a common practice. The fabrication material of the liver phantom should exhibit mechanical properties similar to those of the real liver organ in the human body. This tissue-equivalent material is essential for qualitative and quantitative investigation of the liver mechanisms in producing nutrients, excretion of waste metabolites, and tissue deformity at mechanical stimulus. This paper reviews the mechanical properties of human hepatic tissues to develop liver-mimicking phantoms. These properties include viscosity, elasticity, acoustic impedance, sound speed, and attenuation. The advantages and disadvantages of the most common fabrication materials for developing liver tissue-mimicking phantoms are also highlighted. Such phantoms will give a better insight into the real tissue damage during the disease progression and preservation for transplantation. The liver tissue-mimicking phantom will raise the quality assurance of patient diagnostic and treatment precision and offer a definitive clinical trial data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aicha S Lemine
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QUYSC), Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zubair Ahmad
- Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QUYSC), Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Center for Advanced Materials (CAM), Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Noora J Al-Thani
- Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QUYSC), Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Anwarul Hasan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jolly Bhadra
- Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QUYSC), Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar.
- Center for Advanced Materials (CAM), Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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7
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Sun R, Jin X, Bao Y, Cao Z, Gao D, Zhang R, Qiu L, Yuan H, Xing C. Microenvironment with NIR-Controlled ROS and Mechanical Tensions for Manipulating Cell Activities in Wound Healing. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:3257-3266. [PMID: 38426843 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) orchestrates cell behavior and tissue regeneration by modulating biochemical and mechanical signals. Manipulating cell-material interactions is crucial for leveraging biomaterials to regulate cell functions. Yet, integrating multiple cues in a single material remains a challenge. Here, near-infrared (NIR)-controlled multifunctional hydrogel platforms, named PIC/CM@NPs, are introduced to dictate fibroblast behavior during wound healing by tuning the matrix oxidative stress and mechanical tensions. PIC/CM@NPs are prepared through cell adhesion-medicated assembly of collagen-like polyisocyanide (PIC) polymers and cell-membrane-coated conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CM@NPs), which closely mimic the fibrous structure and nonlinear mechanics of ECM. Upon NIR stimulation, PIC/CM@NPs composites enhance fibroblast cell proliferation, migration, cytokine production, and myofibroblast activation, crucial for wound closure. Moreover, they exhibit effective and toxin removal antibacterial properties, reducing inflammation. This multifunctional approach accelerates healing by 95%, highlighting the importance of integrating biochemical and biophysical cues in the biomaterial design for advanced tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Jin
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, P. R. China
| | - Yuying Bao
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, P. R. China
| | - Zhanshuo Cao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, P. R. China
| | - Dong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, P. R. China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, P. R. China
| | - Liang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, P. R. China
| | - Hongbo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, P. R. China
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Chemistry Department, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Chengfen Xing
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, P. R. China
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8
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Xu D, Hernandez Miranda ML, Evans ND, Sengers BG, Browne M, Cook RB. Depth profiling via nanoindentation for characterisation of the elastic modulus and hydraulic properties of thin hydrogel layers. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 148:106195. [PMID: 37862727 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The accurate determination of the mechanical properties of hydrogels is of fundamental importance for a range of applications, including in assessing the effect of stiffness on cell behaviour. This is a particular issue when using thin hydrogel layers adherent to stiff substrate supports, as the apparent stiffness can be significantly influenced by the constraint of the underlying impermeable substrate, leading to inaccurate measurements of the elastic modulus and permeability of thin hydrogel layers. This study used depth profiling nanoindentation and a poroelastic model for spherical indentation to identify the elastic moduli and hydraulic conductivity of thin polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel layers (∼27 μm-782 μm thick) on impermeable substrates. The apparent stiffness of thin PAAm layers increased with indentation depth and was significantly greater than those of thicker hydrogels, which showed no influence of indentation depth. The hydraulic conductivity decreased as the geometrical confinement of hydrogels increased, indicating that the fluid became more constrained within the confinement areas. The impact of geometrical confinement on the apparent modulus and hydraulic conductivity of thin PAAm hydrogel layers was then established, and their elastic moduli and intrinsic permeability were determined in relation to this effect. This study offers valuable insights into the mechanical characterisation of thin PAAm hydrogel layers used for the fundamental study of cell mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dichu Xu
- National Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS), University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Bioengineering Science Research Group, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Maria Luisa Hernandez Miranda
- Bone and Joint Research Group, Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Nicholas D Evans
- Bioengineering Science Research Group, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Bone and Joint Research Group, Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Bram G Sengers
- Bioengineering Science Research Group, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Martin Browne
- Bioengineering Science Research Group, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Richard B Cook
- National Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS), University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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9
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Yilmaz-Aykut D, Torkay G, Kasgoz A, Shin SR, Bal-Ozturk A, Deligoz H. Injectable and self-healing dual crosslinked gelatin/kappa-carrageenan methacryloyl hybrid hydrogels via host-guest supramolecular interaction for wound healing. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2023; 111:1921-1937. [PMID: 37350561 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Injectable hydrogels based on natural polymers have shown great potential for various tissue engineering applications, such as wound healing. However, poor mechanical properties and weak self-healing ability are still major challenges. In this work, we introduce a host-guest (HG) supramolecular interaction between acrylate-β-cyclodextrin (Ac-β-CD) conjugated on methacrylated kappa-carrageenan (MA-κ-CA) and aromatic residues on gelatin to provide self-healing characteristics. We synthesize an MA-κ-CA to conjugate Ac-β-CD and fabricate dual crosslinked hybrid hydrogels with gelatin to mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM). The dual crosslinking occurs on the MA-κ-CA backbone through the addition of KCl and photocrosslinking process, which enhances mechanical strength and stability. The hybrid hydrogels exhibit shear-thinning, self-healing, and injectable behavior, which apply easily under a minimally invasive manner and contribute to shear stress during the injection. In-vitro studies indicate enhanced cell viability. Furthermore, scratch assays are performed to examine cell migration and cell-cell interaction. It is envisioned that the combination of self-healing and injectable dual crosslinked hybrid hydrogels with HG interactions display a promising and functional biomaterial platform for wound healing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Yilmaz-Aykut
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Faculty of Engineering, Chemical Engineering Department, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gulsah Torkay
- Department of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Institute of Health Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alper Kasgoz
- Polymer Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Yalova University, Yalova, Turkey
| | - Su Ryon Shin
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ayca Bal-Ozturk
- Department of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Institute of Health Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
- 3D Bioprinting Design & Prototyping R&D Center, Istinye University, Zeytinburnu, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Deligoz
- Faculty of Engineering, Chemical Engineering Department, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, Istanbul, Turkey
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10
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RANDHAWA AAYUSHI, DEB DUTTA SAYAN, GANGULY KEYA, V. PATIL TEJAL, LUTHFIKASARI RACHMI, LIM KITAEK. Understanding cell-extracellular matrix interactions for topology-guided tissue regeneration. BIOCELL 2023. [DOI: 10.32604/biocell.2023.026217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
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11
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Blache U, Ford EM, Ha B, Rijns L, Chaudhuri O, Dankers PY, Kloxin AM, Snedeker JG, Gentleman E. Engineered hydrogels for mechanobiology. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2022; 2:98. [PMID: 37461429 PMCID: PMC7614763 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-022-00179-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cells' local mechanical environment can be as important in guiding cellular responses as many well-characterized biochemical cues. Hydrogels that mimic the native extracellular matrix can provide these mechanical cues to encapsulated cells, allowing for the study of their impact on cellular behaviours. Moreover, by harnessing cellular responses to mechanical cues, hydrogels can be used to create tissues in vitro for regenerative medicine applications and for disease modelling. This Primer outlines the importance and challenges of creating hydrogels that mimic the mechanical and biological properties of the native extracellular matrix. The design of hydrogels for mechanobiology studies is discussed, including appropriate choice of cross-linking chemistry and strategies to tailor hydrogel mechanical cues. Techniques for characterizing hydrogels are explained, highlighting methods used to analyze cell behaviour. Example applications for studying fundamental mechanobiological processes and regenerative therapies are provided, along with a discussion of the limitations of hydrogels as mimetics of the native extracellular matrix. The article ends with an outlook for the field, focusing on emerging technologies that will enable new insights into mechanobiology and its role in tissue homeostasis and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Blache
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Disease, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Eden M. Ford
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
| | - Byunghang Ha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Laura Rijns
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Patricia Y.W. Dankers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - April M. Kloxin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
| | - Jess G. Snedeker
- University Hospital Balgrist and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
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12
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Räsänen N, Harju V, Joki T, Narkilahti S. Practical guide for preparation, computational reconstruction and analysis of 3D human neuronal networks in control and ischaemic conditions. Development 2022; 149:276215. [PMID: 35929583 PMCID: PMC9440753 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
To obtain commensurate numerical data of neuronal network morphology in vitro, network analysis needs to follow consistent guidelines. Important factors in successful analysis are sample uniformity, suitability of the analysis method for extracting relevant data and the use of established metrics. However, for the analysis of 3D neuronal cultures, there is little coherence in the analysis methods and metrics used in different studies. Here, we present a framework for the analysis of neuronal networks in 3D. First, we selected a hydrogel that supported the growth of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neurons. Second, we tested and compared two software programs for tracing multi-neuron images in three dimensions and optimized a workflow for neuronal analysis using software that was considered highly suitable for this purpose. Third, as a proof of concept, we exposed 3D neuronal networks to oxygen-glucose deprivation- and ionomycin-induced damage and showed morphological differences between the damaged networks and control samples utilizing the proposed analysis workflow. With the optimized workflow, we present a protocol for preparing, challenging, imaging and analysing 3D human neuronal cultures. Summary: An optimized protocol is presented that allows morphological, quantifiable differences between the damaged and control human neuronal networks to be detected in three-dimensional cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noora Räsänen
- Tampere University, 33100, Tampere Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology , , Finland
| | - Venla Harju
- Tampere University, 33100, Tampere Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology , , Finland
| | - Tiina Joki
- Tampere University, 33100, Tampere Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology , , Finland
| | - Susanna Narkilahti
- Tampere University, 33100, Tampere Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology , , Finland
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13
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Maparu AK, Singh P, Rai B, Sharma A, Sivakumar S. A simple, robust and scalable route to prepare sub-50 nm soft PDMS nanoparticles for intracellular delivery of anticancer drugs. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:495102. [PMID: 36041371 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac8d99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Soft nanoparticles (NPs) have recently emerged as a promising material for intracellular drug delivery. In this regard, NPs derived from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), an FDA approved polymer can be a suitable alternative to conventional soft NPs due to their intrinsic organelle targeting ability. However, the available synthesis methods of PDMS NPs are complicated or require inorganic fillers, forming composite NPs and compromising their native softness. Herein, for the first time, we present a simple, robust and scalable strategy for preparation of virgin sub-50 nm PDMS NPs at room temperature. The NPs are soft in nature, hydrophobic and about 30 nm in size. They are stable in physiological medium for two months and biocompatible. The NPs have been successful in delivering anticancer drug doxorubicin to mitochondria and nucleus of cervical and breast cancer cells with more than four-fold decrease in IC50 value of doxorubicin as compared to its free form. Furthermore, evaluation of cytotoxicity in reactive oxygen species detection, DNA fragmentation, apoptosis-associated gene expression and tumor spheroid growth inhibition demonstrate the PDMS NPs to be an excellent candidate for delivery of anticancer drugs in mitochondria and nucleus of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auhin Kumar Maparu
- Physical Sciences Research Area, TCS Research, Tata Research Development and Design Centre, Tata Consultancy Services, 54-B, Hadapsar Industrial Estate, Pune, Maharashtra-411013, India
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh-208016, India
| | - Prerana Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh-208016, India
| | - Beena Rai
- Physical Sciences Research Area, TCS Research, Tata Research Development and Design Centre, Tata Consultancy Services, 54-B, Hadapsar Industrial Estate, Pune, Maharashtra-411013, India
| | - Ashutosh Sharma
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh-208016, India
| | - Sri Sivakumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh-208016, India
- Material Science Programme, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh-208016, India
- Thematic Unit of Excellence on Soft Nanofabrication, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh-208016, India
- Centre for Environmental Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh- 208016, India
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14
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Petzold J, Gentleman E. Intrinsic Mechanical Cues and Their Impact on Stem Cells and Embryogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:761871. [PMID: 34820380 PMCID: PMC8606660 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.761871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although understanding how soluble cues direct cellular processes revolutionised the study of cell biology in the second half of the 20th century, over the last two decades, new insights into how mechanical cues similarly impact cell fate decisions has gained momentum. During development, extrinsic cues such as fluid flow, shear stress and compressive forces are essential for normal embryogenesis to proceed. Indeed, both adult and embryonic stem cells can respond to applied forces, but they can also detect intrinsic mechanical cues from their surrounding environment, such as the stiffness of the extracellular matrix, which impacts differentiation and morphogenesis. Cells can detect changes in their mechanical environment using cell surface receptors such as integrins and focal adhesions. Moreover, dynamic rearrangements of the cytoskeleton have been identified as a key means by which forces are transmitted from the extracellular matrix to the cell and vice versa. Although we have some understanding of the downstream mechanisms whereby mechanical cues are translated into changes in cell behaviour, many of the signalling pathways remain to be defined. This review discusses the importance of intrinsic mechanical cues on adult cell fate decisions, the emerging roles of cell surface mechano-sensors and the cytoskeleton in enabling cells to sense its microenvironment, and the role of intracellular signalling in translating mechanical cues into transcriptional outputs. In addition, the contribution of mechanical cues to fundamental processes during embryogenesis such as apical constriction and convergent extension is discussed. The continued development of tools to measure the biomechanical properties of soft tissues in vivo is likely to uncover currently underestimated contributions of these cues to adult stem cell fate decisions and embryogenesis, and may inform on regenerative strategies for tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonna Petzold
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Zhang S, Li Y, Qiu X, Jiao A, Luo W, Lin X, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Hong J, Cai P, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Gao J, Liu C, Li Y. Incorporating redox-sensitive nanogels into bioabsorbable nanofibrous membrane to acquire ROS-balance capacity for skin regeneration. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:3461-3472. [PMID: 33817421 PMCID: PMC7988352 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Facing the high incidence of skin diseases, it is urgent to develop functional materials with high bioactivity for wound healing, where reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the wound healing process mainly via adjustment of immune response and neovasculation. In this study, we developed a kind of bioabsorbable materials with ROS-mediation capacity for skin disease therapy. Firstly, redox-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-acrylic acid) (PNA) nanogels were synthesized by radical emulsion polymerization method using a disulfide molecule as crosslinker. The resulting nanogels were then incorporated into the nanofibrous membrane of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) via airbrushing approach to offer bioabsorbable membrane with redox-sensitive ROS-balance capacity. In vitro biological evaluation indicated that the PNA-contained bioabsorbable membrane improved cell adhesion and proliferation compared to the native PLLA membrane. In vivo study using mouse wound skin model demonstrated that PNA-doped nanofibrous membranes could promote the wound healing process, where the disulfide bonds in them were able to adjust the ROS level in the wound skin for mediation of redox potential to achieve higher wound healing efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Zhang
- The Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yamin Li
- Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Xiaofeng Qiu
- The Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Anqi Jiao
- The Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wei Luo
- The Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xiajie Lin
- The Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- The Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Zeren Zhang
- The Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jiachan Hong
- The Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Peihao Cai
- The Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yuhong Zhang
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Synthesis and Application of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Changsheng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yulin Li
- The Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Synthesis and Application of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
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16
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Chen J, Mir M, Pinezich MR, O'Neill JD, Guenthart BA, Bacchetta M, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Huang SXL, Kim J. Non-destructive vacuum-assisted measurement of lung elastic modulus. Acta Biomater 2021; 131:370-380. [PMID: 34192570 PMCID: PMC9245063 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In living tissues, mechanical stiffness and biological function are intrinsically linked. Alterations in the stiffness of tissues can induce pathological interactions that affect cellular activity and tissue function. Underlying connections between tissue stiffness and disease highlights the importance of accurate quantitative characterizations of soft tissue mechanics, which can improve our understanding of disease and inform therapeutic development. In particular, accurate measurement of lung mechanical properties has been especially challenging due to the anatomical and mechanobiological complexities of the lung. Discrepancies between measured mechanical properties of dissected lung tissue samples and intact lung tissues in vivo has limited the ability to accurately characterize integral lung mechanics. Here, we report a non-destructive vacuum-assisted method to evaluate mechanical properties of soft biomaterials, including intact tissues and hydrogels. Using this approach, we measured elastic moduli of rat lung tissue that varied depending on stress-strain distribution throughout the lung. We also observed that the elastic moduli of enzymatically disrupted lung parenchyma increased by at least 64%. The reported methodology enables assessment of the nonlinear viscoelastic characteristics of intact lungs under normal and abnormal (i.e., injured, diseased) conditions and allows measurement of mechanical properties of tissue-mimetic biomaterials for use in therapeutics or in vitro models. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Accurate quantification of tissue stiffness is critical for understanding mechanisms of disease and developing effective therapeutics. Current modalities to measure tissue stiffness are destructive and preclude accurate assessment of lung mechanical properties, as lung mechanics are determined by complex features of the intact lung. To address the need for alternative methods to assess lung mechanics, we report a non-destructive vacuum-based approach to quantify tissue stiffness. We applied this method to correlate lung tissue mechanics with tissue disruption, and to assess the stiffness of biomaterials. This method can be used to inform the development of tissue-mimetic materials for use in therapeutics and disease models, and could potentially be applied for in-situ evaluation of tissue stiffness as a diagnostic or prognostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, United States
| | - Mohammad Mir
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, United States
| | - Meghan R Pinezich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - John D O'Neill
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Brandon A Guenthart
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Matthew Bacchetta
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | | | - Sarah X L Huang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jinho Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, United States.
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17
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Cardiac Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel Enriched with Polyethylene Glycol Presents Improved Gelation Time and Increased On-Target Site Retention of Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179226. [PMID: 34502146 PMCID: PMC8431142 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem-cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have demonstrated multiple beneficial effects in preclinical models of cardiac diseases. However, poor retention at the target site may limit their therapeutic efficacy. Cardiac extracellular matrix hydrogels (cECMH) seem promising as drug-delivery materials and could improve the retention of EVs, but may be limited by their long gelation time and soft mechanical properties. Our objective was to develop and characterize an optimized product combining cECMH, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and EVs (EVs–PEG–cECMH) in an attempt to overcome their individual limitations: long gelation time of the cECMH and poor retention of the EVs. The new combined product presented improved physicochemical properties (60% reduction in half gelation time, p < 0.001, and threefold increase in storage modulus, p < 0.01, vs. cECMH alone), while preserving injectability and biodegradability. It also maintained in vitro bioactivity of its individual components (55% reduction in cellular senescence vs. serum-free medium, p < 0.001, similar to EVs and cECMH alone) and increased on-site retention in vivo (fourfold increase vs. EVs alone, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the combination of EVs–PEG–cECMH is a potential multipronged product with improved gelation time and mechanical properties, increased on-site retention, and maintained bioactivity that, all together, may translate into boosted therapeutic efficacy.
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18
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Zhou H, Xue Y, Dong L, Wang C. Biomaterial-based physical regulation of macrophage behaviour. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:3608-3621. [PMID: 33908577 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb00107h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages play a critical role in regulating immune reactions induced by implanted biomaterials. They are highly plastic and in response to diverse stimuli in the microenvironment can exhibit a spectrum of phenotypes and functions. In addition to biochemical signals, the physical properties of biomaterials are becoming increasingly appreciated for their significant impact on macrophage behaviour, and the underlying mechanisms deserve more in-depth investigations. This review first summarises the effects of key physical cues - including stiffness, topography, physical confinement and applied force - on macrophage behaviour. Then, it reviews the current knowledge of cellular sensing and transduction of physical cues into intracellular signals. Finally, it discusses the major challenges in understanding mechanical regulation that could provide insights for biomaterial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
| | - Yizebang Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China. and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School & School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Chunming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
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19
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In silico stress fibre content affects peak strain in cytoplasm and nucleus but not in the membrane for uniaxial substrate stretch. Med Biol Eng Comput 2021; 59:1933-1944. [PMID: 34392447 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-021-02393-z] [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: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Existing in silico models for single cell mechanics feature limited representations of cytoskeletal structures that contribute substantially to the mechanics of a cell. We propose a micromechanical hierarchical approach to capture the mechanical contribution of actin stress fibres. For a cell-specific fibroblast geometry with membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus, the Mori-Tanaka homogenization method was employed to describe cytoplasmic inhomogeneities and constitutive contribution of actin stress fibres. The homogenization was implemented in a finite element model of the fibroblast attached to a substrate through focal adhesions. Strain in cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus due to uniaxial substrate stretch was assessed for different stress fibre volume fractions and different elastic modulus of the substrate. A considerable decrease of the peak strain with increasing stress fibre content was observed in cytoplasm and nucleus but not the membrane, whereas the peak strain in cytoplasm, nucleus and membrane increased for increasing elastic modulus of the substrate. Finite element mesh of reconstructed human fibroblast and intracellular strain distribution in cell subjected to substrate stretch.
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20
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Lust ST, Hoogland D, Norman MDA, Kerins C, Omar J, Jowett GM, Yu TTL, Yan Z, Xu JZ, Marciano D, da Silva RMP, Dreiss CA, Lamata P, Shipley RJ, Gentleman E. Selectively Cross-Linked Tetra-PEG Hydrogels Provide Control over Mechanical Strength with Minimal Impact on Diffusivity. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:4293-4304. [PMID: 34151570 PMCID: PMC7611660 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Synthetic hydrogels
formed from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) are
widely used to study how cells interact with their extracellular matrix.
These in vivo-like 3D environments provide a basis
for tissue engineering and cell therapies but also for research into
fundamental biological questions and disease modeling. The physical
properties of PEG hydrogels can be modulated to provide mechanical
cues to encapsulated cells; however, the impact of changing hydrogel
stiffness on the diffusivity of solutes to and from encapsulated cells
has received only limited attention. This is particularly true in
selectively cross-linked “tetra-PEG” hydrogels, whose
design limits network inhomogeneities. Here, we used a combination
of theoretical calculations, predictive modeling, and experimental
measurements of hydrogel swelling, rheological behavior, and diffusion
kinetics to characterize tetra-PEG hydrogels’ permissiveness
to the diffusion of molecules of biologically relevant size as we
changed polymer concentration, and thus hydrogel mechanical strength.
Our models predict that hydrogel mesh size has little effect on the
diffusivity of model molecules and instead predicts that diffusion
rates are more highly dependent on solute size. Indeed, our model
predicts that changes in hydrogel mesh size only begin to have a non-negligible
impact on the concentration of a solute that diffuses out of hydrogels
for the smallest mesh sizes and largest diffusing solutes. Experimental
measurements characterizing the diffusion of fluorescein isothiocyanate
(FITC)-labeled dextran molecules of known size aligned well with modeling
predictions and suggest that doubling the polymer concentration from
2.5% (w/v) to 5% produces stiffer gels with faster gelling kinetics
without affecting the diffusivity of solutes of biologically relevant
size but that 10% hydrogels can slow their diffusion. Our findings
provide confidence that the stiffness of tetra-PEG hydrogels can be
modulated over a physiological range without significantly impacting
the transport rates of solutes to and from encapsulated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzette T Lust
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom.,School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Dominique Hoogland
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London SE1 1DB, United Kingdom
| | - Michael D A Norman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Caoimhe Kerins
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmin Omar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Geraldine M Jowett
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Tracy T L Yu
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Ziqian Yan
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Jessie Z Xu
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Daniele Marciano
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Ricardo M P da Silva
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Cécile A Dreiss
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Pablo Lamata
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca J Shipley
- Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
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21
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Norman MDA, Ferreira SA, Jowett GM, Bozec L, Gentleman E. Measuring the elastic modulus of soft culture surfaces and three-dimensional hydrogels using atomic force microscopy. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:2418-2449. [PMID: 33854255 PMCID: PMC7615740 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00495-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Growing interest in exploring mechanically mediated biological phenomena has resulted in cell culture substrates and 3D matrices with variable stiffnesses becoming standard tools in biology labs. However, correlating stiffness with biological outcomes and comparing results between research groups is hampered by variability in the methods used to determine Young's (elastic) modulus, E, and by the inaccessibility of relevant mechanical engineering protocols to most biology labs. Here, we describe a protocol for measuring E of soft 2D surfaces and 3D hydrogels using atomic force microscopy (AFM) force spectroscopy. We provide instructions for preparing hydrogels with and without encapsulated live cells, and provide a method for mounting samples within the AFM. We also provide details on how to calibrate the instrument, and give step-by-step instructions for collecting force-displacement curves in both manual and automatic modes (stiffness mapping). We then provide details on how to apply either the Hertz or the Oliver-Pharr model to calculate E, and give additional instructions to aid the user in plotting data distributions and carrying out statistical analyses. We also provide instructions for inferring differential matrix remodeling activity in hydrogels containing encapsulated single cells or organoids. Our protocol is suitable for probing a range of synthetic and naturally derived polymeric hydrogels such as polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, hyaluronic acid, collagen, or Matrigel. Although sample preparation timings will vary, a user with introductory training to AFM will be able to use this protocol to characterize the mechanical properties of two to six soft surfaces or 3D hydrogels in a single day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. A. Norman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Silvia A. Ferreira
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Geraldine M. Jowett
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Laurent Bozec
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, London WC1H 0AH, UK
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22
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Aprile P, Kelly DJ. Hydrostatic Pressure Regulates the Volume, Aggregation and Chondrogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Derived Stromal Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 8:619914. [PMID: 33520969 PMCID: PMC7844310 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.619914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The limited ability of articular cartilage to self-repair has motivated the development of tissue engineering strategies that aim to harness the regenerative potential of mesenchymal stem/marrow stromal cells (MSCs). Understanding how environmental factors regulate the phenotype of MSCs will be central to unlocking their regenerative potential. The biophysical environment is known to regulate the phenotype of stem cells, with factors such as substrate stiffness and externally applied mechanical loads known to regulate chondrogenesis of MSCs. In particular, hydrostatic pressure (HP) has been shown to play a key role in the development and maintenance of articular cartilage. Using a collagen-alginate interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel as a model system to tune matrix stiffness, this study sought to investigate how HP and substrate stiffness interact to regulate chondrogenesis of MSCs. If applied during early chondrogenesis in soft IPN hydrogels, HP was found to downregulate the expression of ACAN, COL2, CDH2 and COLX, but to increase the expression of the osteogenic factors RUNX2 and COL1. This correlated with a reduction in SMAD 2/3, HDAC4 nuclear localization and the expression of NCAD. It was also associated with a reduction in cell volume, an increase in the average distance between MSCs in the hydrogels and a decrease in their tendency to form aggregates. In contrast, the delayed application of HP to MSCs grown in soft hydrogels was associated with increased cellular volume and aggregation and the maintenance of a chondrogenic phenotype. Together these findings demonstrate how tailoring the stiffness and the timing of HP exposure can be leveraged to regulate chondrogenesis of MSCs and opens alternative avenues for developmentally inspired strategies for cartilage tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Aprile
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniel J Kelly
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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23
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Milos F, Belu A, Mayer D, Maybeck V, Offenhäusser A. Polymer Nanopillars Induce Increased Paxillin Adhesion Assembly and Promote Axon Growth in Primary Cortical Neurons. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Frano Milos
- Institute of Biological Information Processing IBI‐3 Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Jülich 52425 Germany
- RWTH Aachen Aachen Germany
| | - Andreea Belu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine University Hospital of Cologne Cologne 50931 Germany
| | - Dirk Mayer
- Institute of Biological Information Processing IBI‐3 Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Jülich 52425 Germany
| | - Vanessa Maybeck
- Institute of Biological Information Processing IBI‐3 Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Jülich 52425 Germany
| | - Andreas Offenhäusser
- Institute of Biological Information Processing IBI‐3 Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Jülich 52425 Germany
- RWTH Aachen Aachen Germany
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Guidotti G, Soccio M, Gazzano M, Bloise N, Bruni G, Aluigi A, Visai L, Munari A, Lotti N. Biocompatible PBS-based copolymer for soft tissue engineering: Introduction of disulfide bonds as winning tool to tune the final properties. Polym Degrad Stab 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2020.109403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Globig P, Willumeit-Römer R, Martini F, Mazzoni E, Luthringer-Feyerabend BJ. Optimizing an Osteosarcoma-Fibroblast Coculture Model to Study Antitumoral Activity of Magnesium-Based Biomaterials. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5099. [PMID: 32707715 PMCID: PMC7404313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is among the most common cancers in young patients and is responsible for one-tenth of all cancer-related deaths in children. Surgery often leads to bone defects in excised tissue, while residual cancer cells may remain. Degradable magnesium alloys get increasing attention as orthopedic implants, and some studies have reported potential antitumor activity. However, most of the studies do not take the complex interaction between malignant cells and their surrounding stroma into account. Here, we applied a coculture model consisting of green fluorescent osteosarcoma cells and red fluorescent fibroblasts on extruded Mg and Mg-6Ag with a tailored degradation rate. In contrast to non-degrading Ti-based material, both Mg-based materials reduced relative tumor cell numbers. Comparing the influence of the material on a sparse and dense coculture, relative cell numbers were found to be statistically different, thus relevant, while magnesium alloy degradations were observed as cell density-independent. We concluded that the sparse coculture model is a suitable mechanistic system to further study the antitumor effects of Mg-based material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Globig
- Institute of Materials Research, Division for Metallic Biomaterials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG), 21502 Geesthacht, Germany; (P.G.); (R.W.-R.)
| | - Regine Willumeit-Römer
- Institute of Materials Research, Division for Metallic Biomaterials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG), 21502 Geesthacht, Germany; (P.G.); (R.W.-R.)
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Bérengère J.C. Luthringer-Feyerabend
- Institute of Materials Research, Division for Metallic Biomaterials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG), 21502 Geesthacht, Germany; (P.G.); (R.W.-R.)
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Monitoring matrix remodeling in the cellular microenvironment using microrheology for complex cellular systems. Acta Biomater 2020; 111:254-266. [PMID: 32434077 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple particle tracking (MPT) microrheology was employed for monitoring the development of extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanical properties in the direct microenvironment of living cells. A customized setup enabled us to overcome current limitations: (i) Continuous measurements were enabled using a cell culture chamber, with this, matrix remodeling by fibroblasts in the heterogeneous environment of macroporous scaffolds was monitored continuously. (ii) Employing tracer laden porous scaffolds for seeding human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), we followed conventional differentiation protocols. Thus, we were, for the first time able to study the massive alterations in ECM elasticity during hMSC differentiation. (iii) MPT measurements in 2D cell cultures were enabled using a long distance objective. Exemplarily, local mechanical properties of the ECM in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures, that naturally form 2D layers, were investigated scaffold-free. Using our advanced setup, we measured local, apparent elastic moduli G0,app in a range between 0.08 and 60 Pa. For fibroblasts grown in collagen-based scaffolds, a continuous decrease of local matrix elasticity resulted during the first 10 hours after seeding. The osteogenic differentiation of hMSC cells cultivated in similar scaffolds, led to an increase of G0,app by 100 %, whereas after adipogenic differentiation it was reduced by 80 %. The local elasticity of ECM that was newly secreted by HUVECs increased significantly upon addition of protease inhibitor and in high glucose conditions even a twofold increase in G0,app was observed. The combination of these advanced methods opens up new avenues for a broad range of investigations regarding cell-matrix interactions and the propagation of ECM mechanical properties in complex biological systems. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cells sense the elasticity of their environment on a micrometer length scale. For studying the local elasticity of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the direct environment of living cells, we employed an advanced multipleparticle tracking microrheology setup. MPT is based on monitoring the Brownian motion oftracer particles, which is restricted by the surrounding network. Network elasticity can thusbe quantified. Overcoming current limitations, we realized continuous investigations of ECM elasticityduring fibroblast growth. Furthermore, MPT measurements of stem cell ECM showed ECMstiffening during osteogenic differentiation and softening during adipogenic differentiation.Finally, we characterized small amounts of delicate ECM newly secreted in scaffold-freecultures of endothelial cells, that naturally form 2D layers.
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Cabriales L, Hautefeuille M, Vázquez‐Victorio G, Martinez‐Pastor D, Carretero‐Ortega J, Jiménez‐Escobar A, Macias‐Silva M. Hepatic C9 cells switch their behaviour in short or long exposure to soft substrates. Biol Cell 2020; 112:265-279. [DOI: 10.1111/boc.201900115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cabriales
- LaNSBioDyT, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
- Departamento de Física Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
| | - Mathieu Hautefeuille
- LaNSBioDyT, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
- Departamento de Física Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
| | - Genaro Vázquez‐Victorio
- LaNSBioDyT, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
- Departamento de Física Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
| | - David Martinez‐Pastor
- LaNSBioDyT, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
| | - Jorge Carretero‐Ortega
- LaNSBioDyT, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
| | - Alejandra Jiménez‐Escobar
- LaNSBioDyT, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
| | - Marina Macias‐Silva
- LaNSBioDyT, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Circuito Exterior S/N Ciudad de México CP 04510 México
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Moyle LA, Cheng RY, Liu H, Davoudi S, Ferreira SA, Nissar AA, Sun Y, Gentleman E, Simmons CA, Gilbert PM. Three-dimensional niche stiffness synergizes with Wnt7a to modulate the extent of satellite cell symmetric self-renewal divisions. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:1703-1713. [PMID: 32491970 PMCID: PMC7521850 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e20-01-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Satellite cells (SCs), the resident adult stem cells of skeletal muscle, are required for tissue repair throughout life. While many signaling pathways are known to control SC self-renewal, less is known about the mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal control of self-renewal during skeletal muscle repair. Here, we measured biomechanical changes that accompany skeletal muscle regeneration and determined the implications on SC fate. Using atomic force microscopy, we quantified a 2.9-fold stiffening of the SC niche at time-points associated with planar-oriented symmetric self-renewal divisions. Immunohistochemical analysis confirms increased extracellular matrix deposition within the basal lamina. To test whether three-dimensional (3D) niche stiffness can alter SC behavior or fate, we embedded isolated SC-associated muscle fibers within biochemically inert agarose gels tuned to mimic native tissue stiffness. Time-lapse microscopy revealed that a stiff 3D niche significantly increased the proportion of planar-oriented divisions, without effecting SC viability, fibronectin deposition, or fate change. We then found that 3D niche stiffness synergizes with WNT7a, a biomolecule shown to control SC symmetric self-renewal divisions via the noncanonical WNT/planar cell polarity pathway, to modify stem cell pool expansion. Our results provide new insights into the role of 3D niche biomechanics in regulating SC fate choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise A Moyle
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Richard Y Cheng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Haijiao Liu
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.,Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Sadegh Davoudi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Silvia A Ferreira
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Aliyah A Nissar
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada.,Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.,Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Penney M Gilbert
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada.,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
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Xiao J, Huang T, Hu J, Zan F, Liao Z, Gu R, Wu G, Liao H. The Thickness of Surface Grafting Layer on Bio-materials directly Mediates the Immuno-reacitivity of Macrophages in vitro. Open Life Sci 2020; 15:198-208. [PMID: 33987476 PMCID: PMC8114785 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2020-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introducing the surface grafting layers to regulate bio-compatibility and bio-function is an important step in the tissue engineering field. However, whether the thickness variation of the introduced biomimetic layer impacts the behavior of the adhered immune effector cells is yet to be dissected fully. In this study, we used a surface-induced atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) method to synthetize and graft poly-phenoxyethyl methacrylate (PHEMA) brushes having different lengths on the glass substrates. Primary murine peritoneal macrophages were collected and cultured on the PHEMA brushes and we investigated the influence of polymer brushes having different lengths on macrophages phenotype and function. Our results demonstrated that the thicker brushes (200 nm and 450 nm) are superior to the thinner layers (50 nm) for macrophages survival, proliferation, cell elongation and migration. Moreover, the thicker brushes are more beneficial for macrophage's activities and functions, presented by the increased production of M1-associated cytokines IL-6 and MCP-1, the elevated cell phagocytosis and the activation molecule F4/80 expression, and the reduced macrophages apoptosis in thicker brushes-sustained macrophages. Our data suggests that the thickness of the substrate grafting layer directly impacts macrophages recruitment and pro-inflammatory function, which is important in determining the intrinsic immuno-compatibilities of the surface modified-biomaterials and mediates material-host interactions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- JiangWei Xiao
- Department of Anatomy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Anatomy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - JiJie Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University; Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Fei Zan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou,510641, China
| | - ZhaoHong Liao
- Department of Anatomy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - RuiCai Gu
- Department of Anatomy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Gang Wu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou,510641, China
| | - Hua Liao
- Department of Anatomy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
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31
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Palo M, Rönkönharju S, Tiirik K, Viidik L, Sandler N, Kogermann K. Bi-Layered Polymer Carriers with Surface Modification by Electrospinning for Potential Wound Care Applications. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:E678. [PMID: 31842385 PMCID: PMC6969931 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11120678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymeric wound dressings with advanced properties are highly preferred formulations to promote the tissue healing process in wound care. In this study, a combinational technique was investigated for the fabrication of bi-layered carriers from a blend of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (SA). The bi-layered carriers were prepared by solvent casting in combination with two surface modification approaches: electrospinning or three-dimensional (3D) printing. The bi-layered carriers were characterized and evaluated in terms of physical, physicochemical, adhesive properties and for the safety and biological cell behavior. In addition, an initial inkjet printing trial for the incorporation of bioactive substances for drug delivery purposes was performed. The solvent cast (SC) film served as a robust base layer. The bi-layered carriers with electrospun nanofibers (NFs) as the surface layer showed improved physical durability and decreased adhesiveness compared to the SC film and bi-layered carriers with patterned 3D printed layer. Thus, these bi-layered carriers presented favorable properties for dermal use with minimal tissue damage. In addition, electrospun NFs on SC films (bi-layered SC/NF carrier) provided the best physical structure for the cell adhesion and proliferation as the highest cell viability was measured compared to the SC film and the carrier with patterned 3D printed layer (bi-layered SC/3D carrier). The surface properties of the bi-layered carriers with electrospun NFs showed great potential to be utilized in advanced technical approach with inkjet printing for the fabrication of bioactive wound dressings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirja Palo
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6A, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; (M.P.); (S.R.); (N.S.)
| | - Sophie Rönkönharju
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6A, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; (M.P.); (S.R.); (N.S.)
| | - Kairi Tiirik
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, EE-50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.T.); (L.V.)
| | - Laura Viidik
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, EE-50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.T.); (L.V.)
| | - Niklas Sandler
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6A, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; (M.P.); (S.R.); (N.S.)
| | - Karin Kogermann
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, EE-50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.T.); (L.V.)
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32
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Li M, Xi N, Wang Y, Liu L. Tunable Hybrid Biopolymeric Hydrogel Scaffolds Based on Atomic Force Microscopy Characterizations for Tissue Engineering. IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2019; 18:597-610. [PMID: 31217123 DOI: 10.1109/tnb.2019.2922968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Developing adequate biomaterials to engineer cell-scaffold interactions has become a promising way for physically regulating the biological behaviors of cells in the field of tissue engineering. Biopolymeric hydrogels have shown great merits as cellular scaffolds due to their biocompatible and biodegradable characteristics. In particular, the advent of atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides a powerful tool for characterizing native specimens at the micro/nanoscale, but utilizing AFM to investigate the detailed structures and properties of hydrogel scaffolds has been still scarce. In this paper, hybrid natural biopolymers are used to form hydrogel scaffolds which exhibit tunable structural and mechanical properties characterized by AFM peak force tapping imaging, and the applications of the formed hydrogel scaffolds in tissue engineering are studied. AFM morphological images showed that the cross-linking reactions of sodium alginate and gum arabic via calcium cations yielded the porous hydrogel scaffolds. By altering the component ratios, AFM mechanical images showed that the porous and mechanical properties (Young's modulus and adhesion force) of the hydrogel scaffolds were tunable. Next, the nanoscale structural and mechanical dynamics of the fabricated hydrogel scaffolds during the degradation process were revealed by AFM peak force tapping imaging. The experimental results on three different types of cells showed that the fabricated hydrogel scaffolds facilitate the formation of cellular spheroids. The research provides a novel idea to design tunable hydrogel scaffolds based on AFM characterizations for investigating cell-scaffold interactions, which will have potential impacts on tissue engineering.
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Litowczenko J, Maciejewska BM, Wychowaniec JK, Kościński M, Jurga S, Warowicka A. Groove‐patterned surfaces induce morphological changes in cells of neuronal origin. J Biomed Mater Res A 2019; 107:2244-2256. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jagoda Litowczenko
- NanoBioMedical CentreAdam Mickiewicz University Poznań Poland
- Department of Molecular Virology, Faculty of BiologyAdam Mickiewicz University Poznań Poland
| | | | - Jacek K. Wychowaniec
- NanoBioMedical CentreAdam Mickiewicz University Poznań Poland
- School of ChemistryUniversity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Mikołaj Kościński
- NanoBioMedical CentreAdam Mickiewicz University Poznań Poland
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Food Science and NutritionPoznań University of Life Sciences Poznań Poland
| | - Stefan Jurga
- NanoBioMedical CentreAdam Mickiewicz University Poznań Poland
| | - Alicja Warowicka
- NanoBioMedical CentreAdam Mickiewicz University Poznań Poland
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental BiologyAdam Mickiewicz University Poznań Poland
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34
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Browne S, Healy KE. Matrix-assisted cell transplantation for tissue vascularization. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 146:155-169. [PMID: 30605738 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapy offers much promise for the treatment of ischemic diseases by augmenting tissue vasculogenesis. Matrix-assisted cell transplantation (MACT) has been proposed as a solution to enhance cell survival and integration with host tissue following transplantation. By designing semi synthetic matrices (sECM) with the correct physical and biochemical signals, encapsulated cells are directed towards a more angiogenic phenotype. In this review, we describe the choice of cells suitable for pro-angiogenic therapies, the properties that should be considered when designing sECM for transplantation and their relative importance. Pre-clinical models where MACT has been successfully applied to promote angiogenesis are reviewed to show the great potential of this strategy to treat ischemic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Browne
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Kevin E Healy
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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Foyt DA, Taheem DK, Ferreira SA, Norman MDA, Petzold J, Jell G, Grigoriadis AE, Gentleman E. Hypoxia impacts human MSC response to substrate stiffness during chondrogenic differentiation. Acta Biomater 2019; 89:73-83. [PMID: 30844569 PMCID: PMC6481516 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Tissue engineering strategies often aim to direct tissue formation by mimicking conditions progenitor cells experience within native tissues. For example, to create cartilage in vitro, researchers often aim to replicate the biochemical and mechanical milieu cells experience during cartilage formation in the developing limb bud. This includes stimulating progenitors with TGF-β1/3, culturing under hypoxic conditions, and regulating mechanosensory pathways using biomaterials that control substrate stiffness and/or cell shape. However, as progenitors differentiate down the chondrogenic lineage, the pathways that regulate their responses to mechanotransduction, hypoxia and TGF-β may not act independently, but rather also impact one another, influencing overall cell response. Here, to better understand hypoxia's influence on mechanoregulatory-mediated chondrogenesis, we cultured human marrow stromal/mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) on soft (0.167 kPa) or stiff (49.6 kPa) polyacrylamide hydrogels in chondrogenic medium containing TGF-β3. We then compared cell morphology, phosphorylated myosin light chain 2 staining, and chondrogenic gene expression under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, in the presence and absence of pharmacological inhibition of cytoskeletal tension. We show that on soft compared to stiff substrates, hypoxia prompts hMSC to adopt more spread morphologies, assemble in compact mesenchymal condensation-like colonies, and upregulate NCAM expression, and that inhibition of cytoskeletal tension negates hypoxia-mediated upregulation of molecular markers of chondrogenesis, including COL2A1 and SOX9. Taken together, our findings support a role for hypoxia in regulating hMSC morphology, cytoskeletal tension and chondrogenesis, and that hypoxia's effects are modulated, at least in part, by mechanosensitive pathways. Our insights into how hypoxia impacts mechanoregulation of chondrogenesis in hMSC may improve strategies to develop tissue engineered cartilage. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cartilage tissue engineering strategies often aim to drive progenitor cell differentiation by replicating the local environment of the native tissue, including by regulating oxygen concentration and mechanical stiffness. However, the pathways that regulate cellular responses to mechanotransduction and hypoxia may not act independently, but rather also impact one another. Here, we show that on soft, but not stiff surfaces, hypoxia impacts human MSC (hMSC) morphology and colony formation, and inhibition of cytoskeletal tension negates the hypoxia-mediated upregulation of molecular markers of chondrogenesis. These observations suggest that hypoxia's effects during hMSC chondrogenesis are modulated, at least in part, by mechanosensitive pathways, and may impact strategies to develop scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering, as hypoxia's chondrogenic effects may be enhanced on soft materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Foyt
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Dheraj K Taheem
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Silvia A Ferreira
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Michael D A Norman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Jonna Petzold
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Gavin Jell
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | | | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK.
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Jain R, Roy S. Designing a bioactive scaffold from coassembled collagen–laminin short peptide hydrogels for controlling cell behaviour. RSC Adv 2019; 9:38745-38759. [PMID: 35540202 PMCID: PMC9075944 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra07454f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploring the potential of bifunctional collagen–laminin mimetic peptide based co-assembling gels for cell culture applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Jain
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology
- Mohali
- India
| | - Sangita Roy
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology
- Mohali
- India
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37
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Roether J, Bertels S, Oelschlaeger C, Bastmeyer M, Willenbacher N. Microstructure, local viscoelasticity and cell culture suitability of 3D hybrid HA/collagen scaffolds. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207397. [PMID: 30566463 PMCID: PMC6300200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
As mechanical properties of cell culture substrates matter, methods for mechanical characterization of scaffolds on a relevant length scale are required. We used multiple particle tracking microrheology to close the gap between elasticity determined from bulk measurements and elastic properties sensed by cells. Structure and elasticity of macroporous, three-dimensional cryogel scaffolds from mixtures of hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen (Coll) were characterized. Both one-component gels formed homogeneous networks, whereas hybrid gels were heterogeneous in terms of elasticity. Most strikingly, local elastic moduli were significantly lower than bulk moduli presumably due to non-equilibrium chain conformations between crosslinks. This was more pronounced in Coll and hybrid gels than in pure HA gels. Local elastic moduli were similar for all gels, irrespective of their different swelling ratio and bulk moduli. Fibroblast cell culture proved the biocompatibility of all investigated compositions. Coll containing gels enabled cell migration, adhesion and proliferation inside the gels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Roether
- Institute for Mechanical Process Engineering and Mechanics, Applied Mechanics Group, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sarah Bertels
- Department of Cell- and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Claude Oelschlaeger
- Institute for Mechanical Process Engineering and Mechanics, Applied Mechanics Group, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Martin Bastmeyer
- Department of Cell- and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Norbert Willenbacher
- Institute for Mechanical Process Engineering and Mechanics, Applied Mechanics Group, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
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Tusan CG, Man YH, Zarkoob H, Johnston DA, Andriotis OG, Thurner PJ, Yang S, Sander EA, Gentleman E, Sengers BG, Evans ND. Collective Cell Behavior in Mechanosensing of Substrate Thickness. Biophys J 2018; 114:2743-2755. [PMID: 29874622 PMCID: PMC6027966 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix stiffness has a profound effect on the behavior of many cell types. Adherent cells apply contractile forces to the material on which they adhere and sense the resistance of the material to deformation-its stiffness. This is dependent on both the elastic modulus and the thickness of the material, with the corollary that single cells are able to sense underlying stiff materials through soft hydrogel materials at low (<10 μm) thicknesses. Here, we hypothesized that cohesive colonies of cells exert more force and create more hydrogel deformation than single cells, therefore enabling them to mechanosense more deeply into underlying materials than single cells. To test this, we modulated the thickness of soft (1 kPa) elastic extracellular-matrix-functionalized polyacrylamide hydrogels adhered to glass substrates and allowed colonies of MG63 cells to form on their surfaces. Cell morphology and deformations of fluorescent fiducial-marker-labeled hydrogels were quantified by time-lapse fluorescence microscopy imaging. Single-cell spreading increased with respect to decreasing hydrogel thickness, with data fitting to an exponential model with half-maximal response at a thickness of 3.2 μm. By quantifying cell area within colonies of defined area, we similarly found that colony-cell spreading increased with decreasing hydrogel thickness but with a greater half-maximal response at 54 μm. Depth-sensing was dependent on Rho-associated protein kinase-mediated cellular contractility. Surface hydrogel deformations were significantly greater on thick hydrogels compared to thin hydrogels. In addition, deformations extended greater distances from the periphery of colonies on thick hydrogels compared to thin hydrogels. Our data suggest that by acting collectively, cells mechanosense rigid materials beneath elastic hydrogels at greater depths than individual cells. This raises the possibility that the collective action of cells in colonies or sheets may allow cells to sense structures of differing material properties at comparatively large distances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia G Tusan
- Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Human Development and Health, Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Yu-Hin Man
- Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Human Development and Health, Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Mechanical Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Hoda Zarkoob
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - David A Johnston
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Orestis G Andriotis
- Institute of Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics, Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp J Thurner
- Institute of Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics, Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shoufeng Yang
- Mechanical Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Edward A Sander
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bram G Sengers
- Mechanical Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas D Evans
- Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Human Development and Health, Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Mechanical Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
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Foyt DA, Norman MDA, Yu TTL, Gentleman E. Exploiting Advanced Hydrogel Technologies to Address Key Challenges in Regenerative Medicine. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:e1700939. [PMID: 29316363 PMCID: PMC5922416 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine aims to tackle a panoply of challenges from repairing focal damage to articular cartilage to preventing pathological tissue remodeling after myocardial infarction. Hydrogels are water-swollen networks formed from synthetic or naturally derived polymers and are emerging as important tools to address these challenges. Recent advances in hydrogel chemistries are enabling researchers to create hydrogels that can act as 3D ex vivo tissue models, allowing them to explore fundamental questions in cell biology by replicating tissues' dynamic and nonlinear physical properties. Enabled by cutting edge techniques such as 3D bioprinting, cell-laden hydrogels are also being developed with highly controlled tissue-specific architectures, vasculature, and biological functions that together can direct tissue repair. Moreover, advanced in situ forming and acellular hydrogels are increasingly finding use as delivery vehicles for bioactive compounds and in mediating host cell response. Here, advances in the design and fabrication of hydrogels for regenerative medicine are reviewed. It is also addressed how controlled chemistries are allowing for precise engineering of spatial and time-dependent properties in hydrogels with a look to how these materials will eventually translate to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Foyt
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative BiologyKing's College LondonLondonSE1 9RTUK
| | - Michael D. A. Norman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative BiologyKing's College LondonLondonSE1 9RTUK
| | - Tracy T. L. Yu
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative BiologyKing's College LondonLondonSE1 9RTUK
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative BiologyKing's College LondonLondonSE1 9RTUK
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40
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Wang S, Zan F, Ke Y, Wu G. Cells may feel a hard substrate even on a grafted layer of soft hydrogel. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:1734-1743. [PMID: 32254245 DOI: 10.1039/c7tb02967e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Introducing or grafting molecules onto biomaterial surfaces to regulate cell destination via biophysical cues is one of the important steps for biomaterial design in tissue engineering. Understanding how cells feel the substrate makes it easier to learn the mechanism behind cell-material interaction. In this study, on a glass substrate, we constructed poly-phenoxyethyl methacrylate (PHEMA) brushes having different lengths via a surface-induced atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) method. FTIR-ATR and XPS tests of the formed polymer brushes indicate that these brushes have characteristic chemical structures of PHEMA; the polymer brush length revealed by the AFM tests increases linearly with reaction time. Cell lines of BMSCs, ATDC5, and human chondrocytes (HC) were cultured on these substrates to evaluate proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation. Our results demonstrated that the cells cultured on the substrates with short PHEMA brushes developed a spread morphology and organized actin fibers as compared to the cells cultured on those with long brushes. Different cell lines showed different responses depending on the PHEMA brush length. Cells cultured on long PHEMA brushes displayed a more rounded shape, higher gene expression of FAK and integrin, and lower gene expression of NCAM and N-cadherin as compared to those, especially ATDC5 cells, cultured on short PHEMA brushes. On PHEMA brushes with a long length, the cell lines express higher cartilage-specific genes including Sox9 and Col2 and GAG in ECM. The results suggest that polymer brushes having different lengths may interfere with the behavior of the cells cultured on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhao Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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41
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Rychter M, Baranowska-Korczyc A, Milanowski B, Jarek M, Maciejewska BM, Coy EL, Lulek J. Cilostazol-Loaded Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Electrospun Drug Delivery System for Cardiovascular Applications. Pharm Res 2018; 35:32. [PMID: 29368067 PMCID: PMC5784006 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-017-2314-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study discusses the value of electrospun cilostazol-loaded (CIL) polymer structures for potential vascular implant applications. METHODS Biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers were produced by electrospinning on a rotating drum collector. Three different concentrations of CIL: 6.25%, 12.50% and 18.75% based on the amount of polymer, were incorporated into the fibers. The fibers were characterized by their size, shape and orientation. Materials characterization was carried out by Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In vitro drug release study was conducted using flow-through cell apparatus (USP 4). RESULTS Three-dimensional structures characterized by fibers diameter ranging from 0.81 to 2.48 μm were in the range required for cardiovascular application. DSC and XRD confirmed the presence of CIL in the electrospun fibers. FTIR and Raman spectra confirmed CIL polymorphic form. Elastic modulus values for PCL and the CIL-loaded PCL fibers were in the range from 0.6 to 1.1 GPa. The in vitro release studies were conducted and revealed drug dissolution in combination with diffusion and polymer relaxation as mechanisms for CIL release from the polymer matrix. CONCLUSIONS The release profile of CIL and nanomechanical properties of all formulations of PCL fibers demonstrate that the cilostazol loaded PCL fibers are an efficient delivery system for vascular implant application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Rychter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Grunwaldzka 6, 60-780, Poznan, Poland.
- NanoBioMedical Center, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan, Umultowska 85, 61-614, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Anna Baranowska-Korczyc
- NanoBioMedical Center, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan, Umultowska 85, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Milanowski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Grunwaldzka 6, 60-780, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marcin Jarek
- NanoBioMedical Center, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan, Umultowska 85, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Barbara M Maciejewska
- NanoBioMedical Center, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan, Umultowska 85, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Emerson L Coy
- NanoBioMedical Center, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan, Umultowska 85, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Janina Lulek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Grunwaldzka 6, 60-780, Poznan, Poland
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42
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Bassil M, El Haj Moussa G, El Tahchi M. Templating polyacrylamide hydrogel for interconnected microstructure and improved performance. J Appl Polym Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/app.46205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bassil
- LBMI, Department of Physics; Lebanese University - Faculty of Sciences 2, PO Box 90656; Jdeidet Lebanon
| | - Georges El Haj Moussa
- LBMI, Department of Physics; Lebanese University - Faculty of Sciences 2, PO Box 90656; Jdeidet Lebanon
| | - Mario El Tahchi
- LBMI, Department of Physics; Lebanese University - Faculty of Sciences 2, PO Box 90656; Jdeidet Lebanon
- Department of Bioengineering; University of California; Los Angeles, 570 Westwood plaza 90095 CA
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43
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Fletcher NA, Von Nieda EL, Krebs MD. Cell-interactive alginate-chitosan biopolymer systems with tunable mechanics and antibody release rates. Carbohydr Polym 2017; 175:765-772. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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44
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Wyatt RA, Trieu NPV, Crawford BD. Zebrafish Xenograft: An Evolutionary Experiment in Tumour Biology. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:E220. [PMID: 28872594 PMCID: PMC5615353 DOI: 10.3390/genes8090220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Though the cancer research community has used mouse xenografts for decades more than zebrafish xenografts, zebrafish have much to offer: they are cheap, easy to work with, and the embryonic model is relatively easy to use in high-throughput assays. Zebrafish can be imaged live, allowing us to observe cellular and molecular processes in vivo in real time. Opponents dismiss the zebrafish model due to the evolutionary distance between zebrafish and humans, as compared to mice, but proponents argue for the zebrafish xenograft's superiority to cell culture systems and its advantages in imaging. This review places the zebrafish xenograft in the context of current views on cancer and gives an overview of how several aspects of this evolutionary disease can be addressed in the zebrafish model. Zebrafish are missing homologs of some human proteins and (of particular interest) several members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of proteases, which are known for their importance in tumour biology. This review draws attention to the implicit evolutionary experiment taking place when the molecular ecology of the xenograft host is significantly different than that of the donor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A Wyatt
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
| | - Nhu P V Trieu
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
| | - Bryan D Crawford
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
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45
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Tamaddon M, Burrows M, Ferreira SA, Dazzi F, Apperley JF, Bradshaw A, Brand DD, Czernuszka J, Gentleman E. Monomeric, porous type II collagen scaffolds promote chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43519. [PMID: 28256634 PMCID: PMC5335259 DOI: 10.1038/srep43519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of pain and disability and is often associated with the degeneration of articular cartilage. Lesions to the articular surface, which are thought to progress to OA, have the potential to be repaired using tissue engineering strategies; however, it remains challenging to instruct cell differentiation within a scaffold to produce tissue with appropriate structural, chemical and mechanical properties. We aimed to address this by driving progenitor cells to adopt a chondrogenic phenotype through the tailoring of scaffold composition and physical properties. Monomeric type-I and type-II collagen scaffolds, which avoid potential immunogenicity associated with fibrillar collagens, were fabricated with and without chondroitin sulfate (CS) and their ability to stimulate the chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells was assessed. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that cells produced abundant collagen type-II on type-II scaffolds and collagen type-I on type-I scaffolds. Gene expression analyses indicated that the addition of CS - which was released from scaffolds quickly - significantly upregulated expression of type II collagen, compared to type-I and pure type-II scaffolds. We conclude that collagen type-II and CS can be used to promote a more chondrogenic phenotype in the absence of growth factors, potentially providing an eventual therapy to prevent OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Tamaddon
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PH, UK
- Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - M. Burrows
- Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - S. A. Ferreira
- Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - F. Dazzi
- Division of Cancer Studies, Rayne Institute, King’s College London, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - J. F. Apperley
- Centre for Haematology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- John Goldman Centre for Cellular Therapy, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - A. Bradshaw
- John Goldman Centre for Cellular Therapy, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - D. D. Brand
- Research Service, Memphis VA Medical Center, Departments of Medicine and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
| | - J. Czernuszka
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PH, UK
| | - E. Gentleman
- Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
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46
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Li Y, Xiao Y, Liu C. The Horizon of Materiobiology: A Perspective on Material-Guided Cell Behaviors and Tissue Engineering. Chem Rev 2017; 117:4376-4421. [PMID: 28221776 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 345] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although the biological functions of cell and tissue can be regulated by biochemical factors (e.g., growth factors, hormones), the biophysical effects of materials on the regulation of biological activity are receiving more attention. In this Review, we systematically summarize the recent progress on how biomaterials with controllable properties (e.g., compositional/degradable dynamics, mechanical properties, 2D topography, and 3D geometry) can regulate cell behaviors (e.g., cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation, cell alignment, and the differentiation or self-maintenance of stem cells) and tissue/organ functions. How the biophysical features of materials influence tissue/organ regeneration have been elucidated. Current challenges and a perspective on the development of novel materials that can modulate specific biological functions are discussed. The interdependent relationship between biomaterials and biology leads us to propose the concept of "materiobiology", which is a scientific discipline that studies the biological effects of the properties of biomaterials on biological functions at cell, tissue, organ, and the whole organism levels. This Review highlights that it is more important to develop ECM-mimicking biomaterials having a self-regenerative capacity to stimulate tissue regeneration, instead of attempting to recreate the complexity of living tissues or tissue constructs ex vivo. The principles of materiobiology may benefit the development of novel biomaterials providing combinative bioactive cues to activate the migration of stem cells from endogenous reservoirs (i.e., cell niches), stimulate robust and scalable self-healing mechanisms, and unlock the body's innate powers of regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Li
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology , Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Xiao
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology , Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Changsheng Liu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology , Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China
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Guryanov I, Fiorucci S, Tennikova T. Receptor-ligand interactions: Advanced biomedical applications. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2016; 68:890-903. [PMID: 27524092 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.07.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Receptor-ligand interactions (RLIs) are at the base of all biological events occurring in living cells. The understanding of interactions between complementary macromolecules in biological systems represents a high-priority research area in bionanotechnology to design the artificial systems mimicking natural processes. This review summarizes and analyzes RLIs in some cutting-edge biomedical fields, in particular, for the preparation of novel stationary phases to separate complex biological mixtures in medical diagnostics, for the design of ultrasensitive biosensors for identification of biomarkers of various diseases at early stages, as well as in the development of innovative biomaterials and approaches for regenerative medicine. All these biotechnological fields are closely related, because their success depends on a proper choice, combination and spatial disposition of the single components of ligand-receptor pairs on the surface of appropriately designed support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Guryanov
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Stefano Fiorucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, 06122 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Tatiana Tennikova
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia.
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48
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Pham JT, Xue L, del Campo A, Salierno M. Guiding cell migration with microscale stiffness patterns and undulated surfaces. Acta Biomater 2016; 38:106-15. [PMID: 27109767 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED By placing stiff structures under soft materials, prior studies have demonstrated that cells sense and prefer to position themselves over the stiff structures. However, an understanding of how cells migrate on such surfaces has not been established. Many studies have also shown that cells readily align to surface topography. Here we investigate the influence of these two aspects in directing cell migration on surfaces with 5 and 10μm line stiffness patterns (a cellular to subcellular length scale). A simple approach to create flat, stiffness-patterned surfaces by suspending a thin, low modulus polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film over a high modulus PDMS structure is presented, as well as a route to add undulations. We confirm that cells are able to sense through the thin film by observation of focal adhesions being positioned on stiff regions. We examine migration by introducing migration efficiency, a quantitative parameter to determine how strongly cells migrate in a certain direction. We found that cells have a preference to align and migrate along stiffness patterns while the addition of undulations boosts this effect, significantly increasing migration efficiency in either case. Interestingly, we found speed to play little role in the migration efficiency and to be mainly influenced by the top layer modulus. Our results demonstrate that both stiffness patterns and surface undulations are important considerations when investigating the interactions of cells with biomaterial surfaces. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Two common physical considerations for cell-surface interactions include patterned stiffness and patterned topography. However, their relative influences on cell migration behavior have not been established, particularly on cellular to subcellular scale patterns. For stiffness patterning, it has been recently shown that cells tend to position themselves over a stiff structure that is placed under a thin soft layer. By quantifying the directional migration efficiency on such surfaces with and without undulations, we show that migration can be manipulated by flat stiffness patterns, although surface undulations also play a strong role. Our results offer insight on the effect of cellular scale stiffness and topographical patterns on cell migration, which is critical for the development of fundamental cell studies and engineered implants.
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49
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Ribeiro AJS, Denisin AK, Wilson RE, Pruitt BL. For whom the cells pull: Hydrogel and micropost devices for measuring traction forces. Methods 2016; 94:51-64. [PMID: 26265073 PMCID: PMC4746112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
While performing several functions, adherent cells deform their surrounding substrate via stable adhesions that connect the intracellular cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. The traction forces that deform the substrate are studied in mechanotrasduction because they are affected by the mechanics of the extracellular milieu. We review the development and application of two methods widely used to measure traction forces generated by cells on 2D substrates: (i) traction force microscopy with polyacrylamide hydrogels and (ii) calculation of traction forces with arrays of deformable microposts. Measuring forces with these methods relies on measuring substrate displacements and converting them into forces. We describe approaches to determine force from displacements and elaborate on the necessary experimental conditions for this type of analysis. We emphasize device fabrication, mechanical calibration of substrates and covalent attachment of extracellular matrix proteins to substrates as key features in the design of experiments to measure cell traction forces with polyacrylamide hydrogels or microposts. We also report the challenges and achievements in integrating these methods with platforms for the mechanical stimulation of adherent cells. The approaches described here will enable new studies to understand cell mechanical outputs as a function of mechanical inputs and advance the understanding of mechanotransduction mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre J S Ribeiro
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States; Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Aleksandra K Denisin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States; Stanford Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Robin E Wilson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Beth L Pruitt
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States; Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States; Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States.
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50
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Qin S, Clark RAF, Rafailovich MH. Establishing correlations in the en-mass migration of dermal fibroblasts on oriented fibrillar scaffolds. Acta Biomater 2015; 25:230-9. [PMID: 26117312 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Revised: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Wound healing proceeds via fibroblast migration along three dimensional fibrillar substrates with multiple angles between fibers. We have developed a technique for preparation of three dimensional fibrillar scaffolds with where the fiber diameters and the angles between adjacent fiber layers could be precisely controlled. Using the agarose droplet method we were able to make accurate determinations of the dependence of the migration speed, focal adhesion distribution, and nuclear deformation on the fiber diameter, fiber spacing, and angle between adjacent fiber layers. We found that on oriented single fiber layers, whose diameters exceeded 1 μm, large focal adhesion complexes formed in a linear arrangement along the fiber axis and cell motion was highly correlated. On multi layered scaffolds most of the focal adhesion sites reformed at the junction points and the migration speed was determined by the angle between adjacent fiber layers, which followed a parabolic function with a minimum at 30°. On these surfaces we observed a 25% increase in the number of focal adhesion points and a similar decrease in the degree of nuclear deformation, both phenomena associated with decreased mobility. These results underscore the importance of substrate morphology on the en-mass migration dynamics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE En-mass fibroblast migration is an essential component of the wound healing process which can determine rate and scar formation. Yet, most publications on this topic have focused on single cell functions. Here we describe a new apparatus where we designed three dimensional fibrillar scaffolds with well controlled angles between junction points and highly oriented fiber geometries. We show that the motion of fibroblasts undergoing en-mass migration on these scaffolds can be controlled by the substrate topography. Significant differences in cell morphology and focal adhesions was found to exist between cells migrating on flat versus fibrillar scaffolds where the migration speed was found to be a function of the angle between fibers, the fiber diameter, and the distance between fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Qin
- Materials Sciences and Engineering Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Richard A F Clark
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Miriam H Rafailovich
- Materials Sciences and Engineering Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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