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Feliciano AJ, Alaoui Selsouli Y, Habibovic P, Birgani ZNT, Moroni L, Baker MB. Granular polyrotaxane microgels as injectable hydrogels for corneal tissue regeneration. Biomater Sci 2024. [PMID: 39169887 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00409d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Corneal diseases, a leading cause of global vision impairment, present challenges in treatment due to corneal tissue donor scarcity and transplant rejection. Hydrogel biomaterials in the form of corneal implants for tissue regeneration, while promising, have faced obstacles related to cellular and tissue integration. This study develops and investigates the potential of granular polyrotaxane (GPR) hydrogels as a scaffold for corneal keratocyte growth and transparent tissue generation. Employing host-guest driven supramolecular interactions, we developed injectable, cytocompatible hydrogels. By optimizing cyclodextrin (CD) concentrations in thiol-ene crosslinked PEG microgels, we observed improved mechanical properties and thermoresponsiveness while preserving injectability. These microgels, adaptable for precise defect filling, 3D printing or tissue culture facilitate enhanced cellular integration with corneal keratocytes and exhibit tissue-like structures in culture. Our findings demonstrate the promise of GPR hydrogels as a minimally invasive avenue for corneal tissue regeneration. These results have the potential to address transplantation challenges, enhance clinical outcomes, and restore vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J Feliciano
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, Maastricht University, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Yousra Alaoui Selsouli
- Department of Instructive Biomaterial Engineering, Maastricht University, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Pamela Habibovic
- Department of Instructive Biomaterial Engineering, Maastricht University, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Zeinab Niloofar Tahmasebi Birgani
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, Maastricht University, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
- Department of Instructive Biomaterial Engineering, Maastricht University, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, Maastricht University, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Matthew B Baker
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, Maastricht University, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
- Department of Instructive Biomaterial Engineering, Maastricht University, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Zheng F, Tian R, Lu H, Liang X, Shafiq M, Uchida S, Chen H, Ma M. Droplet Microfluidics Powered Hydrogel Microparticles for Stem Cell-Mediated Biomedical Applications. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2401400. [PMID: 38881184 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202401400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Stem cell-related therapeutic technologies have garnered significant attention of the research community for their multi-faceted applications. To promote the therapeutic effects of stem cells, the strategies for cell microencapsulation in hydrogel microparticles have been widely explored, as the hydrogel microparticles have the potential to facilitate oxygen diffusion and nutrient transport alongside their ability to promote crucial cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Despite their significant promise, there is an acute shortage of automated, standardized, and reproducible platforms to further stem cell-related research. Microfluidics offers an intriguing platform to produce stem cell-laden hydrogel microparticles (SCHMs) owing to its ability to manipulate the fluids at the micrometer scale as well as precisely control the structure and composition of microparticles. In this review, the typical biomaterials and crosslinking methods for microfluidic encapsulation of stem cells as well as the progress in droplet-based microfluidics for the fabrication of SCHMs are outlined. Moreover, the important biomedical applications of SCHMs are highlighted, including regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, scale-up production of stem cells, and microenvironmental simulation for fundamental cell studies. Overall, microfluidics holds tremendous potential for enabling the production of diverse hydrogel microparticles and is worthy for various stem cell-related biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangqiao Zheng
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, P. R. China
| | - Ruizhi Tian
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Hongxu Lu
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Liang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, P. R. China
| | - Muhammad Shafiq
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-0821, Japan
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-0821, Japan
- Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hangrong Chen
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, P. R. China
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Ming Ma
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, P. R. China
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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Si H, Chen Y, Jiang K, Ma K, Ramsey E, Oakey J, Sun M, Jiang Z. Deterministic Single-Cell Encapsulation in PEG Norbornene Microgels for Promoting Anti-Inflammatory Response and Therapeutic Delivery of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2304386. [PMID: 38373601 PMCID: PMC11246722 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304386] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Tissue engineering at single-cell resolution has enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Droplet microfluidics offers a powerful platform that allows deterministic single-cell encapsulation into aqueous droplets, yet the direct encapsulation of cells into microgels remains challenging. Here, the design of a microfluidic device that is capable of single-cell encapsulation within polyethylene glycol norbornene (PEGNB) hydrogels on-chip is reported. Cells are first ordered in media within a straight microchannel via inertial focusing, followed by the introduction of PEGNB solution from two separate, converging channels. Droplets are thoroughly mixed by passage through a serpentine channel, and microgels are formed by photo-photopolymerization. This platform uniquely enables both single-cell encapsulation and excellent cell viability post-photo-polymerization. More than 90% of singly encapsulated mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) remain alive for 7 days. Notably, singly encapsulated MSCs have elevated expression levels in genes that code anti-inflammatory cytokines, for example, IL-10 and TGF-β, thus enhancing the secretion of proteins of interest. Following injection into a mouse model with induced inflammation, singly encapsulated MSCs show a strong retention rate in vivo, reduce overall inflammation, and mitigate liver damage. These translational results indicate that deterministic single-cell encapsulation could find use in a broad spectrum of tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangjun Si
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan, Liaoning, 46000, China
| | - Yuanzhuo Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Kun Jiang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan, Liaoning, 46000, China
| | - Ke Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan, Liaoning, 46000, China
| | - Edward Ramsey
- Sustainable Technology Research Centre, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan, Liaoning, 46000, China
| | - John Oakey
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
| | - Mingming Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Zhongliang Jiang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan, Liaoning, 46000, China
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Palmese LL, LeValley PJ, Pradhan L, Parsons AL, Oakey JS, Abraham M, D'Addio SM, Kloxin AM, Liang Y, Kiick KL. Injectable liposome-containing click hydrogel microparticles for release of macromolecular cargos. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:1736-1745. [PMID: 38288734 PMCID: PMC10880143 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01009k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogel microparticles ranging from 0.1-100 μm, referred to as microgels, are attractive for biological applications afforded by their injectability and modularity, which allows facile delivery of mixed populations for tailored combinations of therapeutics. Significant efforts have been made to broaden methods for microgel production including via the materials and chemistries by which they are made. Via droplet-based-microfluidics we have established a method for producing click poly-(ethylene)-glycol (PEG)-based microgels with or without chemically crosslinked liposomes (lipo-microgels) through the Michael-type addition reaction between thiol and either vinyl-sulfone or maleimide groups. Unifom spherical microgels and lipo-microgels were generated with sizes of 74 ± 16 μm and 82 ± 25 μm, respectively, suggesting injectability that was further supported by rheological analyses. Super-resolution confocal microscopy was used to further verify the presence of liposomes within the lipo-microgels and determine their distribution. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was conducted to compare the mechanical properties and network architecture of bulk hydrogels, microgels, and lipo-microgels. Further, encapsulation and release of model cargo (FITC-Dextran 5 kDa) and protein (equine myoglobin) showed sustained release for up to 3 weeks and retention of protein composition and secondary structure, indicating their ability to both protect and release cargos of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa L Palmese
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
| | - Paige J LeValley
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Lina Pradhan
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Amanda L Parsons
- Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - John S Oakey
- Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Mathew Abraham
- Translational Imaging, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA, USA
| | - Suzanne M D'Addio
- Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA, USA.
| | - April M Kloxin
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Yingkai Liang
- Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA, USA.
| | - Kristi L Kiick
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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Mora-Boza A, Mulero-Russe A, Caprio ND, Burdick JA, Singh A, García AJ. Facile Photopatterning of Perfusable Microchannels in Synthetic Hydrogels to Recreate Microphysiological Environments. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2306765. [PMID: 37775089 PMCID: PMC10841628 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202306765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The fabrication of perfusable hydrogels is crucial for recreating in vitro microphysiological environments. Existing strategies to fabricate complex microchannels in hydrogels involve sophisticated equipment/techniques. A cost-effective, facile, versatile, and ultra-fast methodology is reported to fabricate perfusable microchannels of complex shapes in photopolymerizable hydrogels without the need of specialized equipment or sophisticated protocols. The methodology utilizes one-step ultraviolet (UV) light-triggered cross-linking and a photomask printed on inexpensive transparent films to photopattern PEG-norbornene hydrogels. Complex and intricate patterns with high resolution, including perfusable microchannels, can be fabricated in <1 s. The perfusable hydrogel is integrated into a custom-made microfluidic device that permits connection to external pump systems, allowing continuous fluid perfusion into the microchannels. Under dynamic culture, human endothelial cells form a functional and confluent endothelial monolayer that remains viable for at least 7 days and respond to inflammatory stimuli. Finally, approach to photopattern norbornene hyaluronic acid hydrogels is adapted, highlighting the versatility of the technique. This study presents an innovative strategy to simplify and reduce the cost of biofabrication techniques for developing functional in vitro models using perfusable three-dimensional (3D) hydrogels. The approach offers a novel solution to overcome the complexities associated with existing methods, allowing engineering advanced in vitro microphysiological environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mora-Boza
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0535, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| | - Adriana Mulero-Russe
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0535, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| | - Nikolas Di Caprio
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6321, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Jason A Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6321, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Ankur Singh
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| | - Andrés J García
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
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6
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Jiang Z, Jiang K, Si H, McBride R, Kisiday J, Oakey J. One Step Encapsulation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in PEG Norbornene Microgels for Therapeutic Actions. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:6322-6332. [PMID: 37831923 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapies require control over the cellular response under standardized conditions to ensure continuous delivery of therapeutic agents. Cell encapsulation in biomaterials can be particularly effective at providing cells with a uniformly supportive and permissive cell microenvironment. In this study, two microfluidic droplet device designs were used to successfully encapsulate equine mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) into photopolymerized polyethylene glycol norbornene (PEGNB) microscale (∼100-200 μm) hydrogel particles (microgels) in a single on-chip step. To overcome the slow cross-linking kinetics of thiol-ene reactions, long dithiol linkers were used in combination with a polymerization chamber customized to achieve precise retention time for microgels while maintaining cytocompatibility. Thus, homogeneous cell-laden microgels could be continuously fabricated in a high-throughput fashion. Varying linker length mediated both the gel formation rate and material physical properties (stiffness, mass transport, and mesh size) of fabricated microgels. Postencapsulation cell viability and therapeutic indicators of MSCs were evaluated over 14 days, during which the viability remained at least 90%. Gene expression of selected cytokines was not adversely affected by microencapsulation compared to monolayer MSCs. Notably, PEGNB-3.5k microgels rendered significant elevation in FGF-2 and TGF-β on the transcription level, and conditioned media collected from these cultures showed robust promotion in the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts. Collectively, standardized MSC on-chip encapsulation will lead to informed and precise translation to clinical studies, ultimately advancing a variety of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongliang Jiang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan 114051, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| | - Kun Jiang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan 114051, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| | - Hangjun Si
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan 114051, China
| | - Ralph McBride
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| | - John Kisiday
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| | - John Oakey
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
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Mora-Boza A, Ghebrezadik SG, Leisen JE, García AJ. Rapid and Facile Light-Based Approach to Fabricate Protease-Degradable Poly(ethylene glycol)-norbornene Microgels for Cell Encapsulation. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300942. [PMID: 37235850 PMCID: PMC10592588 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Thiol-norbornene photoclickable poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based (PEG-NB) hydrogels are attractive biomaterials for cell encapsulation, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine applications. Although many crosslinking strategies and chemistries have been developed for PEG-NB bulk hydrogels, fabrication approaches of PEG-NB microgels have not been extensively explored. Here, a fabrication strategy for 4-arm amide-linked PEG-NB (PEG-4aNB) microgels using flow-focusing microfluidics for human mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (hMSCs) encapsulation is presented. PEG-4aNB photochemistry allows high-throughput, ultrafast generation, and cost-effective synthesis of monodispersed microgels (diameter 340 ± 18, 380 ± 24, and 420 ± 15 µm, for 6, 8, and 10 wt% of PEG-4aNB, respectively) using an in situ crosslinking methodology in a microfluidic device. PEG-4aNB microgels show in vitro degradability due to the incorporation of a protease-degradable peptide during photocrosslinking and encapsulated cells show excellent viability and metabolic activity for at least 13 days of culture. Furthermore, the secretory profile (i.e., MMP-13, ICAM-1, PD-L1, CXCL9, CCL3/MIP-1, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17E, TNF-α, CCL2/MCP-1) of encapsulated hMSCs shows increased expression in response to IFN-γ stimulation. Collectively, this work shows a versatile and facile approach for the fabrication of protease-degradable PEG-4aNB microgels for cell encapsulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mora-Boza
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- CÚRAM, University of Galway, Galway, H91 W2TY, Ireland
| | - Saron G Ghebrezadik
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA, 30030, USA
| | - Johannes E Leisen
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| | - Andrés J García
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
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Stöberl S, Balles M, Kellerer T, Rädler JO. Photolithographic microfabrication of hydrogel clefts for cell invasion studies. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1886-1895. [PMID: 36867426 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc01105k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Invasion of migrating cells into surrounding tissue plays a key role in cancer metastasis and immune response. In order to assess invasiveness, most in vitro invasion assays measure the degree to which cells migrate between microchambers that provide a chemoattractant gradient across a polymeric membrane with defined pores. However, in real tissue cells experience soft, mechanically deformable microenvironments. Here we introduce RGD-functionalized hydrogel structures that present pressurized clefts for invasive migration of cells between reservoirs maintaining a chemotactic gradient. Using UV-photolithography, equally spaced blocks of polyethylene glycol-norbornene (PEG-NB) hydrogels are formed, which subsequently swell and close the interjacent gaps. The swelling ratio and final contours of the hydrogel blocks were determined using confocal microscopy confirming a swelling induced closure of the structures. The velocity profile of cancer cells transmigrating through the clefts, which we name 'sponge clamp', is found to depend on the elastic modulus as well as the gap size between the swollen blocks. The 'sponge clamp' discriminates the invasiveness of two distinct cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and HT-1080. The approach provides soft 3D-microstructures mimicking invasion conditions in extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Stöberl
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
| | - Miriam Balles
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
| | - Thomas Kellerer
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Applied Science and Mechatronics, University of Applied Science, Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim O Rädler
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
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Emiroglu DB, Bekcic A, Dranseikiene D, Zhang X, Zambelli T, deMello AJ, Tibbitt MW. Building block properties govern granular hydrogel mechanics through contact deformations. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadd8570. [PMID: 36525484 PMCID: PMC9757745 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add8570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Granular hydrogels have been increasingly exploited in biomedical applications, including wound healing and cardiac repair. Despite their utility, design guidelines for engineering their macroscale properties remain limited, as we do not understand how the properties of granular hydrogels emerge from collective interactions of their microgel building blocks. In this work, we related building block features (stiffness and size) to the macroscale properties of granular hydrogels using contact mechanics. We investigated the mechanics of the microgel packings through dynamic oscillatory rheology. In addition, we modeled the system as a collection of two-body interactions and applied the Zwanzig and Mountain formula to calculate the plateau modulus and viscosity of the granular hydrogels. The calculations agreed with the dynamic mechanical measurements and described how microgel properties and contact deformations define the rheology of granular hydrogels. These results support a rational design framework for improved engineering of this fascinating class of materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Börte Emiroglu
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aleksandar Bekcic
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dalia Dranseikiene
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETHZurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tomaso Zambelli
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETHZurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrew J. deMello
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark W. Tibbitt
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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Xu T, Yang Y, Suo D, Bei HP, Xu X, Zhao X. Electrosprayed Regeneration-Enhancer-Element Microspheres Power Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis Coupling. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2200314. [PMID: 35261154 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202200314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrosprayed microspheres for bone regeneration are conventionally restricted by the lack of osteogenic modulation for both encapsulated stem cells and surrounding cells at the defect site. Here, sodium alginate microspheres encapsulating L-arginine doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (Arg/HA NPs) and bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) as regeneration-enhancer-element reservoirs (Arg/HA-SA@BMSC) for bone healing are electrosprayed. The Arg/HA NPs serve as a container of L-arginine and Ca2+ and the BMSCs inside the microspheres metabolize the released L-arginine into bioactive gas nitric oxide (NO) in the presence of Ca2+ to activate the nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the generated NO diffuses out of the microspheres together with the Ca2+ and L-arginine as exterior enhancers to promote the osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of surrounding BMSCs and endothelial cells (ECs) at the bone defect site, generating an internal/external modulation loop between the encapsulated cells and surrounding native cells. It is demonstrated that such regeneration-enhancer-element reservoirs could effectively increase the bone tissue formation and neovasculature using rat calvarial defect models. It is envisioned that the microsphere system could streamline vascularized bone regeneration therapy as a high throughput, minimally invasive yet highly effective strategy to accelerate bone healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianpeng Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Yuhe Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Di Suo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Ho Pan Bei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
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11
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Ling SD, Liu Z, Ma W, Chen Z, Du Y, Xu J. A Novel Step-T-Junction Microchannel for the Cell Encapsulation in Monodisperse Alginate-Gelatin Microspheres of Varying Mechanical Properties at High Throughput. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12080659. [PMID: 36005055 PMCID: PMC9406195 DOI: 10.3390/bios12080659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cell encapsulation has been widely employed in cell therapy, characterization, and analysis, as well as many other biomedical applications. While droplet-based microfluidic technology is advantageous in cell microencapsulation because of its modularity, controllability, mild conditions, and easy operation when compared to other state-of-art methods, it faces the dilemma between high throughput and monodispersity of generated cell-laden microdroplets. In addition, the lack of a biocompatible method of de-emulsification transferring cell-laden hydrogel from cytotoxic oil phase into cell culture medium also hurtles the practical application of microfluidic technology. Here, a novel step-T-junction microchannel was employed to encapsulate cells into monodisperse microspheres at the high-throughput jetting regime. An alginate–gelatin co-polymer system was employed to enable the microfluidic-based fabrication of cell-laden microgels with mild cross-linking conditions and great biocompatibility, notably for the process of de-emulsification. The mechanical properties of alginate-gelatin hydrogel, e.g., stiffness, stress–relaxation, and viscoelasticity, are fully adjustable in offering a 3D biomechanical microenvironment that is optimal for the specific encapsulated cell type. Finally, the encapsulation of HepG2 cells into monodisperse alginate–gelatin microgels with the novel microfluidic system and the subsequent cultivation proved the maintenance of the long-term viability, proliferation, and functionalities of encapsulated cells, indicating the promising potential of the as-designed system in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Da Ling
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wenjun Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Correspondence: (Z.C.); (Y.D.); (J.X.)
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Correspondence: (Z.C.); (Y.D.); (J.X.)
| | - Jianhong Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Correspondence: (Z.C.); (Y.D.); (J.X.)
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12
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Zhang S, Lin A, Tao Z, Fu Y, Xiao L, Ruan G, Li Y. Microsphere‐containing hydrogel scaffolds for tissue engineering. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200630. [DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Zhang
- East China University of Science and Technology Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials of Ministry of Education CHINA
| | - Anqi Lin
- East China University of Science and Technology Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials of Ministry of Education CHINA
| | - Ziwei Tao
- East China University of Science and Technology Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials of Ministry of Education CHINA
| | - Yingying Fu
- East China University of Science and Technology Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials of Ministry of Education CHINA
| | - Lan Xiao
- Queensland University of Technology Centre for Biomedical Technologies AUSTRALIA
| | | | - Yulin Li
- East China University of Science and Technology Meilong Road 130 Shanghai CHINA
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13
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Qureshi AUR, Arshad N, Rasool A, Islam A, Rizwan M, Haseeb M, Rasheed T, Bilal M. Chitosan and carrageenan‐based biocompatible hydrogel platforms for cosmeceutical, drug delivery and biomedical applications. STARCH-STARKE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/star.202200052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nasima Arshad
- School of Chemistry University of the Punjab Lahore 54590 Pakistan
| | - Atta Rasool
- School of Chemistry University of the Punjab Lahore 54590 Pakistan
| | - Atif Islam
- Department of Polymer Engineering and Technology University of the Punjab Lahore 54590 Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Chemistry The University of Lahore Lahore 54000 Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Haseeb
- Department of Chemistry The University of Lahore Lahore 54000 Pakistan
| | - Tahir Rasheed
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Advanced Materials King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Dhahran 31261 Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- School of Life Science and Food Engineering Huaiyin Institute of Technology Huai'an 223003 China
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14
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LeValley PJ, Parsons AL, Sutherland BP, Kiick KL, Oakey JS, Kloxin AM. Microgels Formed by Spontaneous Click Chemistries Utilizing Microfluidic Flow Focusing for Cargo Release in Response to Endogenous or Exogenous Stimuli. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1062. [PMID: 35631649 PMCID: PMC9145542 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14051062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein therapeutics have become increasingly popular for the treatment of a variety of diseases owing to their specificity to targets of interest. However, challenges associated with them have limited their use for a range of ailments, including the limited options available for local controlled delivery. To address this challenge, degradable hydrogel microparticles, or microgels, loaded with model biocargoes were created with tunable release profiles or triggered burst release using chemistries responsive to endogenous or exogeneous stimuli, respectively. Specifically, microfluidic flow-focusing was utilized to form homogenous microgels with different spontaneous click chemistries that afforded degradation either in response to redox environments for sustained cargo release or light for on-demand cargo release. The resulting microgels were an appropriate size to remain localized within tissues upon injection and were easily passed through a needle relevant for injection, providing means for localized delivery. Release of a model biopolymer was observed over the course of several weeks for redox-responsive formulations or triggered for immediate release from the light-responsive formulation. Overall, we demonstrate the ability of microgels to be formulated with different materials chemistries to achieve various therapeutic release modalities, providing new tools for creation of more complex protein release profiles to improve therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige J. LeValley
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (P.J.L.); (B.P.S.)
| | - Amanda L. Parsons
- Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA;
| | - Bryan P. Sutherland
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (P.J.L.); (B.P.S.)
| | - Kristi L. Kiick
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - John S. Oakey
- Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA;
| | - April M. Kloxin
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (P.J.L.); (B.P.S.)
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
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15
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Jang W, Kim DY, Mun SJ, Choi JH, Roh YH, Bong KW. Direct functionalization of cell‐adhesion promoters to hydrogel microparticles synthesized by stop‐flow lithography. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wookyoung Jang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Korea University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Do Yeon Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Korea University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Joon Mun
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Korea University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hee Choi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Korea University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Ho Roh
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Korea University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Wan Bong
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Korea University Seoul Republic of Korea
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16
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Wang W, Wang S. Cell-based biocomposite engineering directed by polymers. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1042-1067. [PMID: 35244136 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00067a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biological cells such as bacterial, fungal, and mammalian cells always exploit sophisticated chemistries and exquisite micro- and nano-structures to execute life activities, providing numerous templates for engineering bioactive and biomorphic materials, devices, and systems. To transform biological cells into functional biocomposites, polymer-directed cell surface engineering and intracellular functionalization have been developed over the past two decades. Polymeric materials can be easily adopted by various cells through polymer grafting or in situ hydrogelation and can successfully bridge cells with other functional materials as interfacial layers, thus achieving the manufacture of advanced biocomposites through bioaugmentation of living cells and transformation of cells into templated materials. This review article summarizes the recent progress in the design and construction of cell-based biocomposites by polymer-directed strategies. Furthermore, the applications of cell-based biocomposites in broad fields such as cell research, biomedicine, and bioenergy are discussed. Last, we provide personal perspectives on challenges and future trends in this interdisciplinary area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshuo Wang
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, 266101, China
| | - Shutao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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17
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Jiang Z, Lin FY, Jiang K, Nguyen H, Chang CY, Lin CC. Dissolvable microgel-templated macroporous hydrogels for controlled cell assembly. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 134:112712. [PMID: 35581097 PMCID: PMC9358784 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2022.112712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based therapies have been widely used to promote tissue regeneration and to modulate immune/inflammatory response. The therapeutic potential of MSCs can be further improved by forming multi-cellular spheroids. Meanwhile, hydrogels with macroporous structures are advantageous for improving mass transport properties for the cell-laden matrices. Herein, we report the fabrication of MSC-laden macroporous hydrogel scaffolds through incorporating rapidly dissolvable spherical cell-laden microgels. Dissolvable microgels were fabricated by tandem droplet-microfluidics and thiol-norbornene photopolymerization using a novel fast-degrading macromer poly(ethylene glycol)-norbornene-dopamine (PEGNB-Dopa). The cell-laden PEGNB-Dopa microgels were subsequently encapsulated within another bulk hydrogel matrix, whose porous structure was generated efficiently by the rapid degradation of the PEGNB-Dopa microgels. The cytocompatibility of this in situ pore-forming approach was demonstrated with multiple cell types. Furthermore, adjusting the stiffness and cell adhesiveness of the bulk hydrogels afforded the formation of solid cell spheroids or hollow spheres. The assembly of solid or hollow MSC spheroids led to differential activation of AKT pathway. Finally, MSCs solid spheroids formed in situ within the macroporous hydrogels exhibited robust secretion of HGF, VEGF-A, IL-6, IL-8, and TIMP-2. In summary, this platform provides an innovative method for forming cell-laden macroporous hydrogels for a variety of future biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongliang Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Fang-Yi Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Kun Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Han Nguyen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Chun-Yi Chang
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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18
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Dubay R, Urban JN, Darling EM. Single-Cell Microgels for Diagnostics and Therapeutics. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2021; 31:2009946. [PMID: 36329867 PMCID: PMC9629779 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202009946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Cell encapsulation within hydrogel droplets is transforming what is feasible in multiple fields of biomedical science such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, in vitro modeling, and cell-based therapies. Recent advances have allowed researchers to miniaturize material encapsulation complexes down to single-cell scales, where each complex, termed a single-cell microgel, contains only one cell surrounded by a hydrogel matrix while remaining <100 μm in size. With this achievement, studies requiring single-cell resolution are now possible, similar to those done using liquid droplet encapsulation. Of particular note, applications involving long-term in vitro cultures, modular bioinks, high-throughput screenings, and formation of 3D cellular microenvironments can be tuned independently to suit the needs of individual cells and experimental goals. In this progress report, an overview of established materials and techniques used to fabricate single-cell microgels, as well as insight into potential alternatives is provided. This focused review is concluded by discussing applications that have already benefited from single-cell microgel technologies, as well as prospective applications on the cusp of achieving important new capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Dubay
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, 175 Meeting St., Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Draper, 555 Technology Sq., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Joseph N Urban
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, 175 Meeting St., Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Eric M Darling
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University, 175 Meeting St., Providence, RI 02912, USA
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19
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Evaluation of Microfluidic Approaches to Encapsulate Cells into PEGDA Microparticles. REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40883-021-00232-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) is increasingly used to microencapsulate cells via a vortex-induced water-in-oil emulsion process. Herein, we evaluated methods to encapsulate cells into microparticles using microfluidic methods.
Methods
PEGDA prepolymer solution with or without cells was photopolymerized with white light under varying microfluidic parameters to form empty microspheres or cell-laden microparticles. Microparticles and entrapped cells were assessed for size and viability.
Results
PEGDA microparticles were easily formed when cells were absent; the introduction of cells resulted in aggregation that clogged microfluidic devices, resulting in a mix of empty polymer microparticles and cells that were not encapsulated. Cells that were successfully encapsulated had poor viability.
Conclusion
Microfluidic methods may work for low density microencapsulation of mammalian cells; however, when the cell density within each microparticle must be relatively high, emulsion-based methods are superior to microfluidic methods.
Lay Summary
The synthetic polymer polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) has been increasingly used to encapsulate cells into micrometer-sized hydrogel spheres (microspheres). One method to microencapsulate cells has been to form a water-in-oil emulsion with liquid polymer containing cells and then expose the suspended droplets to white light, polymerizing them into PEGDA hydrogel microspheres. Although successful, this method has poor control over the process, resulting in polydisperse microsphere sizes with varying cell density. We evaluated microfluidic methods to form both empty and cell-laden PEGDA microspheres. Although microfluidic methods resulted in monodisperse microsphere sizes, the introduction of cells resulted in clogging of microfluidic devices, non-spherical microparticles, and poor cell viability.
Future Work
Because the microfluidic approach successfully formed cell-free microspheres, the effect of reducing cell aggregation will be examined. Specifically, the use of anti-aggregation agents as well as a reduced cell density in the liquid polymer phase and their effects on polymer formation will be explored.
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20
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Peng Y, Wang Z, Peña J, Guo Z, Xing J. Effect of TEOA on the Process of Photopolymerization at 532 nm and Properties of Nanogels. Photochem Photobiol 2021; 98:132-140. [PMID: 34390000 DOI: 10.1111/php.13505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nanogel is an important kind of biomaterials applied for wound dressings, drug delivery, medical diagnostics and biosensors. The properties of nanogels closely depend on the density of the crosslinking network. In this study, the role of triethanolamine (TEOA) in the effect on the crosslinking degree of nanogels based on poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) was investigated and illustrated. The effect of TEOA on the process of photopolymerization at 532 nm and properties of the nanogels was systematically investigated by using UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, 1 H NMR, DLS, SEM, AFM and DSC. In brief, the double bond conversion of photopolymerization and the crosslinking degree of nanogels can be effectively regulated by TEOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Peng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Zhipeng Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Metrological Supervision and Testing, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Jhair Peña
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Zhiming Guo
- Tianjin Institute of Metrological Supervision and Testing, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Jinfeng Xing
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
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21
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Hamilton M, Harrington S, Dhar P, Stehno-Bittel L. Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Microspheres for Slow Release Stem Cell Delivery. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:3754-3763. [PMID: 34323078 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapies are hampered by a lack of available delivery systems, resulting in inconsistent outcomes in animal studies and human clinical trials. Hydrogel encapsulants offer a broad range of tunable characteristics in the design of cell delivery vehicles. The focus of the hydrogel field has been on durable encapsulants that provide long-term paracrine function of the cells. However, some cell therapies require cell-to-cell contact in order to elicit their effect. Controlled release microencapsulants would be beneficial in these situations, but appropriate polymers have not been adaptable to microsphere manufacturing because they harden too slowly. We developed and tested a novel microencapsulant formulation (acrylated hyaluronic acid: AHA) with degradation characteristics as a controlled release cell delivery vehicle. The properties of AHA microspheres were evaluated and compared to those of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), a durable hydrogel. AHA microspheres possessed a higher swelling ratio, lower diffusion barrier, faster degradation rate, a lower storage modulus, and a larger average diameter than microspheres composed of PEGDA. Additionally, in vitro cell viability and release and short-term in vivo biocompatibility in immune competent Sprague-Dawley rats was assessed for each microsphere type. Compared to PEGDA, microspheres composed of AHA resulted in significantly less foreign body response in vivo as measured by a lack of cellularity or fibrotic ring in the surrounding tissue and no cellular infiltration into the microsphere. This study illustrates the potential of AHA microspheres as a degradable cell delivery system with superior encapsulated cell viability and biocompatibility with the surrounding tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Hamilton
- University of Kansas Bioengineering Program, 1132 Learned Hall, 1530 West 15th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Stephen Harrington
- Likarda LLC, 10330 Hickman Mills Drive, Suite B, Kansas City, Missouri 64137, United States
| | - Prajnaparamita Dhar
- University of Kansas Bioengineering Program, 1132 Learned Hall, 1530 West 15th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States.,Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, The University of Kansas, 4132 Learned Hall, 1530 West 15th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Lisa Stehno-Bittel
- Likarda LLC, 10330 Hickman Mills Drive, Suite B, Kansas City, Missouri 64137, United States
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22
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Engineered cardiac tissue microsphere production through direct differentiation of hydrogel-encapsulated human pluripotent stem cells. Biomaterials 2021; 274:120818. [PMID: 34023620 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Engineered cardiac tissues that can be directly produced from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in scalable, suspension culture systems are needed to meet the demands of cardiac regenerative medicine. Here, we demonstrate successful production of functional cardiac tissue microspheres through direct differentiation of hydrogel encapsulated hiPSCs. To form the microspheres, hiPSCs were suspended within the photocrosslinkable biomaterial, PEG-fibrinogen (25 million cells/mL), and encapsulated at a rate of 420,000 cells/minute using a custom microfluidic system. Even at this high cell density and rapid production rate, high intra-batch and batch-to-batch reproducibility was achieved. Following microsphere formation, hiPSCs maintained high cell viability and continued to grow within and beyond the original PEG-fibrinogen matrix. These initially soft microspheres (<250 Pa) supported efficient cardiac differentiation; spontaneous contractions initiated by differentiation day 8, and the microspheres contained >75% cardiomyocytes (CMs). CMs responded appropriately to pharmacological stimuli and exhibited 1:1 capture up to 6.0 Hz when electrically paced. Over time, cells formed cell-cell junctions and aligned myofibril fibers; engineered cardiac microspheres were maintained in culture over 3 years. The capability to rapidly generate uniform cardiac microsphere tissues is critical for advancing downstream applications including biomanufacturing, multi-well plate drug screening, and injection-based regenerative therapies.
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23
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Ling SD, Geng Y, Chen A, Du Y, Xu J. Enhanced single-cell encapsulation in microfluidic devices: From droplet generation to single-cell analysis. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:061508. [PMID: 33381250 PMCID: PMC7758092 DOI: 10.1063/5.0018785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell analysis to investigate cellular heterogeneity and cell-to-cell interactions is a crucial compartment to answer key questions in important biological mechanisms. Droplet-based microfluidics appears to be the ideal platform for such a purpose because the compartmentalization of single cells into microdroplets offers unique advantages of enhancing assay sensitivity, protecting cells against external stresses, allowing versatile and precise manipulations over tested samples, and providing a stable microenvironment for long-term cell proliferation and observation. The present Review aims to give a preliminary guidance for researchers from different backgrounds to explore the field of single-cell encapsulation and analysis. A comprehensive and introductory overview of the droplet formation mechanism, fabrication methods of microchips, and a myriad of passive and active encapsulation techniques to enhance single-cell encapsulation efficiency were presented. Meanwhile, common methods for single-cell analysis, especially for long-term cell proliferation, differentiation, and observation inside microcapsules, are briefly introduced. Finally, the major challenges faced in the field are illustrated, and potential prospects for future work are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Da Ling
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuhao Geng
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - An Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianhong Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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24
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Cheng C, Harpster MH, Oakey J. Convection-driven microfabricated hydrogels for rapid biosensing. Analyst 2020; 145:5981-5988. [PMID: 32820752 PMCID: PMC7819640 DOI: 10.1039/d0an01069c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A microscale biosensing platform using rehydration-mediated swelling of bio-functionalized hydrogel structures and rapid target analyte capture is described. Induced convective flow mitigates diffusion limited incubation times, enabling model assays to be completed in under three minutes. Assay design parameters have been evaluated, revealing fabrication criteria required to tune detection sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Cheng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82070, USA.
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25
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Feng Q, Gao H, Wen H, Huang H, Li Q, Liang M, Liu Y, Dong H, Cao X. Engineering the cellular mechanical microenvironment to regulate stem cell chondrogenesis: Insights from a microgel model. Acta Biomater 2020; 113:393-406. [PMID: 32629189 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Biophysical cues (especially mechanical cues) embedded in cellular microenvironments show a critical impact on stem cell fate. Despite the capability of traditional hydrogels to mimic the feature of extracellular matrix (ECM) and tune their physicochemical properties via diverse approaches, their relatively large size not only induces biased results, but also hinders high-throughput screening and analysis. In this paper, a microgel model is proposed to recapitulate the role of 3D mechanical microenvironment on stem cell behaviors especially chondrogenesis in vitro. The small diameter of microgels brings the high surface area to volume ratio and then the enlarged diffusion area and shortened diffusion distance of soluble molecules, leading to uniform distribution of nutrients and negligible biochemical gradient inside microgels. To construct ECM-like microenvironment with tunable mechanical strength, three gelatin/hyaluronic acid hybrid microgels with low, medium and high crosslinking densities, i.e., Gel-HA(L), Gel-HA(M) and Gel-HA(H), are fabricated in microfluidic devices by Michael addition reaction between thiolated gelatin (Gel-SH) and ethylsulfated hyaluronic acid (HA-VS) with different substitution degrees of vinyl sulfone groups. Our results show that mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) proliferation, distribution and chondrogenesis are all closely dependent on mechanical microenvironments in microgels. Noteworthily, BMSCs show a clear trend of differentiating into hyaline cartilage in Gel-HA(L) and fibrocartilage in Gel-HA(M) and Gel-HA(H). Whole transcriptome RNA sequencing reveals that mechanical microenvironment of microgels affects BMSC differentiation via TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, Hippo signaling pathway and Integrin/YAP/TAZ signaling pathway. We believe this microgel model provides a new way to further explore the interaction between cells and 3D microenvironment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In recent years, hydrogels have been frequently used to construct 3D microenvironment for cells. However, their relatively large size not only brings biased experimental results, but also limits high-throughput screening and analysis. Herein we propose a gelatin/hyaluronic acid microgel model to explore the effects of 3D cellular mechanical microenvironment (biophysical cues) on BMSC behaviors especially chondrogenesis, which can minimize the interference of biochemical gradients. Our results reveal that BMSC differentiation into either hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage can be regulated via tailoring the mechanical properties of microgels. Whole transcriptome RNA sequencing proves that "TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway", "Hippo signaling pathway" and "Integrins/YAP/ TAZ signaling pathway" are activated or inhibited in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Feng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huichang Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hongji Wen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hanhao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qingtao Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Minhua Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hua Dong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P R China.
| | - Xiaodong Cao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P R China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China.
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Wei H, Li W, Chen H, Wen X, He J, Li J. Simultaneous Diels-Alder click reaction and starch hydrogel microsphere production via spray drying. Carbohydr Polym 2020; 241:116351. [PMID: 32507200 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Herein, starch was used as a raw material to produce hydrogel microspheres via a strategy that combines spray drying and a Diels-Alder reaction. First, the starch was modified with N-maleoyl alanine and succinic acid amide. Second, starch hydrogel microspheres (SGPs) and drug-loaded hydrogel microspheres (5-Fu/SGPs) were produced by spray drying an aqueous solution of the as-prepared modified starch, forming chemical crosslinks via an in situ Diels-Alder reaction during the spray drying. The microspheres slowed the release rate of 5-Fu. In vitro cytotoxicity tests indicated that the SGPs are non-toxic for model human breast cancer cells; however, the 5-Fu/SGPs demonstrated clear cytotoxicity for human breast cancer cells. Taking into account the ease of the spray drying process and the good performance of the prepared microspheres, the strategy presented here has the potential to be applied to the green preparation of drug-loaded hydrogel microspheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongliang Wei
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, PR China.
| | - Weikun Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Hongli Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Material, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, PR China
| | - Xuejun Wen
- School of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Juan He
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Jingjing Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, PR China.
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Jiang Z, Shaha R, McBride R, Jiang K, Tang M, Xu B, Goroncy AK, Frick C, Oakey J. Crosslinker length dictates step-growth hydrogel network formation dynamics and allows rapid on-chip photoencapsulation. Biofabrication 2020; 12:035006. [DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab7ef4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Aykar SS, Reynolds DE, McNamara MC, Hashemi NN. Manufacturing of poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate)-based hollow microvessels using microfluidics. RSC Adv 2020; 10:4095-4102. [PMID: 35492659 PMCID: PMC9049053 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra10264g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Biocompatible and self-standing poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate)-based hollow microvessels were fabricated from a microfluidic device using microfluidic principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh S. Aykar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Iowa State University
- Ames
- USA
| | | | | | - Nicole N. Hashemi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Iowa State University
- Ames
- USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences
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Daly AC, Riley L, Segura T, Burdick JA. Hydrogel microparticles for biomedical applications. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2020; 5:20-43. [PMID: 34123409 PMCID: PMC8191408 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-019-0148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 494] [Impact Index Per Article: 123.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogel microparticles (HMPs) are promising for biomedical applications, ranging from the therapeutic delivery of cells and drugs to the production of scaffolds for tissue repair and bioinks for 3D printing. Biologics (cells and drugs) can be encapsulated into HMPs of predefined shapes and sizes using a variety of fabrication techniques (batch emulsion, microfluidics, lithography, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying and mechanical fragmentation). HMPs can be formulated in suspensions to deliver therapeutics, as aggregates of particles (granular hydrogels) to form microporous scaffolds that promote cell infiltration or embedded within a bulk hydrogel to obtain multiscale behaviours. HMP suspensions and granular hydrogels can be injected for minimally invasive delivery of biologics, and they exhibit modular properties when comprised of mixtures of distinct HMP populations. In this Review, we discuss the fabrication techniques that are available for fabricating HMPs, as well as the multiscale behaviours of HMP systems and their functional properties, highlighting their advantages over traditional bulk hydrogels. Furthermore, we discuss applications of HMPs in the fields of cell delivery, drug delivery, scaffold design and biofabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Daly
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Andrew C. Daly, Lindsay Riley
| | - Lindsay Riley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Andrew C. Daly, Lindsay Riley
| | - Tatiana Segura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Departments of Dermatology and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jason A Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Seeto WJ, Tian Y, Pradhan S, Kerscher P, Lipke EA. Rapid Production of Cell-Laden Microspheres Using a Flexible Microfluidic Encapsulation Platform. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1902058. [PMID: 31468632 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201902058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study establishes a novel microfluidic platform for rapid encapsulation of cells at high densities in photocrosslinkable microspherical hydrogels including poly(ethylene glycol)-diacrylate, poly(ethylene glycol)-fibrinogen, and gelatin methacrylate. Cell-laden hydrogel microspheres are advantageous for many applications from drug screening to regenerative medicine. Employing microfluidic systems is considered the most efficient method for scale-up production of uniform microspheres. However, existing platforms have been constrained by traditional microfabrication techniques for device fabrication, restricting microsphere diameter to below 200 µm and making iterative design changes time-consuming and costly. Using a new molding technique, the microfluidic device employs a modified T-junction design with readily adjustable channel sizes, enabling production of highly uniform microspheres with cell densities (10-60 million cells mL-1 ) and a wide range of diameters (300-1100 µm), which are critical for realizing downstream applications, through rapid photocrosslinking (≈1 s per microsphere). Multiple cell types are encapsulated at rates of up to 1 million cells per min, are evenly distributed throughout the microspheres, and maintain high viability and appropriate cellular activities in long-term culture. This microfluidic encapsulation platform is a valuable and readily adoptable tool for numerous applications, including supporting injectable cell therapy, bioreactor-based cell expansion and differentiation, and high throughput tissue sphere-based drug testing assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen J Seeto
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Shantanu Pradhan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Petra Kerscher
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Lipke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
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Nooranidoost M, Kumar R. Geometry Effects of Axisymmetric Flow-Focusing Microchannels for Single Cell Encapsulation. MATERIALS 2019; 12:ma12172811. [PMID: 31480646 PMCID: PMC6747820 DOI: 10.3390/ma12172811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cell microencapsulation is a promising technique to protect living cells in biomedical applications. Microfluidic devices can be utilized to control the production of high-throughput cell-laden droplets. This paper demonstrates the effects of flow-focusing geometry on the droplet size, frequency of droplet generation, and number of cells per droplet. Orifice radius, orifice length, and nozzle-to-orifice distance can significantly influence the flow-field and manipulate droplet formation. This paper analyzes these geometry effects using a numerical front-tracking method for the three fluid phases. It is found that as the orifice radius increases, the drop size and the number of cells in the droplet increase. For a short orifice radius, increasing the orifice length results in the generation of smaller droplets at higher frequency and fewer cells per droplet. On the other hand, for a longer orifice, droplet production is invariant with respect to orifice length. It is also found that shorter distances between the nozzle and the orifice lead to a more controlled and uniform production of droplets. When the nozzle-to-orifice length is increased, the droplet formation becomes non-uniform and unpredictable. Probability charts are plotted with respect to the orifice length and orifice radius, which show that a greater than 50 % probability of single cell encapsulation can be achieved consistently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Nooranidoost
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Ranganathan Kumar
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
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Santos Roballo KC, Dhungana S, Jiang Z, Oakey J, Bushman JS. Localized delivery of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells to peripheral nerve allografts promotes regeneration of branched segmental defects. Biomaterials 2019; 209:1-9. [PMID: 31022556 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Segmental injuries to peripheral nerves (PNs) too often result in lifelong disability or pain syndromes due to a lack of restorative treatment options. For injuries beyond a critical size, a bridging device must be inserted to direct regeneration. PN allografts from immunologically incompatible donors are highly effective bridging devices but are not a regular clinical option because of the expense and health risks of systemic immunosuppression (ISN). We have developed a method to deliver a single administration of ISN localized around a PN allograft that circumvents the risks of systemic ISN. Localized ISN was provided by regulatory T cells (Tregs), a potently immunosuppressive cell type, that was delivered around a PN allograft with a poly(ethylene glycol) norbornene (PEGNB) degradable hydrogel. Tregs are released from the hydrogel over 14 d, infiltrate the graft, suppress the host immune response and facilitate regeneration of the recipient rats equal to the autograft control. Furthermore, this method was effective in a segmental PN defect that included a branch point, for which there currently exist no treatment options. These results show that localized delivery of immunosuppressive cells for PN allografts is an effective new strategy for treating segmental PN defects that can also be used to regenerate complex nerve structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Subash Dhungana
- University of Wyoming, School of Pharmacy, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
| | - Zhongliang Jiang
- University of Wyoming, Department of Chemical Engineering, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
| | - John Oakey
- University of Wyoming, Department of Chemical Engineering, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
| | - Jared S Bushman
- University of Wyoming, School of Pharmacy, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA.
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Alkayyali T, Cameron T, Haltli B, Kerr R, Ahmadi A. Microfluidic and cross-linking methods for encapsulation of living cells and bacteria - A review. Anal Chim Acta 2019; 1053:1-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2018.12.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Jiang Z, Shaha R, Jiang K, McBride R, Frick C, Oakey J. Composite Hydrogels With Controlled Degradation in 3D Printed Scaffolds. IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2019; 18:261-264. [PMID: 30892230 DOI: 10.1109/tnb.2019.2905510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Controlled cell delivery has shown some promising outcomes compared with traditional cell delivery approaches over the past decades, and strategies focused on optimization or engineering of controlled cell delivery have been intensively studied. In this paper, we demonstrate the fabrication of a 3D printed hydrogel scaffold infused with degradable PEGPLA/NB composite hydrogel core for controlled cell delivery with improved cell viability and facile tunability. The 3D printed poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) scaffold with specifically designed architectures can provide mechanical support while allowing bidirectional diffusion of small molecules, thus permitting structural integrity and long-term cell viability. Poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid) (PLA-PEG-PLA), which is highly susceptible to hydrolysis, however, the acrylation reactions it utilizes for chain growth have been reported as toxic to cells. Poly(ethylene glycol) norbornene (PEGNB), validated for its excellent cytocompatibility, was therefore mixed and infused together with PLA-PEG-PLA into the printed PEGDA scaffold. Cells encapsulated microfluidically into PEGNB microspheres and then polymerized within PEGPLA/NB composite hydrogel maintained excellent viability over a week. Controlled cell release was achieved via the manipulation of PEGPLA/NB composition. By increasing PEGNB proportion in the core, cell release was significantly slowed while increasing PLA-PEG-PLA proportion eventually resulted in a very robust cell release within a short time frame. The functionality of released cells was validated by their cell viability and proliferation potential. In summary, we have shown this droplet-microencapsulation technique coupled with composite degradable hydrogel and 3D printing could offer an alternative route for controlled cell delivery.
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Xie M, Gao Q, Zhao H, Nie J, Fu Z, Wang H, Chen L, Shao L, Fu J, Chen Z, He Y. Electro-Assisted Bioprinting of Low-Concentration GelMA Microdroplets. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1804216. [PMID: 30569632 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201804216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Low-concentration gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) has excellent biocompatibility to cell-laden structures. However, it is still a big challenge to stably fabricate organoids (even microdroplets) using this material due to its extremely low viscosity. Here, a promising electro-assisted bioprinting method is developed, which can print low-concentration pure GelMA microdroplets with low cost, low cell damage, and high efficiency. With the help of electrostatic attraction, uniform GelMA microdroplets measuring about 100 μm are rapidly printed. Due to the application of lower external forces to separate the droplets, cell damage during printing is negligible, which often happens in piezoelectric or thermal inkjet bioprinting. Different printing states and effects of printing parameters (voltages, gas pressure, nozzle size, etc.) on microdroplet diameter are also investigated. The fundamental properties of low-concentration GelMA microspheres are subsequently studied. The results show that the printed microspheres with 5% w/v GelMA can provide a suitable microenvironment for laden bone marrow stem cells. Finally, it is demonstrated that the printed microdroplets can be used in building microspheroidal organoids, in drug controlled release, and in 3D bioprinting as biobricks. This method shows great potential use in cell therapy, drug delivery, and organoid building.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Qing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Haiming Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Jing Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Zhenliang Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Haoxuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Lulu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Lei Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Jianzhong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Zichen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Yong He
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
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Jiang Z, Jiang K, McBride R, Oakey JS. Comparative cytocompatibility of multiple candidate cell types to photoencapsulation in PEGNB/PEGDA macroscale or microscale hydrogels. Biomed Mater 2018; 13:065012. [PMID: 30191888 PMCID: PMC6215765 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/aadf9a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The encapsulation of live cells into photopolymerized hydrogel scaffolds has the potential to augment or repair tissue defects, establish versatile regenerative medicine strategies, and be developed as well-defined, yet tunable microenvironments to study fundamental cellular behavior. However, hydrogel fabrication limitations constrain most studies to macroscale hydrogel scaffolds encapsulating millions of cells. These macroscale materials possess regions of heterogeneous photopolymerization conditions and are therefore poor platforms to identify the response of individual cells to encapsulation. Recently, microfluidic droplet-based hydrogel miniaturization and cell encapsulation offers high-throughput, reproducible, and continuous fabrication. Reports of post-encapsulation cell viability, however, vary widely among specific techniques. Furthermore, different cell types often exhibit different level of tolerance to photoencapsulation-induced toxicity. Accordingly, we evaluate the cellular tolerance of various encapsulation techniques and photopolymerization parameters for four mammalian cell types, with potential applications in tissue regeneration, using polyethylene glycol diacrylate or polyethylene glycol norbornene (PEGNB) hydrogels on micro- and macro-length scales. We found PEGNB provides excellent cellular tolerance and supports long-term cell survival by mitigating the deleterious effects of acrylate photopolymerization, which are exacerbated at diminishing volumes. PEGNB, therefore, is an excellent candidate for hydrogel miniaturization. PEGNB hydrogel properties, however, were found to have variable effects on encapsulating different cell candidates. This study could provide guidance for cell encapsulation practices in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongliang Jiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, United States of America
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Li W, Zhang L, Ge X, Xu B, Zhang W, Qu L, Choi CH, Xu J, Zhang A, Lee H, Weitz DA. Microfluidic fabrication of microparticles for biomedical applications. Chem Soc Rev 2018; 47:5646-5683. [PMID: 29999050 PMCID: PMC6140344 DOI: 10.1039/c7cs00263g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 294] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics offers exquisite control over the flows of multiple fluids in microscale, enabling fabrication of advanced microparticles with precisely tunable structures and compositions in a high throughput manner. The combination of these remarkable features with proper materials and fabrication methods has enabled high efficiency, direct encapsulation of actives in microparticles whose features and functionalities can be well controlled. These microparticles have great potential in a wide range of bio-related applications including drug delivery, cell-laden matrices, biosensors and even as artificial cells. In this review, we briefly summarize the materials, fabrication methods, and microparticle structures produced with droplet microfluidics. We also provide a comprehensive overview of their recent uses in biomedical applications. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges and perspectives to promote the future development of these engineered microparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Polymer Materials, Shanghai University, 333 Nanchen Street, Shanghai 200444, China.
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LeValley PJ, Noren B, Kharkar PM, Kloxin AM, Gatlin JC, Oakey JS. Fabrication of Functional Biomaterial Microstructures by in Situ Photopolymerization and Photodegradation. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2018; 4:3078-3087. [PMID: 31984222 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The in situ fabrication of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel microstructures within poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based microfluidic networks is a versatile technique that has enabled unique applications in biosensing, medical diagnostics, and the fundamental life sciences. Hydrogel structures have previously been patterned by the lithographic photopolymerization of PEGDA hydrogel forming solutions, a process that is confounded by oxygen-permeable PDMS. Here, we introduce an alternate PEG patterning technique that relies upon the optical sculpting of features by patterned light-induced erosion of photodegradable PEGDA deemed negative projection lithography. We quantitatively compared the hydrogel micropatterning fidelity of negative projection lithography to positive projection lithography, using traditional PEGDA photopolymerization, within PDMS devices. We found that the channel depth, the local oxygen atmosphere, and the UV exposure time dictated the size and resolution of hydrogel features formed using positive projection lithography. In contrast, negative projection lithography was observed to deliver high-resolution functional features with dimensions on the order of single micrometers enabled by its facilely controlled mechanism of feature formation that is insensitive to oxygen. Next, the utility of photodegradable PEGDA was further assessed by encapsulating or conjugating bioactive molecules within photodegradable PEG matrixes to provide a route to the formation of complex and dynamically reconfigurable chemical microenvironments. Finally, we demonstrated that negative projection lithography enabled photopatterning of multilayered microscale objects without the need for precise mask alignment. The described approach for photopatterning high-resolution photolabile hydrogel microstructures directly within PDMS microchannels could enable novel microsystems of increasing complexity and sophistication for a variety of clinical and biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige J LeValley
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| | - Ben Noren
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| | - Prathamesh M Kharkar
- Department of Biomolecular and Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - April M Kloxin
- Department of Biomolecular and Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Jesse C Gatlin
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| | - John S Oakey
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
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Zhu P, Gu Z, Hong S, Lian H. Preparation and characterization of microencapsulated LDHs with melamine-formaldehyde resin and its flame retardant application in epoxy resin. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.4323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhu
- College of Materials Science and Technology; Nanjing Forestry University; Nanjing 210037 China
| | - Zhongji Gu
- College of Materials Science and Technology; Nanjing Forestry University; Nanjing 210037 China
| | - Shu Hong
- College of Materials Science and Technology; Nanjing Forestry University; Nanjing 210037 China
| | - Hailan Lian
- College of Materials Science and Technology; Nanjing Forestry University; Nanjing 210037 China
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40
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Pajoumshariati SR, Azizi M, Wesner D, Miller PG, Shuler ML, Abbaspourrad A. Microfluidic-Based Cell-Embedded Microgels Using Nonfluorinated Oil as a Model for the Gastrointestinal Niche. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:9235-9246. [PMID: 29474057 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b16916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic-based cell encapsulation has promising potential in therapeutic applications. It also provides a unique approach for studying cellular dynamics and interactions, though this concept has not yet been fully explored. No in vitro model currently exists that allows us to study the interaction between crypt cells and Peyer's patch immune cells because of the difficulty in recreating, with sufficient control, the two different microenvironments in the intestine in which these cell types belong. However, we demonstrate that a microfluidic technique is able to provide such precise control and that these cells can proliferate inside microgels. Current microfluidic-based cell microencapsulation techniques primarily use fluorinated oils. Herein, we study the feasibility and biocompatibility of different nonfluorinated oils for application in gastrointestinal cell encapsulation and further introduce a model for studying intercellular chemical interactions with this approach. Our results demonstrate that cell viability is more affected by the solidification and purification processes that occur after droplet formation rather than the oil type used for the carrier phase. Specifically, a shorter polymer cross-linking time and consequently lower cell exposure to the harsh environment (e.g., acidic pH) results in a high cell viability of over 90% within the protected microgels. Using nonfluorinated oils, we propose a model system demonstrating the interplay between crypt and Peyer's patch cells using this microfluidic approach to separately encapsulate the cells inside distinct alginate/gelatin microgels, which allow for intercellular chemical communication. We observed that the coculture of crypt cells alongside Peyer's patch immune cells improves the growth of healthy organoids inside these microgels, which contain both differentiated and undifferentiated cells over 21 days of coculture. These results indicate the possibility of using droplet-based microfluidics for culturing organoids to expand their applicability in clinical research.
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Chen J, Huang K, Chen Q, Deng C, Zhang J, Zhong Z. Tailor-Making Fluorescent Hyaluronic Acid Microgels via Combining Microfluidics and Photoclick Chemistry for Sustained and Localized Delivery of Herceptin in Tumors. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:3929-3937. [PMID: 29302970 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b15832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Antibody therapeutics, though representing a most used biomedicine, suffers from poor in vivo stability, rapid degradation, and frequent injections. Here, we report that fluorescent hyaluronic acid microgels (HMGs) tailor-made by combining microfluidics and "tetrazole-alkene" photoclick chemistry enable sustained and localized delivery of Herceptin in ovarian tumors. HMGs were obtained with a defined size (25-50 μm), narrow size distribution, high stability, and strong green fluorescence. Notably, HMGs exhibited a remarkably high loading of proteins such as Herceptin and IgG with a loading efficiency exceeding 90% at a theoretical protein-loading content of 30 wt %. In vitro protein release experiments revealed a sustained and hyaluronidase (HAase)-dependent release of Herceptin from HMGs, in which 80.6% of Herceptin was released at 1 U/mL HAase in 10 days. The released Herceptin maintained its secondary structure and antitumor activity. In vivo imaging results demonstrated obviously better tumoral retention for Cy5-labeled Herceptin-loaded HMGs following subcutaneous (sc) injection than for the free-protein counterpart. Interestingly, sc injection of the Herceptin-loaded HMGs into SKOV-3 human ovarian tumor-bearing nude mice at a dose of 30 mg Herceptin equiv/kg induced nearly complete tumor suppression, which was significantly more effective than the sc or systemic injection of free Herceptin. These tailor-made fluorescent HMGs appeared as a robust injectable platform for sustained and localized delivery of therapeutic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University , Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Huang
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University , Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Qijun Chen
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University , Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Deng
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University , Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University , Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhong
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University , Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
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Zhang Y, Liao K, Li C, Lai ACK, Foo JJ, Chan V. Progress in Integrative Biomaterial Systems to Approach Three-Dimensional Cell Mechanotransduction. Bioengineering (Basel) 2017; 4:E72. [PMID: 28952551 PMCID: PMC5615318 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering4030072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanotransduction between cells and the extracellular matrix regulates major cellular functions in physiological and pathological situations. The effect of mechanical cues on biochemical signaling triggered by cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions on model biomimetic surfaces has been extensively investigated by a combination of fabrication, biophysical, and biological methods. To simulate the in vivo physiological microenvironment in vitro, three dimensional (3D) microstructures with tailored bio-functionality have been fabricated on substrates of various materials. However, less attention has been paid to the design of 3D biomaterial systems with geometric variances, such as the possession of precise micro-features and/or bio-sensing elements for probing the mechanical responses of cells to the external microenvironment. Such precisely engineered 3D model experimental platforms pave the way for studying the mechanotransduction of multicellular aggregates under controlled geometric and mechanical parameters. Concurrently with the progress in 3D biomaterial fabrication, cell traction force microscopy (CTFM) developed in the field of cell biophysics has emerged as a highly sensitive technique for probing the mechanical stresses exerted by cells onto the opposing deformable surface. In the current work, we first review the recent advances in the fabrication of 3D micropatterned biomaterials which enable the seamless integration with experimental cell mechanics in a controlled 3D microenvironment. Then, we discuss the role of collective cell-cell interactions in the mechanotransduction of engineered tissue equivalents determined by such integrative biomaterial systems under simulated physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, UAE.
| | - Kin Liao
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, UAE.
| | - Chuan Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Alvin C K Lai
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Ji-Jinn Foo
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Vincent Chan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, UAE.
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Recent development in cell encapsulations and their therapeutic applications. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017; 77:1247-1260. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2017.04.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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44
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Xia B, Jiang Z, Debroy D, Li D, Oakey J. Cytocompatible cell encapsulation via hydrogel photopolymerization in microfluidic emulsion droplets. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2017; 11:044102. [PMID: 28794813 PMCID: PMC5507704 DOI: 10.1063/1.4993122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Encapsulating cells within biocompatible materials is a widely pursued and promising element of tissue engineering and cell-based therapies. Recently, extensive interest in microfluidic-enabled cell encapsulation has emerged as a strategy to structure hydrogels and establish custom cellular microenvironments. In particular, it has been shown that the microfluidic-enabled photoencapsulation of cells within PEG diacrylate (PEGDA)-based microparticles can be performed cytocompatibly within gas-permeable, nitrogen-jacketed polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic devices, which mitigate the oxygen inhibition of radical chain growth photopolymerization. Compared to bulk polymerization, in which cells are suspended in a static hydrogel-forming solution during gelation, encapsulating cells via microfluidic processing exposes cells to a host of potentially deleterious stresses such as fluidic shear rate, transient oxygen depletion, elevated pressures, and UV exposure. In this work, we systematically examine the effects of these factors on the viability of cells that have been microfluidically photoencapsulated in PEGDA. It was found that the fluidic shear rate during microdroplet formation did not have a direct effect on cell viability, but the flow rate ratio of oil to aqueous solution would impart harmful effects to cells when a critical threshold was exceeded. The effects of UV exposure time and intensity on cells, however, are more complex, as they contribute unequally to the cumulative rate of peroxy radical generation, which is strongly correlated with cell viability. A reaction-diffusion model has been developed to calculate the cumulative peroxy radical concentration over a range of UV light intensity and radiation times, which was used to gain further quantitative understanding of experimental results. Conclusions drawn from this work provide a comprehensive guide to mitigate the physical and biochemical damage imparted to cells during microfluidic photoencapsulation and expands the potential for this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingzhao Xia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA
| | - Zhongliang Jiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA
| | - Daniel Debroy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA
| | - John Oakey
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA
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Kayabolen A, Keskin D, Aykan A, Karslıoglu Y, Zor F, Tezcaner A. Native extracellular matrix/fibroin hydrogels for adipose tissue engineering with enhanced vascularization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 12:035007. [PMID: 28361795 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/aa6a63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adipose tissue engineering is a promising field for regeneration of soft tissue defects. However, vascularization is needed since nutrients and oxygen cannot reach cells in thick implants by diffusion. Obtaining a biocompatible scaffold with good mechanical properties is another problem. In this study, we aimed to develop thick and vascularized adipose tissue constructs supporting cell viability and adipose tissue regeneration. Hydrogels were prepared by mixing rat decellularized adipose tissue (DAT) and silk fibroin (Fib) at different v/v ratios (3:1, 1:1 and 1:3) and vortexing. Gelation times decreased with increasing fibroin ratio Among hydrogel groups 1:3-DAT:Fib ratio group showed similar mechanical properties with adipose tissue. Both pre-adipocytes and pre-endothelial cells, pre-differentiated from adipose derived stem cells (ASCs), were encapsulated in hydrogels at a 1: 3 ratio. In vitro analyses showed that hydrogels with 1:3 (v/v) DAT:Fib ratio supported better cell viability. Pre-adipocytes had lipid vesicles, and pre-endothelial cells formed tubular structures inside hydrogels only after 3 days in vitro. When endothelial and adipogenic pre-differentiated ASCs (for 7 days before encapsulation) were encapsulated together into 1:3-DAT:Fib hydrogels both cell types continued to differentiate into the committed cell lineage. Vascularization process in the hydrogels implanted with adipogenic and endothelial pre-differentiated ASCs took place between the first and second week after implantation which was faster than observed in the empty hydrogels. ASCs pre-differentiated towards adipogenic lineage inside hydrogels had begun to accumulate lipid vesicles after 1 week of subcutaneous implantation Based on these results, we suggest that 1:3-DAT:Fib hydrogels with enhanced vascularization hold promise for adipose tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisan Kayabolen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Turkey
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