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Mougkogiannis P, Adamatzky A. Learning in ensembles of proteinoid microspheres. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230936. [PMID: 37830018 PMCID: PMC10565364 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Proteinoids are thermal proteins which form microspheres in water in the presence of salt. Ensembles of proteinoid microspheres exhibit passive nonlinear electrical properties and active neuron-like spiking of electrical potential. We propose that various neuromorphic computing architectures can be prototyped from the proteinoid microspheres. A key feature of a neuromorphic system is a learning. Through the use of optical and resistance measurements, we study mechanisms of learning in ensembles of proteinoid microspheres. We analyse 16 types of proteinoids study and their intrinsic morphology and electrical properties. We demonstrate that proteinoids can learn, memorize and habituate, making them a promising candidate for novel computing.
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Garrudo FFF, Linhardt RJ, Ferreira FC, Morgado J. Designing Electrical Stimulation Platforms for Neural Cell Cultivation Using Poly(aniline): Camphorsulfonic Acid. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2674. [PMID: 37376320 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical stimulation is a powerful strategy to improve the differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons. Such an approach can be implemented, in association with biomaterials and nanotechnology, for the development of new therapies for neurological diseases, including direct cell transplantation and the development of platforms for drug screening and disease progression evaluation. Poly(aniline):camphorsulfonic acid (PANI:CSA) is one of the most well-studied electroconductive polymers, capable of directing an externally applied electrical field to neural cells in culture. There are several examples in the literature on the development of PANI:CSA-based scaffolds and platforms for electrical stimulation, but no review has examined the fundamentals and physico-chemical determinants of PANI:CSA for the design of platforms for electrical stimulation. This review evaluates the current literature regarding the application of electrical stimulation to neural cells, specifically reviewing: (1) the fundamentals of bioelectricity and electrical stimulation; (2) the use of PANI:CSA-based systems for electrical stimulation of cell cultures; and (3) the development of scaffolds and setups to support the electrical stimulation of cells. Throughout this work, we critically evaluate the revised literature and provide a steppingstone for the clinical application of the electrical stimulation of cells using electroconductive PANI:CSA platforms/scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio F F Garrudo
- Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Robert J Linhardt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Biology and Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Frederico Castelo Ferreira
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge Morgado
- Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
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3
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Cuenca-Ortolá I, Martínez-Rojas B, Moreno-Manzano V, García Castelló M, Monleón Pradas M, Martínez-Ramos C, Más Estellés J. A Strategy for Magnetic and Electric Stimulation to Enhance Proliferation and Differentiation of NPCs Seeded over PLA Electrospun Membranes. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2736. [PMID: 36359255 PMCID: PMC9687775 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) have been shown to serve as an efficient therapeutic strategy in different cell therapy approaches, including spinal cord injury treatment. Despite the reported beneficial effects of NPC transplantation, the low survival and differentiation rates constrain important limitations. Herein, a new methodology has been developed to overcome both limitations by applying a combination of wireless electrical and magnetic stimulation to NPCs seeded on aligned poly(lactic acid) nanofibrous scaffolds for in vitro cell conditioning prior transplantation. Two stimulation patterns were tested and compared, continuous (long stimulus applied once a day) and intermittent (short stimulus applied three times a day). The results show that applied continuous stimulation promotes NPC proliferation and preferential differentiation into oligodendrocytic and neuronal lineages. A neural-like phenotypic induction was observed when compared to unstimulated NPCs. In contrast, intermittent stimulation patterns did not affect NPC proliferation and differentiation to oligodendrocytes or astrocytes morphology with a detrimental effect on neuronal differentiation. This study provides a new approach of using a combination of electric and magnetic stimulation to induce proliferation and further neuronal differentiation, which would improve therapy outcomes in disorders such as spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Cuenca-Ortolá
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martínez-Rojas
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Victoria Moreno-Manzano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marcos García Castelló
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Monleón Pradas
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, CIBER-BBN, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Martínez-Ramos
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Universitat Jaume I, Avda/Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Jorge Más Estellés
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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4
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The impact of electroconductive multifunctional composite nanofibrous scaffold on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Tissue Cell 2022; 78:101899. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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5
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Tsui CT, Lal P, Fox KVR, Churchward MA, Todd KG. The effects of electrical stimulation on glial cell behaviour. BMC Biomed Eng 2022; 4:7. [PMID: 36057631 PMCID: PMC9441051 DOI: 10.1186/s42490-022-00064-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural interface devices interact with the central nervous system (CNS) to substitute for some sort of functional deficit and improve quality of life for persons with disabilities. Design of safe, biocompatible neural interface devices is a fast-emerging field of neuroscience research. Development of invasive implant materials designed to directly interface with brain or spinal cord tissue has focussed on mitigation of glial scar reactivity toward the implant itself, but little exists in the literature that directly documents the effects of electrical stimulation on glial cells. In this review, a survey of studies documenting such effects has been compiled and categorized based on the various types of stimulation paradigms used and their observed effects on glia. A hybrid neuroscience cell biology-engineering perspective is offered to highlight considerations that must be made in both disciplines in the development of a safe implant. To advance knowledge on how electrical stimulation affects glia, we also suggest experiments elucidating electrochemical reactions that may occur as a result of electrical stimulation and how such reactions may affect glia. Designing a biocompatible stimulation paradigm should be a forefront consideration in the development of a device with improved safety and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Tsui
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2V2, Canada
| | - Preet Lal
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Katelyn V R Fox
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Matthew A Churchward
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada.,Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Concordia University of Edmonton, Edmonton, AB, T5B 4E4, Canada
| | - Kathryn G Todd
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada. .,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2V2, Canada.
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O’Hara-Wright M, Mobini S, Gonzalez-Cordero A. Bioelectric Potential in Next-Generation Organoids: Electrical Stimulation to Enhance 3D Structures of the Central Nervous System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:901652. [PMID: 35656553 PMCID: PMC9152151 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.901652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cell-derived organoid models of the central nervous system represent one of the most exciting areas in in vitro tissue engineering. Classically, organoids of the brain, retina and spinal cord have been generated via recapitulation of in vivo developmental cues, including biochemical and biomechanical. However, a lesser studied cue, bioelectricity, has been shown to regulate central nervous system development and function. In particular, electrical stimulation of neural cells has generated some important phenotypes relating to development and differentiation. Emerging techniques in bioengineering and biomaterials utilise electrical stimulation using conductive polymers. However, state-of-the-art pluripotent stem cell technology has not yet merged with this exciting area of bioelectricity. Here, we discuss recent findings in the field of bioelectricity relating to the central nervous system, possible mechanisms, and how electrical stimulation may be utilised as a novel technique to engineer “next-generation” organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle O’Hara-Wright
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Sahba Mobini
- Instituto de Micro y Nanotecnología, IMN-CNM, CSIC (CEI UAM + CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Anai Gonzalez-Cordero,
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Su Y, Toftdal MS, Le Friec A, Dong M, Han X, Chen M. 3D Electrospun Synthetic Extracellular Matrix for Tissue Regeneration. SMALL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202100003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yingchun Su
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin 150001 China
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering Aarhus University DK-8000 Aarhus C Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) Aarhus University DK-8000 Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Mette Steen Toftdal
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering Aarhus University DK-8000 Aarhus C Denmark
- Stem Cell Delivery and Pharmacology Novo Nordisk A/S DK-2760 Måløv Denmark
| | - Alice Le Friec
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering Aarhus University DK-8000 Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Mingdong Dong
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) Aarhus University DK-8000 Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Xiaojun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin 150001 China
| | - Menglin Chen
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering Aarhus University DK-8000 Aarhus C Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) Aarhus University DK-8000 Aarhus C Denmark
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Fernandes DC, Reis RL, Oliveira JM. Advances in 3D neural, vascular and neurovascular models for drug testing and regenerative medicine. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:754-768. [PMID: 33202252 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clinical trials continue to fall short regarding drugs to effectively treat brain-affecting diseases. Although there are many causes of these shortcomings, the most relevant are the inability of most therapeutic agents to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the failure to translate effects from animal models to patients. In this review, we analyze the most recent developments in BBB, neural, and neurovascular models, analyzing their impact on the drug development process by considering their quantitative and phenotypical characterization. We offer a perspective of the state-of-the-art of the models that could revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo C Fernandes
- 3Bs Research Group, I3B's - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - Portuguese Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3Bs Research Group, I3B's - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - Portuguese Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - J Miguel Oliveira
- 3Bs Research Group, I3B's - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - Portuguese Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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9
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Xing W, Cai M, Li C, Nie Z, Tang W. Computed Tomography Image Analysis of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis with Different Radiologic Characteristics Based on Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm. World Neurosurg 2020; 149:372-379. [PMID: 33059084 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To use computed tomography image analysis of iterative reconstruction algorithm to understand effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of quadriceps on motor function rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty. METHODS After total knee arthroplasty, 104 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The treatment group comprised 52 patients. The quadriceps femoris was stimulated by neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and patients were required to actively extend the knee along with the current stimulation. In the second group, which received cutaneous nerve electrical stimulation, 2 sets of electrodes were placed on knee pain points. All patients participated in conventional rehabilitation and were discharged from the hospital a mean 14.89 ± 3.65 days after treatment. Visual analog scale, range of motion of knee joint, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score were evaluated before discharge. The mean interval between follow-up evaluations after discharge was 9.5 months. Knee Society Score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score were assessed during follow-up. RESULTS Visual analog scale scores of treatment and control groups at discharge were 18.11 ± 9.66 and 16.13 ± 4.25, and active range of motion of the knee joint was 103.21° ± 15.44° and (99.21° ± 15.19°, respectively. Limitation of active knee extension in the treatment group was 1.93° ± 3.47°, which was significantly smaller than in the control group (6.26° ± 4.28°). CONCLUSIONS Neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscle early after total knee arthroplasty helps to improve the function of the knee extension device and accelerate functional rehabilitation. Computed tomography has found that changes in tibial subchondral bone plate and subchondral cancellous bone in patients with knee osteoarthritis are mainly due to destruction of ultrastructural homeostasis. This change may be the cause of knee osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijin Xing
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Mubin Cai
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Chuanzi Li
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Zhongshi Nie
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Wencai Tang
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
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Ranjan VD, Qiu L, Lee JWL, Chen X, Jang SE, Chai C, Lim KL, Tan EK, Zhang Y, Huang WM, Zeng L. A microfiber scaffold-based 3D in vitro human neuronal culture model of Alzheimer's disease. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:4861-4874. [PMID: 32789337 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm00833h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates superiority of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cell culture systems over conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures in mimicking native in vivo microenvironments. Tissue-engineered 3D culture models combined with stem cell technologies have advanced Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis studies. However, existing 3D neuronal models of AD overexpress mutant genes or have heterogeneities in composition, biological properties and cell differentiation stages. Here, we encapsulate patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived neural progenitor cells (NPC) in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microtopographic scaffolds fabricated via wet electrospinning to develop a novel 3D culture model of AD. First, we enhanced cellular infiltration and distribution inside the scaffold by optimizing various process parameters such as fiber diameter, pore size, porosity and hydrophilicity. Next, we compared key neural stem cell features including viability, proliferation and differentiation in 3D culture with 2D monolayer controls. The 3D microfibrous substrate reduces cell proliferation and significantly accelerates neuronal differentiation within seven days of culture. Furthermore, 3D culture spontaneously enhanced pathogenic amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) and phospho-tau levels in differentiated neurons carrying familial AD (FAD) mutations, compared with age-matched healthy controls. Overall, our tunable scaffold-based 3D neuronal culture platform serves as a suitable in vitro model that robustly recapitulates and accelerates the pathogenic characteristics of FAD-iPSC derived neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Damodar Ranjan
- NTU Institute for Health Technologies, Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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Seiti M, Ginestra P, Ferraro RM, Ceretti E, Ferraris E. Nebulized jet-based printing of bio-electrical scaffolds for neural tissue engineering: a feasibility study. Biofabrication 2020; 12:025024. [PMID: 32000155 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab71e0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In this paper we investigate the application of a direct writing technique for printing conductive patterns onto a biocompatible electrospun-pyrolysed carbon-fibre-based substrate. The result is a first study towards the production of bio-electrical scaffolds that could be used to enhance the promotion of efficient connections among neurons for in vitro studies in the field of neural tissue engineering. An electrospinning process is employed for production of the materials derived from the precursor polyacrylonitrile, in which the embedding of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is also investigated. Subsequently, the methodology of research into suitable parameters for the printed electronics, using a commercial silver nanoparticle (Øavg,particle size ∼ 100 nm) ink, is described. The results show values of 2 Ω cm for the resistivity of the carbon-fibre materials and conductive printed lines of resistance ∼50 Ω on glass and less than ∼140 Ω on carbon-fibre samples. Biocompatibility results demonstrate the possibility of using electrospun-pyrolysed mats, also with embedded CNTs, as potential neural substrates for spatially localized electrical stimulation across a tissue. In addition, the data concerning the potential toxicity of silver suspensions are in accordance with the literature, showing a dose-dependent behaviour. This work is a pioneering feasibility study of the use of the flexible and versatile printed electronic approach, combined with engineered biocompatible substrates, to realize integrated bio-electrical scaffolds for in vitro neural tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Seiti
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Campus De Nayer, KU Leuven, Belgium. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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12
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Revia RA, Wagner BA, Zhang M. A Portable Electrospinner for Nanofiber Synthesis and Its Application for Cosmetic Treatment of Alopecia. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 9:E1317. [PMID: 31540131 PMCID: PMC6781269 DOI: 10.3390/nano9091317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A portable, handheld electrospinning apparatus is designed and constructed using off-the-shelf components and 3D-printed parts. The portable electrospinner is used to generate nanofibers with diameters ranging from 85 to 600 nm; examination of these fibers is achieved with scanning electron microscopy. This portable electrospinner has similar capabilities to standard stationary benchtop electrospinners in terms of the diversity of polymers the device is able to spin into nanofibers and their resulting size and morphology. However, it provides much more ambulatory flexibility, employs current-limiting measures that allow for safer operation and is cost effective. As a demonstration of the device's unique application space afforded by its portability, the device is applied in direct-to-skin electrospinning to improve the aesthetics of simulated hair loss in a mouse model by electrospinning dyed polyacrylonitrile nanofibers that mimic hair. The superficial nanofiber treatment for thinning hair is able to achieve an improvement in appearance similar to that of a commercially available powder product but outperforms the powder in the nanofiber's superior adherence to the affected area. The portable electrospinning apparatus overcomes many limitations of immobile benchtop electrospinners and holds promise for applications in consumer end-use scenarios such as the treatment of alopecia via cosmetic hair thickening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Revia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Brandon A Wagner
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Miqin Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Ince Yardimci A, Baskan O, Yilmaz S, Mese G, Ozcivici E, Selamet Y. Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on random and aligned PAN/PPy nanofibrous scaffolds. J Biomater Appl 2019; 34:640-650. [DOI: 10.1177/0885328219865068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Atike Ince Yardimci
- Material Science and Engineering Department, Izmir Institute of Technology – Gulbahce Campus, Urla, Turkey
| | - Oznur Baskan
- Material Science and Engineering Department, Izmir Institute of Technology – Gulbahce Campus, Urla, Turkey
| | - Selahattin Yilmaz
- Material Science and Engineering Department, Izmir Institute of Technology – Gulbahce Campus, Urla, Turkey
| | - Gulistan Mese
- Material Science and Engineering Department, Izmir Institute of Technology – Gulbahce Campus, Urla, Turkey
| | - Engin Ozcivici
- Material Science and Engineering Department, Izmir Institute of Technology – Gulbahce Campus, Urla, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Selamet
- Material Science and Engineering Department, Izmir Institute of Technology – Gulbahce Campus, Urla, Turkey
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Price JC, Levett SJ, Radu V, Simpson DA, Barcons AM, Adams CF, Mather ML. Quantum Sensing in a Physiological-Like Cell Niche Using Fluorescent Nanodiamonds Embedded in Electrospun Polymer Nanofibers. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1900455. [PMID: 31012244 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201900455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent nanodiamonds (fNDs) containing nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers are promising candidates for quantum sensing in biological environments. This work describes the fabrication and implementation of electrospun poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanofibers embedded with fNDs for optical quantum sensing in an environment, which recapitulates the nanoscale architecture and topography of the cell niche. A protocol that produces uniformly dispersed fNDs within electrospun nanofibers is demonstrated and the resulting fibers are characterized using fluorescent microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) and longitudinal spin relaxometry results for fNDs and embedded fNDs are compared. A new approach for fast detection of time varying magnetic fields external to the fND embedded nanofibers is demonstrated. ODMR spectra are successfully acquired from a culture of live differentiated neural stem cells functioning as a connected neural network grown on fND embedded nanofibers. This work advances the current state of the art in quantum sensing by providing a versatile sensing platform that can be tailored to produce physiological-like cell niches to replicate biologically relevant growth environments and fast measurement protocols for the detection of co-ordinated endogenous signals from clinically relevant populations of electrically active neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C Price
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Simon J Levett
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Valentin Radu
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - David A Simpson
- School of Physics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Aina Mogas Barcons
- School of Life Sciences, Huxley Building, Keele University, Keele, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Christopher F Adams
- School of Life Sciences, Huxley Building, Keele University, Keele, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Melissa L Mather
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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15
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The incorporation and controlled release of dopamine from a sulfonated β–cyclodextrin–doped conducting polymer. JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10965-019-1733-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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16
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Alegret N, Dominguez-Alfaro A, Mecerreyes D. 3D Scaffolds Based on Conductive Polymers for Biomedical Applications. Biomacromolecules 2018; 20:73-89. [PMID: 30543402 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b01382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
3D scaffolds appear to be a cost-effective ultimate answer for biomedical applications, facilitating rapid results while providing an environment similar to in vivo tissue. These biomaterials offer large surface areas for cell or biomaterial attachment, proliferation, biosensing and drug delivery applications. Among 3D scaffolds, the ones based on conjugated polymers (CPs) and natural nonconductive polymers arranged in a 3D architecture provide tridimensionality to cellular culture along with a high surface area for cell adherence and proliferation as well electrical conductivity for stimulation or sensing. However, the scaffolds must also obey other characteristics: homogeneous porosity, with pore sizes large enough to allow cell penetration and nutrient flow; elasticity and wettability similar to the tissue of implantation; and a suitable composition to enhance cell-matrix interactions. In this Review, we summarize the fabrication methods, characterization techniques and main applications of conductive 3D scaffolds based on conductive polymers. The main barrier in the development of these platforms has been the fabrication and subsequent maintenance of the third dimension due to challenges in the manipulation of conductive polymers. In the last decades, different approaches to overcome these barriers have been developed for the production of conductive 3D scaffolds, demonstrating a huge potential for biomedical purposes. Finally, we present an overview of the emerging strategies developed to manufacture 3D conductive scaffolds, the techniques used to fully characterize them, and the biomedical fields where they have been applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Alegret
- POLYMAT University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , Avenida de Tolosa 72 , 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain.,Cardiovascular Institute, School of Medicine, Division of Cardiology , University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus , 12700 E. 19th Avenue, Building P15 , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - Antonio Dominguez-Alfaro
- POLYMAT University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , Avenida de Tolosa 72 , 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain.,Carbon Nanobiotechnology Group, CIC biomaGUNE , Paseo de Miramón 182 , 2014 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain
| | - David Mecerreyes
- POLYMAT University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , Avenida de Tolosa 72 , 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain.,Ikerasque, Basque Foundation for Science , 48013 Bilbao , Spain
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17
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Alegret N, Dominguez-Alfaro A, González-Domínguez JM, Arnaiz B, Cossío U, Bosi S, Vázquez E, Ramos-Cabrer P, Mecerreyes D, Prato M. Three-Dimensional Conductive Scaffolds as Neural Prostheses Based on Carbon Nanotubes and Polypyrrole. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:43904-43914. [PMID: 30475577 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b16462] [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: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional scaffolds for cellular organization need to enjoy a series of specific properties. On the one hand, the morphology, shape and porosity are critical parameters and eventually related with the mechanical properties. On the other hand, electrical conductivity is an important asset when dealing with electroactive cells, so it is a desirable property even if the conductivity values are not particularly high. Here, we construct three-dimensional (3D) porous and conductive composites, where C8-D1A astrocytic cells were incubated to study their biocompatibility. The manufactured scaffolds are composed exclusively of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a most promising material to interface with neuronal tissue, and polypyrrole (PPy), a conjugated polymer demonstrated to reduce gliosis, improve adaptability, and increase charge-transfer efficiency in brain-machine interfaces. We developed a new and easy strategy, based on the vapor phase polymerization (VPP) technique, where the monomer vapor is polymerized inside a sucrose sacrificial template containing CNT and an oxidizing agent. After removing the sucrose template, a 3D porous scaffold was obtained and its physical, chemical, and electrical properties were evaluated. The obtained scaffold showed very low density, high and homogeneous porosity, electrical conductivity, and Young's Modulus similar to the in vivo tissue. Its high biocompatibility was demonstrated even after 6 days of incubation, thus paving the way for the development of new conductive 3D scaffolds potentially useful in the field of electroactive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Alegret
- Carbon Nanobiotechnology Group , CIC biomaGUNE , Paseo de Miramón 182 , 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain
| | - Antonio Dominguez-Alfaro
- Carbon Nanobiotechnology Group , CIC biomaGUNE , Paseo de Miramón 182 , 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain
- POLYMAT , University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , Avenida de Tolosa 72 , 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain
| | - Jose M González-Domínguez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias y Tecnologías Químicas-IRICA , Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha , 13071 Ciudad Real , Spain
| | - Blanca Arnaiz
- Carbon Nanobiotechnology Group , CIC biomaGUNE , Paseo de Miramón 182 , 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain
| | - Unai Cossío
- Radioimaging and Image Analysis Platform , CIC biomaGUNE , Paseo de Miramón 182 , 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain
| | - Susanna Bosi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences , INSTM. University of Trieste , Via L. Giorgieri 1 , 34127 Trieste , Italy
| | - Ester Vázquez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias y Tecnologías Químicas-IRICA , Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha , 13071 Ciudad Real , Spain
| | - Pedro Ramos-Cabrer
- Radioimaging and Image Analysis Platform , CIC biomaGUNE , Paseo de Miramón 182 , 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain
- Ikerasque , Basque Foundation for Science , 48013 Bilbao , Spain
| | - David Mecerreyes
- POLYMAT , University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , Avenida de Tolosa 72 , 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain
- Ikerasque , Basque Foundation for Science , 48013 Bilbao , Spain
| | - Maurizio Prato
- Carbon Nanobiotechnology Group , CIC biomaGUNE , Paseo de Miramón 182 , 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences , INSTM. University of Trieste , Via L. Giorgieri 1 , 34127 Trieste , Italy
- Ikerasque , Basque Foundation for Science , 48013 Bilbao , Spain
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