Biomaterial-based strategies for in vitro neural models

Preparation and Mechano-Functional Characterization of PEGylated Fibrin Hydrogels: Impact of Thrombin Concentration

Three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cultures grown in hydrogels are promising platforms to design brain-like neuronal networks in vitro. However, the optimal properties of such cultures must be tuned to ensure a hydrogel matrix sufficiently porous to promote healthy development but also sufficiently rigid for structural support. Such an optimization is difficult since it implies the exploration of different hydrogel compositions and, at the same time, a functional analysis to validate neuronal culture viability. To advance in this quest, here we present a combination of a rheological protocol and a network-based functional analysis to investigate PEGylated fibrin hydrogel networks with gradually higher stiffness, achieved by increasing the concentration of thrombin. We observed that moderate thrombin concentrations of 10% and 25% in volume shaped healthy networks, although the functional traits depended on the hydrogel stiffness, which was much higher for the latter concentration. Thrombin concentrations of 65% or higher led to networks that did not survive. Our results illustrate the difficulties and limitations in preparing 3D neuronal networks, and stress the importance of combining a mechano-structural characterization of a biomaterial with a functional one.

Electroconductive Collagen-Carbon Nanodots Nanocomposite Elicits Neurite Outgrowth, Supports Neurogenic Differentiation and Accelerates Electrophysiological Maturation of Neural Progenitor Spheroids

Neuronal disorders are characterized by the loss of functional neurons and disrupted neuroanatomical connectivity, severely impacting the quality of life of patients. This study investigates a novel electroconductive nanocomposite consisting of glycine-derived carbon nanodots (GlyCNDs) incorporated into a collagen matrix and validates its beneficial physicochemical and electro-active cueing to relevant cells. To this end, this work employs mouse induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural progenitor (NP) spheroids. The findings reveal that the nanocomposite markedly augmented neuronal differentiation in NP spheroids and stimulate neuritogenesis. In addition, this work demonstrates that the biomaterial-driven enhancements of the cellular response ultimately contribute to the development of highly integrated and functional neural networks. Lastly, acute dizocilpine (MK-801) treatment provides new evidence for a direct interaction between collagen-bound GlyCNDs and postsynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, thereby suggesting a potential mechanism underlying the observed cellular events. In summary, the findings establish a foundation for the development of a new nanocomposite resulting from the integration of carbon nanomaterials within a clinically approved hydrogel, toward an effective biomaterial-based strategy for addressing neuronal disorders by restoring damaged/lost neurons and supporting the reestablishment of neuroanatomical connectivity.

Role of Biomaterials in the Development of Epithelial Support in 3D In Vitro Airway Epithelium Development: A Systematic Review

Respiratory diseases have a major impact on global health. The airway epithelium, which acts as a frontline defence, is one of the most common targets for inhaled allergens, irritants, or micro-organisms to enter the respiratory system. In the tissue engineering field, biomaterials play a crucial role. Due to the continuing high impact of respiratory diseases on society and the emergence of new respiratory viruses, in vitro airway epithelial models with high microphysiological similarities that are also easily adjustable to replicate disease models are urgently needed to better understand those diseases. Thus, the development of biomaterial scaffolds for the airway epithelium is important due to their function as a cell-support device in which cells are seeded in vitro and then are encouraged to lay down a matrix to form the foundations of a tissue for transplantation. Studies conducted in in vitro models are necessary because they accelerate the development of new treatments. Moreover, in comparatively controlled conditions, in vitro models allow for the stimulation of complex interactions between cells, scaffolds, and growth factors. Based on recent studies, the biomaterial scaffolds that have been tested in in vitro models appear to be viable options for repairing the airway epithelium and avoiding any complications. This review discusses the role of biomaterial scaffolds in in vitro airway epithelium models. The effects of scaffold, physicochemical, and mechanical properties in recent studies were also discussed.

Rheological Characterization of Three-Dimensional Neuronal Cultures Embedded in PEGylated Fibrin Hydrogels

Three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cultures are valuable models for studying brain complexity in vitro, and the choice of the bulk material in which the neurons grow is a crucial factor in establishing successful cultures. Indeed, neuronal development and network functionality are influenced by the mechanical properties of the selected material; in turn, these properties may change due to neuron-matrix interactions that alter the microstructure of the material. To advance our understanding of the interplay between neurons and their environment, here we utilized a PEGylated fibrin hydrogel as a scaffold for mouse primary neuronal cultures and carried out a rheological characterization of the scaffold over a three-week period, both with and without cells. We observed that the hydrogels exhibited an elastic response that could be described in terms of the Young's modulus E. The hydrogels without neurons procured a stable E≃420 Pa, while the neuron-laden hydrogels showed a higher E≃590 Pa during the early stages of development that decreased to E≃340 Pa at maturer stages. Our results suggest that neurons and their processes dynamically modify the hydrogel structure during development, potentially compromising both the stability of the material and the functional traits of the developing neuronal network.

Naturally and chemically acetylated polysaccharides: Structural characteristics, synthesis, activities, and applications in the delivery system: A review

Acetylated polysaccharides refer to polysaccharides containing acetyl groups on sugar units. In the past, the acetylation modification of wall polysaccharides has been a hot research topic for scientists. However, in recent years, many studies have reported that acetylation-modified plant, animal, and microbial polysaccharide show great potential in delivery systems. From the latest perspective, this review systematically presents the different sources of naturally acetylated polysaccharides, the regularity of their modification, the chemical preparation of acetylation modifications, the biological activities and functions of acetylated polysaccharides, and the application in the delivery system. In nature, acetylated polysaccharides are extensively distributed in plants, microorganism, and animals. The level of acetylation modification, the distribution of chains, and the locations of acetylation modification sites differ between species. An increasing number of acetylated polysaccharides were prepared in the aqueous medium, which is safe, environment friendly, and low-cost. In addition to being necessary for plant growth and development, acetylated polysaccharides have immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The above-mentioned multiple sources, multifunctional and multi-active acetylated polysaccharides, make them an increasingly important part of delivery systems. We conclude by discussing the future directions for research and development and the potential uses for acetylated polysaccharides.

Neuronal and glial cell co-culture organization and impedance spectroscopy on nanocolumnar TiN films for lab-on-a-chip devices

Lab-on-a-chip devices, such as multielectrode arrays (MEAs), offer great advantages to study function and behavior of biological cells, such as neurons, outside the complex tissue structure. Nevertheless, in vitro systems can only succeed if they represent realistic conditions such as cell organization as similarly found in tissues. In our study, we employ a co-culture system of neuron-like (SH-SY5Y) and glial-like (U-87 MG) cells with various neuron-glial ratios to model different brain regions with different cellular compositions in vitro. We find that cell behavior in terms of cellular organization, as well as proliferation, depends on neuron-glial cell ratio, as well as the underlying substrate material. In fact, nanocolumnar titanium nitride (TiN nano), which exhibits improved electric properties for neural recording on MEA, shows improved biocompatible features compared to indium tin oxide (ITO). Moreover, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments allow us to monitor cellular processes label-free in real-time over several days with multielectrode arrays. Additionally, electrochemical impedance experiments reveal superiority of TiN with nanocolumnar surface modification in comparison with ITO. TiN nano exhibits enhanced relative cell signals and improved signal-to-noise ratio, especially for smaller electrode sizes, which makes nanocolumnar TiN a promising candidate for research on neural recording and stimulation.