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Jang Y, Kang S, Han H, Kang CM, Cho NH, Kim BG. Fibrosis-Encapsulated Tumoroid, A Solid Cancer Assembloid Model for Cancer Research and Drug Screening. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2402391. [PMID: 39233539 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202402391] [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: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Peritumoral fibrosis is known to promote cancer progression and confer treatment resistance in various solid tumors. Consequently, developing accurate cancer research and drug screening models that replicate the structure and function of a fibrosis-surrounded tumor mass is imperative. Previous studies have shown that self-assembly three-dimensional (3D) co-cultures primarily produce cancer-encapsulated fibrosis or maintain a fibrosis-encapsulated tumor mass for a short period, which is inadequate to replicate the function of fibrosis, particularly as a physical barrier. To address this limitation, a multi-layer spheroid formation method is developed to create a fibrosis-encapsulated tumoroid (FET) structure that maintains structural stability for up to 14 days. FETs exhibited faster tumor growth, higher expression of immunosuppressive cytokines, and equal or greater resistance to anticancer drugs compared to their parental tumoroids. Additionally, FETs serve as a versatile model for traditional cancer research, enabling the study of exosomal miRNA and gene functions, as well as for mechanobiology research when combined with alginate hydrogel. Our findings suggest that the FET represents an advanced model that more accurately mimics solid cancer tissue with peritumoral fibrosis. It may show potential superiority over self-assembly-based 3D co-cultures for cancer research and drug screening, and holds promise for personalized drug selection in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonsue Jang
- Department of Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Suki Kang
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunho Han
- Department of Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Moo Kang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Hoon Cho
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Baek Gil Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
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2
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López-Díaz A, Vázquez AS, Vázquez E. Hydrogels in Soft Robotics: Past, Present, and Future. ACS NANO 2024; 18:20817-20826. [PMID: 39099317 PMCID: PMC11328171 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The rise of soft robotics in recent years has motivated significant developments in smart materials (and vice versa), as these materials allow for more compact robotic designs thanks to the embodied intelligence that they provide. Hydrogels have long been postulated as one of the potential candidates to be used in soft robotics due to their softness, elasticity, and smart properties that can be tuned with nanomaterials. However, nowadays they represent only a small percentage of the materials used in the field. In this perspective, the drawbacks that have hindered their utilization so far are analyzed as well as the current state of hydrogel-based soft actuators, sensors, and manufacturing possibilities. The future improvements that need to be made to achieve a real application of hydrogels in soft robotics are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio López-Díaz
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Andrés S Vázquez
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Ester Vázquez
- Instituto Regional de Investigación Científica Aplicada, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias y Tecnologías Químicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
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3
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Tian JS, Tay A. Progress on Electro-Enhancement of Cell Manufacturing. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301281. [PMID: 38059759 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
With the long persistence of complex, chronic diseases in society, there is increasing motivation to develop cells as living medicine to treat diseases ranging from cancer to wounds. While cell therapies can significantly impact healthcare, the shortage of starter cells meant that considerable raw materials must be channeled solely for cell expansion, leading to expensive products with long manufacturing time which can prevent accessibility by patients who either cannot afford the treatment or have highly aggressive diseases and cannot wait that long. Over the last three decades, there has been increasing knowledge on the effects of electrical modulation on proliferation, but to the best of the knowledge, none of these studies went beyond how electro-control of cell proliferation may be extended to enhance industrial scale cell manufacturing. Here, this review is started by discussing the importance of maximizing cell yield during manufacturing before comparing strategies spanning biomolecular/chemical/physical to modulate cell proliferation. Next, the authors describe how factors governing invasive and non-invasive electrical stimulation (ES) including capacitive coupling electric field may be modified to boost cell manufacturing. This review concludes by describing what needs to be urgently performed to bridge the gap between academic investigation of ES to industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Shane Tian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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4
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Li X, Cui Y, He X, Mao L. Hydrogel-Based Systems in Neuro-Vascularized Bone Regeneration: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300484. [PMID: 38241425 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Blood vessels and nerve fibers are distributed throughout the skeletal tissue, which enhance the development and function of each other and have an irreplaceable role in bone formation and remodeling. Despite significant progress in bone tissue engineering, the inadequacy of nerve-vascular network reconstruction remains a major limitation. This is partly due to the difficulty of integrating and regulating multiple tissue types with artificial materials. Thus, understanding the anatomy and underlying coupling mechanisms of blood vessels and nerve fibers within bone to further develop neuro-vascularized bone implant biomaterials is an extremely critical aspect in the field of bone regeneration. Hydrogels have good biocompatibility, controllable mechanical characteristics, and osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, making them important candidates for research related to neuro-vascularized bone regeneration. This review reports the classification and physicochemical properties of hydrogels, with a focus on the application advantages and status of hydrogels for bone regeneration. The authors also highlight the effect of neurovascular coupling on bone repair and regeneration and the necessity of achieving neuro-vascularized bone regeneration. Finally, the recent progress and design strategies of hydrogel-based biomaterials for neuro-vascularized bone regeneration are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Li
- Department of Oral & Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Ya Cui
- Department of Oral & Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Xiaoya He
- Department of Oral & Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Lixia Mao
- Department of Oral & Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200000, China
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5
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Abdel Aziz I, Gladisch J, Musumeci C, Moser M, Griggs S, Kousseff CJ, Berggren M, McCulloch I, Stavrinidou E. Electrochemical modulation of mechanical properties of glycolated polythiophenes. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:2021-2031. [PMID: 38372393 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh01827j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical doping of organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors is key for modulating their conductivity, charge storage and volume enabling high performing bioelectronic devices such as recording and stimulating electrodes, transistors-based sensors and actuators. However, electrochemical doping has not been explored to the same extent for modulating the mechanical properties of OMIECs on demand. Here, we report a qualitative and quantitative study on how the mechanical properties of a glycolated polythiophene, p(g3T2), change in situ during electrochemical doping and de-doping. The Young's modulus of p(g3T2) changes from 69 MPa in the dry state to less than 10 MPa in the hydrated state and then further decreases down to 0.4 MPa when electrochemically doped. With electrochemical doping-dedoping the Young's modulus of p(g3T2) changes by more than one order of magnitude reversibly, representing the largest modulation reported for an OMIEC. Furthermore, we show that the electrolyte concentration affects the magnitude of the change, demonstrating that in less concentrated electrolytes more water is driven into the film due to osmosis and therefore the film becomes softer. Finally, we find that the oligo ethylene glycol side chain functionality, specifically the length and asymmetry, affects the extent of modulation. Our findings show that glycolated polythiophenes are promising materials for mechanical actuators with a tunable modulus similar to the range of biological tissues, thus opening a pathway for new mechanostimulation devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Abdel Aziz
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Norrköping 601 74, Sweden.
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Avenida Tolosa 72, Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa 20018, Spain
| | - Johannes Gladisch
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Norrköping 601 74, Sweden.
| | - Chiara Musumeci
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Norrköping 601 74, Sweden.
| | | | - Sophie Griggs
- Department of Chemistry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Magnus Berggren
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Norrköping 601 74, Sweden.
- Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Norrköping 601 74, Sweden
| | | | - Eleni Stavrinidou
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Norrköping 601 74, Sweden.
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Lee C, Huang HS, Wang YY, Zhang YS, Chakravarthy RD, Yeh MY, Lin HC, Wei J. Stretchable, Adhesive, and Biocompatible Hydrogel Based on Iron-Dopamine Complexes. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4378. [PMID: 38006102 PMCID: PMC10674470 DOI: 10.3390/polym15224378] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels' exceptional mechanical strength and skin-adhesion characteristics offer significant advantages for various applications, particularly in the fields of tissue adhesion and wearable sensors. Herein, we incorporated a combination of metal-coordination and hydrogen-bonding forces in the design of stretchable and adhesive hydrogels. We synthesized four hydrogels, namely PAID-0, PAID-1, PAID-2, and PAID-3, consisting of acrylamide (AAM), N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA), and methacrylic-modified dopamine (DA). The impact of different ratios of iron (III) ions to DA on each hydrogel's performance was investigated. Our results demonstrate that the incorporation of iron-dopamine complexes significantly enhances the mechanical strength of the hydrogel. Interestingly, as the DA content increased, we observed a continuous and substantial improvement in both the stretchability and skin adhesiveness of the hydrogel. Among the hydrogels tested, PAID-3, which exhibited optimal mechanical properties, was selected for adhesion testing on various materials. Impressively, PAID-3 demonstrated excellent adhesion to diverse materials and, combined with the low cytotoxicity of PAID hydrogel, holds great promise as an innovative option for biomedical engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, No. 200, Zhongbei Rd., Zhongli Dist., Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan; (C.L.); (H.-S.H.); (Y.-Y.W.); (Y.-S.Z.)
| | - He-Shin Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, No. 200, Zhongbei Rd., Zhongli Dist., Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan; (C.L.); (H.-S.H.); (Y.-Y.W.); (Y.-S.Z.)
| | - Yun-Ying Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, No. 200, Zhongbei Rd., Zhongli Dist., Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan; (C.L.); (H.-S.H.); (Y.-Y.W.); (Y.-S.Z.)
| | - You-Sheng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, No. 200, Zhongbei Rd., Zhongli Dist., Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan; (C.L.); (H.-S.H.); (Y.-Y.W.); (Y.-S.Z.)
| | - Rajan Deepan Chakravarthy
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001, Daxue Rd., East Dist., Hsinchu City 300093, Taiwan;
| | - Mei-Yu Yeh
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, No. 200, Zhongbei Rd., Zhongli Dist., Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan; (C.L.); (H.-S.H.); (Y.-Y.W.); (Y.-S.Z.)
| | - Hsin-Chieh Lin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 1001, Daxue Rd., East Dist., Hsinchu City 300093, Taiwan;
| | - Jeng Wei
- Heart Center, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, No. 45, Cheng Hsin St., Beitou Dist., Taipei City 112401, Taiwan
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7
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Xu R, Yin P, Wei J, Ding Q. The role of matrix stiffness in breast cancer progression: a review. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1284926. [PMID: 37916166 PMCID: PMC10616305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1284926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The significance of matrix stiffness in cancer development has been investigated in recent years. The gradual elastic force the extracellular matrix imparts to cells, known as matrix stiffness, is one of the most important types of mechanical stimulation. Increased matrix stiffness alters the biological activity of cells, which promotes the growth of numerous malignancies, including breast cancer. Comprehensive studies have demonstrated that increasing matrix stiffness activates molecular signaling pathways that are closely linked to breast cancer progression. There are many articles exploring the relationship between mechanism hardness and breast cancer, so we wanted to provide a systematic summary of recent research advances. In this review, we briefly introduce the mechanism of matrix stiffness in breast cancer, elaborate on the effect of extracellular matrix stiffness on breast cancer biological behavior and signaling pathways, and finally, we will talk about breast cancer treatment that focuses on matrix stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxi Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Yin
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jifu Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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8
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Gan Z, Qin X, Liu H, Liu J, Qin J. Recent advances in defined hydrogels in organoid research. Bioact Mater 2023; 28:386-401. [PMID: 37334069 PMCID: PMC10273284 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Organoids are in vitro model systems that mimic the complexity of organs with multicellular structures and functions, which provide great potential for biomedical and tissue engineering. However, their current formation heavily relies on using complex animal-derived extracellular matrices (ECM), such as Matrigel. These matrices are often poorly defined in chemical components and exhibit limited tunability and reproducibility. Recently, the biochemical and biophysical properties of defined hydrogels can be precisely tuned, offering broader opportunities to support the development and maturation of organoids. In this review, the fundamental properties of ECM in vivo and critical strategies to design matrices for organoid culture are summarized. Two typically defined hydrogels derived from natural and synthetic polymers for their applicability to improve organoids formation are presented. The representative applications of incorporating organoids into defined hydrogels are highlighted. Finally, some challenges and future perspectives are also discussed in developing defined hydrogels and advanced technologies toward supporting organoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiao Gan
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinyuan Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jiayue Liu
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215123, China
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9
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Amirthalingam S, Rajendran AK, Moon YG, Hwang NS. Stimuli-responsive dynamic hydrogels: design, properties and tissue engineering applications. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:3325-3350. [PMID: 37387121 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh00399j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine has been evolving at a rapid pace with numerous novel and interesting biomaterials being reported. Hydrogels have come a long way in this regard and have been proven to be an excellent choice for tissue regeneration. This could be due to their innate properties such as water retention, and ability to carry and deliver a multitude of therapeutic and regenerative elements to aid in better outcomes. Over the past few decades, hydrogels have been developed into an active and attractive system that can respond to various stimuli, thereby presenting a wider control over the delivery of the therapeutic agents to the intended site in a spatiotemporal manner. Researchers have developed hydrogels that respond dynamically to a multitude of external as well as internal stimuli such as mechanics, thermal energy, light, electric field, ultrasonics, tissue pH, and enzyme levels, to name a few. This review gives a brief overview of the recent developments in such hydrogel systems which respond dynamically to various stimuli, some of the interesting fabrication strategies, and their application in cardiac, bone, and neural tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivashanmugam Amirthalingam
- Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Arun Kumar Rajendran
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Gi Moon
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Nathaniel S Hwang
- Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Bio-MAX/N-Bio Institute, Institute of Bio-Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
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10
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Rashid SA, Dong Y, Ogasawara H, Vierengel M, Essien ME, Salaita K. All-Covalent Nuclease-Resistant and Hydrogel-Tethered DNA Hairpin Probes Map pN Cell Traction Forces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:33362-33372. [PMID: 37409737 PMCID: PMC10360067 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c04826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells sense and respond to the physical properties of their environment through receptor-mediated signaling, a process known as mechanotransduction, which can modulate critical cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, and survival. At the molecular level, cell adhesion receptors, such as integrins, transmit piconewton (pN)-scale forces to the extracellular matrix, and the magnitude of the force plays a critical role in cell signaling. The most sensitive approach to measuring integrin forces involves DNA hairpin-based sensors, which are used to quantify and map forces in living cells. Despite the broad use of DNA hairpin sensors to study a variety of mechanotransduction processes, these sensors are typically anchored to rigid glass slides, which are orders of magnitude stiffer than the extracellular matrix and hence modulate native biological responses. Here, we have developed nuclease-resistant DNA hairpin probes that are all covalently tethered to PEG hydrogels to image cell traction forces on physiologically relevant substrate stiffness. Using HeLa cells as a model cell line, we show that the molecular forces transmitted by integrins are highly sensitive to the bulk modulus of the substrate, and cells cultured on the 6 and 13 kPa gels produced a greater number of hairpin unfolding events compared to the 2 kPa substrates. Tension signals are spatially colocalized with pY118-paxillin, confirming focal adhesion-mediated probe opening. Additionally, we found that integrin forces are greater than 5.8 pN but less than 19 pN on 13 kPa gels. This work provides a general strategy to integrate molecular tension probes into hydrogels, which can better mimic in vivo mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sk Aysha Rashid
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Yixiao Dong
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Hiroaki Ogasawara
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Maia Vierengel
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Mark Edoho Essien
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Wallace
H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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11
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Ha JH, Lim JH, Lee JM, Chung BG. Electro-Responsive Conductive Blended Hydrogel Patch. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2608. [PMID: 37376253 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The proposed electro-responsive hydrogel has great benefit for transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) applications. To improve the physical or chemical properties of hydrogels, a number of researchers have previously studied the mixing efficiencies of the blended hydrogels. However, few studies have focused on improving the electrical conductivity and drug delivery of the hydrogels. We developed a conductive blended hydrogel by mixing alginate with gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and silver nanowire (AgNW). We demonstrated that and the tensile strength of blended hydrogels were increased by a factor of 1.8 by blending GelMA and the electrical conductivity was enhanced by a factor of 18 by the addition of AgNW. Furthermore, the GelMA-alginate-AgNW (Gel-Alg-AgNW) blended hydrogel patch enabled on-off controllable drug release, indicating 57% doxorubicin release in response to electrical stimulation (ES) application. Therefore, this electro-responsive blended hydrogel patch could be useful for smart drug delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jang Ho Ha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyun Lim
- Research Center, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Min Lee
- Division of Chemical Industry, Yeungnam University College, Daegu 42415, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong Geun Chung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Smart Biosensor, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
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12
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Dabaghi M, Carpio MB, Saraei N, Moran-Mirabal JM, Kolb MR, Hirota JA. A roadmap for developing and engineering in vitro pulmonary fibrosis models. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:021302. [PMID: 38510343 PMCID: PMC10903385 DOI: 10.1063/5.0134177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe form of pulmonary fibrosis. IPF is a fatal disease with no cure and is challenging to diagnose. Unfortunately, due to the elusive etiology of IPF and a late diagnosis, there are no cures for IPF. Two FDA-approved drugs for IPF, nintedanib and pirfenidone, slow the progression of the disease, yet fail to cure or reverse it. Furthermore, most animal models have been unable to completely recapitulate the physiology of human IPF, resulting in the failure of many drug candidates in preclinical studies. In the last few decades, the development of new IPF drugs focused on changes at the cellular level, as it was believed that the cells were the main players in IPF development and progression. However, recent studies have shed light on the critical role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in IPF development, where the ECM communicates with cells and initiates a positive feedback loop to promote fibrotic processes. Stemming from this shift in the understanding of fibrosis, there is a need to develop in vitro model systems that mimic the human lung microenvironment to better understand how biochemical and biomechanical cues drive fibrotic processes in IPF. However, current in vitro cell culture platforms, which may include substrates with different stiffness or natural hydrogels, have shortcomings in recapitulating the complexity of fibrosis. This review aims to draw a roadmap for developing advanced in vitro pulmonary fibrosis models, which can be leveraged to understand better different mechanisms involved in IPF and develop drug candidates with improved efficacy. We begin with a brief overview defining pulmonary fibrosis and highlight the importance of ECM components in the disease progression. We focus on fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the context of ECM biology and fibrotic processes, as most conventional advanced in vitro models of pulmonary fibrosis use these cell types. We transition to discussing the parameters of the 3D microenvironment that are relevant in pulmonary fibrosis progression. Finally, the review ends by summarizing the state of the art in the field and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadhossein Dabaghi
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health—Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Mabel Barreiro Carpio
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Arthur N. Bourns Science Building, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4M1, Canada
| | - Neda Saraei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Engineering Technology Building, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
| | | | - Martin R. Kolb
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health—Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4A6, Canada
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13
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Singh AK, Itkor P, Lee YS. State-of-the-Art Insights and Potential Applications of Cellulose-Based Hydrogels in Food Packaging: Advances towards Sustainable Trends. Gels 2023; 9:433. [PMID: 37367104 DOI: 10.3390/gels9060433] [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: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Leveraging sustainable packaging resources in the circular economy framework has gained significant attention in recent years as a means of minimizing waste and mitigating the negative environmental impact of packaging materials. In line with this progression, bio-based hydrogels are being explored for their potential application in a variety of fields including food packaging. Hydrogels are three-dimensional, hydrophilic networks composed of a variety of polymeric materials linked by chemical (covalent bonds) or physical (non-covalent interactions) cross-linking. The unique hydrophilic nature of hydrogels provides a promising solution for food packaging systems, specifically in regulating moisture levels and serving as carriers for bioactive substances, which can greatly affect the shelf life of food products. In essence, the synthesis of cellulose-based hydrogels (CBHs) from cellulose and its derivatives has resulted in hydrogels with several appealing features such as flexibility, water absorption, swelling capacity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, stimuli sensitivity, and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the most recent trends and applications of CBHs in the food packaging sector including CBH sources, processing methods, and crosslinking methods for developing hydrogels through physical, chemical, and polymerization. Finally, the recent advancements in CBHs, which are being utilized as hydrogel films, coatings, and indicators for food packaging applications, are discussed in detail. These developments have great potential in creating sustainable packaging systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajit Kumar Singh
- Department of Packaging, Yonsei University, Wonju 26393, Republic of Korea
| | - Pontree Itkor
- Department of Packaging, Yonsei University, Wonju 26393, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Suk Lee
- Department of Packaging, Yonsei University, Wonju 26393, Republic of Korea
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14
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Shou Y, Teo XY, Wu KZ, Bai B, Kumar ARK, Low J, Le Z, Tay A. Dynamic Stimulations with Bioengineered Extracellular Matrix-Mimicking Hydrogels for Mechano Cell Reprogramming and Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2300670. [PMID: 37119518 PMCID: PMC10375194 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cells interact with their surrounding environment through a combination of static and dynamic mechanical signals that vary over stimulus types, intensity, space, and time. Compared to static mechanical signals such as stiffness, porosity, and topography, the current understanding on the effects of dynamic mechanical stimulations on cells remains limited, attributing to a lack of access to devices, the complexity of experimental set-up, and data interpretation. Yet, in the pursuit of emerging translational applications (e.g., cell manufacturing for clinical treatment), it is crucial to understand how cells respond to a variety of dynamic forces that are omnipresent in vivo so that they can be exploited to enhance manufacturing and therapeutic outcomes. With a rising appreciation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a key regulator of biofunctions, researchers have bioengineered a suite of ECM-mimicking hydrogels, which can be fine-tuned with spatiotemporal mechanical cues to model complex static and dynamic mechanical profiles. This review first discusses how mechanical stimuli may impact different cellular components and the various mechanobiology pathways involved. Then, how hydrogels can be designed to incorporate static and dynamic mechanical parameters to influence cell behaviors are described. The Scopus database is also used to analyze the relative strength in evidence, ranging from strong to weak, based on number of published literatures, associated citations, and treatment significance. Additionally, the impacts of static and dynamic mechanical stimulations on clinically relevant cell types including mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, are evaluated. The aim is to draw attention to the paucity of studies on the effects of dynamic mechanical stimuli on cells, as well as to highlight the potential of using a cocktail of various types and intensities of mechanical stimulations to influence cell fates (similar to the concept of biochemical cocktail to direct cell fate). It is envisioned that this progress report will inspire more exciting translational development of mechanoresponsive hydrogels for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Shou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Xin Yong Teo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Kenny Zhuoran Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Bingyu Bai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Arun R K Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Jessalyn Low
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Zhicheng Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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15
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The Influence of Pregelatinized Starch on the Rheology of a Gellan Gum-Collagen IPN Hydrogel for 3D bioprinting. Chem Eng Res Des 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2023.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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16
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Shou Y, Teo XY, Li X, Zhicheng L, Liu L, Sun X, Jonhson W, Ding J, Lim CT, Tay A. Dynamic Magneto-Softening of 3D Hydrogel Reverses Malignant Transformation of Cancer Cells and Enhances Drug Efficacy. ACS NANO 2023; 17:2851-2867. [PMID: 36633150 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c11278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
High extracellular matrix stiffness is a prominent feature of malignant tumors associated with poor clinical prognosis. To elucidate mechanistic connections between increased matrix stiffness and tumor progression, a variety of hydrogel scaffolds with dynamic changes in stiffness have been developed. These approaches, however, are not biocompatible at high temperature, strong irradiation, and acidic/basic pH, often lack reversibility (can only stiffen and not soften), and do not allow study on the same cell population longitudinally. In this work, we develop a dynamic 3D magnetic hydrogel whose matrix stiffness can be wirelessly and reversibly stiffened and softened multiple times with different rates of change using an external magnet. With this platform, we found that matrix stiffness increased tumor malignancy including denser cell organization, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and hypoxia. More interestingly, these malignant transformations could be halted or reversed with matrix softening (i.e., mechanical rescue), to potentiate drug efficacy attributing to reduced solid stress from matrix and downregulation of cell mechano-transductors including YAP1. We propose that our platform can be used to deepen understanding of the impact of matrix softening on cancer biology, an important but rarely studied phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Shou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Xin Yong Teo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Xianlei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Le Zhicheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Ling Liu
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, 117510, Singapore
| | - Xinhong Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Win Jonhson
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Jun Ding
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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17
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Yu Y, Yu T, Wang X, Liu D. Functional Hydrogels and Their Applications in Craniomaxillofacial Bone Regeneration. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010150. [PMID: 36678779 PMCID: PMC9864650 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Craniomaxillofacial bone defects are characterized by an irregular shape, bacterial and inflammatory environment, aesthetic requirements, and the need for the functional recovery of oral-maxillofacial areas. Conventional clinical treatments are currently unable to achieve high-quality craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration. Hydrogels are a class of multifunctional platforms made of polymers cross-linked with high water content, good biocompatibility, and adjustable physicochemical properties for the intelligent delivery of goods. These characteristics make hydrogel systems a bright prospect for clinical applications in craniomaxillofacial bone. In this review, we briefly demonstrate the properties of hydrogel systems that can come into effect in the field of bone regeneration. In addition, we summarize the hydrogel systems that have been developed for craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration in recent years. Finally, we also discuss the prospects in the field of craniomaxillofacial bone tissue engineering; these discussions can serve as an inspiration for future hydrogel design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yu
- Department of Orthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Tingting Yu
- Department of Orthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Correspondence: (X.W.); (D.L.)
| | - Dawei Liu
- Department of Orthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
- Correspondence: (X.W.); (D.L.)
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18
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Collagen-Based Biomimetic Systems to Study the Biophysical Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235939. [PMID: 36497421 PMCID: PMC9739814 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a pericellular network of proteins and other molecules that provides mechanical support to organs and tissues. ECM biophysical properties such as topography, elasticity and porosity strongly influence cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. The cell's perception of the biophysical microenvironment (mechanosensing) leads to altered gene expression or contractility status (mechanotransduction). Mechanosensing and mechanotransduction have profound implications in both tissue homeostasis and cancer. Many solid tumours are surrounded by a dense and aberrant ECM that disturbs normal cell functions and makes certain areas of the tumour inaccessible to therapeutic drugs. Understanding the cell-ECM interplay may therefore lead to novel and more effective therapies. Controllable and reproducible cell culturing systems mimicking the ECM enable detailed investigation of mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways. Here, we discuss ECM biomimetic systems. Mainly focusing on collagen, we compare and contrast structural and molecular complexity as well as biophysical properties of simple 2D substrates, 3D fibrillar collagen gels, cell-derived matrices and complex decellularized organs. Finally, we emphasize how the integration of advanced methodologies and computational methods with collagen-based biomimetics will improve the design of novel therapies aimed at targeting the biophysical and mechanical features of the tumour ECM to increase therapy efficacy.
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19
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Rehman TU, Shah LA. Rheological investigation of polymer hydrogels for industrial application: a review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLYMER ANALYSIS AND CHARACTERIZATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/1023666x.2022.2105876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanzil Ur Rehman
- Polymer Laboratory, National Centre of Excellence in Physical Chemistry, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Luqman Ali Shah
- Polymer Laboratory, National Centre of Excellence in Physical Chemistry, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
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20
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Vieira S, Silva-Correia J, Reis RL, Oliveira JM. Engineering Hydrogels for Modulation of Material-Cell Interactions. Macromol Biosci 2022; 22:e2200091. [PMID: 35853666 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels are a recurrent platform for Tissue Engineering (TE) strategies. Their versatility and the variety of available methods for tuning their properties highly contribute to hydrogels' success. As a result, the design of advanced hydrogels has been thoroughly studied, in the quest for better solutions not only for drugs- and cell-based therapies but also for more fundamental studies. The wide variety of sources, crosslinking strategies, and functionalization methods, and mostly the resemblance of hydrogels to the natural extracellular matrix, make this 3D hydrated structures an excellent tool for TE approaches. The state-of-the-art information regarding hydrogel design, processing methods, and the influence of different hydrogel formulations on the final cell-biomaterial interactions are overviewed herein. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Vieira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana Silva-Correia
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - J Miguel Oliveira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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