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Garcia-Sacristan C, Gisbert VG, Klein K, Šarić A, Garcia R. In Operando Imaging Electrostatic-Driven Disassembly and Reassembly of Collagen Nanostructures. ACS NANO 2024; 18:18485-18492. [PMID: 38958189 PMCID: PMC11256892 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c03839] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Collagen is the most abundant protein in tissue scaffolds in live organisms. Collagen can self-assemble in vitro, which has led to a number of biotechnological and biomedical applications. To understand the dominant factors that participate in the formation of collagen nanostructures, here we study in real time and with nanoscale resolution the disassembly and reassembly of collagens. We implement a high-speed force microscope, which provides in situ high spatiotemporal resolution images of collagen nanostructures under changing pH conditions. The disassembly and reassembly are dominated by the electrostatic interactions among amino-acid residues of different molecules. Acidic conditions favor disassembly by neutralizing negatively charged residues. The process sets a net repulsive force between collagen molecules. A neutral pH favors the presence of negative and positively charged residues along the collagen molecules, which promotes their electrostatic attraction. Molecular dynamics simulations reproduce the experimental behavior and validate the electrostatic-based model of the disassembly and reassembly processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Garcia-Sacristan
- Instituto
de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victor G. Gisbert
- Instituto
de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Kevin Klein
- Institute
of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg 3400, Austria
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University College
London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Anđela Šarić
- Institute
of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg 3400, Austria
| | - Ricardo Garcia
- Instituto
de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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2
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Troop LD, Puetzer JL. Intermittent cyclic stretch of engineered ligaments drives hierarchical collagen fiber maturation in a dose- and organizational-dependent manner. Acta Biomater 2024:S1742-7061(24)00397-0. [PMID: 39025395 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.07.025] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Hierarchical collagen fibers are the primary source of strength in tendons and ligaments; however, these fibers largely do not regenerate after injury or with repair, resulting in limited treatment options. We previously developed a static culture system that guides ACL fibroblasts to produce native-sized fibers and early fascicles by 6 weeks. These constructs are promising ligament replacements, but further maturation is needed. Mechanical cues are critical for development in vivo and in engineered tissues; however, the effect on larger fiber and fascicle formation is largely unknown. Our objective was to investigate whether intermittent cyclic stretch, mimicking rapid muscle activity, drives further maturation in our system to create stronger engineered replacements and to explore whether cyclic loading has differential effects on cells at different degrees of collagen organization to better inform engineered tissue maturation protocols. Constructs were loaded with an established intermittent cyclic loading regime at 5 or 10 % strain for up to 6 weeks and compared to static controls. Cyclic loading drove cells to increase hierarchical collagen organization, collagen crimp, and tissue tensile properties, ultimately producing constructs that matched or exceeded immature ACL properties. Further, the effect of loading on cells varied depending on degree of organization. Specifically, 10 % load drove early improvements in tensile properties and composition, while 5 % load was more beneficial later in culture, suggesting a shift in mechanotransduction. This study provides new insight into how cyclic loading affects cell-driven hierarchical fiber formation and maturation, which will help to develop better rehabilitation protocols and engineer stronger replacements. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Collagen fibers are the primary source of strength and function in tendons and ligaments throughout the body. These fibers have limited regenerate after injury, with repair, and in engineered replacements, reducing treatment options. Cyclic load has been shown to improve fibril level alignment, but its effect at the larger fiber and fascicle length-scale is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate intermittent cyclic loading increases cell-driven hierarchical fiber formation and tissue mechanics, producing engineered replacements with similar organization and mechanics as immature ACLs. This study provides new insight into how cyclic loading affects cell-driven fiber maturation. A better understanding of how mechanical cues regulate fiber formation will help to develop better engineered replacements and rehabilitation protocols to drive repair after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leia D Troop
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, United States
| | - Jennifer L Puetzer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, United States; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, United States.
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3
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Rasouli R, Yaghoobi H, Frampton J. A Comparative Study of the Effects of Different Crosslinking Methods on the Physicochemical Properties of Collagen Multifilament Bundles. Chemphyschem 2024; 25:e202400259. [PMID: 38662530 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202400259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Crosslinking is usually required to improve the mechanical properties and stability of collagen-based scaffolds. Introducing exogenous crosslinks into collagen may however affect the collagen structure. Since the architecture of collagen is tied to its functionality, it is important to study the effect of crosslinking and to select a crosslinking method that preserves both the collagen structure and mechanical properties. The objective of this study is to compare the effect of various crosslinking methods on the structure and mechanical properties of bioartificial tendon-like materials (collagen multifilament bundles) fabricated by contact drawing. We examine both physical (ultraviolet light, UVC) and chemical (genipin, carbodiimide (EDC), and glutaraldehyde) crosslinking methods. The presence of collagen and the formation of well-ordered collagen structures are confirmed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectromicroscopy and wide-angle X-ray scattering for all crosslinking methods. The morphology of the collagen multifilament bundles is similar across crosslinking methods. Swelling of the multifilament bundles is dramatically reduced following crosslinking and varies by crosslinking method, with genipin- and carbodiimide-crosslinked specimens swelling the least. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and Young's modulus significantly improve for all crosslinked specimens compared to non-crosslinked specimens. Glutaraldehyde crosslinked collagen multifilament bundles display the highest UTS values ranging from 33.82±0.0 MPa to 45.59±0.76 MPa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahimeh Rasouli
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Hessameddin Yaghoobi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - John Frampton
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
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Reilly DM, Kynaston L, Naseem S, Proudman E, Laceby D. A Clinical Trial Shows Improvement in Skin Collagen, Hydration, Elasticity, Wrinkles, Scalp, and Hair Condition following 12-Week Oral Intake of a Supplement Containing Hydrolysed Collagen. Dermatol Res Pract 2024; 2024:8752787. [PMID: 39021368 PMCID: PMC11254459 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8752787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hydrolysed collagen supplements are reported to fight the signs of aging and improve skin appearance, but more authoritative clinical evidence is needed to support efficacy. Aim This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy of a supplement containing hydrolysed collagen and vitamin C (Absolute Collagen, AC) on biophysical parameters and visible signs of aging for skin, scalp, and hair, when taken daily or every 48 hours. Methods We measured dermal collagen using confocal microscopy and high-resolution ultrasound. Hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, and clinical trichoscopy were measured in parallel to expert visual grading. Efficacy measures were recorded at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Results Following 12 weeks daily use of the AC supplement, using confocal microscopy, we observed a significant 44.6% decrease in fragmentation vs. placebo (p < 0.01). We also measured a change in the ultrasound LEP (low echogenic pixel) ratio comparing upper and lower dermis (-9.24 vs. -7.83, respectively, p=0.05), suggesting collagen improvements occurred more in the upper dermal compartment. After 12 weeks vs. placebo, skin hydration was increased by 13.8% (p < 0.01), R2 elasticity index was increased by 22.7% (p<0.01), and Rz profilometry index was decreased by 19.6% (p < 0.01). Trichoscopy showed an average 11.0% improvement in scalp scaling and a 27.6% increase in the total number of hairs counted vs. placebo (p=n.s.). This was associated with a 31.9% increase in clinical grading score for hair healthy appearance (p < 0.01). Conclusion The AC supplement has shown clinical benefits for skin, scalp, and hair, when used either daily or every 48 hours, over a 12-week period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liane Kynaston
- Absolute Collagen, 6 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5ST, UK
| | - Salma Naseem
- Absolute Collagen, 6 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5ST, UK
| | - Eva Proudman
- Absolute Collagen, 6 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5ST, UK
| | - Darcy Laceby
- Absolute Collagen, 6 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5ST, UK
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5
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Ruiz-Agudo C, Cölfen H. Exploring the Potential of Nonclassical Crystallization Pathways to Advance Cementitious Materials. Chem Rev 2024; 124:7538-7618. [PMID: 38874016 PMCID: PMC11212030 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the crystallization of cement-binding phases, from basic units to macroscopic structures, can enhance cement performance, reduce clinker use, and lower CO2 emissions in the construction sector. This review examines the crystallization pathways of C-S-H (the main phase in PC cement) and other alternative binding phases, particularly as cement formulations evolve toward increasing SCMs and alternative binders as clinker replacements. We adopt a nonclassical crystallization perspective, which recognizes the existence of critical intermediate steps between ions in solution and the final crystalline phases, such as solute ion associates, dense liquid phases, amorphous intermediates, and nanoparticles. These multistep pathways uncover innovative strategies for controlling the crystallization of binding phases through additive use, potentially leading to highly optimized cement matrices. An outstanding example of additive-controlled crystallization in cementitious materials is the synthetically produced mesocrystalline C-S-H, renowned for its remarkable flexural strength. This highly ordered microstructure, which intercalates soft matter between inorganic and brittle C-S-H, was obtained by controlling the assembly of individual C-S-H subunits. While large-scale production of cementitious materials by a bottom-up self-assembly method is not yet feasible, the fundamental insights into the crystallization mechanism of cement binding phases presented here provide a foundation for developing advanced cement-based materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ruiz-Agudo
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Helmut Cölfen
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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6
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Aptekarev T, Furman G, Badar F, Sokolovsky V, Xia Y. Study of the collagen tissue nanostructure by analyzing the echo decay obtained using the MRI technique. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:4282-4290. [PMID: 38757720 PMCID: PMC11211971 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00312h] [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] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The multicomponent relaxation observed in nuclear magnetic resonance experiments in biological tissues makes it difficult to establish a correlation between specific relaxation times and tissue structural parameters. The analysis of a nanostructure (the characteristic size of 10-1000 nm) is usually based on formulas for relaxation times which depend on structural parameters at the atomic or molecular levels in the size range of 0.1-5 nm. We have recently developed an analysis method in which relaxation times' anisotropy in a sample is explicitly related to its structure of nanocavities containing a liquid or gas. However, the method is based on the analysis of experimental data on the anisotropy of relaxation times obtained by using the standard NMR technique and rotating the sample relative to a magnetic field and requires a series of experiments. In the present study, to address this challenge, we develop a new method of analysis of a multi-exponential magnetic resonance signal that does not require determining relaxation times and eliminates the sample rotation and the necessity of a series of experiments. Using the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, the total signal from the whole sample was obtained as a sum of the signals (echo decays) from all voxels. In contrast to previous research, the volumes of nanocavities and their angular distribution can be obtained by analyzing a single total signal for the entire cartilage. In addition, within the framework of this approach, it is possible to identify the reason for the multicomponent nature of relaxation. The proposed method for analyzing a single multi-exponential signal (transverse relaxation) was implemented on cartilage. Using the signal, three anatomical zones of cartilage were studied, revealing significant structural differences between them. The proposed method not only avoids the need for sample rotation but also enables repeated application of layer-by-layer magnetic resonance imaging with micron resolution. The study results allow us to suggest that water molecules contributing to the echo decay are more likely located in nanocavities formed by the fibrillar structure rather than inside the fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Aptekarev
- Physics Department, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| | - Gregory Furman
- Physics Department, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| | - Farid Badar
- Physics Department, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | | | - Yang Xia
- Physics Department, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
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7
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Wilkie IC. Basement Membranes, Brittlestar Tendons, and Their Mechanical Adaptability. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:375. [PMID: 38927255 PMCID: PMC11200632 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Basement membranes (BMs) are thin layers of extracellular matrix that separate epithelia, endothelia, muscle cells, and nerve cells from adjacent interstitial connective tissue. BMs are ubiquitous in almost all multicellular animals, and their composition is highly conserved across the Metazoa. There is increasing interest in the mechanical functioning of BMs, including the involvement of altered BM stiffness in development and pathology, particularly cancer metastasis, which can be facilitated by BM destabilization. Such BM weakening has been assumed to occur primarily through enzymatic degradation by matrix metalloproteinases. However, emerging evidence indicates that non-enzymatic mechanisms may also contribute. In brittlestars (Echinodermata, Ophiuroidea), the tendons linking the musculature to the endoskeleton consist of extensions of muscle cell BMs. During the process of brittlestar autotomy, in which arms are detached for the purpose of self-defense, muscles break away from the endoskeleton as a consequence of the rapid destabilization and rupture of their BM-derived tendons. This contribution provides a broad overview of current knowledge of the structural organization and biomechanics of non-echinoderm BMs, compares this with the equivalent information on brittlestar tendons, and discusses the possible relationship between the weakening phenomena exhibited by BMs and brittlestar tendons, and the potential translational value of the latter as a model system of BM destabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain C Wilkie
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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8
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Gültekin O, Lohr MJ, Bechtel GN, Rausch MK. "What makes blood clots break off?" A Back-of-the-Envelope Computation Toward Explaining Clot Embolization. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2024:10.1007/s13239-024-00733-2. [PMID: 38771453 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-024-00733-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE One in four deaths worldwide is due to thromboembolic disease; that is, one in four people die from blood clots first forming and then breaking off or embolizing. Once broken off, clots travel downstream, where they occlude vital blood vessels such as those of the brain, heart, or lungs, leading to strokes, heart attacks, or pulmonary embolisms, respectively. Despite clots' obvious importance, much remains to be understood about clotting and clot embolization. In our work, we take a first step toward untangling the mystery behind clot embolization and try to answer the simple question: "What makes blood clots break off?" METHODS To this end, we conducted experimentally-informed, back-of-the-envelope computations combining fracture mechanics and phase-field modeling. We also focused on deep venous clots as our model problem. RESULTS Here, we show that of the three general forces that act on venous blood clots-shear stress, blood pressure, and wall stretch-induced interfacial forces-the latter may be a critical embolization force in occlusive and non-occlusive clots, while blood pressure appears to play a determinant role only for occlusive clots. Contrary to intuition and prior reports, shear stress, even when severely elevated, appears unlikely to cause embolization. CONCLUSION This first approach to understanding the source of blood clot bulk fracture may be a critical starting point for understanding blood clot embolization. We hope to inspire future work that will build on ours and overcome the limitations of these back-of-the-envelope computations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Gültekin
- Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Matthew J Lohr
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Grace N Bechtel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Manuel K Rausch
- Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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9
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Sun S, Liu Y, Gao H, Guan W, Zhao Y, Li G. Cell culture on suspended fiber for tissue regeneration: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131827. [PMID: 38670204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Cell culturing is a cornerstone of tissue engineering, playing a crucial role in tissue regeneration, drug screening, and the study of disease mechanisms. Among various culturing techniques, 3D culture systems, particularly those utilizing suspended fiber scaffolds, offer a more physiologically relevant environment than traditional 2D monolayer cultures. These 3D scaffolds enhance cell growth, differentiation, and proliferation by mimicking the in vivo cellular milieu. This review focuses on the critical role of suspended fiber scaffolds in tissue engineering. We compare the effectiveness of 3D suspended fiber scaffolds with 2D culture systems, discussing their respective benefits and limitations in the context of tissue regeneration. Furthermore, we explore the preparation methods of suspended fiber scaffolds and their potential applications. The review concludes by considering future research directions for optimizing suspended fiber scaffolds to address specific challenges in tissue regeneration, underscoring their significant promise in advancing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaolan Sun
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Key laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, PR China
| | - Yaqiong Liu
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Key laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, PR China
| | - Hongxia Gao
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Key laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, PR China
| | - Wenchao Guan
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Key laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, PR China
| | - Yahong Zhao
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Key laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, PR China
| | - Guicai Li
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Key laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, PR China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Medical Protective and Implant Devices, 450018 Zhengzhou, PR China.
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10
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Hossain MS, Ebrahimi H, Ghosh R. Anisotropic plates with architected tendon network. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 153:106505. [PMID: 38507996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
We synthesize geometrically tailorable anisotropic plates by combining button shaped fish-scale like features on soft substrates, then lacing them with high-stiffness strings. This creates a new type of biomimetic architectured structure with multiple broken symmetries. First, the tendons and substrate together break the symmetry of the bending response between the concave and convex curvature. Next, the weave pattern of the tendons further breaks symmetry along the two directors of plates. The anisotropy is clearly evident in 3-point bending experiments. Motivated by these experiments and the need for design, we formulate an analytical energy-based model to quantify the anisotropic elasticity. The derived architecture-property relationships can be used to design architected tendon plates with desirable properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shahjahan Hossain
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States of America
| | - Hossein Ebrahimi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States of America
| | - Ranajay Ghosh
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States of America.
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11
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Troop LD, Puetzer JL. Intermittent Cyclic Stretch of Engineered Ligaments Drives Hierarchical Collagen Fiber Maturation in a Dose- and Organizational-Dependent Manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.06.588420. [PMID: 38645097 PMCID: PMC11030411 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.06.588420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Hierarchical collagen fibers are the primary source of strength in tendons and ligaments, however these fibers do not regenerate after injury or with repair, resulting in limited treatment options. We previously developed a culture system that guides ACL fibroblasts to produce native-sized fibers and fascicles by 6 weeks. These constructs are promising ligament replacements, but further maturation is needed. Mechanical cues are critical for development in vivo and in engineered tissues; however, the effect on larger fiber and fascicle formation is largely unknown. Our objective was to investigate whether intermittent cyclic stretch, mimicking rapid muscle activity, drives further maturation in our system to create stronger engineered replacements and to explore whether cyclic loading has differential effects on cells at different degrees of collagen organization to better inform engineered tissue maturation protocols. Constructs were loaded with an established intermittent cyclic loading regime at 5 or 10% strain for up to 6 weeks and compared to static controls. Cyclic loading drove cells to increase hierarchical collagen organization, collagen crimp, and tissue mechanics, ultimately producing constructs that matched or exceeded immature ACL properties. Further, the effect of loading on cells varied depending on degree of organization. Specifically, 10% load drove early improvements in mechanics and composition, while 5% load was more beneficial later in culture, suggesting a cellular threshold response and a shift in mechanotransduction. This study provides new insight into how cyclic loading affects cell-driven hierarchical fiber formation and maturation, which will help to develop better rehabilitation protocols and engineer stronger replacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leia D. Troop
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Puetzer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, United States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, United States
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12
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Liu Y, Jiao Y, Li X, Li G, Wang W, Liu Z, Qin D, Zhong L, Liu L, Shuai J, Li Z. An entropy-based approach for assessing the directional persistence of cell migration. Biophys J 2024; 123:730-744. [PMID: 38366586 PMCID: PMC10995411 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell migration, which is primarily characterized by directional persistence, is essential for the development of normal tissues and organs, as well as for numerous pathological processes. However, there is a lack of simple and efficient tools to analyze the systematic properties of persistence based on cellular trajectory data. Here, we present a novel approach, the entropy of angular distribution , which combines cellular turning dynamics and Shannon entropy to explore the statistical and time-varying properties of persistence that strongly correlate with cellular migration modes. Our results reveal the changes in the persistence of multiple cell lines that are tightly regulated by both intra- and extracellular cues, including Arpin protein, collagen gel/substrate, and physical constraints. Significantly, some previously unreported distinctive details of persistence have also been captured, helping to elucidate how directional persistence is distributed and evolves in different cell populations. The analysis suggests that the entropy of angular distribution-based approach provides a powerful metric for evaluating directional persistence and enables us to better understand the relationships between cellular behaviors and multiscale cues, which also provides some insights into the migration dynamics of cell populations, such as collective cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Materials Science and Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona; Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Xinwei Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoqiang Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Environmental Materials and Remediation Technologies, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhichao Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Dui Qin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Lisha Zhong
- School of Medical Information and Engineering, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Liyu Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Smart Materials, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianwei Shuai
- Department of Physics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Zhangyong Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China.
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Kamml J, Acevedo C, Kammer DS. Mineral and cross-linking in collagen fibrils: The mechanical behavior of bone tissue at the nano-scale. ARXIV 2024:arXiv:2403.11753v1. [PMID: 38562451 PMCID: PMC10984003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The mineralized collagen fibril is the main building block of hard tissues and it directly affects the macroscopic mechanics of biological tissues such as bone. The mechanical behavior of the fibril itself is determined by its structure: the content of collagen molecules, minerals, and cross-links, and the mechanical interactions and properties of these components. Advanced-Glycation-Endproducts (AGEs) cross-linking between tropocollagen molecules within the collagen fibril is one important factor that is believed to have a major influence on the tissue. For instance, it has been shown that brittleness in bone correlates with increased AGEs densities. However, the underlying nano-scale mechanisms within the mineralized collagen fibril remain unknown. Here, we study the effect of mineral and AGEs cross-linking on fibril deformation and fracture behavior by performing destructive tensile tests using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. Our results demonstrate that after exceeding a critical content of mineral, it induces stiffening of the collagen fibril at high strain levels. We show that mineral morphology and location affect collagen fibril mechanics: The mineral content at which this stiffening occurs depends on the mineral's location and morphology. Further, both, increasing AGEs density and mineral content lead to stiffening and increased peak stresses. At low mineral contents, the mechanical response of the fibril is dominated by the AGEs, while at high mineral contents, the mineral itself determines fibril mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kamml
- Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claire Acevedo
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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14
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Schurman CA, Kaya S, Dole N, Luna NMM, Castillo N, Potter R, Rose JP, Bons J, King CD, Burton JB, Schilling B, Melov S, Tang S, Schaible E, Alliston T. Aging impairs the osteocytic regulation of collagen integrity and bone quality. Bone Res 2024; 12:13. [PMID: 38409111 PMCID: PMC10897167 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-023-00303-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Poor bone quality is a major factor in skeletal fragility in elderly individuals. The molecular mechanisms that establish and maintain bone quality, independent of bone mass, are unknown but are thought to be primarily determined by osteocytes. We hypothesize that the age-related decline in bone quality results from the suppression of osteocyte perilacunar/canalicular remodeling (PLR), which maintains bone material properties. We examined bones from young and aged mice with osteocyte-intrinsic repression of TGFβ signaling (TβRIIocy-/-) that suppresses PLR. The control aged bone displayed decreased TGFβ signaling and PLR, but aging did not worsen the existing PLR suppression in male TβRIIocy-/- bone. This relationship impacted the behavior of collagen material at the nanoscale and tissue scale in macromechanical tests. The effects of age on bone mass, density, and mineral material behavior were independent of osteocytic TGFβ. We determined that the decline in bone quality with age arises from the loss of osteocyte function and the loss of TGFβ-dependent maintenance of collagen integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Schurman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- UC Berkeley/UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Serra Kaya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Neha Dole
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Nadja M Maldonado Luna
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- UC Berkeley/UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Natalia Castillo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Ryan Potter
- Washington University in St Louis, Department of Orthopedics, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Jacob P Rose
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Joanna Bons
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | | | - Jordan B Burton
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | | | - Simon Melov
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Simon Tang
- Washington University in St Louis, Department of Orthopedics, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Eric Schaible
- Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Tamara Alliston
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
- UC Berkeley/UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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15
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Belloni A, Argentieri G, Orilisi G, Notarstefano V, Giorgini E, D'Addazio G, Orsini G, Caputi S, Sinjari B. New insights on collagen structural organization and spatial distribution around dental implants: a comparison between machined and laser-treated surfaces. J Transl Med 2024; 22:120. [PMID: 38297308 PMCID: PMC10829267 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04906-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the main factors for the osseointegration of dental implants is the development of an adequate soft tissue barrier, mainly composed by collagen, which protects the implant from bacterial development. The structural features of the peri-implant collagen are influenced by the implant components and, in particular, by the type of the surface. In the clinical practice, healing abutments are characterized by smooth surfaces, named machined. Recently, a new laser technique, Synthegra, has been developed to obtain a topography-controlled surface with micrometric regular pores that seems reducing the risk of peri-implantitis. Based on this background, this study aims investigating the structural organization and spatial distribution of collagen surrounding healing abutments characterized by laser-treated and machined surfaces. METHODS Gingiva portions surrounding custom-made healing abutments (HA), characterized by alternated laser-treated and machined surfaces, were collected and analyzed by combining Fourier Transform InfraRed Imaging (FTIRI) spectroscopy, a non-invasive and high-resolution bidimensional analytical technique, with histological and multivariate analyses. RESULTS Masson's trichrome staining, specific for collagen, highlighted a massive presence of collagen in all the analyzed samples, evidencing a surface-related spatial distribution. The nature of collagen, investigated by the FTIRI spectroscopy, appeared more abundant close to the laser-treated surface, with a perpendicular disposition of the bundles respect to the HA; conversely, a parallel distribution was observed around the machined surface. A different secondary structure was also found, with a higher amount of triple helices and a lower quantity of random coils in collagen close to the laser treated surfaces. CONCLUSIONS FTIRI spectroscopy demonstrates that the use of a laser treated transmucosal surface can improve the morphological organization of the peri-implant collagen, which presents a distribution more similar to that of natural teeth. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: (Registration Number: NCT05754970). Registered 06/03/2023, retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT05754970 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Belloni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulio Argentieri
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Orilisi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Stomatology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Notarstefano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Giorgini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianmaria D'Addazio
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giovanna Orsini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Stomatology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Sergio Caputi
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Bruna Sinjari
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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16
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Gong L, Si MS. SLIT3-mediated fibroblast signaling: a promising target for antifibrotic therapies. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H1400-H1411. [PMID: 37830982 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00216.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The SLIT family (SLIT1-3) of highly conserved glycoproteins was originally identified as ligands for the Roundabout (ROBO) family of single-pass transmembrane receptors, serving to provide repulsive axon guidance cues in the nervous system. Intriguingly, studies involving SLIT3 mutant mice suggest that SLIT3 might have crucial biological functions outside the neural context. Although these mutant mice display no noticeable neurological abnormalities, they present pronounced connective tissue defects, including congenital central diaphragmatic hernia, membranous ventricular septal defect, and osteopenia. We recently hypothesized that the phenotype observed in SLIT3-deficient mice may be tied to abnormalities in fibrillar collagen-rich connective tissue. Further research by our group indicates that both SLIT3 and its primary receptor, ROBO1, are expressed in fibrillar collagen-producing cells across various nonneural tissues. Global and constitutive SLIT3 deficiency not only reduces the synthesis and content of fibrillar collagen in various organs but also alleviates pressure overload-induced fibrosis in both the left and right ventricles. This review delves into the known phenotypes of SLIT3 mutants and the debated role of SLIT3 in vasculature and bone. Present evidence hints at SLIT3 acting as an autocrine regulator of fibrillar collagen synthesis, suggesting it as a potential antifibrotic treatment. However, the precise pathway and mechanisms through which SLIT3 regulates fibrillar collagen synthesis remain uncertain, presenting an intriguing avenue for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianghui Gong
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Sing Si
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States
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17
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Mohammadkhah M, Klinge S. Review paper: The importance of consideration of collagen cross-links in computational models of collagen-based tissues. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 148:106203. [PMID: 37879165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Collagen as the main protein in Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM) is the main load-bearing component of fibrous tissues. Nanostructure and architecture of collagen fibrils play an important role in mechanical behavior of these tissues. Extensive experimental and theoretical studies have so far been performed to capture these properties, but none of the current models realistically represent the complexity of network mechanics because still less is known about the collagen's inner structure and its effect on the mechanical properties of tissues. The goal of this review article is to emphasize the significance of cross-links in computational modeling of different collagen-based tissues, and to reveal the need for continuum models to consider cross-links properties to better reflect the mechanical behavior observed in experiments. In addition, this study outlines the limitations of current investigations and provides potential suggestions for the future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melika Mohammadkhah
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Mechanics, Chair of Structural Mechanics and Analysis, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sandra Klinge
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Mechanics, Chair of Structural Mechanics and Analysis, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
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18
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Kamml J, Acevedo C, Kammer DS. Advanced-Glycation Endproducts: How cross-linking properties affect the collagen fibril behavior. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 148:106198. [PMID: 37890341 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106198] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Advanced-Glycation-Endproducts (AGEs) are known to be a major cause of impaired tissue material properties. In collagen fibrils, which constitute a major building component of human tissue, these AGEs appear as fibrillar cross-links. It has been shown that when AGEs accumulate in collagen fibrils, a process often caused by diabetes and aging, the mechanical properties of the collagen fibril are altered. However, current knowledge about the mechanical properties of different types of AGEs, and their quantity in collagen fibrils is limited owing to the scarcity of available experimental data. Consequently, the precise relationship between the nano-scale cross-link properties, which differ from type to type, their density in collagen fibrils, and the mechanical properties of the collagen fibrils at larger scales remains poorly understood. In our study, we use coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and perform destructive tensile tests on collagen fibrils to evaluate the effect of different cross-link densities and their mechanical properties on collagen fibril deformation and fracture behavior. We observe that the collagen fibril stiffens at high strain levels when either the AGEs density or the loading energy capacity of AGEs are increased. Based on our results, we demonstrate that this stiffening is caused by a mechanism that favors energy absorption via stretching rather than inter-molecular sliding. Hence, in these cross-linked collagen fibrils, the absorbed energy is stored rather than dissipated through friction, resulting in brittle fracture upon fibrillar failure. Further, by varying multiple AGEs nano-scale parameters, we show that the AGEs loading energy capacity is, aside from their density in the fibril, the unique factor determining the effect of different types of AGEs on the mechanical behavior of collagen fibrils. Our results show that knowing AGEs properties is crucial for a better understanding of the nano-scale origin of impaired tissue behavior. We further suggest that future experimental investigations should focus on the quantification of the loading energy capacity of AGEs as a key property for their influence on collagen fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kamml
- Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claire Acevedo
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - David S Kammer
- Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
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19
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Aurégan JC, Bosser C, Bachy-Razzouk M, Bensidhoum M, Hoc T. In Vivo Assessment of Skin Surface Pattern: Exploring Its Potential as an Indicator of Bone Biomechanical Properties. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1338. [PMID: 38135929 PMCID: PMC10741173 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10121338] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of bone tissue are the result of a complex process involving collagen-crystal interactions. The mineral density of the bone tissue is correlated with bone strength, whereas the characteristics of collagen are often associated with the ductility and toughness of the bone. From a clinical perspective, bone mineral density alone does not satisfactorily explain skeletal fragility. However, reliable in vivo markers of collagen quality that can be easily used in clinical practice are not available. Hence, the objective of the present study is to examine the relationship between skin surface morphology and changes in the mechanical properties of the bone. An experimental study was conducted on healthy children (n = 11), children with osteogenesis imperfecta (n = 13), and women over 60 years of age (n = 22). For each patient, the skin characteristic length (SCL) of the forearm skin surface was measured. The SCL quantifies the geometric patterns formed by wrinkles on the skin's surface, both in terms of size and elongation. The greater the SCL, the more deficient was the organic collagen matrix. In addition, the bone volume fraction and mechanical properties of the explanted femoral head were determined for the elderly female group. The mean SCL values of the healthy children group were significantly lower than those of the elderly women and osteogenesis imperfecta groups. For the aged women group, no significant differences were indicated in the elastic mechanical parameters, whereas bone toughness and ductility decreased significantly as the SCL increased. In conclusion, in bone collagen pathology or bone aging, the SCL is significantly impaired. This in vivo skin surface parameter can be a non-invasive tool to improve the estimation of bone matrix quality and to identify subjects at high risk of bone fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Charles Aurégan
- B3OA, UMR CNRS 7052, Inserm U1271 Université de Paris, 10 avenue de Verdun, 75010 Paris, France; (J.-C.A.); (M.B.-R.); (M.B.)
- Orthopedics Department, Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, 157, Rue de la Porte-de-Trivaux, 92140 Clamart, France
| | - Catherine Bosser
- HealthDataSciences, 45, Chemin du Barthélémy, 69260 Charbonnières-les-Bains, France
| | - Manon Bachy-Razzouk
- B3OA, UMR CNRS 7052, Inserm U1271 Université de Paris, 10 avenue de Verdun, 75010 Paris, France; (J.-C.A.); (M.B.-R.); (M.B.)
- Orthopedics Department, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Hôpital Trousseau, 26, Avenue du Docteur-Arnold-Netter, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Morad Bensidhoum
- B3OA, UMR CNRS 7052, Inserm U1271 Université de Paris, 10 avenue de Verdun, 75010 Paris, France; (J.-C.A.); (M.B.-R.); (M.B.)
| | - Thierry Hoc
- B3OA, UMR CNRS 7052, Inserm U1271 Université de Paris, 10 avenue de Verdun, 75010 Paris, France; (J.-C.A.); (M.B.-R.); (M.B.)
- Mechanical Department, École Centrale de Lyon, MSGMGC, 36, Avenue Guy-de-Collongue, 69134 Ecully, France
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20
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Mogharehabed F, Czubryt MP. The role of fibrosis in the pathophysiology of muscular dystrophy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C1326-C1335. [PMID: 37781738 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00196.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophy exerts significant and dramatic impacts on affected patients, including progressive muscle wasting leading to lung and heart failure, and results in severely curtailed lifespan. Although the focus for many years has been on the dysfunction induced by the loss of function of dystrophin or related components of the striated muscle costamere, recent studies have demonstrated that accompanying pathologies, particularly muscle fibrosis, also contribute adversely to patient outcomes. A significant body of research has now shown that therapeutically targeting these accompanying pathologies via their underlying molecular mechanisms may provide novel approaches to patient management that can complement the current standard of care. In this review, we discuss the interplay between muscle fibrosis and muscular dystrophy pathology. A better understanding of these processes will contribute to improved patient care options, restoration of muscle function, and reduced patient morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Mogharehabed
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael P Czubryt
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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21
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Gong X, Wen Z, Liang Z, Xiao H, Lee S, Wright T, Nguyen RY, Rossello A, Mak M. Instant Assembly of Collagen for Scaffolding, Tissue Engineering, and Bioprinting. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.08.561456. [PMID: 37873099 PMCID: PMC10592672 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.08.561456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Controllable assembly of cells and tissues offers potential for advancing disease and development modeling and regenerative medicine. The body's natural scaffolding material is the extracellular matrix, composed largely of collagen I. However, challenges in precisely controlling collagen assembly limit collagen's applicability as a primary bioink or glue for biofabrication. Here, we introduce a set of biopatterning methods, termed Tunable Rapid Assembly of Collagenous Elements (TRACE), that enables instant gelation and rapid patterning of collagen I solutions with wide range of concentrations. Our methods are based on accelerating the gelation of collagen solutions to instantaneous speeds via macromolecular crowding, allowing versatile patterning of both cell-free and cell-laden collagen-based bioinks. We demonstrate notable applications, including macroscopic organoid engineering, rapid free-form 3D bioprinting, contractile cardiac ventricle model, and patterning of high-resolution (below 5 (m) collagen filament. Our findings enable more controllable and versatile applications for multi-scale collagen-based biofabrication.
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22
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Singh BP, Morris RJ, Kunath T, MacPhee CE, Horrocks MH. Lipid-induced polymorphic amyloid fibril formation by α-synuclein. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4736. [PMID: 37515406 PMCID: PMC10521247 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Many proteins that self-assemble into amyloid and amyloid-like fibers can adopt diverse polymorphic forms. These forms have been observed both in vitro and in vivo and can arise through variations in the steric-zipper interactions between β-sheets, variations in the arrangements between protofilaments, and differences in the number of protofilaments that make up a given fiber class. Different polymorphs arising from the same precursor molecule not only exhibit different levels of toxicity, but importantly can contribute to different disease conditions. However, the factors which contribute to formation of polymorphic forms of amyloid fibrils are not known. In this work, we show that in the presence of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine, a highly abundant lipid in the plasma membrane of neurons, the aggregation of α-synuclein is markedly accelerated and yields a diversity of polymorphic forms under identical experimental conditions. This morphological diversity includes thin and curly fibrils, helical ribbons, twisted ribbons, nanotubes, and flat sheets. Furthermore, the amyloid fibrils formed incorporate lipids into their structures, which corroborates the previous report of the presence of α-synuclein fibrils with high lipid content in Lewy bodies. Thus, the present study demonstrates that an interface, such as that provided by a lipid membrane, can not only modulate the kinetics of α-synuclein amyloid aggregation but also plays an important role in the formation of morphological variants by incorporating lipid molecules in the process of amyloid fibril formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhanu P. Singh
- School of Physics and Astronomy, The University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, The University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Ryan J. Morris
- School of Physics and Astronomy, The University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Tilo Kunath
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, The University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Cait E. MacPhee
- School of Physics and Astronomy, The University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Mathew H. Horrocks
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, The University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- IRR Chemistry Hub, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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23
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Sanz-Fraile H, Herranz-Diez C, Ulldemolins A, Falcones B, Almendros I, Gavara N, Sunyer R, Farré R, Otero J. Characterization of Bioinks Prepared via Gelifying Extracellular Matrix from Decellularized Porcine Myocardia. Gels 2023; 9:745. [PMID: 37754426 PMCID: PMC10530680 DOI: 10.3390/gels9090745] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of 3D bioprinting technology, both synthetic and natural materials have been used to develop bioinks for producing cell-laden cardiac grafts. To this end, extracellular-matrix (ECM)-derived hydrogels can be used to develop scaffolds that closely mimic the complex 3D environments for cell culture. This study presents a novel cardiac bioink based on hydrogels exclusively derived from decellularized porcine myocardium loaded with human-bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. Hence, the hydrogel can be used to develop cell-laden cardiac patches without the need to add other biomaterials or use additional crosslinkers. The scaffold ultrastructure and mechanical properties of the bioink were characterized to optimize its production, specifically focusing on the matrix enzymatic digestion time. The cells were cultured in 3D within the developed hydrogels to assess their response. The results indicate that the hydrogels fostered inter-cell and cell-matrix crosstalk after 1 week of culture. In conclusion, the bioink developed and presented in this study holds great potential for developing cell-laden customized patches for cardiac repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Sanz-Fraile
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (H.S.-F.); (C.H.-D.); (A.U.); (B.F.); (I.A.); (N.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.)
| | - Carolina Herranz-Diez
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (H.S.-F.); (C.H.-D.); (A.U.); (B.F.); (I.A.); (N.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.)
| | - Anna Ulldemolins
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (H.S.-F.); (C.H.-D.); (A.U.); (B.F.); (I.A.); (N.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.)
| | - Bryan Falcones
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (H.S.-F.); (C.H.-D.); (A.U.); (B.F.); (I.A.); (N.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.)
| | - Isaac Almendros
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (H.S.-F.); (C.H.-D.); (A.U.); (B.F.); (I.A.); (N.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.)
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Gavara
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (H.S.-F.); (C.H.-D.); (A.U.); (B.F.); (I.A.); (N.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.)
- The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raimon Sunyer
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (H.S.-F.); (C.H.-D.); (A.U.); (B.F.); (I.A.); (N.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.)
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramon Farré
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (H.S.-F.); (C.H.-D.); (A.U.); (B.F.); (I.A.); (N.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.)
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Otero
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (H.S.-F.); (C.H.-D.); (A.U.); (B.F.); (I.A.); (N.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.)
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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24
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Hughes MDG, Cussons S, Hanson BS, Cook KR, Feller T, Mahmoudi N, Baker DL, Ariëns R, Head DA, Brockwell DJ, Dougan L. Building block aspect ratio controls assembly, architecture, and mechanics of synthetic and natural protein networks. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5593. [PMID: 37696784 PMCID: PMC10495373 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40921-7] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrous networks constructed from high aspect ratio protein building blocks are ubiquitous in nature. Despite this ubiquity, the functional advantage of such building blocks over globular proteins is not understood. To answer this question, we engineered hydrogel network building blocks with varying numbers of protein L domains to control the aspect ratio. The mechanical and structural properties of photochemically crosslinked protein L networks were then characterised using shear rheology and small angle neutron scattering. We show that aspect ratio is a crucial property that defines network architecture and mechanics, by shifting the formation from translationally diffusion dominated to rotationally diffusion dominated. Additionally, we demonstrate that a similar transition is observed in the model living system: fibrin blood clot networks. The functional advantages of this transition are increased mechanical strength and the rapid assembly of homogenous networks above a critical protein concentration, crucial for in vivo biological processes such as blood clotting. In addition, manipulating aspect ratio also provides a parameter in the design of future bio-mimetic and bio-inspired materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt D G Hughes
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sophie Cussons
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Benjamin S Hanson
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Kalila R Cook
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Tímea Feller
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Najet Mahmoudi
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Spallation Source, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Daniel L Baker
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Robert Ariëns
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - David A Head
- School of Computing, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - David J Brockwell
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Lorna Dougan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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25
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Hafeez S, Decarli MC, Aldana A, Ebrahimi M, Ruiter FAA, Duimel H, van Blitterswijk C, Pitet LM, Moroni L, Baker MB. In Situ Covalent Reinforcement of a Benzene-1,3,5-Tricarboxamide Supramolecular Polymer Enables Biomimetic, Tough, and Fibrous Hydrogels and Bioinks. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2301242. [PMID: 37370137 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic hydrogels often lack the load-bearing capacity and mechanical properties of native biopolymers found in tissue, such as cartilage. In natural tissues, toughness is often imparted via the combination of fibrous noncovalent self-assembly with key covalent bond formation. This controlled combination of supramolecular and covalent interactions remains difficult to engineer, yet can provide a clear strategy for advanced biomaterials. Here, a synthetic supramolecular/covalent strategy is investigated for creating a tough hydrogel that embodies the hierarchical fibrous architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM). A benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) hydrogelator is developed with synthetically addressable norbornene handles that self-assembles to form a and viscoelastic hydrogel. Inspired by collagen's covalent cross-linking of fibrils, the mechanical properties are reinforced by covalent intra- and interfiber cross-links. At over 90% water, the hydrogels withstand up to 550% tensile strain, 90% compressive strain, and dissipated energy with recoverable hysteresis. The hydrogels are shear-thinning, can be 3D bioprinted with good shape fidelity, and can be toughened via covalent cross-linking. These materials enable the bioprinting of human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) spheroids and subsequent differentiation into chondrogenic tissue. Collectively, these findings highlight the power of covalent reinforcement of supramolecular fibers, offering a strategy for the bottom-up design of dynamic, yet tough, hydrogels and bioinks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzad Hafeez
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Monize Caiado Decarli
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Agustina Aldana
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Mahsa Ebrahimi
- Advanced Functional Polymers Group, Department of Chemistry, Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, Hasselt, 3500, Belgium
| | - Floor A A Ruiter
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology- Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Duimel
- Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens van Blitterswijk
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Louis M Pitet
- Advanced Functional Polymers Group, Department of Chemistry, Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, Hasselt, 3500, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew B Baker
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
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26
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Covani U, Giammarinaro E, Di Pietro N, Boncompagni S, Rastelli G, Romasco T, Velasco-Ortega E, Jimenez-Guerra A, Iezzi G, Piattelli A, Marconcini S. Electron Microscopy (EM) Analysis of Collagen Fibers in the Peri-Implant Soft Tissues around Two Different Abutments. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:445. [PMID: 37754859 PMCID: PMC10532031 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14090445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The design of the implant prosthesis-abutment complex appears crucial for shaping healthy and stable peri-implant soft tissues. The aim of the present animal study was to compare two implants with different healing abutment geometries: a concave design (TEST) and a straight one (CTRL). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to quantify the three-dimensional topography and morphological properties of collagen at nanoscale resolution. 2 swine were included in the experiment and 6 implants per animal were randomly placed in the left or right hemimandible in either the physiologically mature bone present between the lower canine and first premolar or in the mandibular premolar area, within tooth extraction sites. Each CTRL implant was positioned across from its respective TEST implant on the other side of the jaw. After 12 weeks of healing, 8 specimens (4 CTRL and 4 TEST) were retrieved and prepared for histological and TEM analysis. The results showed a significantly higher percentage of area covered by collagen bundles and average bundle size in TEST implants, as well as a significant decrease in the number of longitudinally oriented bundles with respect to CTRL implants, which is potentially due to the larger size of TEST bundles. These data suggest that a concave transmucosal abutment design serves as a scaffold, favoring the deposition and growth of a well-organized peri-implant collagen structure over the implant platform in the early healing phase, also promoting the convergence of collagen fibers toward the abutment collar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Covani
- Department of Stomatology, Tuscan Dental Institute, 55041 Lido di Camaiore, Italy; (U.C.); (E.G.); (S.M.)
| | - Enrica Giammarinaro
- Department of Stomatology, Tuscan Dental Institute, 55041 Lido di Camaiore, Italy; (U.C.); (E.G.); (S.M.)
| | - Natalia Di Pietro
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (T.R.); (G.I.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology—CAST, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.B.); (G.R.)
| | - Simona Boncompagni
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology—CAST, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.B.); (G.R.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giorgia Rastelli
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology—CAST, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.B.); (G.R.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Tea Romasco
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (T.R.); (G.I.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology—CAST, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.B.); (G.R.)
| | - Eugenio Velasco-Ortega
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (E.V.-O.); (A.J.-G.)
| | - Alvaro Jimenez-Guerra
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (E.V.-O.); (A.J.-G.)
| | - Giovanna Iezzi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (T.R.); (G.I.)
| | - Adriano Piattelli
- School of Dentistry, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy;
- Facultad de Medicina, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Simone Marconcini
- Department of Stomatology, Tuscan Dental Institute, 55041 Lido di Camaiore, Italy; (U.C.); (E.G.); (S.M.)
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27
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Kamml J, Acevedo C, Kammer DS. Advanced-Glycation Endproducts: How cross-linking properties affect the collagen fibril behavior. ARXIV 2023:arXiv:2308.05514v1. [PMID: 37608934 PMCID: PMC10441443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Advanced-Glycation-Endproducts (AGEs) are known to be a major cause of impaired tissue material properties. In collagen fibrils, which constitute a major building component of human tissue, these AGEs appear as fibrillar cross-links. It has been shown that when AGEs accumulate in collagen fibrils, a process often caused by diabetes and aging, the mechanical properties of the collagen fibril are altered. However, current knowledge about the mechanical properties of different types of AGEs, and their quantity in collagen fibrils is limited owing to the scarcity of available experimental data. Consequently, the precise relationship between the nano-scale cross-link properties, which differ from type to type, their density in collagen fibrils, and the mechanical properties of the collagen fibrils at larger scales remains poorly understood. In our study, we use coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and perform destructive tensile tests on collagen fibrils to evaluate the effect of different cross-link densities and their mechanical properties on collagen fibril deformation and fracture behavior. We observe that the collagen fibril stiffens at high strain levels when either the AGEs density or the loading energy capacity of AGEs are increased. Based on our results, we demonstrate that this stiffening is caused by a mechanism that favors energy absorption via stretching rather than inter-molecular sliding. Hence, in these cross-linked collagen fibrils, the absorbed energy is stored rather than dissipated through friction, resulting in brittle fracture upon fibrillar failure. Further, by varying multiple AGEs nano-scale parameters, we show that the AGEs loading energy capacity is, aside from their density in the fibril, the unique factor determining the effect of different types of AGEs on the mechanical behavior of collagen fibrils. Our results show that knowing AGEs properties is crucial for a better understanding of the nano-scale origin of impaired tissue behavior. We further suggest that future experimental investigations should focus on the quantification of the loading energy capacity of AGEs as a key property for their influence on collagen fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kamml
- Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claire Acevedo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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28
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Adouni M, Alkhatib F, Gouissem A, Faisal TR. Knee joint biomechanics and cartilage damage prediction during landing: A hybrid MD-FE-musculoskeletal modeling. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287479. [PMID: 37535559 PMCID: PMC10399834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanics behind knee joint injuries and providing appropriate treatment is crucial for improving physical function, quality of life, and employability. In this study, we used a hybrid molecular dynamics-finite element-musculoskeletal model to determine the level of loads the knee can withstand when landing from different heights (20, 40, 60 cm), including the height at which cartilage damage occurs. The model was driven by kinematics-kinetics data of asymptomatic subjects at the peak loading instance of drop landing. Our analysis revealed that as landing height increased, the forces on the knee joint also increased, particularly in the vastus muscles and medial gastrocnemius. The patellar tendon experienced more stress than other ligaments, and the medial plateau supported most of the tibial cartilage contact forces and stresses. The load was mostly transmitted through cartilage-cartilage interaction and increased with landing height. The critical height of 126 cm, at which cartilage damage was initiated, was determined by extrapolating the collected data using an iterative approach. Damage initiation and propagation were mainly located in the superficial layers of the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral cartilage. Finally, this study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of landing-associated cartilage damage and could help limit joint injuries and improve training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malek Adouni
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Australian University, East Mushrif, Kuwait
| | - Fadi Alkhatib
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Australian University, East Mushrif, Kuwait
| | - Afif Gouissem
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Australian University, East Mushrif, Kuwait
| | - Tanvir R Faisal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, United States of America
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29
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Blunt KM, Bentkowski BN, Milliron E, Cavendish P, Qin C, Magnussen RA, Stoodley P, Flanigan DC. Influence of Staphylococcus epidermidis on Collagen Crimp Patterns of Soft Tissue Allograft. Am J Sports Med 2023; 51:2701-2710. [PMID: 37449681 DOI: 10.1177/03635465231181649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postoperative infections, commonly from Staphylococcus epidermidis, may result in anterior cruciate ligament graft failure and necessitate revision surgery. In biomechanical studies, S. epidermidis has been shown to establish biofilms on tendons and reduce graft strength. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS The goal of this study was to determine the effect of bacterial bioburden on the collagen structure of tendon. It was hypothesized that an increase in S. epidermidis biofilm would compromise tendon crimp, a pattern necessary for mechanical integrity, of soft tissue allografts. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS Cultures of S. epidermidis were used to inoculate tibialis anterior cadaveric tendons. Conditions assessed included 5 × 105 colony-forming units or concentrated spent media from culture (no living bacteria). Incubation times of 30 minutes, 3 hours, 6 hours, and 24 hours were utilized. Second-harmonic generation imaging allowed for visualization of collagen autofluorescence. Crimp lengths were determined using ImageJ and compared based on incubation time. RESULTS Incubation time positively correlated with increasing S. epidermidis bioburden. Both fine and coarse crimp patterns lengthened with increasing incubation time. Significant coarse crimp changes were observed after only 30-minute incubations (P < .029), whereas significant fine crimp lengthening occurred after 6 hours (P < .0001). No changes in crimp length were identified after incubation in media lacking living bacteria. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrate that exposure to S. epidermidis negatively affects collagen crimp structure. Structural alterations at the collagen fiber level occur within 30 minutes of exposure to media containing S. epidermidis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our study highlights the need for antimicrobial precautions to prevent graft colonization and maximize graft mechanical strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koral M Blunt
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Eric Milliron
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Parker Cavendish
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Charles Qin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Robert A Magnussen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University Sports Medicine Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Paul Stoodley
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - David C Flanigan
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University Sports Medicine Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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30
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Kamml J, Ke CY, Acevedo C, Kammer DS. The influence of AGEs and enzymatic cross-links on the mechanical properties of collagen fibrils. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 143:105870. [PMID: 37156073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105870] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Collagen, one of the main building blocks for various tissues, derives its mechanical properties directly from its structure of cross-linked tropocollagen molecules. The cross-links are considered to be a key component of collagen fibrils as they can change the fibrillar behavior in various ways. For instance, enzymatic cross-links (ECLs), one particular type of cross-links, are known for stabilizing the structure of the fibril and improving material properties, while cross-linking AGEs (Advanced-Glycation Endproducts) have been shown to accumulate and impair the mechanical properties of collageneous tissues. However, the reasons for whether and how a given type of cross-link improves or impairs the material properties remain unknown, and the exact relationship between the cross-link properties and density, and the fibrillar behavior is still not well understood. Here, we use coarse-grained steered molecular models to evaluate the effect of AGEs and ECLs cross-links content on the deformation and failure properties of collagen fibrils. Our simulations show that the collagen fibrils stiffen at high strain levels when the AGEs content exceeds a critical value. In addition, the strength of the fibril increases with AGEs accumulation. By analyzing the forces within the different types of cross-links (AGEs and ECLs) as well as their failure, we demonstrate that a change of deformation mechanism is at the origin of these observations. A high AGEs content reinforces force transfer through AGEs cross-links rather than through friction between sliding tropocollagen molecules, which leads to failure by breaking of bonds within the tropocollagen molecules. We show that this failure mechanism, which is associated with lower energy dissipation, results in more abrupt failure of the collagen fibril. Our results provide a direct and causal link between increased AGEs content, inhibited intra-fibrillar sliding, increased stiffness, and abrupt fibril fracture. Therefore, they explain the mechanical origin of bone brittleness as commonly observed in elderly and diabetic populations. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying impaired tissue behavior due to elevated AGEs content and could enable targeted measures regarding the reduction of specific collagen cross-linking levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kamml
- Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chun-Yu Ke
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Claire Acevedo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - David S Kammer
- Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
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31
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Khan MU, Mohammad E, Abbas Y, Rezeq M, Mohammad B. Chicken skin based Milli Watt range biocompatible triboelectric nanogenerator for biomechanical energy harvesting. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10160. [PMID: 37349344 PMCID: PMC10287749 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36817-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This work reports a high-performance, low-cost, biocompatible triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) using chicken skin (CS). The device is suitable to power wearable devices, which is critical to adapt electronics in monitoring, predicting, and treating people. It also supports sustainability by providing a cost-effective way to reduce the poultry industry's waste. It has been shown here that CS-derived biowaste is an effective means of generating tribopositive material for TENGs. The CS contains amino acid functional groups based on (Glycine, Proline, and Hydroxyproline), which are essential to demonstrate the electron-donating ability of collagen. The skin was cut into 3 × 3 cm2 and used as the raw material for fabricating the TENG device with a stacking sequence of Al/Kapton/spacing/CS/Al. The chicken skin-based TENG (CS-TENG) is characterized at different frequencies (4-14 HZ) using a damping system. The CS-TENG produces an open-circuit voltage of 123 V, short-circuit current of 20 µA and 0.2 mW/cm2 of a power density at 20 MΩ. The biocompatible CS-TENG presents ultra-robust and stable endurance performance with more than 52,000 cycles. The CS-TENG is impressively capable of scavenging energy to light up to 55 commercial light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a calculator, and to measure the physiological motions of the human body. CS-TENG is a step toward sustainable, battery-less devices or augmented energy sources, especially when using traditional power sources, such as in wearable devices, remote locations, or mobile applications is not practical or cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umair Khan
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE
- System on Chip Lab, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE
| | - Eman Mohammad
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Yawar Abbas
- System on Chip Lab, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE
- Department of Physics, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE
| | - Moh'd Rezeq
- System on Chip Lab, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE
- Department of Physics, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE
| | - Baker Mohammad
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE.
- System on Chip Lab, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE.
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32
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Hafeez S, Aldana AA, Duimel H, Ruiter FAA, Decarli MC, Lapointe V, van Blitterswijk C, Moroni L, Baker MB. Molecular Tuning of a Benzene-1,3,5-Tricarboxamide Supramolecular Fibrous Hydrogel Enables Control over Viscoelasticity and Creates Tunable ECM-Mimetic Hydrogels and Bioinks. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2207053. [PMID: 36858040 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Traditional synthetic covalent hydrogels lack the native tissue dynamics and hierarchical fibrous structure found in the extracellular matrix (ECM). These dynamics and fibrous nanostructures are imperative in obtaining the correct cell/material interactions. Consequently, the challenge to engineer functional dynamics in a fibrous hydrogel and recapitulate native ECM properties remains a bottle-neck to biomimetic hydrogel environments. Here, the molecular tuning of a supramolecular benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) hydrogelator via simple modulation of hydrophobic substituents is reported. This tuning results in fibrous hydrogels with accessible viscoelasticity over 5 orders of magnitude, while maintaining a constant equilibrium storage modulus. BTA hydrogelators are created with systematic variations in the number of hydrophobic carbon atoms, and this is observed to control the viscoelasticity and stress-relaxation timescales in a logarithmic fashion. Some of these BTA hydrogels are shear-thinning, self-healing, extrudable, and injectable, and can be 3D printed into multiple layers. These hydrogels show high cell viability for chondrocytes and human mesenchymal stem cells, establishing their use in tissue engineering applications. This simple molecular tuning by changing hydrophobicity (with just a few carbon atoms) provides precise control over the viscoelasticity and 3D printability in fibrillar hydrogels and can be ported onto other 1D self-assembling structures. The molecular control and design of hydrogel network dynamics can push the field of supramolecular chemistry toward the design of new ECM-mimicking hydrogelators for numerous cell-culture and tissue-engineering applications and give access toward highly biomimetic bioinks for bioprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzad Hafeez
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Ana A Aldana
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Duimel
- Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging (M4I) Institute, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Floor A A Ruiter
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Monize Caiado Decarli
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Vanessa Lapointe
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens van Blitterswijk
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew B Baker
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
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Park D, Lee SJ, Choi DK, Park JW. Therapeutic Agent-Loaded Fibrous Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051522. [PMID: 37242764 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051522] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering is a sophisticated field that involves the integration of various disciplines, such as clinical medicine, material science, and life science, to repair or regenerate damaged tissues and organs. To achieve the successful regeneration of damaged or diseased tissues, it is necessary to fabricate biomimetic scaffolds that provide structural support to the surrounding cells and tissues. Fibrous scaffolds loaded with therapeutic agents have shown considerable potential in tissue engineering. In this comprehensive review, we examine various methods for fabricating bioactive molecule-loaded fibrous scaffolds, including preparation methods for fibrous scaffolds and drug-loading techniques. Additionally, we delved into the recent biomedical applications of these scaffolds, such as tissue regeneration, inhibition of tumor recurrence, and immunomodulation. The aim of this review is to discuss the latest research trends in fibrous scaffold manufacturing methods, materials, drug-loading methods with parameter information, and therapeutic applications with the goal of contributing to the development of new technologies or improvements to existing ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsik Park
- Drug Manufacturing Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hub), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jin Lee
- Drug Manufacturing Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hub), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Kyu Choi
- New Drug Development Center (NDDC), Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hub), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Woong Park
- Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hub), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
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Sergeeva IA, Klinov DV, Schäffer TE, Dubrovin EV. Characterization of the effect of chromium salts on tropocollagen molecules and molecular aggregates. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124835. [PMID: 37201883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124835] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Though the capability of chromium treatment to improve the stability and mechanical properties of collagen fibrils is well-known, the influence of different chromium salts on collagen molecules (tropocollagen) is not well characterized. In this study, the effect of Cr3+ treatment on the conformation and hydrodynamic properties of collagen was studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Statistical analysis of contours of adsorbed tropocollagen molecules using the two-dimensional worm-like chain model revealed a reduction of the persistence length (i.e., the increase of flexibility) from ≈72 nm in water to ≈56-57 nm in chromium (III) salt solutions. DLS studies demonstrated an increase of the hydrodynamic radius from ≈140 nm in water to ≈190 nm in chromium (III) salt solutions, which is associated with protein aggregation. The kinetics of collagen aggregation was shown to be ionic strength dependent. Collagen molecules treated with three different chromium (III) salts demonstrated similar properties such as flexibility, aggregation kinetics, and susceptibility to enzymatic cleavage. The observed effects are explained by a model that considers the formation of chromium-associated intra- and intermolecular crosslinks. The obtained results provide novel insights into the effect of chromium salts on the conformation and properties of tropocollagen molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A Sergeeva
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Physics, Leninskie Gory 1 bld 2, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Dmitry V Klinov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya 1a, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tilman E Schäffer
- University of Tübingen, Institute of Applied Physics, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Evgeniy V Dubrovin
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Physics, Leninskie Gory 1 bld 2, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
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35
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Bini F, Pica A, Marinozzi A, Marinozzi F. 3D Tortuosity and Diffusion Characterization in the Human Mineralized Collagen Fibril Using a Random Walk Model. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10050558. [PMID: 37237628 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10050558] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone tissue is mainly composed at the nanoscale of apatite minerals, collagen molecules and water that form the mineralized collagen fibril (MCF). In this work, we developed a 3D random walk model to investigate the influence of bone nanostructure on water diffusion. We computed 1000 random walk trajectories of water molecules within the MCF geometric model. An important parameter to analyse transport behaviour in porous media is tortuosity, computed as the ratio between the effective path length and the straight-line distance between initial and final points. The diffusion coefficient is determined from the linear fit of the mean squared displacement of water molecules as a function of time. To achieve more insight into the diffusion phenomenon within MCF, we estimated the tortuosity and diffusivity at different quotes in the longitudinal direction of the model. Tortuosity is characterized by increasing values in the longitudinal direction. As expected, the diffusion coefficient decreases as tortuosity increases. Diffusivity outcomes confirm the findings achieved by experimental investigations. The computational model provides insights into the relation between the MCF structure and mass transport behaviour that may contribute to the improvement of bone-mimicking scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiano Bini
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via Eudossiana, 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrada Pica
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via Eudossiana, 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Andrea Marinozzi
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Marinozzi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via Eudossiana, 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
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Xiu F, Knežević A, Huskens J, Kudernac T. Interplay of Depletion Forces and Biomolecular Recognition in the Hierarchical Assembly of Supramolecular Tubes. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2207098. [PMID: 36840672 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Crowding effects have a profound impact on the hierarchical organization of cellular architectures. In the fields of systems chemistry and soft matter, this effect has not received much attention so far. Here, it is explored how poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a crowding agent invokes depletion forces that act on synthetic supramolecular tubes. Hence, supramolecular tubes are pushed from their random orientation into hierarchically assembled bundles due to the PEG-induced crowded environment. The resulting morphology of formed bundled architectures can be tuned by the concentrations of both the supramolecular tubes and the PEG. The introduction of biotin groups at the surface of the tubes allows the engineering of biotin-streptavidin crosslinks between them. The order of introducing PEG and streptavidin in the system further affects the formed hierarchical assemblies, as well as their resistance toward dilution. The strategy described here provides a new route to establish hierarchically organized supramolecular architectures, combining crowding and specific biomolecular interactions, which shows the potential for controlling the structure of supramolecular materials and other soft matter systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Xiu
- Molecular Nanofabrication Group, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente, PO Box 207, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Anamarija Knežević
- Molecular Nanofabrication Group, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente, PO Box 207, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Jurriaan Huskens
- Molecular Nanofabrication Group, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente, PO Box 207, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Tibor Kudernac
- Molecular Nanofabrication Group, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente, PO Box 207, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Molecular Inorganic Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Nijenborgh 4, Groningen, 9747 AG, The Netherlands
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37
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Bates ME, Troop L, Brown ME, Puetzer JL. Temporal application of lysyl oxidase during hierarchical collagen fiber formation differentially effects tissue mechanics. Acta Biomater 2023; 160:98-111. [PMID: 36822485 PMCID: PMC10064799 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.02.024] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The primary source of strength in menisci, tendons, and ligaments are hierarchical collagen fibers; however, these fibers are not regenerated after injury nor in engineered replacements, resulting in limited repair options. Collagen strength is reliant on fiber alignment, density, diameter, and crosslinking. Recently, we developed a culture system which guides cells in high-density collagen gels to develop native-like hierarchically organized collagen fibers, which match native fiber alignment and diameters by 6 weeks. However, tensile moduli plateau at 1MPa, suggesting crosslinking may be lacking. Collagen crosslinking is regulated by lysyl oxidase (LOX) which forms immature crosslinks that condense into mature trivalent crosslinks. Trivalent crosslinks are thought to be the primarily source of strength in fibers, but it's not well understood how they form. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous LOX in our culture system at different stages of hierarchical fiber formation to produce stronger replacements and to better understand factors affecting crosslink maturation. We found treatment with LOX isoform LOXL2 did not restrict hierarchical fiber formation, with constructs still forming aligned collagen fibrils by 2 weeks, larger fibers by 4 weeks, and early fascicles by 6 weeks. However, LOXL2 treatment did significantly increase mature pyridinium (PYD) crosslink accumulation and tissue mechanics, with timing of LOXL2 supplementation during fiber formation having a significant effect. Overall, we found one week of LOXL2 supplementation at 4 weeks produced constructs with native-like fiber organization, increased PYD accumulation, and increased mechanics, ultimately matching the tensile modulus of immature bovine menisci. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Collagen fibers are the primary source of strength and function in connective tissues throughout the body, however it remains a challenge to develop these fibers in engineered replacements, greatly reducing treatment options. Here we demonstrate lysyl oxidase like 2 (LOXL2) can be used to significantly improve the mechanics of tissue engineered constructs, but timing of application is important and will most likely depend on degree of collagen organization or maturation. Currently there is limited understanding of how collagen crosslinking is regulated, and this system is a promising platform to further investigate cellular regulation of LOX crosslinking. Understanding the mechanism that regulates LOX production and activity is needed to ultimately regenerate functional repair or replacements for connective tissues throughout the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison E Bates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284
| | - Leia Troop
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284
| | - M Ethan Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284
| | - Jennifer L Puetzer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, United States.
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38
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Liu S, Yu JM, Gan YC, Qiu XZ, Gao ZC, Wang H, Chen SX, Xiong Y, Liu GH, Lin SE, McCarthy A, John JV, Wei DX, Hou HH. Biomimetic natural biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: new biosynthesis methods, recent advances, and emerging applications. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:16. [PMID: 36978167 PMCID: PMC10047482 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00448-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomimetic materials have emerged as attractive and competitive alternatives for tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine. In contrast to conventional biomaterials or synthetic materials, biomimetic scaffolds based on natural biomaterial can offer cells a broad spectrum of biochemical and biophysical cues that mimic the in vivo extracellular matrix (ECM). Additionally, such materials have mechanical adaptability, microstructure interconnectivity, and inherent bioactivity, making them ideal for the design of living implants for specific applications in TE and regenerative medicine. This paper provides an overview for recent progress of biomimetic natural biomaterials (BNBMs), including advances in their preparation, functionality, potential applications and future challenges. We highlight recent advances in the fabrication of BNBMs and outline general strategies for functionalizing and tailoring the BNBMs with various biological and physicochemical characteristics of native ECM. Moreover, we offer an overview of recent key advances in the functionalization and applications of versatile BNBMs for TE applications. Finally, we conclude by offering our perspective on open challenges and future developments in this rapidly-evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510900, China
| | - Jiang-Ming Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Yan-Chang Gan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510900, China
| | - Xiao-Zhong Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510900, China
| | - Zhe-Chen Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Huan Wang
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, Guangdong, China.
| | - Shi-Xuan Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Clinical Functional Materials and Diagnosis & Treatment Devices of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325011, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yuan Xiong
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Guo-Hui Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Si-En Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Alec McCarthy
- Department of Functional Materials, Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Johnson V John
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68130, USA
| | - Dai-Xu Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200336, China.
- Zigong Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Zigong Psychiatric Research Center, Zigong Institute of Brain Science, Zigong, 643002, Sichuan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, China.
| | - Hong-Hao Hou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510900, China.
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Naba A. 10 years of extracellular matrix proteomics: Accomplishments, challenges, and future perspectives. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100528. [PMID: 36918099 PMCID: PMC10152135 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex assembly of hundreds of proteins forming the architectural scaffold of multicellular organisms. In addition to its structural role, the ECM conveys signals orchestrating cellular phenotypes. Alterations of ECM composition, abundance, structure, or mechanics, have been linked to diseases and disorders affecting all physiological systems, including fibrosis and cancer. Deciphering the protein composition of the ECM and how it changes in pathophysiological contexts is thus the first step toward understanding the roles of the ECM in health and disease and toward the development of therapeutic strategies to correct disease-causing ECM alterations. Potentially, the ECM also represents a vast, yet untapped reservoir of disease biomarkers. ECM proteins are characterized by unique biochemical properties that have hindered their study: they are large, heavily and uniquely post-translationally modified, and highly insoluble. Overcoming these challenges, we and others have devised mass-spectrometry-based proteomic approaches to define the ECM composition, or "matrisome", of tissues. This review provides a historical overview of ECM proteomics research and presents the latest advances that now allow the profiling of the ECM of healthy and diseased tissues. The second part highlights recent examples illustrating how ECM proteomics has emerged as a powerful discovery pipeline to identify prognostic cancer biomarkers. The third part discusses remaining challenges limiting our ability to translate findings to clinical application and proposes approaches to overcome them. Last, the review introduces readers to resources available to facilitate the interpretation of ECM proteomics datasets. The ECM was once thought to be impenetrable. MS-based proteomics has proven to be a powerful tool to decode the ECM. In light of the progress made over the past decade, there are reasons to believe that the in-depth exploration of the matrisome is within reach and that we may soon witness the first translational application of ECM proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Naba
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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40
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Zeng L, Liu F, Yu Q, Jin C, Yang J, Suo Z, Tang J. Flaw-insensitive fatigue resistance of chemically fixed collagenous soft tissues. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade7375. [PMID: 36867693 PMCID: PMC9984180 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade7375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bovine pericardium (BP) has been used as leaflets of prosthetic heart valves. The leaflets are sutured on metallic stents and can survive 400 million flaps (~10-year life span), unaffected by the suture holes. This flaw-insensitive fatigue resistance is unmatched by synthetic leaflets. We show that the endurance strength of BP under cyclic stretch is insensitive to cuts as long as 1 centimeter, about two orders of magnitude longer than that of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The flaw-insensitive fatigue resistance of BP results from the high strength of collagen fibers and soft matrix between them. When BP is stretched, the soft matrix enables a collagen fiber to transmit tension over a long length. The energy in the long length dissipates when the fiber breaks. We demonstrate that a BP leaflet greatly outperforms a TPU leaflet. It is hoped that these findings will aid the development of soft materials for flaw-insensitive fatigue resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangsong Zeng
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, International Center for Applied Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fengkai Liu
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, International Center for Applied Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qifeng Yu
- Shanghai NewMed Medical Corporation, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyu Jin
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, International Center for Applied Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Zhigang Suo
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Kavli Institute for Bionano Science and Technology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jingda Tang
- State Key Lab for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, International Center for Applied Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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41
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Shin A, Connolly S, Kabytaev K. Protein glycation in diabetes mellitus. Adv Clin Chem 2023; 113:101-156. [PMID: 36858645 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is the ninth leading cause of mortality worldwide. It is a complex disease that manifests as chronic hyperglycemia. Glucose exposure causes biochemical changes at the proteome level as reflected in accumulation of glycated proteins. A prominent example is hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a glycated protein widely accepted as a diabetic indicator. Another emerging biomarker is glycated albumin which has demonstrated utility in situations where HbA1c cannot be used. Other proteins undergo glycation as well thus impacting cellular function, transport and immune response. Accordingly, these glycated counterparts may serve as predictors for diabetic complications and thus warrant further inquiry. Fortunately, modern proteomics has provided unique analytic capability to enable improved and more comprehensive exploration of glycating agents and glycated proteins. This review broadly covers topics from epidemiology of diabetes to modern analytical tools such as mass spectrometry to facilitate a better understanding of diabetes pathophysiology. This serves as an attempt to connect clinically relevant questions with findings of recent proteomic studies to suggest future avenues of diabetes research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleks Shin
- Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Shawn Connolly
- Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Kuanysh Kabytaev
- Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.
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42
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Pei Y, Yang W, Tang K, Kaplan DL. Collagen processing with mesoscale aggregates as templates and building blocks. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 63:108099. [PMID: 36649798 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108099] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Collagen presents a well-organized hierarchical multilevel structure. Microfibers, fibers, and fiber bundles are the aggregates of natural collagen; which achieve an ideal balance of mechanical strength and toughness at the mesoscopic scale for biological tissue. These mesostructured aggregates of collagen isolated from biological tissues retain these inherent organizational features to enable their use as building blocks for constructing new collagen materials with ideal mechanical performance, thermal and dimensional stability. This strategy is distinct from the more common bottom-up or molecular-level design and assembly approach to generating collagen materials. The present review introduces the hierarchical structure of biological collagen with a focus on mesostructural features. Isolation strategies for these collagen aggregates (CAs) are summarized. Recent progress in the use of these mesostructural components for the construction of new collagen materials with emerging applications is reviewed, including in catalysis, environmental applications, biomedicine, food packaging, electrical energy storage, and flexible sensors. Finally, challenges and prospects are assessed for controllable production of CAs as well as material designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Pei
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Wen Yang
- Institute of Physics, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Keyong Tang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - David L Kaplan
- Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, MA 02155, United States
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Anohova V, Asyakina L, Babich O, Dikaya O, Goikhman A, Maksimova K, Grechkina M, Korobenkov M, Burkova D, Barannikov A, Narikovich A, Chupakhin E, Snigirev A, Antipov S. The Dosidicus gigas Collagen for Scaffold Preparation and Cell Cultivation: Mechanical and Physicochemical Properties, Morphology, Composition and Cell Viability. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:1220. [PMID: 36904464 PMCID: PMC10006952 DOI: 10.3390/polym15051220] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Directed formation of the structure of the culture of living cells is the most important task of tissue engineering. New materials for 3D scaffolds of living tissue are critical for the mass adoption of regenerative medicine protocols. In this manuscript, we demonstrate the results of the molecular structure study of collagen from Dosidicus gigas and reveal the possibility of obtaining a thin membrane material. The collagen membrane is characterized by high flexibility and plasticity as well as mechanical strength. The technology of obtaining collagen scaffolds, as well as the results of studies of its mechanical properties, surface morphology, protein composition, and the process of cell proliferation on its surface, are shown in the given manuscript. The investigation of living tissue culture grown on the surface of a collagen scaffold by X-ray tomography on a synchrotron source made it possible to remodel the structure of the extracellular matrix. It was found that the scaffolds obtained from squid collagen are characterized by a high degree of fibril ordering and high surface roughness and provide efficient directed growth of the cell culture. The resulting material provides the formation of the extracellular matrix and is characterized by a short time to living tissue sorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Anohova
- Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Nevskogo 14, Kaliningrad 236006, Russia
| | - Lyudmila Asyakina
- Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Nevskogo 14, Kaliningrad 236006, Russia
| | - Olga Babich
- Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Nevskogo 14, Kaliningrad 236006, Russia
| | - Olga Dikaya
- Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Nevskogo 14, Kaliningrad 236006, Russia
| | - Aleksandr Goikhman
- Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Nevskogo 14, Kaliningrad 236006, Russia
| | - Ksenia Maksimova
- Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Nevskogo 14, Kaliningrad 236006, Russia
| | | | - Maxim Korobenkov
- Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Nevskogo 14, Kaliningrad 236006, Russia
| | - Diana Burkova
- Voronezh State University, 1, University Square, Voronezh 394063, Russia
| | - Aleksandr Barannikov
- Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Nevskogo 14, Kaliningrad 236006, Russia
| | - Anton Narikovich
- Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Nevskogo 14, Kaliningrad 236006, Russia
| | - Evgeny Chupakhin
- Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Nevskogo 14, Kaliningrad 236006, Russia
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Anatoly Snigirev
- Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Nevskogo 14, Kaliningrad 236006, Russia
| | - Sergey Antipov
- Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Nevskogo 14, Kaliningrad 236006, Russia
- Voronezh State University, 1, University Square, Voronezh 394063, Russia
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Unraveling the molecular mechanism of collagen flexibility during physiological warmup using molecular dynamics simulation and machine learning. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1630-1638. [PMID: 36860343 PMCID: PMC9969283 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.02.017] [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: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiological warmup plays an important role in reducing the injury risk in different sports. In response to the associated temperature increase, the muscle and tendon soften and become easily stretched. In this study, we focused on type I collagen, the main component of the Achilles tendon, to unveil the molecular mechanism of collagen flexibility upon slight heating and to develop a model to predict the strain of collagen sequences. We used molecular dynamics approaches to simulate the molecular structures and mechanical behavior of the gap and overlap regions in type I collagen at 307 K, 310 K, and 313 K. The results showed that the molecular model in the overlap region is more sensitive to temperature increases. Upon increasing the temperature by 3 degrees Celsius, the end-to-end distance and Young's modulus of the overlap region decreased by 5% and 29.4%, respectively. The overlap region became more flexible than the gap region at higher temperatures. GAP-GPA and GNK-GSK triplets are critical for providing molecular flexibility upon heating. A machine learning model developed from the molecular dynamics simulation results showed good performance in predicting the strain of collagen sequences at a physiological warmup temperature. The strain-predictive model could be applied to future collagen designs to obtain desirable temperature-dependent mechanical properties.
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Lamellar thickness measurements in control and osteogenesis imperfecta human bone, with development of a method of automated thickness averaging to simplify quantitation. Matrix Biol 2023; 116:85-101. [PMID: 36592737 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.12.006] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Lamellar bone that forms in moderate and severe osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is composed of structurally irregular lamellae compared to those in control bone. OI and control cortical bone fragments were prepared for light microscopy in standardized fashion: decalcified, embedded in plastic, sectioned and stained with toluidine blue. Polarization light microscopy (PLM) was used to demonstrate and quantify bright and dark lamellar thicknesses in cortical bone fragments from 5 patients with moderate to severe OI in whom type I collagen structural/molecular defects were detected and in control bone from 5 patients. Rigid selection criteria identified lamellar regions for quantification. Thicknesses of bright and dark lamellae were measured manually at 20X magnification using a histomorphometric image analysis system. A method of automated thickness averaging was developed to determine lamellar thicknesses from PLM images to make measurement faster. Our study demonstrates, for the first time, that in OI bone from patients with type I collagen structural/molecular defects mean lamellar thickness measurements (along with the bright and dark lamellar thicknesses) were less than those in control bone by statistically highly significant differences. The mean value for bright lamellae was less than that for dark lamellae in both control and OI bone. The ratio of mean values for bright/dark lamellar thicknesses was the same in control and OI bone. The automated method obtained similar results to the manual method. Lamellar bone in moderate and severe OI with type I collagen defects is composed of thinner and less structurally regular lamellae than those in control bone. This finding indicates that lamellar thickness measurements can be helpful in assessing the effect of specific collagen and collagen-related mutations on OI bone synthesis and warrant inclusion in research and clinical histomorphometric assessments.
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Ryou H, Tay FR, Ossa A, Arola D. Preparation of collagen fibrils from mineralized tissues and evaluation by atomic force microscopy. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 138:105624. [PMID: 36543081 PMCID: PMC9845140 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105624] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mineralized tissues like bone and dentin are materials that support the distribution of mechanical loads through the body of humans and other animals. While their organic content plays a critical role on the structural behavior of these materials, investigations that quantify the structural properties of collagen fibrils in mineralized tissues at the nanoscale are rather limited. We report a new experimental methodology to prepare samples of dentinal collagen fibrils for evaluation by atomic force microscopy and characterize their mechanical behavior. Specifically, a Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) of the collagen fibrils was performed to study their viscoelastic behavior. The capacity for viscous dampening in the fibrils was characterized in terms of measures of the energy dissipation, phase angle and loss modulus in both the peak and trough regions of the fibrils. According to the phase angle and the loss modulus, the peak regions of the fibrils exhibit significantly greater stiffness and capacity for dampening than the trough regions. This new approach will help in exploring the role of collagen fibrils in the mechanical behavior of dentin and other mineralized tissues as well as help to understand the potential effects from changes in fibril confirmation with tissue treatments, aging or that result from chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heonjune Ryou
- U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20375, USA
| | - Franklin R Tay
- The Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Alex Ossa
- School of Applied Sciences and Engineering, Universidad Eafit, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Dwayne Arola
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Faisal TR, Adouni M, Dhaher YY. Surrogate modeling of articular cartilage degradation to understand the synergistic role of MMP-1 and MMP-9: a case study. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2023; 22:43-56. [PMID: 36201069 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-022-01630-0] [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: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A characteristic feature of arthritic diseases is cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, often orchestrated by the overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and other proteases. The interplay between fibril level degradation and the tissue-level aggregate response to biomechanical loading was explored in this work by a computational multiscale cartilaginous model. We considered the relative abundance of collagenases (MMP-1) and gelatinases (MMP-9) in surrogate models, where the diffusion (spatial distribution) of these enzymes and the subsequent, co-localized fibrillar damage were spatially randomized with Latin Hypercube Sampling. The computational model was constructed by incorporating the results from prior molecular dynamics simulations (tensile test) of microfibril degradation into a hyper-elastoplastic fibril-reinforced cartilage model. Including MMPs-mediated collagen fibril-level degradation in computational models may help understand the ECM pathomechanics at the tissue level. The mechanics of cartilage tissue and fibril show variations in mechanical integrity depending on the different combinations of MMPs-1 and 9 with a concentration ratio of 1:1, 3:1, and 1:3 in simulated indentation tests. The fibril yield (local failure) was initiated at 20.2 ± 3.0 (%) and at 23.0 ± 2.8 (%) of bulk strain for col 1:gel 3 and col 3: gel 1, respectively. The reduction in failure stress (global response) was 39.8% for col 1:gel 3, 37.5% for col 1:gel 1, and 36.7% for col 3:gel 1 compared with the failure stress of the degradation free tissue. These findings indicate that cartilage's global and local mechanisms of failure largely depend on the relative abundance of the two key enzymes-collagenase (MMP-1) and gelatinase (MMP-9) and the spatial characteristics of diffusion across the layers of the cartilage ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir R Faisal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, 70508, USA.
| | - Malek Adouni
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Australian College of Kuwait, East Mishref, Kuwait City, P.O. Box 1411, Kuwait
| | - Yasin Y Dhaher
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Southwest, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwest, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Southwest, Dallas, TX, USA
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Kamml J, Ke CY, Acevedo C, Kammer DS. The influence of AGEs and enzymatic cross-links on the mechanical properties of collagen fibrils. ARXIV 2023:arXiv:2301.13010v1. [PMID: 36776815 PMCID: PMC9915749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Cross-links are considered to be a key component of collagen fibrils as they can change the fibrillar behavior in various ways. Advanced-Glycation Endproducts (AGEs), one particular type of cross-links, have been shown to accumulate and impair the mechanical properties of collageneous tissues, whereas enzymatic cross-links (ECLs) are known for stabilizing the structure of the fibril. However, the reasons for whether a given type of cross-link improves or impairs the material properties remain unknown. Here, we use coarse-grained steered molecular models to evaluate the effect of AGEs and ECLs cross-links content on the deformation and failure properties of collagen fibrils. Our simulations show that the collagen fibrils stiffen at high strain levels when the AGEs content exceeds a critical value. In addition, the strength of the fibril increases with AGEs accumulation. By analyzing the forces within the different types of cross-links (AGEs and ECLs) as well as their failure, we demonstrate that a change of deformation mechanism is at the origin of these observations. A high AGEs content reinforces force transfer through AGEs cross-links rather than through friction between sliding tropocollagen molecules. We show that this failure mechanism, which is associated with lower energy dissipation, results in more abrupt failure of the collagen fibril. Our results provide a direct and causal link between increased AGEs content, inhibited intra-fibrillar sliding, increased stiffness, and abrupt fibril fracture. Therefore, they explain the mechanical origin of bone brittleness as commonly observed in elderly and diabetic populations. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying impaired tissue behaviour due to elevated AGEs content and could enable targeted measures regarding the reduction of specific collagen cross-linking levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kamml
- Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chun-Yu Ke
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Claire Acevedo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Kim T, Hong J, Kim J, Cho J, Kim Y. Two-Dimensional Peptide Assembly via Arene-Perfluoroarene Interactions for Proliferation and Differentiation of Myoblasts. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:1793-1802. [PMID: 36625369 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c10938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular assembly based on aromatic interactions can provide well-defined nanostructures with an understanding of intermolecular interactions at the molecular level. The peptide assembly via a supramolecular approach can overcome the inherent limitations of bioactive peptides, such as proteolytic degradations and rapid internalizations into the cytosol. Although extensive research has been carried out on supramolecular peptide materials with a two-dimensional (2D) structure, more needs to be reported on biological activity studies using well-defined 2D peptide materials. Physical and chemical properties of the 2D peptide assembly attributed to their large surface area and flexibility can show low cytotoxicity, enhanced molecular loading, and higher bioconjugation efficiency in biological applications. Here, we report supramolecular 2D materials based on the pyrene-grafted amphiphilic peptide, which contains a peptide sequence (Asp-Gly-Glu-Ala; DGEA) that is reported to bind to the integrin α2β1 receptor in 2D cell membranes. The addition of octafluoronaphthalene (OFN) to the pyrene-grafted peptide could induce a well-ordered 2D assembly by face-centered arene-perfluoroarene stacking. The DGEA-peptide 2D assembly with a flat structure, structural stability against enzymatic degradations, and a larger size can enhance the proliferation and differentiation of muscle cells via continuous interactions with cell membrane receptors integrin α2β1 showing a low intracellular uptake (15%) compared to that (62%) of the vesicular peptide assembly. These supramolecular approaches via the arene-perfluoroarene interaction provide a strategy to fabricate well-defined 2D peptide materials with an understanding of assembly at the molecular level for the next-generation peptide materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeyeon Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwoo Hong
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jehan Kim
- Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, POSTECH, Pohang37673, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhan Cho
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongju Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul02841, Republic of Korea.,Department of Integrative Energy Engineering, Korea University, Seoul02841, Republic of Korea
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Collagen Derived from Fish Industry Waste: Progresses and Challenges. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15030544. [PMID: 36771844 PMCID: PMC9920587 DOI: 10.3390/polym15030544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Fish collagen garnered significant academic and commercial focus in the last decades featuring prospective applications in a variety of health-related industries, including food, medicine, pharmaceutics, and cosmetics. Due to its distinct advantages over mammalian-based collagen, including the reduced zoonosis transmission risk, the absence of cultural-religious limitations, the cost-effectiveness of manufacturing process, and its superior bioavailability, the use of collagen derived from fish wastes (i.e., skin, scales) quickly expanded. Moreover, by-products are low cost and the need to minimize fish industry waste's environmental impact paved the way for the use of discards in the development of collagen-based products with remarkable added value. This review summarizes the recent advances in the valorization of fish industry wastes for the extraction of collagen used in several applications. Issues related to processing and characterization of collagen were presented. Moreover, an overview of the most relevant applications in food industry, nutraceutical, cosmetics, tissue engineering, and food packaging of the last three years was introduced. Lastly, the fish-collagen market and the open technological challenges to a reliable recovery and exploitation of this biopolymer were discussed.
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