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Sonaye SY, Bohara S, Welsh BL, Ertugral EG, Kothapalli CR, Richter H, Garg K, Sikder P. Extrusion-Based 3D Bioprinting of Bioactive and Piezoelectric Scaffolds as Potential Therapy for Treating Critical Soft Tissue Wounds. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2024. [PMID: 39001829 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2024.0073] [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: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study focuses on developing bioactive piezoelectric scaffolds that could deliver bioelectrical cues to potentially treat injuries to soft tissues such as skeletal muscles and promote active regeneration. Approach: To address the underexplored aspect of bioelectrical cues in skeletal muscle tissue engineering (SMTE), we developed piezoelectric bioink based on natural bioactive materials such as sodium alginate, gelatin, and chitosan. Extrusion-based 3D bioprinting was utilized to develop scaffolds that mimic muscle stiffness and generate electrical stimulation (E-stim) when subjected to forces. The biocompatibility of these scaffolds was tested with the C2C12 muscle cell line. Results: The bioink demonstrated suitable rheological properties for 3D bioprinting, resulting in high-resolution composite sodium alginate-gelatin-chitosan scaffolds with good structural fidelity. The scaffolds exhibited a 42-60 kPa stiffness, similar to muscle. When a controlled force of 5N was applied to the scaffolds at a constant frequency of 4 Hz, they generated electrical fields and impulses (charge), indicating their suitability as a stand-alone scaffold to generate E-stim and instill bioelectrical cues in the wound region. The cell viability and proliferation test results confirm the scaffold's biocompatibility with C2C12s and the benefit of piezoelectricity in promoting muscle cell growth kinetics. Our study indicates that our piezoelectric bioink and scaffolds offer promise as autonomous E-stim-generating regenerative therapy for SMTE. Innovation: A novel approach for treating skeletal muscle wounds was introduced by developing a bioactive electroactive scaffold capable of autonomously generating E-stim without stimulators and electrodes. This scaffold offers a unique approach to enhancing skeletal muscle regeneration through bioelectric cues, addressing a major gap in the SMTE, that is, fibrotic tissue formation due to delayed muscle regeneration. Conclusion: A piezoelectric scaffold was developed, providing a promising solution for promoting skeletal muscle regeneration. This development can potentially address skeletal muscle injuries and offers a unique approach to facilitating skeletal muscle wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Smriti Bohara
- Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Breanne L Welsh
- Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Elif G Ertugral
- Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Hanz Richter
- Mechanical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Koyal Garg
- Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Prabaha Sikder
- Mechanical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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2
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Zubiarrain-Laserna A, Martínez-Moreno D, López de Andrés J, de Lara-Peña L, Guaresti O, Zaldua AM, Jiménez G, Marchal JA. Beyond stiffness: deciphering the role of viscoelasticity in cancer evolution and treatment response. Biofabrication 2024; 16:042002. [PMID: 38862006 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad5705] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that cancer progression is linked to tissue viscoelasticity, which challenges the commonly accepted notion that stiffness is the main mechanical hallmark of cancer. However, this new insight has not reached widespread clinical use, as most clinical trials focus on the application of tissue elasticity and stiffness in diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical planning. Therefore, there is a need to advance the fundamental understanding of the effect of viscoelasticity on cancer progression, to develop novel mechanical biomarkers of clinical significance. Tissue viscoelasticity is largely determined by the extracellular matrix (ECM), which can be simulatedin vitrousing hydrogel-based platforms. Since the mechanical properties of hydrogels can be easily adjusted by changing parameters such as molecular weight and crosslinking type, they provide a platform to systematically study the relationship between ECM viscoelasticity and cancer progression. This review begins with an overview of cancer viscoelasticity, describing how tumor cells interact with biophysical signals in their environment, how they contribute to tumor viscoelasticity, and how this translates into cancer progression. Next, an overview of clinical trials focused on measuring biomechanical properties of tumors is presented, highlighting the biomechanical properties utilized for cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Finally, this review examines the use of biofabricated tumor models for studying the impact of ECM viscoelasticity on cancer behavior and progression and it explores potential avenues for future research on the production of more sophisticated and biomimetic tumor models, as well as their mechanical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Zubiarrain-Laserna
- Leartiker S. Coop., Xemein Etorbidea 12A, 48270 Markina-Xemein, Spain
- BioFab i3D- Biofabrication and 3D (bio)printing Laboratory, University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, (CIBM) University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Daniel Martínez-Moreno
- BioFab i3D- Biofabrication and 3D (bio)printing Laboratory, University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, (CIBM) University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit 'Modeling Nature' (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Julia López de Andrés
- BioFab i3D- Biofabrication and 3D (bio)printing Laboratory, University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, (CIBM) University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit 'Modeling Nature' (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Laura de Lara-Peña
- BioFab i3D- Biofabrication and 3D (bio)printing Laboratory, University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, (CIBM) University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit 'Modeling Nature' (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Olatz Guaresti
- Leartiker S. Coop., Xemein Etorbidea 12A, 48270 Markina-Xemein, Spain
| | - Ane Miren Zaldua
- Leartiker S. Coop., Xemein Etorbidea 12A, 48270 Markina-Xemein, Spain
| | - Gema Jiménez
- BioFab i3D- Biofabrication and 3D (bio)printing Laboratory, University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, (CIBM) University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit 'Modeling Nature' (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Health Science, Faculty of Experimental Science, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- BioFab i3D- Biofabrication and 3D (bio)printing Laboratory, University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, (CIBM) University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit 'Modeling Nature' (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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3
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Song Y, Soto J, Wong SY, Wu Y, Hoffman T, Akhtar N, Norris S, Chu J, Park H, Kelkhoff DO, Ang CE, Wernig M, Kasko A, Downing TL, Poo MM, Li S. Biphasic regulation of epigenetic state by matrix stiffness during cell reprogramming. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk0639. [PMID: 38354231 PMCID: PMC10866547 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk0639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
We investigate how matrix stiffness regulates chromatin reorganization and cell reprogramming and find that matrix stiffness acts as a biphasic regulator of epigenetic state and fibroblast-to-neuron conversion efficiency, maximized at an intermediate stiffness of 20 kPa. ATAC sequencing analysis shows the same trend of chromatin accessibility to neuronal genes at these stiffness levels. Concurrently, we observe peak levels of histone acetylation and histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity in the nucleus on 20 kPa matrices, and inhibiting HAT activity abolishes matrix stiffness effects. G-actin and cofilin, the cotransporters shuttling HAT into the nucleus, rises with decreasing matrix stiffness; however, reduced importin-9 on soft matrices limits nuclear transport. These two factors result in a biphasic regulation of HAT transport into nucleus, which is directly demonstrated on matrices with dynamically tunable stiffness. Our findings unravel a mechanism of the mechano-epigenetic regulation that is valuable for cell engineering in disease modeling and regenerative medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Song
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jennifer Soto
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sze Yue Wong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Tyler Hoffman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Navied Akhtar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Sam Norris
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Julia Chu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Hyungju Park
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Structure and Function of Neural Network, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu 41068, South Korea
| | - Douglas O. Kelkhoff
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Cheen Euong Ang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Pathology and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marius Wernig
- Department of Pathology and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrea Kasko
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Timothy L. Downing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Mu-ming Poo
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Song Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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4
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Riahinezhad H, Amsden BG. In situ forming, mechanically resilient hydrogels prepared from 4a-[PEG- b-PTMC-Ac] and thiolated chondroitin sulfate for nucleus pulposus cell delivery. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:1257-1270. [PMID: 38167961 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02574h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Intervertebral disk degeneration (IVDD) is a common condition that causes severe back pain and affects patients' mobility and life quality considerably. IVDD originates within the central region of the disk called the nucleus pulposus (NP). Removing the damaged tissue and replacing it with NP cells (NPCs) delivered within an in situ forming hydrogel is a promising treatment approach. Herein we describe a hydrogel formulation based on 4-arm [poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(trimethylene carbonate)-acrylate] (4a[PEG-b-PTMC-Ac]) crosslinked with thiolated chondroitin sulfate via Michael-type reaction for this purpose. A library of hydrogels based on 15 kDa 4a-[PEG] with PTMC blocks of varying molecular weight were prepared and characterized. The instantaneous moduli of the hydrogels were adjustable from 24 to 150 kPa depending on the length of the PTMC block and the polymer volume fraction. The influence of each of these parameters was effectively explained using both scaling or mean field theories of polyelectrolyte hydrogels. The hydrogels were resistant to cyclic compressive loading and degraded gradually over 70 days in vitro. A hydrogel formulation with an instantaneous modulus at the high end of the range of values reported for human NP tissue was chosen to assess the ability of these hydrogels for delivering NPCs. The prepolymer solution was injectable and formed a hydrogel within 30 minutes at 37 °C. Bovine NPCs were encapsulated within this hydrogel with high viability and proliferated throughout a 28 day, hypoxic culture period. The encapsulated NPCs formed clusters and deposited collagen type II but no collagen type I within the hydrogels. Despite an initial gradual decrease, a steady-state modulus was reached at the end of the 28 day culture period that was within the range reported for healthy human NP tissue. This in situ forming hydrogel formulation is a promising approach and with further development could be a viable clinical treatment for IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Riahinezhad
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Brian G Amsden
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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Botte E, Mancini P, Magliaro C, Ahluwalia A. A sense of proximity: Cell packing modulates oxygen consumption. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:036111. [PMID: 37664826 PMCID: PMC10468216 DOI: 10.1063/5.0160422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurately modeling oxygen transport and consumption is crucial to predict metabolic dynamics in cell cultures and optimize the design of tissue and organ models. We present a methodology to characterize the Michaelis-Menten oxygen consumption parameters in vitro, integrating novel experimental techniques and computational tools. The parameters were derived for hepatic cell cultures with different dimensionality (i.e., 2D and 3D) and with different surface and volumetric densities. To quantify cell packing regardless of the dimensionality of cultures, we devised an image-based metric, referred to as the proximity index. The Michaelis-Menten parameters were related to the proximity index through an uptake coefficient, analogous to a diffusion constant, enabling the quantitative analysis of oxygen dynamics across dimensions. Our results show that Michaelis-Menten parameters are not constant for a given cell type but change with dimensionality and cell density. The maximum consumption rate per cell decreases significantly with cell surface and volumetric density, while the Michaelis-Menten constant tends to increase. In addition, the dependency of the uptake coefficient on the proximity index suggests that the oxygen consumption rate of hepatic cells is superadaptive, as they modulate their oxygen utilization according to its local availability and to the proximity of other cells. We describe, for the first time, how cells consume oxygen as a function of cell proximity, through a quantitative index, which combines cell density and dimensionality. This study enhances our understanding of how cell-cell interaction affects oxygen dynamics and enables better prediction of aerobic metabolism in tissue models, improving their translational value.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: +39 0502217062
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6
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Miller L, Ramírez-Torres A, Rodríguez-Ramos R, Penta R. Effective Governing Equations for Viscoelastic Composites. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:4944. [PMID: 37512218 PMCID: PMC10381759 DOI: 10.3390/ma16144944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
We derive the governing equations for the overall behaviour of linear viscoelastic composites comprising two families of elastic inclusions, subphases and/or fibres, and an incompressible Newtonian fluid interacting with the solid phases at the microscale. We assume that the distance between each of the subphases is very small in comparison to the length of the whole material (the macroscale). We can exploit this sharp scale separation and apply the asymptotic (periodic) homogenization method (AHM) which decouples spatial scales and leads to the derivation of the new homogenised model. It does this via upscaling the fluid-structure interaction problem that arises between the multiple elastic phases and the fluid. As we do not assume that the fluid flow is characterised by a parabolic profile, the new macroscale model, which consists of partial differential equations, is of Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic type (rather than poroelastic). The novel model has coefficients that encode the properties of the microstructure and are to be computed by solving a single local differential fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problem where the solid and the fluid phases are all present and described by the one problem. The model reduces to the case described by Burridge and Keller (1981) when there is only one elastic phase in contact with the fluid. This model is applicable when the distance between adjacent phases is smaller than the average radius of the fluid flowing in the pores, which can be the case for various highly heterogeneous systems encountered in real-world (e.g., biological, or geological) scenarios of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Miller
- School of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | | | - Reinaldo Rodríguez-Ramos
- Facultad de Matemática y Computación, Universidad de La Habana, La Habana 10400, Cuba
- PPG-MCCT, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. dos Trabalhadores 420, Vila Sta. Cecília, Volta Redonda 27225-125, RJ, Brazil
| | - Raimondo Penta
- School of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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7
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Asim S, Tabish TA, Liaqat U, Ozbolat IT, Rizwan M. Advances in Gelatin Bioinks to Optimize Bioprinted Cell Functions. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203148. [PMID: 36802199 PMCID: PMC10330013 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Gelatin is a widely utilized bioprinting biomaterial due to its cell-adhesive and enzymatically cleavable properties, which improve cell adhesion and growth. Gelatin is often covalently cross-linked to stabilize bioprinted structures, yet the covalently cross-linked matrix is unable to recapitulate the dynamic microenvironment of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby limiting the functions of bioprinted cells. To some extent, a double network bioink can provide a more ECM-mimetic, bioprinted niche for cell growth. More recently, gelatin matrices are being designed using reversible cross-linking methods that can emulate the dynamic mechanical properties of the ECM. This review analyzes the progress in developing gelatin bioink formulations for 3D cell culture, and critically analyzes the bioprinting and cross-linking techniques, with a focus on strategies to optimize the functions of bioprinted cells. This review discusses new cross-linking chemistries that recapitulate the viscoelastic, stress-relaxing microenvironment of the ECM, and enable advanced cell functions, yet are less explored in engineering the gelatin bioink. Finally, this work presents the perspective on the areas of future research and argues that the next generation of gelatin bioinks should be designed by considering cell-matrix interactions, and bioprinted constructs should be validated against currently established 3D cell culture standards to achieve improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Asim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931 USA
| | - Tanveer A. Tabish
- Cardiovascular Division, Radcliff Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Usman Liaqat
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Chemical and Materials Engineering (SCME), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Pakistan
| | - Ibrahim T. Ozbolat
- Engineering Science and Mechanics, Penn State, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State, Hershey, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cukurova University, Adana 01330, Turkey
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931 USA
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931 USA
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Richert E, Nienhaus A, Ekroll Jahren S, Gazdhar A, Grab M, Hörer J, Carrel T, Obrist D, Heinisch PP. Biogenic polymer-based patches for congenital cardiac surgery: a feasibility study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1164285. [PMID: 37424903 PMCID: PMC10325621 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1164285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Currently used patch materials in congenital cardiac surgery do not grow, renew, or remodel. Patch calcification occurs more rapidly in pediatric patients eventually leading to reoperations. Bacterial cellulose (BC) as a biogenic polymer offers high tensile strength, biocompatibility, and hemocompatibility. Thus, we further investigated the biomechanical properties of BC for use as patch material. Methods The BC-producing bacteria Acetobacter xylinum were cultured in different environments to investigate optimal culturing conditions. For mechanical characterization, an established method of inflation for biaxial testing was used. The applied static pressure and deflection height of the BC patch were measured. Furthermore, a displacement and strain distribution analysis was performed and compared to a standard xenograft pericardial patch. Results The examination of the culturing conditions revealed that the BC became homogenous and stable when cultivated at 29°C, 60% oxygen concentration, and culturing medium exchange every third day for a total culturing period of 12 days. The estimated elastic modulus of the BC patches ranged from 200 to 530 MPa compared to 230 MPa for the pericardial patch. The strain distributions, calculated from preloaded (2 mmHg) to 80 mmHg inflation, show BC patch strains ranging between 0.6% and 4%, which was comparable to the pericardial patch. However, the pressure at rupture and peak deflection height varied greatly, ranging from 67 to around 200 mmHg and 0.96 to 5.28 mm, respectively. The same patch thickness does not automatically result in the same material properties indicating that the manufacturing conditions have a significant impact on durability. Conclusions BC patches can achieve comparable results to pericardial patches in terms of strain behavior as well as in the maximum applied pressure that can be withstood without rupture. Bacterial cellulose patches could be a promising material worth further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Richert
- Department of Congenital and Paediatric Heart Surgery, German Heart Centre Munich, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Division of Congenital and Pediatric Heart Surgery, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Nienhaus
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Silje Ekroll Jahren
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Amiq Gazdhar
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Grab
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hörer
- Department of Congenital and Paediatric Heart Surgery, German Heart Centre Munich, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Division of Congenital and Pediatric Heart Surgery, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Thierry Carrel
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Obrist
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paul Philipp Heinisch
- Department of Congenital and Paediatric Heart Surgery, German Heart Centre Munich, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Division of Congenital and Pediatric Heart Surgery, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
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9
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Fabbri R, Cacopardo L, Ahluwalia A, Magliaro C. Advanced 3D Models of Human Brain Tissue Using Neural Cell Lines: State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects. Cells 2023; 12:1181. [PMID: 37190089 PMCID: PMC10136913 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081181] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-relevant three-dimensional (3D) models of cerebral tissue can be invaluable tools to boost our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying brain pathophysiology. Nowadays, the accessibility, isolation and harvesting of human neural cells represents a bottleneck for obtaining reproducible and accurate models and gaining insights in the fields of oncology, neurodegenerative diseases and toxicology. In this scenario, given their low cost, ease of culture and reproducibility, neural cell lines constitute a key tool for developing usable and reliable models of the human brain. Here, we review the most recent advances in 3D constructs laden with neural cell lines, highlighting their advantages and limitations and their possible future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Fabbri
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3R Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3R Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Italy
| | - Chiara Magliaro
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3R Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Italy
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10
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Pérez-Benito Á, Huerta-López C, Alegre-Cebollada J, García-Aznar JM, Hervas-Raluy S. Computational modelling of the mechanical behaviour of protein-based hydrogels. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 138:105661. [PMID: 36630754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105661] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based hydrogels have been extensively studied in the field of biomaterials given their ability to mimic living tissues and their special resemblance to the extracellular matrix. Despite this, the methods used for the control of mechanical properties of hydrogels are very limited, focusing mainly on their elasticity, with an often unrealistic characterization of mechanical properties such as extensibility, stiffness and viscoelasticity. Being able to control these properties is essential for the development of new biomaterials, since it has been demonstrated that mechanical properties affect cell behaviour and biological processes. To better understand the mechanical behaviour of these biopolymers, a computational model is here developed to characterize the mechanical behaviour of two different protein-based hydrogels. Strain-stress tests and stress-relaxation tests are evaluated computationally and compared to the results obtained experimentally in a previous work. To achieve this goal the Finite Element Method is used, combining hyperelastic and viscoelastic models. Different hyperelastic constitutive models (Mooney-Rivlin, Neo-Hookean, first and third order Ogden, and Yeoh) are proposed to estimate the mechanical properties of the protein-based hydrogels by least-square fitting of the in-vitro uniaxial test results. Among these models, the first order Ogden model with a viscoelastic model defined in Prony parameters better reproduces the strain-stress response and the change of stiffness with strain observed in the in-vitro tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Pérez-Benito
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering, Instituto de Investigacion en Ingenieria de Aragon(I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50014, Spain
| | - Carla Huerta-López
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | | | - José Manuel García-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering, Instituto de Investigacion en Ingenieria de Aragon(I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50014, Spain
| | - Silvia Hervas-Raluy
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering, Instituto de Investigacion en Ingenieria de Aragon(I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50014, Spain.
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11
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Mastrorocco A, Cacopardo L, Temerario L, Martino NA, Tridente F, Rizzo A, Lacalandra GM, Robbe D, Carluccio A, Dell’Aquila ME. Investigating and Modelling an Engineered Millifluidic In Vitro Oocyte Maturation System Reproducing the Physiological Ovary Environment in the Sheep Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223611. [PMID: 36429039 PMCID: PMC9688735 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In conventional assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), oocytes are in vitro cultured in static conditions. Instead, dynamic systems could better mimic the physiological in vivo environment. In this study, a millifluidic in vitro oocyte maturation (mIVM) system, in a transparent bioreactor integrated with 3D printed supports, was investigated and modeled thanks to computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and oxygen convection-reaction-diffusion (CRD) models. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from slaughtered lambs were cultured for 24 h under static (controls) or dynamic IVM in absence (native) or presence of 3D-printed devices with different shapes and assembly modes, with/without alginate filling. Nuclear chromatin configuration, mitochondria distribution patterns, and activity of in vitro matured oocytes were assessed. The native dynamic mIVM significantly reduced the maturation rate compared to the static group (p < 0.001) and metaphase II (MII) oocytes showed impaired mitochondria distribution (p < 0.05) and activity (p < 0.001). When COCs were included in a combination of concave+ring support, particularly with alginate filling, oocyte maturation and mitochondria pattern were preserved, and bioenergetic/oxidative status was improved (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Results were supported by computational models demonstrating that, in mIVM in biocompatible inserts, COCs were protected from shear stresses while ensuring physiological oxygen diffusion replicating the one occurring in vivo from capillaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Mastrorocco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Centre E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Letizia Temerario
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Antonio Martino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Federico Tridente
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Michele Lacalandra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Domenico Robbe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Dell’Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
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12
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Transport in the Brain Extracellular Space: Diffusion, but Which Kind? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012401. [PMID: 36293258 PMCID: PMC9604357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of transport of substances in the brain parenchyma have been a hot topic in scientific discussion in the past decade. This discussion was triggered by the proposed glymphatic hypothesis, which assumes a directed flow of cerebral fluid within the parenchyma, in contrast to the previous notion that diffusion is the main mechanism. However, when discussing the issue of “diffusion or non-diffusion”, much less attention was given to the question that diffusion itself can have a different character. In our opinion, some of the recently published results do not fit into the traditional understanding of diffusion. In this regard, we outline the relevant new theoretical approaches on transport processes in complex random media such as concepts of diffusive diffusivity and time-dependent homogenization, which expands the understanding of the forms of transport of substances based on diffusion.
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13
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Cuenot S, Gélébart P, Sinquin C, Colliec-Jouault S, Zykwinska A. Mechanical relaxations of hydrogels governed by their physical or chemical crosslinks. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 133:105343. [PMID: 35780569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105343] [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: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the field of tissue engineering, in order to restore tissue functionality hydrogels that closely mimic biological and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix are intensely developed. Mechanical properties including relaxation of the surrounding microenvironment regulate essential cellular processes. However, the mechanical properties of engineered hydrogels are particularly complex since they involve not only a nonlinear elastic behavior but also time-dependent responses. An accurate determination of these properties at microscale, i.e. as probed by cells, becomes an essential step to further design hydrogel-based biomaterials able to induce specific cellular responses. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) with contact sizes of the order of few micrometers constitutes an appropriate technique to determine the origin of relaxation mechanisms occurring in hydrogels. In the present study, AFM force relaxation experiments are conducted on chemically and physically crosslinked hydrogels respectively based on a synthetic polymer, polyacrylamide and a natural polymer, a bacterial exopolysaccharide infernan, produced by the deep-sea hydrothermal vent bacterium, Alteromonas infernus. Two distinct relaxation mechanisms are clearly evidenced depending on the nature of hydrogel network crosslinks. Chemically crosslinked hydrogel exhibits poroelastic relaxations, whereas physically crosslinked hydrogel shows time-dependent responses arising from viscoelastic effects. In addition, two relaxation processes are revealed in ionic physical hydrogel originating from chain rearrangement and breaking/reforming of the ionic crosslinks. The effect of the ionic strength on both the long-term elastic modulus and relaxation times of physical hydrogels was also shown. These findings highlight that physical hydrogels with well-defined time-dependent mechanical properties could be tuned for an optimized response of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Cuenot
- Nantes Université, CNRS, Institut des Matériaux Jean Rouxel, IMN, 2, Rue de la Houssinière, 44322, Nantes, Cedex 3, France.
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14
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Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA)-Based Nanocomposites: Impact of Vermiculite, Silver, and Graphene Oxide on Thermal Stability, Isothermal Crystallization, and Local Mechanical Behavior. JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jcs6040112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of unreinforced and reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) were investigated. The PLA was a biopolymer that was reinforced with four fillers (i.e., graphene oxide (GO) and silver (Ag); vermiculite (VMT) and silver (Ag); and two organically modified vermiculites). The processing technique for the production of the composite materials were carefully planned. The PLA nanocomposites were investigated by examining their morphological aspects, changes in PLA phases and transitions and, most importantly, the effect on certain final properties. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicated that the sample was completely amorphous. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results indicated that the presence of reinforcing particles in the PLA matrix did not affect the thermal degradation of these composites. Furthermore, the local mechanical properties were investigated using the microindentation method to evaluate the effect of different nanofillers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a VHX-500 optical digital microscope (Keyence International, Mechelen, Belgium) were also used to examine the surface morphology of the PLA polymer composites. These results can help to select suitable fillers to enhance the PLA performance of biopolymers.
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15
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Fell CA, Brooks-Richards TL, Woodruff M, Allenby MC. Soft pneumatic actuators for mimicking multi-axial femoropopliteal artery mechanobiology. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 35378520 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac63ef] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Tissue biomanufacturing aims to produce lab-grown stem cell grafts and biomimetic drug testing platforms but remains limited in its ability to recapitulate native tissue mechanics. The emerging field of soft robotics aims to emulate dynamic physiological locomotion, representing an ideal approach to recapitulate physiologically complex mechanical stimuli and enhance patient-specific tissue maturation. The kneecap's femoropopliteal artery (FPA) represents a highly flexible tissue across multiple axes during blood flow, walking, standing, and crouching positions, and these complex biomechanics are implicated in the FPA's frequent presentation of peripheral artery disease. We developed a soft pneumatically actuated (SPA) cell culture platform to investigate how patient-specific FPA mechanics affect lab-grown arterial tissues. Silicone hyperelastomers were screened for flexibility and biocompatibility, then additively manufactured into SPAs using a simulation-based design workflow to mimic normal and diseased FPA extensions in radial, angular, and longitudinal dimensions. SPA culture platforms were seeded with mesenchymal stem cells, connected to a pneumatic controller, and provided with 24-hour multi-axial exercise schedules to demonstrate the effect of dynamic conditioning on cell alignment, collagen production, and muscle differentiation without additional growth factors. Soft robotic bioreactors are promising platforms for recapitulating patient-, disease-, and lifestyle-specific mechanobiology for understanding disease, treatment simulations, and lab-grown tissue grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody A Fell
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering; Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4001, AUSTRALIA
| | - Trent L Brooks-Richards
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering; Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4001, AUSTRALIA
| | - Mia Woodruff
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering; Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Brisbane, Queensland, 4001, AUSTRALIA
| | - Mark Colin Allenby
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Andrew N. Liveris Building, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, AUSTRALIA
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16
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Aydemir D, Malik AN, Kulac I, Basak AN, Lazoglu I, Ulusu NN. Impact of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disease on the Biomechanical Properties and Oxidative Stress Metabolism of the Lung Tissue Correlated With the Human Mutant SOD1G93A Protein Accumulation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:810243. [PMID: 35284425 PMCID: PMC8914018 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.810243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron disease, and ALS incidence is increasing worldwide. Patients with ALS have respiratory failure at the disease’s end stages, leading to death; thus, the lung is one of the most affected organs during disease progression. Tissue stiffness increases in various lung diseases because of impaired extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis leading to tissue damage and dysfunction at the end. According to the literature, oxidative stress is the major contributor to ECM dysregulation, and mutant protein accumulation in ALS have been reported as causative to tissue damage and oxidative stress. In this study, we used SOD1G93A and SOD1WT rats and measured lung stiffness of rats by using a custom-built stretcher, where H&E staining is used to evaluate histopathological changes in the lung tissue. Oxidative stress status of lung tissues was assessed by measuring glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione s-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) levels. Western blot experiments were performed to evaluate the accumulation of the SOD1G93A mutated protein. As a result, increased lung stiffness, decreased antioxidant status, elevated levels of oxidative stress, impaired mineral and trace element homeostasis, and mutated SOD1G93A protein accumulation have been found in the mutated rats even at the earlier stages, which can be possible causative of increased lung stiffness and tissue damage in ALS. Since lung damage has altered at the very early stages, possible therapeutic approaches can be used to treat ALS or improve the life quality of patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duygu Aydemir
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Koc University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Anjum Naeem Malik
- Manufacturing and Automation Research Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Kulac
- Department of Pathology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Nazli Basak
- Suna and İnan Kirac Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory, NDAL-KUTTAM, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ismail Lazoglu
- Manufacturing and Automation Research Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nuriye Nuray Ulusu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Koc University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey
- *Correspondence: Nuriye Nuray Ulusu,
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