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Liu Y, Okesola BO, Osuna de la Peña D, Li W, Lin ML, Trabulo S, Tatari M, Lawlor RT, Scarpa A, Wang W, Knight M, Loessner D, Heeschen C, Mata A, Pearce OMT. A Self-Assembled 3D Model Demonstrates How Stiffness Educates Tumor Cell Phenotypes and Therapy Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2301941. [PMID: 38471128 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301941] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a dense and stiff extracellular matrix (ECM) associated with tumor progression and therapy resistance. To further the understanding of how stiffening of the tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes to aggressiveness, a three-dimensional (3D) self-assembling hydrogel disease model is developed based on peptide amphiphiles (PAs, PA-E3Y) designed to tailor stiffness. The model displays nanofibrous architectures reminiscent of native TME and enables the study of the invasive behavior of PDAC cells. Enhanced tuneability of stiffness is demonstrated by interacting thermally annealed aqueous solutions of PA-E3Y (PA-E3Yh) with divalent cations to create hydrogels with mechanical properties and ultrastructure similar to native tumor ECM. It is shown that stiffening of PA-E3Yh hydrogels to levels found in PDAC induces ECM deposition, promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enriches CD133+/CXCR4+ cancer stem cells (CSCs), and subsequently enhances drug resistance. The findings reveal how a stiff 3D environment renders PDAC cells more aggressive and therefore more faithfully recapitulates in vivo tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Babatunde O Okesola
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - David Osuna de la Peña
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Weiqi Li
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Meng-Lay Lin
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Sara Trabulo
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Marianthi Tatari
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Rita T Lawlor
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
- ARC-Net, Applied Research on Cancer Centre, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
- ARC-Net, Applied Research on Cancer Centre, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Wen Wang
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Martin Knight
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive in vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Christopher Heeschen
- Pancreatic Cancer Heterogeneity, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), 10060, Italy
| | - Alvaro Mata
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Oliver M T Pearce
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
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Tang J, Wang J, Ou J, Cui Z, Yao C, Yang D. A DNA/Poly-(L-lysine) Hydrogel with Long Shelf-Time for 3D Cell Culture. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301236. [PMID: 38351479 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based hydrogels are emerging as promising functional materials for biomedical applications. However, the shelf-time of DNA hydrogels in biological media is severely shortened by nucleases, which limit the application of DNA hydrogels. Herein, a DNA hydrogel with long shelf-time is reported for 3D cell culture. Poly-(L-lysine) (PLL) is introduced as both a cross-linker and a protectant. The electrostatic interaction between PLL and DNA drove the formation of hydrogel. PLL coating on DNA increased the steric hindrance between DNA and nucleases, thus weakening the digestion of nucleases toward phosphodiester bond. As a result, the shelf-time of DNA/PLL hydrogel for 3D cell culture is extended from generally 1 day to longer than 15 days, which has not been achieved previously. Notably, poly-AS1411-aptamers are integrated to DNA/PLL hydrogels for anchoring U87 cells, and the cell encapsulation efficiency of the DNA/PLL hydrogels with aptamer is 4-time higher than that of the hydrogels without aptamer. DNA/PLL hydrogel provided a favorable microenvironment to support the proliferation of cells, which formed cell spheroid in 15 days. This protective coating strategy solves the long-standing problem on the shelf-time of DNA hydrogel, and is envisioned to promote the development of DNA hydrogel in more biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianpu Tang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, P. R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
| | - Junhan Ou
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Cui
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
| | - Chi Yao
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
| | - Dayong Yang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, P. R. China
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3
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Liu X, Ren Y, Fu S, Chen X, Hu M, Wang F, Wang L, Li C. Toward morphologically relevant extracellular matrix: nanofiber-hydrogel composites for tumor cell culture. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:3984-3995. [PMID: 38563496 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02575f] [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: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The natural extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of a continuous integrated fibrin network and a negatively charged proteoglycan-based matrix. In this work, we report a novel three-dimensional nanofiber hydrogel composite that mimics the natural ECM structure, exhibiting both degradability and mechanical characteristics comparable to that of tumor tissue. The embedded nanofiber improves the hydrogel mechanical properties, and varying the fiber density can match the elastic modulus of different tumor tissues (1.51-10.77 kPa). The degradability of the scaffold gives sufficient space for tumor cells to secrete and remodel the ECM. The expression levels of cancer stem cell markers confirmed the development of aggressive and metastatic phenotypes of prostate cancer cells in the 3D scaffold. Similar results were obtained in terms of anticancer resistance of prostate cancer cells in 3D scaffolds showing stem cell-like properties, suggesting that the current bionic 3D scaffold tumor model has broad potential in the development of effective targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Textile Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Yueying Ren
- Key Laboratory of Textile Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Sijia Fu
- Key Laboratory of Textile Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Xinan Chen
- Department of Urology, Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Mengbo Hu
- Department of Urology, Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Fujun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Textile Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Lu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Textile Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Chaojing Li
- Key Laboratory of Textile Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
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Dzuvor CKO, Shen HH, Haritos VS, He L. Coassembled Multicomponent Protein Nanoparticles Elicit Enhanced Antibacterial Activity. ACS NANO 2024; 18:4478-4494. [PMID: 38266175 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The waning pipeline of the useful antibacterial arsenal has necessitated the urgent development of more effective antibacterial strategies with distinct mechanisms to rival the continuing emergence of resistant pathogens, particularly Gram-negative bacteria, due to their explicit drug-impermeable, two-membrane-sandwiched cell wall envelope. Herein, we have developed multicomponent coassembled nanoparticles with strong bactericidal activity and simultaneous bacterial cell envelope targeting using a peptide coassembly strategy. Compared to the single-component self-assembled nanoparticle counterparts or cocktail mixtures of these at a similar concentration, coassembled multicomponent nanoparticles showed higher bacterial killing efficiency against Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli by several orders of magnitude (about 100-1,000,000-fold increase). Comprehensive confocal and electron microscopy suggest that the superior antibacterial activity of the coassembled nanoparticles proceeds via multiple complementary mechanisms of action, including membrane destabilization, disruption, and cell wall hydrolysis, actions that were not observed with the single nanoparticle counterparts. To understand the fundamental working mechanisms behind the improved performance of coassembled nanoparticles, we utilized a "dilution effect" system where the antibacterial components are intermolecularly mixed and coassembled with a non-antibacterial protein in the nanoparticles. We suggest that coassembled nanoparticles mediate enhanced bacterial killing activity by attributes such as optimized local concentration, high avidity, cooperativity, and synergy. The nanoparticles showed no cytotoxic or hemolytic activity against tested eukaryotic cells and erythrocytes. Collectively, these findings reveal potential strategies for disrupting the impermeable barrier that Gram-negative pathogens leverage to restrict antibacterial access and may serve as a platform technology for potential nano-antibacterial design to strengthen the declining antibiotic arsenal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian K O Dzuvor
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Hsin-Hui Shen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Victoria S Haritos
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Lizhong He
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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5
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He J, Li W, Zhao W, Shen H, Chang Y, Liu B, He Q, Yu H, Wang Y, Shi L, Cai X. Potential of lncRNAs to regulate cuproptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma: Establishment and validation of a novel risk model. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24453. [PMID: 38312553 PMCID: PMC10835266 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24453] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis, a distinct form of programmed cell death, is an emerging field in oncology with promising implications. This novel mode of cell death has the potential to become a regulatory target for tumor therapy, thus expanding the currently limited treatment options available for patients with cancer. Our research team focused on investigating the role of functional long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We were particularly intrigued by the potential implications of HCC-lncRNAs on cuproptosis. Through a comprehensive analysis, we identified three cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CRLs): AC018690.1, AL050341.2, and LINC02038. These lncRNAs were found to influence the sensitivity of HCC to cuproptosis. Based on our results, we constructed a risk model represented by the equation: risk score = 0.82 * AC018690.1 + 0.65 * AL050341.2 + 0.61 * LINC02038. Notably, significant disparities were observed in clinical features, such as the response rate to immunotherapy and targeted therapy, as well as in cellular characteristics, including the composition of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), when comparing the high- and low-risk groups. Most importantly, knockdown of these CRLs was confirmed to significantly weaken the resistance to cuproptosis in HCC. This effect resulted from the accelerated accumulation of lipoacylated-DLAT and lipoacylated-DLST. In summary, we identified three CRLs in HCC and established a novel risk model with potential clinical applications. Additionally, we proposed a potential therapeutic method consisting of sorafenib-copper ionophores-immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing He
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Weiqi Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Weijun Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Hao Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yushun Chang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Boqiang Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Qiang He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Liang Shi
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
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Sahu I, Chakraborty P. A repertoire of nanoengineered short peptide-based hydrogels and their applications in biotechnology. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 233:113654. [PMID: 38000121 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113654] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Peptide nanotechnology has currently bridged the gap between materials and biological worlds. Bioinspired self-assembly of short-peptide building blocks helps take the leap from molecules to materials by taking inspiration from nature. Owing to their intrinsic biocompatibility, high water content, and extracellular matrix mimicking fibrous morphology, hydrogels engineered from the self-assembly of short peptides exemplify the actualization of peptide nanotechnology into biomedical products. However, the weak mechanical property of these hydrogels jeopardizes their practical applications. Moreover, their functional diversity is limited since they comprise only one building block. Nanoengineering the networks of these hydrogels by incorporating small molecules, polymers, and inorganic/carbon nanomaterials can augment the mechanical properties while retaining their dynamic supramolecular nature. These additives interact with the peptide building blocks supramolecularly and may enhance the branching of the networks via coassembly or crystallographic mismatch. This phenomenon expands the functional diversity of these hydrogels by synergistically combining the attributes of the individual building blocks. This review highlights such nanoengineered peptide hydrogels and their applications in biotechnology. We have included exemplary works on supramolecular modification of the peptide hydrogel networks by integrating other small molecules, synthetic/biopolymers, conductive polymers, and inorganic/carbon nanomaterials and shed light on their various utilities focusing on biotechnology. We finally envision some future prospects in this highly active field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ipsita Sahu
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India
| | - Priyadarshi Chakraborty
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India.
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Zhu L, Tang Q, Mao Z, Chen H, Wu L, Qin Y. Microfluidic-based platforms for cell-to-cell communication studies. Biofabrication 2023; 16:012005. [PMID: 38035370 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad1116] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular communication is critical to the understanding of human health and disease progression. However, compared to traditional methods with inefficient analysis, microfluidic co-culture technologies developed for cell-cell communication research can reliably analyze crucial biological processes, such as cell signaling, and monitor dynamic intercellular interactions under reproducible physiological cell co-culture conditions. Moreover, microfluidic-based technologies can achieve precise spatial control of two cell types at the single-cell level with high throughput. Herein, this review focuses on recent advances in microfluidic-based 2D and 3D devices developed to confine two or more heterogeneous cells in the study of intercellular communication and decipher the advantages and limitations of these models in specific cellular research scenarios. This review will stimulate the development of more functionalized microfluidic platforms for biomedical research, inspiring broader interests across various disciplines to better comprehend cell-cell communication and other fields, such as tumor heterogeneity and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lvyang Zhu
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qu Tang
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Mao
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanhuan Chen
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wu
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuling Qin
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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Duong VT, Lin CC. Digital Light Processing 3D Bioprinting of Gelatin-Norbornene Hydrogel for Enhanced Vascularization. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300213. [PMID: 37536347 PMCID: PMC10837335 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Digital light processing (DLP) bioprinting can be used to fabricate volumetric scaffolds with intricate internal structures, such as perfusable vascular channels. The successful implementation of DLP bioprinting in tissue fabrication requires using suitable photo-reactive bioinks. Norbornene-based bioinks have emerged as an attractive alternative to (meth)acrylated macromers in 3D bioprinting owing to their mild and rapid reaction kinetics, high cytocompatibility for in situ cell encapsulation, and adaptability for post-printing modification or conjugation of bioactive motifs. In this contribution, the development of gelatin-norbornene (GelNB) is reported as a photo-cross-linkable bioink for DLP 3D bioprinting. Low concentrations of GelNB (2-5 wt.%) and poly(ethylene glycol)-tetra-thiol (PEG4SH) are DLP-printed with a wide range of stiffness (G' ≈120 to 4000 Pa) and with perfusable channels. DLP-printed GelNB hydrogels are highly cytocompatible, as demonstrated by the high viability of the encapsulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The encapsulated HUVECs formed an interconnected microvascular network with lumen structures. Notably, the GelNB bioink permitted both in situ tethering and secondary conjugation of QK peptide, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mimetic peptide. Incorporation of QK peptide significantly improved endothelialization and vasculogenesis of the DLP-printed GelNB hydrogels, reinforcing the applicability of this bioink system in diverse biofabrication applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Thuy Duong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Majkowska A, Inostroza-Brito KE, Gonzalez M, Redondo-Gómez C, Rice A, Rodriguez-Cabello JC, Del Rio Hernandez AE, Mata A. Peptide-Protein Coassemblies into Hierarchical and Bioactive Tubular Membranes. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4419-4429. [PMID: 36696687 PMCID: PMC10565817 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Multicomponent self-assembly offers opportunities for the design of complex and functional biomaterials with tunable properties. Here, we demonstrate how minor modifications in the molecular structures of peptide amphiphiles (PAs) and elastin-like recombinamers (ELs) can be used to generate coassembling tubular membranes with distinct structures, properties, and bioactivity. First, by introducing minor modifications in the charge density of PA molecules (PAK2, PAK3, PAK4), different diffusion-reaction processes can be triggered, resulting in distinct membrane microstructures. Second, by combining different types of these PAs prior to their coassembly with ELs, further modifications can be achieved, tuning the structures and properties of the tubular membranes. Finally, by introducing the cell adhesive peptide RGDS in either the PA or EL molecules, it is possible to harness the different diffusion-reaction processes to generate tubular membranes with distinct bioactivities. The study demonstrates the possibility to trigger and achieve minor but crucial differences in coassembling processes and tune material structure and bioactivity. The study demonstrates the possibility to use minor, yet crucial, differences in coassembling processes to tune material structure and bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Majkowska
- William
Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University
of London, London EC1M 6BQ, U.K.
- Institute
of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University
of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
- School
of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen
Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - Karla E. Inostroza-Brito
- School
of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen
Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - Mariel Gonzalez
- School
of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen
Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - Carlos Redondo-Gómez
- Institute
of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University
of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
- School
of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen
Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - Alistair Rice
- Department
of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | | | | | - Alvaro Mata
- Institute
of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University
of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
- School
of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen
Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
- School
of
Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- Biodiscovery
Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
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10
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Cortesi M, Liu D, Yee C, Marsh DJ, Ford CE. A comparative analysis of 2D and 3D experimental data for the identification of the parameters of computational models. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15769. [PMID: 37737283 PMCID: PMC10517149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42486-3] [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] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational models are becoming an increasingly valuable tool in biomedical research. Their accuracy and effectiveness, however, rely on the identification of suitable parameters and on appropriate validation of the in-silico framework. Both these steps are highly dependent on the experimental model used as a reference to acquire the data. Selecting the most appropriate experimental framework thus becomes key, together with the analysis of the effect of combining results from different experimental models, a common practice often necessary due to limited data availability. In this work, the same in-silico model of ovarian cancer cell growth and metastasis, was calibrated with datasets acquired from traditional 2D monolayers, 3D cell culture models or a combination of the two. The comparison between the parameters sets obtained in the different conditions, together with the corresponding simulated behaviours, is presented. It provides a framework for the study of the effect of the different experimental models on the development of computational systems. This work also provides a set of general guidelines for the comparative testing and selection of experimental models and protocols to be used for parameter optimization in computational models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Cortesi
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Electrical Electronic and Information Engineering "G. Marconi", Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy.
| | - Dongli Liu
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Christine Yee
- Translational Oncology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Deborah J Marsh
- Translational Oncology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline E Ford
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
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11
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Nie J, Sun Y, Cheng X, Wen G, Liu X, Cheng M, Zhao J, Li W. Plant Protein-Peptide Supramolecular Polymers with Reliable Tissue Adhesion for Surgical Sealing. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203301. [PMID: 36960795 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The fusion of protein science and peptide science opens up new frontiers in creating innovative biomaterials. Herein, a new kind of adhesive soft materials based on a natural occurring plant protein and short peptides via a simple co-assembly route are explored. The hydrophobic zein is supercharged by sodium dodecyl sulfate to form a stable protein colloid, which is intended to interact with charge-complementary short peptides via multivalent ionic and hydrogen bonds, forming adhesive materials at macroscopic level. The adhesion performance of the resulting soft materials can be fine-manipulated by customizing the peptide sequences. The adhesive materials can resist over 78 cmH2 O of bursting pressure, which is high enough to meet the sealing requirements of dural defect. Dural sealing and repairing capability of the protein-peptide biomaterials are further identified in rat and rabbit models. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrate that the protein-peptide adhesive shows excellent anti-swelling property, low cell cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, and inflammation response. In particular, the protein-peptide supramolecular biomaterials can in vivo dissociate and degrade within two weeks, which can well match with the time-window of the dural repairing. This work underscores the versatility and availability of the supramolecular toolbox in the easy-to-implement fabrication of protein-peptide biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlian Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Qianjin Avenue 2699, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Yingchuan Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130014, P. R. China
| | - Xueliang Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130014, P. R. China
| | - Guang Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Qianjin Avenue 2699, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Qianjin Avenue 2699, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Meng Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130014, P. R. China
| | - Jianwu Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130014, P. R. China
| | - Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Qianjin Avenue 2699, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
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12
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Li W, Zhou Z, Zhou X, Khoo BL, Gunawan R, Chin YR, Zhang L, Yi C, Guan X, Yang M. 3D Biomimetic Models to Reconstitute Tumor Microenvironment In Vitro: Spheroids, Organoids, and Tumor-on-a-Chip. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202609. [PMID: 36917657 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Decades of efforts in engineering in vitro cancer models have advanced drug discovery and the insight into cancer biology. However, the establishment of preclinical models that enable fully recapitulating the tumor microenvironment remains challenging owing to its intrinsic complexity. Recent progress in engineering techniques has allowed the development of a new generation of in vitro preclinical models that can recreate complex in vivo tumor microenvironments and accurately predict drug responses, including spheroids, organoids, and tumor-on-a-chip. These biomimetic 3D tumor models are of particular interest as they pave the way for better understanding of cancer biology and accelerating the development of new anticancer therapeutics with reducing animal use. Here, the recent advances in developing these in vitro platforms for cancer modeling and preclinical drug screening, focusing on incorporating hydrogels are reviewed to reconstitute physiologically relevant microenvironments. The combination of spheroids/organoids with microfluidic technologies is also highlighted to better mimic in vivo tumors and discuss the challenges and future directions in the clinical translation of such models for drug screening and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Li
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Zhihang Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Bee Luan Khoo
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Renardi Gunawan
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Y Rebecca Chin
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Changqing Yi
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Advanced and Portable Medical Devices, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 518107, China
| | - Xinyuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Mengsu Yang
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
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13
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Wu KZ, Adine C, Mitriashkin A, Aw BJJ, Iyer NG, Fong ELS. Making In Vitro Tumor Models Whole Again. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202279. [PMID: 36718949 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202279] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
As a reductionist approach, patient-derived in vitro tumor models are inherently still too simplistic for personalized drug testing as they do not capture many characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as tumor architecture and stromal heterogeneity. This is especially problematic for assessing stromal-targeting drugs such as immunotherapies in which the density and distribution of immune and other stromal cells determine drug efficacy. On the other end, in vivo models are typically costly, low-throughput, and time-consuming to establish. Ex vivo patient-derived tumor explant (PDE) cultures involve the culture of resected tumor fragments that potentially retain the intact TME of the original tumor. Although developed decades ago, PDE cultures have not been widely adopted likely because of their low-throughput and poor long-term viability. However, with growing recognition of the importance of patient-specific TME in mediating drug response, especially in the field of immune-oncology, there is an urgent need to resurrect these holistic cultures. In this Review, the key limitations of patient-derived tumor explant cultures are outlined and technologies that have been developed or could be employed to address these limitations are discussed. Engineered holistic tumor explant cultures may truly realize the concept of personalized medicine for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Zhuoran Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Christabella Adine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Aleksandr Mitriashkin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Jun Jie Aw
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - N Gopalakrishna Iyer
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Eliza Li Shan Fong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute (CSI), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
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14
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Ligorio C, Mata A. Synthetic extracellular matrices with function-encoding peptides. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:1-19. [PMID: 37359773 PMCID: PMC10127181 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00055-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The communication of cells with their surroundings is mostly encoded in the epitopes of structural and signalling proteins present in the extracellular matrix (ECM). These peptide epitopes can be incorporated in biomaterials to serve as function-encoding molecules to modulate cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions. In this Review, we discuss natural and synthetic peptide epitopes as molecular tools to bioengineer bioactive hydrogel materials. We present a library of functional peptide sequences that selectively communicate with cells and the ECM to coordinate biological processes, including epitopes that directly signal to cells, that bind ECM components that subsequently signal to cells, and that regulate ECM turnover. We highlight how these epitopes can be incorporated in different biomaterials as individual or multiple signals, working synergistically or additively. This molecular toolbox can be applied in the design of biomaterials aimed at regulating or controlling cellular and tissue function, repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Ligorio
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alvaro Mata
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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15
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Singh N, Patel K, Navalkar A, Kadu P, Datta D, Chatterjee D, Mukherjee S, Shaw R, Gahlot N, Shaw A, Jadhav S, Maji SK. Amyloid fibril-based thixotropic hydrogels for modeling of tumor spheroids in vitro. Biomaterials 2023; 295:122032. [PMID: 36791521 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122032] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials mimicking extracellular matrices (ECM) for three-dimensional (3D) cultures have gained immense interest in tumor modeling and in vitro organ development. Here, we introduce a new class of amyloid fibril-based peptide hydrogels as a versatile biomimetic ECM scaffold for 3D cell culture and homogenous tumor spheroid modeling. We show that these amyloid fibril-based hydrogels are thixotropic and allow cancer cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration. All seven designed hydrogels support 3D cell culture with five different cancer cell lines forming spheroid with necrotic core and upregulation of the cancer biomarkers. We further developed the homogenous, single spheroid using the drop cast method and the data suggest that all hydrogels support the tumor spheroid formation but with different necrotic core diameters. The detailed gene expression analysis of MCF7 spheroid by microarray suggested the involvement of pro-oncogenes and significant regulatory pathways responsible for tumor spheroid formation. Further, using breast tumor tissue from a mouse xenograft model, we show that selected amyloid hydrogels support the formation of tumor spheroids with a well-defined necrotic core, cancer-associated gene expression, higher drug resistance, and tumor heterogeneity reminiscent of the original tumor. Altogether, we have developed an easy-to-use, rapid, cost-effective, and scalable platform for generating in vitro cancer models for the screening of anti-cancer therapeutics and developing personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Komal Patel
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Ambuja Navalkar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Pradeep Kadu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Debalina Datta
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Debdeep Chatterjee
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Semanti Mukherjee
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Ranjit Shaw
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Nitisha Gahlot
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Abhishek Shaw
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | | | - Samir K Maji
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India.
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16
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Imparato G, Urciuolo F, Mazio C, Netti PA. Capturing the spatial and temporal dynamics of tumor stroma for on-chip optimization of microenvironmental targeting nanomedicine. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 23:25-43. [PMID: 36305728 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00611a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Malignant cells grow in a complex microenvironment that plays a key role in cancer progression. The "dynamic reciprocity" existing between cancer cells and their microenvironment is involved in cancer differentiation, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug response. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between cancer cells and their surrounding tissue (i.e., tumor stroma) and how this interplay affects the disease progression is fundamental to design and validate novel nanotherapeutic approaches. As an important regulator of tumor progression, metastasis and therapy resistance, the extracellular matrix of tumors, the acellular component of the tumor microenvironment, has been identified as very promising target of anticancer treatment, revolutionizing the traditional therapeutic paradigm that sees the neoplastic cells as the preferential objective to fight cancer. To design and to validate such a target therapy, advanced 3D preclinical models are necessary to correctly mimic the complex, dynamic and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment. In addition, the recent advancement in microfluidic technology allows fine-tuning and controlling microenvironmental parameters in tissue-on-chip devices in order to emulate the in vivo conditions. In this review, after a brief description of the origin of tumor microenvironment heterogeneity, some examples of nanomedicine approaches targeting the tumor microenvironment have been reported. Further, how advanced 3D bioengineered tumor models coupled with a microfluidic device can improve the design and testing of anti-cancer nanomedicine targeting the tumor microenvironment has been discussed. We highlight that the presence of a dynamic extracellular matrix, able to capture the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of tumor stroma, is an indispensable requisite for tumor-on-chip model and nanomedicine testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Imparato
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care@CRIB Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci n. 53, 80125 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Francesco Urciuolo
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMAPI) and Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudia Mazio
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care@CRIB Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci n. 53, 80125 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Paolo A Netti
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care@CRIB Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci n. 53, 80125 Napoli, Italy.
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMAPI) and Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
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17
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Egorova EA, Nikitin MP. Delivery of Theranostic Nanoparticles to Various Cancers by Means of Integrin-Binding Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213735. [PMID: 36430214 PMCID: PMC9696485 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213735] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Active targeting of tumors is believed to be the key to efficient cancer therapy and accurate, early-stage diagnostics. Active targeting implies minimized off-targeting and associated cytotoxicity towards healthy tissue. One way to acquire active targeting is to employ conjugates of therapeutic agents with ligands known to bind receptors overexpressed onto cancer cells. The integrin receptor family has been studied as a target for cancer treatment for almost fifty years. However, systematic knowledge on their effects on cancer cells, is yet lacking, especially when utilized as an active targeting ligand for particulate formulations. Decoration with various integrin-targeting peptides has been reported to increase nanoparticle accumulation in tumors ≥ 3-fold when compared to passively targeted delivery. In recent years, many newly discovered or rationally designed integrin-binding peptides with excellent specificity towards a single integrin receptor have emerged. Here, we show a comprehensive analysis of previously unreviewed integrin-binding peptides, provide diverse modification routes for nanoparticle conjugation, and showcase the most notable examples of their use for tumor and metastases visualization and eradication to date, as well as possibilities for combined cancer therapies for a synergetic effect. This review aims to highlight the latest advancements in integrin-binding peptide development and is directed to aid transition to the development of novel nanoparticle-based theranostic agents for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena A. Egorova
- Department of Nanobiomedicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave., 354340 Sirius, Russia
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 1 Meditsinskaya Str., 603081 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Maxim P. Nikitin
- Department of Nanobiomedicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave., 354340 Sirius, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 9 Institutskiy per., 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Correspondence:
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18
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Clark J, Fotopoulou C, Cunnea P, Krell J. Novel Ex Vivo Models of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: The Future of Biomarker and Therapeutic Research. Front Oncol 2022; 12:837233. [PMID: 35402223 PMCID: PMC8990887 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.837233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a heterogenous disease associated with variations in presentation, pathology and prognosis. Advanced EOC is typified by frequent relapse and a historical 5-year survival of less than 30% despite improvements in surgical and systemic treatment. The advent of next generation sequencing has led to notable advances in the field of personalised medicine for many cancer types. Success in achieving cure in advanced EOC has however been limited, although significant prolongation of survival has been demonstrated. Development of novel research platforms is therefore necessary to address the rapidly advancing field of early diagnostics and therapeutics, whilst also acknowledging the significant tumour heterogeneity associated with EOC. Within available tumour models, patient-derived organoids (PDO) and explant tumour slices have demonstrated particular promise as novel ex vivo systems to model different cancer types including ovarian cancer. PDOs are organ specific 3D tumour cultures that can accurately represent the histology and genomics of their native tumour, as well as offer the possibility as models for pharmaceutical drug testing platforms, offering timing advantages and potential use as prospective personalised models to guide clinical decision-making. Such applications could maximise the benefit of drug treatments to patients on an individual level whilst minimising use of less effective, yet toxic, therapies. PDOs are likely to play a greater role in both academic research and drug development in the future and have the potential to revolutionise future patient treatment and clinical trial pathways. Similarly, ex vivo tumour slices or explants have also shown recent renewed promise in their ability to provide a fast, specific, platform for drug testing that accurately represents in vivo tumour response. Tumour explants retain tissue architecture, and thus incorporate the majority of tumour microenvironment making them an attractive method to re-capitulate in vivo conditions, again with significant timing and personalisation of treatment advantages for patients. This review will discuss the current treatment landscape and research models for EOC, their development and new advances towards the discovery of novel biomarkers or combinational therapeutic strategies to increase treatment options for women with ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Clark
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Fotopoulou
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Cunnea
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Krell
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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19
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Braccini S, Tacchini C, Chiellini F, Puppi D. Polymeric Hydrogels for In Vitro 3D Ovarian Cancer Modeling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3265. [PMID: 35328686 PMCID: PMC8954571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) grows and interacts constantly with a complex microenvironment, in which immune cells, fibroblasts, blood vessels, signal molecules and the extracellular matrix (ECM) coexist. This heterogeneous environment provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells and undergoes constant and dynamic remodeling that actively promotes tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Despite the fact that traditional 2D cell culture systems have led to relevant medical advances in cancer research, 3D cell culture models could open new possibilities for the development of an in vitro tumor microenvironment more closely reproducing that observed in vivo. The implementation of materials science and technology into cancer research has enabled significant progress in the study of cancer progression and drug screening, through the development of polymeric scaffold-based 3D models closely recapitulating the physiopathological features of native tumor tissue. This article provides an overview of state-of-the-art in vitro tumor models with a particular focus on 3D OC cell culture in pre-clinical studies. The most representative OC models described in the literature are presented with a focus on hydrogel-based scaffolds, which guarantee soft tissue-like physical properties as well as a suitable 3D microenvironment for cell growth. Hydrogel-forming polymers of either natural or synthetic origin investigated in this context are described by highlighting their source of extraction, physical-chemical properties, and application for 3D ovarian cancer cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dario Puppi
- BioLab Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, UdR INSTM-Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (C.T.)
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20
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Gupta P, Miller A, Olayanju A, Madhuri TK, Velliou E. A Systematic Comparative Assessment of the Response of Ovarian Cancer Cells to the Chemotherapeutic Cisplatin in 3D Models of Various Structural and Biochemical Configurations-Does One Model Type Fit All? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1274. [PMID: 35267582 PMCID: PMC8909317 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) is a silent, deadly and aggressive gynaecological disease with a relatively low survival rate. This has been attributed, to some extent, to EOC's high recurrence rate and resistance to currently available platinum-based chemotherapeutic treatment methods. Multiple groups have studied and reported the effect of chemotherapeutic agents on various EOC 3D in vitro models. However, there are very few studies wherein a direct comparative study has been carried out between the different in vitro 3D models of EOC and the effect of chemotherapy within them. Herein, we report, for the first time, a direct comprehensive systematic comparative study of three different 3D in vitro platforms, namely (i) spheroids, (ii) synthetic PeptiGels/hydrogels of various chemical configurations and (iii) polymeric scaffolds with coatings of various extracellular matrices (ECMs) on the cell growth and response to the chemotherapeutic (Cisplatin) for ovary-derived (A2780) and metastatic (SK-OV-3) EOC cell lines. We report that all three 3D models are able to support the growth of EOC, but for different time periods (varying from 7 days to 4 weeks). We have also reported that chemoresistance to Cisplatin, in vitro, observed especially for metastatic EOC cells, is platform-dependent, in terms of both the structural and biochemical composition of the model/platform. Our study highlights the importance of selecting an appropriate 3D platform for in vitro tumour model development. We have demonstrated that the selection of the best platform for producing in vitro tumour models depends on the cancer/cell type, the experimental time period and the application for which the model is intended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Gupta
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7TY, UK;
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Aline Miller
- Manchester BIOGEL, 19F4, Mereside, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Chesire SK10 4TG, UK; (A.M.); (A.O.)
| | - Adedamola Olayanju
- Manchester BIOGEL, 19F4, Mereside, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Chesire SK10 4TG, UK; (A.M.); (A.O.)
| | - Thumuluru Kavitha Madhuri
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Egerton Road, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK;
- Honorary Senior Lecturer in Cancer Research, School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - Eirini Velliou
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7TY, UK;
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK
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21
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Bu W, Wu Y, Ghaemmaghami AM, Sun H, Mata A. Rational design of hydrogels for immunomodulation. Regen Biomater 2022; 9:rbac009. [PMID: 35668923 PMCID: PMC9160883 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The immune system protects organisms against endogenous and exogenous harm and plays a key role in tissue development, repair, and regeneration. Traditional immunomodulatory biologics exhibit limitations including degradation by enzymes, short half-life, and lack of targeting ability. Encapsulating or binding these biologics within biomaterials is an effective way to address these problems. Hydrogels are promising immunomodulatory materials because of their prominent biocompatibility, tuneability, and versatility. However, to take advantage of these opportunities and optimize material performance, it is important to more specifically elucidate, and leverage on, how hydrogels affect and control the immune response. Here, we summarize how key physical and chemical properties of hydrogels affect the immune response. We first provide an overview of underlying steps of the host immune response upon exposure to biomaterials. Then, we discuss recent advances in immunomodulatory strategies where hydrogels play a key role through a) physical properties including dimensionality, stiffness, porosity, and topography; b) chemical properties including wettability, electric property, and molecular presentation; and c) the delivery of bioactive molecules via chemical or physical cues. Thus, this review aims to build a conceptual and practical toolkit for the design of immune-instructive hydrogels capable of modulating the host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhuan Bu
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Department of Dental Materials, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Department of Center Laboratory, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Yuanhao Wu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Amir M Ghaemmaghami
- Division of Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Hongchen Sun
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Alvaro Mata
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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22
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Yee C, Dickson KA, Muntasir MN, Ma Y, Marsh DJ. Three-Dimensional Modelling of Ovarian Cancer: From Cell Lines to Organoids for Discovery and Personalized Medicine. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:836984. [PMID: 35223797 PMCID: PMC8866972 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.836984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality of all of the gynecological malignancies. There are several distinct histotypes of this malignancy characterized by specific molecular events and clinical behavior. These histotypes have differing responses to platinum-based drugs that have been the mainstay of therapy for ovarian cancer for decades. For histotypes that initially respond to a chemotherapeutic regime of carboplatin and paclitaxel such as high-grade serous ovarian cancer, the development of chemoresistance is common and underpins incurable disease. Recent discoveries have led to the clinical use of PARP (poly ADP ribose polymerase) inhibitors for ovarian cancers defective in homologous recombination repair, as well as the anti-angiogenic bevacizumab. While predictive molecular testing involving identification of a genomic scar and/or the presence of germline or somatic BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation are in clinical use to inform the likely success of a PARP inhibitor, no similar tests are available to identify women likely to respond to bevacizumab. Functional tests to predict patient response to any drug are, in fact, essentially absent from clinical care. New drugs are needed to treat ovarian cancer. In this review, we discuss applications to address the currently unmet need of developing physiologically relevant in vitro and ex vivo models of ovarian cancer for fundamental discovery science, and personalized medicine approaches. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) in vitro cell culture of ovarian cancer lacks critical cell-to-cell interactions afforded by culture in three-dimensions. Additionally, modelling interactions with the tumor microenvironment, including the surface of organs in the peritoneal cavity that support metastatic growth of ovarian cancer, will improve the power of these models. Being able to reliably grow primary tumoroid cultures of ovarian cancer will improve the ability to recapitulate tumor heterogeneity. Three-dimensional (3D) modelling systems, from cell lines to organoid or tumoroid cultures, represent enhanced starting points from which improved translational outcomes for women with ovarian cancer will emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Yee
- Translational Oncology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristie-Ann Dickson
- Translational Oncology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Mohammed N. Muntasir
- Translational Oncology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Yue Ma
- Translational Oncology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Deborah J. Marsh
- Translational Oncology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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23
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Chakraborty P, Aviv M, Netti F, Cohen-Gerassi D, Adler-Abramovich L. Molecular Co-assembly of Two Building Blocks Harnesses Both Their Attributes into a Functional Supramolecular Hydrogel. Macromol Biosci 2022; 22:e2100439. [PMID: 35133711 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Engineering ordered nanostructures through molecular self-assembly of simple building blocks constitutes the essence of modern nanotechnology to develop functional supramolecular biomaterials. However, the lack of adequate chemical and functional diversity often hinders the utilization of unimolecular self-assemblies for practical applications. Co-assembly of two different building blocks could essentially harness both of their attributes and produce nanostructured macro-scale objects with improved physical properties and desired functional complexity. Herein, we report the co-operative co-assembly of a modified amino acid, fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-pentafluoro-Phenylalanine (Fmoc-F5 -Phe), and a peptide, Fmoc-Lys(Fmoc)-Arg-Gly-Asp [Fmoc-K(Fmoc)-RGD] into a functional supramolecular hydrogel. A change in the morphology and fluorescence emission, as well as improvement of the mechanical properties in the mixed hydrogels compared to the pristine hydrogels, demonstrate the signature of co-operative co-assembly mechanism. Intriguingly, this approach harnesses the advantages of both components in a synergistic way, resulting in a single homogeneous biomaterial possessing the antimicrobial property of Fmoc-F5 -Phe and the biocompatibility and cell adhesive characteristics of Fmoc-K(Fmoc)-RGD. This work exemplifies the importance of the co-assembly process in nanotechnology and lays the foundation for future developments in supramolecular chemistry by harnessing the advantages of diverse functional building blocks into a mechanically stable functional biomaterial. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyadarshi Chakraborty
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Moran Aviv
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Afeka Tel Aviv Academic College of Engineering, Tel Aviv, 6910717, Israel
| | - Francesca Netti
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Dana Cohen-Gerassi
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
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24
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Redondo-Gómez C, Padilla-Lopátegui S, Mata A, Azevedo HS. Peptide Amphiphile Hydrogels Based on Homoternary Cucurbit[8]uril Host-Guest Complexes. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:111-120. [PMID: 34914370 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Supramolecular hydrogels based on peptide amphiphiles (PAs) are promising materials for tissue engineering and model extracellular matrixes for biological studies. While PA hydrogels are conventionally formed via electrostatic screening, new hydrogelation mechanisms might help to improve the design and functionality of these materials. Here, we present a host-guest-mediated PA hydrogelation method that relies on the formation of a host-guest homoternary complex with cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) and aromatic amino-acid-bearing PA nanofibers. As a result of the host-guest cross-linking between PA nanofibers, hierarchical morphologies and increased stiffness were found when host-guest-mediated PA hydrogels were compared to their ion-based equivalents. Additionally, both families of hydrogels exhibited similar biocompatibilities. These results demonstrate that CB[8]-mediated hydrogelation can be used as an alternative cross-linking method to upgrade the design of PA materials and extend their biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Redondo-Gómez
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K
- National Nanotechnology Laboratory LANOTEC, National Center for High Technology CeNAT, 1174-1200 Pavas, San José 10109, Costa Rica
| | - Soraya Padilla-Lopátegui
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K
| | - Alvaro Mata
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Helena S Azevedo
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K
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25
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Ghosh M, Majkowska A, Mirsa R, Bera S, Rodríguez-Cabello JC, Mata A, Adler-Abramovich L. Disordered Protein Stabilization by Co-Assembly of Short Peptides Enables Formation of Robust Membranes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:464-473. [PMID: 34941264 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Molecular self-assembly is a spontaneous natural process resulting in highly ordered nano to microarchitectures. We report temperature-independent formation of robust stable membranes obtained by the spontaneous interaction of intrinsically disordered elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) with short aromatic peptides at temperatures both below and above the conformational transition temperature of the ELPs. The membranes are stable over time and display durability over a wide range of parameters including temperature, pH, and ultrasound energy. The morphology and composition of the membranes were analyzed using microscopy. These robust structures support preosteoblast cell adhesion and proliferation as well as pH-dependent cargo release. Simple noncovalent interactions with short aromatic peptides can overcome conformational restrictions due to the phase transition to facilitate the formation of complex bioactive scaffolds that are stable over a wide range of environmental parameters. This approach offers novel possibilities for controlling the conformational restriction of intrinsically disordered proteins and using them in the design of new materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Ghosh
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- The Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Chemistry, Techno India University, EM-4, EM Block, Sector V, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700091, India
| | - Anna Majkowska
- School of Engineering & Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, U.K
| | - Rajkumar Mirsa
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- The Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Santu Bera
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- The Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | | | - Alvaro Mata
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- The Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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26
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Isik M, Eylem CC, Haciefendioglu T, Yildirim E, Sari B, Nemutlu E, Emregul E, Okesola BO, Derkus B. Mechanically robust hybrid hydrogels of photo-crosslinkable gelatin and laminin-mimetic peptide amphiphiles for neural induction. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:8270-8284. [PMID: 34766605 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01350e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembling bio-instructive materials that can provide a biomimetic tissue microenvironment with the capability to regulate cellular behaviors represent an attractive platform in regenerative medicine. Herein, we develop a hybrid neuro-instructive hydrogel that combines the properties of a photo-crosslinkable gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and self-assembling peptide amphiphiles (PAs) bearing a laminin-derived neuro-inductive epitope (PA-GSR). Electrostatic interaction and ultraviolet light crosslinking mechanisms were combined to create dual-crosslinked hybrid hydrogels with tunable stiffness. Spectroscopic, microscopic and theoretical techniques show that the cationic PA-GSR(+) electrostatically co-assembles with the negatively charged GelMA to create weak hydrogels with hierarchically ordered microstructures, which were further photo-crosslinked to create mechanically robust hydrogels. Dynamic oscillatory rheology and micromechanical testing show that photo-crosslinking of the co-assembled GelMA and PA-GSR(+) hydrogel results in robust hydrogels displaying improved stiffness. Gene expression analysis was used to show that GelMA/PA-GSR(+) hydrogels can induce human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into neural-lineage cells and supports neural-lineage specification of neuroblast-like cells (SH-SY5Y) in a growth-factor-free manner. Also, metabolomics analysis suggests that the hydrogel alters the metabolite profiles in the cells by affecting multiple molecular pathways. This work highlights a new approach for the design of PA-based hybrid hydrogels with robust mechanical properties and biological functionalities for nerve tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melis Isik
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, 06560 Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Cemil Can Eylem
- Analytical Chemistry Division, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06230 Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Erol Yildirim
- Chemistry Department, Middle East Technical University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Polymer Science and Technology, Middle East Technical University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Micro and Nanotechnology, Middle East Technical University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Buse Sari
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, 06560 Ankara, Turkey. .,Stem Cell Research Lab, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, 06560 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emirhan Nemutlu
- Analytical Chemistry Division, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06230 Ankara, Turkey.,Bioanalytic and Omics Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emel Emregul
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, 06560 Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Babatunde O Okesola
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK. .,School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Burak Derkus
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, 06560 Ankara, Turkey. .,Stem Cell Research Lab, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, 06560 Ankara, Turkey
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27
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Mendoza-Martinez AK, Loessner D, Mata A, Azevedo HS. Modeling the Tumor Microenvironment of Ovarian Cancer: The Application of Self-Assembling Biomaterials. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5745. [PMID: 34830897 PMCID: PMC8616551 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is one of the leading causes of gynecologic malignancies. Despite treatment with surgery and chemotherapy, OvCa disseminates and recurs frequently, reducing the survival rate for patients. There is an urgent need to develop more effective treatment options for women diagnosed with OvCa. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key driver of disease progression, metastasis and resistance to treatment. For this reason, 3D models have been designed to represent this specific niche and allow more realistic cell behaviors compared to conventional 2D approaches. In particular, self-assembling peptides represent a promising biomaterial platform to study tumor biology. They form nanofiber networks that resemble the architecture of the extracellular matrix and can be designed to display mechanical properties and biochemical motifs representative of the TME. In this review, we highlight the properties and benefits of emerging 3D platforms used to model the ovarian TME. We also outline the challenges associated with using these 3D systems and provide suggestions for future studies and developments. We conclude that our understanding of OvCa and advances in materials science will progress the engineering of novel 3D approaches, which will enable the development of more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Karen Mendoza-Martinez
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK;
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V., 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alvaro Mata
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Helena S. Azevedo
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK;
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
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28
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Curvello R, Kast V, Abuwarwar MH, Fletcher AL, Garnier G, Loessner D. 3D Collagen-Nanocellulose Matrices Model the Tumour Microenvironment of Pancreatic Cancer. Front Digit Health 2021; 3:704584. [PMID: 34713176 PMCID: PMC8521838 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.704584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cancer models are invaluable tools designed to study tumour biology and new treatments. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the deadliest types of cancer, has been progressively explored with bioengineered 3D approaches by deconstructing elements of its tumour microenvironment. Here, we investigated the suitability of collagen-nanocellulose hydrogels to mimic the extracellular matrix of PDAC and to promote the formation of tumour spheroids and multicellular 3D cultures with stromal cells. Blending of type I collagen fibrils and cellulose nanofibres formed a matrix of controllable stiffness, which resembled the lower profile of pancreatic tumour tissues. Collagen-nanocellulose hydrogels supported the growth of tumour spheroids and multicellular 3D cultures, with increased metabolic activity and matrix stiffness. To validate our 3D cancer model, we tested the individual and combined effects of the anti-cancer compound triptolide and the chemotherapeutics gemcitabine and paclitaxel, resulting in differential cell responses. Our blended 3D matrices with tuneable mechanical properties consistently maintain the growth of PDAC cells and its cellular microenvironment and allow the screening of anti-cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Curvello
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Verena Kast
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden E.V., Dresden, Germany
| | - Mohammed H Abuwarwar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Anne L Fletcher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Gil Garnier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia (BioPRIA), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Ajovalasit A, Redondo-Gómez C, Sabatino MA, Okesola BO, Braun K, Mata A, Dispenza C. Carboxylated-xyloglucan and peptide amphiphile co-assembly in wound healing. Regen Biomater 2021; 8:rbab040. [PMID: 34386265 PMCID: PMC8355605 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbab040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel wound dressings can play critical roles in wound healing protecting the wound from trauma or contamination and providing an ideal environment to support the growth of endogenous cells and promote wound closure. This work presents a self-assembling hydrogel dressing that can assist the wound repair process mimicking the hierarchical structure of skin extracellular matrix. To this aim, the co-assembly behaviour of a carboxylated variant of xyloglucan (CXG) with a peptide amphiphile (PA-H3) has been investigated to generate hierarchical constructs with tuneable molecular composition, structure, and properties. Transmission electron microscopy and circular dichroism at a low concentration shows that CXG and PA-H3 co-assemble into nanofibres by hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions and further aggregate into nanofibre bundles and networks. At a higher concentration, CXG and PA-H3 yield hydrogels that have been characterized for their morphology by scanning electron microscopy and for the mechanical properties by small-amplitude oscillatory shear rheological measurements and compression tests at different CXG/PA-H3 ratios. A preliminary biological evaluation has been carried out both in vitro with HaCat cells and in vivo in a mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Ajovalasit
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria (DI), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 6, Palermo 90128, Italy
- School of Engineering & Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Carlos Redondo-Gómez
- School of Engineering & Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Maria Antonietta Sabatino
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria (DI), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 6, Palermo 90128, Italy
| | - Babatunde O Okesola
- School of Engineering & Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Kristin Braun
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, The Blizard Building, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Alvaro Mata
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Clelia Dispenza
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria (DI), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 6, Palermo 90128, Italy
- Istituto di Biofisica (IBF), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Via U. La Malfa 153, Palermo 90146, Italy
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Osuna de la Peña D, Trabulo SMD, Collin E, Liu Y, Sharma S, Tatari M, Behrens D, Erkan M, Lawlor RT, Scarpa A, Heeschen C, Mata A, Loessner D. Bioengineered 3D models of human pancreatic cancer recapitulate in vivo tumour biology. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5623. [PMID: 34561461 PMCID: PMC8463670 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25921-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived in vivo models of human cancer have become a reality, yet their turnaround time is inadequate for clinical applications. Therefore, tailored ex vivo models that faithfully recapitulate in vivo tumour biology are urgently needed. These may especially benefit the management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), where therapy failure has been ascribed to its high cancer stem cell (CSC) content and high density of stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). To date, these features are only partially reproduced ex vivo using organoid and sphere cultures. We have now developed a more comprehensive and highly tuneable ex vivo model of PDAC based on the 3D co-assembly of peptide amphiphiles (PAs) with custom ECM components (PA-ECM). These cultures maintain patient-specific transcriptional profiles and exhibit CSC functionality, including strong in vivo tumourigenicity. User-defined modification of the system enables control over niche-dependent phenotypes such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and matrix deposition. Indeed, proteomic analysis of these cultures reveals improved matrisome recapitulation compared to organoids. Most importantly, patient-specific in vivo drug responses are better reproduced in self-assembled cultures than in other models. These findings support the use of tuneable self-assembling platforms in cancer research and pave the way for future precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Osuna de la Peña
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Lungs for Living Research Centre, UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Estelle Collin
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ying Liu
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Shreya Sharma
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
| | - Marianthi Tatari
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Diana Behrens
- EPO - Experimental Pharmacology and Oncology GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mert Erkan
- Department of Surgery, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
- Koç University Translational Research Center - KUTTAM, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rita T Lawlor
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- ARC-Net, Applied Research on Cancer Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- ARC-Net, Applied Research on Cancer Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Christopher Heeschen
- Center for Single-Cell Omics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Laboratory of Pancreatic Cancer Heterogeneity, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy.
| | - Alvaro Mata
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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31
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Horst EN, Bregenzer ME, Mehta P, Snyder CS, Repetto T, Yang-Hartwich Y, Mehta G. Personalized models of heterogeneous 3D epithelial tumor microenvironments: Ovarian cancer as a model. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:401-420. [PMID: 33940195 PMCID: PMC8969826 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intractable human diseases such as cancers, are context dependent, unique to both the individual patient and to the specific tumor microenvironment. However, conventional cancer treatments are often nonspecific, targeting global similarities rather than unique drivers. This limits treatment efficacy across heterogeneous patient populations and even at different tumor locations within the same patient. Ultimately, this poor efficacy can lead to adverse clinical outcomes and the development of treatment-resistant relapse. To prevent this and improve outcomes, it is necessary to be selective when choosing a patient's optimal adjuvant treatment. In this review, we posit the use of personalized, tumor-specific models (TSM) as tools to achieve this remarkable feat. First, using ovarian cancer as a model disease, we outline the heterogeneity and complexity of both the cellular and extracellular components in the tumor microenvironment. Then we examine the advantages and disadvantages of contemporary cancer models and the rationale for personalized TSM. We discuss how to generate precision 3D models through careful and detailed analysis of patient biopsies. Finally, we provide clinically relevant applications of these versatile personalized cancer models to highlight their potential impact. These models are ideal for a myriad of fundamental cancer biology and translational studies. Importantly, these approaches can be extended to other carcinomas, facilitating the discovery of new therapeutics that more effectively target the unique aspects of each individual patient's TME. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this article, we have presented the case for the application of biomaterials in developing personalized models of complex diseases such as cancers. TSM could bring about breakthroughs in the promise of precision medicine. The critical components of the diverse tumor microenvironments, that lead to treatment failures, include cellular- and extracellular matrix- heterogeneity, and biophysical signals to the cells. Therefore, we have described these dynamic components of the tumor microenvironments, and have highlighted how contemporary biomaterials can be utilized to create personalized in vitro models of cancers. We have also described the application of the TSM to predict the dynamic patterns of disease progression, and predict effective therapies that can produce durable responses, limit relapses, and treat any minimal residual disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric N Horst
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Michael E Bregenzer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Pooja Mehta
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Catherine S Snyder
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Taylor Repetto
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Yang Yang-Hartwich
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Geeta Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Precision Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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32
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Hirota A, AlMusawi S, Nateri AS, Ordóñez-Morán P, Imajo M. Biomaterials for intestinal organoid technology and personalized disease modeling. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:272-287. [PMID: 34023456 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in intestinal organoid technologies have paved the way for in vitro recapitulation of the homeostatic renewal of adult tissues, tissue or organ morphogenesis during development, and pathogenesis of many disorders. In vitro modelling of individual patient diseases using organoid systems have been considered key in establishing rational design of personalized treatment strategies and in improving therapeutic outcomes. In addition, the transplantation of organoids into diseased tissues represents a novel approach to treat currently incurable diseases. Emerging evidence from intensive studies suggests that organoid systems' development and functional maturation depends on the presence of an extracellular matrix with suitable biophysical properties, where advanced synthetic hydrogels open new avenues for theoretical control of organoid phenotypes and potential applications of organoids in therapeutic purposes. In this review, we discuss the status, applications, challenges and perspectives of intestinal organoid systems emphasising on hydrogels and their properties suitable for intestinal organoid culture. We provide an overview of hydrogels used for intestinal organoid culture and key factors regulating their biological activity. The comparison of different hydrogels would be a theoretical basis for establishing design principles of synthetic niches directing intestinal cell fates and functions. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Intestinal organoid is an in vitro recapitulation of the gut, which self-organizes from intestinal stem cells and maintains many features of the native tissue. Since the development of this technology, intestinal organoid systems have made significant contribution to rapid progress in intestinal biology. Prevailing methodology for organoid culture, however, depends on animal-derived matrices and suffers from variability and potential risk for contamination of pathogens, limiting their therapeutic application. Synthetic scaffold matrices, hydrogels, might provide solutions to these issues and deepen our understanding on how intestinal cells sense and respond to key biophysical properties of the surrounding matrices. This review provides an overview of developing intestinal models and biomaterials, thereby leading to better understanding of current intestinal organoid systems for both biologists and materials scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Hirota
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, N15, W7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shaikha AlMusawi
- Cancer Genetic and Stem Cell group, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, Centre for Cancer Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Stem Cell biology and Cancer group, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, Centre for Cancer Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Abdolrahman S Nateri
- Cancer Genetic and Stem Cell group, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, Centre for Cancer Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paloma Ordóñez-Morán
- Stem Cell biology and Cancer group, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, Centre for Cancer Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Masamichi Imajo
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, N15, W7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan.
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33
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Stejskalová A, Vankelecom H, Sourouni M, Ho MY, Götte M, Almquist BD. In vitro modelling of the physiological and diseased female reproductive system. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:288-312. [PMID: 33915315 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The maladies affecting the female reproductive tract (FRT) range from infections to endometriosis to carcinomas. In vitro models of the FRT play an increasingly important role in both basic and translational research, since the anatomy and physiology of the FRT of humans and other primates differ significantly from most of the commonly used animal models, including rodents. Using organoid culture to study the FRT has overcome the longstanding hurdle of maintaining epithelial phenotype in culture. Both ECM-derived and engineered materials have proved critical for maintaining a physiological phenotype of FRT cells in vitro by providing the requisite 3D environment, ligands, and architecture. Advanced materials have also enabled the systematic study of factors contributing to the invasive metastatic processes. Meanwhile, microphysiological devices make it possible to incorporate physical signals such as flow and cyclic exposure to hormones. Going forward, advanced materials compatible with hormones and optimised to support FRT-derived cells' long-term growth, will play a key role in addressing the diverse array of FRT pathologies and lead to impactful new treatments that support the improvement of women's health. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The female reproductive system is a crucial component of the female anatomy. In addition to enabling reproduction, it has wide ranging influence on tissues throughout the body via endocrine signalling. This intrinsic role in regulating normal female biology makes it susceptible to a variety of female-specific diseases. However, the complexity and human-specific features of the reproductive system make it challenging to study. This has spurred the development of human-relevant in vitro models for helping to decipher the complex issues that can affect the reproductive system, including endometriosis, infection, and cancer. In this Review, we cover the current state of in vitro models for studying the female reproductive system, and the key role biomaterials play in enabling their development.
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3D bioprinting: novel approaches for engineering complex human tissue equivalents and drug testing. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:417-427. [PMID: 34328185 PMCID: PMC8365325 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Conventional approaches in drug development involve testing on 2D-cultured mammalian cells, followed by experiments in rodents. Although this is the common strategy, it has significant drawbacks: in 2D cell culture with human cells, the cultivation at normoxic conditions on a plastic or glass surface is an artificial situation that significantly changes energy metabolism, shape and intracellular signaling, which in turn directly affects drug response. On the other hand, rodents as the most frequently used animal models have evolutionarily separated from primates about 100 million years ago, with significant differences in physiology, which frequently leads to results not reproducible in humans. As an alternative, spheroid technology and micro-organoids have evolved in the last decade to provide 3D context for cells similar to native tissue. However, organoids used for drug testing are usually just in the 50-100 micrometers range and thereby too small to mimic micro-environmental tissue conditions such as limited nutrient and oxygen availability. An attractive alternative offers 3D bioprinting as this allows fabrication of human tissue equivalents from scratch with hollow structures for perfusion and strict spatiotemporal control over the deposition of cells and extracellular matrix proteins. Thereby, tissue surrogates with defined geometry are fabricated that offer unique opportunities in exploring cellular cross-talk, mechanobiology and morphogenesis. These tissue-equivalents are also very attractive tools in drug testing, as bioprinting enables standardized production, parallelization, and application-tailored design of human tissue, of human disease models and patient-specific tissue avatars. This review, therefore, summarizes recent advances in 3D bioprinting technology and its application for drug screening.
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Changes in Stem Cell Regulation and Epithelial Organisation during Carcinogenesis and Disease Progression in Gynaecological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133349. [PMID: 34283069 PMCID: PMC8268501 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recent advances in our understanding of the stem cell potential in adult tissues have far-reaching implications for cancer research, and this creates new opportunities for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Here we outline changes in stem cell biology that characterize main gynaecological malignancies, ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer, and focus on specific differences between them. We highlight the importance of the local niche environment as a driver of malignant transformation in addition to mutations in key cancer-driving genes. Patient-derived organoids capture in vitro main aspects of cancer tissue architecture and stemness regulatory mechanisms, thus providing a valuable new platform for a personalized approach in the treatment of gynecological malignancies. This review summarizes the main achievement and formulates remaining open questions in this fast-evolving research field. Abstract Gynaecological malignancies represent a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with vastly different aetiology, risk factors, molecular drivers, and disease outcomes. From HPV-driven cervical cancer where early screening and molecular diagnostics efficiently reduced the number of advanced-stage diagnosis, prevalent and relatively well-treated endometrial cancers, to highly aggressive and mostly lethal high-grade serous ovarian cancer, malignancies of the female genital tract have unique presentations and distinct cell biology features. Recent discoveries of stem cell regulatory mechanisms, development of organoid cultures, and NGS analysis have provided valuable insights into the basic biology of these cancers that could help advance new-targeted therapeutic approaches. This review revisits new findings on stemness and differentiation, considering main challenges and open questions. We focus on the role of stem cell niche and tumour microenvironment in early and metastatic stages of the disease progression and highlight the potential of patient-derived organoid models to study key events in tumour evolution, the appearance of resistance mechanisms, and as screening tools to enable personalisation of drug treatments.
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36
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Contessi Negrini N, Angelova Volponi A, Sharpe PT, Celiz AD. Tunable Cross-Linking and Adhesion of Gelatin Hydrogels via Bioorthogonal Click Chemistry. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:4330-4346. [PMID: 34086456 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Engineering cytocompatible hydrogels with tunable physico-mechanical properties as a biomimetic three-dimensional extracellular matrix (ECM) is fundamental to guide cell response and target tissue regeneration or development of in vitro models. Gelatin represents an optimal choice given its ECM biomimetic properties; however, gelatin cross-linking is required to ensure structural stability at physiological temperature (i.e., T > Tsol-gel gelatin). Here, we use a previously developed cross-linking reaction between tetrazine (Tz)- and norbornene (Nb) modified gelatin derivatives to prepare gelatin hydrogels and we demonstrate the possible tuning of their properties by varying their degree of modification (DOM) and the Tz/Nb ratio (R). The percentage DOM of the gelatin derivatives was tuned between 5 and 15%. Hydrogels prepared with higher DOM cross-linked faster (i.e., 10-20 min) compared to hydrogels prepared with lower DOM (i.e., 60-70 min). A higher DOM and equimolar Tz/Nb ratio R resulted in hydrogels with lower weight variation after immersion in PBS at 37 °C. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels were tuned by varying DOM and R by 1 order of magnitude, achieving elastic modulus E values ranging from 0.5 (low DOM and nonequimolar Tz/Nb ratio) to 5 kPa (high DOM and equimolar Tz/Nb ratio). Human dental pulp stem cells were embedded in the hydrogels and successfully 3D cultured in the hydrogels (percentage viable cells >85%). An increase in metabolic activity and a more elongated cell morphology was detected for cells cultured in hydrogels with lower mechanical properties (E < 1 kPa). Hydrogels prepared with an excess of Tz or Nb were successfully adhered and remained in contact during in vitro cultures, highlighting the potential use of these hydrogels as compartmentalized coculture systems. The successful tuning of the gelatin hydrogel properties here developed by controlling their bioorthogonal cross-linking is promising for tissue engineering and in vitro modeling applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Contessi Negrini
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 86 Wood Ln, W12 0BZ London, U.K
| | - Ana Angelova Volponi
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, SE1 9RT London, U.K
| | - Paul T Sharpe
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, SE1 9RT London, U.K
| | - Adam D Celiz
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 86 Wood Ln, W12 0BZ London, U.K
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Neutrally charged self-assembling peptide hydrogel recapitulates in vitro mechanisms of breast cancer progression. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 127:112200. [PMID: 34225853 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembling peptide hydrogels (SAPH) are a popular biomaterial due to their biocompatibility with a wide range of cell types, synthetic design, structural properties that provide a more accurate 3D microenvironment, and potential for cell- and/or drug-delivery system. Mimicking solid tumors in vitro using hydrogels is one method of testing anti-cancer drug efficacy and observing cancerous cell-ECM interactions within a 3D system. In this study, a SAPH, PeptiGel®Alpha1, was used to model in vitro the 3D breast tumor microenvironment. PeptiGel®Alpha1 is composed of entangled nanofibers with consistent diameter and mechanical properties similar to breast cancer that more accurately mimic the stiffness of breast tumor tissue than Matrigel® or collagen type I. PeptiGel®Alpha1 supported the viability and growth of the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 and recapitulated key features of solid tumors such as hypoxia and invasion. MCF-7 cells in the hydrogels formed large spheroids resembling acini, while MDA-MB-231 remained dispersed. When treated with tamoxifen, PeptiGel®Alpha1 acted as a barrier, providing drug penetration geometry similar to that in vivo, providing better prediction of the drug effect. Finally, it was observed that MCF-7 cells engulfed the peptide matrix after 14 days, highlighting a potential use in drug delivery. PeptiGel®Alpha1 is a suitable platform for in vitro modeling of breast cancer.
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Wu Y, Fortunato GM, Okesola BO, Brocchetti FLPD, Suntornnond R, Connelly J, De Maria C, Rodriguez-Cabello JC, Vozzi G, Wang W, Mata A. An interfacial self-assembling bioink for the manufacturing of capillary-like structures with tuneable and anisotropic permeability. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [PMID: 33561850 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abe4c3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembling bioinks offer the possibility to biofabricate with molecular precision, hierarchical control, and biofunctionality. For this to become a reality with widespread impact, it is essential to engineer these ink systems ensuring reproducibility and providing suitable standardization. We have reported a self-assembling bioink based on disorder-to-order transitions of an elastin-like recombinamer (ELR) to co-assemble with graphene oxide (GO). Here, we establish reproducible processes, optimize printing parameters for its use as a bioink, describe new advantages that the self-assembling bioink can provide, and demonstrate how to fabricate novel structures with physiological relevance. We fabricate capillary-like structures with resolutions down to ∼10µm in diameter and ∼2µm thick tube walls and use both experimental and finite element analysis to characterize the printing conditions, underlying interfacial diffusion-reaction mechanism of assembly, printing fidelity, and material porosity and permeability. We demonstrate the capacity to modulate the pore size and tune the permeability of the resulting structures with and without human umbilical vascular endothelial cells. Finally, the potential of the ELR-GO bioink to enable supramolecular fabrication of biomimetic structures was demonstrated by printing tubes exhibiting walls with progressively different structure and permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhao Wu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.,Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.,Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom.,School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriele Maria Fortunato
- Research Center 'E. Piaggio' and Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, Pisa 1-56122, Italy
| | - Babatunde O Okesola
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom.,School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ratima Suntornnond
- CREATE LAB, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom
| | - John Connelly
- CREATE LAB, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom
| | - Carmelo De Maria
- Research Center 'E. Piaggio' and Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, Pisa 1-56122, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Vozzi
- Research Center 'E. Piaggio' and Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, Pisa 1-56122, Italy
| | - Wen Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom.,School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Alvaro Mata
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.,Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.,Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom.,School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom.,Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
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Tiwari AP, Thorat ND, Pricl S, Patil RM, Rohiwal S, Townley H. Bioink: a 3D-bioprinting tool for anticancer drug discovery and cancer management. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1574-1590. [PMID: 33741496 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
'Bioinks' are important tools for the fabrication of artificial living-tissue constructs that are able to mimic all properties of native tissues via 3D bioprinting technologies. Bioinks are most commonly made by incorporating live cells of interest within a natural or synthetic biocompatible polymeric matrix. In oncology research, the ability to recreate a tumor microenvironment (TME) using by 3D bioprinting constitutes a promising approach for drug development, screening, and in vitro cancer modeling. Here, we review the different types of bioink used for 3D bioprinting, with a focus on its application in cancer management. In addition, we consider the fabrication of bioink using customized materials/cells and their properties in the field of cancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita P Tiwari
- Department of stem cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Research, D.Y. Patil University, Kolhapur, India
| | - Nanasaheb D Thorat
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Sabrina Pricl
- MolBNL@UniTS-DEA, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Rakesh M Patil
- Regional Forensic Science Laboratory Maharashtra State, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sonali Rohiwal
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, AS CR, vvi., Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Helen Townley
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Singh T, Neal AS, Moatamed NA, Memarzadeh S. Exploring the Potential of Drug Response Assays for Precision Medicine in Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010305. [PMID: 33396714 PMCID: PMC7794771 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major challenges in the treatment of cancer are differential responses of patients to existing standard of care anti-cancer drugs. These differential responses may, in part, be due to a diverse range of genomic, epigenomic, proteomic, and metabolic alterations among individuals suffering from the same type of cancer. Precision medicine is an emerging approach in cancer therapeutics that takes into account specific molecular alterations, environmental factors as well as lifestyle of individual patients. This approach allows clinicians and researchers to select or predict treatments that would most likely benefit the patient based on their individual tumor characteristics. One class of precision medicine tools are predictive, in vitro drug-response assays designed to test the sensitivity of patient tumor cells to existing or novel therapies. These assays have the potential to rapidly identify the most effective treatments for cancer patients and thus hold great promise in the field of precision medicine. In this review, we have highlighted several drug-response assays developed in ovarian cancer and discussed the current challenges and future prospects of these assays in the clinical management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (T.S.); (A.S.N.)
- UCLA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Adam S. Neal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (T.S.); (A.S.N.)
- UCLA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Neda A. Moatamed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Sanaz Memarzadeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (T.S.); (A.S.N.)
- UCLA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
- Correspondence:
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