Medium perfusion enhances osteogenesis by murine osteosarcoma cells in three-dimensional collagen sponges

Biomechanical Aspects in Bone Tumor Engineering

In the past decades, anticancer drug development brought the field of tumor engineering to a new level by the need of robust test systems. Simulating tumor microenvironment in vitro remains a challenge, and osteosarcoma-the most common primary bone cancer-is no exception. The growing evidence points to the inevitable connection between biomechanical stimuli and tumor chemosensitivity and aggressiveness, thus making this component of the microenvironment a mandatory requirement to the developed models. In this review, we addressed the question: is the "in vivo - in vitro" gap in osteosarcoma engineering bridged from the perspective of biomechanical stimuli? The most notable biomechanical cues in the tumor cell microenvironment are observed and compared in the contexts of in vivo conditions and engineered three-dimensional in vitro models. Impact statement The importance of biomechanical stimuli in three-dimensional in vitro models for drug testing is becoming more pronounced nowadays. This review might assist in understanding the key players of the biophysical environment of primary bone cancer and the current state of bone tumor engineering from this perspective.

Osteoblasts in a Perfusion Flow Bioreactor-Tissue Engineered Constructs of TiO2 Scaffolds and Cells for Improved Clinical Performance

Combining biomaterial scaffolds with cells serves as a promising strategy for engineering critical size defects; however, homogenous cellular growth within large scaffolds is challenging. Mechanical stimuli can enhance bone regeneration by modulating cellular growth and differentiation. Here, we compare dynamic seeding in a perfusion flow bioreactor with static seeding for a synthetic bone scaffold for up to 21 days using the cell line MC3T3-E1 and primary human osteoblast, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The secretion of bone-related proteins was quantified using multiplex immunoassays. Dynamic culture improved cellular distribution through the TiO2 scaffold and induced a five-fold increase in cell number after 21 days. The relative mRNA expression of osteopontin of MC3T3-E1 was 40-fold enhanced after 7 and 21 days at a flow rate of 0.08 mL/min, and that of collagen type I alpha I expression was 18-fold after 21 days. A flow rate of 0.16 mL/min was 10-fold less effective. Dynamic culture increased the levels of dickkopf-related protein 1 (60-fold), osteoprotegrin (29-fold), interleukin-6 (23-fold), interleukin-8 (36-fold), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (28-fold) and vascular endothelial growth factor (6-fold) in the medium of primary human osteoblasts after 21 days compared to static seeding. The proposed method may have clinical potential for bone tissue engineering.

Influence of Culture Period on Osteoblast Differentiation of Tissue-Engineered Bone Constructed by Apatite-Fiber Scaffolds Using Radial-Flow Bioreactor

With the limitation of autografts, the development of alternative treatments for bone diseases to alleviate autograft-related complications is highly demanded. In this study, a tissue-engineered bone was formed by culturing rat bone marrow cells (RBMCs) onto porous apatite-fiber scaffolds (AFSs) with three-dimensional (3D) interconnected pores using a radial-flow bioreactor (RFB). Using the optimized flow rate, the effect of different culturing periods on the development of tissue-engineered bone was investigated. The 3D cell culture using RFB was performed for 0, 1 or 2 weeks in a standard medium followed by 0, 1 or 2 weeks in a differentiation medium. Osteoblast differentiation in the tissue-engineered bone was examined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC) assays. Furthermore, the tissue-engineered bone was histologically examined by hematoxylin and eosin and alizarin red S stains. We found that the ALP activity and OC content of calcified cells tended to increase with the culture period, and the differentiation of tissue-engineered bone could be controlled by varying the culture period. In addition, the employment of RFB and AFSs provided a favorable 3D environment for cell growth and differentiation. Overall, these results provide valuable insights into the design of tissue-engineered bone for clinical applications.

Modeling the Tumor Microenvironment and Pathogenic Signaling in Bone Sarcoma

Investigations of cancer biology and screening of potential therapeutics for efficacy and safety begin in the preclinical laboratory setting. A staple of most basic research in cancer involves the use of tissue culture plates, on which immortalized cell lines are grown in monolayers. However, this practice has been in use for over six decades and does not account for vital elements of the tumor microenvironment that are thought to aid in initiation, propagation, and ultimately, metastasis of cancer. Furthermore, information gleaned from these techniques does not always translate to animal models or, more crucially, clinical trials in cancer patients. Osteosarcoma (OS) and Ewing sarcoma (ES) are the most common primary tumors of bone, but outcomes for patients with metastatic or recurrent disease have stagnated in recent decades. The unique elements of the bone tumor microenvironment have been shown to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of these tumors and thus should be incorporated in the preclinical models of these diseases. In recent years, the field of tissue engineering has leveraged techniques used in designing scaffolds for regenerative medicine to engineer preclinical tumor models that incorporate spatiotemporal control of physical and biological elements. We herein review the clinical aspects of OS and ES, critical elements present in the sarcoma microenvironment, and engineering approaches to model the bone tumor microenvironment. Impact statement The current paradigm of cancer biology investigation and therapeutic testing relies heavily on monolayer, monoculture methods developed over half a century ago. However, these methods often lack essential hallmarks of the cancer microenvironment that contribute to tumor pathogenesis. Tissue engineers incorporate scaffolds, mechanical forces, cells, and bioactive signals into biological environments to drive cell phenotype. Investigators of bone sarcomas, aggressive tumors that often rob patients of decades of life, have begun to use tissue engineering techniques to devise in vitro models for these diseases. Their efforts highlight how critical elements of the cancer microenvironment directly affect tumor signaling and pathogenesis.

Strategy for achieving standardized bone models

Reliably producing functional in vitro organ models, such as organ-on-chip systems, has the potential to considerably advance biology research, drug development time, and resource efficiency. However, despite the ongoing major progress in the field, three-dimensional bone tissue models remain elusive. In this review, we specifically investigate the control of perfusion flow effects as the missing link between isolated culture systems and scientifically exploitable bone models and propose a roadmap toward this goal.

Histological Method to Study the Effect of Shear Stress on Cell Proliferation and Tissue Morphology in a Bioreactor

Background

Tissue engineering represents a promising approach for the production of bone substitutes. The use of perfusion bioreactors for the culture of bone-forming cells on a three-dimensional porous scaffold resolves mass transport limitations and provides mechanical stimuli. Despite the recent and important development of bioreactors for tissue engineering, the underlying mechanisms leading to the production of bone substitutes remain poorly understood.

Methods

In order to study cell proliferation in a perfusion bioreactor, we propose a simplified experimental set-up using an impermeable scaffold model made of 2 mm diameter glass beads on which mechanosensitive cells, NIH-3T3 fibroblasts are cultured for up to 3 weeks under 10 mL/min culture medium flow. A methodology combining histological procedure, image analysis and analytical calculations allows the description and quantification of cell proliferation and tissue production in relation to the mean wall shear stress within the bioreactor.

Results

Results show a massive expansion of the cell phase after 3 weeks in bioreactor compared to static control. A scenario of cell proliferation within the three-dimensional bioreactor porosity over the 3 weeks of culture is proposed pointing out the essential role of the contact points between adjacent beads. Calculations indicate that the mean wall shear stress experienced by the cells changes with culture time, from about 50 mPa at the beginning of the experiment to about 100 mPa after 3 weeks.

Conclusion

We anticipate that our results will help the development and calibration of predictive models, which rely on estimates and morphological description of cell proliferation under shear stress.

Fate of a Chimeric Joint Construct in an Ectopic Site in SCID Mice

This study examines the use of a devitalized biological knee as a scaffold for repopulation with chondrocytes and tests the hypothesis that the devitalized scaffold would become repopulated with the foreign chondrocytes when placed in a suitable environment. Chimeric knee constructs were engineered in vitro and their ectopic in vivo fate was examined in SCID mice. The constructs were made by applying porous collagen sponges that contained viable bovine articular chondrocytes to shaved articular surfaces of devitalized embryonic chick knees. The chimeric joints were cultured for 1 week and were subsequently transplanted into dorsal subcutaneous pouches of 5-week-old mice. Specimens were prepared for histological analysis at 1, 3, 6, or 8 weeks after transplantation. Controls included empty collagen sponges, collagen sponges seeded with viable bovine chondrocytes, and devitalized chick knees without collagen sponge inserts. One week after in vitro incubation of the constructs, the porous collagen sponges with viable bovine chondrocytes were adherent to the shaved articular surfaces of the devitalized chick joints. There was abundant metachromatic neomatrix around the chondrocytes in the collagen sponges. During maintenance of the constructs in vivo, the chimeric joints exhibited dramatic changes. Bovine chondrocytes proliferated in the collagen sponges and formed abundant new matrix. Bovine chondrocytes migrated into preexisting chick cartilage canals at 1 week. Subsequently, bovine chondrocytes invaded the matrix of the devitalized chick knees. Bovine neocartilage obliterated the interface between the collagen sponge and the devitalized chick cartilage. With time in vivo, the bovine neocartilage expanded and replaced the chick matrix. The devitalized cartilage appears to provide a framework for supporting chondrogenesis in a chimeric joint.

Melittin inhibits tumor angiogenesis modulated by endothelial progenitor cells associated with the SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway in a UMR-106 osteosarcoma xenograft mouse model

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are important in tumor angiogenesis. Stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and its receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) are key in stem cell homing. Melittin, a component of bee venom, exerts antitumor activity, however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to assess the effects of melittin on EPCs and angiogenesis in a mouse model of osteosarcoma. UMR-106 cells and EPCs were treated with various concentrations of melittin and cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. EPC adherence, migration and tube forming ability were assessed. Furthermore, SDF-1α, AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 expression levels were detected by western blotting. Nude mice were inoculated with UMR-106 cells to establish an osteosarcoma mouse model. The tumors were injected with melittin, and its effects were assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Melittin decreased the viability of UMR-106 cells and EPCs. In addition, it decreased EPC adhesion, migration and tube formation when compared with control and SDF-1α-treated cells. Melittin decreased the expression of phosphorylated (p)-AKT, p-ERK1/2, SDF-1α and CXCR4 in UMR-106 cells and EPCs when compared with the control. The proportions of cluster of differentiation (CD)34/CD133 double-positive cells were 16.4±10.4% in the control, and 7.0±4.4, 2.9±1.2 and 1.3±0.3% in tumors treated with 160, 320 and 640 µg/kg melittin per day, respectively (P<0.05). At 11 days, melittin reduced the tumor size when compared with that of the control (control, 4.8±1.3 cm³; melittin, 3.2±0.6, 2.6±0.5, and 2.0±0.2 cm³ for 160, 320 and 640 µg/kg, respectively; all P<0.05). Melittin decreased the microvessel density, and SDF-1α and CXCR4 protein expression levels in the tumors. Melittin may decrease the effect of osteosarcoma on EPC-mediated angiogenesis, possibly via inhibition of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway.

Development of 3D in vitro technology for medical applications

In the past few years, biomaterials technologies together with significant efforts on developing biology have revolutionized the process of engineered materials. Three dimensional (3D) in vitro technology aims to develop set of tools that are simple, inexpensive, portable and robust that could be commercialized and used in various fields of biomedical sciences such as drug discovery, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic approaches in regenerative medicine. The proliferation of cells in the 3D scaffold needs an oxygen and nutrition supply. 3D scaffold materials should provide such an environment for cells living in close proximity. 3D scaffolds that are able to regenerate or restore tissue and/or organs have begun to revolutionize medicine and biomedical science. Scaffolds have been used to support and promote the regeneration of tissues. Different processing techniques have been developed to design and fabricate three dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering implants. Throughout the chapters we discuss in this review, we inform the reader about the potential applications of different 3D in vitro systems that can be applied for fabricating a wider range of novel biomaterials for use in tissue engineering.

Orchestrating osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells--identification of placental growth factor as a mechanosensitive gene with a pro-osteogenic role

Skeletogenesis is initiated during fetal development and persists through adult life as either a remodeling process in response to homeostatic regulation or as a regenerative process in response to physical injury. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a crucial role providing progenitor cells from which osteoblasts, bone matrix forming cells are differentiated. The mechanical environment plays an important role in regulating stem cell differentiation into osteoblasts, however, the mechanisms by which MSCs respond to mechanical stimuli are yet to be fully elucidated. To increase understanding of MSC mechanotransuction and osteogenic differentiation, this study aimed to identify novel, mechanically augmented genes and pathways with pro-osteogenic functionality. Using collagen glycoaminoglycan scaffolds as mimics of native extracellular matrix, to create a 3D environment more representative of that found in bone, MSC-seeded constructs were mechanically stimulated in a flow-perfusion bioreactor. Global gene expression profiling techniques were used to identify potential candidates warranting further investigation. Of these, placental growth factor (PGF) was selected and expression levels were shown to strongly correlate to both the magnitude and duration of mechanical stimulation. We demonstrated that PGF gene expression was modulated through an actin polymerization-mediated mechanism. The functional role of PGF in modulating MSC osteogenic differentiation was interrogated, and we showed a concentration-dependent response whereby low concentrations exhibited the strongest pro-osteogenic effect. Furthermore, pre-osteoclast migration and differentiation, as well as endothelial cell tubule formation also maintained concentration-dependent responses to PGF, suggesting a potential role for PGF in bone resorption and angiogenesis, processes key to bone remodeling and fracture repair.

Mechanical strain using 2D and 3D bioreactors induces osteogenesis: implications for bone tissue engineering

Fracture healing is a complicated process involving many growth factors, cells, and physical forces. In cases, where natural healing is not able, efforts have to be undertaken to improve healing. For this purpose, tissue engineering may be an option. In order to stimulate cells to form a bone tissue several factors are needed: cells, scaffold, and growth factors. Stem cells derived from bone marrow or adipose tissues are the most useful in this regard. The differentiation of the cells can be accelerated using mechanical stimulation. The first part of this chapter describes the influence of longitudinal strain application. The second part uses a sophisticated approach with stem cells on a newly developed biomaterial (Sponceram) in a rotating bed bioreactor with the administration of bone morphogenetic protein-2. It is shown that such an approach is able to produce bone tissue constructs. This may lead to production of larger constructs that can be used in clinical applications.

Influence of shear stress in perfusion bioreactor cultures for the development of three-dimensional bone tissue constructs: a review

Bone tissue engineering aims to generate clinically applicable bone graft substitutes in an effort to ease the demands and reduce the potential risks associated with traditional autograft and allograft bone replacement procedures. Biomechanical stimuli play an important role under physiologically relevant conditions in the normal formation, development, and homeostasis of bone tissue--predominantly, strain (predicted levels in vivo for humans <2000 με) caused by physical deformation, and fluid shear stress (0.8-3 Pa), generated by interstitial fluid movement through lacunae caused by compression and tension under loading. Therefore, in vitro bone tissue cultivation strategies seek to incorporate biochemical stimuli in an effort to create more physiologically relevant constructs for grafting. This review is focused on collating information pertaining to the relationship between fluid shear stress, cellular deformation, and osteogenic differentiation, providing further insight into the optimal culture conditions for the creation of bone tissue substitutes.

Spinning around or stagnation - what do osteoblasts and chondroblasts really like?

Objective

The influcence of cytomechanical forces in cellular migration, proliferation and differentation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is still poorly understood in detail.

Methods

Human MSCs were isolated and cultivated onto the surface of a 3 × 3 mm porcine collagen I/III carrier. After incubation, cell cultures were transfered to the different cutures systems: regular static tissue flasks (group I), spinner flasks (group II) and rotating wall vessels (group III). Following standard protocols cells were stimulated lineage specific towards the osteogenic and chondrogenic lines. To evaluate the effects of applied cytomechanical forces towards cellular differentiation distinct parameters were measured (morphology, antigen and antigen expression) after a total cultivation period of 21 days in vitro.

Results

Depending on the cultivation technique we found significant differences in both gen and protein expression.

Conclusion

Cytomechanical forces with rotational components strongly influence the osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation.

Osteogenic activity of MG63 cells on bone-like hydroxyapatite/collagen nanocomposite sponges

The hydroxyapatite/collagen (HAp/Col) sponge with 95% (v/v) porosity was prepared by freeze-drying of a HAp/Col fiber suspension. MG63 cells were seeded onto the HAp/Col sponge and cultured under a pressure/perfusion condition with osteogenic supplements. A collagen (Col) sponge was used as a control. The cells with sponge were examined by a histology, total DNA content and gene expression. The cells showed good attachment and proliferation everywhere in the HAp/Col sponge, while the cells mainly proliferated at the peripheral part of the Col sponge. Thus, total DNA content in the HAp/Col sponges reached 1.8 times greater than that in the Col sponges at Day 21. Further, the cells and extracellular matrix only in the HAp/Col sponge were calcified, although the cells in both sponge evenly expressed osteogenic gene. These results suggest that the HAp/Col sponge could be useful as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

Tissue regeneration and repair of goat segmental femur defect with bioactive triphasic ceramic-coated hydroxyapatite scaffold

Bone tissue engineering which is a developing and challenging field of science, is expected to enhance the regeneration and repair of bone lost from injury or disease and ultimately to gain its aesthetic contour. The objective of this study was to fabricate a tissue-engineered construct in vitro using a triphasic ceramic-coated hydroxypatite (HASi) in combination with stem cells and to investigate its potential in healing segmental defect in goat model. To accomplish this attempt, mesenchymal stem cells isolated from goat bone marrow were seeded onto HASi scaffolds and induced to differentiate into the osteogenic lineage in vitro. Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy revealed adhesion and spread-out cells, which eventually formed a cell-sheet like canopy over the scaffold. Cells migrated and distributed themselves within the internal voids of the porous ceramic. Concurrently, the neo-osteogenesis of the tissue-engineered construct was validated in vivo in comparison with bare HASi (without cells) in goat femoral diaphyseal segmental defect (2 cm) at 4 months postimplantation through radiography, computed tomography, histology, histomorphometry, scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Good osteointegration and osteoconduction was observed in bare and tissue-engineered HASi. The performance of tissue-engineered HASi was better and faster which was evident by the lamellar bone organization of newly formed bone throughout the defect together with the degradation of the material. On the contrary with bare HASi, immature woven bony bridges still intermingled with scattered small remnants of the material was observed in the mid region of the defect at 4 months. Encouraging results from this preclinical study has proved the capability of the tissue-engineered HASi as a promising candidate for the reconstruction of similar bony defects in humans.

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on three-dimensional chondroinduction of human adipose-derived stem cells

BACKGROUND

The optimal production of three-dimensional cartilage in vitro requires both inductive factors and specified culture conditions (e.g., hydrostatic pressure [HP], gas concentration, and nutrient supply) to promote cell viability and maintain phenotype. In this study, we optimized the conditions for human cartilage induction using human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), collagen scaffolds, and cyclic HP treatment.

METHODS

Human ASCs underwent primary culture and three passages before being seeded into collagen scaffolds. These constructs were incubated for 1 week in an automated bioreactor using cyclic HP at 0-0.5 MPa, 0.5 Hz, and compared to constructs exposed to atmospheric pressure. In both groups, chondrogenic differentiation medium including transforming growth factor-beta1 was employed. One, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after incubation, the cell constructs were harvested for histological, immunohistochemical, and gene expression evaluation.

RESULTS

In histological and immunohistochemical analyzes, pericellular and extracellular metachromatic matrix was observed in both groups and increased over 4 weeks, but accumulated at a higher rate in the HP group. Cell number was maintained in the HP group over 4 weeks but decreased after 2 weeks in the atmospheric pressure group. Chondrogenic-specific gene expression of type II and X collagen, aggrecan, and SRY-box9 was increased in the HP group especially after 2 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs in a three-dimensional collagen scaffolds with treatment of a cyclic HP. Cyclic HP was effective in enhancing accumulation of extracellular matrix and expression of genes indicative of chondrogenic differentiation.

Triphasic ceramic coated hydroxyapatite as a niche for goat stem cell-derived osteoblasts for bone regeneration and repair

Current treatment strategies for the repair or replacement of bone use synthetic implants with stem cells and their progeny--a new approach to address unmet medical needs. This study has evaluated the effect of a silica-coated bioactive ceramic, namely HASi in comparison to hydroxyapatite (HA) on the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of goat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro in a prolonged culture of 28 days. The cellular activities were significantly enhanced on HASi signifying the role of silica to stimulate osteoblast cells. The fabrication of such a 'cell-ceramic construct using autologous MSCs' is aimed for the transplantation to a large bone defect site in the goat femur model which still remains a formidable challenge in Orthopedic surgery.

Cell-free and cell-based approaches for bone regeneration

The clinical augmentation of bone currently involves the use of autogenous or allogeneic bone grafts and synthetic materials, all of which are associated with limitations. Research on the safe enhancement of bone formation concerns the potential value of scaffolds, stem cells, gene therapy, and chemical and mechanical signals. Optimal scaffolds are engineered to provide mechanical stability while supporting osteogenesis, osteoconduction and/or osteoinduction. Scaffold materials include natural or synthetic polymers, ceramics, and composites. The resorption, mechanical strength and efficacy of these materials can be manipulated through structural and chemical design parameters. Cell-seeded scaffolds contain stem cells or progenitor cells, such as culture-expanded marrow stromal cells and multipotent skeletal progenitor cells sourced from other tissues. Despite extensive evidence from proof-of-principle studies, bone tissue engineering has not translated to clinical practice. Much of the research involves in vitro and animal models that do not replicate potential clinical applications. Problem areas include cell sources and numbers, over-reliance on existing scaffold materials, optimum delivery of factors, control of transgene expression, vascularization, integration with host bone, and the capacity to form bone and marrow structures in vivo. Current thinking re-emphasizes the potential of biomimetic materials to stimulate, enhance, or control bone's innate regenerative capacity at the implantation site.

Regulation of adult human mesenchymal stem cells into osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages by different bioreactor systems

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of expanding and regulating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from isolated adult human bone marrow mononuclear cells, seeded on gelatin-hyaluronic acid biomatrices, and then to quantitatively compare the gene expression in three different culture systems. Individual and interactive effects of model system parameters on construct structure, function, and molecular properties were evaluated. The results showed that these adult human MSCs even at old age not only expressed primitive mesenchymal cell markers but also maintained a high level of colony-forming efficiency and were capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes upon appropriate inductions. After 21 days of culture, we found that the osteoblastic and chondrocytic lineage gene expression were earlier and higher expressed in spinner flask bioreactor culture group when compared with the static culture and rotating wall vessel reactor culture. The osteogenic lineage proteins type I collagen, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin were strongly stained in histological sections of spinner flask bioreactor culture, whereas these were less detected in the other two groups, especially in rotating wall vessel reactor culture. As for the markers associated with the chondrogenic lineage differentiation proteins, type II collagen was apparently expressed in spinner flask culture group, while the expression of proteoglycans (aggreacan, decorin) in three culture conditions took the lead of each other. We conclude that the spinner flask bioreactor with appropriate induction medium reported in this study may be used to rapidly expand adult MSCs and is likely to possess better induction results toward osteoblastic and chondrocytic lineages.

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on three-dimensional chondroinduction of human adipose-derived stem cells

BACKGROUND

The optimal production of three-dimensional cartilage in vitro requires both inductive factors and specified culture conditions (e.g., hydrostatic pressure [HP], gas concentration, and nutrient supply) to promote cell viability and maintain phenotype. In this study, we optimized the conditions for human cartilage induction using human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), collagen scaffolds, and cyclic HP treatment.

METHODS

Human ASCs underwent primary culture and three passages before being seeded into collagen scaffolds. These constructs were incubated for 1 week in an automated bioreactor using cyclic HP at 0-0.5 MPa, 0.5 Hz, and compared to constructs exposed to atmospheric pressure. In both groups, chondrogenic differentiation medium including transforming growth factor-beta1 was employed. One, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after incubation, the cell constructs were harvested for histological, immunohistochemical, and gene expression evaluation.

RESULTS

In histological and immunohistochemical analyzes, pericellular and extracellular metachromatic matrix was observed in both groups and increased over 4 weeks, but accumulated at a higher rate in the HP group. Cell number was maintained in the HP group over 4 weeks but decreased after 2 weeks in the atmospheric pressure group. Chondrogenic-specific gene expression of type II and X collagen, aggrecan, and SRY-box9 was increased in the HP group especially after 2 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs in a three-dimensional collagen scaffolds with treatment of a cyclic HP. Cyclic HP was effective in enhancing accumulation of extracellular matrix and expression of genes indicative of chondrogenic differentiation.

The use of murine embryonic stem cells, alginate encapsulation, and rotary microgravity bioreactor in bone tissue engineering

The application of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine requires the development of suitable bioprocesses that facilitate the integrated, reproducible, automatable production of clinically-relevant, scaleable, and integrated bioprocesses that generate sufficient cell numbers resulting in the formation of three-dimensional (3D) mineralised, bone tissue-like constructs. Previously, we have reported the enhanced differentiation of undifferentiated mESCs toward the osteogenic lineage in the absence of embryoid body formation. Herein, we present an efficient and integrated 3D bioprocess based on the encapsulation of undifferentiated mESCs within alginate hydrogels and culture in a rotary cell culture microgravity bioreactor. Specifically, for the first 3 days, encapsulated mESCs were cultured in 50% (v/v) HepG2 conditioned medium to generate a cell population with enhanced mesodermal differentiation capability followed by osteogenic differentiation using osteogenic media containing ascorbic acid, beta-glycerophosphate and dexamethasone. 3D mineralised constructs were generated that displayed the morphological, phenotypical, and molecular attributes of the osteogenic lineage, as well mechanical strength and mineralised calcium/phosphate deposition. Consequently, this bioprocess provides an efficient, automatable, scalable and functional culture system for application to bone tissue engineering in the context of macroscopic bone formation.

Collagen scaffolds for tissue engineering

There are two major approaches to tissue engineering for regeneration of tissues and organs. One involves cell-free materials and/or factors and one involves delivering cells to contribute to the regeneraion process. Of the many scaffold materials being investigated, collagen type I, with selective removal of its telopeptides, has been shown to have many advantageous features for both of these approaches. Highly porous collagen lattice sponges have been used to support in vitro growth of many types of tissues. Use of bioreactors to control in vitro perfusion of medium and to apply hydrostatic fluid pressure has been shown to enhance histogenesis in collagen scaffolds. Collagen sponges have also been developed to contain differentiating-inducing materials like demineralized bone to stimulate differentiation of cartilage tissue both in vitro and in vivo.

Cell Distribution in a Scaffold with Random Architectures under the Influence of Fluid Dynamics

Fluid dynamic environment and scaffold architectures have an important influence on cell growth and distribution inside the scaffold. A porous cylindrical scaffold with a central channel is seeded with the sheep mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in this study. Then the cell seeded scaffold is continuously perfused with α-MEM medium by a peristaltic pump for 7, 14, and 28 days. Histological study shows that the cell proliferation rates are different throughout the whole scaffolds. The different cell coverage is shown in various positions of the scaffold. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling is used to simulate the flow conditions within perfused cell-seeded scaffolds to give insight into the mechanisms of these cell growth phenomena. Relating the simulation results to perfusion experiments, the even fluid velocity (~0.26—0.64 mm/s) and shear stress (~0.0029—0.027 Pa) are found to correspond to increased cell proliferation within the cell-scaffold constructs. This method exhibits novel capabilities to compare results obtained for different perfusion rates or different scaffold microarchitectures and may allow specific fluid velocities and shear stresses to be determined that optimize the perfusion flow rate, porous scaffold architecture, and distribution of in vitro tissue growth.

Mineralised collagen--an artificial, extracellular bone matrix--improves osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells

In the field of bone tissue engineering there is a high demand on bone graft materials which promote bone formation. By combination of collagen type I with nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) we generated a resorbable material which structure and composition is close to those of the extracellular bone matrix. This nanocomposite material was produced in a biomimetic process in which collagen fibril assembly and mineralisation with hydroxyapatite occur simultaneously. In this study the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived stromal cells (hBMSC) on membranes of biomimetically mineralised collagen type I was investigated. To this end, we optimised biochemical assays for determination of cell number and alkaline phosphatase activity corresponding to the special properties of this biomaterial. For cell experiments hBMSC were seeded on the mineralised collagen membranes and cultivated over 35 days, both in static and perfusion culture, in the presence and absence of dexamethasone, beta-glycerophosphate and ascorbate. Compared to cells grown on tissue culture polystyrene we found attenuated proliferation rates, but markedly increased activity of alkaline phosphatase on the mineralised collagen indicating its promoting effect on the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSC. Therefore this bone-like material may act as a suitable artificial extracellular matrix for bone tissue engineering. Perfusion of the 2D cell matrix constructs with cell culture medium did not improve proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of the hBMSC.

Dermal fibroblasts genetically modified to express Runx2/Cbfa1 as a mineralizing cell source for bone tissue engineering

Cell-based bone tissue engineering strategies have been effectively applied toward the development of grafting templates for skeletal repair and regeneration, but remain limited by inadequate availability of a robust mineralizing cell source. Dermal fibroblasts have emerged as a particularly promising cell alternative because they are harvested from autologous donors through minimally invasive skin biopsy and display a high capacity for in vitro expansion. In the present study, we investigated retroviral gene delivery of the osteogenic transcription factor Runx2 as a mineralization induction strategy in primary dermal fibroblasts. We demonstrate that constitutive overexpression of Runx2 induced osteogenic gene expression and mineralized nodule deposition in fibroblasts cultured on 3-dimensional fibrous collagen disks in vitro. Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed that Runx2 expressing fibroblasts deposit a carbonate-containing, poorly crystalline hydroxyapatite, whereas control constructs did not contain biologically-equivalent mineral. Importantly, Runx2-transduced fibroblasts formed mineralized templates in vivo after implantation in a subcutaneous, heterotopic site, whereas minimal mineralization was evident in control constructs. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis indicated that Runx2-engineered cells co-localized with mineral deposits in vivo, suggesting that nodule formation primarily originated from transplanted donor cells. These results establish Runx2-genetic engineering as a strategy for the conversion of a non-osteogenic cellular phenotype into a mineralizing cell source for bone repair applications. Cellular therapies based on primary dermal fibroblasts would be particularly beneficial for patients with compromised ability to recruit endogenous osteoprogenitors to the site of injury as a result of extreme trauma, age, radiation treatment, or osteolytic disease.

Three-dimensional flow perfusion culture system for stem cell proliferation inside the critical-size beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffold

A 3-dimensional flow perfusion system has been created in our laboratory to provide continuous and homogeneous nutrient supply inside the critical-size beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) scaffold and permit cell proliferation during long-term incubation. The critical-size porous cylindrical scaffold (14 mm in diameter, 30 mm in length) with a central tunnel was impregnated with sheep mesenchymal stem cells. In the flow perfusion group, the hybrid scaffolds were continuously perfused with complete alpha-minimum essential medium via a peristaltic pump for 7, 14, and 28 days. In the static culture group, the hybrid composites were immersed in the medium without perfusion for 14 and 28 days. The daily glucose consumption was much higher in the flow perfusion group than in the static group (p < 0.001). In the flow perfusion group, glucose consumption increased dramatically in the first 14 days, and the increase slowed in the last 14 days. In the static group, the increase occurred only in the first 14 days. Cell viability via MTT colorimetry increased with time, which coincided with the results of glucose consumption. Histological study showed that the cells proliferated through the whole scaffolds under the flow perfusion culture. While under the static culture, the cells survived and proliferated only inside the first to third rows of the macropores under the scaffold surface. The cell quantity increased with time under flow perfusion culture. The results suggest that flow perfusion culture is superior to static culture for mesenchymal stem cell proliferation in the critical-size porous scaffold. This perfusion culture system permits a constant nutrition supply into the center of a large-scale scaffold for at least 4 weeks. Determination of D-glucose in the culture medium is a noninvasive way to survey cell proliferation in this system.

Ectopic bone formation in collagen sponge self-assembled peptide–amphiphile nanofibers hybrid scaffold in a perfusion culture bioreactor

The objective of this study was to enhance ectopic bone formation in a three-dimensional (3-D) hybrid scaffold in combination with bioreactor perfusion culture system. The hybrid scaffold consists of two biomaterials, a hydrogel formed through self-assembly of peptide-amphiphile (PA) with cell suspensions in media, and a collagen sponge reinforced with poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) fiber incorporation. PA was synthesized by standard solid-phase chemistry that ends with the alkylation of the NH2 terminus of the peptide. A 3-D network of nanofibers was formed by mixing cell suspensions in media with dilute aqueous solution of PA. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation revealed the formation of fibrous assemblies with an extremely high aspect ratio and high surface areas. Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in the hybrid scaffold was greatly influenced by the perfusion culture method compared with static culture method. When the osteoinduction activity of hybrid scaffold was studied following the implantation into the back subcutis of rats in terms of histological and biochemical examinations, significantly homogeneous bone formation was histologically observed throughout the hybrid scaffolds when perfusion culture was used compared with static culture method. The level of alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin content at the implanted sites of hybrid scaffolds were significantly high for the perfusion group compared with those in static culture method. We conclude that combination of MSC-seeded hybrid scaffold and the perfusion method was promising to enhance in vitro osteogenic differentiation of MSC and in vivo ectopic bone formation.

Systemic effects of severe trauma on the function and apoptosis of human skeletal cells

Systemic factors are believed to be pivotal for the development of heterotopic ossification in severely-injured patients. In this study, cell cultures of putative target cells (human fibroblastic cells, osteoblastic cells (MG-63), and bone-marrow stromal cells (hBM)) were incubated with serum from ten consecutive polytraumatised patients taken from post-traumatic day 1 to day 21 and with serum from 12 healthy control subjects.

The serum from the polytraumatised patients significantly stimulated the proliferation of fibroblasts, MG-63 and of hBM cells. The activity of alkaline phosphatase in MG-63 and hBM cells was significantly decreased when exposed to the serum of the severely-injured patient. After three weeks in 3D cell cultures, matrix production and osteogenic gene expression of hBM cells were equal in the patient and control groups. However, the serum from the polytraumatised patients significantly decreased apoptosis of hBM cells compared with the control serum (4.3% vs 19.1%, p = 0.031).

Increased proliferation of osteoblastic cells and reduced apoptosis of osteoprogenitors may be responsible for increased osteogenesis in severely-injured patients.

Mineralization capacity of Runx2/Cbfa1-genetically engineered fibroblasts is scaffold dependent

Development of tissue-engineered constructs for skeletal regeneration of large critical-sized defects requires the identification of a sustained mineralizing cell source and careful optimization of scaffold architecture and surface properties. We have recently reported that Runx2-genetically engineered primary dermal fibroblasts express a mineralizing phenotype in monolayer culture, highlighting their potential as an autologous osteoblastic cell source which can be easily obtained in large quantities. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the osteogenic potential of Runx2-expressing fibroblasts when cultured in vitro on three commercially available scaffolds with divergent properties: fused deposition-modeled polycaprolactone (PCL), gas-foamed polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA), and fibrous collagen disks. We demonstrate that the mineralization capacity of Runx2-engineered fibroblasts is scaffold dependent, with collagen foams exhibiting ten-fold higher mineral volume compared to PCL and PLGA matrices. Constructs were differentially colonized by genetically modified fibroblasts, but scaffold-directed changes in DNA content did not correlate with trends in mineral deposition. Sustained expression of Runx2 upregulated osteoblastic gene expression relative to unmodified control cells, and the magnitude of this expression was modulated by scaffold properties. Histological analyses revealed that matrix mineralization co-localized with cellular distribution, which was confined to the periphery of fibrous collagen and PLGA sponges and around the circumference of PCL microfilaments. Finally, FTIR spectroscopy verified that mineral deposits within all Runx2-engineered scaffolds displayed the chemical signature characteristic of carbonate-containing, poorly crystalline hydroxyapatite. These results highlight the important effect of scaffold properties on the capacity of Runx2-expressing primary dermal fibroblasts to differentiate into a mineralizing osteoblastic phenotype for bone tissue engineering applications.

De novo reconstruction of functional bone by tissue engineering in the metatarsal sheep model

Large bone defects are still a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. In this study, a massive bone defect with a clinically relevant volume was efficiently reconstructed by transplanting an engineered bone in which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expanded in autologous serum (AS) were combined with a porous scaffold. In the first step, we established that the way in which the MSCs are distributed over the scaffold affects the ultimate bone-forming ability of the transplant: constructs consisting of a natural coral scaffold and a pseudo-periosteal layer of MSCs surrounding the implant (coral-MSC3D) formed significantly more bone than constructs in which the MSCs were distributed throughout the implant (p = 0.01). However, bone healing occurred in only one sheep, owing to the high resorption rate of natural coral scaffold. To overcome this problem, constructs in which MSCs were combined with a porous coralline-based hydroxyapatite (CHA) scaffold having the same architecture as natural coral but a lower resorption rate were prepared. After their implantation, these constructs were found to have the same osteogenic potential as autologous bone grafts in terms of the amount of newly formed bone present at 4 months (p = 0.89) and to have been completely replaced by newly formed, structurally competent bone within 14 months. Nevertheless, although the rate of bone healing was strikingly improved when CHA-MSC3D constructs were used (five of seven animals healed) as compared with the coral-MSC3D construct (one of seven healed), it was still less satisfactory than that obtained with autografts (five of five healed).

Bone-Like Tissue Formation by Three-Dimensional Culture of MG63 Osteosarcoma Cells in Gelatin Hydrogels Using Calcium-Enriched Medium

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ca(2+) concentration in culture medium on the promotion of osteogenesis by MG63 osteoblast-like cells and to prepare bone-like tissues by supplying Ca(2+)-enriched medium to MG63 cells immobilized in three-dimensional gelatin hydrogels. Human osteosarcoma MG63 cells were cultured on tissue culture dish under various Ca(2+) concentrations to evaluate the effect of Ca(2+) concentration on calcium deposition. When Ca(2+) concentration was 8 mM, the maximum calcium deposition was obtained at day 28. Then MG63 cells were entrapped in gelatin hydrogels cross-linked by transglutaminase and cultured for 28 days, either in a standard culture medium or in medium containing 8 mM Ca(2+). Effects of Ca(2+)-enriched medium on osteoblastic phenotype of MG63 cells in gelatin hydrogels were analyzed in terms of cell number, calcium deposition content, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The characteristics of calcified gelatin hydrogels were evaluated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), histological analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 28 days of culture, no significant difference in cell numbers was found between the different culture conditions. However, calcium content of gelatin hydrogels with cells cultured in Ca(2+)-enriched media was significantly higher than that of hydrogels with cells cultured in standard Ca(2+) concentration medium. After 14 days of culture, ALP activity of cells cultured in Ca(2+)-enriched media was down-regulated compared with that of cells cultured in standard Ca(2+) concentration media. XRD analysis indicated the formation of hydroxyapatite in gelatin hydrogels cultured in the Ca(2+)-enriched media at day 14, and the XRD pattern of the composite at day 21 was almost similar to that of mouse tibia. Moreover, histological analysis and SEM analysis revealed that cross-sections of hydrogels cultured in Ca(2+)-enriched media had an organic/mineral layer structure analogous to that of mouse tibia.

Low oxygen tension enhances chondroinduction by demineralized bone matrix in human dermal fibroblasts in vitro

Endochondral bone formation is induced by demineralized bone powder (DBP) when DBP is implanted subcutaneously in rodents. Previously, we developed an in vitro model of this process, wherein human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) differentiate to chondrocytes when cultured in a three-dimensional porous collagen sponge containing DBP. In other studies, medium perfusion was beneficial in maintaining phenotype and viability of many cell types in plain porous collagen sponges, including fibroblasts, bone marrow stromal cells, osteoblasts, and epidermal cells. In contrast, medium perfusion inhibited chondrogenesis by articular chondrocytes; reduction of oxygen tension to 5%, however, restored chondrogenesis. These observations are consistent with the fact that in vivo cartilage is avascular and relatively hypoxic compared with other vascularized tissues. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that low oxygen tension (hypoxia, 5% oxygen) would enhance induced chondrogenesis in hDFs cultured with DBP. As expected, hypoxia upregulated hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha in hDFs in all conditions (i.e. +/- perfusion, +/- DBP). Hypoxia increased accumulation of cartilage-specific matrix chondroitin 4-sulfate in hDFs, but only in the presence of DBP (165%, compared to normoxia, p < 0.05). Hypoxia did not appear to have detrimental effects on cell viability and proliferation. In sum, hypoxia enhanced cartilage matrix accumulation by hDFs cultured with DBP. These defined conditions can optimize the use of dermal fibroblasts for cartilage tissue engineering.

Effects ofin vitro bone formation on the mechanical properties of a trabeculated hydroxyapatite bone substitute

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the mechanical properties of a trabecular bone substitute can be enhanced through in vitro tissue formation. Our specific objectives were to (1) determine the effects of in vitro marrow stromal cell-mediated tissue deposition upon a trabeculated hydroxyapatite scaffold on the strength and toughness of the resulting bone substitute; and (2) identify and characterize regions of newly deposited matrix and mineral. This work provides a basis for future investigations aimed at transforming a brittle hydroxyapatite scaffold into an osteoinductive, biomechanically functional implant through in vitro bone deposition. As hypothesized, the mechanical properties of the trabecular bone substitutes were significantly enhanced by in vitro tissue formation. As a result of cell seeding and a 5 week culture protocol, mean strength increased by 85% (p = 0.008) and energy to fracture increased by 130% (p = 0.003). Accompanying the enhancement of mechanical properties was the deposition of significant amounts of bone matrix and mineral. Fluorescence imaging, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and nanoindentation confirmed the presence of bonelike mineral with Ca/P ratio, modulus, and hardness similar to that within human and rat trabecular bone tissue. This new mineralization was found to exist within a newly deposited parallel-fibered matrix both encasing and bridging between scaffold trabeculae. Taken as a whole, our results establish the feasibility of the production of an osteoinductive hydroxyapatite-based trabecular bone substitute with mechanical properties enhanced through in vitro bone deposition.

Cultivation of MC3T3-E1 cells on a newly developed material (Sponceram®) using a rotating bed system bioreactor

The influence of a 3D macroporous scaffold (Sponceram) on the differentiation process into bone cells was investigated under static conditions in cell culture dishes. Furthermore, cultivations were performed using a new bioreactor system in the presence or absence of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2). Preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were first cultured on Sponceram scaffolds in 96-well dishes using standard medium, differentiation medium and BMP-2 medium. Cell proliferation showed a similar course for all conditions used. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity resulted in a maximum at day 5 in the presence of BMP-2. Two bioreactor cultivations were performed in a BIOSTAT Bplus RBS (rotating bed system) 500 on Sponceram carrier discs. One cultivation was performed using standard medium. The second one was used with the same medium with BMP-2 substituted. Significant calcification of the extracellular matrix in the presence of BMP-2 occurred but even in the absence of BMP-2 mineralization was observed. mRNA expression of collagen I, osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein was detected after both reactor cultivations. This study demonstrates that macroporous Sponceram is suitable for the cultivation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells into the osteoblastic phenotype. The results of the bioreactor cultivation revealed that the scaffold promoted the differentiation process even in the absence of BMP-2.

Perfusion culture enhances osteogenic differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells in collagen sponge reinforced with poly(glycolic Acid) fiber

The objective of this study was to obtain fundamental knowledge about in vitro culture systems to enhance the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in collagen sponge reinforced by the incorporation of poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) fiber. A collagen solution with PGA fiber homogeneously localized at PGA:collagen weight ratios of 0.67, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 was freezedried, followed by cross-linking of combined dehydrothermal, glutaraldehyde, and ultraviolet treatment. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that collagen sponges exhibited homogeneous and interconnected pore structures with an average size of 180 microm, irrespective of PGA fiber incorporation. When rat MSCs were seeded into collagen sponge with or without PGA fiber incorporation, more attached cells were observed in collagen sponge incorporating PGA fiber than in collagen sponge without PGA fiber incorporation, irrespective of the PGA:collagen ratio. The proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in PGA-reinforced sponge at a weight ratio of 5 were greatly influenced by the culture method and growth conditions. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin content of MSCs cultured in PGA-reinforced sponge by the perfusion method became maximum at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min, although they increased with culture time period. It may be concluded that appropriate perfusion conditions enable MSCs to positively improve the extent of proliferation and differentiation.

Flow perfusion enhances the calcified matrix deposition of marrow stromal cells in biodegradable nonwoven fiber mesh scaffolds

In this study, we report on the ability of resorbable poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) nonwoven scaffolds to support the attachment, growth, and differentiation of marrow stromal cells (MSCs) under fluid flow. Rat MSCs were isolated from young male Wistar rats and expanded using established methods. The cells were then seeded on PLLA nonwoven fiber meshes. The PLLA nonwoven fiber meshes had 99% porosity, 17 microm fiber diameter, 10 mm scaffold diameter, and 1.7-mm thickness. The nonwoven PLLA meshes were seeded with a cell suspension of 5 x 10(5) cells in 300 microl, and cultured in a flow perfusion bioreactor and under static conditions. Cell/polymer nonwoven scaffolds cultured under flow perfusion had significantly higher amounts of calcified matrix deposited on them after 16 days of culture. Microcomputed tomography revealed that the in vitro generated extracellular matrix in the scaffolds cultured under static conditions was denser at the periphery of the scaffold while in the scaffolds cultured in the perfusion bioreactor the extracellular matrix demonstrated a more homogeneous distribution. These results show that flow perfusion accelerates the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs, seeded on nonwoven PLLA scaffolds, toward the osteoblastic phenotype, and improves the distribution of the in vitro generated calcified extracellular matrix.