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Huang Y, Yao K, Zhang Q, Huang X, Chen Z, Zhou Y, Yu X. Bioelectronics for electrical stimulation: materials, devices and biomedical applications. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:8632-8712. [PMID: 39132912 DOI: 10.1039/d4cs00413b] [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: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Bioelectronics is a hot research topic, yet an important tool, as it facilitates the creation of advanced medical devices that interact with biological systems to effectively diagnose, monitor and treat a broad spectrum of health conditions. Electrical stimulation (ES) is a pivotal technique in bioelectronics, offering a precise, non-pharmacological means to modulate and control biological processes across molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels. This method holds the potential to restore or enhance physiological functions compromised by diseases or injuries by integrating sophisticated electrical signals, device interfaces, and designs tailored to specific biological mechanisms. This review explains the mechanisms by which ES influences cellular behaviors, introduces the essential stimulation principles, discusses the performance requirements for optimal ES systems, and highlights the representative applications. From this review, we can realize the potential of ES based bioelectronics in therapy, regenerative medicine and rehabilitation engineering technologies, ranging from tissue engineering to neurological technologies, and the modulation of cardiovascular and cognitive functions. This review underscores the versatility of ES in various biomedical contexts and emphasizes the need to adapt to complex biological and clinical landscapes it addresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kuanming Yao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xingcan Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhenlin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xinge Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Sun Y, Xiao Z, Chen B, Zhao Y, Dai J. Advances in Material-Assisted Electromagnetic Neural Stimulation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2400346. [PMID: 38594598 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Bioelectricity plays a crucial role in organisms, being closely connected to neural activity and physiological processes. Disruptions in the nervous system can lead to chaotic ionic currents at the injured site, causing disturbances in the local cellular microenvironment, impairing biological pathways, and resulting in a loss of neural functions. Electromagnetic stimulation has the ability to generate internal currents, which can be utilized to counter tissue damage and aid in the restoration of movement in paralyzed limbs. By incorporating implanted materials, electromagnetic stimulation can be targeted more accurately, thereby significantly improving the effectiveness and safety of such interventions. Currently, there have been significant advancements in the development of numerous promising electromagnetic stimulation strategies with diverse materials. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the fundamental theories, neural stimulation modulating materials, material application strategies, and pre-clinical therapeutic effects associated with electromagnetic stimulation for neural repair. It offers a thorough analysis of current techniques that employ materials to enhance electromagnetic stimulation, as well as potential therapeutic strategies for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
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3
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Stone ML, Lee HH, Levine E. Agarose disk electroporation method for ex vivo retinal tissue cultured at the air-liquid interface reveals electrical stimulus-induced cell cycle reentry in retinal cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.21.572865. [PMID: 38187784 PMCID: PMC10769434 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.572865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
It is advantageous to culture the ex vivo murine retina along with many other tissue types at the air-liquid interface. However, gene delivery to these cultures can be challenging. Electroporation is a fast and robust method of gene delivery, but typically requires submergence in a liquid buffer to allow electric current flow. We have developed a submergence-free electroporation technique using an agarose disk that allows for efficient gene delivery to the ex vivo murine retina. This method advances our ability to use ex vivo retinal tissue for genetic studies and can easily be adapted for any tissue cultured at an air-liquid interface. We found an increased ability to transfected Muller glia at 14 days ex vivo and an increase in BrdU incorporation in Muller glia following electrical stimulation. Use of this method has revealed valuable insights on the state of ex vivo retinal tissues and the effects of electrical stimulation on retinal cells.
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Lee M, Kwon S. Enhanced cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells from increased calcium influx induced by electrical stimulation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302406. [PMID: 38635551 PMCID: PMC11025832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302406] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in immunosurveillance independent of antigen presentation, which is regulated by signal balance via activating and inhibitory receptors. The anti-tumor activity of NK cells is largely dependent on signaling from target recognition to cytolytic degranulation; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear, and NK cell cytotoxicity is readily impaired by tumor cells. Understanding the activation mechanism is necessary to overcome the immune evasion mechanism, which remains an obstacle in immunotherapy. Because calcium ions are important activators of NK cells, we hypothesized that electrical stimulation could induce changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels, thereby improving the functional potential of NK cells. In this study, we designed an electrical stimulation system and observed a correlation between elevated Ca2+ flux induced by electrical stimulation and NK cell activation. Breast cancer MCF-7 cells co-cultured with electrically stimulated KHYG-1 cells showed a 1.27-fold (0.5 V/cm) and 1.55-fold (1.0 V/cm) higher cytotoxicity, respectively. Electrically stimulated KHYG-1 cells exhibited a minor increase in Ca2+ level (1.31-fold (0.5 V/cm) and 1.11-fold (1.0 V/cm) higher), which also led to increased gene expression of granzyme B (GZMB) by 1.36-fold (0.5 V/cm) and 1.58-fold (1.0 V/cm) by activating Ca2+-dependent nuclear factor of activated T cell 1 (NFAT1). In addition, chelating Ca2+ influx with 5 μM BAPTA-AM suppressed the gene expression of Ca2+ signaling and lytic granule (granzyme B) proteins by neutralizing the effects of electrical stimulation. This study suggests a promising immunotherapeutic approach without genetic modifications and elucidates the correlation between cytolytic effector function and intracellular Ca2+ levels in electrically stimulated NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minseon Lee
- Department of Biological Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Soonjo Kwon
- Department of Biological Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
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5
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Martín D, Ruano D, Yúfera A, Daza P. Electrical pulse stimulation parameters modulate N2a neuronal differentiation. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:49. [PMID: 38272891 PMCID: PMC10810886 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01820-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrical pulse stimulation has been used to enhance the differentiation or proliferation of neuronal progenitor cells in tissue engineering and cancer treatment. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation of the effects caused by its parameters is crucial for improvements in those fields. We propose a study of pulse parameters, to allow the control of N2a cell line fate and behavior. We have focused on designing an experimental setup that allows for the knowledge and control over the environment and the stimulation signals applied. To map the effects of the stimulation on N2a cells, their morphology and the cellular and molecular reactions induced by the pulse stimulation have been analyzed. Immunofluorescence, rt-PCR and western blot analysis have been carried out for this purpose, as well as cell counting. Our results show that low-amplitude electrical pulse stimulation promotes proliferation of N2a cells, whilst amplitudes in the range 250 mV/mm-500 mV/mm induce differentiation. Amplitudes higher than 750 mV/mm produce cell damage at low frequencies. For high frequencies, large amplitudes are needed to cause cell death. An inverse relation has been found between cell density and pulse-induced neuronal differentiation. The best condition for neuronal differentiation was found to be 500 mV/mm at 100 Hz. These findings have been confirmed by up-regulation of the Neurod1 gene. Our preliminary study of the molecular effects of electrical pulse stimulation on N2a offers premonitory clues of the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway implications on the neuronal differentiation process through ES. In general, we have successfully mapped the sensitivity of N2a cells to electrical pulse stimulation parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Martín
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.
- Instituto de Microelectrónica de Sevilla (IMSE), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Diego Ruano
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Alberto Yúfera
- Instituto de Microelectrónica de Sevilla (IMSE), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- Departamento de Tecnología Electrónica, ETSII, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Paula Daza
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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Eftekhari BS, Song D, Janmey PA. Electrical Stimulation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Conductive Substrates Promotes Neural Priming. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300149. [PMID: 37571815 PMCID: PMC10880582 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300149] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation (ES) within a conductive scaffold is potentially beneficial in encouraging the differentiation of stem cells toward a neuronal phenotype. To improve stem cell-based regenerative therapies, it is essential to use electroconductive scaffolds with appropriate stiffnesses to regulate the amount and location of ES delivery. Herein, biodegradable electroconductive substrates with different stiffnesses are fabricated from chitosan-grafted-polyaniline (CS-g-PANI) copolymers. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) cultured on soft conductive scaffolds show a morphological change with significant filopodial elongation after electrically stimulated culture along with upregulation of neuronal markers and downregulation of glial markers. Compared to stiff conductive scaffolds and non-conductive CS scaffolds, soft conductive CS-g-PANI scaffolds promote increased expression of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and neurofilament heavy chain (NF-H) after application of ES. At the same time, there is a decrease in the expression of the glial markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin after ES. Furthermore, the elevation of intracellular calcium [Ca2+ ] during spontaneous, cell-generated Ca2+ transients further suggests that electric field stimulation of hMSCs cultured on conductive substrates can promote a neural-like phenotype. The findings suggest that the combination of the soft conductive CS-g-PANI substrate and ES is a promising new tool for enhancing neuronal tissue engineering outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dawei Song
- Department of Physiology and Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paul A. Janmey
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Physiology and Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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7
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Chen T, Lau KSK, Hong SH, Shi HTH, Iwasa SN, Chen JXM, Li T, Morrison T, Kalia SK, Popovic MR, Morshead CM, Naguib HE. Cryogel-based neurostimulation electrodes to activate endogenous neural precursor cells. Acta Biomater 2023; 171:392-405. [PMID: 37683963 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The delivery of electrical pulses to the brain via penetrating electrodes, known as brain stimulation, has been recognized as an effective clinical approach for treating neurological disorders. Resident brain neural precursor cells (NPCs) are electrosensitive cells that respond to electrical stimulation by expanding in number, migrating and differentiating which are important characteristics that support neural repair. Here, we report the design of a conductive cryogel brain stimulation electrode specifically developed for NPC activation. The cryogel electrode has a modulus switching mechanism permitting facile penetration and reducing the mechanical mismatch between brain tissue and the penetrating electrode. The cryogel demonstrated good in vivo biocompatibility and reduced the interfacial impedance to deliver the stimulating electric field with lower voltage under charge-balanced current controlled stimulation. An ex vivo assay reveals that electrical stimulation using the cryogel electrodes results in significant expansion in the size of NPC pool. Hence, the cryogel electrodes have the potential to be used for NPC activation to support endogenous neural repair. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The objective of this study is to develop a cryogel-based stimulation electrode as an alternative to traditional electrode materials to be used in regenerative medicine applications for enhancing neural regeneration in brain. The electrode offers benefits such as adaptive modulus for implantation, high charge storage and injection capacities, and modulus matching with brain tissue, allowing for stable delivery of electric field for long-term neuromodulation. The electrochemical properties of cryogel electrodes were characterized in living tissue with an ex vivo set-up, providing a deeper understanding of stimulation capacity in brain environments. The cryogel electrode is biocompatible and enables low voltage, current-controlled stimulation for effective activation of endogenous neural precursor cells, revealing their potential utility in neural stem cell-mediated brain repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kylie Sin Ki Lau
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sung Hwa Hong
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hao Tian Harvey Shi
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie N Iwasa
- The KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; CRANIA, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jia Xi Mary Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terek Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Taylor Morrison
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Suneil K Kalia
- The KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; CRANIA, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosurgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milos R Popovic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; The KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; CRANIA, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cindi M Morshead
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; The KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; CRANIA, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Hani E Naguib
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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A novel ex vivo assay to define charge-balanced electrical stimulation parameters for neural precursor cell activation in vivo. Brain Res 2023; 1804:148263. [PMID: 36702184 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous neural stem cells and their progeny (together termed neural precursor cells (NPCs)) are promising candidates to facilitate neuroregeneration. Charge-balanced biphasic monopolar stimulation (BPMP) is a clinically relevant approach that can activate NPCs both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we established a novel ex vivo stimulation system to optimize the efficacy of BPMP electric field (EF) application in activating endogenous NPCs. Using the ex vivo system, we discerned that cathodal amplitude of 200 μA resulted in the greatest NPC pool expansion and enhanced cathodal migration. Application of the same stimulation parameters in vivo resulted in the same NPC activation in the mouse brain. The design and implementation of the novel ex vivo model bridges the gap between in vitro and in vivo systems, enabling a moderate throughput stimulation system to explore and optimize EF parameters that can be applied to clinically relevant brain injury/disease models.
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Alshawaf AJ, Alnassar SA, Al-Mohanna FA. The interplay of intracellular calcium and zinc ions in response to electric field stimulation in primary rat cortical neurons in vitro. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1118335. [PMID: 37180947 PMCID: PMC10174245 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1118335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent pharmacological studies demonstrate a role for zinc (Zn2+) in shaping intracellular calcium (Ca2+) dynamics and vice versa in excitable cells including neurons and cardiomyocytes. Herein, we sought to examine the dynamic of intracellular release of Ca2+ and Zn2+ upon modifying excitability of primary rat cortical neurons using electric field stimulation (EFS) in vitro. We show that exposure to EFS with an intensity of 7.69 V/cm induces transient membrane hyperpolarization together with transient elevations in the cytosolic levels of Ca2+ and Zn2+ ions. The EFS-induced hyperpolarization was inhibited by prior treatment of cells with the K+ channel opener diazoxide. Chemical hyperpolarization had no apparent effect on either Ca2+ or Zn2+. The source of EFS-induced rise in Ca2+ and Zn2+ seemed to be intracellular, and that the dynamic inferred of an interplay between Ca2+ and Zn2+ ions, whereby the removal of extracellular Ca2+ augmented the release of intracellular Ca2+ and Zn2+ and caused a stronger and more sustained hyperpolarization. We demonstrate that Zn2+ is released from intracellular vesicles located in the soma, with major co-localizations in the lysosomes and endoplasmic reticulum. These studies further support the use of EFS as a tool to interrogate the kinetics of intracellular ions in response to changing membrane potential in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah J. Alshawaf
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Cell Biology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah A. Alnassar
- Department of Cell Biology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Futwan A. Al-Mohanna
- Department of Cell Biology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Futwan A. Al-Mohanna,
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10
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Martín D, Bocio-Nuñez J, Scagliusi SF, Pérez P, Huertas G, Yúfera A, Giner M, Daza P. DC electrical stimulation enhances proliferation and differentiation on N2a and MC3T3 cell lines. J Biol Eng 2022; 16:27. [PMID: 36229846 PMCID: PMC9563743 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-022-00306-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Electrical stimulation is a novel tool to promote the differentiation and proliferation of precursor cells. In this work we have studied the effects of direct current (DC) electrical stimulation on neuroblastoma (N2a) and osteoblast (MC3T3) cell lines as a model for nervous and bone tissue regeneration, respectively. We have developed the electronics and encapsulation of a proposed stimulation system and designed a setup and protocol to stimulate cell cultures. Methods Cell cultures were subjected to several assays to assess the effects of electrical stimulation on them. N2a cells were analyzed using microscope images and an inmunofluorescence assay, differentiated cells were counted and neurites were measured. MC3T3 cells were subjected to an AlamarBlue assay for viability, ALP activity was measured, and a real time PCR was carried out. Results Our results show that electrically stimulated cells had more tendency to differentiate in both cell lines when compared to non-stimulated cultures, paired with a promotion of neurite growth and polarization in N2a cells and an increase in proliferation in MC3T3 cell line. Conclusions These results prove the effectiveness of electrical stimulation as a tool for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, both for neural and bone injuries. Bone progenitor cells submitted to electrical stimulation have a higher tendency to differentiate and proliferate, filling the gaps present in injuries. On the other hand, neuronal progenitor cells differentiate, and their neurites can be polarized to follow the electric field applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Martín
- Electronics Technology Department, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain. .,Microelectronics Institute of Seville, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.
| | - J Bocio-Nuñez
- Bone Metabolism Unit, UGC Medicina Interna, HUV Macarena, Seville, Spain
| | - Santiago F Scagliusi
- Electronics Technology Department, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Microelectronics Institute of Seville, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Pablo Pérez
- Electronics Technology Department, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Microelectronics Institute of Seville, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Gloria Huertas
- Microelectronics Institute of Seville, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Electronics and Electromagnetism Department, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Alberto Yúfera
- Electronics Technology Department, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Microelectronics Institute of Seville, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Mercè Giner
- Departamento de Citologia e Histologia Normal y Patologica, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Paula Daza
- Cell Biology Department, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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11
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Jabbari F, Babaeipour V, Bakhtiari S. Bacterial cellulose-based composites for nerve tissue engineering. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 217:120-130. [PMID: 35820488 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Nerve injuries and neurodegenerative disorders are very serious and costly medical challenges. Damaged nerve tissue may not be able to heal and regain its function, and scar tissue may restrict nerve cell regeneration. In recent years, new electroactive biomaterials have attracted widespread attention in the neural tissue engineering field. Bacterial cellulose (BC) due to its unique properties such as good mechanical properties, high water retention, biocompatibility, high crystallinity, large surface area, high purity, very fine network, and inability to absorb in the human body due to cellulase deficiency, can be considered a promising treatment for neurological injuries and disorders that require long-term support. However, BC lacks electrical activity, but can significantly improve the nerve regeneration rate by combining with conductive structures. Electrical stimulation has been shown to be an effective means of increasing the rate and accuracy of nerve regeneration. Many factors, such as the intensity and pattern of electrical current, have positive effects on cellular activity, including cell adhesion, proliferation, migration and differentiation, and cell-cell/tissue/molecule/drug interaction. This study discusses the importance and essential role of BC-based biomaterials in neural tissue regeneration and the effects of electrical stimulation on cellular behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Jabbari
- Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Department, Materials and Energy Research Center (MERC), P.O. Box: 31787-316, Tehran, Iran
| | - Valiollah Babaeipour
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Samaneh Bakhtiari
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
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Davidian D, Levin M. Inducing Vertebrate Limb Regeneration: A Review of Past Advances and Future Outlook. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2022; 14:a040782. [PMID: 34400551 PMCID: PMC9121900 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a040782] [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: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Limb loss due to traumatic injury or amputation is a major biomedical burden. Many vertebrates exhibit the ability to form and pattern normal limbs during embryogenesis from amorphous clusters of precursor cells, hinting that this process could perhaps be activated later in life to rebuild missing or damaged limbs. Indeed, some animals, such as salamanders, are proficient regenerators of limbs throughout their life span. Thus, research over the last century has sought to stimulate regeneration in species that do not normally regenerate their appendages. Importantly, these efforts are not only a vital aspect of regenerative medicine, but also have fundamental implications for understanding evolution and the cellular control of growth and form throughout the body. Here we review major recent advances in augmenting limb regeneration, summarizing the degree of success that has been achieved to date in frog and mammalian models using genetic, biochemical, and bioelectrical interventions. While the degree of whole limb repair in rodent models has been modest to date, a number of new technologies and approaches comprise an exciting near-term road map for basic and clinical progress in regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Davidian
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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13
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Physiological Electric Field: A Potential Construction Regulator of Human Brain Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073877. [PMID: 35409232 PMCID: PMC8999182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain organoids can reproduce the regional three-dimensional (3D) tissue structure of human brains, following the in vivo developmental trajectory at the cellular level; therefore, they are considered to present one of the best brain simulation model systems. By briefly summarizing the latest research concerning brain organoid construction methods, the basic principles, and challenges, this review intends to identify the potential role of the physiological electric field (EF) in the construction of brain organoids because of its important regulatory function in neurogenesis. EFs could initiate neural tissue formation, inducing the neuronal differentiation of NSCs, both of which capabilities make it an important element of the in vitro construction of brain organoids. More importantly, by adjusting the stimulation protocol and special/temporal distributions of EFs, neural organoids might be created following a predesigned 3D framework, particularly a specific neural network, because this promotes the orderly growth of neural processes, coordinate neuronal migration and maturation, and stimulate synapse and myelin sheath formation. Thus, the application of EF for constructing brain organoids in a3D matrix could be a promising future direction in neural tissue engineering.
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Davidian D, LeGro M, Barghouth PG, Rojas S, Ziman B, Maciel EI, Ardell D, Escobar AL, Oviedo NJ. Restoration of DNA integrity and cell cycle by electric stimulation in planarian tissues damaged by ionizing radiation. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:274829. [PMID: 35322853 PMCID: PMC9264365 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to high levels of ionizing γ-radiation leads to irreversible DNA damage and cell death. Here, we establish that exogenous application of electric stimulation enables cellular plasticity to reestablish stem cell activity in tissues damaged by ionizing radiation. We show that sub-threshold direct current stimulation (DCS) rapidly restores pluripotent stem cell populations previously eliminated by lethally γ-irradiated tissues of the planarian flatworm Schmidtea mediterranea. Our findings reveal that DCS enhances DNA repair, transcriptional activity, and cell cycle entry in post-mitotic cells. These responses involve rapid increases in cytosolic [Ca2+] through the activation of L-type Cav channels and intracellular Ca2+ stores leading to the activation of immediate early genes and ectopic expression of stem cell markers in postmitotic cells. Overall, we show the potential of electric current stimulation to reverse the damaging effects of high dose γ-radiation in adult tissues. Furthermore, our results provide mechanistic insights describing how electric stimulation effectively translates into molecular responses capable of regulating fundamental cellular functions without the need for genetic or pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Davidian
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, USA.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, USA
| | - Melanie LeGro
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, USA.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, USA
| | - Paul G Barghouth
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, USA.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, USA
| | - Salvador Rojas
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, USA.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, USA
| | - Benjamin Ziman
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, USA.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, USA
| | - Eli Isael Maciel
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, USA.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, USA
| | - David Ardell
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, USA.,Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, USA
| | - Ariel L Escobar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Merced, USA.,Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, USA
| | - Néstor J Oviedo
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, USA.,Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, USA
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15
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Henrik SZŐKE, István BÓKKON, David M, Jan V, Ágnes K, Zoltán K, Ferenc F, Tibor K, László SL, Ádám D, Odilia M, Andrea K. The innate immune system and fever under redox control: A Narrative Review. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:4324-4362. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220203122239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT:
In living cells, redox potential is vitally important for normal physiological processes that are closely regulated by antioxidants, free amino acids and proteins that either have reactive oxygen and nitrogen species capture capability or can be compartmentalized. Although hundreds of experiments support the regulatory role of free radicals and their derivatives, several authors continue to claim that these perform only harmful and non-regulatory functions. In this paper we show that countless intracellular and extracellular signal pathways are directly or indirectly linked to regulated redox processes. We also briefly discuss how artificial oxidative stress can have important therapeutic potential and the possible negative effects of popular antioxidant supplements.
Next, we present the argument supported by a large number of studies that several major components of innate immunity, as well as fever, is also essentially associated with regulated redox processes. Our goal is to point out that the production of excess or unregulated free radicals and reactive species can be secondary processes due to the perturbed cellular signal pathways. However, researchers on pharmacology should consider the important role of redox mechanisms in the innate immune system and fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- SZŐKE Henrik
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - BÓKKON István
- Neuroscience and Consciousness Research Department, Vision Research Institute,
Lowell, MA, USA
| | - martin David
- Department of Human Medicine, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Vagedes Jan
- University Children’s Hospital, Tuebingen University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - kiss Ágnes
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - kovács Zoltán
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - fekete Ferenc
- Department of Nyerges Gábor Pediatric Infectology, Heim Pál National Pediatric Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - kocsis Tibor
- Department of Clinical Governance, Hungarian National Ambulance Service, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - kisbenedek Andrea
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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16
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Direct Current Stimulation in Cell Culture Systems and Brain Slices-New Approaches for Mechanistic Evaluation of Neuronal Plasticity and Neuromodulation: State of the Art. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123583. [PMID: 34944091 PMCID: PMC8700319 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123583] [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: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive direct current stimulation (DCS) of the human brain induces neuronal plasticity and alters plasticity-related cognition and behavior. Numerous basic animal research studies focusing on molecular and cellular targets of DCS have been published. In vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro models enhanced knowledge about mechanistic foundations of DCS effects. Our review identified 451 papers using a PRISMA-based search strategy. Only a minority of these papers used cell culture or brain slice experiments with DCS paradigms comparable to those applied in humans. Most of the studies were performed in brain slices (9 papers), whereas cell culture experiments (2 papers) were only rarely conducted. These ex vivo and in vitro approaches underline the importance of cell and electric field orientation, cell morphology, cell location within populations, stimulation duration (acute, prolonged, chronic), and molecular changes, such as Ca2+-dependent intracellular signaling pathways, for the effects of DC stimulation. The reviewed studies help to clarify and confirm basic mechanisms of this intervention. However, the potential of in vitro studies has not been fully exploited and a more systematic combination of rodent models, ex vivo, and cellular approaches might provide a better insight into the neurophysiological changes caused by tDCS.
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17
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Liu W, Luo Y, Ning C, Zhang W, Zhang Q, Zou H, Fu C. Thermo-sensitive electroactive hydrogel combined with electrical stimulation for repair of spinal cord injury. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:286. [PMID: 34556136 PMCID: PMC8461877 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01031-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The strategy of using a combination of scaffold-based physical and biochemical cues to repair spinal cord injury (SCI) has shown promising results. However, integrating conductivity and neurotrophins into a scaffold that recreates the electrophysiologic and nutritional microenvironment of the spinal cord (SC) remains challenging. In this study we investigated the therapeutic potential of a soft thermo-sensitive polymer electroactive hydrogel (TPEH) loaded with nerve growth factor (NGF) combined with functional electrical stimulation (ES) for the treatment of SCI. The developed hydrogel exhibits outstanding electrical conductance upon ES, with continuous release of NGF for at least 24 days. In cultured nerve cells, TPEH loaded with NGF promoted the neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells and axonal growth, an effect that was potentiated by ES. In a rat model of SCI, TPEH combined with NGF and ES stimulated endogenous neurogenesis and improved motor function. These results indicate that the TPEH scaffold that combines ES and biochemical cues can effectively promote SC tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, People's Republic of China.,College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiqian Luo
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Ning
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingzheng Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Zou
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China.
| | - Changfeng Fu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Clancy H, Pruski M, Lang B, Ching J, McCaig CD. Glioblastoma cell migration is directed by electrical signals. Exp Cell Res 2021; 406:112736. [PMID: 34273404 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Electric field (EF) directed cell migration (electrotaxis) is known to occur in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and neural stem cells, with key signalling pathways frequently dysregulated in GBM. One such pathway is EGFR/PI3K/Akt, which is down-regulated by peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists. We investigated the effect of electric fields on primary differentiated and glioma stem cell (GSCs) migration, finding opposing preferences for anodal and cathodal migration, respectively. We next sought to determine whether chemically disrupting Akt through PTEN upregulation with the PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone, would modulate electrotaxis of these cells. We found that directed cell migration was significantly inhibited with the addition of pioglitazone in both differentiated GBM and GSCs subtypes. Western blot analysis did not demonstrate any change in PPARγ expression with and without exposure to EF. In summary we demonstrate opposing EF responses in primary GBM differentiated cells and GSCs can be inhibited chemically by pioglitazone, implicating GBM EF modulation as a potential target in preventing tumour recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Clancy
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Michal Pruski
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom; School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Lang
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Jared Ching
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom; John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Colin D McCaig
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
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19
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Raj V, Jagadish C, Gautam V. Understanding, engineering, and modulating the growth of neural networks: An interdisciplinary approach. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2021; 2:021303. [PMID: 38505122 PMCID: PMC10903502 DOI: 10.1063/5.0043014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
A deeper understanding of the brain and its function remains one of the most significant scientific challenges. It not only is required to find cures for a plethora of brain-related diseases and injuries but also opens up possibilities for achieving technological wonders, such as brain-machine interface and highly energy-efficient computing devices. Central to the brain's function is its basic functioning unit (i.e., the neuron). There has been a tremendous effort to understand the underlying mechanisms of neuronal growth on both biochemical and biophysical levels. In the past decade, this increased understanding has led to the possibility of controlling and modulating neuronal growth in vitro through external chemical and physical methods. We provide a detailed overview of the most fundamental aspects of neuronal growth and discuss how researchers are using interdisciplinary ideas to engineer neuronal networks in vitro. We first discuss the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms of neuronal growth as we stress the fact that the biochemical or biophysical processes during neuronal growth are not independent of each other but, rather, are complementary. Next, we discuss how utilizing these fundamental mechanisms can enable control over neuronal growth for advanced neuroengineering and biomedical applications. At the end of this review, we discuss some of the open questions and our perspectives on the challenges and possibilities related to controlling and engineering the growth of neuronal networks, specifically in relation to the materials, substrates, model systems, modulation techniques, data science, and artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidur Raj
- Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | | | - Vini Gautam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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20
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Electrical Stimulation Promotes Stem Cell Neural Differentiation in Tissue Engineering. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:6697574. [PMID: 33968150 PMCID: PMC8081629 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6697574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve injuries and neurodegenerative disorders remain serious challenges, owing to the poor treatment outcomes of in situ neural stem cell regeneration. The most promising treatment for such injuries and disorders is stem cell-based therapies, but there remain obstacles in controlling the differentiation of stem cells into fully functional neuronal cells. Various biochemical and physical approaches have been explored to improve stem cell-based neural tissue engineering, among which electrical stimulation has been validated as a promising one both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we summarize the most basic waveforms of electrical stimulation and the conductive materials used for the fabrication of electroactive substrates or scaffolds in neural tissue engineering. Various intensities and patterns of electrical current result in different biological effects, such as enhancing the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of stem cells into neural cells. Moreover, conductive materials can be used in delivering electrical stimulation to manipulate the migration and differentiation of stem cells and the outgrowth of neurites on two- and three-dimensional scaffolds. Finally, we also discuss the possible mechanisms in enhancing stem cell neural differentiation using electrical stimulation. We believe that stem cell-based therapies using biocompatible conductive scaffolds under electrical stimulation and biochemical induction are promising for neural regeneration.
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21
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Neuromodulation-Based Stem Cell Therapy in Brain Repair: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives. Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:735-745. [PMID: 33871821 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00667-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation holds a promising future for central nervous system repair. Current challenges, however, include spatially and temporally defined cell differentiation and maturation, plus the integration of transplanted neural cells into host circuits. Here we discuss the potential advantages of neuromodulation-based stem cell therapy, which can improve the viability and proliferation of stem cells, guide migration to the repair site, orchestrate the differentiation process, and promote the integration of neural circuitry for functional rehabilitation. All these advantages of neuromodulation make it one potentially valuable tool for further improving the efficiency of stem cell transplantation.
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22
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Sordini L, Garrudo FFF, Rodrigues CAV, Linhardt RJ, Cabral JMS, Ferreira FC, Morgado J. Effect of Electrical Stimulation Conditions on Neural Stem Cells Differentiation on Cross-Linked PEDOT:PSS Films. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:591838. [PMID: 33681153 PMCID: PMC7928331 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.591838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to culture and differentiate neural stem cells (NSCs) to generate functional neural populations is attracting increasing attention due to its potential to enable cell-therapies to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that electrical stimulation improves neuronal differentiation of stem cells populations, highlighting the importance of the development of electroconductive biocompatible materials for NSC culture and differentiation for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Here, we report the use of the conjugated polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS CLEVIOS P AI 4083) for the manufacture of conductive substrates. Two different protocols, using different cross-linkers (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GOPS) and divinyl sulfone (DVS) were tested to enhance their stability in aqueous environments. Both cross-linking treatments influence PEDOT:PSS properties, namely conductivity and contact angle. However, only GOPS-cross-linked films demonstrated to maintain conductivity and thickness during their incubation in water for 15 days. GOPS-cross-linked films were used to culture ReNcell-VM under different electrical stimulation conditions (AC, DC, and pulsed DC electrical fields). The polymeric substrate exhibits adequate physicochemical properties to promote cell adhesion and growth, as assessed by Alamar Blue® assay, both with and without the application of electric fields. NSCs differentiation was studied by immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. This study demonstrates that the pulsed DC stimulation (1 V/cm for 12 days), is the most efficient at enhancing the differentiation of NSCs into neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sordini
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Bioengineering and Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fábio F F Garrudo
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Bioengineering and Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Carlos A V Rodrigues
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Robert J Linhardt
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Joaquim M S Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Frederico Castelo Ferreira
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge Morgado
- Department of Bioengineering and Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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23
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He L, Sun Z, Li J, Zhu R, Niu B, Tam KL, Xiao Q, Li J, Wang W, Tsui CY, Hong Lee VW, So KF, Xu Y, Ramakrishna S, Zhou Q, Chiu K. Electrical stimulation at nanoscale topography boosts neural stem cell neurogenesis through the enhancement of autophagy signaling. Biomaterials 2020; 268:120585. [PMID: 33307364 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation at the injury site of central nerve system (CNS) makes it possible for neuroregeneration. Long-term cell survival and low proliferation, differentiation, and migration rates of NSCs-graft have been the most challenging aspect on NSCs application. New multichannel electrical stimulation (ES) device was designed to enhance neural stem cells (NSCs) differentiation into mature neurons. Compared to controls, ES at nanoscale topography enhanced the expression of mature neuronal marker, growth of the neurites, concentration of BDNF and electrophysiological activity. RNA sequencing analysis validated that ES promoted NSC-derived neuronal differentiation through enhancing autophagy signaling. Emerging evidences showed that insufficient or excessive autophagy contributes to neurite degeneration. Excessive ES current were able to enhance neuronal autophagy, the neuronal cells showed poor viability, reduced neurite outgrowth and electrophysiological activity. Well-controlled autophagy not only protects against neurodegeneration, but also regulates neurogenesis. Current NSC treatment protocol efficiently enhanced NSC differentiation, maturation and survival through combination of proper ES condition followed by balance of autophagy level in the cell culture system. The successful rate of such protreated NSC at injured CNS site should be significantly improved after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liumin He
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, PR China; College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Zhongqing Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Jianshuang Li
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, PR China; The First Affiliated Hospital, The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Rong Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Ben Niu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Ka Long Tam
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Qiao Xiao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Chi Ying Tsui
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Vincent Wing Hong Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Ying Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, PR China; The First Affiliated Hospital, The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Kin Chiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
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24
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Kargozar S, Singh RK, Kim HW, Baino F. "Hard" ceramics for "Soft" tissue engineering: Paradox or opportunity? Acta Biomater 2020; 115:1-28. [PMID: 32818612 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tissue engineering provides great possibilities to manage tissue damages and injuries in modern medicine. The involvement of hard biocompatible materials in tissue engineering-based therapies for the healing of soft tissue defects has impressively increased over the last few years: in this regard, different types of bioceramics were developed, examined and applied either alone or in combination with polymers to produce composites. Bioactive glasses, carbon nanostructures, and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles are among the most widely-proposed hard materials for treating a broad range of soft tissue damages, from acute and chronic skin wounds to complex injuries of nervous and cardiopulmonary systems. Although being originally developed for use in contact with bone, these substances were also shown to offer excellent key features for repair and regeneration of wounds and "delicate" structures of the body, including improved cell proliferation and differentiation, enhanced angiogenesis, and antibacterial/anti-inflammatory activities. Furthermore, when embedded in a soft matrix, these hard materials can improve the mechanical properties of the implant. They could be applied in various forms and formulations such as fine powders, granules, and micro- or nanofibers. There are some pre-clinical trials in which bioceramics are being utilized for skin wounds; however, some crucial questions should still be addressed before the extensive and safe use of bioceramics in soft tissue healing. For example, defining optimal formulations, dosages, and administration routes remain to be fixed and summarized as standard guidelines in the clinic. This review paper aims at providing a comprehensive picture of the use and potential of bioceramics in treatment, reconstruction, and preservation of soft tissues (skin, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, peripheral nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, skeletal muscles, and ophthalmic tissues) and critically discusses their pros and cons (e.g., the risk of calcification and ectopic bone formation as well as the local and systemic toxicity) in this regard. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Soft tissues form a big part of the human body and play vital roles in maintaining both structure and function of various organs; however, optimal repair and regeneration of injured soft tissues (e.g., skin, peripheral nerve) still remain a grand challenge in biomedicine. Although polymers were extensively applied to restore the lost or injured soft tissues, the use of bioceramics has the potential to provides new opportunities which are still partially unexplored or at the very beginning. This reviews summarizes the state of the art of bioceramics in this field, highlighting the latest evolutions and the new horizons that can be opened by their use in the context of soft tissue engineering. Existing results and future challenges are discussed in order to provide an up-to-date contribution that is useful to both experienced scientists and early-stage researchers of the biomaterials community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Kargozar
- Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 917794-8564, Iran.
| | - Rajendra K Singh
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea; Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 PLUS NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Won Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea; Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 PLUS NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomaterials Science, School of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea; UCL Eastman-Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Centre, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea.
| | - Francesco Baino
- Institute of Materials Physics and Engineering, Applied Science and Technology Department, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino 10129, Italy.
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25
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Tsai HF, IJspeert C, Shen AQ. Voltage-gated ion channels mediate the electrotaxis of glioblastoma cells in a hybrid PMMA/PDMS microdevice. APL Bioeng 2020; 4:036102. [PMID: 32637857 PMCID: PMC7332302 DOI: 10.1063/5.0004893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Transformed astrocytes in the most aggressive form cause glioblastoma, the most common cancer in the central nervous system with high mortality. The physiological electric field by neuronal local field potentials and tissue polarity may guide the infiltration of glioblastoma cells through the electrotaxis process. However, microenvironments with multiplex gradients are difficult to create. In this work, we have developed a hybrid microfluidic platform to study glioblastoma electrotaxis in controlled microenvironments with high throughput quantitative analysis by machine learning-powered single cell tracking software. By equalizing the hydrostatic pressure difference between inlets and outlets of the microchannel, uniform single cells can be seeded reliably inside the microdevice. The electrotaxis of two glioblastoma models, T98G and U-251MG, requires an optimal laminin-containing extracellular matrix and exhibits opposite directional and electro-alignment tendencies. Calcium signaling is a key contributor in glioblastoma pathophysiology but its role in glioblastoma electrotaxis is still an open question. Anodal T98G electrotaxis and cathodal U-251MG electrotaxis require the presence of extracellular calcium cations. U-251MG electrotaxis is dependent on the P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) and T98G is dependent on the R-type VGCC. U-251MG electrotaxis and T98G electrotaxis are also mediated by A-type (rapidly inactivating) voltage-gated potassium channels and acid-sensing sodium channels. The involvement of multiple ion channels suggests that the glioblastoma electrotaxis is complex and patient-specific ion channel expression can be critical to develop personalized therapeutics to fight against cancer metastasis. The hybrid microfluidic design and machine learning-powered single cell analysis provide a simple and flexible platform for quantitative investigation of complicated biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsieh-Fu Tsai
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Camilo IJspeert
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Amy Q. Shen
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
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Howard CW, Toossi A, Mushahwar VK. Variety Is the Spice of Life: Positive and Negative Effects of Noise in Electrical Stimulation of the Nervous System. Neuroscientist 2020; 27:529-543. [DOI: 10.1177/1073858420951155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Noisy stimuli may hold the key for optimal electrical stimulation of the nervous system. Possible mechanisms of noise’s impact upon neuronal function are discussed, including intracellular, extracellular, and systems-level mechanisms. Specifically, channel resonance, stochastic resonance, high conductance states, and network binding are investigated. These mechanisms are examined and possible directions of growth for the field are discussed, with examples of applications provided from the fields of deep brain stimulation or spinal cord injury. Together, this review highlights the theoretical basis and evidence base for the use of noise to enhance current stimulation paradigms of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin W. Howard
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amirali Toossi
- Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vivian K. Mushahwar
- Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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27
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Electrospinning Live Cells Using Gelatin and Pullulan. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:bioengineering7010021. [PMID: 32098366 PMCID: PMC7148470 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrospinning is a scaffold production method that utilizes electric force to draw a polymer solution into nanometer-sized fibers. By optimizing the polymer and electrospinning parameters, a scaffold is created with the desired thickness, alignment, and pore size. Traditionally, cells and biological constitutes are implanted into the matrix of the three-dimensional scaffold following electrospinning. Our design simultaneously introduces cells into the scaffold during the electrospinning process at 8 kV. In this study, we achieved 90% viability of adipose tissue-derived stem cells through electrospinning.
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Chen C, Bai X, Ding Y, Lee IS. Electrical stimulation as a novel tool for regulating cell behavior in tissue engineering. Biomater Res 2019; 23:25. [PMID: 31844552 PMCID: PMC6896676 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-019-0176-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, electrical stimulation as a physical stimulus draws lots of attention. It shows great potential in disease treatment, wound healing, and mechanism study because of significant experimental performance. Electrical stimulation can activate many intracellular signaling pathways, and influence intracellular microenvironment, as a result, affect cell migration, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation. Electrical stimulation is using in tissue engineering as a novel type of tool in regeneration medicine. Besides, with the advantages of biocompatible conductive materials coming into view, the combination of electrical stimulation with suitable tissue engineered scaffolds can well combine the benefits of both and is ideal for the field of regenerative medicine. In this review, we summarize the various materials and latest technologies to deliver electrical stimulation. The influences of electrical stimulation on cell alignment, migration and its underlying mechanisms are discussed. Then the effect of electrical stimulation on cell proliferation and differentiation are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Chen
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018 People’s Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310018 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue Bai
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yahui Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014 People’s Republic of China
- People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014 People’s Republic of China
| | - In-Seop Lee
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Yonsei University, 134 Shinchon-dong, Seodaemoon-gu, Seoul, 03722 Republic of Korea
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Naskar S, Kumaran V, Markandeya YS, Mehta B, Basu B. Neurogenesis-on-Chip: Electric field modulated transdifferentiation of human mesenchymal stem cell and mouse muscle precursor cell coculture. Biomaterials 2019; 226:119522. [PMID: 31669894 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A number of bioengineering strategies, using biophysical stimulation, are being explored to guide the human mesenchymal stem cells (hMScs) into different lineages. In this context, we have limited understanding on the transdifferentiation of matured cells to another functional-cell type, when grown with stem cells, in a constrained cellular microenvironment under biophysical stimulation. While addressing such aspects, the present work reports the influence of the electric field (EF) stimulation on the phenotypic and functionality modulation of the coculture of murine myoblasts (C2C12) with hMScs [hMSc:C2C12=1:10] in a custom designed polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) based microfluidic device with in-built metal electrodes. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of the immunofluorescence study confirms that the cocultured cells in the conditioned medium with astrocytic feed, exhibit differentiation towards neural-committed cells under biophysical stimulation in the range of the endogenous physiological electric field strength (8 ± 0.06 mV/mm). The control experiments using similar culture protocols revealed that while C2C12 monoculture exhibited myotube-like fused structures, the hMScs exhibited the neurosphere-like clusters with SOX2, nestin, βIII-tubulin expression. The electrophysiological study indicates the significant role of intercellular calcium signalling among the differentiated cells towards transdifferentiation. Furthermore, the depolarization induced calcium influx strongly supports neural-like behaviour for the electric field stimulated cells in coculture. The intriguing results are explained in terms of the paracrine signalling among the transdifferentiated cells in the electric field stimulated cellular microenvironment. In summary, the present study establishes the potential for neurogenesis on-chip for the coculture of hMSc and C2C12 cells under tailored electric field stimulation, in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmistha Naskar
- Centre for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India; Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India; Laboratory for Biomaterials, Materials Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India; Centres of Excellence and Innovation in Biotechnology - Translational Centre on Biomaterials for Orthopaedic and Dental Applications, Materials Research Centre, IISc, Bangalore, India
| | - Viswanathan Kumaran
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Yogananda S Markandeya
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560029, India
| | - Bhupesh Mehta
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560029, India
| | - Bikramjit Basu
- Centre for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India; Laboratory for Biomaterials, Materials Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India; Centres of Excellence and Innovation in Biotechnology - Translational Centre on Biomaterials for Orthopaedic and Dental Applications, Materials Research Centre, IISc, Bangalore, India.
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30
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Mahmood Alabed EA, Engel M, Yamauchi Y, Hossain MSA, Ooi L. DC and AC magnetic fields increase neurite outgrowth of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells with and without retinoic acid. RSC Adv 2019; 9:17717-17725. [PMID: 35520545 PMCID: PMC9064590 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra02001b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that electromagnetic fields could be used to differentiate neurons in culture but how to do this is not clear. We investigated the effect of external magnetic fields (DC and AC MF) on neuronal viability, differentiation, and neurite outgrowth of human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in vitro. A strong low frequency DC MF or a weak AC MF improved retinoic acid-mediated neuronal differentiation and increased neurite length, without any adverse effects on neuronal viability. Even in the absence of the conventional differentiation factor, retinoic acid, DC and AC MF promoted neurite outgrowth. No significant negative effect on cell viability was observed after MF exposure and the DC MF had greater effects on neurite length and branch number than AC MF. Thus, we have identified a novel, simple and cost-effective method that is easy to set up in any cell culture laboratory that can be used to efficiently differentiate neuronal-like cells, using a DC MF without the need for expensive reagents. This research provides a fresh approach to promote neurite outgrowth in a commonly used neuronal-like cell line model and may be applicable to neural stem cells or primary neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enad Abed Mahmood Alabed
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong Northfields Ave Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute Northfields Avenue Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia
- Australian Institute for Innovative Materials (AIIM), University of Wollongong North Wollongong NSW 2500 Australia
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Mosul Ninawa 41002 Iraq
| | - Martin Engel
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong Northfields Ave Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute Northfields Avenue Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Yusuke Yamauchi
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) 1-1 Namiki Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-0044 Japan
| | - Md Shahriar A Hossain
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
- School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong Northfields Ave Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute Northfields Avenue Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia
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31
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Aplin FP, Fridman GY. Implantable Direct Current Neural Modulation: Theory, Feasibility, and Efficacy. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:379. [PMID: 31057361 PMCID: PMC6482222 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantable neuroprostheses such as cochlear implants, deep brain stimulators, spinal cord stimulators, and retinal implants use charge-balanced alternating current (AC) pulses to recover delivered charge and thus mitigate toxicity from electrochemical reactions occurring at the metal-tissue interface. At low pulse rates, these short duration pulses have the effect of evoking spikes in neural tissue in a phase-locked fashion. When the therapeutic goal is to suppress neural activity, implants typically work indirectly by delivering excitation to populations of neurons that then inhibit the target neurons, or by delivering very high pulse rates that suffer from a number of undesirable side effects. Direct current (DC) neural modulation is an alternative methodology that can directly modulate extracellular membrane potential. This neuromodulation paradigm can excite or inhibit neurons in a graded fashion while maintaining their stochastic firing patterns. DC can also sensitize or desensitize neurons to input. When applied to a population of neurons, DC can modulate synaptic connectivity. Because DC delivered to metal electrodes inherently violates safe charge injection criteria, its use has not been explored for practical applicability of DC-based neural implants. Recently, several new technologies and strategies have been proposed that address this safety criteria and deliver ionic-based direct current (iDC). This, along with the increased understanding of the mechanisms behind the transcutaneous DC-based modulation of neural targets, has caused a resurgence of interest in the interaction between iDC and neural tissue both in the central and the peripheral nervous system. In this review we assess the feasibility of in-vivo iDC delivery as a form of neural modulation. We present the current understanding of DC/neural interaction. We explore the different design methodologies and technologies that attempt to safely deliver iDC to neural tissue and assess the scope of application for direct current modulation as a form of neuroprosthetic treatment in disease. Finally, we examine the safety implications of long duration iDC delivery. We conclude that DC-based neural implants are a promising new modulation technology that could benefit from further chronic safety assessments and a better understanding of the basic biological and biophysical mechanisms that underpin DC-mediated neural modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix P Aplin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gene Y Fridman
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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32
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Rahmani A, Nadri S, Kazemi HS, Mortazavi Y, Sojoodi M. Conductive electrospun scaffolds with electrical stimulation for neural differentiation of conjunctiva mesenchymal stem cells. Artif Organs 2019; 43:780-790. [PMID: 30674064 DOI: 10.1111/aor.13425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
An electrical stimulus is a new approach to neural differentiation of stem cells. In this work, the neural differentiation of conjunctiva mesenchymal stem cells (CJMSCs) on a new 3D conductive fibrous scaffold of silk fibroin (SF) and reduced graphene oxide (rGo) were examined. rGo (3.5% w/w) was dispersed in SF-acid formic solution (10% w/v) and conductive nanofibrous scaffold was fabricated using the electrospinning method. SEM and TEM microscopies were used for fibrous scaffold characterization. CJMSCs were cultured on the scaffold and 2 electrical impulse models (Current 1:115 V/m, 100-Hz frequency and current 2:115 v/m voltages, 0.1-Hz frequency) were applied for 7 days. Also, the effect of the fibrous scaffold and electrical impulses on cell viability and neural gene expression were examined using MTT assay and qPCR analysis. Fibrous scaffold with the 220 ± 20 nm diameter and good dispersion of graphene nanosheets at the surface of nanofibers were fabricated. The MTT result showed the viability of cells on the scaffold, with current 2 lower than current 1. qPCR analysis confirmed that the expression of β-tubulin (2.4-fold P ≤ 0.026), MAP-2 (1.48-fold; P ≤ 0.03), and nestin (1.5-fold; P ≤ 0.03) genes were higher in CJMSCs on conductive scaffold with 100-Hz frequency compared to 0.1-Hz frequency. Collectively, we proposed that SF-rGo fibrous scaffolds, as a new conductive fibrous scaffold with electrical stimulation are good strategies for neural differentiation of stem cells and the type of electrical pulses has an influence on neural differentiation and proliferation of CJMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rahmani
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Samad Nadri
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.,Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.,Zanjan Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.,Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Habib Sayed Kazemi
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, Iran
| | - Yousef Mortazavi
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mahdi Sojoodi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Jiang L, Li R, Tang H, Zhong J, Sun H, Tang W, Wang H, Zhu J. MRI Tracking of iPS Cells-Induced Neural Stem Cells in Traumatic Brain Injury Rats. Cell Transplant 2018; 28:747-755. [PMID: 30574806 PMCID: PMC6686439 DOI: 10.1177/0963689718819994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) are promising cell source for stem cell replacement strategy applied to brain injury caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke. Neural stem cell (NSCs) derived from iPS cells could aid the reconstruction of brain tissue and the restoration of brain function. However, tracing the fate of iPS cells in the host brain is still a challenge. In our study, iPS cells were derived from skin fibroblasts using the four classic factors Oct4, Sox2, Myc, and Klf4. These iPS cells were then induced to differentiate into NSCs, which were incubated with superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIOs) in vitro. Next, 30 TBI rat models were prepared and divided into three groups (n = 10). One week after brain injury, group A&B rats received implantation of NSCs (labeled with SPIOs), while group C rats received implantation of non-labeled NSCs. After cell implantation, all rats underwent T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at day 1, and 1 week to 4 weeks, to track the distribution of NSCs in rats' brains. One month after cell implantation, manganese-enhanced MRI (ME-MRI) scan was performed for all rats. In group B, diltiazem was infused during the ME-MRI scan period. We found that (1) iPS cells were successfully derived from skin fibroblasts using the four classic factors Oct4, Sox2, Myc, and Klf4, expressing typical antigens including SSEA4, Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog; (2) iPS cells were induced to differentiate into NSCs, which could express Nestin and differentiate into neural cells and glial cells; (3) NSCs were incubated with SPIOs overnight, and Prussian blue staining showed intracellular particles; (4) after cell implantation, T2*-weighted MRI scan showed these implanted NSCs could migrate to the injury area in chronological order; (5) the subsequent ME-MRI scan detected NSCs function, which could be blocked by diltiazem. In conclusion, using an in vivo MRI tracking technique to trace the fate of iPS cells-induced NSCs in host brain is feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Jiang
- 1 Department of Nursing, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ronggang Li
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailiang Tang
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Zhong
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaping Sun
- 3 Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijun Tang
- 3 Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Wang
- 1 Department of Nursing, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhong Zhu
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Ye H, Ng J. Shielding effects of myelin sheath on axolemma depolarization under transverse electric field stimulation. PeerJ 2018; 6:e6020. [PMID: 30533309 PMCID: PMC6282940 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Axonal stimulation with electric currents is an effective method for controlling neural activity. An electric field parallel to the axon is widely accepted as the predominant component in the activation of an axon. However, recent studies indicate that the transverse component to the axolemma is also effective in depolarizing the axon. To quantitatively investigate the amount of axolemma polarization induced by a transverse electric field, we computed the transmembrane potential (Vm) for a conductive body that represents an unmyelinated axon (or the bare axon between the myelin sheath in a myelinated axon). We also computed the transmembrane potential of the sheath-covered axonal segment in a myelinated axon. We then systematically analyzed the biophysical factors that affect axonal polarization under transverse electric stimulation for both the bare and sheath-covered axons. Geometrical patterns of polarization of both axon types were dependent on field properties (magnitude and field orientation to the axon). Polarization of both axons was also dependent on their axolemma radii and electrical conductivities. The myelin provided a significant “shielding effect” against the transverse electric fields, preventing excessive axolemma depolarization. Demyelination could allow for prominent axolemma depolarization in the transverse electric field, via a significant increase in myelin conductivity. This shifts the voltage drop of the myelin sheath to the axolemma. Pathological changes at a cellular level should be considered when electric fields are used for the treatment of demyelination diseases. The calculated term for membrane polarization (Vm) could be used to modify the current cable equation that describes axon excitation by an external electric field to account for the activating effects of both parallel and transverse fields surrounding the target axon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ye
- Department of Biology, Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey Ng
- Department of Biology, Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Halim A, Luo Q, Ju Y, Song G. A Mini Review Focused on the Recent Applications of Graphene Oxide in Stem Cell Growth and Differentiation. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 8:E736. [PMID: 30231556 PMCID: PMC6163376 DOI: 10.3390/nano8090736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can give rise to any types of cells in our body. Hence, they have been utilized for various applications, such as drug testing and disease modeling. However, for the successful of those applications, the survival and differentiation of stem cells into specialized lineages should be well controlled. Growth factors and chemical agents are the most common signals to promote the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. However, those approaches holds several drawbacks such as the negative side effects, degradation or denaturation, and expensive. To address such limitations, nanomaterials have been recently used as a better approach for controlling stem cells behaviors. Graphene oxide is the derivative of graphene, the first two-dimensional (2D) materials in the world. Recently, due to its extraordinary properties and great biological effects on stem cells, many scientists around the world have utilized graphene oxide to enhance the differentiation potential of stem cells. In this mini review, we highlight the key advances about the effects of graphene oxide on controlling stem cell growth and various types of stem cell differentiation. We also discuss the possible molecular mechanisms of graphene oxide in controlling stem cell growth and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Halim
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Qing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Yang Ju
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan.
| | - Guanbin Song
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
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Petrella RA, Mollica PA, Zamponi M, Reid JA, Xiao S, Bruno RD, Sachs PC. 3D bioprinter applied picosecond pulsed electric fields for targeted manipulation of proliferation and lineage specific gene expression in neural stem cells. J Neural Eng 2018; 15:056021. [PMID: 29848804 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aac8ec] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Picosecond pulse electric fields (psPEF) have the potential to elicit functional changes in mammalian cells in a non-contact manner. Such electro-manipulation of pluripotent and multipotent cells could be a tool in both neural interface and tissue engineering. Here, we describe the potential of psPEF in directing neural stem cells (NSCs) gene expression, metabolism, and proliferation. As a comparison mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were also tested. APPROACH A psPEF electrode was anchored on a customized commercially available 3D printer, which allowed us to deliver pulses with high spatial precision and systematically control the electrode position in three-axes. When the electrodes are continuously energized and their position is shifted by the 3D printer, large numbers of cells on a surface can be exposed to a uniform psPEF. With two electric field strengths (20 and 40 kV cm-1), cell responses, including cell viability, proliferation, and gene expression assays, were quantified and analyzed. MAIN RESULTS Analysis revealed both NSCs and MSCs showed no significant cell death after treatments. Both cell types exhibited an increased metabolic reduction; however, the response rate for MSCs was sensitive to the change of electric field strength, but for NSCs, it appeared independent of electric field strength. The change in proliferation rate was cell-type specific. MSCs underwent no significant change in proliferation whereas NSCs exhibited an electric field dependent response with the higher electric field producing less proliferation. Further, NSCs showed an upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) after 24 h to 40 kV cm-1, which is characteristic of astrocyte specific differentiation. SIGNIFICANCE Changes in cell metabolism, proliferation, and gene expression after picosecond pulsed electric field exposure are cell type specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross A Petrella
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, 23529, United States of America. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, 23529, United States of America
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Salatino JW, Ludwig KA, Kozai TDY, Purcell EK. Glial responses to implanted electrodes in the brain. Nat Biomed Eng 2017; 1:862-877. [PMID: 30505625 PMCID: PMC6261524 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-017-0154-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The use of implants that can electrically stimulate or record electrophysiological or neurochemical activity in nervous tissue is rapidly expanding. Despite remarkable results in clinical studies and increasing market approvals, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of neuroprosthetic and neuromodulation devices, as well as their side effects and reasons for their failure, remain poorly understood. A major assumption has been that the signal-generating neurons are the only important target cells of neural-interface technologies. However, recent evidence indicates that the supporting glial cells remodel the structure and function of neuronal networks and are an effector of stimulation-based therapy. Here, we reframe the traditional view of glia as a passive barrier, and discuss their role as an active determinant of the outcomes of device implantation. We also discuss the implications that this has on the development of bioelectronic medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. Salatino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Kip A. Ludwig
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Takashi D. Y. Kozai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Neurotech Center, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Erin K. Purcell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Long H, Yang G, Ma K, Xiao Z, Ren X. [Effect of different electrical stimulation waves on orientation and alignment of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells]. ZHONGGUO XIU FU CHONG JIAN WAI KE ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO XIUFU CHONGJIAN WAIKE ZAZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF REPARATIVE AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY 2017; 31:853-861. [PMID: 29798532 PMCID: PMC8498154 DOI: 10.7507/1002-1892.201702027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of different electrical stimulation waves on orientation and alignment of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). Methods ADSCs were isolated from 5-week-old Sprague Dawley rats (weight, 100-150 g) and cultivated. The cells at passages 3-5 were inoculated to prepare cell climbing slices, subsequently was exposed to direct-current electrical stimulations (ES) at electric field strengths of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 V/cm on a homemade electric field bioreactor (groups A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6); at electric field strength of 6 V/cm, at 50% duty cycle, and at frequency of 1 and 2 Hz (groups B1 and B2) of square wave ES; at electric field strength of 6 V/cm, at pulse width of 2 ms, and at frequency of 1 and 2 Hz (groups C1 and C2) of biphasic pulse wave ES; and no ES was given as a control (group D). The changes of cellular morphology affected by applied ES were evaluated by time-lapse micropho-tography via inverted microscope. The cell alignment was evaluated via average orientation factor ( OF). The cytoske-leton of electric field treated ADSCs was characterized by rhodamine-phalloidin staining. The cell survival rates were assessed via cell live/dead staining and intracellular calcium activities were detected by calcium ion fluorescent staining. Results The response of ADSCs to ES was related to the direct-current electric field intensity. The higher the direct-current electric field intensity was, the more cells aligned perpendicular to the direction of electric field. At each time point, there was no obvious cell alignment in groups B1, B2 and C1, C2. The average OF of groups A5 and A6 were significantly higher than that of group D ( P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between other groups and group D ( P>0.05). The cytoskeleton staining showed that the cells of groups A5 and A6 exhibited a compact fascicular structure of cytoskeleton, and tended to be perpendicular to the direction of the electric field vector. The cellular survival rate of groups A4, A5, and A6 were significantly lower than that of group D ( P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between other groups and group D ( P>0.05). Calcium fluorescence staining showed that the fluorescence intensity of calcium ions in groups A4, A5, and A6 was slightly higher than that in group D, and no significant difference was found between other groups and group D. Conclusion The direct-current electric field stimulations with physiological electric field strength (5 V/cm and 6 V/cm) can induce the alignment of ADSCs, but no cell alignment is found under conditions of less than 5 V/cm direct-current electric field, square wave, and biphasic pulse wave stimulation. The cellular viability is negatively correlated with the electric field intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Long
- Center of Engineering-Training, Chengdu Aeronautic Polytechnic, Chengdu Sichuan, 610100, P.R.China
| | - Gang Yang
- Department of Medical Information and Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering and Information, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610065,
| | - Kunlong Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Yongchuan Chongqing, 402160, P.R.China
| | - Zhenghua Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, P.R.China
| | - Xiaomei Ren
- Department of Medical Information and Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering and Information, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610065, P.R.China
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Xia B, Zou Y, Xu Z, Lv Y. Gene expression profiling analysis of the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural crest stem cells. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2017; 64:927-937. [PMID: 28127791 DOI: 10.1002/bab.1554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a noninvasive technique that has been shown to affect cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation and promote the regeneration of damaged peripheral nerve. Our previous studies had proved that LIPUS can significantly promote the neural differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural crest stem cells (iPSCs-NCSCs) and enhance the repair of rat-transected sciatic nerve. To further explore the underlying mechanisms of LIPUS treatment of iPSCs-NCSCs, this study reported the gene expression profiling analysis of iPSCs-NCSCs before and after LIPUS treatment using the RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) method. It was found that expression of 76 genes of iPSCs-NCSCs cultured in a serum-free neural induction medium and expression of 21 genes of iPSCs-NCSCs cultured in a neuronal differentiation medium were significantly changed by LIPUS treatment. The differentially expressed genes are related to angiogenesis, nervous system activity and functions, cell activities, and so on. The RNA-seq results were further verified by a quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). High correlation was observed between the results obtained from qRT-PCR and RNA-Seq. This study presented new information on the global gene expression patterns of iPSCs-NCSCs after LIPUS treatment and may expand the understanding of the complex molecular mechanism of LIPUS treatment of iPSCs-NCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xia
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Mechanobiology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zou
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Mechanobiology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiling Xu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Mechanobiology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonggang Lv
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Mechanobiology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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Environmental Factors That Influence Stem Cell Migration: An "Electric Field". Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:4276927. [PMID: 28588621 PMCID: PMC5447312 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4276927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental Stimulus of Electric Fields on Stem Cell Migration. The movement of cells in response to electric potential gradients is called galvanotaxis. In vivo galvanotaxis, powered by endogenous electric fields (EFs), plays a critical role during development and wound healing. This review aims to provide a perspective on how stem cells transduce EFs into directed migration and an understanding of the current literature relating to the mechanisms by which cells sense and transduce EFs. We will comment on potential EF-based regenerative medicine therapeutics.
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41
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Yang G, Long H, Ren X, Ma K, Xiao Z, Wang Y, Guo Y. Regulation of adipose-tissue-derived stromal cell orientation and motility in 2D- and 3D-cultures by direct-current electrical field. Dev Growth Differ 2017; 59:70-82. [PMID: 28185267 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cell alignment and motility play a critical role in a variety of cell behaviors, including cytoskeleton reorganization, membrane-protein relocation, nuclear gene expression, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Direct current electric field (EF) in vitro can direct many types of cells to align vertically to EF vector. In this work, we investigated the effects of EF stimulation on rat adipose-tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) in 2D-culture on plastic culture dishes and in 3D-culture on various scaffold materials, including collagen hydrogels, chitosan hydrogels and poly(L-lactic acid)/gelatin electrospinning fibers. Rat ADSCs were exposed to various physiological-strength EFs in a homemade EF-bioreactor. Changes of morphology and movements of cells affected by applied EFs were evaluated by time-lapse microphotography, and cell survival rates and intracellular calcium oscillations were also detected. Results showed that EF facilitated ADSC morphological changes, under 6 V/cm EF strength, and that ADSCs in 2D-culture aligned vertically to EF vector and kept a good cell survival rate. In 3D-culture, cell galvanotaxis responses were subject to the synergistic effect of applied EF and scaffold materials. Fast cell movement and intracellular calcium activities were observed in the cells of 3D-culture. We believe our research will provide some experimental references for the future study in cell galvanotaxis behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Yang
- Department of Medical Information and Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering and Information, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Haiyan Long
- Center of Engineering-Training, Chengdu Aeronautic Polytechnic, Chengdu, 610100, China
| | - Xiaomei Ren
- Department of Medical Information and Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering and Information, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Kunlong Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 402160, China
| | - Zhenghua Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Medical Information and Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering and Information, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yingqiang Guo
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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Huang L, Wang G. The Effects of Different Factors on the Behavior of Neural Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:9497325. [PMID: 29358957 PMCID: PMC5735681 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9497325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The repair of central nervous system (CNS) injury has been a worldwide problem in the biomedical field. How to reduce the damage to the CNS and promote the reconstruction of the damaged nervous system structure and function recovery has always been the concern of nerve tissue engineering. Multiple differentiation potentials of neural stem cell (NSC) determine the application value for the repair of the CNS injury. Thus, how to regulate the behavior of NSCs becomes the key to treating the CNS injury. So far, a large number of researchers have devoted themselves to searching for a better way to regulate the behavior of NSCs. This paper summarizes the effects of different factors on the behavior of NSCs in the past 10 years, especially on the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs. The final purpose of this review is to provide a more detailed theoretical basis for the clinical repair of the CNS injury by nerve tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410073, China
| | - Gan Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410073, China
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43
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Finnegan J, Ye H. Cell therapy for spinal cord injury informed by electromagnetic waves. Regen Med 2016; 11:675-91. [DOI: 10.2217/rme-2016-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury devastates the CNS, besetting patients with symptoms including but not limited to: paralysis, autonomic nervous dysfunction, pain disorders and depression. Despite the identification of several molecular and genetic factors, a reliable regenerative therapy has yet to be produced for this terminal disease. Perhaps the missing piece of this puzzle will be discovered within endogenous electrotactic cellular behaviors. Neurons and stem cells both show mediated responses (growth rate, migration, differentiation) to electromagnetic waves, including direct current electric fields. This review analyzes the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury, the rationale for regenerative cell therapy and the evidence for directing cell therapy via electromagnetic waves shown by in vitro experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Finnegan
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 W. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
| | - Hui Ye
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 W. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
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Coronado LM, Montealegre S, Chaverra Z, Mojica L, Espinosa C, Almanza A, Correa R, Stoute JA, Gittens RA, Spadafora C. Blood Stage Plasmodium falciparum Exhibits Biological Responses to Direct Current Electric Fields. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161207. [PMID: 27537497 PMCID: PMC4990222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of resistance to insecticides by the vector of malaria and the increasingly faster appearance of resistance to antimalarial drugs by the parasite can dangerously hamper efforts to control and eradicate the disease. Alternative ways to treat this disease are urgently needed. Here we evaluate the in vitro effect of direct current (DC) capacitive coupling electrical stimulation on the biology and viability of Plasmodium falciparum. We designed a system that exposes infected erythrocytes to different capacitively coupled electric fields in order to evaluate their effect on P. falciparum. The effect on growth of the parasite, replication of DNA, mitochondrial membrane potential and level of reactive oxygen species after exposure to electric fields demonstrate that the parasite is biologically able to respond to stimuli from DC electric fields involving calcium signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena M. Coronado
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases (CBCMe), Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Panama, Republic of Panama
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, 522 510, A.P., India
| | - Stephania Montealegre
- School of Biotechnology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud “William C. Gorgas”, Universidad Latina, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Zumara Chaverra
- School of Biotechnology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud “William C. Gorgas”, Universidad Latina, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Luis Mojica
- National Center for Metrology of Panama (CENAMEP AIP), City of Knowledge, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Carlos Espinosa
- National Center for Metrology of Panama (CENAMEP AIP), City of Knowledge, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Alejandro Almanza
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases (CBCMe), Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Ricardo Correa
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases (CBCMe), Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Panama, Republic of Panama
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, 522 510, A.P., India
| | - José A. Stoute
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Rolando A. Gittens
- Center for Biodiversity & Drug Discovery (CBDD), INDICASAT AIP, City of Knowledge, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Carmenza Spadafora
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases (CBCMe), Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Panama, Republic of Panama
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Guo R, Zhang S, Xiao M, Qian F, He Z, Li D, Zhang X, Li H, Yang X, Wang M, Chai R, Tang M. Accelerating bioelectric functional development of neural stem cells by graphene coupling: Implications for neural interfacing with conductive materials. Biomaterials 2016; 106:193-204. [PMID: 27566868 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In order to govern cell-specific behaviors in tissue engineering for neural repair and regeneration, a better understanding of material-cell interactions, especially the bioelectric functions, is extremely important. Graphene has been reported to be a potential candidate for use as a scaffold and neural interfacing material. However, the bioelectric evolvement of cell membranes on these conductive graphene substrates remains largely uninvestigated. In this study, we used a neural stem cell (NSC) model to explore the possible changes in membrane bioelectric properties - including resting membrane potentials and action potentials - and cell behaviors on graphene films under both proliferation and differentiation conditions. We used a combination of single-cell electrophysiological recordings and traditional cell biology techniques. Graphene did not affect the basic membrane electrical parameters (capacitance and input resistance), but resting membrane potentials of cells on graphene substrates were more strongly negative under both proliferation and differentiation conditions. Also, NSCs and their progeny on graphene substrates exhibited increased firing of action potentials during development compared to controls. However, graphene only slightly affected the electric characterizations of mature NSC progeny. The modulation of passive and active bioelectric properties on the graphene substrate was accompanied by enhanced NSC differentiation. Furthermore, spine density, synapse proteins expressions and synaptic activity were all increased in graphene group. Modeling of the electric field on conductive graphene substrates suggests that the electric field produced by the electronegative cell membrane is much higher on graphene substrates than that on control, and this might explain the observed changes of bioelectric development by graphene coupling. Our results indicate that graphene is able to accelerate NSC maturation during development, especially with regard to bioelectric evolvement. Our findings provide a fundamental understanding of the role of conductive materials in tuning the membrane bioelectric properties in a graphene model and pave the way for future studies on the development of methods and materials for manipulating membrane properties in a controllable way for NSC-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Guo
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Shasha Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Miao Xiao
- Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Fuping Qian
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Zuhong He
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Dan Li
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Huawei Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing Research Institute, Affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Ming Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Renjie Chai
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Mingliang Tang
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
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Ye H, Steiger A. Neuron matters: electric activation of neuronal tissue is dependent on the interaction between the neuron and the electric field. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2015; 12:65. [PMID: 26265444 PMCID: PMC4534030 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-015-0061-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In laboratory research and clinical practice, externally-applied electric fields have been widely used to control neuronal activity. It is generally accepted that neuronal excitability is controlled by electric current that depolarizes or hyperpolarizes the excitable cell membrane. What determines the amount of polarization? Research on the mechanisms of electric stimulation focus on the optimal control of the field properties (frequency, amplitude, and direction of the electric currents) to improve stimulation outcomes. Emerging evidence from modeling and experimental studies support the existence of interactions between the targeted neurons and the externally-applied electric fields. With cell-field interaction, we suggest a two-way process. When a neuron is positioned inside an electric field, the electric field will induce a change in the resting membrane potential by superimposing an electrically-induced transmembrane potential (ITP). At the same time, the electric field can be perturbed and re-distributed by the cell. This cell-field interaction may play a significant role in the overall effects of stimulation. The redistributed field can cause secondary effects to neighboring cells by altering their geometrical pattern and amount of membrane polarization. Neurons excited by the externally-applied electric field can also affect neighboring cells by ephaptic interaction. Both aspects of the cell-field interaction depend on the biophysical properties of the neuronal tissue, including geometric (i.e., size, shape, orientation to the field) and electric (i.e., conductivity and dielectricity) attributes of the cells. The biophysical basis of the cell-field interaction can be explained by the electromagnetism theory. Further experimental and simulation studies on electric stimulation of neuronal tissue should consider the prospect of a cell-field interaction, and a better understanding of tissue inhomogeneity and anisotropy is needed to fully appreciate the neural basis of cell-field interaction as well as the biological effects of electric stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ye
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 W. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL, 60660, USA.
| | - Amanda Steiger
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 W. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL, 60660, USA.
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