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Botte E, Cui Y, Magliaro C, Tenje M, Koren K, Rinaldo A, Stocker R, Behrendt L, Ahluwalia A. Size-related variability of oxygen consumption rates in individual human hepatic cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:4128-4137. [PMID: 39069914 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00204k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Accurate descriptions of the variability in single-cell oxygen consumption and its size-dependency are key to establishing more robust tissue models. By combining microfabricated devices with multiparameter identification algorithms, we demonstrate that single human hepatocytes exhibit an oxygen level-dependent consumption rate and that their maximal oxygen consumption rate is significantly lower than that of typical hepatic cell cultures. Moreover, we found that clusters of two or more cells competing for a limited oxygen supply reduced their maximal consumption rate, highlighting their ability to adapt to local resource availability and the presence of nearby cells. We used our approach to characterize the covariance of size and oxygen consumption rate within a cell population, showing that size matters, since oxygen metabolism covaries lognormally with cell size. Our study paves the way for linking the metabolic activity of single human hepatocytes to their tissue- or organ-level metabolism and describing its size-related variability through scaling laws.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermes Botte
- Research Centre "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Yuan Cui
- Department of Organismal Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Chiara Magliaro
- Research Centre "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Tenje
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Klaus Koren
- Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology, Department of Biology, Aahrus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andrea Rinaldo
- Laboratory of Ecohydrology ECHO/IIE/ENAC, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Roman Stocker
- Institute for Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lars Behrendt
- Department of Organismal Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Centre "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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2
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Carpentier N, Ye S, Delemarre MD, Van der Meeren L, Skirtach AG, van der Laan LJW, Schneeberger K, Spee B, Dubruel P, Van Vlierberghe S. Gelatin-Based Hybrid Hydrogels as Matrices for Organoid Culture. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:590-604. [PMID: 38174962 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The application of liver organoids is very promising in the field of liver tissue engineering; however, it is still facing some limitations. One of the current major limitations is the matrix in which they are cultured. The mainly undefined and murine-originated tumor matrices derived from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) sarcoma, such as Matrigel, are still the standard culturing matrices for expansion and differentiation of organoids toward hepatocyte-like cells, which will obstruct its future clinical application potential. In this study, we exploited the use of newly developed highly defined hydrogels as potential matrices for the culture of liver organoids and compared them to Matrigel and two hydrogels that were already researched in the field of organoid research [i.e., polyisocyanopeptides, enriched with laminin-entactin complex (PIC-LEC) and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)]. The newly developed hydrogels are materials that have a physicochemical resemblance with native liver tissue. Norbornene-modified dextran cross-linked with thiolated gelatin (DexNB-GelSH) has a swelling ratio and macro- and microscale properties that highly mimic liver tissue. Norbornene-modified chondroitin sulfate cross-linked with thiolated gelatin (CSNB-GelSH) contains chondroitin sulfate, which is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that is present in the liver ECM. Furthermore, CSNB-GelSH hydrogels with different mechanical properties were evaluated. Bipotent intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids (ICOs) were applied in this work and encapsulated in these materials. This research revealed that the newly developed materials outperformed Matrigel, PIC-LEC, and GelMA in the differentiation of ICOs toward hepatocyte-like cells. Furthermore, some trends indicate that an interplay of both the chemical composition and the mechanical properties has an influence on the relative expression of certain hepatocyte markers. Both DexNB-GelSH and CSNB-GelSH showed promising results for the expansion and differentiation of intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids. The stiffest CSNB-GelSH hydrogel even significantly outperformed Matrigel based on ALB, BSEP, and CYP3A4 gene expression, being three important hepatocyte markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Carpentier
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Shicheng Ye
- Department Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CT, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten D Delemarre
- Department Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CT, The Netherlands
| | - Louis Van der Meeren
- Nano-Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - André G Skirtach
- Nano-Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Luc J W van der Laan
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3000 CA, The Netherlands
| | - Kerstin Schneeberger
- Department Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CT, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Spee
- Department Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CT, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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Botte E, Mancini P, Magliaro C, Ahluwalia A. A sense of proximity: Cell packing modulates oxygen consumption. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:036111. [PMID: 37664826 PMCID: PMC10468216 DOI: 10.1063/5.0160422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurately modeling oxygen transport and consumption is crucial to predict metabolic dynamics in cell cultures and optimize the design of tissue and organ models. We present a methodology to characterize the Michaelis-Menten oxygen consumption parameters in vitro, integrating novel experimental techniques and computational tools. The parameters were derived for hepatic cell cultures with different dimensionality (i.e., 2D and 3D) and with different surface and volumetric densities. To quantify cell packing regardless of the dimensionality of cultures, we devised an image-based metric, referred to as the proximity index. The Michaelis-Menten parameters were related to the proximity index through an uptake coefficient, analogous to a diffusion constant, enabling the quantitative analysis of oxygen dynamics across dimensions. Our results show that Michaelis-Menten parameters are not constant for a given cell type but change with dimensionality and cell density. The maximum consumption rate per cell decreases significantly with cell surface and volumetric density, while the Michaelis-Menten constant tends to increase. In addition, the dependency of the uptake coefficient on the proximity index suggests that the oxygen consumption rate of hepatic cells is superadaptive, as they modulate their oxygen utilization according to its local availability and to the proximity of other cells. We describe, for the first time, how cells consume oxygen as a function of cell proximity, through a quantitative index, which combines cell density and dimensionality. This study enhances our understanding of how cell-cell interaction affects oxygen dynamics and enables better prediction of aerobic metabolism in tissue models, improving their translational value.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: +39 0502217062
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Fabbri R, Cacopardo L, Ahluwalia A, Magliaro C. Advanced 3D Models of Human Brain Tissue Using Neural Cell Lines: State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects. Cells 2023; 12:1181. [PMID: 37190089 PMCID: PMC10136913 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-relevant three-dimensional (3D) models of cerebral tissue can be invaluable tools to boost our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying brain pathophysiology. Nowadays, the accessibility, isolation and harvesting of human neural cells represents a bottleneck for obtaining reproducible and accurate models and gaining insights in the fields of oncology, neurodegenerative diseases and toxicology. In this scenario, given their low cost, ease of culture and reproducibility, neural cell lines constitute a key tool for developing usable and reliable models of the human brain. Here, we review the most recent advances in 3D constructs laden with neural cell lines, highlighting their advantages and limitations and their possible future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Fabbri
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3R Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3R Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Italy
| | - Chiara Magliaro
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3R Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Italy
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Mastrorocco A, Cacopardo L, Temerario L, Martino NA, Tridente F, Rizzo A, Lacalandra GM, Robbe D, Carluccio A, Dell’Aquila ME. Investigating and Modelling an Engineered Millifluidic In Vitro Oocyte Maturation System Reproducing the Physiological Ovary Environment in the Sheep Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223611. [PMID: 36429039 PMCID: PMC9688735 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In conventional assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), oocytes are in vitro cultured in static conditions. Instead, dynamic systems could better mimic the physiological in vivo environment. In this study, a millifluidic in vitro oocyte maturation (mIVM) system, in a transparent bioreactor integrated with 3D printed supports, was investigated and modeled thanks to computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and oxygen convection-reaction-diffusion (CRD) models. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from slaughtered lambs were cultured for 24 h under static (controls) or dynamic IVM in absence (native) or presence of 3D-printed devices with different shapes and assembly modes, with/without alginate filling. Nuclear chromatin configuration, mitochondria distribution patterns, and activity of in vitro matured oocytes were assessed. The native dynamic mIVM significantly reduced the maturation rate compared to the static group (p < 0.001) and metaphase II (MII) oocytes showed impaired mitochondria distribution (p < 0.05) and activity (p < 0.001). When COCs were included in a combination of concave+ring support, particularly with alginate filling, oocyte maturation and mitochondria pattern were preserved, and bioenergetic/oxidative status was improved (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Results were supported by computational models demonstrating that, in mIVM in biocompatible inserts, COCs were protected from shear stresses while ensuring physiological oxygen diffusion replicating the one occurring in vivo from capillaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Mastrorocco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Centre E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Letizia Temerario
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Antonio Martino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Federico Tridente
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Michele Lacalandra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Domenico Robbe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Dell’Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
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Otero J, Ulldemolins A, Farré R, Almendros I. Oxygen Biosensors and Control in 3D Physiomimetic Experimental Models. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1165. [PMID: 34439413 PMCID: PMC8388981 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional cell culture is experiencing a revolution moving toward physiomimetic approaches aiming to reproduce healthy and pathological cell environments as realistically as possible. There is increasing evidence demonstrating that biophysical and biochemical factors determine cell behavior, in some cases considerably. Alongside the explosion of these novel experimental approaches, different bioengineering techniques have been developed and improved. Increased affordability and popularization of 3D bioprinting, fabrication of custom-made lab-on-a chip, development of organoids and the availability of versatile hydrogels are factors facilitating the design of tissue-specific physiomimetic in vitro models. However, lower oxygen diffusion in 3D culture is still a critical limitation in most of these studies, requiring further efforts in the field of physiology and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. During recent years, novel advanced 3D devices are introducing integrated biosensors capable of monitoring oxygen consumption, pH and cell metabolism. These biosensors seem to be a promising solution to better control the oxygen delivery to cells and to reproduce some disease conditions involving hypoxia. This review discusses the current advances on oxygen biosensors and control in 3D physiomimetic experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Otero
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (J.O.); (A.U.); (R.F.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Repiratorias, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia UB, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Ulldemolins
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (J.O.); (A.U.); (R.F.)
| | - Ramon Farré
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (J.O.); (A.U.); (R.F.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Repiratorias, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia UB, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isaac Almendros
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (J.O.); (A.U.); (R.F.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Repiratorias, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia UB, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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7
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Mastrorocco A, Cacopardo L, Lamanna D, Temerario L, Brunetti G, Carluccio A, Robbe D, Dell’Aquila ME. Bioengineering Approaches to Improve In Vitro Performance of Prepubertal Lamb Oocytes. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061458. [PMID: 34200771 PMCID: PMC8230371 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile in vitro embryo technology (JIVET) provides exciting opportunities in animal reproduction by reducing the generation intervals. Prepubertal oocytes are also relevant models for studies on oncofertility. However, current JIVET efficiency is still unpredictable, and further improvements are needed in order for it to be used on a large-scale level. This study applied bioengineering approaches to recreate: (1) the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the cumulus–oocyte complex (COC), by constructing—via bioprinting technologies—alginate-based microbeads (COC-microbeads) for 3D in vitro maturation (3D-IVM); (2) dynamic IVM conditions, by culturing the COC in a millifluidic bioreactor; and (3) an artificial follicular wall with basal membrane, by adding granulosa cells (GCs) and type I collagen (CI) during bioprinting. The results show that oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, as well as blastocyst quality, were improved after 3D-IVM compared to 2D controls. The dynamic 3D-IVM did not enhance oocyte maturation, but it improved oocyte bioenergetics compared with static 3D-IVM. The computational model showed higher oxygen levels in the bioreactor with respect to the static well. Microbead enrichment with GCs and CI improved oocyte maturation and bioenergetics. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that bioengineering approaches that mimic the physiological follicle structure could be valuable tools to improve IVM and JIVET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Mastrorocco
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.C.); (D.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Centre E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Daniela Lamanna
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy; (D.L.); (L.T.); (G.B.); (M.E.D.)
| | - Letizia Temerario
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy; (D.L.); (L.T.); (G.B.); (M.E.D.)
| | - Giacomina Brunetti
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy; (D.L.); (L.T.); (G.B.); (M.E.D.)
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.C.); (D.R.)
| | - Domenico Robbe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.C.); (D.R.)
| | - Maria Elena Dell’Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy; (D.L.); (L.T.); (G.B.); (M.E.D.)
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8
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Xia T, Zhao R, Feng F, Yang L. The Effect of Matrix Stiffness on Human Hepatocyte Migration and Function-An In Vitro Research. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12091903. [PMID: 32846973 PMCID: PMC7564768 DOI: 10.3390/polym12091903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates cellular function through the dynamic biomechanical and biochemical interplay between the resident cells and their microenvironment. Pathologically stiff ECM promotes phenotype changes in hepatocytes during liver fibrosis. To investigate the effect of ECM stiffness on hepatocyte migration and function, we designed an easy fabricated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel in which stiffness can be controlled by changing the concentration of glutaraldehyde. Three stiffnesses of hydrogels corresponding to the health of liver tissue, early stage, and end stage of fibrosis were selected. These were 4.8 kPa (soft), 21 kPa (moderate), and 45 kPa (stiff). For hepatocytes attachment, the hydrogel was coated with fibronectin. To evaluate the optimal concentration of fibronectin, hydrogel was coated with 0.1 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.005 mg/mL, or 0.003 mg/mL fibronectin, and the migratory behavior of single hepatocyte cultured on different concentrations of fibronectin was analyzed. To further explore the effect of substrate stiffness on hepatocyte migration, we used a stiffness controllable commercial 3D collagen gel, which has similar substrate stiffness to that of PVA hydrogel. Our result confirmed the PVA hydrogel biocompatibility with high hepatocytes survival. Fibronectin (0.01 mg/mL) promoted optimal migratory behavior for single hepatocytes. However, for confluent hepatocytes, a stiff substrate promoted hepatocellular migration compared with the soft and moderate groups via enhancing the formation of actin- and tubulin-rich structures. The gene expression analysis and protein expression analysis showed that the stiff substrate altered the phenotype of hepatocytes and induced apoptosis. Hepatocytes in stiff 3D hydrogel showed a higher proportion of cell death and expression of filopodia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Li Yang
- Correspondence: (T.X.); (L.Y.)
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9
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Yap KK, Gerrand YW, Dingle AM, Yeoh GC, Morrison WA, Mitchell GM. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells promote the differentiation and survival of mouse vascularised hepatobiliary organoids. Biomaterials 2020; 251:120091. [PMID: 32408048 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The structural and physiological complexity of currently available liver organoids is limited, thereby reducing their relevance for drug studies, disease modelling, and regenerative therapy. In this study we combined mouse liver progenitor cells (LPCs) with mouse liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) to generate hepatobiliary organoids with liver-specific vasculature. Organoids consisting of 5x103 cells were created from either LPCs, or a 1:1 combination of LPC/LSECs. LPC organoids demonstrated mild hepatobiliary differentiation in vitro with minimal morphological change; in contrast LPC/LSEC organoids developed clusters of polygonal hepatocyte-like cells and biliary ducts over a 7 day period. Hepatic (albumin, CPS1, CYP3A11) and biliary (GGT1) genes were significantly upregulated in LPC/LSEC organoids compared to LPC organoids over 7 days, as was albumin secretion. LPC/LSEC organoids also had significantly higher in vitro viability compared to LPC organoids. LPC and LPC/LSEC organoids were transplanted into vascularised chambers created in Fah-/-/Rag2-/-/Il2rg-/- mice (50 LPC organoids, containing 2.5x105 LPCs, and 100 LPC/LSEC organoids, containing 2.5x105 LPCs). At 2 weeks, minimal LPCs survived in chambers with LPC organoids, but robust hepatobiliary ductular tissue was present in LPC/LSEC organoids. Morphometric analysis demonstrated a 115-fold increase in HNF4α+ cells in LPC/LSEC organoid chambers (17.26 ± 4.34 cells/mm2 vs 0.15 ± 0.15 cells/mm2, p = 0.018), and 42-fold increase in Sox9+ cells in LPC/LSEC organoid chambers (28.29 ± 6.05 cells/mm2 vs 0.67 ± 0.67 cells/mm2, p = 0.011). This study presents a novel method to develop vascularised hepatobiliary organoids, with both in vitro and in vivo results confirming that incorporating LSECs with LPCs into organoids significantly increases the differentiation of hepatobiliary tissue within organoids and their survival post-transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiryu K Yap
- O'Brien Institute, Department of St Vincent's Institute, Victoria, Australia; University of Melbourne Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Yi-Wen Gerrand
- O'Brien Institute, Department of St Vincent's Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron M Dingle
- O'Brien Institute, Department of St Vincent's Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - George C Yeoh
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research & Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Wayne A Morrison
- O'Brien Institute, Department of St Vincent's Institute, Victoria, Australia; University of Melbourne Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Catholic University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Geraldine M Mitchell
- O'Brien Institute, Department of St Vincent's Institute, Victoria, Australia; University of Melbourne Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Catholic University, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Tirella A, Mattei G, La Marca M, Ahluwalia A, Tirelli N. Functionalized Enzyme-Responsive Biomaterials to Model Tissue Stiffening in vitro. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:208. [PMID: 32322576 PMCID: PMC7156543 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of the cellular microenvironment play a crucial role in modulating cell function, and many pathophysiological processes are accompanied by variations in extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness. Lysyl oxidase (LOx) is one of the enzymes involved in several ECM-stiffening processes. Here, we engineered poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels with controlled mechanical properties in the range typical of soft tissues. These hydrogels were functionalized featuring free primary amines, which allows an additional chemical LOx-responsive behavior with increase in crosslinks and hydrogel elastic modulus, mimicking biological ECM-stiffening mechanisms. Hydrogels with elastic moduli in the range of 0.5-4 kPa were obtained after a first photopolymerization step. The increase in elastic modulus of the functionalized and enzyme-responsive hydrogels was also characterized after the second-step enzymatic reaction, recording an increase in hydrogel stiffness up to 0.5 kPa after incubation with LOx. Finally, hydrogel precursors containing HepG2 (bioinks) were used to form three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models to mimic hepatic tissue and test PEG-based hydrogel biocompatibility. Hepatic functional markers were measured up to 7 days of culture, suggesting further use of such 3D models to study cell mechanobiology and response to dynamic variation of hydrogels stiffness. The results show that the functionalized hydrogels presented in this work match the mechanical properties of soft tissues, allow dynamic variations of hydrogel stiffness, and can be used to mimic changes in the microenvironment properties of soft tissues typical of inflammation and pathological changes at early stages (e.g., fibrosis, cancer).
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Tirella
- BioEngineered Systems Lab, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- North West Centre of Advanced Drug Delivery (NoWCADD), Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgio Mattei
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Research Centre “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Tirelli
- North West Centre of Advanced Drug Delivery (NoWCADD), Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Polymers and Biomaterials, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
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11
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Poli D, Mattei G, Ucciferri N, Ahluwalia A. An Integrated In Vitro-In Silico Approach for Silver Nanoparticle Dosimetry in Cell Cultures. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 48:1271-1280. [PMID: 31933000 PMCID: PMC7089903 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02449-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Potential human and environmental hazards resulting from the exposure of living organisms to silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been the subject of intensive discussion in the last decade. Despite the growing use of Ag NPs in biomedical applications, a quantification of the toxic effects as a function of the total silver mass reaching cells (namely, target cell dose) is still needed. To provide a more accurate dose-response analysis, we propose a novel integrated approach combining well-established computational and experimental methodologies. We first used a particokinetic model (ISD3) for providing experimental validation of computed Ag NP sedimentation in static-cuvette experiments. After validation, ISD3 was employed to predict the total mass of silver reaching human endothelial cells and hepatocytes cultured in 96 well plates. Cell viability measured after 24 h of culture was then related to this target cell dose. Our results show that the dose perceived by the cell monolayer after 24 h of exposure is around 85% lower than the administered nominal media concentration. Therefore, accurate dosimetry considering particle characteristics and experimental conditions (e.g., time, size and shape of wells) should be employed for better interpreting effects induced by the amount of silver reaching cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Poli
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Mattei
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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12
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Gal I, Edri R, Noor N, Rotenberg M, Namestnikov M, Cabilly I, Shapira A, Dvir T. Injectable Cardiac Cell Microdroplets for Tissue Regeneration. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1904806. [PMID: 32003928 PMCID: PMC7113023 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201904806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
One of the strategies for heart regeneration includes cell delivery to the defected heart. However, most of the injected cells do not form quick cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions, therefore, their ability to engraft at the desired site and improve heart function is poor. Here, the use of a microfluidic system is reported for generating personalized hydrogel-based cellular microdroplets for cardiac cell delivery. To evaluate the system's limitations, a mathematical model of oxygen diffusion and consumption within the droplet is developed. Following, the microfluidic system's parameters are optimized and cardiac cells from neonatal rats or induced pluripotent stem cells are encapsulated. The morphology and cardiac specific markers are assessed and cell function within the droplets is analyzed. Finally, the cellular droplets are injected to mouse gastrocnemius muscle to validate cell retention, survival, and maturation within the host tissue. These results demonstrate the potential of this approach to generate personalized cellular microtissues, which can be injected to distinct regions in the body for treating damaged tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idan Gal
- The School for Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Reuven Edri
- The School for Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Nadav Noor
- The School for Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Matan Rotenberg
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Michael Namestnikov
- The School for Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | | | - Assaf Shapira
- The School for Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Tal Dvir
- The School for Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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13
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Leedale J, Colley HE, Gaskell H, Williams DP, Bearon RN, Chadwick AE, Murdoch C, Webb SD. In silico-guided optimisation of oxygen gradients in hepatic spheroids. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comtox.2019.100093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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14
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Magliaro C, Mattei G, Iacoangeli F, Corti A, Piemonte V, Ahluwalia A. Oxygen Consumption Characteristics in 3D Constructs Depend on Cell Density. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:251. [PMID: 31649925 PMCID: PMC6796794 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is not only crucial for cell survival but also a determinant for cell fate and function. However, the supply of oxygen and other nutrients as well as the removal of toxic waste products often limit cell viability in 3-dimensional (3D) engineered tissues. The aim of this study was to determine the oxygen consumption characteristics of 3D constructs as a function of their cell density. The oxygen concentration was measured at the base of hepatocyte laden constructs and a tightly controlled experimental and analytical framework was used to reduce the system geometry to a single coordinate and enable the precise identification of initial and boundary conditions. Then dynamic process modeling was used to fit the measured oxygen vs. time profiles to a reaction and diffusion model. We show that oxygen consumption rates are well-described by Michaelis-Menten kinetics. However, the reaction parameters are not literature constants but depend on the cell density. Moreover, the average cellular oxygen consumption rate (or OCR) also varies with density. We discuss why the OCR of cells is often misinterpreted and erroneously reported, particularly in the case of 3D tissues and scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Magliaro
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Mattei
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Flavio Iacoangeli
- Department of Engineering, University "Campus Bio-medico" of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corti
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Piemonte
- Department of Engineering, University "Campus Bio-medico" of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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15
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Montes-Olivas S, Marucci L, Homer M. Mathematical Models of Organoid Cultures. Front Genet 2019; 10:873. [PMID: 31592020 PMCID: PMC6761251 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Organoids are engineered three-dimensional tissue cultures derived from stem cells and capable of self-renewal and self-organization into a variety of progenitors and differentiated cell types. An organoid resembles the cellular structure of an organ and retains some of its functionality, while still being amenable to in vitro experimental study. Compared with two-dimensional cultures, the three-dimensional structure of organoids provides a more realistic environment and structural organization of in vivo organs. Similarly, organoids are better suited to reproduce signaling pathway dynamics in vitro, due to a more realistic physiological environment. As such, organoids are a valuable tool to explore the dynamics of organogenesis and offer routes to personalized preclinical trials of cancer progression, invasion, and drug response. Complementary to experiments, mathematical and computational models are valuable instruments in the description of spatiotemporal dynamics of organoids. Simulations of mathematical models allow the study of multiscale dynamics of organoids, at both the intracellular and intercellular levels. Mathematical models also enable us to understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for phenotypic variation and the response to external stimulation in a cost- and time-effective manner. Many recent studies have developed laboratory protocols to grow organoids resembling different organs such as the intestine, brain, liver, pancreas, and mammary glands. However, the development of mathematical models specific to organoids remains comparatively underdeveloped. Here, we review the mathematical and computational approaches proposed so far to describe and predict organoid dynamics, reporting the simulation frameworks used and the models’ strengths and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Montes-Olivas
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lucia Marucci
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.,School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Bristol Centre for Synthetic Biology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Homer
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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16
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Meekel JP, Mattei G, Costache VS, Balm R, Blankensteijn JD, Yeung KK. A multilayer micromechanical elastic modulus measuring method in ex vivo human aneurysmal abdominal aortas. Acta Biomater 2019; 96:345-353. [PMID: 31306785 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are common and potentially life-threatening aortic dilatations, due to the effect of hemodynamic changes on the aortic wall. Previous research has shown a potential pathophysiological role for increased macroscopic aneurysmal wall stiffness; however, not investigating micromechanical stiffness. We aimed to compile a new protocol to examine micromechanical live aortic stiffness (elastic moduli), correlated to histological findings with quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF). Live AAA biopsies (n = 7) and non-dilated aortas (controls; n = 3) were sectioned. Local elastic moduli of aortic intima, media and adventitia were analysed in the direction towards the lumen and vice versa with nanoindentation. Smooth muscle cells (SMC), collagen and fibroblasts were examined using QIF. Nanoindentation of AAA vs. controls demonstrated a 4-fold decrease in elastic moduli (p = 0.022) for layers combined and a 26-fold decrease (p = 0.017) for media-to-intima direction. QIF of AAA vs. controls revealed a 4-, 3- and 6-fold decrease of SMC, collagen and fibroblasts, respectively (p = 0.036). Correlations were found between bidirectional intima and media measurements (ρ = 0.661, p = 0.038) and all QIF analyses (ρ = 0.857-0.905, p = 0.002-0.007). We present a novel protocol to analyse microscopic elastic moduli in live aortic tissues using nanoindentation. Hence, our preliminary findings of decreased elastic moduli and altered wall composition warrant further microscopic stiffness investigation to potentially clarify AAA pathophysiology and to explore potential treatment by wall strengthening. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Although extensive research on the pathophysiology of dilated abdominal aortas (aneurysms) has been performed, the exact underlying pathways are still largely unclear. Previously, the macroscopic stiffness of the pathologic and healthy aortic wall has been studied. This study however, for the first time, studied the microscopic stiffness changes in live tissue of dilated and non-dilated abdominal aortas. This new protocol provides a device to analyse the alterations on cellular level within their microenvironment, whereas previous studies studied the aorta as a whole. Outcomes of these measurements might help to better understand the underlying origin of the incidence and progression of aneurysms and other aortic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorn P Meekel
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giorgio Mattei
- Optics11 B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Biophotonics & Medical Imaging and LaserLaB, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Victor S Costache
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Polisano Medlife Hospital, University "L. Blaga" Sibiu, Sibiu, Romania
| | - Ron Balm
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Amsterdam Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan D Blankensteijn
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kak K Yeung
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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17
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Magliaro C, Rinaldo A, Ahluwalia A. Allometric Scaling of physiologically-relevant organoids. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11890. [PMID: 31417119 PMCID: PMC6695443 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48347-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional and structural resemblance of organoids to mammalian organs suggests that they might follow the same allometric scaling rules. However, despite their remarkable likeness to downscaled organs, non-luminal organoids are often reported to possess necrotic cores due to oxygen diffusion limits. To assess their potential as physiologically relevant in vitro models, we determined the range of organoid masses in which quarter power scaling as well as a minimum threshold oxygen concentration is maintained. Using data on brain organoids as a reference, computational models were developed to estimate oxygen consumption and diffusion at different stages of growth. The results show that mature brain (or other non-luminal) organoids generated using current protocols must lie within a narrow range of masses to maintain both quarter power scaling and viable cores. However, micro-fluidic oxygen delivery methods could be designed to widen this range, ensuring a minimum viable oxygen threshold throughout the constructs and mass dependent metabolic scaling. The results provide new insights into the significance of the allometric exponent in systems without a resource-supplying network and may be used to guide the design of more predictive and physiologically relevant in vitro models, providing an effective alternative to animals in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Magliaro
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Rinaldo
- Laboratory of Ecohydrology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.,Dipartimento ICEA, University of Padova, via Loredan 30, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy. .,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Caruso, 16, 56122, Pisa, Italy.
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18
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Poli D, Magliaro C, Ahluwalia A. Experimental and Computational Methods for the Study of Cerebral Organoids: A Review. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:162. [PMID: 30890910 PMCID: PMC6411764 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral (or brain) organoids derived from human cells have enormous potential as physiologically relevant downscaled in vitro models of the human brain. In fact, these stem cell-derived neural aggregates resemble the three-dimensional (3D) cytoarchitectural arrangement of the brain overcoming not only the unrealistic somatic flatness but also the planar neuritic outgrowth of the two-dimensional (2D) in vitro cultures. Despite the growing use of cerebral organoids in scientific research, a more critical evaluation of their reliability and reproducibility in terms of cellular diversity, mature traits, and neuronal dynamics is still required. Specifically, a quantitative framework for generating and investigating these in vitro models of the human brain is lacking. To this end, the aim of this review is to inspire new computational and technology driven ideas for methodological improvements and novel applications of brain organoids. After an overview of the organoid generation protocols described in the literature, we review the computational models employed to assess their formation, organization and resource uptake. The experimental approaches currently provided to structurally and functionally characterize brain organoid networks for studying single neuron morphology and their connections at cellular and sub-cellular resolution are also discussed. Well-established techniques based on current/voltage clamp, optogenetics, calcium imaging, and Micro-Electrode Arrays (MEAs) are proposed for monitoring intra- and extra-cellular responses underlying neuronal dynamics and functional connections. Finally, we consider critical aspects of the established procedures and the physiological limitations of these models, suggesting how a complement of engineering tools could improve the current approaches and their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Poli
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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19
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Berger E, Magliaro C, Paczia N, Monzel AS, Antony P, Linster CL, Bolognin S, Ahluwalia A, Schwamborn JC. Millifluidic culture improves human midbrain organoid vitality and differentiation. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:3172-3183. [PMID: 30204191 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00206a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Human midbrain-specific organoids (hMOs) serve as an experimental in vitro model for studying the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). In hMOs, neuroepithelial stem cells (NESCs) give rise to functional midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons that are selectively degenerating during PD. A limitation of the hMO model is an under-supply of oxygen and nutrients to the densely packed core region, which leads eventually to a "dead core". To reduce this phenomenon, we applied a millifluidic culture system that ensures media supply by continuous laminar flow. We developed a computational model of oxygen transport and consumption in order to predict oxygen levels within the hMOs. The modelling predicts higher oxygen levels in the hMO core region under millifluidic conditions. In agreement with the computational model, a significantly smaller "dead core" was observed in hMOs cultured in a bioreactor system compared to those ones kept under conventional shaking conditions. Comparing the necrotic core regions in the organoids with those obtained from the model allowed an estimation of the critical oxygen concentration necessary for ensuring cell vitality. Besides the reduced "dead core" size, the differentiation efficiency from NESCs to mDA neurons was elevated in hMOs exposed to medium flow. Increased differentiation involved a metabolic maturation process that was further developed in the millifluidic culture. Overall, bioreactor conditions that improve hMO quality are worth considering in the context of advanced PD modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Berger
- University of Luxembourg (UL), Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) - Developmental and Cellular Biology group, Luxembourg.
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20
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Bartolini L, Iannuzzi D, Mattei G. Comparison of frequency and strain-rate domain mechanical characterization. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13697. [PMID: 30209311 PMCID: PMC6135832 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31737-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Indentation is becoming increasingly popular to test soft tissues and (bio)materials. Each material exhibits an unknown intrinsic “mechanical behaviour”. However, limited consensus on its “mechanical properties” (i.e. quantitative descriptors of mechanical behaviour) is generally present in the literature due to a number of factors, which include sample preparation, testing method and analysis model chosen. Viscoelastic characterisation – critical in applications subjected to dynamic loading conditions – can be performed in either the time- or frequency-domain. It is thus important to selectively investigate whether the testing domain affects the mechanical results or not. We recently presented an optomechanical indentation tool which enables both strain-rate (nano-\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\dot{\varepsilon }M$$\end{document}ε˙M) and frequency domain (DMA) measurements while keeping the sample under the same physical conditions and eliminating any other variability factor. In this study, a poly(dimethylsiloxane) sample was characterised with our system. The DMA data were inverted to the time-domain through integral transformations and then directly related to nano-\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\dot{\varepsilon }M$$\end{document}ε˙M strain-rate dependent results, showing that, even though the data do not perfectly overlap, there is an excellent correlation between them. This approach indicates that one can convert an oscillatory measurement into a strain-rate one and still capture the trend of the “mechanical behaviour” of the sample investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Bartolini
- Biophotonics & Medical Imaging and LaserLaB, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Davide Iannuzzi
- Biophotonics & Medical Imaging and LaserLaB, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giorgio Mattei
- Biophotonics & Medical Imaging and LaserLaB, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Optics11 B.V., De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy.
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21
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Mattei G, Magliaro C, Pirone A, Ahluwalia A. Bioinspired liver scaffold design criteria. Organogenesis 2018; 14:129-146. [PMID: 30156955 PMCID: PMC6300109 DOI: 10.1080/15476278.2018.1505137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining hepatic functional characteristics in-vitro is considered one of the main challenges in engineering liver tissue. As hepatocytes cultured ex-vivo are deprived of their native extracellular matrix (ECM) milieu, developing scaffolds that mimic the biomechanical and physicochemical properties of the native ECM is thought to be a promising approach for successful tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. On the basis that the decellularized liver matrix represents the ideal design template for engineering bioinspired hepatic scaffolds, to derive quantitative descriptors of liver ECM architecture, we characterised decellularised liver matrices in terms of their biochemical, viscoelastic and structural features along with porosity, permeability and wettability. Together, these data provide a unique set of quantitative design criteria which can be used to generate guidelines for fabricating biomaterial scaffolds for liver tissue engineering. As proof-of-concept, we investigated hepatic cell response to substrate viscoelasticity. On collagen hydrogels mimicking decellularised liver mechanics, cells showed superior morphology, higher viability and albumin secretion than on stiffer and less viscous substrates. Although scaffold properties are generally inspired by those of native tissues, our results indicate significant differences between the mechano-structural characteristics of untreated and decellularised hepatic tissue. Therefore, we suggest that design rules - such as mechanical properties and swelling behaviour - for engineering biomimetic scaffolds be re-examined through further studies on substrates matching the features of decellularized liver matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Mattei
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Optics11 B.V, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Biophotonics & Medical Imaging and Laser LaB, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chiara Magliaro
- Research Centre “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Pirone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Research Centre “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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22
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González-Rivera J, Iglio R, Barillaro G, Duce C, Tinè MR. Structural and Thermoanalytical Characterization of 3D Porous PDMS Foam Materials: The Effect of Impurities Derived from a Sugar Templating Process. Polymers (Basel) 2018; 10:polym10060616. [PMID: 30966650 PMCID: PMC6404115 DOI: 10.3390/polym10060616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymers are extensively used in a wide range of research and industrial fields, due to their highly versatile chemical, physical, and biological properties. Besides the different two-dimensional PDMS formulations available, three-dimensional PDMS foams have attracted increased attention. However, as-prepared PDMS foams contain residual unreacted low molecular weight species that need to be removed in order to obtain a standard and chemically stable material for use as a scaffold for different decorating agents. We propose a cleaning procedure for PDMS foams obtained using a sugar templating process, based on the use of two different solvents (hexane and ethanol) as cleaning agents. Thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) for the analysis of the evolved gasses was used to characterize the thermal stability and decomposition pathway of the PDMS foams, before and after the cleaning procedure. The results were compared with those obtained on non-porous PDMS bulk as a reference. Micro-CT microtomography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were employed to study the morphology of the PDMS foam. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed a different thermal behaviour and crosslinking pathway between bulk PDMS and porous PDMS foam, which was also influenced by the washing process. This information was not apparent from spectroscopic or morphological studies and it would be very useful for planning the use of such complex and very reactive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- José González-Rivera
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Rossella Iglio
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Barillaro
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Celia Duce
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 3, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Maria Rosaria Tinè
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 3, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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23
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Xia T, Zhao R, Liu W, Huang Q, Chen P, Waju YN, Al-Ani MK, Lv Y, Yang L. Effect of substrate stiffness on hepatocyte migration and cellular Young's modulus. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:6996-7006. [PMID: 29345322 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis progress accompanied by an unbalanced extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and deposition leads to an increased tissue stiffness. Hepatocytes interplay with all intrahepatic cell populations inside the liver. However, how hepatocytes migration and cellular Young's modulus influenced by the substrate stiffness are not well understood. Here, we established a stiffness-controllable in vitro cell culture model by using a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel that mimicked the same physical stiffness as a fibrotic liver. Three levels of stiffness were used in our experiment that corresponded to the stiffness levels found in normal liver tissue (4.5 kPa), the early (19 kPa) and late stages (37 kPa) of fibrotic liver tissues. Cytoskeleton of hepatocyte was influenced by substrate stiffness. Soft substrate promoted the cellular migration and directionality. The cellular Young's modulus firstly increased and then decreased with increasing substrate stiffness. Integrin-β1 and β-catenin expression on cytomembrane were up-regulated and down-regulated with the increase of substrate stiffness, respectively. Our data not only suggested that hepatocytes were sensitive to substrate stiffness, but also suggested that there may be a potential relationship among substrate stiffness, cellular Young's modulus and the dynamic balance of integrin-β1 and β-catenin pathways. These results may provide us a new insight in mechanism investigation of mechano-dependent diseases, especially like fibrosis related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Xia
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Runze Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wanqian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peixing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yasinta N Waju
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mohanad K Al-Ani
- Department of microbiology, College of Medicine, Tikrit University, Tikrit, Iraq
| | - Yonggang Lv
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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24
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Systemic and vascular inflammation in an in-vitro model of central obesity. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192824. [PMID: 29438401 PMCID: PMC5811040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic disorders due to over-nutrition are a major global health problem, often associated with obesity and related morbidities. Obesity is peculiar to humans, as it is associated with lifestyle and diet, and so difficult to reproduce in animal models. Here we describe a model of human central adiposity based on a 3-tissue system consisting of a series of interconnected fluidic modules. Given the causal link between obesity and systemic inflammation, we focused primarily on pro-inflammatory markers, examining the similarities and differences between the 3-tissue model and evidence from human studies in the literature. When challenged with high levels of adiposity, the in-vitro system manifests cardiovascular stress through expression of E-selectin and von Willebrand factor as well as systemic inflammation (expressing IL-6 and MCP-1) as observed in humans. Interestingly, most of the responses are dependent on the synergic interaction between adiposity and the presence of multiple tissue types. The set-up has the potential to reduce animal experiments in obesity research and may help unravel specific cellular mechanisms which underlie tissue response to nutritional overload.
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25
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Sgodda M, Dai Z, Zweigerdt R, Sharma AD, Ott M, Cantz T. A Scalable Approach for the Generation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hepatic Organoids with Sensitive Hepatotoxicity Features. Stem Cells Dev 2017; 26:1490-1504. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Malte Sgodda
- Research Group Translational Hepatology and Stem Cell Biology, Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Zhen Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Junior Research Group MicroRNA in Liver Regeneration, Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Robert Zweigerdt
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department for Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amar Deep Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Junior Research Group MicroRNA in Liver Regeneration, Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Ott
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Cantz
- Research Group Translational Hepatology and Stem Cell Biology, Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Cell and Developmental Biology, Münster, Germany
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26
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Mattei G, Cacopardo L, Ahluwalia A. Micro-Mechanical Viscoelastic Properties of Crosslinked Hydrogels Using the Nano-Epsilon Dot Method. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2017; 10:E889. [PMID: 28767075 PMCID: PMC5578255 DOI: 10.3390/ma10080889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Engineering materials that recapitulate pathophysiological mechanical properties of native tissues in vitro is of interest for the development of biomimetic organ models. To date, the majority of studies have focused on designing hydrogels for cell cultures which mimic native tissue stiffness or quasi-static elastic moduli through a variety of crosslinking strategies, while their viscoelastic (time-dependent) behavior has been largely ignored. To provide a more complete description of the biomechanical environment felt by cells, we focused on characterizing the micro-mechanical viscoelastic properties of crosslinked hydrogels at typical cell length scales. In particular, gelatin hydrogels crosslinked with different glutaraldehyde (GTA) concentrations were analyzed via nano-indentation tests using the nano-epsilon dot method. The experimental data were fitted to a Maxwell Standard Linear Solid model, showing that increasing GTA concentration results in increased instantaneous and equilibrium elastic moduli and in a higher characteristic relaxation time. Therefore, not only do gelatin hydrogels become stiffer with increasing crosslinker concentration (as reported in the literature), but there is also a concomitant change in their viscoelastic behavior towards a more elastic one. As the degree of crosslinking alters both the elastic and viscous behavior of hydrogels, caution should be taken when attributing cell response merely to substrate stiffness, as the two effects cannot be decoupled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Mattei
- Research Centre E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
- Optics11 B.V., De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Biophotonics & Medical Imaging and LaserLaB, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Centre E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Girolamo Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Centre E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Girolamo Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
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