1
|
Wollmann LC, Suss PH, Kraft L, Ribeiro VS, Noronha L, da Costa FDA, Tuon FF. Histological and Biomechanical Characteristics of Human Decellularized Allograft Heart Valves After Eighteen Months of Storage in Saline Solution. Biopreserv Biobank 2020; 18:90-101. [PMID: 31990593 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2019.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The best storage preservation method for maintaining the quality and safety of human decellularized allograft heart valves is yet to be established. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the stability in terms of extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity of human heart valve allografts decellularized using sodium dodecyl sulfate-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (SDS-EDTA) and stored for 6, 12, and 18 months. Methods: A total of 70 decellularized aortic and pulmonary valves were analyzed across different storage times (0, 6, 12, and 18 months) for solution pH measurements, histological findings, cytotoxicity assay results, biomechanical test results, and microbiological suitability test results. Continuous data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance comparing the follow-up times. Results: The pH of the stock solution did not change during the different time points, and no microbial growth occurred up to 18 months. Histological analysis showed that the decellularized allografts did not present deleterious outcomes or signs of structural degeneration in the ECM up to 12 months. The biomechanical properties showed changes over time in different aspects. Allografts stored for 18 months presented lower tensile strength and elasticity than those stored for 12 months (p < 0.05). The microbiological suitability test suggested no residual antimicrobial effects. Conclusion: Changes in the structure and functionality of SDS-EDTA decellularized heart valve allografts occur after 12 months of storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Cristina Wollmann
- School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Tissue Bank, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Paula Hansen Suss
- School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Leticia Kraft
- School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Lúcia Noronha
- School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Francisco Diniz Affonso da Costa
- School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Tissue Bank, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Felipe Francisco Tuon
- School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Tissue Bank, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vandghanooni S, Eskandani M. Natural polypeptides-based electrically conductive biomaterials for tissue engineering. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 147:706-733. [PMID: 31923500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.12.249] [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: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fabrication of an appropriate scaffold is the key fundamental step required for a successful tissue engineering (TE). The artificial scaffold as extracellular matrix in TE has noticeable role in the fate of cells in terms of their attachment, proliferation, differentiation, orientation and movement. In addition, chemical and electrical stimulations affect various behaviors of cells such as polarity and functionality. Therefore, the fabrication approach and materials used for the preparation of scaffold should be more considered. Various synthetic and natural polymers have been used extensively for the preparation of scaffolds. The electrically conductive polymers (ECPs), moreover, have been used in combination with other polymers to apply electric fields (EF) during TE. In this context, composites of natural polypeptides and ECPs can be taken into account as context for the preparation of suitable scaffolds with superior biological and physicochemical features. In this review, we overviewed the simultaneous usage of natural polypeptides and ECPs for the fabrication of scaffolds in TE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Vandghanooni
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Morteza Eskandani
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Electrically conductive biomaterials based on natural polysaccharides: Challenges and applications in tissue engineering. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 141:636-662. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
4
|
Zhou J, Nie B, Zhu Z, Ding J, Yang W, Shi J, Dong X, Xu J, Dong N. Promoting endothelialization on decellularized porcine aortic valve by immobilizing branched polyethylene glycolmodified with cyclic-RGD peptide: an in vitro study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 10:065014. [PMID: 26584634 DOI: 10.1088/1748-6041/10/6/065014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We functionally modify a decellularized porcine aortic valve using a novel complex biologically active cyclic- (c)-RGD modified with branched polyethylene glycol (PEG), namely, c-RDG-PEG. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) adhesion and proliferation were detected for up to 8 d after seeding on the scaffold. (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (D2O) showed signal peaks at 7.27 and 7.38 ppm associated with protons of the phenyl group in c-RGD-PEG. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed characteristic peaks for PEG at 1100 and 1342 cm(-1). These represented vibration peaks of C-O and -CH2 bonds, suggesting successful grafting of c-RGD-PEG to a decellularized porcine aortic valve (DPAV). The tensile strengths were significantly increased in the c-RGD-PEG-DPAV group compared to the native valve and DPAV groups (P < 0.05), while the elastic modulus was sigficantly decreased in the c-RGD-PEG-DPAV group compared to the native valve and DPAV groups (P < 0.05). HUVEC proliferation was significantly higher in the c-RGD-PEG-DPAV group than in the PEG-DPAV and DPAV groups (P < 0.01). Maximum adhesion occurred at 4 h, and on the 8th day, a confluent and compact monolayer formed on the valve surface. The modified DPAV resulted in good adhesion and proliferation of endothelial cells and is an appropriate approach to modify tissue engineered heart valves for promoting endothelialization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianliang Zhou
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, People's Republic of China. These authors contributed equally to this study and share the first authorship
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu F, Zhao R, Liu AS, Metz T, Shi Y, Bose P, Reich DH. A microfabricated magnetic actuation device for mechanical conditioning of arrays of 3D microtissues. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:2496-503. [PMID: 25959132 PMCID: PMC4439293 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc01395f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes an approach to actuate magnetically arrays of microtissue constructs for long-term mechanical conditioning and subsequent biomechanical measurements. Each construct consists of cell/matrix material self-assembled around a pair of flexible poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) pillars. The deflection of the pillars reports the tissues' contractility. Magnetic stretching of individual microtissues via magnetic microspheres mounted on the cantilevers has been used to elucidate the tissues' elastic modulus and response to varying mechanical boundary conditions. This paper describes the fabrication of arrays of micromagnetic structures that can transduce an externally applied uniform magnetic field to actuate simultaneously multiple microtissues. These structures are fabricated on silicon-nitride coated Si wafers and contain electrodeposited Ni bars. Through-etched holes provide optical and culture media access when the devices are mounted on the PDMS microtissue scaffold devices. Both static and AC forces (up to 20 μN on each microtissue) at physiological frequencies are readily generated in external fields of 40 mT. Operation of the magnetic arrays was demonstrated via measurements of elastic modulus and dynamic stiffening in response to AC actuation of fibroblast populated collagen microtissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Xu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
| | - Ruogang Zhao
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
| | - Alan S. Liu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
| | - Tristin Metz
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
| | - Prasenjit Bose
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
| | - Daniel H. Reich
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang X, Xu B, Puperi DS, Yonezawa AL, Wu Y, Tseng H, Cuchiara ML, West JL, Grande-Allen KJ. Integrating valve-inspired design features into poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel scaffolds for heart valve tissue engineering. Acta Biomater 2015; 14:11-21. [PMID: 25433168 PMCID: PMC4334908 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2014.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The development of advanced scaffolds that recapitulate the anisotropic mechanical behavior and biological functions of the extracellular matrix in leaflets would be transformative for heart valve tissue engineering. In this study, anisotropic mechanical properties were established in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels by crosslinking stripes of 3.4 kDa PEG diacrylate (PEGDA) within 20 kDa PEGDA base hydrogels using a photolithographic patterning method. Varying the stripe width and spacing resulted in a tensile elastic modulus parallel to the stripes that was 4.1-6.8 times greater than that in the perpendicular direction, comparable to the degree of anisotropy between the circumferential and radial orientations in native valve leaflets. Biomimetic PEG-peptide hydrogels were prepared by tethering the cell-adhesive peptide RGDS and incorporating the collagenase-degradable peptide PQ (GGGPQG↓IWGQGK) into the polymer network. The specific amounts of RGDS and PEG-PQ within the resulting hydrogels influenced the elongation, de novo extracellular matrix deposition and hydrogel degradation behavior of encapsulated valvular interstitial cells (VICs). In addition, the morphology and activation of VICs grown atop PEG hydrogels could be modulated by controlling the concentration or micro-patterning profile of PEG-RGDS. These results are promising for the fabrication of PEG-based hydrogels using anatomically and biologically inspired scaffold design features for heart valve tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel S Puperi
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aline L Yonezawa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hubert Tseng
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maude L Cuchiara
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer L West
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Czarnecki JS, Jolivet S, Blackmore ME, Lafdi K, Tsonis PA. Cellular Automata Simulation of Osteoblast Growth on Microfibrous-Carbon-Based Scaffolds. Tissue Eng Part A 2014; 20:3176-88. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2013.0387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jarema S. Czarnecki
- Carbon Research Laboratory, UDRI Carbon Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio
- Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering (TREND), University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Simon Jolivet
- Carbon Research Laboratory, UDRI Carbon Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Mary E. Blackmore
- Center for Tissue Innovation & Research, Dayton, Ohio
- Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Khalid Lafdi
- Carbon Research Laboratory, UDRI Carbon Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio
- Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering (TREND), University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Panagiotis A. Tsonis
- Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering (TREND), University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang R, Levi-Polyanchenko N, Morykwas M, Argenta L, Wagner WD. Novel nanofiber-based material for endovascular scaffolds. J Biomed Mater Res A 2014; 103:1150-8. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.35267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Wake Forest University School of Medicine; Medical Center Blvd Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157
- Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Science; Medical Center Blvd Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157
| | - Nicole Levi-Polyanchenko
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Wake Forest University School of Medicine; Medical Center Blvd Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157
- Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Science; Medical Center Blvd Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157
| | - Michael Morykwas
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Wake Forest University School of Medicine; Medical Center Blvd Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157
- Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Science; Medical Center Blvd Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157
| | - Louis Argenta
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Wake Forest University School of Medicine; Medical Center Blvd Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157
| | - William D. Wagner
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Wake Forest University School of Medicine; Medical Center Blvd Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157
- Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Science; Medical Center Blvd Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
In vivo remodeling potential of a novel bioprosthetic tricuspid valve in an ovine model. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2013; 148:333-340.e1. [PMID: 24360254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2013.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A novel bioprosthetic tricuspid valve was constructed from an acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffold. The valve's mechanical functionality and potential for histologic regeneration was evaluated in an ovine model. METHODS The native tricuspid valves of 4 domestic sheep were excised and replaced with bioprosthetic valves constructed from the ECM bioscaffold material shaped into the form of a tube. In vivo function was assessed over time by transthoracic echocardiography. Animals were euthanized at 3, 5, 8, and 12 months after valve implantation, and explanted valves were examined for gross morphology and by qualitative histopathologic analysis. RESULTS All 4 sheep survived until the specified date. Forward flow by echocardiography was normal with trivial to mild regurgitation. Annular morphology and mobility of the leaflets appeared normal with excellent leaflet coaptation. Explanted valves were grossly normal at all time points and showed evidence of progressive tissue remodeling and integration at the host-tissue interface. Histopathologic analysis demonstrated massive host-cell infiltration, structural reorganization of the ECM bioscaffold, elastin generation at the annulus by 3 months, and increased collagen organization and glycosaminoglycan presence in the leaflets by 5 months, with no evidence of foreign body response. CONCLUSIONS When implanted in the form of a tubular valve, the acellular ECM bioscaffold demonstrates feasibility as a biomechanically sound bioprosthetic tricuspid valve replacement with evidence of progressive endothelialization and constructive tissue remodeling.
Collapse
|
10
|
Le Huu A, Shum-Tim D. Tissue engineering of autologous heart valves: a focused update. Future Cardiol 2013; 10:93-104. [PMID: 24344666 DOI: 10.2217/fca.13.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of valvular heart disease is expected to increase in the coming decades, with an associated rise in valve-related surgeries. Current options for valve prostheses remain limited, essentially confined to mechanical or biological valves. Neither selection provides an optimal balance between structural integrity and associated morbidity. Mechanical valves offer exceptional durability coupled with a considerable risk of thrombogenesis. Conversely, a biological prosthesis affords freedom from anticoagulation, but with a truncated valve lifespan. Tissue-engineered heart valves have been touted as a solution to this dilemma, by offering an immunopriviledged prosthesis combined with resistance from degeneration and the potential to grow. Although the reality of commercially available tissue-engineered heart valves remains distant, this article will highlight the cellular and clinical advancements in recent years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Le Huu
- Division of Cardiac Surgery & Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, The Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Center, 687 Pine Avenue West, Suite S8.73b, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1A1, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dunn DA, Hodge AJ, Lipke EA. Biomimetic materials design for cardiac tissue regeneration. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2013; 6:15-39. [DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Dunn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lam MT, Wu JC. Biomaterial applications in cardiovascular tissue repair and regeneration. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2013; 10:1039-49. [PMID: 23030293 DOI: 10.1586/erc.12.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease physically damages the heart, resulting in loss of cardiac function. Medications can help alleviate symptoms, but it is more beneficial to treat the root cause by repairing injured tissues, which gives patients better outcomes. Besides heart transplants, cardiac surgeons use a variety of methods for repairing different areas of the heart such as the ventricular septal wall and valves. A multitude of biomaterials are used in the repair and replacement of impaired heart tissues. These biomaterials fall into two main categories: synthetic and natural. Synthetic materials used in cardiovascular applications include polymers and metals. Natural materials are derived from biological sources such as human donor or harvested animal tissues. A new class of composite materials has emerged to take advantage of the benefits of the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of both synthetic and natural materials. This article reviews the current and prospective applications of biomaterials in cardiovascular therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mai T Lam
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hagey Pediatric Regenerative Research Laboratory, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Alavi SH, Liu WF, Kheradvar A. Inflammatory Response Assessment of a Hybrid Tissue-Engineered Heart Valve Leaflet. Ann Biomed Eng 2012; 41:316-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-012-0664-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 09/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
14
|
van Geemen D, Driessen-Mol A, Grootzwagers LGM, Soekhradj-Soechit RS, Riem Vis PW, Baaijens FPT, Bouten CVC. Variation in tissue outcome of ovine and human engineered heart valve constructs: relevance for tissue engineering. Regen Med 2012; 7:59-70. [PMID: 22168498 DOI: 10.2217/rme.11.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Clinical application of tissue engineered heart valves requires precise control of the tissue culture process to predict tissue composition and mechanical properties prior to implantation, and to understand the variation in tissue outcome. To this end we investigated cellular phenotype and tissue properties of ovine (n = 8) and human (n = 7) tissue engineered heart valve constructs to quantify variations in tissue outcome within species, study the differences between species and determine possible indicators of tissue outcome. MATERIALS & METHODS Tissue constructs consisted of polyglycolic acid/poly-4-hydroxybutyrate scaffolds, seeded with myofibroblasts obtained from the jugular vein (sheep) or the saphenous vein (from humans undergoing cardiac surgery) and cultured under static conditions. Prior to seeding, protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, nonmuscle myosin heavy chain and heat shock protein 47 were determined to identify differences at an early stage of the tissue engineering process. After 4 weeks of culture, tissue composition and mechanical properties were quantified as indicators of tissue outcome. RESULTS After 4 weeks of tissue culture, tissue properties of all ovine constructs were comparable, while there was a larger variation in the properties of the human constructs, especially the elastic modulus and collagen content. In addition, ovine constructs differed in composition from the human constructs. An increased number of α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells before seeding was correlated with the collagen content in the engineered heart valve constructs. Moreover, tissue stiffness increased with increasing collagen content. CONCLUSION The results suggest that the culture process of ovine tissues can be controlled, whereas the mechanical properties, and hence functionality, of tissues originating from human material are more difficult to control. On-line evaluation of tissue properties during culture or more early cellular markers to predict the properties of autologous tissues cultured for individual patients are, therefore, of utmost importance for future clinical application of autologous heart valve tissue engineering. As an example, this study shows that α-smooth muscle actin might be an indicator of tissue mechanical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daphne van Geemen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sewell-Loftin MK, Chun YW, Khademhosseini A, Merryman WD. EMT-inducing biomaterials for heart valve engineering: taking cues from developmental biology. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2011; 4:658-71. [PMID: 21751069 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-011-9300-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although artificial prostheses for diseased heart valves have been around for several decades, viable heart valve replacements have yet to be developed due to their complicated nature. The majority of research in heart valve replacement technology seeks to improve decellularization techniques for porcine valves or bovine pericardium as an effort to improve current clinically used valves. The drawback of clinically used valves is that they are nonviable and thus do not grow or remodel once implanted inside patients. This is particularly detrimental for pediatric patients, who will likely need several reoperations over the course of their lifetimes to implant larger valves as the patient grows. Due to this limitation, additional biomaterials, both synthetic and natural in origin, are also being investigated as novel scaffolds for tissue-engineered heart valves, specifically for the pediatric population. Here, we provide a brief overview of valves in clinical use as well as of the materials being investigated as novel tissue-engineered heart valve scaffolds. Additionally, we focus on natural-based biomaterials for promoting cell behavior that is indicative of the developmental biology process that occurs in the formation of heart valves in utero, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or transformation. By engineering materials that promote native developmental biology cues and signaling, while also providing mechanical integrity once implanted, a viable tissue-engineered heart valve may one day be realized. A viable tissue-engineered heart valve, capable of growing and remodeling actively inside a patient, could reduce risks and complications associated with current valve replacement options and improve overall quality of life in the thousands of patients who received such valves each year, particularly for children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M K Sewell-Loftin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-0493, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Simionescu A, Schulte JB, Fercana G, Simionescu DT. Inflammation in cardiovascular tissue engineering: the challenge to a promise: a minireview. Int J Inflam 2011; 2011:958247. [PMID: 21755031 PMCID: PMC3132660 DOI: 10.4061/2011/958247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 05/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering employs scaffolds, cells, and stimuli brought together in such a way as to mimic the functional architecture of the target tissue or organ. Exhilarating advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine allow us to envision in vitro creation or in vivo regeneration of cardiovascular tissues. Such accomplishments have the potential to revolutionize medicine and greatly improve our standard of life. However, enthusiasm has been hampered in recent years because of abnormal reactions at the implant-host interface, including cell proliferation, fibrosis, calcification and degeneration, as compared to the highly desired healing and remodeling. Animal and clinical studies have highlighted uncontrolled chronic inflammation as the main cause of these processes. In this minireview, we present three case studies highlighting the importance of inflammation in tissue engineering heart valves, vascular grafts, and myocardium and propose to focus on the endothelial barrier, the “final frontier” endowed with the natural potential and ability to regulate inflammatory signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agneta Simionescu
- Biocompatibility and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 304 Rhodes Center, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|