3D nano/microfabrication techniques and nanobiomaterials for neural tissue regeneration

Brain stimulation-on-a-chip: a neuromodulation platform for brain slices

Electrical stimulation of ex vivo brain tissue slices has been a method used to understand mechanisms imparted by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), but there are significant direct current electric field (dcEF) dosage and electrochemical by-product concerns in conventional experimental setups that may impact translational findings. Therefore, we developed an on-chip platform with fluidic, electrochemical, and magnetically-induced spatial control. Fluidically, the chamber geometrically confines precise dcEF delivery to the enclosed brain slice and allows for tissue recovery in order to monitor post-stimulation effects. Electrochemically, conducting hydrogel electrodes mitigate stimulation-induced faradaic reactions typical of commonly-used metal electrodes. Magnetically, we applied ferromagnetic substrates beneath the tissue and used an external permanent magnet to enable in situ rotational control in relation to the dcEF. By combining the microfluidic chamber with live-cell calcium imaging and electrophysiological recordings, we showcased the potential to study the acute and lasting effects of dcEFs with the potential of providing multi-session stimulation. This on-chip bioelectronic platform presents a modernized yet simple solution to electrically stimulate explanted tissue by offering more environmental control to users, which unlocks new opportunities to conduct thorough brain stimulation mechanistic investigations.

Schwann cell-matrix coated PCL-MWCNT multifunctional nanofibrous scaffolds for neural regeneration

Nerve tissue engineering aims to create scaffolds that promote nerve regeneration in the damaged peripheral nervous system. However, there remain some challenges in the construction of scaffolds in terms of mechanical properties and cellular behaviour. The present work aims to develop multifunctional implantable nanofibrous scaffolds for nerve regeneration. Using electrospinning, nanofibrous neat polycaprolactone (PCL) and PCL/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PCL-MWCNT) composite scaffolds were prepared in random and aligned morphology. Schwann cells and their secreted biochemical factors are responsible for neuronal survival in the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, the acellular matrix of Schwann cells was spin-coated on the PCL-MWCNT scaffolds to aid nerve regeneration. Physicochemical and mechanical properties, and the in vitro cellular response of the developed nanofibrous were investigated. We observed no significant change in fibre diameter between neat PCL and PCL-MWCNT scaffolds regardless of the morphology. However, the inclusion of MWCNT reduced the mechanical strength of nanocomposite scaffolds compared to neat PCL. In vitro study revealed biocompatibility of the developed scaffolds both with and without an acellular matrix. Gene expression study revealed a significant increase in peripheral myelin protein (PMP22) expression on acellular matrix-coated PCL-MWCNT scaffolds compared to neat PCL counterparts. Overall, the results suggested Schwann cell matrix-coated PCL-MWCNT nanofibers as a promising conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration.

Bacterial cellulose as a potential biopolymer in biomedical applications: a state-of-the-art review

Throughout history, natural biomaterials have benefited society. Nevertheless, in recent years, tailoring natural materials for diverse biomedical applications accompanied with sustainability has become the focus. With the progress in the field of materials science, novel approaches for the production, processing, and functionalization of biomaterials to obtain specific architectures have become achievable. This review highlights an immensely adaptable natural biomaterial, bacterial cellulose (BC). BC is an emerging sustainable biopolymer with immense potential in the biomedical field due to its unique physical properties such as flexibility, high porosity, good water holding capacity, and small size; chemical properties such as high crystallinity, foldability, high purity, high polymerization degree, and easy modification; and biological characteristics such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, excellent biological affinity, and non-biotoxicity. The structure of BC consists of glucose monomer units polymerized via cellulose synthase in β-1-4 glucan chains, creating BC nano fibrillar bundles with a uniaxial orientation. BC-based composites have been extensively investigated for diverse biomedical applications due to their similarity to the extracellular matrix structure. The recent progress in nanotechnology allows the further modification of BC, producing novel BC-based biomaterials for various applications. In this review, we strengthen the existing knowledge on the production of BC and BC composites and their unique properties, and highlight the most recent advances, focusing mainly on the delivery of active pharmaceutical compounds, tissue engineering, and wound healing. Further, we endeavor to present the challenges and prospects for BC-associated composites for their application in the biomedical field.

Directing Axonal Growth: A Review on the Fabrication of Fibrous Scaffolds That Promotes the Orientation of Axons

Tissues are commonly defined as groups of cells that have similar structure and uniformly perform a specialized function. A lesser-known fact is that the placement of these cells within these tissues plays an important role in executing its functions, especially for neuronal cells. Hence, the design of a functional neural scaffold has to mirror these cell organizations, which are brought about by the configuration of natural extracellular matrix (ECM) structural proteins. In this review, we will briefly discuss the various characteristics considered when making neural scaffolds. We will then focus on the cellular orientation and axonal alignment of neural cells within their ECM and elaborate on the mechanisms involved in this process. A better understanding of these mechanisms could shed more light onto the rationale of fabricating the scaffolds for this specific functionality. Finally, we will discuss the scaffolds used in neural tissue engineering (NTE) and the methods used to fabricate these well-defined constructs.

Nanotechnology Facilitated Cultured Neuronal Network and Its Applications

The development of a biomimetic neuronal network from neural cells is a big challenge for researchers. Recent advances in nanotechnology, on the other hand, have enabled unprecedented tools and techniques for guiding and directing neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro to construct an in vivo-like neuronal network. Nanotechnology allows control over neural stem cells by means of scaffolds that guide neurons to reform synaptic networks in suitable directions in 3D architecture, surface modification/nanopatterning to decide cell fate and stimulate/record signals from neurons to find out the relationships between neuronal circuit connectivity and their pathophysiological functions. Overall, nanotechnology-mediated methods facilitate precise physiochemical controls essential to develop tools appropriate for applications in neuroscience. This review emphasizes the newest applications of nanotechnology for examining central nervous system (CNS) roles and, therefore, provides an insight into how these technologies can be tested in vitro before being used in preclinical and clinical research and their potential role in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Reduced Graphene Oxide Fibers for Guidance Growth of Trigeminal Sensory Neurons

Neurite alignment and elongation play special roles in the treatment of neuron disease, design of tissue engineering implants, and bioelectrodes applications. For instance, the trigeminal neurons (TGNs) free nerve endings are a key component of the pulp-dentin complex. The reinnervation of the pulp canal space requires the recruitment of apically positioned free nerve endings through axonal guidance. Many studies have been carried to develop patterned two-dimensional substrates or three-dimensional scaffolds with aligned topographical structures to guide axonal growth. However, most of the strategies are either complicated/inconvenient in process or time-/cost-sacrifice. One-step dimensionally confined hydrothermal (DCH) technique has been considered an effective and facile approach to fabricate reduced graphene oxide fibers (rGOFs), and the rGOFs have shown significant potential in regulating neural stem cells differentiation toward neurons. Here, inspired by the relationship between the lateral size of GO nanosheets and the electrical conductivity of GO films made from GO sheets as a building block, we fabricated surface conductivity and topography-controlled rGOFs based on the DCH method. Well "self-patterned" directional channel structure of rGOF showed outstanding ability to improve the neurofilament alignment and migration, with the cell deviation angle less than 10° for over 90% of the cells, while a porous surface structure tended to form neuron nets. All of the rGOF possessed excellent cytocompatibility with TGNs. Our results underlined the high degree of alignment of topographical cues in guidance of neurite over high electrical conductivity. The as-prepared rGOFs could be used in many areas including biosensing, electrochemistry, energy, and peripheral or central nerve tissue engineering.

Cut wires: The Electrophysiology of Regenerated Tissue

When nerves are damaged by trauma or disease, they are still capable of firing off electrical command signals that originate from the brain. Furthermore, those damaged nerves have an innate ability to partially regenerate, so they can heal from trauma and even reinnervate new muscle targets. For an amputee who has his/her damaged nerves surgically reconstructed, the electrical signals that are generated by the reinnervated muscle tissue can be sensed and interpreted with bioelectronics to control assistive devices or robotic prostheses. No two amputees will have identical physiologies because there are many surgical options for reconstructing residual limbs, which may in turn impact how well someone can interface with a robotic prosthesis later on. In this review, we aim to investigate what the literature has to say about different pathways for peripheral nerve regeneration and how each pathway can impact the neuromuscular tissue’s final electrophysiology. This information is important because it can guide us in planning the development of future bioelectronic devices, such as prosthetic limbs or neurostimulators. Future devices will primarily have to interface with tissue that has undergone some natural regeneration process, and so we have explored and reported here what is known about the bioelectrical features of neuromuscular tissue regeneration.

Engineering of tissue constructs using coaxial bioprinting

Bioprinting is a rapidly developing technology for the precise design and manufacture of tissues in various biological systems or organs. Coaxial extrusion bioprinting, an emergent branch, has demonstrated a strong potential to enhance bioprinting's engineering versatility. Coaxial bioprinting assists in the fabrication of complex tissue constructs, by enabling concentric deposition of biomaterials. The fabricated tissue constructs started with simple, tubular vasculature but have been substantially developed to integrate complex cell composition and self-assembly, ECM patterning, controlled release, and multi-material gradient profiles. This review article begins with a brief overview of coaxial printing history, followed by an introduction of crucial engineering components. Afterward, we review the recent progress and untapped potential in each specific organ or biological system, and demonstrate how coaxial bioprinting facilitates the creation of tissue constructs. Ultimately, we conclude that this growing technology will contribute significantly to capabilities in the fields of in vitro modeling, pharmaceutical development, and clinical regenerative medicine.

Neural tissue engineering: the influence of scaffold surface topography and extracellular matrix microenvironment

Strategies using surface topography, contact guidance and biomechanical cues in the design of scaffolds as an ECM support for neural tissue engineering.

Recent Advances in the Regenerative Approaches for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Materials Perspective

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating health condition that may lead to permanent disabilities and death. Understanding the pathophysiological perspectives of traumatic SCI is essential to define mechanisms that can help in designing recovery strategies. Since central nervous system tissues are notorious for their deficient ability to heal, efforts have been made to identify solutions to aid in restoration of the spinal cord tissues and thus its function. The two main approaches proposed to address this issue are neuroprotection and neuro-regeneration. Neuroprotection involves administering drugs to restore the injured microenvironment to normal after SCI. As for the neuro-regeneration approach, it focuses on axonal sprouting for functional recovery of the injured neural tissues and damaged axons. Despite the progress made in the field, neural regeneration treatment after SCI is still unsatisfactory owing to the disorganized way of axonal growth and extension. Nanomedicine and tissue engineering are considered promising therapeutic approaches that enhance axonal growth and directionality through implanting or injecting of the biomaterial scaffolds. One of these recent approaches is nanofibrous scaffolds that are used to provide physical support to maintain directional axonal growth in the lesion site. Furthermore, these preferable tissue-engineered substrates can afford axonal regeneration by mimicking the extracellular matrix of the neural tissues in terms of biological, chemical, and architectural characteristics. In this review, we discuss the regenerative approach using nanofibrous scaffolds with a focus on their fabrication methods and their properties that define their functionality performed to heal the neural tissue efficiently.

Differentiation of neural-type cells on multi-scale ordered collagen-silica bionanocomposites

Cells respond to biophysical and biochemical signals. We developed a composite filament from collagen and silica particles modified to interact with collagen and/or present a laminin epitope (IKVAV) crucial for cell-matrix adhesion and signal transduction. This combines scaffolding and signaling and shows that local tuning of collagen organization enhances cell differentiation.

Influence of the Fabrication Accuracy of Hot-Embossed PCL Scaffolds on Cell Growths

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer widely used for the realization of 3D scaffold for tissue engineering applications. The hot embossing technique (HE) allows the obtainment of PCL scaffolds with a regular array of micro pillars on their surface. The main drawback affecting this kind of micro fabrication process is that such structural superficial details can be damaged when detaching the replica from the mold. Therefore, the present study has focused on the optimization of the HE processes through the development of an analytical model for the prediction of the demolding force as a function of temperature. This model allowed calculating the minimum demolding force to obtain regular micropillars without defects. We demonstrated that the results obtained by the analytical model agree with the experimental data. To address the importance of controlling accurately the fabricated microstructures, we seeded on the PCL scaffolds human stromal cell line (HS-5) and monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1) to evaluate how the presence of regular or deformed pillars affect cells viability. In vitro viability results, scanning electron and fluorescence microscope imaging analysis show that the HS-5 preferentially grows on regular microstructured surfaces, while the THP-1 on irregular microstructured ones.

Latest Advances on Bacterial Cellulose-Based Materials for Wound Healing, Delivery Systems, and Tissue Engineering

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a nanocellulose form produced by some nonpathogenic bacteria. BC presents unique physical, chemical, and biological properties that make it a very versatile material and has found application in several fields, namely in food industry, cosmetics, and biomedicine. This review overviews the latest state-of-the-art usage of BC on three important areas of the biomedical field, namely delivery systems, wound dressing and healing materials, and tissue engineering for regenerative medicine. BC will be reviewed as a promising biopolymer for the design and development of innovative materials for the mentioned applications. Overall, BC is shown to be an effective and versatile carrier for delivery systems, a safe and multicustomizable patch or graft for wound dressing and healing applications, and a material that can be further tuned to better adjust for each tissue engineering application, by using different methods.

Improved cellular response on functionalized polypyrrole interfaces

Neuroregeneration strategies involve multiple factors to stimulate nerve regeneration. Neural support with chemical and physical cues to optimize neural growth and replacing the lesion neuron and axons are crucial for designing neural scaffolds, which is a promising treatment approach. In this study, polypyrrole polymerization and its functionalization at the interface developed by glycine and gelatin for further optimization of cellular response. Nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning of polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan solutions. The electrospun scaffolds were polymerized on the surface by pyrrole monomers to form an electroactive interface for further applications in neural tissue engineering. The polymerized polypyrrole showed a positive zeta potential value of 57.5 ± 5.46 mV. The in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of the glycine and gelatin-functionalized polypyrrole-coated scaffolds were evaluated. No inflammatory cells were observed for the implanted scaffolds. Further, DAPI nucleus staining showed a superior cell attachment on the gelatin-functionalized polypyrrole-coated scaffolds. The topography and tuned positively charged polypyrrole interface with gelatin functionalization is expected to be particularly efficient physical and chemical simultaneous factors for promoting neural cell adhesion.

Development of 3D PVA scaffolds for cardiac tissue engineering and cell screening applications

The aim of this study was the design of a 3D scaffold composed of poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) for cardiac tissue engineering (CTE) applications. The PVA scaffold was fabricated using a combination of gas foaming and freeze-drying processes that did not need any cross-linking agents. We obtained a biocompatible porous matrix with excellent mechanical properties. We measured the stress–strain curves of the PVA scaffolds and we showed that the elastic behavior is similar to that of the extracellular matrix of muscles. The SEM observations revealed that the scaffolds possess micro pores having diameters ranging from 10 μm to 370 μm that fit to the dimensions of the cells. A further purpose of this study was to test scaffolds ability to support human induced pluripotent stem cells growth and differentiation into cardiomyocytes. As the proliferation tests show, the number of live stem cells on the scaffold after 12 days was increased with respect to the initial number of cells, revealing the cytocompatibility of the substrate. In addition, the differentiated cells on the PVA scaffolds expressed anti-troponin T, a marker specific of the cardiac sarcomere. We demonstrated the ability of the cardiomyocytes to pulse within the scaffolds. In conclusion, the developed scaffold show the potential to be used as a biomaterial for CTE applications.

The aim of this study was the design of a 3D scaffold composed of poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) for cardiac tissue engineering (CTE) applications.

One-Step Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Fibrous Collagen-Based Macrostructure with High Water Uptake Capability by Coaxial Electrospinning

One step fabrication of the three dimension (3D) fibrous structure of Collagen-g-poly(MMA-co-EA)/Nylon6 was investigated by controlling the experimental conditions during coaxial electrospinning. This 3D fibrous structure is the result of interactions of two polymeric systems with a varied capability to be electrostatically polarized under the influence of the external electric field; the solution with the higher conductivity into the inner spinneret and the solution with the lesser conductivity into the outer capillary of the coaxial needle. This set-up was to obtain bimodal fiber fabrication in micro and nanoscale developing a spatial structure; the branches growing off a trunk. The resultant 3D collagen-based fibrous structure has two distinguished configurations: microfibers of 6.9 ± 2.2 µm diameter gap-filled with nanofibers of 216 ± 49 nm diameter. The 3D fibrous structure can be accumulated at an approximate height of 4 cm within 20 min. The mechanism of the 3D fibrous structure and the effect of experimental conditions, the associated hydration degree, water uptake and degradation rate were also investigated. This highly stable 3D fibrous structure has great potential end-uses benefitting from its large surface area and high water uptake which is caused by the high polarity and spatial orientation of collagen-based macrostructure.

On-Chip Studies of Magnetic Stimulation Effect on Single Neural Cell Viability and Proliferation on Glass and Nanoporous Surfaces

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique, an FDA-approved treatment method for various neurological disorders such as depressive disorder, Parkinson's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, and migraine. However, information concerning the molecular/cellular-level mechanisms of neurons under magnetic simulation (MS), particularly at the single neural cell level, is still lacking, resulting in very little knowledge of the effects of MS on neural cells. In this paper, the effects of MS on the behaviors of neural cell N27 at the single-cell level on coverslip glass substrate and anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanoporous substrate are reported for the first time. First, it has been found that the MS has a negligible cytotoxic effect on N27 cells. Second, MS decreases nuclear localization of paxillin, a focal adhesion protein that is known to enter the nucleus and modulate transcription. Third, the effect of MS on N27 cells can be clearly observed over 24 h, the duration of one cell cycle, after MS is applied to the cells. The size of cells under MS was found to be statistically smaller than that of cells without MS after one cell cycle. Furthermore, directly monitoring cell division process in the microholders on a chip revealed that the cells under MS generated statistically more daughter cells in one average cell cycle time than those without MS. All these results indicate that MS can affect the behavior of N27 cells, promoting their proliferation and regeneration.

Layers and Multilayers of Self-Assembled Polymers: Tunable Engineered Extracellular Matrix Coatings for Neural Cell Growth

Growing primary cells and tissue in long-term cultures, such as primary neural cell culture, presents many challenges. A critical component of any environment that supports neural cell growth in vivo is an appropriate 2-D surface or 3-D scaffold, typically in the form of a thin polymer layer that coats an underlying plastic or glass substrate and aims to mimic critical aspects of the extracellular matrix. A fundamental challenge to mimicking a hydrophilic, soft natural cell environment is that materials with these properties are typically fragile and are difficult to adhere to and stabilize on an underlying plastic or glass cell culture substrate. In this review, we highlight the current state of the art and overview recent developments of new artificial extracellular matrix (ECM) surfaces for in vitro neural cell culture. Notably, these materials aim to strike a balance between being hydrophilic and soft while also being thick, stable, robust, and bound well to the underlying surface to provide an effective surface to support long-term cell growth. We focus on improved surface and scaffold coating systems that can mimic the natural physicochemical properties that enhance neuronal survival and growth, applied as soft hydrophilic polymer coatings for both in vitro cell culture and for implantable neural probes and 3-D matrixes that aim to enhance stability and longevity to promote neural biocompatibility in vivo. With respect to future developments, we outline four emerging principles that serve to guide the development of polymer assemblies that function well as artificial ECMs: (a) design inspired by biological systems and (b) the employment of principles of aqueous soft bonding and self-assembly to achieve (c) a high-water-content gel-like coating that is stable over time in a biological environment and possesses (d) a low modulus to more closely mimic soft, compliant real biological tissue. We then highlight two emerging classes of thick material coatings that have successfully captured these guiding principles: layer-by-layer deposited water-soluble polymers (LbL) and silk fibroin (SF) materials. Both materials can be deposited from aqueous solution yet transition to a water-insoluble coating for long-term stability while retaining a softness and water content similar to those of biological materials. These materials hold great promise as next-generation biocompatible coatings for tissue engineers and for chemists and biologists within the biomedical field.

3D Hybrid Small Scale Devices

Interfacing nano/microscale elements with biological components in 3D contexts opens new possibilities for mimicry, bionics, and augmentation of organismically and anatomically inspired materials. Abiotic nanoscale elements such as plasmonic nanostructures, piezoelectric ribbons, and thin film semiconductor devices interact with electromagnetic fields to facilitate advanced capabilities such as communication at a distance, digital feedback loops, logic, and memory. Biological components such as proteins, polynucleotides, cells, and organs feature complex chemical synthetic networks that can regulate growth, change shape, adapt, and regenerate. Abiotic and biotic components can be integrated in all three dimensions in a well-ordered and programmed manner with high tunability, versatility, and resolution to produce radically new materials and hybrid devices such as sensor fabrics, anatomically mimetic microfluidic modules, artificial tissues, smart prostheses, and bionic devices. In this critical Review, applications of small scale devices in 3D hybrid integration, biomicrofluidics, advanced prostheses, and bionic organs are discussed.

Nanoscaffolds in promoting regeneration of the peripheral nervous system

The ability to surgically repair peripheral nerve injuries is urgently needed. However, traditional tissue engineering techniques, such as autologous nerve transplantation, have some limitations. Therefore, tissue engineered autologous nerve grafts have become a suitable choice for nerve repair. Novel tissue engineering techniques derived from nanostructured conduits have been shown to be superior to other successful functional neurological structures with different scaffolds in terms of providing the required structures and properties. Additionally, different biomaterials and growth factors have been added to nerve scaffolds to produce unique biological effects that promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery. This review summarizes the application of different nanoscaffolds in peripheral nerve repair and further analyzes how the nanoscaffolds promote peripheral nerve regeneration.

4D printing of polymeric materials for tissue and organ regeneration

Four dimensional (4D) printing is an emerging technology with great capacity for fabricating complex, stimuli-responsive 3D structures, providing great potential for tissue and organ engineering applications. Although the 4D concept was first highlighted in 2013, extensive research has rapidly developed, along with more-in-depth understanding and assertions regarding the definition of 4D. In this review, we begin by establishing the criteria of 4D printing, followed by an extensive summary of state-of-the-art technological advances in the field. Both transformation-preprogrammed 4D printing and 4D printing of shape memory polymers are intensively surveyed. Afterwards we will explore and discuss the applications of 4D printing in tissue and organ regeneration, such as developing synthetic tissues and implantable scaffolds, as well as future perspectives and conclusions.

Composite 3D printed scaffold with structured electrospun nanofibers promotes chondrocyte adhesion and infiltration

Additive manufacturing, also called 3D printing, is an effective method for preparing scaffolds with defined structure and porosity. The disadvantage of the technique is the excessive smoothness of the printed fibers, which does not support cell adhesion. In the present study, a 3D printed scaffold was combined with electrospun classic or structured nanofibers to promote cell adhesion. Structured nanofibers were used to improve the infiltration of cells into the scaffold. Electrospun layers were connected to 3D printed fibers by gluing, thus enabling the fabrication of scaffolds with unlimited thickness. The composite 3D printed/nanofibrous scaffolds were seeded with primary chondrocytes and tested in vitro for cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. The experiment showed excellent cell infiltration, viability, and good cell proliferation. On the other hand, partial chondrocyte dedifferentiation was shown. Other materials supporting chondrogenic differentiation will be investigated in future studies.

Femtosecond-Laser-Based 3D Printing for Tissue Engineering and Cell Biology Applications

Fabrication of 3D cell scaffolds has gained tremendous attention in recent years because of its applications in tissue engineering and cell biology applications. The success of tissue engineering or cell interactions mainly depends on the fabrication of well-defined microstructures, which ought to be biocompatible for cell proliferation. Femtosecond-laser-based 3D printing is one of the solution candidates that can be used to manufacture 3D tissue scaffolds through computer-aided design (CAD) which can be efficiently engineered to mimic the microenvironment of tissues. UV-based lithography has also been used for constructing the cellular scaffolds but the toxicity of UV light to the cells has prevented its application to the direct patterning of the cells in the scaffold. Although the mask-based lithography has provided a high resolution, it has only enabled 2D patterning not arbitrary 3D printing with design flexibility. Femtosecond-laser-based 3D printing is trending in the area of tissue engineering and cell biology applications due to the formation of well-defined micro- and submicrometer structures via visible and near-infrared (NIR) femtosecond laser pulses, followed by the fabrication of cell scaffold microstructures with a high precision. Laser direct writing and multiphoton polymerization are being used for fabricating the cell scaffolds, The implication of spatial light modulators in the interference lithography to generate the digital hologram will be the future prospective of mask-based lithography. Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEG-DA), ormocomp, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETTA) have been fabricated through TPP to generate the cell scaffolds, whereas SU-8 was used to fabricate the microrobots for targeted drug delivery. Well-designed and precisely fabricated 3D cell scaffolds manufactured by femtosecond-laser-based 3D printing can be potentially used for studying cell migration, matrix invasion and nuclear stiffness to determine stage of cancer and will open broader horizons in the future in tissue engineering and biology applications.

Gelatin methacrylamide hydrogel with graphene nanoplatelets for neural cell-laden 3D bioprinting

Nervous system is extremely complex which leads to rare regrowth of nerves once injury or disease occurs. Advanced 3D bioprinting strategy, which could simultaneously deposit biocompatible materials, cells and supporting components in a layer-by-layer manner, may be a promising solution to address neural damages. Here we presented a printable nano-bioink composed of gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA), neural stem cells, and bioactive graphene nanoplatelets to target nerve tissue regeneration in the assist of stereolithography based 3D bioprinting technique. We found the resultant GelMA hydrogel has a higher compressive modulus with an increase of GelMA concentration. The porous GelMA hydrogel can provide a biocompatible microenvironment for the survival and growth of neural stem cells. The cells encapsulated in the hydrogel presented good cell viability at the low GelMA concentration. Printed neural construct exhibited well-defined architecture and homogenous cell distribution. In addition, neural stem cells showed neuron differentiation and neurites elongation within the printed construct after two weeks of culture. These findings indicate the 3D bioprinted neural construct has great potential for neural tissue regeneration.

Enhanced neural stem cell functions in conductive annealed carbon nanofibrous scaffolds with electrical stimulation

Carbon-based nanomaterials have shown great promise in regenerative medicine because of their unique electrical, mechanical, and biological properties; however, it is still difficult to engineer 2D pure carbon nanomaterials into a 3D scaffold while maintaining its structural integrity. In the present study, we developed novel carbon nanofibrous scaffolds by annealing electrospun mats at elevated temperature. The resultant scaffold showed a cohesive structure and excellent mechanical flexibility. The graphitic structure generated by annealing renders superior electrical conductivity to the carbon nanofibrous scaffold. By integrating the conductive scaffold with biphasic electrical stimulation, neural stem cell proliferation was promoted associating with upregulated neuronal gene expression level and increased microtubule-associated protein 2 immunofluorescence, demonstrating an improved neuronal differentiation and maturation. The findings suggest that the integration of the conducting carbon nanofibrous scaffold and electrical stimulation may pave a new avenue for neural tissue regeneration.

Microtechnologies for Cell Microenvironment Control and Monitoring

A great breadth of questions remains in cellular biology. Some questions cannot be answered using traditional analytical techniques and so demand the development of new tools for research. In the near future, the development of highly integrated microfluidic analytical platforms will enable the acquisition of unknown biological data. These microfluidic systems must allow cell culture under controlled microenvironment and high throughput analysis. For this purpose, the integration of a variable number of newly developed micro- and nano-technologies, which enable control of topography and surface chemistry, soluble factors, mechanical forces and cell–cell contacts, as well as technology for monitoring cell phenotype and genotype with high spatial and temporal resolution will be necessary. These multifunctional devices must be accompanied by appropriate data analysis and management of the expected large datasets generated. The knowledge gained with these platforms has the potential to improve predictive models of the behavior of cells, impacting directly in better therapies for disease treatment. In this review, we give an overview of the microtechnology toolbox available for the design of high throughput microfluidic platforms for cell analysis. We discuss current microtechnologies for cell microenvironment control, different methodologies to create large arrays of cellular systems and finally techniques for monitoring cells in microfluidic devices.

3D printing scaffold coupled with low level light therapy for neural tissue regeneration

3D printing has shown promise for neural regeneration by providing customized nerve scaffolds to structurally support and bridge the defect gap as well as deliver cells or various bioactive substances. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) exhibits positive effects on rehabiliation of degenerative nerves and neural disorders. With this in mind, we postulate that 3D printed neural scaffold coupling with LLLT will generate a new strategy to repair neural degeneration. To achieve this goal, we applied red laser light to stimualte neural stem cells on 3D printed scaffolds and investigated the subsequent cell response with respect to cell proliferation and differentiation. Here we show that cell prolifeartion rate and intracellular reactive oxgen species synthesis were significantly increased after 15 s laser stimulation follwed by 1 d culture. Over culturing time of 14 d in vitro, the laser stimulation promoted neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells, while the glial differentiation was suppressed based on results of both immunocytochemistry studies and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing. These findings suggest that integration of 3D printing and LLLT might provide a powerful methodology for neural tissue engineering.

Nanocarbons in Electrospun Polymeric Nanomats for Tissue Engineering: A Review

Electrospinning is a versatile process technology, exploited for the production of fibers with varying diameters, ranging from nano- to micro-scale, particularly useful for a wide range of applications. Among these, tissue engineering is particularly relevant to this technology since electrospun fibers offer topological structure features similar to the native extracellular matrix, thus providing an excellent environment for the growth of cells and tissues. Recently, nanocarbons have been emerging as promising fillers for biopolymeric nanofibrous scaffolds. In fact, they offer interesting physicochemical properties due to their small size, large surface area, high electrical conductivity and ability to interface/interact with the cells/tissues. Nevertheless, their biocompatibility is currently under debate and strictly correlated to their surface characteristics, in terms of chemical composition, hydrophilicity and roughness. Among the several nanofibrous scaffolds prepared by electrospinning, biopolymer/nanocarbons systems exhibit huge potential applications, since they combine the features of the matrix with those determined by the nanocarbons, such as conductivity and improved bioactivity. Furthermore, combining nanocarbons and electrospinning allows designing structures with engineered patterns at both nano- and microscale level. This article presents a comprehensive review of various types of electrospun polymer-nanocarbon currently used for tissue engineering applications. Furthermore, the differences among graphene, carbon nanotubes, nanodiamonds and fullerenes and their effect on the ultimate properties of the polymer-based nanofibrous scaffolds is elucidated and critically reviewed.

3D Bioprinting for Organ Regeneration

Regenerative medicine holds the promise of engineering functional tissues or organs to heal or replace abnormal and necrotic tissues/organs, offering hope for filling the gap between organ shortage and transplantation needs. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is evolving into an unparalleled biomanufacturing technology due to its high-integration potential for patient-specific designs, precise and rapid manufacturing capabilities with high resolution, and unprecedented versatility. It enables precise control over multiple compositions, spatial distributions, and architectural accuracy/complexity, therefore achieving effective recapitulation of microstructure, architecture, mechanical properties, and biological functions of target tissues and organs. Here we provide an overview of recent advances in 3D bioprinting technology, as well as design concepts of bioinks suitable for the bioprinting process. We focus on the applications of this technology for engineering living organs, focusing more specifically on vasculature, neural networks, the heart and liver. We conclude with current challenges and the technical perspective for further development of 3D organ bioprinting.

Fabrication and Applications of Micro/Nanostructured Devices for Tissue Engineering

Nanotechnology allows the realization of new materials and devices with basic structural unit in the range of 1-100 nm and characterized by gaining control at the atomic, molecular, and supramolecular level. Reducing the dimensions of a material into the nanoscale range usually results in the change of its physiochemical properties such as reactivity, crystallinity, and solubility. This review treats the convergence of last research news at the interface of nanostructured biomaterials and tissue engineering for emerging biomedical technologies such as scaffolding and tissue regeneration. The present review is organized into three main sections. The introduction concerns an overview of the increasing utility of nanostructured materials in the field of tissue engineering. It elucidates how nanotechnology, by working in the submicron length scale, assures the realization of a biocompatible interface that is able to reproduce the physiological cell-matrix interaction. The second, more technical section, concerns the design and fabrication of biocompatible surface characterized by micro- and submicroscale features, using microfabrication, nanolithography, and miscellaneous nanolithographic techniques. In the last part, we review the ongoing tissue engineering application of nanostructured materials and scaffolds in different fields such as neurology, cardiology, orthopedics, and skin tissue regeneration.

Lipid Coated Microbubbles and Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Enhance Chondrogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells in 3D Printed Scaffolds

Lipid-coated microbubbles are used to enhance ultrasound imaging and drug delivery. Here we apply these microbubbles along with low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) for the first time to enhance proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in a 3D printed poly-(ethylene glycol)-diacrylate (PEG-DA) hydrogel scaffold. The hMSC proliferation increased up to 40% after 5 days of culture in the presence of 0.5% (v/v) microbubbles and LIPUS in contrast to 18% with LIPUS alone. We systematically varied the acoustic excitation parameters-excitation intensity, frequency and duty cycle-to find 30 mW/cm2, 1.5 MHz and 20% duty cycle to be optimal for hMSC proliferation. A 3-week chondrogenic differentiation results demonstrated that combining LIPUS with microbubbles enhanced glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production by 17% (5% with LIPUS alone), and type II collagen production by 78% (44% by LIPUS alone). Therefore, integrating LIPUS and microbubbles appears to be a promising strategy for enhanced hMSC growth and chondrogenic differentiation, which are critical components for cartilage regeneration. The results offer possibilities of novel applications of microbubbles, already clinically approved for contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging, in tissue engineering.

Covalent crosslinking of graphene oxide and carbon nanotube into hydrogels enhances nerve cell responses

Healing of nerve injuries is a critical medical issue. Biodegradable polymeric conduits are a promising therapeutic solution to provide guidance for axon growth in a given space, thus helping nerve heal. Extensive studies in the past decade reported that conductive materials could effectively increase neurite and axon extension in vitro and nerve regeneration in vivo. In this study, graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes were covalently functionalized with double bonds to obtain crosslinkable graphene oxide acrylate (GOa) sheets and carbon nanotube poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate (CNTpega). An electrically conductive reduced GOa-CNTpega-oligo(polyethylene glycol fumarate) (OPF) hydrogel (rGOa-CNTpega-OPF) was successfully fabricated by chemically crosslinking GOa sheets and CNTpega with OPF chains followed by in situ chemical reduction in l-ascorbic acid solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging showed homogenous distribution of GOa/CNTpega carbon content in the rGOa-CNTpega-OPF composite hydrogel, resulting in a significant increase of electrical conductivity compared with neutral OPF without carbon content. Cell studies showed excellent biocompatibility and distinguished PC12 cell proliferation and spreading on the rGOa-CNTpega-OPF composite hydrogel. Fluorescent microscopy imaging demonstrated robustly stimulated neurite development in these cells on a conductive rGOa-CNTpega-OPF composite hydrogel compared with that on neutral OPF hydrogels. These results illustrated a promising potential for the rGOa-CNTpega-OPF composite hydrogel to serve as conduits for neural tissue engineering.