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van der Putten C, Sahin G, Grant R, D’Urso M, Giselbrecht S, Bouten CVC, Kurniawan NA. Dimensionality Matters: Exploiting UV-Photopatterned 2D and Two-Photon-Printed 2.5D Contact Guidance Cues to Control Corneal Fibroblast Behavior and Collagen Deposition. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:402. [PMID: 38671823 PMCID: PMC11048187 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11040402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the event of disease or injury, restoration of the native organization of cells and extracellular matrix is crucial for regaining tissue functionality. In the cornea, a highly organized collagenous tissue, keratocytes can align along the anisotropy of the physical microenvironment, providing a blueprint for guiding the organization of the collagenous matrix. Inspired by this physiological process, anisotropic contact guidance cues have been employed to steer the alignment of keratocytes as a first step to engineer in vitro cornea-like tissues. Despite promising results, two major hurdles must still be overcome to advance the field. First, there is an enormous design space to be explored in optimizing cellular contact guidance in three dimensions. Second, the role of contact guidance cues in directing the long-term deposition and organization of extracellular matrix proteins remains unknown. To address these challenges, here we combined two microengineering strategies-UV-based protein patterning (2D) and two-photon polymerization of topographies (2.5D)-to create a library of anisotropic contact guidance cues with systematically varying height (H, 0 µm ≤ H ≤ 20 µm) and width (W, 5 µm ≤ W ≤ 100 µm). With this unique approach, we found that, in the short term (24 h), the orientation and morphology of primary human fibroblastic keratocytes were critically determined not only by the pattern width, but also by the height of the contact guidance cues. Upon extended 7-day cultures, keratocytes were shown to produce a dense, fibrous collagen network along the direction of the contact guidance cues. Moreover, increasing the heights also increased the aligned fraction of deposited collagen and the contact guidance response of cells, all whilst the cells maintained the fibroblastic keratocyte phenotype. Our study thus reveals the importance of dimensionality of the physical microenvironment in steering both cellular organization and the formation of aligned, collagenous tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cas van der Putten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gozde Sahin
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering cBITE, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rhiannon Grant
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering cBITE, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mirko D’Urso
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Giselbrecht
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering cBITE, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V. C. Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas A. Kurniawan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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2
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Yang S, Zhang J, Tan Y, Wang Y. Unraveling the mechanobiology of cornea: From bench side to the clinic. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:953590. [PMID: 36263359 PMCID: PMC9573972 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.953590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea is a transparent, dome-shaped structure on the front part of the eye that serves as a major optic element and a protector from the external environment. Recent evidence shows aberrant alterations of the corneal mechano-environment in development and progression of various corneal diseases. It is, thus, critical to understand how corneal cells sense and respond to mechanical signals in physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we summarize the corneal mechano-environment and discuss the impact of these mechanical cues on cellular functions from the bench side (in a laboratory research setting). From a clinical perspective, we comprehensively review the mechanical changes of corneal tissue in several cornea-related diseases, including keratoconus, myopia, and keratectasia, following refractive surgery. The findings from the bench side and clinic underscore the involvement of mechanical cues in corneal disorders, which may open a new avenue for development of novel therapeutic strategies by targeting corneal mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yang
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First People’s Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- School of Optometry, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Youhua Tan
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Youhua Tan, ; Yan Wang,
| | - Yan Wang
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Youhua Tan, ; Yan Wang,
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3
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Lei M, Zhang S, Zhou H, Wan H, Lu Y, Lin S, Sun J, Qu X, Liu C. Electrical Signal Initiates Kinetic Assembly of Collagen to Construct Optically Transparent and Geometry Customized Artificial Cornea Substitutes. ACS NANO 2022; 16:10632-10646. [PMID: 35802553 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c02291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is an effective treatment for reconstructing injured corneas but is very limited due to insufficient donors, which has led to a growing demand for development of artificial corneal substitutes (ACSs). Collagen is a potential building block for ACS fabrication, whereas technically there are limited capabilities to control the collagen assembly for creating highly transparent collagen ACSs. Here, we report an electro-assembly technique to kinetically control collagen assembly on the nanoscale that allows the yielding collagen ACSs with structure determined superior optics. Structurally, the kinetically electro-assembled collagen (KEA-Col) is composed of partially aligned microfibrils (∼10 nm in diameter) with compacted lamellar organization. Optical analysis reveals that such microstructure is directly responsible for its optimal light transmittance by reducing light scattering. Moreover, this method allows the creation of complex three-dimensional geometries and thus is convenient to customize collagen ACSs with specific curvatures to meet refractive power requirements. Available properties (e.g., optics and mechanics) of cross-linked KEA-Cols were studied to meet the clinical requirement as ACSs, and in vitro tests further proved their beneficial characteristics of cell growth and migration. An in vivo study established a rabbit lamellar keratectomy corneal wound model and demonstrated the customized collagen ACSs can adapt to the defective cornea and support epithelial healing as well as stroma integration and reconstruction with lower immunoreaction compared with commercial xenografts, which suggests its promising application prospects. More broadly, this work illustrates the potential for enlisting electrical signals to mediate collagen's assembly and microstructure organization for specific structural functionalization for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Lei
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Haoran Wan
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Shaoliang Lin
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jianguo Sun
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xue Qu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Changsheng Liu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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Ulag S, Uysal E, Bedir T, Sengor M, Ekren N, Ustundag CB, Midha S, Kalaskar DM, Gunduz O. Recent developments and characterization techniques in
3D
printing of corneal stroma tissue. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.5340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Songul Ulag
- Center for Nanotechnology & Biomaterials Application and Research (NBUAM) Marmara University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ebru Uysal
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemistry and Metallurgy Yildiz Technical University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Tuba Bedir
- Center for Nanotechnology & Biomaterials Application and Research (NBUAM) Marmara University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Mustafa Sengor
- Center for Nanotechnology & Biomaterials Application and Research (NBUAM) Marmara University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Nazmi Ekren
- Center for Nanotechnology & Biomaterials Application and Research (NBUAM) Marmara University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Cem Bulent Ustundag
- Center for Nanotechnology & Biomaterials Application and Research (NBUAM) Marmara University Istanbul Turkey
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemistry and Metallurgy Yildiz Technical University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Swati Midha
- UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Science University College London (UCL) London UK
| | - Deepak M. Kalaskar
- UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Science University College London (UCL) London UK
| | - Oguzhan Gunduz
- Center for Nanotechnology & Biomaterials Application and Research (NBUAM) Marmara University Istanbul Turkey
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5
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Bhattacharjee P, Cavanagh BL, Ahearne M. Influence of micropatterned substrates on keratocyte phenotype. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6679. [PMID: 32317647 PMCID: PMC7174307 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62640-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Substrate topographic patterning is a powerful tool that can be used to manipulate cell shape and orientation. To gain a better understanding of the relationship between surface topography and keratocyte behavior, surface patterns consisting of linear aligned or orthogonally aligned microchannels were used. Photolithography and polymer molding techniques were used to fabricate micropatterns on the surface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Cells on linear aligned substrates were elongated and aligned in the channel direction, while cells on orthogonal substrates had a more spread morphology. Both linear and orthogonal topographies induced chromatin condensation and resulted in higher expressions of keratocyte specific genes and sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG), compared with non-patterned substrates. However, despite differences in cell morphology and focal adhesions, many genes associated with a native keratocyte phenotype, such as keratocan and ALDH3A1, remain unchanged on the different patterned substrates. This information could be used to optimize substrates for keratocyte culture and to develop scaffolds for corneal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Promita Bhattacharjee
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brenton L Cavanagh
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Core, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark Ahearne
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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6
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Kong B, Chen Y, Liu R, Liu X, Liu C, Shao Z, Xiong L, Liu X, Sun W, Mi S. Fiber reinforced GelMA hydrogel to induce the regeneration of corneal stroma. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1435. [PMID: 32188843 PMCID: PMC7080797 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14887-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regeneration of corneal stroma has always been a challenge due to its sophisticated structure and keratocyte-fibroblast transformation. In this study, we fabricate grid poly (ε-caprolactone)-poly (ethylene glycol) microfibrous scaffold and infuse the scaffold with gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel to obtain a 3 D fiber hydrogel construct; the fiber spacing is adjusted to fabricate optimal construct that simulates the stromal structure with properties most similar to the native cornea. The topological structure (3 D fiber hydrogel, 3 D GelMA hydrogel, and 2 D culture dish) and chemical factors (serum, ascorbic acid, insulin, and β-FGF) are examined to study their effects on the differentiation of limbal stromal stem cells to keratocytes or fibroblasts and the phenotype maintenance, in vitro and in vivo tissue regeneration. The results demonstrate that fiber hydrogel and serum-free media synergize to provide an optimal environment for the maintenance of keratocyte phenotype and the regeneration of damaged corneal stroma. Regeneration of corneal stroma has been a challenge due to its sophisticated structure and the easy transformation of the keratocyte. Here, the authors use a hydrogel reinforced with orthogonally aligned fibres and serum free medium to maintain keratocyte phenotype for the in vivo stromal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Kong
- Macromolecular Platforms for Translational Medicine and Bio-Manufacturing Laboratory, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, 518055, Shenzhen, P.R. China.,Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, 518055, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Yun Chen
- Open FIESTA Center, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, 518055, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Rui Liu
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, 518055, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Xi Liu
- Beijing Children's Hospital, 100045, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Changyong Liu
- Additive Manufacturing Research Institute, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Zengwu Shao
- Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University Science & Technology, 430022, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Liming Xiong
- Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University Science & Technology, 430022, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xianning Liu
- Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, 710002, Xi'an, P.R. China.,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Eye, 710002, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Wei Sun
- Macromolecular Platforms for Translational Medicine and Bio-Manufacturing Laboratory, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, 518055, Shenzhen, P.R. China. .,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P.R. China. .,Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Drexel University, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Shengli Mi
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, 518055, Shenzhen, P.R. China. .,Open FIESTA Center, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, 518055, Shenzhen, P.R. China.
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7
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Effect of substrate topography on the regulation of human corneal stromal cells. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 190:110971. [PMID: 32197207 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.110971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Optimal functionality of native corneal stroma depends on a well-ordered arrangement of extracellular matrix (ECM). To develop an in vitro corneal model, replication of the corneal in vivo microenvironment is needed. In this study, the impact of topographic cues on keratocyte phenotype is reported. Photolithography and polymer moulding were used to fabricate microgrooves on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) 2-2.5 μm deep and 5 μm, 10 μm, or 20 μm in width. Microgrooves constrained the cells body, compressed nuclei and led to cytoskeletal reorganization. It also influenced the concentration of actin filaments, condensation of chromatin and cell proliferation. Cells became more spread and actin filament concentration decreased as the microgroove width increased. Relationships were also demonstrated between microgroove width and cellular processes such as adhesion, migration and gene expression. Immunocytochemistry and gene expression (RT-PCR) analysis showed that microgroove width upregulated keratocyte specific genes. A microgroove with 5 μm width led to a pronounced alignment of cells along the edges of the microchannels and better supported cell polarization and migration compared with other microgroove widths or planar substrates. These findings provide important fundamental knowledge that could serve as a basis for better-controlled tissue growth and cell-engineering applications for corneal stroma regeneration through topographical patterns.
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8
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Xiong S, Gao H, Qin L, Jia YG, Ren L. Engineering topography: Effects on corneal cell behavior and integration into corneal tissue engineering. Bioact Mater 2019; 4:293-302. [PMID: 31709312 PMCID: PMC6829100 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-material interactions are important to tissue engineering. Inspired by the natural topographic structures on the extracellular matrix, a growing number of studies have integrated engineering topography into investigations of cell behavior on biomaterials. Engineering topography has a significant influence on cell behaviors. These cell-topography interactions play an important role in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Similarly, cell-topography interactions are important to corneal reconstruction and regeneration. In this review, we primarily summarized the effects of topographic cues on the behaviors of corneal cells, including cell morphology, adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Furthermore, the integration of engineering surface topography into corneal tissue engineering was also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Xiong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - HuiChang Gao
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lanfeng Qin
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yong-Guang Jia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Li Ren
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Sino-Singapore International Joint Research Institute, Guangzhou, 510555, China
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9
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Zhang W, Chen J, Backman LJ, Malm AD, Danielson P. Surface Topography and Mechanical Strain Promote Keratocyte Phenotype and Extracellular Matrix Formation in a Biomimetic 3D Corneal Model. Adv Healthc Mater 2017; 6. [PMID: 28026154 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201601238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The optimal functionality of the native corneal stroma is mainly dependent on the well-ordered arrangement of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the pressurized structure. In order to develop an in vitro corneal model, it is crucial to mimic the in vivo microenvironment of the cornea. In this study, the influence of surface topography and mechanical strain on keratocyte phenotype and ECM formation within a biomimetic 3D corneal model is studied. By modifying the surface topography of materials, it is found that patterned silk fibroin film with 600 grooves mm-1 optimally supports cell alignment and ECM arrangement. Furthermore, treatment with 3% dome-shaped mechanical strain, which resembles the shape and mechanics of native cornea, significantly enhances the expression of keratocyte markers as compared to flat-shaped strain. Accordingly, a biomimetic 3D corneal model, in the form of a collagen-modified, silk fibroin-patterned construct subjected to 3% dome-shaped strain, is created. Compared to traditional 2D cultures, it supports a significantly higher expression of keratocyte and ECM markers, and in conclusion better maintains keratocyte phenotype, alignment, and fusiform cell shape. Therefore, the novel biomimetic 3D corneal model developed in this study serves as a useful in vitro 3D culture model to improve current 2D cultures for corneal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Anatomy; Umeå University; Umeå 90187 Sweden
| | - Jialin Chen
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Anatomy; Umeå University; Umeå 90187 Sweden
| | - Ludvig J. Backman
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Anatomy; Umeå University; Umeå 90187 Sweden
| | - Adam D. Malm
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Anatomy; Umeå University; Umeå 90187 Sweden
| | - Patrik Danielson
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Anatomy; Umeå University; Umeå 90187 Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology; Umeå University; Umeå 90187 Sweden
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10
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Kumar P, Pandit A, Zeugolis DI. Progress in Corneal Stromal Repair: From Tissue Grafts and Biomaterials to Modular Supramolecular Tissue-Like Assemblies. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2016; 28:5381-5399. [PMID: 27028373 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201503986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Revised: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Corneal injuries and degenerative conditions have major socioeconomic consequences, given that in most cases, they result in blindness. In the quest of the ideal therapy, tissue grafts, biomaterials, and modular engineering approaches are under intense investigation. Herein, advancements and shortfalls are reviewed and future perspectives for these therapeutic strategies discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Kumar
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
- Center for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- Center for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
- Center for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
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11
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Hertsenberg AJ, Funderburgh JL. Stem Cells in the Cornea. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 134:25-41. [PMID: 26310147 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is the tough, transparent tissue through which light first enters the eye and functions as a barrier to debris and infection as well as two-thirds of the refractive power of the eye. Corneal damage that is not promptly treated will often lead to scarring and vision impairment. Due to the limited options currently available to treat corneal scars, the identification and isolation of stem cells in the cornea has received much attention, as they may have potential for autologous, cell-based approaches to the treatment of damaged corneal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Hertsenberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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12
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Wilson SL, El Haj AJ, Yang Y. Control of scar tissue formation in the cornea: strategies in clinical and corneal tissue engineering. J Funct Biomater 2012; 3:642-87. [PMID: 24955637 PMCID: PMC4031002 DOI: 10.3390/jfb3030642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2012] [Revised: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal structure is highly organized and unified in architecture with structural and functional integration which mediates transparency and vision. Disease and injury are the second most common cause of blindness affecting over 10 million people worldwide. Ninety percent of blindness is permanent due to scarring and vascularization. Scarring caused via fibrotic cellular responses, heals the tissue, but fails to restore transparency. Controlling keratocyte activation and differentiation are key for the inhibition and prevention of fibrosis. Ophthalmic surgery techniques are continually developing to preserve and restore vision but corneal regression and scarring are often detrimental side effects and long term continuous follow up studies are lacking or discouraging. Appropriate corneal models may lead to a reduced need for corneal transplantation as presently there are insufficient numbers or suitable tissue to meet demand. Synthetic optical materials are under development for keratoprothesis although clinical use is limited due to implantation complications and high rejection rates. Tissue engineered corneas offer an alternative which more closely mimic the morphological, physiological and biomechanical properties of native corneas. However, replication of the native collagen fiber organization and retaining the phenotype of stromal cells which prevent scar-like tissue formation remains a challenge. Careful manipulation of culture environments are under investigation to determine a suitable environment that simulates native ECM organization and stimulates keratocyte migration and generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Wilson
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST4 7QB, UK.
| | - Alicia J El Haj
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST4 7QB, UK.
| | - Ying Yang
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST4 7QB, UK.
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