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Aikman EL, Rao AP, Jia Y, Fussell EE, Trumbull KE, Sampath J, Stoppel WL. Impact of crystalline domains on long-term stability and mechanical performance of anisotropic silk fibroin sponges. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:1451-1471. [PMID: 38469675 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Sponge-like materials made from regenerated silk fibroin biopolymers are a tunable and advantageous platform for in vitro engineered tissue culture and in vivo tissue regeneration. Anisotropic, three-dimensional (3D) silk fibroin sponge-like scaffolds can mimic the architecture of contractile muscle. Herein, we use silk fibroin solution isolated from the cocoons of Bombyx mori silkworms to form aligned sponges via directional ice templating in a custom mold with a slurry of dry ice and ethanol. Hydrated tensile mechanical properties of these aligned sponges were evaluated as a function of silk polymer concentration (3% or 5%), freezing time (50% or 100% ethanol), and post-lyophilization method for inducing crystallinity (autoclaving, water annealing). Hydrated static tensile tests were used to determine Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength across sponge formulations at two strain rates to evaluate rate dependence in the calculated parameters. Results aligned with previous reports in the literature for isotropic silk fibroin sponge-like scaffolds, where the method by which beta-sheets were formed and level of beta-sheet content (crystallinity) had the greatest impact on static parameters, while polymer concentration and freezing rate did not significantly impact static mechanical properties. We estimated the crystalline organization using molecular dynamics simulations to show that larger crystalline regions may be responsible for strength at low strain amplitudes and brittleness at high strain amplitudes in the autoclaved sponges. Within the parameters evaluated, extensional Young's modulus is tunable in the range of 600-2800 kPa. Dynamic tensile testing revealed the linear viscoelastic region to be between 0% and 10% strain amplitude and 0.2-2 Hz frequencies. Long-term stability was evaluated by hysteresis and fatigue tests. Fatigue tests showed minimal change in the storage and loss modulus of 5% silk fibroin sponges for more than 6000 min of continuous mechanical stimulation in the linear regime at 10% strain amplitude and 1 Hz frequency. Furthermore, we confirmed that these mechanical properties hold when decellularized extracellular matrix is added to the sponges and when the mechanical property assessments were performed in cell culture media. We also used nano-computed tomography (nano-CT) and simulations to explore pore interconnectivity and tortuosity. Overall, these results highlight the potential of anisotropic, sponge-like silk fibroin scaffolds for long-term (>6 weeks) contractile muscle culture with an in vitro bioreactor system that provides routine mechanical stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Aikman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Asha P Rao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yinhao Jia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Emily E Fussell
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Kayleigh E Trumbull
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Janani Sampath
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Whitney L Stoppel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Snow F, O'Connell C, Yang P, Kita M, Pirogova E, Williams RJ, Kapsa RMI, Quigley A. Engineering interfacial tissues: The myotendinous junction. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021505. [PMID: 38841690 PMCID: PMC11151436 DOI: 10.1063/5.0189221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is the interface connecting skeletal muscle and tendon tissues. This specialized region represents the bridge that facilitates the transmission of contractile forces from muscle to tendon, and ultimately the skeletal system for the creation of movement. MTJs are, therefore, subject to high stress concentrations, rendering them susceptible to severe, life-altering injuries. Despite the scarcity of knowledge obtained from MTJ formation during embryogenesis, several attempts have been made to engineer this complex interfacial tissue. These attempts, however, fail to achieve the level of maturity and mechanical complexity required for in vivo transplantation. This review summarizes the strategies taken to engineer the MTJ, with an emphasis on how transitioning from static to mechanically inducive dynamic cultures may assist in achieving myotendinous maturity.
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Thangadurai M, Srinivasan SS, Sekar MP, Sethuraman S, Sundaramurthi D. Emerging perspectives on 3D printed bioreactors for clinical translation of engineered and bioprinted tissue constructs. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:350-381. [PMID: 38084021 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01847d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
3D printed/bioprinted tissue constructs are utilized for the regeneration of damaged tissues and as in vitro models. Most of the fabricated 3D constructs fail to undergo functional maturation in conventional in vitro settings. There is a challenge to provide a suitable niche for the fabricated tissue constructs to undergo functional maturation. Bioreactors have emerged as a promising tool to enhance tissue maturation of the engineered constructs by providing physical/biological cues along with a controlled nutrient supply under dynamic in vitro conditions. Bioreactors provide an ambient microenvironment most appropriate for the development of functionally matured tissue constructs by promoting cell proliferation, differentiation, and maturation for transplantation and drug screening applications. Due to the huge cost and limited availability of commercial bioreactors, there is a need to develop strategies to make customized bioreactors. Additive manufacturing (AM) may be a viable tool to fabricate custom designed bioreactors with better efficiency and at low cost. In this review, we have extensively discussed the importance of bioreactors in functionalizing tissue engineered/3D bioprinted scaffolds for bone, cartilage, skeletal muscle, nerve, and vascular tissue. In addition, the importance and fabrication of customized 3D printed bioreactors for the maturation of tissue engineered constructs are discussed in detail. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives in translating commercial and custom 3D printed bioreactors for clinical applications are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhumithra Thangadurai
- Tissue Engineering & Additive Manufacturing (TEAM) Lab, Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, ABCDE Innovation Centre, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, India.
| | - Sai Sadhananth Srinivasan
- Tissue Engineering & Additive Manufacturing (TEAM) Lab, Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, ABCDE Innovation Centre, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, India.
| | - Muthu Parkkavi Sekar
- Tissue Engineering & Additive Manufacturing (TEAM) Lab, Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, ABCDE Innovation Centre, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, India.
| | - Swaminathan Sethuraman
- Tissue Engineering & Additive Manufacturing (TEAM) Lab, Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, ABCDE Innovation Centre, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, India.
| | - Dhakshinamoorthy Sundaramurthi
- Tissue Engineering & Additive Manufacturing (TEAM) Lab, Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, ABCDE Innovation Centre, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, India.
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Aggas JR, Abasi S, Ton C, Salehi S, Liu R, Brandacher G, Grayson WL, Guiseppi-Elie A. Real-Time Monitoring Using Multiplexed Multi-Electrode Bioelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy for the Stratification of Vascularized Composite Allografts: A Perspective on Predictive Analytics. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10040434. [PMID: 37106621 PMCID: PMC10135882 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10040434] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascularized composite allotransplantation addresses injuries to complex anatomical structures such as the face, hand, and abdominal wall. Prolonged static cold storage of vascularized composite allografts (VCA) incurs damage and imposes transportation limits to their viability and availability. Tissue ischemia, the major clinical indication, is strongly correlated with negative transplantation outcomes. Machine perfusion and normothermia can extend preservation times. This perspective introduces multiplexed multi-electrode bioimpedance spectroscopy (MMBIS), an established bioanalytical method to quantify the interaction of the electrical current with tissue components, capable of measuring tissue edema, as a quantitative, noninvasive, real-time, continuous monitoring technique to provide crucially needed assessment of graft preservation efficacy and viability. MMBIS must be developed, and appropriate models explored to address the highly complex multi-tissue structures and time-temperature changes of VCA. Combined with artificial intelligence (AI), MMBIS can serve to stratify allografts for improvement in transplantation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Aggas
- Bioelectronics, Biosensors and Biochips (C3B®), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Test Development, Roche Diagnostics, 9115 Hague Road, Indianapolis, IN 46256, USA
| | - Sara Abasi
- Bioelectronics, Biosensors and Biochips (C3B®), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Media and Metabolism, Wildtype, Inc., 2325 3rd St., San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
| | - Carolyn Ton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Sara Salehi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Renee Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Gerald Brandacher
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Warren L Grayson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Anthony Guiseppi-Elie
- Bioelectronics, Biosensors and Biochips (C3B®), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Institute for Academic Medicine and Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- ABTECH Scientific, Inc., Biotechnology Research Park, 800 East Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
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