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Tang RZ, Liu XQ. Biophysical cues of in vitro biomaterials-based artificial extracellular matrix guide cancer cell plasticity. Mater Today Bio 2023; 19:100607. [PMID: 36960095 PMCID: PMC10027567 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence supports a role for the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cancer plasticity across multiple tumor types. The lack of in vitro models that represent the native ECMs is a significant challenge for cancer research and drug discovery. Therefore, a major motivation for developing new tumor models is to create the artificial ECM in vitro. Engineered biomaterials can closely mimic the architectural and mechanical properties of ECM to investigate their specific effects on cancer progression, offering an alternative to animal models for the testing of cancer cell behaviors. In this review, we focused on the biomaterials from different sources applied in the fabrication of the artificial ECM and their biophysical cues to recapitulate key features of tumor niche. Furthermore, we summarized how the distinct biophysical cues guided cell behaviors of cancer plasticity, including morphology, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSCs), proliferation, migration/invasion and drug resistance. We also discuss the future opportunities in using the artificial ECM for applications of tumorigenesis research and precision medicine, as well as provide useful messages of principles for designing suitable biomaterial scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Zhi Tang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei Province, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430014, PR China
| | - Xi-Qiu Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
- Corresponding author.
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2
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Rosado-Galindo H, Domenech M. Surface roughness modulates EGFR signaling and stemness of triple-negative breast cancer cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1124250. [PMID: 36968199 PMCID: PMC10030610 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1124250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer stem cells (CSC), a major culprit of drug-resistant phenotypes and tumor relapse, represent less than 2 % of the bulk of TNBC cells, making them difficult to isolate, study, and thus, limiting our understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. Current methods for CSC enrichment, such as 3D spheroid culture, genetic modification, and stem cell conditioning, are time consuming, expensive, and unsuitable for high-throughput assays. One way to address these limitations is to use topographical stimuli to enhance CSC populations in planar culture. Physical cues in the breast tumor microenvironment can influence cell behavior through changes in the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we used topographical cues on polystyrene films to investigate their effect on the proteome and stemness of standard TNBC cell lines. Methods: The topographical polystyrene-based array was generated using razor printing and polishing methods. Proteome data were analyzed and enriched bioprocesses were identified using R software. Stemness was assessed measuring CD44, CD24 and ALDH markers using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, detection assays, and further validated with mammosphere assay. EGF/EGFR expression and activity was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence and antibody membrane array. A dose-response assay was performed to further investigate the effect of surface topography on the sensitivity of cells to the EGFR inhibitor. Results: Surface roughness enriched the CSC population and modulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling activity in TNBC cells. Enhanced proliferation of MDA-MB-468 cells in roughness correlated with upregulation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligand, which in turn corresponded with a 3-fold increase in the expression of EGFR and a 42% increase in its phosphorylation compared to standard smooth culture surfaces. The results also demonstrated that phenotypic changes associated with topographical (roughness) stimuli significantly decreased the drug sensitivity to the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib. In addition, the proportion of CD44+/CD24-/ALDH+ was enhanced on surface roughness in both MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cell lines. We also demonstrated that YAP/TAZ activation decreased in a roughness-dependent manner, confirming the mechanosensing effect of the topographies on the oncogenic activity of the cells. Discussion: Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of surface roughness as a culture strategy to influence oncogenic activity in TNBC cells and enrich CSC populations in planar cultures. Such a culture strategy may benefit high-throughput screening studies seeking to identify compounds with broader tumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maribella Domenech
- Bioengineering Program, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
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Lee SHT, Kim JY, Kim P, Dong Z, Su CY, Ahn EH. Changes of Mutations and Copy-Number and Enhanced Cell Migration during Breast Tumorigenesis. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200072. [PMID: 36449747 PMCID: PMC10836759 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200072] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Although cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a major role in tumorigenesis and metastasis, the role of genetic alterations in invasiveness of CSCs is still unclear. Tumor microenvironment signals, such as extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, significantly influence cell behaviors. Unfortunately, these signals are often lost in in vitro cell culture. This study determines putative CSC populations, examines genetic changes during tumorigenesis of human breast epithelial stem cells, and investigates single-cell migration properties on ECM-mimetic platforms. Whole exome sequencing data indicate that tumorigenic cells have a higher somatic mutation burden than non-tumorigenic cells, and that mutations exclusive to tumorigenic cells exhibit higher predictive deleterious scores. Tumorigenic cells exhibit distinct somatic copy number variations (CNVs) including gain of duplications in chromosomes 5 and 8. ECM-mimetic topography selectively enhances migration speed of tumorigenic cells, but not of non-tumorigenic cells, and results in a wide distribution of tumorigenic single-cell migration speeds, suggesting heterogeneity in cellular sensing of contact guidance cues. This study identifies mutations and CNVs acquired during breast tumorigenesis, which can be associated with enhanced migration of breast tumorigenic cells, and demonstrates that a nanotopographically-defined platform can be applied to recapitulate an ECM structure for investigating cellular migration in the simulated tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hyuk T. Lee
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle,
WA 98195, USA
| | - Joon Yup Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle,
WA 98195, USA
| | - Peter Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington,
Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Zhipeng Dong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Chia-Yi Su
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Eun Hyun Ahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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A thermo-sensitive hydrogel composed of methylcellulose/hyaluronic acid/silk fibrin as a biomimetic extracellular matrix to simulate breast cancer malignancy. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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5
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Enkhbat M, Zhong B, Chang R, Geng J, Lu LS, Chen YJ, Wang PY. Harnessing Focal Adhesions to Accelerate p53 Accumulation and Anoikis of A549 Cells Using Colloidal Self-Assembled Patterns (cSAPs). ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:322-333. [PMID: 35034455 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c01109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) of the tumor microenvironment (TME), including topography and biological molecules, is crucial in cancer cell attachment, growth, and even the sensitivity to the chemo and cell drugs treatment. This study hypothesizes that mimic ECM structures can alter the attachment and drug sensitivity of cancer cells. A family of artificial ECM called colloidal self-assembled patterns (cSAPs) was fabricated to mimic tumor ECM structures. Cell adhesion, proliferation, and drug sensitivity of the A549 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells were studied on 24 cSAPs, named cSAP#1-cSAP#24, where surface topography and wettability were distinct. The results showed that cell adhesion and cell spreading were generally reduced on cSAPs compared to the flat controls. In addition, the synergistic effect of cSAPs and several chemo drugs on cell survival was investigated. Interestingly, A549 cells were more sensitive to the combination of doxorubicin and cSAP#4. Under this condition, the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling was downregulated while p53 signaling was upregulated, confirmed by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. It indicates that the specific surface structure could induce higher drug sensitivity and in vitro anoikis of A549 cells. A serum alternative, human platelet lysate (hPL), and different cSAPs were examined to verify our hypothesis. The result further confirmed that cell adhesion strongly affected the drug sensitivity of A549 cells. This study demonstrates that the tumor ECM is vital in cancer cell activity and drug sensitivity; therefore, it should be considered in drug discovery and therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myagmartsend Enkhbat
- Oujiang Laboratory, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials and Cellular Immunomodulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Boya Zhong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials and Cellular Immunomodulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Ray Chang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials and Cellular Immunomodulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jin Geng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials and Cellular Immunomodulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Long-Sheng Lu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Ju Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Peng-Yuan Wang
- Oujiang Laboratory, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials and Cellular Immunomodulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
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Labat B, Buchbinder N, Morin-Grognet S, Ladam G, Atmani H, Vannier JP. Biomimetic matrix for the study of neuroblastoma cells: A promising combination of stiffness and retinoic acid. Acta Biomater 2021; 135:383-392. [PMID: 34407473 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the third most common pediatric cancer composed of malignant immature cells that are usually treated pharmacologically by all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) but sometimes, they can spontaneously differentiate into benign forms. In that context, biomimetic cell culture models are warranted tools as they can recapitulate many of the biochemical and biophysical cues of normal or pathological microenvironments. Inspired by that challenge, we developed a neuroblastoma culture system based on biomimetic LbL films of physiological biochemical composition and mechanical properties. For that, we used chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) and poly-L-lysine (PLL) that were assembled and mechanically tuned by crosslinking with genipin (GnP), a natural biocompatible crosslinker, in a relevant range of stiffness (30-160 kPa). We then assessed the adhesion, survival, motility, and differentiation of LAN-1 neuroblastoma cells. Remarkably, increasing the stiffness of the LbL films induced neuritogenesis that was strengthened by the combination with ATRA. These results highlight the crucial role of the mechanical cues of the neuroblastoma microenvironment since it can dramatically modulate the effect of pharmacologic drugs. In conclusion, our biomimetic platform offers a promising tool to help fundamental understanding and pharmacological screening of neuroblastoma differentiation and may assist the design of translational biomaterials to support neuronal regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Neuroblastoma is one of the most common pediatric tumor commonly treated by the administration of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA). Unfortunately, advanced neuroblastoma often develop ATRA resistance. Accordingly, in the field of pharmacological investigations on neuroblastoma, there is a tremendous need of physiologically relevant cell culture systems that can mimic normal or pathological extracellular matrices. In that context, we developed a promising matrix-like cell culture model that provides new insights on the crucial role of mechanical properties of the microenvironment upon the success of ATRA treatment on the neuroblastoma maturation. We were able to control adhesion, survival, motility, and differentiation of neuroblastoma cells. More broadly, we believe that our system will help the design of in vitro pharmacological screening strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Labat
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSA Rouen, CNRS, PBS UMR 6270, 55 rue Saint-Germain, 27000 Évreux, France.
| | | | - Sandrine Morin-Grognet
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSA Rouen, CNRS, PBS UMR 6270, 55 rue Saint-Germain, 27000 Évreux, France
| | - Guy Ladam
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSA Rouen, CNRS, PBS UMR 6270, 55 rue Saint-Germain, 27000 Évreux, France
| | - Hassan Atmani
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSA Rouen, CNRS, PBS UMR 6270, 55 rue Saint-Germain, 27000 Évreux, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Vannier
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, PANTHER - INSERM 1234 - UFR de Médecine et de Pharmacie de Rouen 22, boulevard Gambetta 76000 Rouen, France
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Valadão IC, Ralph ACL, Bordeleau F, Dzik LM, Borbely KSC, Geraldo MV, Reinhart-King CA, Freitas VM. High type I collagen density fails to increase breast cancer stem cell phenotype. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9153. [PMID: 32435546 PMCID: PMC7227653 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a highly frequent and lethal malignancy which metastasis and relapse frequently associates with the existence of breast cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are undifferentiated, aggressive and highly resistant to therapy, with traits modulated by microenvironmental cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM), a biologically complex and dynamic structure composed mainly by type I collagen (Col-I). Col-I enrichment in the tumor-associated ECM leads to microenvironment stiffness and higher tumor aggressiveness and metastatic potential. While Col-I is also known to induce tumor stemness, it is unknown if such effect is dependent of Col-I density. To answer this question, we evaluated the stemness phenotype of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells cultured within gels of varying Col-I densities. High Col-I density increased CD44+CD24− breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) immunophenotype but failed to potentiate Col-I fiber alignment, cell self-renewal and clonogenicity in MDA-MB-231 cells. In MCF-7 cells, high Col-I density decreased total levels of variant CD44 (CD44v). Common to both cell types, high Col-I density induced neither markers related to CSC nor those related with mechanically-induced cell response. We conclude that high Col-I density per se is not sufficient to fully develop the BCSC phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuri C Valadão
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina L Ralph
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - François Bordeleau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Luciana M Dzik
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karen S C Borbely
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil.,Faculty of Nutrition, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Murilo V Geraldo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Vanessa M Freitas
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Hanumantharao SN, Que CA, Vogl BJ, Rao S. Engineered Three-Dimensional Scaffolds Modulating Fate of Breast Cancer Cells Using Stiffness and Morphology Related Cell Adhesion. IEEE OPEN JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1:41-48. [PMID: 35402960 PMCID: PMC8979620 DOI: 10.1109/ojemb.2020.2965084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Goal: Artificially engineering the tumor microenvironment in vitro as a vital tool for understanding the mechanism of tumor progression. In this study, we developed three-dimensional cell scaffold systems with different topographical features and mechanical properties but similar surface chemistry. The cell behavior was modulated by the topography and mechanical properties of the scaffold. Methods: Adenocarcinoma (MCF7), triple-negative (MDA-MB-231) and premalignant (MCF10AneoT) breast cancer cells were seeded on the scaffold systems. The cell viability, cell-cell interaction and cell-matrix interactions were analyzed. The preferential growth and alignment of specific population of cells were demonstrated. Results: Among the different scaffolds, triple-negative breast cancer cells preferred honeycomb scaffolds while adenocarcinoma cells favored mesh scaffolds and premalignant cells preferred the aligned scaffolds. Conclusions: The 3D model system developed here can be used to support growth of only specific cell populations or for the growth of tumors. This model can be used for understanding the topographical and mechanical features affecting tumorigenesis, cancer cell growth and migration behavior of malignant and metastatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Smitha Rao
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringMichigan Technological University Houghton MI 49931 USA
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Hu WW, Lin CH, Hong ZJ. The enrichment of cancer stem cells using composite alginate/polycaprolactone nanofibers. Carbohydr Polym 2019; 206:70-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.10.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Cermeño EA, García AJ. Tumor-Initiating Cells: Emerging Biophysical Methods of Isolation. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2016; 2:21-32. [PMID: 27141429 PMCID: PMC4851112 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-016-0036-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The discovery and subsequent isolation of tumor-initiating cells (TICs), a small population of highly tumorigenic and drug-resistant cancer cells also called cancer stem cells (CSCs), have revolutionized our understanding of cancer. TICs are isolated using various methodologies, including selection of surface marker expression, ALDH activity, suspension culture, and chemotherapy/drug resistance. These methods have several drawbacks, including their variability, lack of robustness and scalability, and low specificity. Alternative methods of purification take advantage of biophysical properties of TICs including their adhesion and stiffness. This review will provide a brief overview of TIC biology as well as review the most important methods of TIC isolation with a focus on biophysical methods of TIC purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efraín A. Cermeño
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
| | - Andrés J. García
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
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