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Ramasubbu K, Venkatraman G, Ramanathan G, Dhanasekar S, Rajeswari VD. Molecular and cellular signalling pathways for promoting neural tissue growth - A tissue engineering approach. Life Sci 2024; 346:122640. [PMID: 38614302 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Neural tissue engineering is a sub-field of tissue engineering that develops neural tissue. Damaged central and peripheral nervous tissue can be fabricated with a suitable scaffold printed with biomaterials. These scaffolds promote cell growth, development, and migration, yet they vary according to the biomaterial and scaffold printing technique, which determine the physical and biochemical properties. The physical and biochemical properties of scaffolds stimulate diverse signalling pathways, such as Wnt, NOTCH, Hedgehog, and ion channels- mediated pathways to promote neuron migration, elongation and migration. However, neurotransmitters like dopamine, acetylcholine, gamma amino butyric acid, and other signalling molecules are critical in neural tissue engineering to tissue fabrication. Thus, this review focuses on neural tissue regeneration with a tissue engineering approach highlighting the signalling pathways. Further, it explores the interaction of the scaffolds with the signalling pathways for generating neural tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanagavalli Ramasubbu
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology-, Vellore 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ganesh Venkatraman
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology-, Vellore 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ganasambanthan Ramanathan
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology-, Vellore 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sivaraman Dhanasekar
- Department of Biotechnology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar 382007, Gujarat, India
| | - V Devi Rajeswari
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology-, Vellore 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Redolfi Riva E, Özkan M, Contreras E, Pawar S, Zinno C, Escarda-Castro E, Kim J, Wieringa P, Stellacci F, Micera S, Navarro X. Beyond the limiting gap length: peripheral nerve regeneration through implantable nerve guidance conduits. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:1371-1404. [PMID: 38363090 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01163a] [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: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve damage results in the loss of sensorimotor and autonomic functions, which is a significant burden to patients. Furthermore, nerve injuries greater than the limiting gap length require surgical repair. Although autografts are the preferred clinical choice, their usage is impeded by their limited availability, dimensional mismatch, and the sacrifice of another functional donor nerve. Accordingly, nerve guidance conduits, which are tubular scaffolds engineered to provide a biomimetic environment for nerve regeneration, have emerged as alternatives to autografts. Consequently, a few nerve guidance conduits have received clinical approval for the repair of short-mid nerve gaps but failed to regenerate limiting gap damage, which represents the bottleneck of this technology. Thus, it is still necessary to optimize the morphology and constituent materials of conduits. This review summarizes the recent advances in nerve conduit technology. Several manufacturing techniques and conduit designs are discussed, with emphasis on the structural improvement of simple hollow tubes, additive manufacturing techniques, and decellularized grafts. The main objective of this review is to provide a critical overview of nerve guidance conduit technology to support regeneration in long nerve defects, promote future developments, and speed up its clinical translation as a reliable alternative to autografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Redolfi Riva
- The Biorobotic Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Melis Özkan
- Institute of Materials, école Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational Neural Engineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, école Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Estefania Contreras
- Integral Service for Laboratory Animals (SIAL), Faculty of Veterinary, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Sujeet Pawar
- Institute of Materials, école Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ciro Zinno
- The Biorobotic Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrique Escarda-Castro
- Complex Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaehyeon Kim
- Complex Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Wieringa
- Complex Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Francesco Stellacci
- Institute of Materials, école Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Global Health Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Station 12, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Silvestro Micera
- The Biorobotic Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational Neural Engineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, école Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Institute Guttmann Foundation, Hospital of Neurorehabilitation, Badalona, Spain
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3
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Stocco E, Barbon S, Faccio D, Petrelli L, Incendi D, Zamuner A, De Rose E, Confalonieri M, Tolomei F, Todros S, Tiengo C, Macchi V, Dettin M, De Caro R, Porzionato A. Development and preclinical evaluation of bioactive nerve conduits for peripheral nerve regeneration: A comparative study. Mater Today Bio 2023; 22:100761. [PMID: 37600351 PMCID: PMC10433238 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In severe peripheral nerve injuries, nerve conduits (NCs) are good alternatives to autografts/allografts; however, the results the available devices guarantee for are still not fully satisfactory. Herein, differently bioactivated NCs based on the new polymer oxidized polyvinyl alcohol (OxPVA) are compared in a rat model of sciatic nerve neurotmesis (gap: 5 mm; end point: 6 weeks). Thirty Sprague Dawley rats are randomized to 6 groups: Reverse Autograft (RA); Reaxon®; OxPVA; OxPVA + EAK (self-assembling peptide, mechanical incorporation); OxPVA + EAK-YIGSR (mechanical incorporation); OxPVA + Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) (adsorption). Preliminarily, all OxPVA-based devices are comparable with Reaxon® in Sciatic Functional Index score and gait analysis; moreover, all conduits sustain nerve regeneration (S100, β-tubulin) without showing substantial inflammation (CD3, F4/80) evidences. Following morphometric analyses, OxPVA confirms its potential in PNI repair (comparable with Reaxon®) whereas OxPVA + EAK-YIGSR stands out for its myelinated axons total number and density, revealing promising in injury recovery and for future application in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Stocco
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via Aristide Gabelli 65, 35127, Padova, Italy
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Science and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Nicolò Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, Via Nicolò Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Barbon
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via Aristide Gabelli 65, 35127, Padova, Italy
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, Via Nicolò Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Diego Faccio
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, University of Padova, Via Nicolò Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Lucia Petrelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via Aristide Gabelli 65, 35127, Padova, Italy
| | - Damiana Incendi
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via Aristide Gabelli 65, 35127, Padova, Italy
| | - Annj Zamuner
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, Via Nicolò Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering University of Padova, Via Francesco Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy
- Department of Industrial Engineering University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/a, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico De Rose
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via Aristide Gabelli 65, 35127, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Confalonieri
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via Aristide Gabelli 65, 35127, Padova, Italy
- Department of Industrial Engineering University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/a, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Tolomei
- Department of Industrial Engineering University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/a, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Todros
- Department of Industrial Engineering University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/a, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Cesare Tiengo
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, University of Padova, Via Nicolò Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Macchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via Aristide Gabelli 65, 35127, Padova, Italy
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, Via Nicolò Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Monica Dettin
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, Via Nicolò Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
- Department of Industrial Engineering University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/a, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Caro
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via Aristide Gabelli 65, 35127, Padova, Italy
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, Via Nicolò Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Porzionato
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via Aristide Gabelli 65, 35127, Padova, Italy
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, Via Nicolò Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
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Liu Y, Zhang X, Xiao C, Liu B. Engineered hydrogels for peripheral nerve repair. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100668. [PMID: 37273791 PMCID: PMC10232914 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a complex disease that often appears in young adults. It is characterized by a high incidence, limited treatment options, and poor clinical outcomes. This disease not only causes dysfunction and psychological disorders in patients but also brings a heavy burden to the society. Currently, autologous nerve grafting is the gold standard in clinical treatment, but complications, such as the limited source of donor tissue and scar tissue formation, often further limit the therapeutic effect. Recently, a growing number of studies have used tissue-engineered materials to create a natural microenvironment similar to the nervous system and thus promote the regeneration of neural tissue and the recovery of impaired neural function with promising results. Hydrogels are often used as materials for the culture and differentiation of neurogenic cells due to their unique physical and chemical properties. Hydrogels can provide three-dimensional hydration networks that can be integrated into a variety of sizes and shapes to suit the morphology of neural tissues. In this review, we discuss the recent advances of engineered hydrogels for peripheral nerve repair and analyze the role of several different therapeutic strategies of hydrogels in PNI through the application characteristics of hydrogels in nerve tissue engineering (NTE). Furthermore, the prospects and challenges of the application of hydrogels in the treatment of PNI are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liu
- Hand and Foot Surgery Department, First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130061, PR China
| | - Xiaonong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, PR China
| | - Chunsheng Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, PR China
| | - Bin Liu
- Hand and Foot Surgery Department, First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130061, PR China
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Stocco E, Barbon S, Emmi A, Tiengo C, Macchi V, De Caro R, Porzionato A. Bridging Gaps in Peripheral Nerves: From Current Strategies to Future Perspectives in Conduit Design. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119170. [PMID: 37298122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) with substance loss, where tensionless end-to-end suture is not achievable, the positioning of a graft is required. Available options include autografts (e.g., sural nerve, medial and lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves, superficial branch of the radial nerve), allografts (Avance®; human origin), and hollow nerve conduits. There are eleven commercial hollow conduits approved for clinical, and they consist of devices made of a non-biodegradable synthetic polymer (polyvinyl alcohol), biodegradable synthetic polymers (poly(DL-lactide-ε-caprolactone); polyglycolic acid), and biodegradable natural polymers (collagen type I with/without glycosaminoglycan; chitosan; porcine small intestinal submucosa); different resorption times are available for resorbable guides, ranging from three months to four years. Unfortunately, anatomical/functional nerve regeneration requirements are not satisfied by any of the possible alternatives; to date, focusing on wall and/or inner lumen organization/functionalization seems to be the most promising strategy for next-generation device fabrication. Porous or grooved walls as well as multichannel lumens and luminal fillers are the most intriguing options, eventually also including the addition of cells (Schwann cells, bone marrow-derived, and adipose tissue derived stem cells) to support nerve regeneration. This review aims to describe common alternatives for severe PNI recovery with a highlight of future conduits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Stocco
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Foundation for Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering and Signaling-TES, Onlus, 35030 Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Barbon
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Foundation for Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering and Signaling-TES, Onlus, 35030 Padova, Italy
| | - Aron Emmi
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Cesare Tiengo
- Plastic Surgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Macchi
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Caro
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Porzionato
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, 35128 Padova, Italy
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Lee MS, Jeon J, Park S, Lim J, Yang HS. Rationally designed bioactive milk-derived protein scaffolds enhanced new bone formation. Bioact Mater 2023; 20:368-380. [PMID: 35784638 PMCID: PMC9213433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, a number of studies reported that casein was composed of various multifunctional bioactive peptides such as casein phosphopeptide and β-casochemotide-1 that bind calcium ions and induce macrophage chemotaxis, which is crucial for bone homeostasis and bone fracture repair by cytokines secreted in the process. We hypothesized that the effects of the multifunctional biopeptides in casein would contribute to improving bone regeneration. Thus, we designed a tissue engineering platform that consisted of casein and polyvinyl alcohol, which was a physical-crosslinked scaffold (milk-derived protein; MDP), via simple freeze-thaw cycles and performed surface modification using 3,4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (DOPA), a mussel adhesive protein, for immobilizing adhesive proteins and cytokines for recruiting cells in vivo (MDP-DOPA). Both the MDP and MDP-DOPA groups proved indirectly contribution of macrophages migration as RAW 264.7 cells were highly migrated toward materials by contained bioactive peptides. We implanted MDP and MDP-DOPA in a mouse calvarial defect orthotopic model and evaluated whether MDP-DOPA showed much faster mineral deposition and higher bone density than that of the no-treatment and MDP groups. The MDP-DOPA group showed the accumulation of host M2 macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) around the scaffold, whereas MDP presented mostly M1 macrophages in the early stage. Bioactive peptide-containing scaffold was fabricated via simple freeze-thaw cycles, and subsequently, the surface was modified with adhesive protein. We confirmed that the multifunctional biopeptides regulated the migration of macrophages and enhanced osteogenic differentiation. The bioactive peptide-containing scaffold showed much faster and higher mineral deposition in vivo animal studies compared to the other groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Suk Lee
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 FOUR NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Medical Laser Research Center, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Jeon
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 FOUR NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Sihyeon Park
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 FOUR NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhan Lim
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 FOUR NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Seok Yang
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 FOUR NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Center for Bio-Medical Engineering Core-Facility, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Corresponding author. Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 FOUR NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.
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Todros S, Spadoni S, Barbon S, Stocco E, Confalonieri M, Porzionato A, Pavan PG. Compressive Mechanical Behavior of Partially Oxidized Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogels for Cartilage Tissue Repair. BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:bioengineering9120789. [PMID: 36550995 PMCID: PMC9774902 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9120789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels are extensively used as scaffolds for tissue engineering, although their biodegradation properties have not been optimized yet. To overcome this limitation, partially oxidized PVA has been developed by means of different oxidizing agents, obtaining scaffolds with improved biodegradability. The oxidation reaction also allows tuning the mechanical properties, which are essential for effective use in vivo. In this work, the compressive mechanical behavior of native and partially oxidized PVA hydrogels is investigated, to evaluate the effect of different oxidizing agents, i.e., potassium permanganate, bromine, and iodine. For this purpose, PVA hydrogels are tested by means of indentation tests, also considering the time-dependent mechanical response. Indentation results show that the oxidation reduces the compressive stiffness from about 2.3 N/mm for native PVA to 1.1 ÷ 1.4 N/mm for oxidized PVA. During the consolidation, PVA hydrogels exhibit a force reduction of about 40% and this behavior is unaffected by the oxidizing treatment. A poroviscoelastic constitutive model is developed to describe the time-dependent mechanical response, accounting for the viscoelastic polymer matrix properties and the flow of water molecules within the matrix during long-term compression. This model allows to estimate the long-term Young's modulus of PVA hydrogels in drained conditions (66 kPa for native PVA and 34-42 kPa for oxidized PVA) and can be exploited to evaluate their performances under compressive stress in vivo, as in the case of cartilage tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Todros
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Venezia 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Spadoni
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Venezia 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Silvia Barbon
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, via A. Gabelli 65, 35121 Padova, Italy
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Regione Veneto, via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Stocco
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, via A. Gabelli 65, 35121 Padova, Italy
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Regione Veneto, via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Confalonieri
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Venezia 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Porzionato
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, via A. Gabelli 65, 35121 Padova, Italy
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Regione Veneto, via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Piero Giovanni Pavan
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Venezia 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
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Development of Two-Layer Hybrid Scaffolds Based on Oxidized Polyvinyl Alcohol and Bioactivated Chitosan Sponges for Tissue Engineering Purposes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012059. [PMID: 36292917 PMCID: PMC9603651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidized polyvinyl alcohol (OxPVA) is a new polymer for the fabrication of nerve conduits (NCs). Looking for OxPVA device optimization and coupling it with a natural sheath may boost bioactivity. Thus, OxPVA/chitosan sponges (ChS) as hybrid scaffolds were investigated to predict in the vivo behaviour of two-layered NCs. To encourage interaction with cells, ChS were functionalized with the self-assembling-peptide (SAP) EAK, without/with the laminin-derived sequences -IKVAV/-YIGSR. Thus, ChS and the hybrid scaffolds were characterized for mechanical properties, ultrastructure (Scanning Electron Microscopy, SEM), bioactivity, and biocompatibility. Regarding mechanical analysis, the peptide-free ChS showed the highest values of compressive modulus and maximum stress. However, among +EAK groups, ChS+EAK showed a significantly higher maximum stress than that found for ChS+EAK-IKVAV and ChS+EAK-YIGSR. Considering ultrastructure, microporous interconnections were tighter in both the OxPVA/ChS and +EAK groups than in the others; all the scaffolds induced SH-SY5Y cells’ adhesion/proliferation, with significant differences from day 7 and a higher total cell number for OxPVA/ChS+EAK scaffolds, in accordance with SEM. The scaffolds elicited only a slight inflammation after 14 days of subcutaneous implantation in Balb/c mice, proving biocompatibility. ChS porosity, EAK 3D features and neuro-friendly attitude (shared with IKVAV/YIGSR motifs) may confer to OxPVA certain bioactivity, laying the basis for future appealing NCs.
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Membrane Progesterone Receptor α (mPRα/PAQR7) Promotes Survival and Neurite Outgrowth of Human Neuronal Cells by a Direct Action and Through Schwann Cell-like Stem Cells. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:2067-2080. [PMID: 35974286 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02057-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
We recently showed that membrane progesterone receptor α (mPRα/PAQR7) promotes pro-regenerative effects in Schwann cell-like adipose stem cells (SCL-ASC), an alternative model to Schwann cells for the promotion of peripheral nerve regeneration. In this study, we investigated how mPRα activation with the mPR-specific agonist Org OD 02-0 in SCL-ASC affected regenerative parameters in two neuronal cell lines, IMR-32 and SH-SY-5Y. In a series of conditioned medium experiments, we found that mPR activation of SCL-ASC led to increased neurite outgrowth, protection from cell death and increased expression of peripheral nerve regeneration markers (CREB3, ATF3, GAP43) in neuronal cell lines. These effects were stronger than the ones observed with the conditioned medium from untreated SCL-ASC. The addition of Org OD 02-0 to the untreated cell medium mimicked the effects of mPR activation of SCL-ASC on cell death, but not on neurite outgrowth. Therefore, the effect of Org OD 02-0 on neurite outgrowth is SCL-ASC-dependent, while its effect on cell survivability is likely due to the direct activation of mPRs on neuronal cells. SCL-ASC transfection with mPRα siRNA showed that this isoform is responsible for the beneficial effect on neurite outgrowth. Further experiments showed that SCL-ASC-dependent outcomes likely involved the release of BDNF and IGF-2 from these cells. The beneficial mPRα effect on neurite outgrowth was confirmed in co-culture conditions. These findings strengthen the hypothesis that mPRα could play a pro-regenerative role in SCL-ASC and be a therapeutic target for the promotion of peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Camponogara F, Zanotti F, Trentini M, Tiengo E, Zanolla I, Pishavar E, Soliani E, Scatto M, Gargiulo P, Zambito Y, De Luca S, Ferroni L, Zavan B. Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine in Italy: Brief State of the Art of the Principal Research Centers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8245. [PMID: 35897825 PMCID: PMC9368060 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine is the branch of medicine that effectively uses stem cell therapy and tissue engineering strategies to guide the healing or replacement of damaged tissues or organs. A crucial element is undoubtedly the biomaterial that guides biological events to restore tissue continuity. The polymers, natural or synthetic, find wide application thanks to their great adaptability. In fact, they can be used as principal components, coatings or vehicles to functionalize several biomaterials. There are many leading centers for the research and development of biomaterials in Italy. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current state of the art on polymer research for regenerative medicine purposes. The last five years of scientific production of the main Italian research centers has been screened to analyze the current advancement in tissue engineering in order to highlight inputs for the development of novel biomaterials and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Camponogara
- Translational Medicine Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.C.); (F.Z.); (M.T.); (E.T.); (E.P.)
| | - Federica Zanotti
- Translational Medicine Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.C.); (F.Z.); (M.T.); (E.T.); (E.P.)
| | - Martina Trentini
- Translational Medicine Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.C.); (F.Z.); (M.T.); (E.T.); (E.P.)
| | - Elena Tiengo
- Translational Medicine Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.C.); (F.Z.); (M.T.); (E.T.); (E.P.)
| | - Ilaria Zanolla
- Medical Sciences Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Elham Pishavar
- Translational Medicine Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.C.); (F.Z.); (M.T.); (E.T.); (E.P.)
| | - Elisa Soliani
- Bioengineering Department, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, UK;
| | - Marco Scatto
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venezia, Italy;
| | - Paolo Gargiulo
- Institute for Biomedical and Neural Engineering, Reykjavík University, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland;
- Department of Science, Landspítali, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Ylenia Zambito
- Chemical Department, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Stefano De Luca
- Unit of Naples, Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, National Research Council, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Letizia Ferroni
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy;
| | - Barbara Zavan
- Translational Medicine Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.C.); (F.Z.); (M.T.); (E.T.); (E.P.)
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11
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Mu X, Liu H, Yang S, Li Y, Xiang L, Hu M, Wang X. Chitosan Tubes Inoculated with Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Stem Cell Factor Enhance Facial Nerve-Vascularized Regeneration in Rabbits. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:18509-18520. [PMID: 35694480 PMCID: PMC9178771 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Facial nerve injury is a common clinical condition that leads to disfigurement and emotional distress in the affected individuals, and the recovery presents clinical challenges. Tissue engineering is the standard method to repair nerve defects. However, nerve regeneration is still not satisfactory because of poor neovascularization after implantation, especially for the long-segment nerve defects. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the potential of chitosan tubes inoculated with stem cell factor (SCF) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in facial nerve-vascularized regeneration. In the in vitro experiment, DPSCs were isolated, cultured, and then identified. The optimal concentration of SCF was screened by CCK8. Cytoskeleton and living-cell staining, migration, CCK8 test, and neural differentiation assays were performed, revealing that SCF promoted the biological activity of DPSCs. Surprisingly, SCF increased the neural differentiation of DPSCs. The migration and angiogenesis experiments were carried out to show that SCF promoted the angiogenesis and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In the facial nerve, 7 mm defects of New Zealand white rabbits, hematoxylin-eosin (HE), immunohistochemistry, toluidine blue staining, and transmission electron microscopy observation were performed at 12 weeks postsurgery to show more nerve fibers and better myelin sheath in the SCF + DPSC group. In addition, the whisker movements, Masson's staining, and western blot assays were performed, demonstrating functional repair and that the expression level of CD31 protein in the group SCF + DPSCs was relatively close to that in the group Autograft. In summary, chitosan tubes inoculated with SCF and DPSCs increased neurovascularization and provided an effective method for repairing facial nerve defects, indicating great promise for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Mu
- Department
of Stomotology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Huawei Liu
- Department
of Stomotology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Shuhui Yang
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of New
Ceramics and Fine Processing, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yongfeng Li
- Department
of Stomotology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Lei Xiang
- Department
of Stomotology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department
of Stomotology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xiumei Wang
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of New
Ceramics and Fine Processing, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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12
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Zhang F, Zhang M, Liu S, Li C, Ding Z, Wan T, Zhang P. Application of Hybrid Electrically Conductive Hydrogels Promotes Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. Gels 2022; 8:41. [PMID: 35049576 PMCID: PMC8775167 DOI: 10.3390/gels8010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) occurs frequently, and the prognosis is unsatisfactory. As the gold standard of treatment, autologous nerve grafting has several disadvantages, such as lack of donors and complications. The use of functional biomaterials to simulate the natural microenvironment of the nervous system and the combination of different biomaterials are considered to be encouraging alternative methods for effective tissue regeneration and functional restoration of injured nerves. Considering the inherent presence of an electric field in the nervous system, electrically conductive biomaterials have been used to promote nerve regeneration. Due to their singular physical properties, hydrogels can provide a three-dimensional hydrated network that can be integrated into diverse sizes and shapes and stimulate the natural functions of nerve tissue. Therefore, conductive hydrogels have become the most effective biological material to simulate human nervous tissue's biological and electrical characteristics. The principal merits of conductive hydrogels include their physical properties and their electrical peculiarities sufficient to effectively transmit electrical signals to cells. This review summarizes the recent applications of conductive hydrogels to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengshi Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (F.Z.); (M.Z.); (S.L.); (C.L.); (Z.D.); (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100044, China
- National Center for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (F.Z.); (M.Z.); (S.L.); (C.L.); (Z.D.); (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100044, China
- National Center for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Songyang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (F.Z.); (M.Z.); (S.L.); (C.L.); (Z.D.); (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100044, China
- National Center for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ci Li
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (F.Z.); (M.Z.); (S.L.); (C.L.); (Z.D.); (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100044, China
- National Center for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Zhentao Ding
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (F.Z.); (M.Z.); (S.L.); (C.L.); (Z.D.); (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100044, China
- National Center for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Teng Wan
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (F.Z.); (M.Z.); (S.L.); (C.L.); (Z.D.); (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100044, China
- National Center for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Peixun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (F.Z.); (M.Z.); (S.L.); (C.L.); (Z.D.); (T.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100044, China
- National Center for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
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Liu C, Wang Z, Yao X, Wang M, Huang Z, Li X. Sustained Biochemical Signaling and Contact Guidance by Electrospun Bicomponents as Promising Scaffolds for Nerve Tissue Regeneration. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:33010-33017. [PMID: 34901652 PMCID: PMC8655927 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrospun fibers are excellent delivery vehicles enabling a sustained release of growth factors to elicit favorable cell responses and are increasingly used in tissue engineering. Scaffolds with specific physical/topographical features can also guide cell migration and maturation. Therefore, growth factor-loaded electrospun scaffolds with a designed topography are promising for tissue regeneration. In this investigation, aligned-fiber scaffolds composed of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanofibers incorporating a glial cell line-derived growth factor and poly (d,l-lactic acid) nanofibers incorporating a nerve growth factor were produced by electrospinning. The scaffolds provided an aligned fibrous topography and a dual release of growth factors. The rat pheochromocytoma cell (PC12 cell) response to produced non-woven and aligned-fiber scaffolds with/without growth factors was studied. The dual release of growth factors and topographical cues provided by aligned-fiber bicomponent scaffolds induced significant neurite extension, neuronal differentiation, and neurite alignment in a synergistic manner. The scaffolds with predesigned biochemical/topographical cues demonstrated in this study might be promising for nerve tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyu Liu
- Department
of Research and Development, Shenzhen Shiningbiotek
Company Limited, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Department
of Research and Development, Shenzhen Anlv
Medical Technology Company Limited, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xumei Yao
- Department
of Research and Development, Shenzhen Shiningbiotek
Company Limited, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, The University
of Hong Kong, Pokfulam
Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Zhigang Huang
- Department
of General Practice, Peking University Shenzhen
Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Xiaohua Li
- Department
of Research and Development, Shenzhen Shiningbiotek
Company Limited, Shenzhen 518055, China
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14
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Todros S, Barbon S, Stocco E, Favaron M, Macchi V, De Caro R, Porzionato A, Pavan PG. Time-dependent mechanical behavior of partially oxidized polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels for tissue engineering. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2021; 125:104966. [PMID: 34798532 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104966] [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: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels are synthetic polymers which can be used as scaffolds for tissue engineering due to their biocompatibility and large water content. To improve their biodegradation properties, partial oxidation of PVA is achieved by means of different oxidizing agents, such as potassium permanganate, bromine and iodine. The effect of this process on hydrogels mechanical performance has not been fully investigated in view of tissue engineering applications. In this work, the time-dependent mechanical behavior of unmodified and partially oxidized PVA hydrogels is evaluated by means of uniaxial tensile and stress relaxation tests, to evaluate the effect of different oxidizing agents on the viscoelastic response. Tensile tests show an isotropic and almost-incompressible behavior, with a stiffness reduction after PVA oxidation. The time-dependent response of oxidized PVA is comparable to the one of unmodified PVA and is modeled as a quasi-linear viscoelastic behavior. Finite Element (FE) models of PVA samples are developed and numerical analyses are used to evaluate the effect of different strain rates on the mechanical response under uniaxial tension. This model can be exploited to predict the time-dependent mechanical behavior of partially oxidized PVA in tissue engineering application under tensile loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Todros
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Venezia 1, 35131, Padova, Italy; Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy.
| | - Silvia Barbon
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Stocco
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Martina Favaron
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Venezia 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Macchi
- Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Caro
- Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Porzionato
- Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Piero G Pavan
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Venezia 1, 35131, Padova, Italy; Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy; Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città Della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127, Padova, Italy
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15
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Ma F, Wang H, Yang X, Wu Y, Liao C, Xie B, Li Y, Zhang W. Controlled release of ciliary neurotrophic factor from bioactive nerve grafts promotes nerve regeneration in rats with facial nerve injuries. J Biomed Mater Res A 2021; 110:788-796. [PMID: 34792847 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
It is critical to repair severed facial nerves, as lack of treatment may cause long-term motor and sensory impairments. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) plays an important role in terms of enhancing nerve axon regrowth and maturation during peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. However, simple application of CNTF to the transected nerve site does not afford functional recovery, because it is rapidly flushed away by bodily fluids. The aim of the present study was the construction of a new, bioactive composite nerve graft facilitating persistent CNTF delivery to aid the reconstruction of facial nerve defects. The in vitro study showed that the bioactive nerve graft generated sustainable CNTF release for more than 25 days. The bioactive nerve graft was then transplanted into the injury sites of rat facial nerves. At 6 and 12 weeks post-transplantation, functional and histological analyses showed that the bioactive nerve graft featuring immobilized CNTF significantly enhanced nerve regeneration in terms of both axonal outgrowth and Schwann cell proliferation in the rat facial nerve gap model, compared to a collagen tube with adsorbed CNTF that initially released high levels of CNTF. The bioactive nerve graft may serve as novel, controlled bioactive release therapy for facial nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fukai Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanming Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaosheng Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwei Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenlong Liao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingran Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenchuan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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16
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Bioactivated Oxidized Polyvinyl Alcohol towards Next-Generation Nerve Conduits Development. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13193372. [PMID: 34641183 PMCID: PMC8512895 DOI: 10.3390/polym13193372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The limitations and difficulties that nerve autografts create in normal nerve function recovery after injury is driving research towards using smart materials for next generation nerve conduits (NCs) setup. Here, the new polymer partially oxidized polyvinyl alcohol (OxPVA) was assayed to verify its future potential as a bioactivated platform for advanced/effective NCs. OxPVA-patterned scaffolds (obtained by a 3D-printed mold) with/without biochemical cues (peptide IKVAV covalently bound (OxPVA-IKVAV) or self-assembling peptide EAK (sequence: AEAEAKAKAEAEAKAK), mechanically incorporated (OxPVA+EAK) versus non-bioactivated scaffold (peptide-free OxPVA (PF-OxPVA) supports, OxPVA without IKVAV and OxPVA without EAK control scaffolds) were compared for their biological effect on neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. After cell seeding, adhesion/proliferation, mediated by (a) precise control over scaffolds surface ultrastructure; (b) functionalization efficacy guaranteed by bioactive cues (IKVAV/EAK), was investigated by MTT assay at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. As shown by the results, the patterned groove alone stimulates colonization by cells; however, differences were observed when comparing the scaffold types over time. In the long period (21 days), patterned OxPVA+EAK scaffolds distinguished in bioactivity, assuring a significantly higher total cell amount than the other groups. Experimental evidence suggests patterned OxPVA-EAK potential for NCs device fabrication.
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17
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Dulanjalee E, Guillard F, Baker J, Einav I, Marks B. Measuring grain size fractions of bidisperse granular materials using X-ray radiography. OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 28:29202-29211. [PMID: 33114824 DOI: 10.1364/oe.401021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of granular materials such as sand, snow and rice are inherently tied to the size of the constituent particles. When a system is composed of particles of various sizes, it is common for these particles to segregate by size when disturbed. There is therefore a need to measure the particle size distribution within granular media as it evolves over time. However, there are very few experimental techniques available which can measure the particle sizes in situ without disturbing the medium. Here we present a technique to determine the volume fractions of the grain sizes in bidisperse granular materials with the aid of dynamic X-ray radiography. As a result of the penetration of the X-rays into the medium, radiography minimises the effect of walls and boundaries on experimental measurements, which typically dominate optical measurements. The technique proposed here is based on using Fourier transforms of X-ray radiographs to extract local measurements evolving over time that can be related to the particle size distribution. For the case of bidisperse granular media, with two distinct particle sizes, we show that this technique can measure the relative concentration of the two species, which we determine via a heuristic calibration parameter. We validate this technique by comparing discrete element simulations of mixtures of known concentration with experimental measurements derived from X-ray radiography of glass beads. In the future, this technique could be used to measure the grain size distribution in systems of bidisperse dense granular media where the concentration of particles is not known a priori. Additionally, the technique can be used to analyse granular segregation as it evolves dynamically.
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18
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Vashisth P, Kar N, Gupta D, Bellare JR. Three Dimensional Quercetin-Functionalized Patterned Scaffold: Development, Characterization, and In Vitro Assessment for Neural Tissue Engineering. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:22325-22334. [PMID: 32923790 PMCID: PMC7482233 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c02678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Regeneration of injured neuronal areas is a big challenge owing to the complex structure and function of the nervous system along with the limited regeneration capacity of neural cells. Recent reports show that patterned and functionalized scaffolds could control neural cell directional growth. In this study, aligned nanofibers (ANFs) were fabricated using a versatile and cost-effective approach, electrospinning, and further processed to make a patterned hybrid scaffold (HANF). The patterned scaffold had circular rings of ANFs reinforced in a biocompatible gellan-gelatin hydrogel matrix to provide adequate mechanical strength and contact guidance for adhesion and growth of neural cells in vitro. Quercetin was loaded into the nanofibrous scaffold to provide a functional agent that supported regeneration of neural cells. The reinforced ANFs enhanced the mechanical strength of the scaffold and provided a cylindrical nerve conduit structure to support neuronal cell growth. The influence of scaffold topology on cell behavior was assessed in in vitro cell culture conditions that revealed that the functionalized patterned scaffolds favored directed neurite cell growth/extension with favored cell culture morphology and showed no cytotoxicity toward neural cells. The results ultimately indicated that the fabricated scaffold has potential for guiding nerve tissue growth and can be used as nerve regeneration scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Vashisth
- Wadhwani
Research Centre for Bioengineering, Indian
Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400076, India
| | - Neelakshi Kar
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute
of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400076, India
| | - Deepak Gupta
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute
of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400076, India
| | - Jayesh R. Bellare
- Wadhwani
Research Centre for Bioengineering, Indian
Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400076, India
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute
of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400076, India
- . Phone: +91 22 2576 7207. Fax: +91 22 2572 6895 or +91 22 2572 3480
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19
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Yu X, Zhang T, Li Y. 3D Printing and Bioprinting Nerve Conduits for Neural Tissue Engineering. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1637. [PMID: 32717878 PMCID: PMC7465920 DOI: 10.3390/polym12081637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fabrication of nerve conduits for perfectly repairing or replacing damaged peripheral nerve is an urgent demand worldwide, but it is also a formidable clinical challenge. In the last decade, with the rapid development of manufacture technologies, 3D printing and bioprinting have been becoming remarkable stars in the field of neural engineering. In this review, we explore that the biomaterial inks (hydrogels, thermoplastic, and thermoset polyesters and composite) and bioinks have been selected for 3D printing and bioprinting of peripheral nerve conduits. This review covers 3D manufacturing technologies, including extrusion printing, inkjet printing, stereolithography, and bioprinting with inclusion of cells, bioactive molecules, and drugs. Finally, an outlook on the future directions of 3D printing and 4D printing in customizable nerve therapies is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Yu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Tian Zhang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yuan Li
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China;
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Barbon S, Stocco E, Dalzoppo D, Todros S, Canale A, Boscolo-Berto R, Pavan P, Macchi V, Grandi C, De Caro R, Porzionato A. Halogen-Mediated Partial Oxidation of Polyvinyl Alcohol for Tissue Engineering Purposes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E801. [PMID: 31991838 PMCID: PMC7038068 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Partial oxidation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with potassium permanganate turned out to be an efficient method to fabricate smart scaffolds for tissue engineering, endowed with biodegradation and protein delivery capacity. This work considered for the first time the use of halogens (bromine, chlorine and iodine) as less aggressive agents than potassium permanganate to perform controlled PVA oxidation, in order to prevent degradation of polymer molecular size upon chemical modification. Oxidized PVA solutions were chemically characterized (i.e., dinitrophenylhydrazine assay, viscosity measurements, molecular size distribution) before preparing physically cross-linked hydrogels. Scaffolds were assessed for their mechanical properties and cell/tissue biocompatibiliy through cytotoxic extract test on IMR-90 fibroblasts and subcutaneous implantation into BALB/c mice. According to chemical investigations, bromine and iodine allowed for minor alteration of polymer molecular weight. Uniaxial tensile tests demonstrated that oxidized scaffolds had decreased mechanical resistance to deformation, suggesting tunable hydrogel stiffness. Finally, oxidized hydrogels exhibited high biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo, resulting neither to be cytotoxic nor to elicit severe immunitary host reaction in comparison with atoxic PVA. In conclusion, PVA hydrogels oxidized by halogens were successfully fabricated in the effort of adapting polymer characteristics to specific tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Barbon
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35121 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (E.S.); (R.B.-B.); (V.M.); (A.P.)
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, Via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Stocco
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35121 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (E.S.); (R.B.-B.); (V.M.); (A.P.)
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, Via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Daniele Dalzoppo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35128 Padova, Italy; (D.D.); (C.G.)
| | - Silvia Todros
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padova, Via Venezia 1, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.T.); (P.P.)
| | - Antonio Canale
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Via C. Battisti 241, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Rafael Boscolo-Berto
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35121 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (E.S.); (R.B.-B.); (V.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Piero Pavan
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padova, Via Venezia 1, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.T.); (P.P.)
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Macchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35121 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (E.S.); (R.B.-B.); (V.M.); (A.P.)
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, Via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Claudio Grandi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35128 Padova, Italy; (D.D.); (C.G.)
- Foundation for Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering and Signaling (T.E.S.) Onlus, 35030 Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Caro
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35121 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (E.S.); (R.B.-B.); (V.M.); (A.P.)
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, Via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Porzionato
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35121 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (E.S.); (R.B.-B.); (V.M.); (A.P.)
- L.i.f.e.L.a.b. Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria (CORIS), Veneto Region, Via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
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New bioresorbable wraps based on oxidized polyvinyl alcohol and leukocyte-fibrin-platelet membrane to support peripheral nerve neurorrhaphy: preclinical comparison versus NeuraWrap. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17193. [PMID: 31748615 PMCID: PMC6868173 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53812-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve wrapping improves neurorrhaphy outcomes in case of peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs). The aim of this preclinical study was to assess the efficacy of two novel biodegradable wraps made of a synthetic 1% oxidized polyvinyl alcohol (OxPVA) and a natural leukocyte-fibrin-platelet membrane (LFPm) versus the commercial product NeuraWrap. After rats sciatic nerve transection and neurorrhaphy, the wraps were implanted and compared for functional outcome, by sciatic function index assessment; structural characteristics, by histological/immunohistochemical analysis; ultrastructural features, by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, a morphometric study was also performed and collagen distribution was observed by Second Harmonic Generation microscopy. After 12 weeks from implantation, all wraps assured nerve function recovery; no scar tissue/neuromas were visible at dissection. LFPm wraps were completely resorbed, while residues of OxPVA and NeuraWrap were observed. In all groups, biocompatibility was confirmed by the absence of significant inflammatory infiltrate. According to histological/immunohistochemical analysis and morphometric findings, OxPVA and LFPm wraps were both effective in preserving nerve integrity. These results assess that bioengineered OxPVA and LFPm wraps successfully guarantee favorable lesion recovery after PNI/neurorrhaphy and, in future, may be considered an interesting alternative to the commercial NeuraWrap.
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