1
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Kopyeva I, Goldner EC, Hoye JW, Yang S, Regier MC, Vera KR, Bretherton RC, DeForest CA. Stepwise Stiffening/Softening of and Cell Recovery from Reversibly Formulated Hydrogel Double Networks. bioRxiv 2024:2024.04.04.588191. [PMID: 38645065 PMCID: PMC11030224 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.04.588191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Biomechanical contributions of the ECM underpin cell growth and proliferation, differentiation, signal transduction, and other fate decisions. As such, biomaterials whose mechanics can be spatiotemporally altered - particularly in a reversible manner - are extremely valuable for studying these mechanobiological phenomena. Herein, we introduce a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogel model consisting of two interpenetrating step-growth networks that are independently formed via largely orthogonal bioorthogonal chemistries and sequentially degraded with distinct bacterial transpeptidases, affording reversibly tunable stiffness ranges that span healthy and diseased soft tissues (e.g., 500 Pa - 6 kPa) alongside terminal cell recovery for pooled and/or single-cell analysis in a near "biologically invisible" manner. Spatiotemporal control of gelation within the primary supporting network was achieved via mask-based and two-photon lithography; these stiffened patterned regions could be subsequently returned to the original soft state following sortase-based secondary network degradation. Using this approach, we investigated the effects of 4D-triggered network mechanical changes on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) morphology and Hippo signaling, as well as Caco-2 colorectal cancer cell mechanomemory at the global transcriptome level via RNAseq. We expect this platform to be of broad utility for studying and directing mechanobiological phenomena, patterned cell fate, as well as disease resolution in softer matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kopyeva
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Ethan C. Goldner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Jack W. Hoye
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Shiyu Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Mary C. Regier
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Kaitlyn R. Vera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Ross C. Bretherton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
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2
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Munoz-Robles BG, DeForest CA. Irreversible light-activated SpyLigation mediates split-protein assembly in 4D. Nat Protoc 2024; 19:1015-1052. [PMID: 38253657 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00938-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The conditional assembly of split-protein pairs to modulate biological activity is commonly achieved by fusing split-protein fragments to dimerizing components that bring inactive pairs into close proximity in response to an exogenous trigger. However, current methods lack full spatial and temporal control over reconstitution, require sustained activation and lack specificity. Here light-activated SpyLigation (LASL), based on the photoregulation of the covalent SpyTag (ST)/SpyCatcher (SC) peptide-protein reaction, assembles nonfunctional split fragment pairs rapidly and irreversibly in solution, in engineered biomaterials and intracellularly. LASL introduces an ortho-nitrobenzyl(oNB)-caged lysine into SC's reactive site to generate a photoactivatable SC (pSC). Split-protein pairs of interest fused to pSC and ST are conditionally assembled via near-ultraviolet or pulsed near-infrared irradiation, as the uncaged SC can react with ST to ligate appended fragments. We describe procedures for the efficient synthesis of the photocaged amino acid that is incorporated within pSC (<5 days) as well as the design and cloning of LASL plasmids (1-4 days) for recombinant protein expression in either Escherichia coli (5-6 days) or mammalian cells (4-6 days), which require some prior expertise in protein engineering. We provide a chemoenzymatic scheme for appending bioorthogonal reactive handles onto E. coli-purified pSC protein (<4 days) that permits LASL component incorporation and patterned protein activation within many common biomaterial platforms. Given that LASL is irreversible, the photolithographic patterning procedures are fast and do not require sustained light exposure. Overall, LASL can be used to interrogate and modulate cell signaling in various settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brizzia G Munoz-Robles
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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3
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Bennett JI, Boit MO, Gregorio NE, Zhang F, Kibler RD, Hoye JW, Prado O, Rapp PB, Murry CE, Stevens KR, DeForest CA. Genetically Encoded XTEN-based Hydrogels with Tunable Viscoelasticity and Biodegradability for Injectable Cell Therapies. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024:e2301708. [PMID: 38477407 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
While direct cell transplantation holds great promise in treating many debilitating diseases, poor cell survival and engraftment following injection have limited effective clinical translation. Though injectable biomaterials offer protection against membrane-damaging extensional flow and supply a supportive 3D environment in vivo that ultimately improves cell retention and therapeutic costs, most are created from synthetic or naturally harvested polymers that are immunogenic and/or chemically ill-defined. This work presents a shear-thinning and self-healing telechelic recombinant protein-based hydrogel designed around XTEN - a well-expressible, non-immunogenic, and intrinsically disordered polypeptide previously evolved as a genetically encoded alternative to PEGylation to "eXTENd" the in vivo half-life of fused protein therapeutics. By flanking XTEN with self-associating coil domains derived from cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, single-component physically crosslinked hydrogels exhibiting rapid shear thinning and self-healing through homopentameric coiled-coil bundling are formed. Individual and combined point mutations that variably stabilize coil association enables a straightforward method to genetically program material viscoelasticity and biodegradability. Finally, these materials protect and sustain viability of encapsulated human fibroblasts, hepatocytes, embryonic kidney (HEK), and embryonic stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs) through culture, injection, and transcutaneous implantation in mice. These injectable XTEN-based hydrogels show promise for both in vitro cell culture and in vivo cell transplantation applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer I Bennett
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Mary O'Kelly Boit
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Nicole E Gregorio
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Ryan D Kibler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Jack W Hoye
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Olivia Prado
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Peter B Rapp
- Flagship Labs 83, Inc., 135 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Charles E Murry
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Medicine/Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Kelly R Stevens
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
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4
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Mout R, Bretherton RC, Decarreau J, Lee S, Gregorio N, Edman NI, Ahlrichs M, Hsia Y, Sahtoe DD, Ueda G, Sharma A, Schulman R, DeForest CA, Baker D. De novo design of modular protein hydrogels with programmable intra- and extracellular viscoelasticity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309457121. [PMID: 38289949 PMCID: PMC10861882 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309457121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Relating the macroscopic properties of protein-based materials to their underlying component microstructure is an outstanding challenge. Here, we exploit computational design to specify the size, flexibility, and valency of de novo protein building blocks, as well as the interaction dynamics between them, to investigate how molecular parameters govern the macroscopic viscoelasticity of the resultant protein hydrogels. We construct gel systems from pairs of symmetric protein homo-oligomers, each comprising 2, 5, 24, or 120 individual protein components, that are crosslinked either physically or covalently into idealized step-growth biopolymer networks. Through rheological assessment, we find that the covalent linkage of multifunctional precursors yields hydrogels whose viscoelasticity depends on the crosslink length between the constituent building blocks. In contrast, reversibly crosslinking the homo-oligomeric components with a computationally designed heterodimer results in viscoelastic biomaterials exhibiting fluid-like properties under rest and low shear, but solid-like behavior at higher frequencies. Exploiting the unique genetic encodability of these materials, we demonstrate the assembly of protein networks within living mammalian cells and show via fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) that mechanical properties can be tuned intracellularly in a manner similar to formulations formed extracellularly. We anticipate that the ability to modularly construct and systematically program the viscoelastic properties of designer protein-based materials could have broad utility in biomedicine, with applications in tissue engineering, therapeutic delivery, and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubul Mout
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Stem Cell Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Ross C. Bretherton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Justin Decarreau
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Sangmin Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Nicole Gregorio
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Natasha I. Edman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Maggie Ahlrichs
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Yang Hsia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Danny D. Sahtoe
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- HHMI, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - George Ueda
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Alee Sharma
- College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University, Boston, MA02115
| | - Rebecca Schulman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21218
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21218
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- HHMI, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
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5
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Gharios R, Francis RM, DeForest CA. Chemical and Biological Engineering Strategies to Make and Modify Next-Generation Hydrogel Biomaterials. Matter 2023; 6:4195-4244. [PMID: 38313360 PMCID: PMC10836217 DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2023.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing interest in the development of technologies to probe and direct in vitro cellular function for fundamental organoid and stem cell biology, functional tissue and metabolic engineering, and biotherapeutic formulation. Recapitulating many critical aspects of the native cellular niche, hydrogel biomaterials have proven to be a defining platform technology in this space, catapulting biological investigation from traditional two-dimensional (2D) culture into the 3D world. Seeking to better emulate the dynamic heterogeneity characteristic of all living tissues, global efforts over the last several years have centered around upgrading hydrogel design from relatively simple and static architectures into stimuli-responsive and spatiotemporally evolvable niches. Towards this end, advances from traditionally disparate fields including bioorthogonal click chemistry, chemoenzymatic synthesis, and DNA nanotechnology have been co-opted and integrated to construct 4D-tunable systems that undergo preprogrammed functional changes in response to user-defined inputs. In this Review, we highlight how advances in synthetic, semisynthetic, and bio-based chemistries have played a critical role in the triggered creation and customization of next-generation hydrogel biomaterials. We also chart how these advances stand to energize the translational pipeline of hydrogels from bench to market and close with an outlook on outstanding opportunities and challenges that lay ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Gharios
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Ryan M. Francis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98109, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
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6
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Nealy ES, Reed SJ, Adelmund SM, Badeau BA, Shadish JA, Girard EJ, Pakiam FJ, Mhyre AJ, Price JP, Sarkar S, Kalia V, DeForest CA, Olson JM. Versatile Tissue-Injectable Hydrogels with Extended Hydrolytic Release of Bioactive Protein Therapeutics. bioRxiv 2023:2023.09.01.554391. [PMID: 37693598 PMCID: PMC10491173 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.01.554391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels generally have broad utilization in healthcare due to their tunable structures, high water content, and inherent biocompatibility. FDA-approved applications of hydrogels include spinal cord regeneration, skin fillers, and local therapeutic delivery. Drawbacks exist in the clinical hydrogel space, largely pertaining to inconsistent therapeutic exposure, short-lived release windows, and difficulties inserting the polymer into tissue. In this study, we engineered injectable, biocompatible hydrogels that function as a local protein therapeutic depot with a high degree of user-customizability. We showcase a PEG-based hydrogel functionalized with bioorthogonal strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) handles for its polymerization and functionalization with a variety of payloads. Small-molecule and protein cargos, including chemokines and antibodies, were site-specifically modified with hydrolysable "azidoesters" of varying hydrophobicity via direct chemical conjugation or sortase-mediated transpeptidation. These hydrolysable esters afforded extended release of payloads linked to our hydrogels beyond diffusion; with timescales spanning days to months dependent on ester hydrophobicity. Injected hydrogels polymerize in situ and remain in tissue over extended periods of time. Hydrogel-delivered protein payloads elicit biological activity after being modified with SPAAC-compatible linkers, as demonstrated by the successful recruitment of murine T-cells to a mouse melanoma model by hydrolytically released murine CXCL10. These results highlight a highly versatile, customizable hydrogel-based delivery system for local delivery of protein therapeutics with payload release profiles appropriate for a variety of clinical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S. Nealy
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle WA
- Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle WA
| | | | - Steve M. Adelmund
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Barry A. Badeau
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Jared A. Shadish
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Emily J. Girard
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle WA
- Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle WA
| | | | - Andrew J. Mhyre
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle WA
- Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle WA
| | - Jason P. Price
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle WA
- Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle WA
| | - Surojit Sarkar
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle WA
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Vandana Kalia
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle WA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle WA
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle WA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle WA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - James M. Olson
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle WA
- Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle WA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle WA
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7
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Rapp TL, DeForest CA. Tricolor visible wavelength-selective photodegradable hydrogel biomaterials. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5250. [PMID: 37640707 PMCID: PMC10462736 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40805-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic hydrogel biomaterials have demonstrated great potential for user-triggered therapeutic release, patterned organoid development, and four-dimensional control over advanced cell fates in vitro. Current photosensitive materials are constrained by their reliance on high-energy ultraviolet light (<400 nm) that offers poor tissue penetrance and limits access to the broader visible spectrum. Here, we report a family of three photolabile material crosslinkers that respond rapidly and with unique tricolor wavelength-selectivity to low-energy visible light (400-617 nm). We show that when mixed with multifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) macromolecular precursors, ruthenium polypyridyl- and ortho-nitrobenzyl (oNB)-based crosslinkers yield cytocompatible biomaterials that can undergo spatiotemporally patterned, uniform bulk softening, and multiplexed degradation several centimeters deep through complex tissue. We demonstrate that encapsulated living cells within these photoresponsive gels show high viability and can be successfully recovered from the hydrogels following photodegradation. Moving forward, we anticipate that these advanced material platforms will enable new studies in 3D mechanobiology, controlled drug delivery, and next-generation tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa L Rapp
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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8
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Wu KL, Bretherton RC, Davis J, DeForest CA. Pharmacological regulation of protein-polymer hydrogel stiffness. RSC Adv 2023; 13:24487-24490. [PMID: 37588975 PMCID: PMC10426327 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra04046a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes constant physiochemical change. User-programmable biomaterials afford exciting opportunities to study such dynamic processes in vitro. Herein, we introduce a protein-polymer hydrogel whose stiffness can be pharmacologically and reversibly regulated with conventional antibiotics. Specifically, a coumermycin-mediated homodimerization of gel-tethered DNA gyrase subunit B (GyrB) creates physical crosslinking and a rheological increase in hydrogel mechanics, while competitive displacement of coumermycin with novobiocin returns the material to its softened state. These unique platforms could potentially be modulated in vivo and are expected to prove useful in elucidating the effects of ECM-presented mechanical signals on cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Lin Wu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington (UW) Seattle WA 98105 USA
| | - Ross C Bretherton
- Department of Bioengineering, UW Seattle WA 98105 USA
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, UW Seattle WA 98109 USA
| | - Jennifer Davis
- Department of Bioengineering, UW Seattle WA 98105 USA
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, UW Seattle WA 98109 USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, UW Seattle WA 98109 USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, UW Seattle WA 98109 USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington (UW) Seattle WA 98105 USA
- Department of Bioengineering, UW Seattle WA 98105 USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, UW Seattle WA 98109 USA
- Department of Chemistry, UW Seattle WA 98105 USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, UW Seattle WA 98109 USA
- Institute for Protein Design, UW Seattle WA 98105 USA
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9
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Mout R, Bretherton RC, Decarreau J, Lee S, Edman NI, Ahlrichs M, Hsia Y, Sahtoe DD, Ueda G, Gregorio N, Sharma A, Schulman R, DeForest CA, Baker D. De novo design of modular protein hydrogels with programmable intra- and extracellular viscoelasticity. bioRxiv 2023:2023.06.02.543449. [PMID: 37398067 PMCID: PMC10312586 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.02.543449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Relating the macroscopic properties of protein-based materials to their underlying component microstructure is an outstanding challenge. Here, we exploit computational design to specify the size, flexibility, and valency of de novo protein building blocks, as well as the interaction dynamics between them, to investigate how molecular parameters govern the macroscopic viscoelasticity of the resultant protein hydrogels. We construct gel systems from pairs of symmetric protein homo-oligomers, each comprising 2, 5, 24, or 120 individual protein components, that are crosslinked either physically or covalently into idealized step-growth biopolymer networks. Through rheological assessment and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, we find that the covalent linkage of multifunctional precursors yields hydrogels whose viscoelasticity depends on the crosslink length between the constituent building blocks. In contrast, reversibly crosslinking the homo-oligomeric components with a computationally designed heterodimer results in non-Newtonian biomaterials exhibiting fluid-like properties under rest and low shear, but shear-stiffening solid-like behavior at higher frequencies. Exploiting the unique genetic encodability of these materials, we demonstrate the assembly of protein networks within living mammalian cells and show via fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) that mechanical properties can be tuned intracellularly, in correlation with matching formulations formed extracellularly. We anticipate that the ability to modularly construct and systematically program the viscoelastic properties of designer protein-based materials could have broad utility in biomedicine, with applications in tissue engineering, therapeutic delivery, and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubul Mout
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Stem Cell Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Ross C. Bretherton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Justin Decarreau
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Sangmin Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Natasha I. Edman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Maggie Ahlrichs
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Yang Hsia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Danny D. Sahtoe
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - George Ueda
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Nicole Gregorio
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Alee Sharma
- Stem Cell Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Rebecca Schulman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
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10
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Ruskowitz ER, Munoz-Robles BG, Strange AC, Butcher CH, Kurniawan S, Filteau JR, DeForest CA. Spatiotemporal functional assembly of split protein pairs through a light-activated SpyLigation. Nat Chem 2023; 15:694-704. [PMID: 37069270 PMCID: PMC10164143 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01152-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Proteins provide essential functional regulation of many bioprocesses across all scales of life; however, new techniques to specifically modulate protein activity within living systems and in engineered biomaterials are needed to better interrogate fundamental cell signalling and guide advanced decisions of biological fate. Here we establish a generalizable strategy to rapidly and irreversibly activate protein function with full spatiotemporal control. Through the development of a genetically encoded and light-activated SpyLigation (LASL), bioactive proteins can be stably reassembled from non-functional split fragment pairs following brief exposure (typically minutes) to cytocompatible light. Employing readily accessible photolithographic processing techniques to specify when, where and how much photoligation occurs, we demonstrate precise protein activation of UnaG, NanoLuc and Cre recombinase using LASL in solution, biomaterials and living mammalian cells, as well as optical control over protein subcellular localization. Looking forward, we expect that these photoclick-based optogenetic approaches will find tremendous utility in probing and directing complex cellular fates in both time and three-dimensional space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Ruskowitz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Alder C Strange
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carson H Butcher
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sebastian Kurniawan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeremy R Filteau
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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11
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Bretherton RC, Haack AJ, Kopyeva I, Rahman F, Kern JD, Bugg D, Theberge AB, Davis J, DeForest CA. User-Controlled 4D Biomaterial Degradation with Substrate-Selective Sortase Transpeptidases for Single-Cell Biology. Adv Mater 2023; 35:e2209904. [PMID: 36808641 PMCID: PMC10175157 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive biomaterials show great promise for modeling disease dynamics ex vivo with spatiotemporal control over the cellular microenvironment. However, harvesting cells from such materials for downstream analysis without perturbing their state remains an outstanding challenge in 3/4-dimensional (3D/4D) culture and tissue engineering. In this manuscript, a fully enzymatic strategy for hydrogel degradation that affords spatiotemporal control over cell release while maintaining cytocompatibility is introduced. Exploiting engineered variants of the sortase transpeptidase evolved to recognize and selectively cleave distinct peptide sequences largely absent from the mammalian proteome, many limitations implicit to state-of-the-art methods to liberate cells from gels are sidestepped. It is demonstrated that evolved sortase exposure has minimal impact on the global transcriptome of primary mammalian cells and that proteolytic cleavage proceeds with high specificity; incorporation of substrate sequences within hydrogel crosslinkers permits rapid and selective cell recovery with high viability. In composite multimaterial hydrogels, it is shown that sequential degradation of hydrogel layers enables highly specific retrieval of single-cell suspensions for phenotypic analysis. It is expected that the high bioorthogonality and substrate selectivity of the evolved sortases will lead to their broad adoption as an enzymatic material dissociation cue and that their multiplexed use will enable newfound studies in 4D cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross C Bretherton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Amanda J Haack
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Irina Kopyeva
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Fariha Rahman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Jonah D Kern
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Darrian Bugg
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Davis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
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12
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O'Connor CE, Neufeld A, Fortin CL, Johansson F, Mene J, Saxton SH, Simmonds SP, Kopyeva I, Gregorio NE, DeForest CA, Witten DM, Stevens KR. Highly Parallel Tissue Grafting for Combinatorial In Vivo Screening. bioRxiv 2023:2023.03.16.533029. [PMID: 36993278 PMCID: PMC10055160 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.16.533029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Material- and cell-based technologies such as engineered tissues hold great promise as human therapies. Yet, the development of many of these technologies becomes stalled at the stage of pre-clinical animal studies due to the tedious and low-throughput nature of in vivo implantation experiments. We introduce a 'plug and play' in vivo screening array platform called Highly Parallel Tissue Grafting (HPTG). HPTG enables parallelized in vivo screening of 43 three-dimensional microtissues within a single 3D printed device. Using HPTG, we screen microtissue formations with varying cellular and material components and identify formulations that support vascular self-assembly, integration and tissue function. Our studies highlight the importance of combinatorial studies that vary cellular and material formulation variables concomitantly, by revealing that inclusion of stromal cells can "rescue" vascular self-assembly in manner that is material-dependent. HPTG provides a route for accelerating pre-clinical progress for diverse medical applications including tissue therapy, cancer biomedicine, and regenerative medicine.
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13
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Bretherton RC, Reichardt IM, Zabrecky KA, Goldstein AJ, Bailey LR, Bugg D, McMillen TS, Kooiker KB, Flint GV, Martinson A, Gunaje J, Koser F, Plaster E, Linke WA, Regnier M, Moussavi-Harami F, Sniadecki NJ, DeForest CA, Davis J. Correcting dilated cardiomyopathy with fibroblast-targeted p38 deficiency. bioRxiv 2023:2023.01.23.523684. [PMID: 36747691 PMCID: PMC9900749 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.23.523684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Inherited mutations in contractile and structural genes, which decrease cardiomyocyte tension generation, are principal drivers of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)- the leading cause of heart failure 1,2 . Progress towards developing precision therapeutics for and defining the underlying determinants of DCM has been cardiomyocyte centric with negligible attention directed towards fibroblasts despite their role in regulating the best predictor of DCM severity, cardiac fibrosis 3,4 . Given that failure to reverse fibrosis is a major limitation of both standard of care and first in class precision therapeutics for DCM, this study examined whether cardiac fibroblast-mediated regulation of the heart's material properties is essential for the DCM phenotype. Here we report in a mouse model of inherited DCM that prior to the onset of fibrosis and dilated myocardial remodeling both the myocardium and extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffen from switches in titin isoform expression, enhanced collagen fiber alignment, and expansion of the cardiac fibroblast population, which we blocked by genetically suppressing p38α in cardiac fibroblasts. This fibroblast-targeted intervention unexpectedly improved the primary cardiomyocyte defect in contractile function and reversed ECM and dilated myocardial remodeling. Together these findings challenge the long-standing paradigm that ECM remodeling is a secondary complication to inherited defects in cardiomyocyte contractile function and instead demonstrate cardiac fibroblasts are essential contributors to the DCM phenotype, thus suggesting DCM-specific therapeutics will require fibroblast-specific strategies.
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14
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Bugg D, Bailey LRJ, Bretherton RC, Beach KE, Reichardt IM, Robeson KZ, Reese AC, Gunaje J, Flint G, DeForest CA, Stempien-Otero A, Davis J. MBNL1 drives dynamic transitions between fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in cardiac wound healing. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:419-433.e10. [PMID: 35176223 PMCID: PMC8929295 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic fibroblast to myofibroblast state transitions underlie the heart's fibrotic response. Because transcriptome maturation by muscleblind-like 1 (MBNL1) promotes differentiated cell states, this study investigated whether tactical control of MBNL1 activity could alter myofibroblast activity and fibrotic outcomes. In healthy mice, cardiac fibroblast-specific overexpression of MBNL1 transitioned the fibroblast transcriptome to that of a myofibroblast and after injury promoted myocyte remodeling and scar maturation. Both fibroblast- and myofibroblast-specific loss of MBNL1 limited scar production and stabilization, which was ascribed to negligible myofibroblast activity. The combination of MBNL1 deletion and injury caused quiescent fibroblasts to expand and adopt features of cardiac mesenchymal stem cells, whereas transgenic MBNL1 expression blocked fibroblast proliferation and drove the population into a mature myofibroblast state. These data suggest MBNL1 is a post-transcriptional switch, controlling fibroblast state plasticity during cardiac wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrian Bugg
- Department of Lab Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Logan R J Bailey
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ross C Bretherton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Kylie E Beach
- Department of Lab Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Kalen Z Robeson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Anna C Reese
- Department of Lab Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jagadambika Gunaje
- Department of Lab Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Galina Flint
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Davis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Lab Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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15
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Hinman SS, Huling J, Wang Y, Wang H, Bretherton RC, DeForest CA, Allbritton NL. Magnetically-propelled fecal surrogates for modeling the impact of solid-induced shear forces on primary colonic epithelial cells. Biomaterials 2021; 276:121059. [PMID: 34412014 PMCID: PMC8405591 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The colonic epithelium is continuously exposed to an array of biological and mechanical stimuli as its luminal contents are guided over the epithelial surface through regulated smooth muscle contraction. In this report, the propulsion of solid fecal contents over the colonic epithelium is recapitulated through noninvasive actuation of magnetic agarose hydrogels over primary intestinal epithelial cultures, in contrast to the vast majority of platforms that apply shear forces through liquid microflow. Software-controlled magnetic stepper motors enable experimental control over the frequency and velocity of these events to match in vivo propulsive contractions, while the integration of standardized well plate spacing facilitates rapid integration into existing assay pipelines. The application of these solid-induced shear forces did not deleteriously affect cell monolayer surface coverage, viability, or transepithelial electrical resistance unless the device parameters were raised to a 50× greater contraction frequency and 4× greater fecal velocity than those observed in healthy humans. At a frequency and velocity that is consistent with average human colonic motility, differentiation of the epithelial cells into absorptive and goblet cell phenotypes was not affected. Protein secretion was modulated with a two-fold increase in luminal mucin-2 secretion and a significant reduction in basal interleukin-8 secretion. F-actin, zonula occludens-1, and E-cadherin were each present in their proper basolateral locations, similar to those of static control cultures. While cellular height was unaffected by magnetic agarose propulsion, several alterations in lateral morphology were observed including decreased circularity and compactness, and an increase in major axis length, which align with surface epithelial cell morphologies observed in vivo and may represent early markers of luminal exfoliation. This platform will be of widespread utility for the investigation of fecal propulsive forces on intestinal physiology, shedding light on how the colonic epithelium responds to mechanical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S Hinman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer Huling
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Yuli Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ross C Bretherton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nancy L Allbritton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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16
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Abstract
Light is a uniquely powerful tool for controlling molecular events in biology. No other external input (e.g., heat, ultrasound, magnetic field) can be so tightly focused or so highly regulated as a clinical laser. Drug delivery vehicles that can be photonically activated have been developed across many platforms, from the simplest "caging" of therapeutics in a prodrug form, to more complex micelles and circulating liposomes that improve drug uptake and efficacy, to large-scale hydrogel platforms that can be used to protect and deliver macromolecular agents including full-length proteins. In this Review, we discuss recent innovations in photosensitive drug delivery and highlight future opportunities to engineer and exploit such light-responsive technologies in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa L Rapp
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
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17
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Abstract
Cells and their surrounding microenvironment exist in dynamic reciprocity, where bidirectional feedback and feedforward crosstalk drives essential processes in development, homeostasis, and disease. With the ongoing explosion of customizable biomaterial innovation for dynamic cell culture, an ever-expanding suite of user-programmable scaffolds now exists to probe cell fate in response to spatiotemporally controlled biophysical and biochemical cues. Here, we highlight emerging trends in these efforts, emphasizing strategies that offer tunability over complex network mechanics, present biomolecular cues anisotropically, and harness cells as physiochemical actuators of the pericellular niche. Altogether, these material advances will lead to breakthroughs in our basic understanding of how cells interact with, integrate signals from, and influence their surrounding microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross C Bretherton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States.,Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States.,Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States.,Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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18
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Batalov I, Stevens KR, DeForest CA. Photopatterned biomolecule immobilization to guide three-dimensional cell fate in natural protein-based hydrogels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2014194118. [PMID: 33468675 PMCID: PMC7848611 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2014194118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel biomaterials derived from natural biopolymers (e.g., fibrin, collagen, decellularized extracellular matrix) are regularly utilized in three-dimensional (3D) cell culture and tissue engineering. In contrast to those based on synthetic polymers, natural materials permit enhanced cytocompatibility, matrix remodeling, and biological integration. Despite these advantages, natural protein-based gels have lagged behind synthetic alternatives in their tunability; methods to selectively modulate the biochemical properties of these networks in a user-defined and heterogeneous fashion that can drive encapsulated cell function have not yet been established. Here, we report a generalizable strategy utilizing a photomediated oxime ligation to covalently decorate naturally derived hydrogels with bioactive proteins including growth factors. This bioorthogonal photofunctionalization is readily amenable to mask-based and laser-scanning lithographic patterning, enabling full four-dimensional (4D) control over protein immobilization within virtually any natural protein-based biomaterial. Such versatility affords exciting opportunities to probe and direct advanced cell fates inaccessible using purely synthetic approaches in response to anisotropic environmental signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Batalov
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105
| | - Kelly R Stevens
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105;
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105
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19
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Bugg D, Bretherton R, Kim P, Olszewski E, Nagle A, Schumacher AE, Chu N, Gunaje J, DeForest CA, Stevens K, Kim DH, Davis J. Infarct Collagen Topography Regulates Fibroblast Fate via p38-Yes-Associated Protein Transcriptional Enhanced Associate Domain Signals. Circ Res 2020; 127:1306-1322. [PMID: 32883176 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.119.316162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Myocardial infarction causes spatial variation in collagen organization and phenotypic diversity in fibroblasts, which regulate the heart's ECM (extracellular matrix). The relationship between collagen structure and fibroblast phenotype is poorly understood but could provide insights regarding the mechanistic basis for myofibroblast heterogeneity in the injured heart. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of collagen organization in cardiac fibroblast fate determination. METHODS AND RESULTS Biomimetic topographies were nanofabricated to recapitulate differential collagen organization in the infarcted mouse heart. Here, adult cardiac fibroblasts were freshly isolated and cultured on ECM topographical mimetics for 72 hours. Aligned mimetics caused cardiac fibroblasts to elongate while randomly organized topographies induced circular morphology similar to the disparate myofibroblast morphologies measured in vivo. Alignment cues also induced myofibroblast differentiation, as >60% of fibroblasts formed αSMA (α-smooth muscle actin) stress fibers and expressed myofibroblast-specific ECM genes like Postn (periostin). By contrast, random organization caused 38% of cardiac fibroblasts to express αSMA albeit with downregulated myofibroblast-specific ECM genes. Coupling topographical cues with the profibrotic agonist, TGFβ (transforming growth factor beta), additively upregulated myofibroblast-specific ECM genes independent of topography, but only fibroblasts on flat and randomly oriented mimetics had increased percentages of fibroblasts with αSMA stress fibers. Increased tension sensation at focal adhesions induced myofibroblast differentiation on aligned mimetics. These signals were transduced by p38-YAP (yes-associated protein)-TEAD (transcriptional enhanced associate domain) interactions, in which both p38 and YAP-TEAD (yes-associated protein transcriptional enhanced associate domain) binding were required for myofibroblast differentiation. By contrast, randomly oriented mimetics did not change focal adhesion tension sensation or enrich for p38-YAP-TEAD interactions, which explains the topography-dependent diversity in fibroblast phenotypes observed here. CONCLUSIONS Spatial variations in collagen organization regulate cardiac fibroblast phenotype through mechanical activation of p38-YAP-TEAD signaling, which likely contribute to myofibroblast heterogeneity in the infarcted myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrian Bugg
- Pathology (D.B., J.G., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology (D.B., R.B., E.O., A.N., J.G., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Ross Bretherton
- Bioengineering (R.B., P.K., E.O., A.N., N.C., C.A.D., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology (D.B., R.B., E.O., A.N., J.G., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Peter Kim
- Bioengineering (R.B., P.K., E.O., A.N., N.C., C.A.D., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Emily Olszewski
- Bioengineering (R.B., P.K., E.O., A.N., N.C., C.A.D., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology (D.B., R.B., E.O., A.N., J.G., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Abigail Nagle
- Bioengineering (R.B., P.K., E.O., A.N., N.C., C.A.D., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology (D.B., R.B., E.O., A.N., J.G., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | | | - Nick Chu
- Bioengineering (R.B., P.K., E.O., A.N., N.C., C.A.D., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Jagadambika Gunaje
- Pathology (D.B., J.G., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology (D.B., R.B., E.O., A.N., J.G., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Bioengineering (R.B., P.K., E.O., A.N., N.C., C.A.D., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (C.A.D., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Chemical Engineering (C.A.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Kelly Stevens
- Bioengineering (R.B., P.K., E.O., A.N., N.C., C.A.D., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Pathology (D.B., J.G., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (C.A.D., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology (D.B., R.B., E.O., A.N., J.G., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (D.-H.K.).,Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (D.-H.K.)
| | - Jennifer Davis
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology (D.B., R.B., E.O., A.N., J.G., K.S., J.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
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20
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Corbett DC, Fabyan WB, Grigoryan B, O'Connor CE, Johansson F, Batalov I, Regier MC, DeForest CA, Miller JS, Stevens KR. Thermofluidic heat exchangers for actuation of transcription in artificial tissues. Sci Adv 2020; 6:6/40/eabb9062. [PMID: 32998880 PMCID: PMC7527231 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb9062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Spatial patterns of gene expression in living organisms orchestrate cell decisions in development, homeostasis, and disease. However, most methods for reconstructing gene patterning in 3D cell culture and artificial tissues are restricted by patterning depth and scale. We introduce a depth- and scale-flexible method to direct volumetric gene expression patterning in 3D artificial tissues, which we call "heat exchangers for actuation of transcription" (HEAT). This approach leverages fluid-based heat transfer from printed networks in the tissues to activate heat-inducible transgenes expressed by embedded cells. We show that gene expression patterning can be tuned both spatially and dynamically by varying channel network architecture, fluid temperature, fluid flow direction, and stimulation timing in a user-defined manner and maintained in vivo. We apply this approach to activate the 3D positional expression of Wnt ligands and Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulators, which are major regulators of development, homeostasis, regeneration, and cancer throughout the animal kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Corbett
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Wesley B Fabyan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Bagrat Grigoryan
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Colleen E O'Connor
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Fredrik Johansson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ivan Batalov
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Mary C Regier
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jordan S Miller
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Kelly R Stevens
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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21
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Abstract
Stem cell fate decisions are informed by physical and chemical cues presented within and by the extracellular matrix. Despite the generally attributed importance of extracellular cues in governing self-renewal, differentiation, and collective behavior, knowledge gaps persist with regard to the individual, synergistic, and competing effects that specific physiochemical signals have on cell function. To better understand basic stem cell biology, as well as to expand opportunities in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, a growing suite of customizable biomaterials has been developed. These next-generation cell culture materials offer user-defined biochemical and biomechanical properties, increasingly in a manner that can be controlled in time and 3D space. This review highlights recent innovations in this regard, focusing on advances to culture and maintain stemness, direct fate, and to detect stem cell function using biomaterial-based strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Uto
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
- PRIME, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo 100-0044, Japan
| | - Christopher K Arakawa
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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22
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Sisso AM, O’Kelly Boit M, DeForest CA. Self-healing injectable gelatin hydrogels for localized therapeutic cell delivery. J Biomed Mater Res A 2020; 108:1112-1121. [PMID: 31971330 PMCID: PMC8285007 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Self-healing injectable hydrogel biomaterials uniquely enable precise therapeutic deposition and deployment at specific bodily locations through versatile and minimally invasive processes that can preserve cargo integrity and cell viability. Despite the distinct advantages that injectable hydrogels offer in tissue engineering and therapeutic delivery, exceptionally few have been created using components naturally present in the cellular niche. In this work, we introduce a shear-thinning hydrogel based on guest-host complexation of gelatin. As a biocompatible, biodegradable, and nonimmunogenic biopolymer derived from the most abundant extracellular matrix protein (collagen), gelatin offers great utility as the structural component of biomaterials. Taking advantage of reversible guest-host interactions between β-cyclodextrin (CD) and adamantane (AD) on modified gelatins, we report the first strategy to afford a self-healing material based solely on a functionalized extracellular matrix protein. By varying the initial material formulation, hydrogels were synthesized with variable moduli and shear-thinability across a broad range. Gels were demonstrated to exhibit shear-thinning and self-healing properties, supporting protection of clinically relevant stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes during injection. These materials are expected to expand clinical opportunities in cell delivery for in vivo tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arbel M. Sisso
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Mary O’Kelly Boit
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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23
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Rapp TL, DeForest CA. Visible Light-Responsive Dynamic Biomaterials: Going Deeper and Triggering More. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901553. [PMID: 32100475 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Photoresponsive materials have been widely used in vitro for controlled therapeutic delivery and to direct 4D cell fate. Extension of the approaches into a bodily setting requires use of low-energy, long-wavelength light that penetrates deeper into and through complex tissue. This review details recent reports of photoactive small molecules and proteins that absorb visible and/or near-infrared light, opening the door to exciting new applications in multiplexed and in vivo regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa L. Rapp
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Washington 3781 Okanogan Lane NE Seattle WA 98195 USA
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Washington 3781 Okanogan Lane NE Seattle WA 98195 USA
- Department of Bioengineering University of Washington 3720 15th Ave NE Seattle WA 98105 USA
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine University of Washington 850 Republican Street Seattle WA 98109 USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute University of Washington 3946 W Stevens Way NE Seattle WA 98195 USA
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24
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Mandrycky CJ, Williams NP, Batalov I, El-Nachef D, de Bakker BS, Davis J, Kim DH, DeForest CA, Zheng Y, Stevens KR, Sniadecki NJ. Engineering Heart Morphogenesis. Trends Biotechnol 2020; 38:835-845. [PMID: 32673587 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in stem cell biology and tissue engineering have laid the groundwork for building complex tissues in a dish. We propose that these technologies are ready for a new challenge: recapitulating cardiac morphogenesis in vitro. In development, the heart transforms from a simple linear tube to a four-chambered organ through a complex process called looping. Here, we re-examine heart tube looping through the lens of an engineer and argue that the linear heart tube is an advantageous starting point for tissue engineering. We summarize the structures, signaling pathways, and stresses in the looping heart, and evaluate approaches that could be used to build a linear heart tube and guide it through the process of looping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J Mandrycky
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nisa P Williams
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ivan Batalov
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Danny El-Nachef
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bernadette S de Bakker
- Clinical Anatomy and Embryology, Department of Medical Biology, AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Davis
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ying Zheng
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kelly R Stevens
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nathan J Sniadecki
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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25
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Lee UN, Day JH, Haack AJ, Bretherton RC, Lu W, DeForest CA, Theberge AB, Berthier E. Layer-by-layer fabrication of 3D hydrogel structures using open microfluidics. Lab Chip 2020; 20:525-536. [PMID: 31915779 PMCID: PMC8018606 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00621d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Patterned deposition and 3D fabrication techniques have enabled the use of hydrogels for a number of applications including microfluidics, sensors, separations, and tissue engineering in which form fits function. Devices such as reconfigurable microvalves or implantable tissues have been created using lithography or casting techniques. Here, we present a novel open-microfluidic patterning method that utilizes surface tension forces to form hydrogel layers on top of each other, into a patterned 3D structure. We use a patterning device to form a temporary open microfluidic channel on an existing gel layer, allowing the controlled flow of unpolymerized gel in device-regions. After layer gelation and device removal, the process can be repeated iteratively to create multi-layered 3D structures. The use of open-microfluidic and surface tension-based methods to define the shape of each individual layer enables patterning to be performed with a simple pipette and with minimal dead-volume. Our method is compatible with unmodified (native) biological hydrogels, and other non-biological materials with precursor fluid properties compatible with capillary flow. With our open-microfluidic layer-by-layer fabrication method, we demonstrate the capability to build agarose, type I collagen, and polymer-peptide 3D structures featuring asymmetric designs, multiple components, overhanging features, and cell-laden regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulri N Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - John H Day
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Amanda J Haack
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. and Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ross C Bretherton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Wenbo Lu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA and Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ashleigh B Theberge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. and Department of Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Erwin Berthier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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26
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Arakawa C, Gunnarsson C, Howard C, Bernabeu M, Phong K, Yang E, DeForest CA, Smith JD, Zheng Y. Biophysical and biomolecular interactions of malaria-infected erythrocytes in engineered human capillaries. Sci Adv 2020; 6:eaay7243. [PMID: 32010773 PMCID: PMC6968943 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay7243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Microcirculatory obstruction is a hallmark of severe malaria, but mechanisms of parasite sequestration are only partially understood. Here, we developed a robust three-dimensional microvessel model that mimics the arteriole-capillary-venule (ACV) transition consisting of a narrow 5- to 10-μm-diameter capillary region flanked by arteriole- or venule-sized vessels. Using this platform, we investigated red blood cell (RBC) transit at the single cell and at physiological hematocrits. We showed normal RBCs deformed via in vivo-like stretching and tumbling with negligible interactions with the vessel wall. By comparison, Plasmodium falciparum-infected RBCs exhibited virtually no deformation and rapidly accumulated in the capillary-sized region. Comparison of wild-type parasites to those lacking either cytoadhesion ligands or membrane-stiffening knobs showed highly distinctive spatial and temporal kinetics of accumulation, linked to velocity transition in ACVs. Our findings shed light on mechanisms of microcirculatory obstruction in malaria and establish a new platform to study hematologic and microvascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Arakawa
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Celina Gunnarsson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Caitlin Howard
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Maria Bernabeu
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Kiet Phong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Eric Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Joseph D. Smith
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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27
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Shadish JA, Strange AC, DeForest CA. Genetically Encoded Photocleavable Linkers for Patterned Protein Release from Biomaterials. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:15619-15625. [PMID: 31525979 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b07239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Given the critical role that proteins play in almost all biological processes, there is great interest in controlling their presentation within and release from biomaterials. Despite such outstanding enthusiasm, previously developed strategies in this regard result in ill-defined and heterogeneous populations with substantially decreased activity, precluding their successful application to fragile species including growth factors. Here, we introduce a modular and scalable method for creating monodisperse, genetically encoded chimeras that enable bioactive proteins to be immobilized within and subsequently photoreleased from polymeric hydrogels. Building upon recent developments in chemoenzymatic reactions, bioorthogonal chemistry, and optogenetics, we tether fluorescent proteins, model enzymes, and growth factors site-specifically to gel biomaterials through a photocleavable protein (PhoCl) that undergoes irreversible backbone photoscission upon exposure to cytocompatible visible light (λ ≈ 400 nm) in a dose-dependent manner. Mask-based and laser-scanning lithographic strategies using commonly available light sources are employed to spatiotemporally pattern protein release from hydrogels while retaining their full activity. The photopatterned epidermal growth factor presentation is exploited to promote anisotropic cellular proliferation in 3D. We expect these methods to be broadly useful for applications in diagnostics, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering , University of Washington , Seattle , Washington 98105 , United States.,Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine , University of Washington , Seattle , Washington 98109 , United States
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28
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Shadish JA, Benuska GM, DeForest CA. Bioactive site-specifically modified proteins for 4D patterning of gel biomaterials. Nat Mater 2019; 18:1005-1014. [PMID: 31110347 PMCID: PMC6706293 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-019-0367-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Protein-modified biomaterials can be used to modulate cellular function in three dimensions. However, as the dynamic heterogeneous control over complex cell physiology continues to be sought, strategies that permit a reversible and user-defined tethering of fragile proteins to materials remain in great need. Here we introduce a modular and robust semisynthetic approach to reversibly pattern cell-laden hydrogels with site-specifically modified proteins. Exploiting a versatile sortase-mediated transpeptidation, we generate a diverse library of homogeneous, singly functionalized proteins with bioorthogonal reactive handles for biomaterial modification. We demonstrate the photoreversible immobilization of fluorescent proteins, enzymes and growth factors to gels with excellent spatiotemporal resolution while retaining native protein bioactivity. Localized epidermal growth factor presentation enables dynamic regulation over proliferation, intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling and subcellularly resolved receptor endocytosis. Our method broadly permits the modification and patterning of a wide range of proteins, which provides newfound avenues to probe and direct advanced cellular fates in four dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared A Shadish
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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29
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Gawade PM, Shadish JA, Badeau BA, DeForest CA. Logic-Based Delivery of Site-Specifically Modified Proteins from Environmentally Responsive Hydrogel Biomaterials. Adv Mater 2019; 31:e1902462. [PMID: 31265196 PMCID: PMC8296976 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201902462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The controlled presentation of proteins from and within materials remains of significant interest for many bioengineering applications. Though "smart" platforms offer control over protein release in response to a single external cue, no strategy has been developed to trigger delivery in response to user-specified combinations of environmental inputs, nor to independently control the release of multiple species from a homogenous material. Here, a modular semisynthetic scheme is introduced to govern the release of site-specifically modified proteins from hydrogels following Boolean logic. A sortase-mediated transpeptidation reaction is used to generate recombinant proteins C-terminally tethered to gels through environmentally sensitive degradable linkers. By varying the connectivity of multiple stimuli-labile moieties within these customizable linkers, YES/OR/AND control of protein release is exhaustively demonstrated in response to one and two-input combinations involving enzyme, reductant, and light. Tethering of multiple proteins each through a different stimuli-sensitive linker permits their independent and sequential release from a common material. It is expected that these methodologies will enable new opportunities in tissue engineering and therapeutic delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prathamesh Milind Gawade
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 3781 Okanogan Lane NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jared A Shadish
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 3781 Okanogan Lane NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Barry A Badeau
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 3781 Okanogan Lane NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 3781 Okanogan Lane NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
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30
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Nealy ES, DeForest CA, Olson J. Abstract 3103: Intraparenchymal delivery of chemokines and immunomodulators to eliminate pediatric brain tumor cells. Cancer Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2019-3103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Pediatric brain tumors are among the leading causes of cancer-related death in children. These malignancies tend to occur in locations of the brain where surgery and radiation can permanently impair a patient’s quality of life. Migratory cells from high grade brain tumors can invade nearby, inaccessible areas of the brain where they may grow unchecked and ultimately lead to patient death. This project seeks to tailor the microenvironment around the tumor cavity to promote the recruitment and elimination of remnant brain tumor cells by microglia and macrophages found in the brain. Our data suggests gradients of classical immune cell chemokines, like CCL2, are also potent chemotactic signals for a variety of patient-derived brain tumor types. Monoclonal antibody blockade of CD47, a cell-surface “don’t eat me” ligand often over-expressed on tumor cells, is effective at promoting the elimination of tumor cells in close-proximity to murine macrophages in vitro. We engineered user-programable hydrogel depots capable of month-long molecule release and implanted them into tumor-bearing mouse brains. Hydrogels incorporated with CCL2 and CD47mAb demonstrated statistically significant co-recruitment of tumor and immune cells and evidence of macrophage-mediated tumor cell death compared to PBS-incorporated gels. These results suggest proper stimulation of immune cells within the brain could be an effective means to eliminate pediatric brain tumor cells without causing structural damage to vital nervous tissues. Our data may be the first steps towards clinical trials for children with incompletely resected brain tumors.
Citation Format: Eric S. Nealy, Cole A. DeForest, James Olson. Intraparenchymal delivery of chemokines and immunomodulators to eliminate pediatric brain tumor cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3103.
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31
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Ruskowitz ER, DeForest CA. Proteome-wide Analysis of Cellular Response to Ultraviolet Light for Biomaterial Synthesis and Modification. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:2111-2116. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
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Abstract
Stimuli-responsive materials undergo triggered changes when presented with specific environmental cues. These dynamic systems can leverage biological signals found locally within the body as well as exogenous cues administered with spatiotemporal control, providing powerful opportunities in next-generation diagnostics and personalized medicine. Here, we review the synthetic and strategic advances used to impart diverse responsiveness to a wide variety of biomaterials. Categorizing systems on the basis of material type, number of inputs, and response mechanism, we examine past and ongoing efforts toward endowing biomaterials with customizable sensitivity. We draw an analogy to computer science, whereby a stimuli-responsive biomaterial transduces a set of inputs into a functional output as governed by a user-specified logical operator. We discuss Boolean and non-Boolean operations, as well as the various chemical and physical modes of signal transduction. Finally, we examine current limitations and promising directions in the ongoing development of programmable stimuli-responsive biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry A Badeau
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA;
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; .,Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA.,Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA.,Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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Ruskowitz ER, Comerford MP, Badeau BA, DeForest CA. Logical stimuli-triggered delivery of small molecules from hydrogel biomaterials. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:542-546. [DOI: 10.1039/c8bm01304g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Triggered release of small molecule model therapeutics from hydrogel biomaterials is governed by user-programmable Boolean logic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Barry A. Badeau
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- University of Washington
- Seattle
- USA
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- University of Washington
- Seattle
- USA
- Department of Bioengineering
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34
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Liu L, Shadish JA, Arakawa CK, Shi K, Davis J, DeForest CA. Dynamic Biomaterials: Cyclic Stiffness Modulation of Cell‐Laden Protein–Polymer Hydrogels in Response to User‐Specified Stimuli Including Light (Adv. Biosys. 12/2018). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201870111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luman Liu
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Washington 3781 Okanogan Lane NE Seattle WA 98195 USA
| | - Jared A. Shadish
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Washington 3781 Okanogan Lane NE Seattle WA 98195 USA
| | - Christopher K. Arakawa
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Washington 3720 15th Ave NE Seattle WA 98105 USA
| | - Kevin Shi
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Washington 3720 15th Ave NE Seattle WA 98105 USA
| | - Jennifer Davis
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Washington 3720 15th Ave NE Seattle WA 98105 USA
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Washington 1959 NE Pacific St. Seattle WA 98195 USA
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative MedicineUniversity of Washington 850 Republican St. Seattle WA 98109 USA
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Washington 3781 Okanogan Lane NE Seattle WA 98195 USA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Washington 3720 15th Ave NE Seattle WA 98105 USA
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative MedicineUniversity of Washington 850 Republican St. Seattle WA 98109 USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences InstituteUniversity of Washington 3946 W Stevens Way NE Seattle WA 98195 USA
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35
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Liu L, Shadish JA, Arakawa CK, Shi K, Davis J, DeForest CA. Cyclic Stiffness Modulation of Cell-Laden Protein-Polymer Hydrogels in Response to User-Specified Stimuli including Light. Adv Biosyst 2018; 2:1800240. [PMID: 34316509 PMCID: PMC8312699 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201800240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Although mechanical signals presented by the extracellular matrix are known to regulate many essential cell functions, the specific effects of these interactions, particularly in response to dynamic and heterogeneous cues, remain largely unknown. Here, we introduce a modular semisynthetic approach to create protein-polymer hydrogel biomaterials that undergo reversible stiffening in response to user-specified inputs. Employing a novel dual-chemoenzymatic modification strategy, we create fusion protein-based gel crosslinkers that exhibit stimuli-dependent intramolecular association. Linkers based on calmodulin yield calcium-sensitive materials, while those containing the photosensitive LOV2 (light, oxygen, and voltage sensing domain 2) protein give phototunable constructs whose moduli can be cycled on demand with spatiotemporal control about living cells. We exploit these unique materials to demonstrate the significant role that cyclic mechanical loading plays on fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation in three-dimensional (3D) space. Our moduli-switchable materials should prove useful for studies in mechanobiology, providing new avenues to probe and direct matrix-driven changes in 4D cell physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luman Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 3781 Okanogan Lane NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jared A Shadish
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 3781 Okanogan Lane NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Christopher K Arakawa
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Kevin Shi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Jennifer Davis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA, 98195, USA; Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican St., Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 3781 Okanogan Lane NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA; Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican St., Seattle, WA, 98109, USA; Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, 3946 W Stevens Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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Oksdath M, Perrin SL, Bardy C, Hilder EF, DeForest CA, Arrua RD, Gomez GA. Review: Synthetic scaffolds to control the biochemical, mechanical, and geometrical environment of stem cell-derived brain organoids. APL Bioeng 2018; 2:041501. [PMID: 31069322 PMCID: PMC6481728 DOI: 10.1063/1.5045124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-derived brain organoids provide a powerful platform for systematic studies of tissue functional architecture and the development of personalized therapies. Here, we review key advances at the interface of soft matter and stem cell biology on synthetic alternatives to extracellular matrices. We emphasize recent biomaterial-based strategies that have been proven advantageous towards optimizing organoid growth and controlling the geometrical, biomechanical, and biochemical properties of the organoid's three-dimensional environment. We highlight systems that have the potential to increase the translational value of region-specific brain organoid models suitable for different types of manipulations and high-throughput applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Oksdath
- Centre for Cancer Biology, South Australia Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, Australia
| | - Sally L. Perrin
- Centre for Cancer Biology, South Australia Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, Australia
| | | | - Emily F. Hilder
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes 5095, Australia
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1750, USA
| | - R. Dario Arrua
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes 5095, Australia
| | - Guillermo A. Gomez
- Centre for Cancer Biology, South Australia Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, Australia
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Fellin CR, Adelmund SM, Karis DG, Shafranek RT, Ono RJ, Martin CG, Johnston TG, DeForest CA, Nelson A. Tunable temperature‐ and shear‐responsive hydrogels based on poly(alkyl glycidyl ether)s. POLYM INT 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/pi.5716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven M Adelmund
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Washington Seattle WA USA
| | - Dylan G Karis
- Department of Chemistry University of Washington Seattle WA USA
| | | | - Robert J Ono
- Department of Chemistry University of Washington Seattle WA USA
| | | | | | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Washington Seattle WA USA
| | - Alshakim Nelson
- Department of Chemistry University of Washington Seattle WA USA
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DeForest CA. Introduction to Editorial Board Member: Professor Kristi S. Anseth. Bioeng Transl Med 2018. [PMCID: PMC6195905 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Adelmund SM, Ruskowitz ER, Farahani PE, Wolfe JV, DeForest CA. Light-Activated Proteomic Labeling via Photocaged Bioorthogonal Non-Canonical Amino Acids. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:573-577. [PMID: 29419281 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b01023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This work introduces light-activated bioorthogonal noncanonical amino acid tagging (laBONCAT) as a method to selectively label, isolate, and identify proteins newly synthesized at user-defined regions in tissue culture. By photocaging l-azidohomoalanine (Aha), metabolic incorporation into proteins is prevented. The caged compound remains stable for many hours in culture, but can be photochemically liberated rapidly and on demand with spatial control. Upon directed light exposure, the uncaged amino acid is available for local translation, enabling downstream proteomic interrogation via bioorthogonal conjugation. Exploiting the reactive azide moiety present on Aha's amino acid side chain, we demonstrate that newly synthesized proteins can be purified for quantitative proteomics or visualized in synthetic tissues with a new level of spatiotemporal control. Shedding light on when and where proteins are translated within living samples, we anticipate that laBONCAT will aid in understanding the progression of complex protein-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. Adelmund
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Emily R. Ruskowitz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Payam E. Farahani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Julie V. Wolfe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, 3946 W Stevens Way NE, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
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40
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Badeau BA, Comerford MP, Arakawa CK, Shadish JA, DeForest CA. Engineered modular biomaterial logic gates for environmentally triggered therapeutic delivery. Nat Chem 2018; 10:251-258. [PMID: 29461528 PMCID: PMC5822735 DOI: 10.1038/nchem.2917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The successful transport of drug- and cell-based therapeutics to diseased sites represents a major barrier in the development of clinical therapies. Targeted delivery can be mediated through degradable biomaterial vehicles that utilize disease biomarkers to trigger payload release. Here, we report a modular chemical framework for imparting hydrogels with precise degradative responsiveness by using multiple environmental cues to trigger reactions that operate user-programmable Boolean logic. By specifying the molecular architecture and connectivity of orthogonal stimuli-labile moieties within material cross-linkers, we show selective control over gel dissolution and therapeutic delivery. To illustrate the versatility of this methodology, we synthesized 17 distinct stimuli-responsive materials that collectively yielded all possible YES/OR/AND logic outputs from input combinations involving enzyme, reductant and light. Using these hydrogels we demonstrate the first sequential and environmentally stimulated release of multiple cell lines in well-defined combinations from a material. We expect these platforms will find utility in several diverse fields including drug delivery, diagnostics and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry A. Badeau
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Michael P. Comerford
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | | | - Jared A. Shadish
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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41
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Arakawa CK, Badeau BA, Zheng Y, DeForest CA. Multicellular Vascularized Engineered Tissues through User-Programmable Biomaterial Photodegradation. Adv Mater 2017; 29:10.1002/adma.201703156. [PMID: 28737278 PMCID: PMC5628157 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201703156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
A photodegradable material-based approach to generate endothelialized 3D vascular networks within cell-laden hydrogel biomaterials is introduced. Exploiting multiphoton lithography, microchannel networks spanning nearly all size scales of native human vasculature are readily generated with unprecedented user-defined 4D control. Intraluminal channel architectures of synthetic vessels are fully customizable, providing new opportunities for next-generation microfluidics and directed cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher K Arakawa
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Barry A Badeau
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 3781, Okanogan Lane NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 3781, Okanogan Lane NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
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42
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Farahani PE, Adelmund SM, Shadish JA, DeForest CA. Photomediated oxime ligation as a bioorthogonal tool for spatiotemporally-controlled hydrogel formation and modification. J Mater Chem B 2017; 5:4435-4442. [PMID: 32263971 PMCID: PMC8296977 DOI: 10.1039/c6tb03400d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Click chemistry has proved a valuable tool in biocompatible hydrogel formation for 3D cell culture, owing to its bioorthogonal nature and high efficiency under physiological conditions. While traditional click reactions can be readily employed to create uniform functional materials about living cells, their spontaneity prohibits spatiotemporal control of material properties, thereby limiting their utility in recapitulating the dynamic heterogeneity characteristic of the in vivo microenvironment. Photopolymerization-based techniques gain this desired level of 4D programmability, but often at the expense of introducing propagating free radicals that are prone to non-specific reactions with biological systems. Here we present a strategy for bioorthogonal hydrogel formation and modification that does not rely on propagating free radicals, proceeding through oxime ligation moderated by a photocaged alkoxyamine. Upon mild near UV light exposure, the photocage is cleaved, liberating the alkoxyamine and permitting localized condensation with an aldehyde. Multi-arm crosslinkers, functionalized with either benzaldehydes or photocaged alkoxyamines, formed oxime-based hydrogels within minutes of light exposure in the presence of live cells. Polymerization rates and final mechanical properties of these gels could be systematically tuned by varying crosslinker concentrations, light intensity, aniline catalyst equivalents, and pH. Moreover, hydrogel geometry and final mechanical properties were controlled by the location and extent of UV exposure, respectively. Photomediated oxime ligation was then translated to the biochemical modification of hydrogels, where full-length proteins containing photocaged alkoxyamines were immobilized in user-defined regions exposed to UV light. The programmability afforded by photomediated oxime ligation can recapitulate dynamically anisotropic mechanical and biochemical aspects of the native extracellular matrix. Consequently, photopolymerized oxime-based hydrogels are expected to enable an enhanced understanding of cell-matrix interactions by serving as improved 4D cell culture platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam E Farahani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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43
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Uto K, Aoyagi T, DeForest CA, Hoffman AS, Ebara M. A Combinational Effect of "Bulk" and "Surface" Shape-Memory Transitions on the Regulation of Cell Alignment. Adv Healthc Mater 2017; 6. [PMID: 28169506 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201601439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A novel shape-memory cell culture platform has been designed that is capable of simultaneously tuning surface topography and dimensionality to manipulate cell alignment. By crosslinking poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) macromonomers of precisely designed nanoarchitectures, a shape-memory PCL with switching temperature near body temperature is successfully prepared. The temporary strain-fixed PCLs are prepared by processing through heating, stretching, and cooling about the switching temperature. Temporary nanowrinkles are also formed spontaneously during the strain-fixing process with magnitudes that are dependent on the applied strain. The surface features completely transform from wrinkled to smooth upon shape-memory activation over a narrow temperature range. Shape-memory activation also triggers dimensional deformation in an initial fixed strain-dependent manner. A dynamic cell-orienting study demonstrates that surface topographical changes play a dominant role in cell alignment for samples with lower fixed strain, while dimensional changes play a dominant role in cell alignment for samples with higher fixed strain. The proposed shape-memory cell culture platform will become a powerful tool to investigate the effects of spatiotemporally presented mechanostructural stimuli on cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Uto
- International Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA); National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS); 1-1 Namiki Tsukuba 305-0044 Japan
| | - Takao Aoyagi
- International Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA); National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS); 1-1 Namiki Tsukuba 305-0044 Japan
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering; University of Washington; 4000 15 Ave NE Seattle WA 98195 USA
| | - Allan S. Hoffman
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Washington; 3720 15 Ave NE Seattle WA 98195 USA
| | - Mitsuhiro Ebara
- International Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA); National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS); 1-1 Namiki Tsukuba 305-0044 Japan
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Swift BJF, Shadish JA, DeForest CA, Baneyx F. Streamlined Synthesis and Assembly of a Hybrid Sensing Architecture with Solid Binding Proteins and Click Chemistry. J Am Chem Soc 2017; 139:3958-3961. [PMID: 28264159 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Combining bioorthogonal chemistry with the use of proteins engineered with adhesive and morphogenetic solid-binding peptides is a promising route for synthesizing hybrid materials with the economy and efficiency of living systems. Using optical sensing of chloramphenicol as a proof of concept, we show here that a GFP variant engineered with zinc sulfide and silica-binding peptides on opposite sides of its β-barrel supports the fabrication of protein-capped ZnS:Mn nanocrystals that exhibit the combined emission signatures of organic and inorganic fluorophores. Conjugation of a chloramphenicol-specific DNA aptamer to the protein shell through strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition and spontaneous concentration of the resulting nanostructures onto SiO2 particles mediated by the silica-binding sequence enables visual detection of environmentally and clinically relevant concentrations of chloramphenicol through analyte-mediated inner filtering of sub-330 nm excitation light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J F Swift
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Box 351750, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Jared A Shadish
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Box 351750, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Box 351750, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - François Baneyx
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Box 351750, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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Abstract
Human tissues are sophisticated ensembles of many distinct cell types embedded in the complex, but well-defined, structures of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Dynamic biochemical, physicochemical, and mechano-structural changes in the ECM define and regulate tissue-specific cell behaviors. To recapitulate this complex environment in vitro, dynamic polymer-based biomaterials have emerged as powerful tools to probe and direct active changes in cell function. The rapid evolution of polymerization chemistries, structural modulation, and processing technologies, as well as the incorporation of stimuli-responsiveness, now permit synthetic microenvironments to capture much of the dynamic complexity of native tissue. These platforms are comprised not only of natural polymers chemically and molecularly similar to ECM, but those fully synthetic in origin. Here, we review recent in vitro efforts to mimic the dynamic microenvironment comprising native tissue ECM from the viewpoint of material design. We also discuss how these dynamic polymer-based biomaterials are being used in fundamental cell mechanobiology studies, as well as towards efforts in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Uto
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Jonathan H. Tsui
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
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Urrios A, Parra-Cabrera C, Bhattacharjee N, Gonzalez-Suarez AM, Rigat-Brugarolas LG, Nallapatti U, Samitier J, DeForest CA, Posas F, Garcia-Cordero JL, Folch A. 3D-printing of transparent bio-microfluidic devices in PEG-DA. Lab Chip 2016; 16:2287-94. [PMID: 27217203 PMCID: PMC4930360 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00153j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The vast majority of microfluidic systems are molded in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) by soft lithography due to the favorable properties of PDMS: biocompatible, elastomeric, transparent, gas-permeable, inexpensive, and copyright-free. However, PDMS molding involves tedious manual labor, which makes PDMS devices prone to assembly failures and difficult to disseminate to research and clinical settings. Furthermore, the fabrication procedures limit the 3D complexity of the devices to layered designs. Stereolithography (SL), a form of 3D-printing, has recently attracted attention as a way to customize the fabrication of biomedical devices due to its automated, assembly-free 3D fabrication, rapidly decreasing costs, and fast-improving resolution and throughput. However, existing SL resins are not biocompatible and patterning transparent resins at high resolution remains difficult. Here we report procedures for the preparation and patterning of a transparent resin based on low-MW poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (MW 250) (PEG-DA-250). The 3D-printed devices are highly transparent and cells can be cultured on PEG-DA-250 prints for several days. This biocompatible SL resin and printing process solves some of the main drawbacks of 3D-printed microfluidic devices: biocompatibility and transparency. In addition, it should also enable the production of non-microfluidic biomedical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Urrios
- Cell Signaling Research Group, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), E-08003 Barcelona, Spain
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47
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DeForest CA, Tirrell DA. A photoreversible protein-patterning approach for guiding stem cell fate in three-dimensional gels. Nat Mater 2015; 14:523-31. [PMID: 25707020 DOI: 10.1038/nmat4219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Although biochemically patterned hydrogels are capable of recapitulating many critical aspects of the heterogeneous cellular niche, exercising spatial and temporal control of the presentation and removal of biomolecular signalling cues in such systems has proved difficult. Here, we demonstrate a synthetic strategy that exploits two bioorthogonal photochemistries to achieve reversible immobilization of bioactive full-length proteins with good spatial and temporal control within synthetic, cell-laden biomimetic scaffolds. A photodeprotection-oxime-ligation sequence permits user-defined quantities of proteins to be anchored within distinct subvolumes of a three-dimensional matrix, and an ortho-nitrobenzyl ester photoscission reaction facilitates subsequent protein removal. By using this approach to pattern the presentation of the extracellular matrix protein vitronectin, we accomplished reversible differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts in a spatially defined manner. Our protein-patterning approach should provide further avenues to probe and direct changes in cell physiology in response to dynamic biochemical signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole A DeForest
- 1] Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard Pasadena, California 91125, USA [2] Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 4000 15th Avenue NE Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - David A Tirrell
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard Pasadena, California 91125, USA
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48
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Kloxin AM, Lewis KJR, DeForest CA, Seedorf G, Tibbitt MW, Balasubramaniam V, Anseth KS. Responsive culture platform to examine the influence of microenvironmental geometry on cell function in 3D. Integr Biol (Camb) 2012; 4:1540-9. [PMID: 23138879 PMCID: PMC3928973 DOI: 10.1039/c2ib20212c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We describe the development of a well-based cell culture platform that enables experimenters to control the geometry and connectivity of cellular microenvironments spatiotemporally. The base material is a hydrogel comprised of photolabile and enzyme-labile crosslinks and pendant cell adhesion sequences, enabling spatially-specific, in situ patterning with light and cell-dictated microenvironment remodeling through enzyme secretion. Arrays of culture wells of varying shape and size were patterned into the hydrogel surface using photolithography, where well depth was correlated with irradiation dose. The geometry of these devices can be subsequently modified through sequential patterning, while simultaneously monitoring changes in cell geometry and connectivity. Towards establishing the utility of these devices for dynamic evaluation of the influence of physical cues on tissue morphogenesis, the effect of well shape on lung epithelial cell differentiation (i.e., primary mouse alveolar type II cells, ATII cells) was assessed. Shapes inspired by alveoli were degraded into hydrogel surfaces. ATII cells were seeded within the well-based arrays and encapsulated by the addition of a top hydrogel layer. Cell differentiation in response to these geometries was characterized over 7 days of culture with immunocytochemistry (surfactant protein C, ATII; T1α protein, alveolar type I (ATI) differentiated epithelial cells) and confocal image analysis. Individual cell clusters were further connected by eroding channels between wells during culture via controlled two-photon irradiation. Collectively, these studies demonstrate the development and utility of responsive hydrogel culture devices to study how a range of microenvironment geometries of evolving shape and connectivity might influence or direct cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M. Kloxin
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. Tel: (303)-735–5336
| | - Katherine J. R. Lewis
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. Tel: (303)-735–5336
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. Tel: (303)-735–5336
| | - Gregory Seedorf
- Pediatric Heart Lung Center Laboratory, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
| | - Mark W. Tibbitt
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. Tel: (303)-735–5336
| | | | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. Tel: (303)-735–5336
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
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49
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Adzima BJ, Kloxin CJ, DeForest CA, Anseth KS, Bowman CN. 3D Photofixation Lithography in Diels-Alder Networks. Macromol Rapid Commun 2012; 33:2092-6. [PMID: 23080017 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201200599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
3D structures are written and developed in a crosslinked polymer initially formed by a Diels-Alder reaction. Unlike conventional liquid resists, small features cannot sediment, as the reversible crosslinks function as a support, and the modulus of the material is in the MPa range at room temperature. The support structure, however, can be easily removed by heating the material, and depolymerizing the polymer into a mixture of low-viscosity monomers. Complex shapes are written into the polymer network using two-photon techniques to spatially control the photoinitiation and subsequent thiol-ene reaction to selectively convert the Diels-Alder adducts into irreversible crosslinks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Adzima
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder CO 80309-0424, USA
| | - Christopher J Kloxin
- University of Delaware, Department of Materials Science and Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering, Newark DE 19716 USA
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder CO 80309-0424, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder CO 80309-0424, USA
| | - Christopher N Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder CO 80309-0424, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0424; ,
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