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Agten H, Van Hoven I, Van Hoorick J, Van Vlierberghe S, Luyten FP, Bloemen V. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of periosteum-derived cells and iPSC-derived chondrocytes encapsulated in GelMA for osteochondral tissue engineering. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1386692. [PMID: 38665810 PMCID: PMC11043557 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1386692] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteochondral defects are deep joint surface lesions that affect the articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone. In the current study, a tissue engineering approach encompassing individual cells encapsulated in a biocompatible hydrogel is explored in vitro and in vivo. Cell-laden hydrogels containing either human periosteum-derived progenitor cells (PDCs) or human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived chondrocytes encapsulated in gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) were evaluated for their potential to regenerate the subchondral mineralized bone and the articular cartilage on the joint surface, respectively. PDCs are easily isolated and expanded progenitor cells that are capable of generating mineralized cartilage and bone tissue in vivo via endochondral ossification. iPSC-derived chondrocytes are an unlimited source of stable and highly metabolically active chondrocytes. Cell-laden hydrogel constructs were cultured for up to 28 days in a serum-free chemically defined chondrogenic medium. On day 1 and day 21 of the differentiation period, the cell-laden constructs were implanted subcutaneously in nude mice to evaluate ectopic tissue formation 4 weeks post-implantation. Taken together, the data suggest that iPSC-derived chondrocytes encapsulated in GelMA can generate hyaline cartilage-like tissue constructs with different levels of maturity, while using periosteum-derived cells in the same construct type generates mineralized tissue and cortical bone in vivo. Therefore, the aforementioned cell-laden hydrogels can be an important part of a multi-component strategy for the manufacturing of an osteochondral implant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Agten
- Department of Materials Engineering, Surface and Interface Engineered Materials (SIEM), Group T Leuven Campus, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Inge Van Hoven
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- BIO INX BV, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank P. Luyten
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Bloemen
- Department of Materials Engineering, Surface and Interface Engineered Materials (SIEM), Group T Leuven Campus, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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2
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Agten H, Van Hoven I, Viseu SR, Van Hoorick J, Van Vlierberghe S, Luyten FP, Bloemen V. In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of 3D Constructs Engineered with Human iPSC-Derived Chondrocytes in Gelatin-Methacryloyl Hydrogel. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:2950-2963. [PMID: 35781799 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Articular cartilage defects have limited healing potential and, when left untreated, can lead to osteoarthritis. Tissue engineering focuses on regenerating the damaged joint surface, preferably in an early stage. Here we investigate the regenerative potential of 3D constructs consisting of human iPSC-derived chondrocytes in gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel for stable hyaline cartilage production. iPSC-derived chondrocytes are encapsulated in GelMA hydrogel at low (1x107 mL-1 ) and high (2x107 mL-1 ) density. In conventional medium, GelMA hydrogel supports the chondrocyte phenotype, as opposed to cells cultured in 3D in absence of hydrogel. Moreover, encapsulated iPSC-derived chondrocytes preserve their in vivo matrix formation capacity after 21 days in vitro. In differentiation medium, hyaline cartilage-like tissue forms after 21 days, demonstrated by highly sulfated glycosaminoglycans and collagen type II. Matrix deposition is delayed at low encapsulation density, corroborating with lower transcript levels of COL2A1. An ectopic assay in nude mice demonstrates further maturation of the matrix deposited in vitro. Direct ectopic implantation of iPSC-derived chondrocyte-laden GelMA, without in vitro priming, also generates hyaline cartilage-like tissue, albeit less mature. Since it is unclear what maturity upon implantation is desired for joint surface regeneration, this is an attractive technology to generate immature and more mature hyaline cartilage-like tissue. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Agten
- Surface and Interface Engineered Materials (SIEM), Group T Leuven Campus, KU Leuven, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13 box, 2600, Leuven, Belgium.,Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, O&N 1, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box, 813, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Inge Van Hoven
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, O&N 1, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box, 813, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Samuel Ribeiro Viseu
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, O&N 1, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box, 813, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank P Luyten
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, O&N 1, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box, 813, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Bloemen
- Surface and Interface Engineered Materials (SIEM), Group T Leuven Campus, KU Leuven, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13 box, 2600, Leuven, Belgium.,Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, O&N 1, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box, 813, Leuven, Belgium
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3
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Sayer S, Zandrini T, Markovic M, Van Hoorick J, Van Vlierberghe S, Baudis S, Holnthoner W, Ovsianikov A. Guiding cell migration in 3D with high-resolution photografting. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8626. [PMID: 35606455 PMCID: PMC9126875 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11612-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-photon lithography (MPL) has proven to be a suitable tool to precisely control the microenvironment of cells in terms of the biochemical and biophysical properties of the hydrogel matrix. In this work, we present a novel method, based on multi-photon photografting of 4,4′-diazido-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid (DSSA), and its capabilities to induce cell alignment, directional cell migration and endothelial sprouting in a gelatin-based hydrogel matrix. DSSA-photografting allows for the fabrication of complex patterns at a high-resolution and is a biocompatible, universally applicable and straightforward process that is comparably fast. We have demonstrated the preferential orientation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) in response to a photografted pattern. Co-culture spheroids of hASCs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) have been utilized to study the directional migration of hASCs into the modified regions. Subsequently, we have highlighted the dependence of endothelial sprouting on the presence of hASCs and demonstrated the potential of photografting to control the direction of the sprouts. MPL-induced DSSA-photografting has been established as a promising method to selectively alter the microenvironment of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Sayer
- Research Group 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration (https://www.tissue-regeneration.at), Vienna, Austria
| | - Tommaso Zandrini
- Research Group 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration (https://www.tissue-regeneration.at), Vienna, Austria
| | - Marica Markovic
- Research Group 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration (https://www.tissue-regeneration.at), Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Baudis
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration (https://www.tissue-regeneration.at), Vienna, Austria.,Polymer Chemistry and Technology Group, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Holnthoner
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration (https://www.tissue-regeneration.at), Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- Research Group 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria. .,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration (https://www.tissue-regeneration.at), Vienna, Austria.
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4
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Hölzl K, Fürsatz M, Göcerler H, Schädl B, Žigon-Branc S, Markovic M, Gahleitner C, Hoorick JV, Van Vlierberghe S, Kleiner A, Baudis S, Pauschitz A, Redl H, Ovsianikov A, Nürnberger S. Gelatin methacryloyl as environment for chondrocytes and cell delivery to superficial cartilage defects. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2021; 16:207-222. [PMID: 34861104 PMCID: PMC9299930 DOI: 10.1002/term.3273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Cartilage damage typically starts at its surface, either due to wear or trauma. Treatment of these superficial defects is important in preventing degradation and osteoarthritis. Biomaterials currently used for deep cartilage defects lack appropriate properties for this application. Therefore, we investigated photo‐crosslinked gelatin methacryloyl (gelMA) as a candidate for treatment of surface defects. It allows for liquid application, filling of surface defects and forming a protective layer after UV‐crosslinking, thereby keeping therapeutic cells in place. gelMA and photo‐initiator lithium phenyl‐2,4,6‐trimethyl‐benzoylphosphinate (Li‐TPO) concentration were optimized for application as a carrier to create a favorable environment for human articular chondrocytes (hAC). Primary hAC were used in passages 3 and 5, encapsulated into two different gelMA concentrations (7.5 wt% (soft) and 10 wt% (stiff)) and cultivated for 3 weeks with TGF‐β3 (0, 1 and 10 ng/mL). Higher TGF‐β3 concentrations induced spherical cell morphology independent of gelMA stiffness, while low TGF‐β3 concentrations only induced rounded morphology in stiff gelMA. Gene expression did not vary across gel stiffnesses. As a functional model gelMA was loaded with two different cell types (hAC and/or human adipose‐derived stem cells [ASC/TERT1]) and applied to human osteochondral osteoarthritic plugs. GelMA attached to the cartilage, smoothened the surface and retained cells in place. Resistance against shear forces was tested using a tribometer, simulating normal human gait and revealing maintained cell viability. In conclusion gelMA is a versatile, biocompatible material with good bonding capabilities to cartilage matrix, allowing sealing and smoothening of superficial cartilage defects while simultaneously delivering therapeutic cells for tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Hölzl
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology, 3D Printing and Biofabrication Group, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marian Fürsatz
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma-Surgery, Division of Trauma-Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hakan Göcerler
- Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Schädl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria.,University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sara Žigon-Branc
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology, 3D Printing and Biofabrication Group, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marica Markovic
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology, 3D Printing and Biofabrication Group, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Gahleitner
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma-Surgery, Division of Trauma-Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne Kleiner
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma-Surgery, Division of Trauma-Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Baudis
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Heinz Redl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology, 3D Printing and Biofabrication Group, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sylvia Nürnberger
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma-Surgery, Division of Trauma-Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
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5
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Arslan A, Vanmol K, Dobos A, Natale A, Van Hoorick J, Roose P, Van den Bergen H, Chalyan T, Ovsianikov A, Baudis S, Rogiers V, Vanhaecke T, Rodrigues RM, Thienpont H, Van Erps J, Van Vlierberghe S, Dubruel P. Increasing the Microfabrication Performance of Synthetic Hydrogel Precursors through Molecular Design. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:4919-4932. [PMID: 34723502 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00704] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Implementation of hydrogel precursors in two-photon polymerization (2PP) technology provides promising opportunities in the tissue engineering field thanks to their soft characteristics and similarity to extracellular matrix. Most of the hydrogels, however, are prone to post-fabrication deformations, leading to a mismatch between the computer-aided design and the printed structure. In the present work, we have developed novel synthetic hydrogel precursors to overcome the limitations associated with 2PP processing of conventional hydrogel precursors such as post-processing deformations and a narrow processing window. The precursors are based on a poly(ethylene glycol) backbone containing urethane linkers and are, on average, functionalized with six acrylate terminal groups (three on each terminal group). As a benchmark material, we exploited a precursor with an identical backbone and urethane linkers, albeit functionalized with two acrylate groups, that were reported as state-of-the-art. An in-depth characterization of the hexafunctional precursors revealed a reduced swelling ratio (<0.7) and higher stiffness (>36 MPa Young's modulus) compared to their difunctional analogs. The superior physical properties of the newly developed hydrogels lead to 2PP-based fabrication of stable microstructures with excellent shape fidelity at laser scanning speeds up to at least 90 mm s-1, in contrast with the distorted structures of conventional difunctional precursors. The hydrogel films and microscaffolds revealed a good cell interactivity after functionalization of their surface with a gelatin methacrylamide-based coating. The proposed synthesis strategy provides a one-pot and scalable synthesis of hydrogel building blocks that can overcome the current limitations associated with 2PP fabrication of hydrogel microstructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysu Arslan
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Vanmol
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT), Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Agnes Dobos
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Natale
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Jette, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrice Roose
- Allnex Belgium SA/NV, Anderlechtstraat 33, Drogenbos, 1620 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Tatevik Chalyan
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT), Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- 3D Printing and Biofabrication Group, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Baudis
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/E163-MC, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | - Vera Rogiers
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Jette, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tamara Vanhaecke
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Jette, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robim M Rodrigues
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Jette, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hugo Thienpont
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT), Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jürgen Van Erps
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT), Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT), Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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6
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Pien N, Pezzoli D, Van Hoorick J, Copes F, Vansteenland M, Albu M, De Meulenaer B, Mantovani D, Van Vlierberghe S, Dubruel P. Development of photo-crosslinkable collagen hydrogel building blocks for vascular tissue engineering applications: A superior alternative to methacrylated gelatin? Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl 2021; 130:112460. [PMID: 34702535 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The present work targets the development of collagen-based hydrogel precursors, functionalized with photo-crosslinkable methacrylamide moieties (COL-MA), for vascular tissue engineering (vTE) applications. The developed materials were physico-chemically characterized in terms of crosslinking kinetics, degree of modification/conversion, swelling behavior, mechanical properties and in vitro cytocompatibility. The collagen derivatives were benchmarked to methacrylamide-modified gelatin (GEL-MA), due to its proven track record in the field of tissue engineering. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper in its kind comparing these two methacrylated biopolymers for vTE applications. For both gelatin and collagen, two derivatives with varying degrees of substitutions (DS) were developed by altering the added amount of methacrylic anhydride (MeAnH). This led to photo-crosslinkable derivatives with a DS of 74 and 96% for collagen, and a DS of 73 and 99% for gelatin. The developed derivatives showed high gel fractions (i.e. 74% and 84%, for the gelatin derivatives; 87 and 83%, for the collagen derivatives) and an excellent crosslinking efficiency. Furthermore, the results indicated that the functionalization of collagen led to hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties (i.e. storage moduli of [4.8-9.4 kPa] for the developed COL-MAs versus [3.9-8.4 kPa] for the developed GEL-MAs) along with superior cell-biomaterial interactions when compared to GEL-MA. Moreover, the developed photo-crosslinkable collagens showed superior mechanical properties compared to extracted native collagen. Therefore, the developed photo-crosslinkable collagens demonstrate great potential as biomaterials for vTE applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Pien
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4bis, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, CRC-I, Laval University, Pavillon Pouliot, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Daniele Pezzoli
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, CRC-I, Laval University, Pavillon Pouliot, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4bis, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Francesco Copes
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, CRC-I, Laval University, Pavillon Pouliot, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Margot Vansteenland
- Research Group Food Chemistry and Human Nutrition, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Block B, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Madalina Albu
- Department of Collagen Research, National Research & Development Institute for Textiles and Leather, Str. Patrascanu Lucretiu, 16, Bucuresti-Sector 3, Bucuresti 030508, București, Romania
| | - Bruno De Meulenaer
- Research Group Food Chemistry and Human Nutrition, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Block B, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Diego Mantovani
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, CRC-I, Laval University, Pavillon Pouliot, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4bis, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4bis, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
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7
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Ionescu OM, Mignon A, Minsart M, Van Hoorick J, Gardikiotis I, Caruntu ID, Giusca SE, Van Vlierberghe S, Profire L. Gelatin-Based Versus Alginate-Based Hydrogels: Providing Insight in Wound Healing Potential. Macromol Biosci 2021; 21:e2100230. [PMID: 34491617 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Wound dressings under the form of films constituted of modified alginate (methacrylated alginate - AlgMA) versus a gelatine derivative containing norbornene functionalities (GelNB) are developed and evaluated for their moisturizing effects, followed by further in vivo testing to assay their wound healing potential. The gel fraction results shows that AlgMA and GelNB films displayed a high crosslinking efficiency while the swelling assay reveals a stronger water uptake capacity for AlgMA films compared to GelNB and to commercial dressing AquacelAg, used as positive control. Referring to the in vivo wound healing effect, the GelNB films not only exhibit proper healing properties, yet is higher to the AquacelAg, while the AlgMA films exhibit similar wound healing effect as the positive control. On a microscopic level, the healing phases (from inflammation to proliferation and contraction) are present for both materials, yet at a faster rate for the GelNB films, which is in line with the macroscopic findings. These results provide data which support that GelNB films outperform AlgMA films, but both can be used for wound healing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Maria Ionescu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 University Street, Iasi, 700115, Romania
| | - Arn Mignon
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-bis, Ghent, 9000, Belgium.,Smart Polymeric Biomaterials, Campus Group T, Surface and Interface Engineered Materials, KU Leuven, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Manon Minsart
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-bis, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-bis, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Ioannis Gardikiotis
- Advanced Centre of Research and Development in Experimental Medicine, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 University Street, Iasi, 700115, Romania
| | - Irina-Draga Caruntu
- Department of Morphofunctional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 University Street, Iasi, 700115, Romania
| | - Simona Eliza Giusca
- Department of Morphofunctional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 University Street, Iasi, 700115, Romania
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-bis, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Lenuta Profire
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 University Street, Iasi, 700115, Romania
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8
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Van Damme L, Van Hoorick J, Blondeel P, Van Vlierberghe S. Toward Adipose Tissue Engineering Using Thiol-Norbornene Photo-Crosslinkable Gelatin Hydrogels. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:2408-2418. [PMID: 33950675 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, breast implants, lipofilling, and microsurgical free tissue transfer are the most often applied procedures to repair soft tissue defects resulting from mastectomies/lumpectomies following breast cancer. Due to the drawbacks and limitations associated with these conventional clinical practices, there is a need for alternative reconstructive strategies. The development of biomimetic materials able to promote cell proliferation and adipogenic differentiation has gained increasing attention in the context of adipose reconstructive purposes. Herein, thiol-norbornene crosslinkable gelatin-based materials were developed and benchmarked to the current commonly applied methacryloyl-modified gelatin (GelMA) with different degrees of substitutions focussing on bottom-up tissue engineering. The developed hydrogels resulted in similar gel fractions, swelling, and in vitro biodegradation properties compared to the benchmark materials. Furthermore, the thiol-ene hydrogels exhibited mechanical properties closer to those of native fatty tissue compared to GelMA. The mechanical cues of the equimolar GelNB DS55% + GelSH DS75% composition resulted not only in similar biocompatibility but also, more importantly, in superior differentiation of the encapsulated cells into the adipogenic lineage, as compared to GelMA. It can be concluded that the photo-crosslinkable thiol-ene systems offer a promising strategy toward adipose tissue engineering through cell encapsulation compared to the benchmark GelMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Van Damme
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group-Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC)-Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 2K12, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group-Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC)-Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philip Blondeel
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 2K12, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group-Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC)-Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Dobos A, Gantner F, Markovic M, Van Hoorick J, Tytgat L, Van Vlierberghe S, Ovsianikov A. On-chip high-definition bioprinting of microvascular structures. Biofabrication 2021; 13:015016. [PMID: 33586666 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abb063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
'Organ-on-chip' devices which integrate three-dimensional (3D) cell culture techniques with microfluidic approaches have the capacity to overcome the limitations of classical 2D platforms. Although several different strategies have been developed to improve the angiogenesis within hydrogels, one of the main challenges in tissue engineering remains the lack of vascularization in the fabricated 3D models. The present work focuses on the high-definition (HD) bioprinting of microvascular structures directly on-chip using two-photon polymerization (2PP). 2PP is a nonlinear process, where the near-infrared laser irradiation will only lead to the polymerization of a very small volume pixel (voxel), allowing the fabrication of channels in the microvascular range (10-30 µm in diameter). Additionally, 2PP not only enables the fabrication of sub-micrometer resolution scaffolds but also allows the direct embedding of cells within the produced structure. The accuracy of the 2PP printing parameters were optimized in order to achieve high-throughput and HD production of microfluidic vessel-on-chip platforms. The spherical aberrations stemming from the refractive index mismatch and the focusing depth inside the sample were simulated and the effect of the voxel compensation as well as different printing modes were demonstrated. Different layer spacings and their dependency on the applied laser power were compared both in terms of accuracy and required printing time resulting in a 10-fold decrease in structuring time while yielding well-defined channels of small diameters. Finally, the capacity of 2PP to create vascular structures within a microfluidic chip was tested with two different settings, by direct embedding of a co-culture of endothelial- and supporting cells during the printing process and by creating a supporting, cell-containing vascular scaffold barrier where the endothelial cell spheroids can be seeded afterwards. The functionality of the formed vessels was demonstrated with immunostaining of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-Cadherin) endothelial adhesion molecules in both static and perfused culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Dobos
- 3D Printing and Biofabrication Group, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Vienna, Austria. Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration (http://tissue-regeneration.at), Austria
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10
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Van Hoorick J, Dobos A, Markovic M, Gheysens T, Van Damme L, Gruber P, Tytgat L, Van Erps J, Thienpont H, Dubruel P, Ovsianikov A, Van Vlierberghe S. Thiol-norbornene gelatin hydrogels: influence of thiolated crosslinker on network properties and high definition 3D printing. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abc95f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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11
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Tytgat L, Dobos A, Markovic M, Van Damme L, Van Hoorick J, Bray F, Thienpont H, Ottevaere H, Dubruel P, Ovsianikov A, Van Vlierberghe S. High-Resolution 3D Bioprinting of Photo-Cross-linkable Recombinant Collagen to Serve Tissue Engineering Applications. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:3997-4007. [PMID: 32841006 PMCID: PMC7556543 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Various biopolymers, including gelatin, have already been applied to serve a plethora of tissue engineering purposes. However, substantial concerns have arisen related to the safety and the reproducibility of these materials due to their animal origin and the risk associated with pathogen transmission as well as batch-to-batch variations. Therefore, researchers have been focusing their attention toward recombinant materials that can be produced in a laboratory with full reproducibility and can be designed according to specific needs (e.g., by introducing additional RGD sequences). In the present study, a recombinant protein based on collagen type I (RCPhC1) was functionalized with photo-cross-linkable methacrylamide (RCPhC1-MA), norbornene (RCPhC1-NB), or thiol (RCPhC1-SH) functionalities to enable high-resolution 3D printing via two-photon polymerization (2PP). The results indicated a clear difference in 2PP processing capabilities between the chain-growth-polymerized RCPhC1-MA and the step-growth-polymerized RCPhC1-NB/SH. More specifically, reduced swelling-related deformations resulting in a superior CAD-CAM mimicry were obtained for the RCPhC1-NB/SH hydrogels. In addition, RCPhC1-NB/SH allowed the processing of the material in the presence of adipose tissue-derived stem cells that survived the encapsulation process and also were able to proliferate when embedded in the printed structures. As a consequence, it is the first time that successful HD bioprinting with cell encapsulation is reported for recombinant hydrogel bioinks. Therefore, these results can be a stepping stone toward various tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Tytgat
- Brussels
Photonics (B-PHOT) − Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Polymer
Chemistry & Biomaterials Group − Centre of Macromolecular
Chemistry (CMaC) − Department of Organic and Macromolecular
Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Agnes Dobos
- 3D Printing
and Biofabrication Group, Institute of Materials
Science and Technology, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
- Austrian
Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marica Markovic
- 3D Printing
and Biofabrication Group, Institute of Materials
Science and Technology, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
- Austrian
Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lana Van Damme
- Polymer
Chemistry & Biomaterials Group − Centre of Macromolecular
Chemistry (CMaC) − Department of Organic and Macromolecular
Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Brussels
Photonics (B-PHOT) − Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Polymer
Chemistry & Biomaterials Group − Centre of Macromolecular
Chemistry (CMaC) − Department of Organic and Macromolecular
Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fabrice Bray
- Miniaturisation
pour l’Analyse, la Synthèse et la Protéomique,
USR 3290 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Lille, Villeneuve d’Ascq, 59650 France
| | - Hugo Thienpont
- Brussels
Photonics (B-PHOT) − Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heidi Ottevaere
- Brussels
Photonics (B-PHOT) − Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer
Chemistry & Biomaterials Group − Centre of Macromolecular
Chemistry (CMaC) − Department of Organic and Macromolecular
Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- 3D Printing
and Biofabrication Group, Institute of Materials
Science and Technology, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
- Austrian
Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Brussels
Photonics (B-PHOT) − Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Polymer
Chemistry & Biomaterials Group − Centre of Macromolecular
Chemistry (CMaC) − Department of Organic and Macromolecular
Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Van Hoorick J, Delaey J, Vercammen H, Van Erps J, Thienpont H, Dubruel P, Zakaria N, Koppen C, Van Vlierberghe S, Van den Bogerd B. Designer Descemet Membranes Containing PDLLA and Functionalized Gelatins as Corneal Endothelial Scaffold. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e2000760. [PMID: 32603022 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202000760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Corneal blindness is the fourth leading cause of visual impairment. Of specific interest is blindness due to a dysfunctional corneal endothelium which can only be treated by transplanting healthy tissue from a deceased donor. Unfortunately, corneal supply does not meet the demand with only one donor for every 70 patients. Therefore, there is a huge interest in tissue engineering of grafts consisting of an ultra-thin scaffold seeded with cultured endothelial cells. The present research describes the fabrication of such artificial Descemet membranes based on the combination of a biodegradable amorphous polyester (poly (d,l-lactic acid)) and crosslinkable gelatins. Four different crosslinkable gelatin derivatives are compared in terms of processing, membrane quality, and function, as well as biological performance in the presence of corneal endothelial cells. The membranes are fabricated through multi-step spincoating, including a sacrificial layer to allow for straightforward membrane detachment after production. As a consequence, ultrathin (<1 µm), highly transparent (>90%), semi-permeable membranes could be obtained with high biological potential. The membranes supported the characteristic morphology and correct phenotype of corneal endothelial cells while exhibiting similar proliferation rates as the positive control. As a consequence, the proposed membranes prove to be a promising synthetic alternative to donor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials GroupCentre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC)Department of Organic and Macromolecular ChemistryGhent University Ghent 9000 Belgium
- Brussels PhotonicsDepartment of Applied Physics and PhotonicsVrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make Brussels 1050 Belgium
| | - Jasper Delaey
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials GroupCentre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC)Department of Organic and Macromolecular ChemistryGhent University Ghent 9000 Belgium
| | - Hendrik Vercammen
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS)Translational NeurosciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Antwerp Wilrijk 2610 Belgium
| | - Jürgen Van Erps
- Brussels PhotonicsDepartment of Applied Physics and PhotonicsVrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make Brussels 1050 Belgium
| | - Hugo Thienpont
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials GroupCentre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC)Department of Organic and Macromolecular ChemistryGhent University Ghent 9000 Belgium
- Brussels PhotonicsDepartment of Applied Physics and PhotonicsVrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make Brussels 1050 Belgium
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials GroupCentre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC)Department of Organic and Macromolecular ChemistryGhent University Ghent 9000 Belgium
| | - Nadia Zakaria
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS)Translational NeurosciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Antwerp Wilrijk 2610 Belgium
- Department of OphthalmologyAntwerp University Hospital Edegem 2650 Belgium
| | - Carina Koppen
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS)Translational NeurosciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Antwerp Wilrijk 2610 Belgium
- Department of OphthalmologyAntwerp University Hospital Edegem 2650 Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials GroupCentre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC)Department of Organic and Macromolecular ChemistryGhent University Ghent 9000 Belgium
- Brussels PhotonicsDepartment of Applied Physics and PhotonicsVrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make Brussels 1050 Belgium
| | - Bert Van den Bogerd
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS)Translational NeurosciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Antwerp Wilrijk 2610 Belgium
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13
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Dobos A, Van Hoorick J, Steiger W, Gruber P, Markovic M, Andriotis OG, Rohatschek A, Dubruel P, Thurner PJ, Van Vlierberghe S, Baudis S, Ovsianikov A. Thiol-Gelatin-Norbornene Bioink for Laser-Based High-Definition Bioprinting. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1900752. [PMID: 31347290 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201900752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [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: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Two-photon polymerization (2PP) is a lithography-based 3D printing method allowing the fabrication of 3D structures with sub-micrometer resolution. This work focuses on the characterization of gelatin-norbornene (Gel-NB) bioinks which enables the embedding of cells via 2PP. The high reactivity of the thiol-ene system allows 2PP processing of cell-containing materials at remarkably high scanning speeds (1000 mm s-1 ) placing this technology in the domain of bioprinting. Atomic force microscopy results demonstrate that the indentation moduli of the produced hydrogel constructs can be adjusted in the 0.2-0.7 kPa range by controlling the 2PP processing parameters. Using this approach gradient 3D constructs are produced and the morphology of the embedded cells is observed in the course of 3 weeks. Furthermore, it is possible to tune the enzymatic degradation of the crosslinked bioink by varying the applied laser power. The 3D printed Gel-NB hydrogel constructs show exceptional biocompatibility, supported cell adhesion, and migration. Furthermore, cells maintain their proliferation capacity demonstrated by Ki-67 immunostaining. Moreover, the results demonstrate that direct embedding of cells provides uniform distribution and high cell loading independently of the pore size of the scaffold. The investigated photosensitive bioink enables high-definition bioprinting of well-defined constructs for long-term cell culture studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Dobos
- TU Wien3D Printing and Biofabrication GroupInstitute of Materials Science and Technology Getreidemarkt 9 1060 Vienna Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials GroupCentre of Macromolecular ChemistryGhent University Krijgslaan 281, S4 9000 Ghent Belgium
- Brussels PhotonicsDepartment of Applied Physics and PhotonicsFlanders Make and Vrije Universiteit Brussel Pleinlaan 2 1000 Brussels Belgium
| | - Wolfgang Steiger
- TU Wien3D Printing and Biofabrication GroupInstitute of Materials Science and Technology Getreidemarkt 9 1060 Vienna Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
| | - Peter Gruber
- TU Wien3D Printing and Biofabrication GroupInstitute of Materials Science and Technology Getreidemarkt 9 1060 Vienna Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
| | - Marica Markovic
- TU Wien3D Printing and Biofabrication GroupInstitute of Materials Science and Technology Getreidemarkt 9 1060 Vienna Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
| | - Orestis G. Andriotis
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
- TU Wien, Institute of Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics Getreidemarkt 9 1060 Vienna Austria
| | - Andreas Rohatschek
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
- TU Wien, Institute of Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics Getreidemarkt 9 1060 Vienna Austria
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials GroupCentre of Macromolecular ChemistryGhent University Krijgslaan 281, S4 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Philipp J. Thurner
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
- TU Wien, Institute of Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics Getreidemarkt 9 1060 Vienna Austria
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials GroupCentre of Macromolecular ChemistryGhent University Krijgslaan 281, S4 9000 Ghent Belgium
- Brussels PhotonicsDepartment of Applied Physics and PhotonicsFlanders Make and Vrije Universiteit Brussel Pleinlaan 2 1000 Brussels Belgium
| | - Stefan Baudis
- TU WienInstitute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry Getreidemarkt 9 1060 Vienna Austria
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- TU Wien3D Printing and Biofabrication GroupInstitute of Materials Science and Technology Getreidemarkt 9 1060 Vienna Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
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Van Hoorick J, Tytgat L, Dobos A, Ottevaere H, Van Erps J, Thienpont H, Ovsianikov A, Dubruel P, Van Vlierberghe S. (Photo-)crosslinkable gelatin derivatives for biofabrication applications. Acta Biomater 2019; 97:46-73. [PMID: 31344513 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Over the recent decades gelatin has proven to be very suitable as an extracellular matrix mimic for biofabrication and tissue engineering applications. However, gelatin is prone to dissolution at typical cell culture conditions and is therefore often chemically modified to introduce (photo-)crosslinkable functionalities. These modifications allow to tune the material properties of gelatin, making it suitable for a wide range of biofabrication techniques both as a bioink and as a biomaterial ink (component). The present review provides a non-exhaustive overview of the different reported gelatin modification strategies to yield crosslinkable materials that can be used to form hydrogels suitable for biofabrication applications. The different crosslinking chemistries are discussed and classified according to their mechanism including chain-growth and step-growth polymerization. The step-growth polymerization mechanisms are further classified based on the specific chemistry including different (photo-)click chemistries and reversible systems. The benefits and drawbacks of each chemistry are also briefly discussed. Furthermore, focus is placed on different biofabrication strategies using either inkjet, deposition or light-based additive manufacturing techniques, and the applications of the obtained 3D constructs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Gelatin and more specifically gelatin-methacryloyl has emerged to become one of the gold standard materials as an extracellular matrix mimic in the field of biofabrication. However, also other modification strategies have been elaborated to take advantage of a plethora of crosslinking chemistries. Therefore, a review paper focusing on the different modification strategies and processing of gelatin is presented. Particular attention is paid to the underlying chemistry along with the benefits and drawbacks of each type of crosslinking chemistry. The different strategies were classified based on their basic crosslinking mechanism including chain- or step-growth polymerization. Within the step-growth classification, a further distinction is made between click chemistries as well as other strategies. The influence of these modifications on the physical gelation and processing conditions including mechanical properties is presented. Additionally, substantial attention is put to the applied photoinitiators and the different biofabrication technologies including inkjet, deposition or light-based technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group - Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC) - Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Tytgat
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group - Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC) - Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Agnes Dobos
- Research Group 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Heidi Ottevaere
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jürgen Van Erps
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hugo Thienpont
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- Research Group 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group - Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC) - Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group - Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC) - Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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15
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Žigon-Branc S, Markovic M, Van Hoorick J, Van Vlierberghe S, Dubruel P, Zerobin E, Baudis S, Ovsianikov A. Impact of Hydrogel Stiffness on Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Microspheroids. Tissue Eng Part A 2019; 25:1369-1380. [PMID: 30632465 PMCID: PMC6784494 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2018.0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels represent an attractive material platform for realization of three-dimensional (3D) tissue-engineered constructs, as they have tunable mechanical properties, are compatible with different types of cells, and resemble elements found in natural extracellular matrices. So far, numerous hydrogel-cartilage/bone tissue engineering (TE)-related studies were performed by utilizing a single cell encapsulation approach. Although multicellular spheroid cultures exhibit advantageous properties for cartilage or bone TE, the chondrogenic or osteogenic differentiation potential of stem cell microspheroids within hydrogels has not been investigated much. This study explores, for the first time, how stiffness of gelatin-based hydrogels (having a storage modulus of 538, 3584, or 7263 Pa) affects proliferation and differentiation of microspheroids formed from telomerase-immortalized human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC/hTERT). Confocal microscopy indicates that all tested hydrogels supported cell viability during their 3- to 5-week culture period in the control, chondrogenic, or osteogenic medium. Although in the softer hydrogels cells from neighboring microspheroids started outgrowing and interconnecting within a few days, their protrusion was slower or limited in stiffer hydrogels or those cultured in chondrogenic medium, respectively. High expressions of chondrogenic markers (SOX9, ACAN, COL2A1), detected in all tested hydrogels, proved that the chondrogenic differentiation of hASC/hTERT microspheroids was very successful, especially in the two softer hydrogels, where superior cartilage-specific properties were confirmed by Alcian blue staining. These chondrogenically induced samples also expressed COL10A1, a marker of chondrocyte hypertrophy. Interestingly, the hydrogel itself (with no differentiation medium) showed a slight chondrogenic induction. Regardless of the hydrogel stiffness, in the samples stimulated with osteogenic medium, the expression of selected markers RUNX2, BGLAP, ALPL, and COL1A1 was not conclusive. Nevertheless, the von Kossa staining confirmed the presence of calcium deposits in osteogenically stimulated samples in the two softer hydrogels, suggesting that these also favor osteogenesis. This observation was also confirmed by Alizarin red quantification assay, with which higher amounts of calcium were detected in the osteogenically induced hydrogels than in their controls. The presented data indicate that the encapsulation of adipose-derived stem cell microspheroids in gelatin-based hydrogels show promising potential for future applications in cartilage or bone TE. Impact Statement Osteochondral defects represent one of the leading causes of disability in the world. Although numerous tissue engineering (TE) approaches have shown success in cartilage and bone tissue regeneration, achieving native-like characteristics of these tissues remains challenging. This study demonstrates that in the presence of a corresponding differentiation medium, gelatin-based hydrogels support moderate osteogenic and excellent chondrogenic differentiation of photo-encapsulated human adipose-derived stem cell microspheroids, the extent of which depends on hydrogel stiffness. Because photosensitive hydrogels are a convenient material platform for creating stiffness gradients in three dimensions, the presented microspheroid-hydrogel encapsulation strategy holds promise for future strategies of cartilage or bone TE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Žigon-Branc
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria
| | - Marica Markovic
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Brussels Photonics, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Brussels Photonics, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elise Zerobin
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria
- Division of Macromolecular Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Baudis
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria
- Division of Macromolecular Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria
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16
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Vagenende M, Graulus GJ, Delaey J, Van Hoorick J, Berghmans F, Thienpont H, Van Vlierberghe S, Dubruel P. Amorphous random copolymers of lacOCA and manOCA for the design of biodegradable polyesters with tuneable properties. Eur Polym J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2019.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Tytgat L, Van Damme L, Van Hoorick J, Declercq H, Thienpont H, Ottevaere H, Blondeel P, Dubruel P, Van Vlierberghe S. Additive manufacturing of photo-crosslinked gelatin scaffolds for adipose tissue engineering. Acta Biomater 2019; 94:340-350. [PMID: 31136829 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.05.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
There exists a clear clinical need for adipose tissue reconstruction strategies to repair soft tissue defects which outperform the currently available approaches. In this respect, additive manufacturing has shown to be a promising alternative for the development of larger constructs able to support adipose tissue engineering. In the present work, a thiol-ene photo-click crosslinkable gelatin hydrogel was developed which allowed extrusion-based additive manufacturing into porous scaffolds. To this end, norbornene-functionalized gelatin (Gel-NB) was combined with thiolated gelatin (Gel-SH). The application of a macromolecular gelatin-based thiolated crosslinker holds several advantages over conventional crosslinkers including cell-interactivity, less chance at phase separation between scaffold material and crosslinker and the formation of a more homogeneous network. Throughout the paper, these photo-click scaffolds were benchmarked to the conventional methacrylamide-modified gelatin (Gel-MA). The results indicated that stable scaffolds could be realized which were further characterized physico-chemically by performing swelling, mechanical and in vitro biodegradability assays. Furthermore, the seeded adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) remained viable (>90%) up to 14 days and were able to proliferate. In addition, the cells could be differentiated into the adipogenic lineage on the photo-click crosslinked scaffolds, thereby performing better than the cells supported by the frequently reported Gel-MA scaffolds. As a result, the developed photo-click crosslinked scaffolds can be considered a promising candidate towards adipose tissue engineering and a valuable alternative for the omnipresent Gel-MA. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The field of adipose tissue engineering has emerged as a promising strategy to repair soft tissue defects. Herein, Gel-NB/Gel-SH gelatin-based hydrogel scaffolds were produced using extrusion-based additive manufacturing. Using a cell-interactive, thiolated gelatin crosslinker, a homogeneous network was formed and the risk of phase separation between norbornene-modified gelatin and macromolecular crosslinkers was reduced. UV-induced crosslinking of these materials is based on step growth polymerization which requires less free radicals to enable polymerization. Our results demonstrated the potential of the developed scaffolds, due to their favourable physico-chemical characteristics as well as their adipogenic differentiation potential when benchmarked to Gel-MA scaffolds. Hence, the hydrogels could be of great interest towards future development of adipose tissue constructs and tissue engineering in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Tytgat
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group - Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC) - Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lana Van Damme
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group - Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC) - Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 2K12, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group - Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC) - Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Heidi Declercq
- Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Group - Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 6B3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hugo Thienpont
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heidi Ottevaere
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Phillip Blondeel
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 2K12, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group - Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC) - Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group - Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC) - Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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18
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Mignon A, Pezzoli D, Prouvé E, Lévesque L, Arslan A, Pien N, Schaubroeck D, Van Hoorick J, Mantovani D, Van Vlierberghe S, Dubruel P. Combined effect of Laponite and polymer molecular weight on the cell-interactive properties of synthetic PEO-based hydrogels. REACT FUNCT POLYM 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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19
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Dobos A, Steiger W, Theiner D, Gruber P, Lunzer M, Van Hoorick J, Van Vlierberghe S, Ovsianikov A. Screening of two-photon activated photodynamic therapy sensitizers using a 3D osteosarcoma model. Analyst 2019; 144:3056-3063. [DOI: 10.1039/c9an00068b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
An in vitro screening platform for high-throughput profiling and comparison of two-photon photodynamic therapy sensitizers was established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Dobos
- TU Wien
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology
- 1060 Vienna
- Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
| | - Wolfgang Steiger
- TU Wien
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology
- 1060 Vienna
- Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
| | - Dominik Theiner
- TU Wien
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology
- 1060 Vienna
- Austria
| | - Peter Gruber
- TU Wien
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology
- 1060 Vienna
- Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
| | - Markus Lunzer
- TU Wien
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology
- 1060 Vienna
- Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Ghent University
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group
- Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry
- 9000 Ghent
- Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Ghent University
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group
- Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry
- 9000 Ghent
- Belgium
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- TU Wien
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology
- 1060 Vienna
- Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
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20
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Mandt D, Gruber P, Markovic M, Tromayer M, Rothbauer M, Kratz SRA, Ali SF, Hoorick JV, Holnthoner W, Mühleder S, Dubruel P, Vlierberghe SV, Ertl P, Liska R, Ovsianikov A. Fabrication of biomimetic placental barrier structures within a microfluidic device utilizing two-photon polymerization. Int J Bioprint 2018; 4:144. [PMID: 33102920 PMCID: PMC7581993 DOI: 10.18063/ijb.v4i2.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a transient organ, essential for development and survival of the unborn fetus. It interfaces the body of the pregnant woman with the unborn child and secures transport of endogenous and exogenous substances. Maternal and fetal blood are thereby separated at any time, by the so-called placental barrier. Current in vitro approaches fail to model this multifaceted structure, therefore research in the field of placental biology is particularly challenging. The present study aimed at establishing a novel model, simulating placental transport and its implications on development, in a versatile but reproducible way. The basal membrane was replicated using a gelatin-based material, closely mimicking the composition and properties of the natural extracellular matrix. The microstructure was produced by using a high-resolution 3D printing method - the two-photon polymerization (2PP). In order to structure gelatin by 2PP, its primary amines and carboxylic acids are modified with methacrylamides and methacrylates (GelMOD-AEMA), respectively. High-resolution structures in the range of a few micrometers were produced within the intersection of a customized microfluidic device, separating the x-shaped chamber into two isolated cell culture compartments. Human umbilical-vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) seeded on one side of this membrane simulate the fetal compartment while human choriocarcinoma cells, isolated from placental tissue (BeWo B30) mimic the maternal syncytium. This barrier model in combination with native flow profiles can be used to mimic the microenvironment of the placenta, investigating different pharmaceutical, clinical and biological scenarios. As proof-of-principle, this bioengineered placental barrier was used for the investigation of transcellular transport processes. While high molecular weight substances did not permeate, smaller molecules in the size of glucose were able to diffuse through the barrier in a time-depended manner. We envision to apply this bioengineered placental barrier for pathophysiological research, where altered nutrient transport is associated with health risks for the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Mandt
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria
| | - Peter Gruber
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria
| | - Marica Markovic
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria
| | - Maximillian Tromayer
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria.,Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Vienna Austria
| | - Mario Rothbauer
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Vienna Austria
| | | | - Syed Faheem Ali
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Vienna Austria
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Brussels Photonics, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wolfgang Holnthoner
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Severin Mühleder
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Brussels Photonics, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Ertl
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria.,Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Vienna Austria
| | - Robert Liska
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria.,Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Vienna Austria
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria
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21
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Van Hoorick J, Gruber P, Markovic M, Rollot M, Graulus GJ, Vagenende M, Tromayer M, Van Erps J, Thienpont H, Martins JC, Baudis S, Ovsianikov A, Dubruel P, Van Vlierberghe S. Highly Reactive Thiol-Norbornene Photo-Click Hydrogels: Toward Improved Processability. Macromol Rapid Commun 2018; 39:e1800181. [DOI: 10.1002/marc.201800181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group; Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry; Ghent University; Krijgslaan 281 S4 9000 Ghent Belgium
- Department of Applied Physics and Photonics; Brussels Photonics; Flanders Make and Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Pleinlaan 2 1050 Elsene Belgium
| | - Peter Gruber
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology Technische Universität Wien; Getreidemarkt 9 1060 Vienna Austria
| | - Marica Markovic
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology Technische Universität Wien; Getreidemarkt 9 1060 Vienna Austria
| | - Mélanie Rollot
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group; Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry; Ghent University; Krijgslaan 281 S4 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Geert-Jan Graulus
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group; Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry; Ghent University; Krijgslaan 281 S4 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Maxime Vagenende
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group; Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry; Ghent University; Krijgslaan 281 S4 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Maximilian Tromayer
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry; Technische Universität Wien; Getreidemarkt 9/163MC 1060 Vienna Austria
| | - Jürgen Van Erps
- Department of Applied Physics and Photonics; Brussels Photonics; Flanders Make and Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Pleinlaan 2 1050 Elsene Belgium
| | - Hugo Thienpont
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group; Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry; Ghent University; Krijgslaan 281 S4 9000 Ghent Belgium
- Department of Applied Physics and Photonics; Brussels Photonics; Flanders Make and Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Pleinlaan 2 1050 Elsene Belgium
| | - José C. Martins
- Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry; NMR and Structure Analysis Unit; Ghent University; Krijgslaan 281 S4 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Stefan Baudis
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry; Technische Universität Wien; Getreidemarkt 9/163MC 1060 Vienna Austria
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology Technische Universität Wien; Getreidemarkt 9 1060 Vienna Austria
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group; Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry; Ghent University; Krijgslaan 281 S4 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group; Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry; Ghent University; Krijgslaan 281 S4 9000 Ghent Belgium
- Department of Applied Physics and Photonics; Brussels Photonics; Flanders Make and Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Pleinlaan 2 1050 Elsene Belgium
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22
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De Jaeghere E, De Vlieghere E, Van Hoorick J, Van Vlierberghe S, Wagemans G, Pieters L, Melsens E, Praet M, Van Dorpe J, Boone MN, Ghobeira R, De Geyter N, Bracke M, Vanhove C, Neyt S, Berx G, De Geest BG, Dubruel P, Declercq H, Ceelen W, De Wever O. Heterocellular 3D scaffolds as biomimetic to recapitulate the tumor microenvironment of peritoneal metastases in vitro and in vivo. Biomaterials 2017; 158:95-105. [PMID: 29306747 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Peritoneal metastasis is a major cause of death and preclinical models are urgently needed to enhance therapeutic progress. This study reports on a hybrid hydrogel-polylactic acid (PLA) scaffold that mimics the architecture of peritoneal metastases at the qualitative, quantitative and spatial level. Porous PLA scaffolds with controllable pore size, geometry and surface properties are functionalized by type I collagen hydrogel. Co-seeding of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) increases cancer cell adhesion, recovery and exponential growth by in situ heterocellular spheroid formation. Scaffold implantation into the peritoneum allows long-term follow-up (>14 weeks) and results in a time-dependent increase in vascularization, which correlates with cancer cell colonization in vivo. CAF, endothelial cells, macrophages and cancer cells show spatial and quantitative aspects as similarly observed in patient-derived peritoneal metastases. CAF provide long-term secretion of complementary paracrine factors implicated in spheroid formation in vitro as well as in recruitment and organization of host cells in vivo. In conclusion, the multifaceted heterocellular interactions that occur within peritoneal metastases are reproduced in this tissue-engineered implantable scaffold model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiel De Jaeghere
- Laboratory Experimental Cancer Research (LECR), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elly De Vlieghere
- Laboratory Experimental Cancer Research (LECR), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Glenn Wagemans
- Laboratory Experimental Cancer Research (LECR), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Leen Pieters
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elodie Melsens
- Experimental Surgery Lab, Department of Surgery, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marleen Praet
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Van Dorpe
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Matthieu N Boone
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rouba Ghobeira
- Department of Applied Physics, Research Unit Plasma Technology (RUPT), Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, B4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nathalie De Geyter
- Department of Applied Physics, Research Unit Plasma Technology (RUPT), Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, B4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marc Bracke
- Laboratory Experimental Cancer Research (LECR), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian Vanhove
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Institute Biomedical Technology, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sara Neyt
- MOLECUBES NV, Ottergemsesteenweg-Zuid 808, 325 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Berx
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Unit of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 927, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno G De Geest
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ottergemstesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Heidi Declercq
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Ceelen
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Experimental Surgery Lab, Department of Surgery, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Laboratory Experimental Cancer Research (LECR), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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23
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Van Hoorick J, Gruber P, Markovic M, Tromayer M, Van Erps J, Thienpont H, Liska R, Ovsianikov A, Dubruel P, Van Vlierberghe S. Cross-Linkable Gelatins with Superior Mechanical Properties Through Carboxylic Acid Modification: Increasing the Two-Photon Polymerization Potential. Biomacromolecules 2017; 18:3260-3272. [PMID: 28850786 PMCID: PMC5647566 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b00905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [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: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The present work reports on the development of photo-cross-linkable gelatins sufficiently versatile to overcome current biopolymer two-photon polymerization (2PP) processing limitations. To this end, both the primary amines as well as the carboxylic acids of gelatin type B were functionalized with photo-cross-linkable moieties (up to 1 mmol/g) resulting in superior and tunable mechanical properties (G' from 5000 to 147000 Pa) enabling efficient 2PP processing. The materials were characterized in depth prior to and after photoinduced cross-linking using fully functionalized gelatin-methacrylamide (gel-MOD) as a benchmark to assess the effect of functionalization on the protein properties, cross-linking efficiency, and mechanical properties. In addition, preliminary experiments on hydrogel films indicated excellent in vitro biocompatibility (close to 100% viability) both in the presence of MC3T3 preosteoblasts and L929 fibroblasts. Moreover, 2PP processing of the novel derivative was superior in terms of applied laser power (≥40 vs ≥60 mW for gel-MOD at 100 mm/s) as well as post-production swelling (0-20% vs 75-100% for gel-MOD) compared to those of gel-MOD. The reported novel gelatin derivative (gel-MOD-AEMA) proves to be extremely suitable for direct laser writing as both superior mimicry of the applied computer-aided design (CAD) was obtained while maintaining the desired cellular interactivity of the biopolymer. It can be anticipated that the present work will also be applicable to alternative biopolymers mimicking the extracellular environment such as collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, thereby expanding current material-related processing limitations in the tissue engineering field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer
Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry
(CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Brussels
Photonics, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Elsene, Belgium
| | - Peter Gruber
- Institute
of Materials Science and Technology and Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Technische Universität Wien Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
- Austrian
Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marica Markovic
- Institute
of Materials Science and Technology and Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Technische Universität Wien Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
- Austrian
Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Tromayer
- Institute
of Materials Science and Technology and Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Technische Universität Wien Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
- Austrian
Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen Van Erps
- Brussels
Photonics, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Elsene, Belgium
| | - Hugo Thienpont
- Polymer
Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry
(CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Brussels
Photonics, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Elsene, Belgium
| | - Robert Liska
- Institute
of Materials Science and Technology and Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Technische Universität Wien Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
- Austrian
Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- Institute
of Materials Science and Technology and Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Technische Universität Wien Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
- Austrian
Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer
Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry
(CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer
Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry
(CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Brussels
Photonics, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Elsene, Belgium
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24
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Houben A, Pien N, Lu X, Bisi F, Van Hoorick J, Boone MN, Roose P, Van den Bergen H, Bontinck D, Bowden T, Dubruel P, Van Vlierberghe S. Indirect Solid Freeform Fabrication of an Initiator-Free Photocrosslinkable Hydrogel Precursor for the Creation of Porous Scaffolds. Macromol Biosci 2016; 16:1883-1894. [DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201600289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Annemie Houben
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group; Ghent University; Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Nele Pien
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group; Ghent University; Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Xi Lu
- Materials in Medicine Group; Uppsala University; Lägerhyddsvägen 1 75105 Uppsala Sweden
| | - Francesca Bisi
- Department of Engineering Enzo Ferrari; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia; via Pietro Vivarelli 10 41125 Modena Italy
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group; Ghent University; Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis 9000 Ghent Belgium
- Brussels Photonics Team; Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Pleinlaan 2 1050 Elsene Belgium
| | - Matthieu N. Boone
- UGCT - Department of Physics and Astronomy; Ghent University; Proeftuinstraat 86/N12 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Patrice Roose
- Allnex R&D; Allnex; Anderlechtstraat 33 1620 Drogenbos Belgium
| | | | - Dirk Bontinck
- Allnex R&D; Allnex; Anderlechtstraat 33 1620 Drogenbos Belgium
| | - Tim Bowden
- Polymer Chemistry; Uppsala University; Lägerhyddsvägen 1 75105 Uppsala Sweden
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group; Ghent University; Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group; Ghent University; Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis 9000 Ghent Belgium
- Brussels Photonics Team; Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Pleinlaan 2 1050 Elsene Belgium
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25
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Houben A, Van Hoorick J, Van Erps J, Thienpont H, Van Vlierberghe S, Dubruel P. Indirect Rapid Prototyping: Opening Up Unprecedented Opportunities in Scaffold Design and Applications. Ann Biomed Eng 2016; 45:58-83. [PMID: 27080376 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-016-1610-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [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: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, solid freeform fabrication (SFF) has emerged as the main technology for the production of scaffolds for tissue engineering applications as a result of the architectural versatility. However, certain limitations have also arisen, primarily associated with the available, rather limited range of materials suitable for processing. To overcome these limitations, several research groups have been exploring novel methodologies through which a construct, generated via SFF, is applied as a sacrificial mould for production of the final construct. The technique combines the benefits of SFF techniques in terms of controlled, patient-specific design with a large freedom in material selection associated with conventional scaffold production techniques. Consequently, well-defined 3D scaffolds can be generated in a straightforward manner from previously difficult to print and even "unprintable" materials due to thermomechanical properties that do not match the often strict temperature and pressure requirements for direct rapid prototyping. These include several biomaterials, thermally degradable materials, ceramics and composites. Since it can be combined with conventional pore forming techniques, indirect rapid prototyping (iRP) enables the creation of a hierarchical porosity in the final scaffold with micropores inside the struts. Consequently, scaffolds and implants for applications in both soft and hard tissue regeneration have been reported. In this review, an overview of different iRP strategies and materials are presented from the first reports of the approach at the turn of the century until now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemie Houben
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Brussels Photonics Team, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Jürgen Van Erps
- Brussels Photonics Team, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Hugo Thienpont
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Brussels Photonics Team, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Brussels Photonics Team, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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26
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Van Hoorick J, Declercq H, De Muynck A, Houben A, Van Hoorebeke L, Cornelissen R, Van Erps J, Thienpont H, Dubruel P, Van Vlierberghe S. Indirect additive manufacturing as an elegant tool for the production of self-supporting low density gelatin scaffolds. J Mater Sci Mater Med 2015; 26:247. [PMID: 26411443 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-015-5566-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The present work describes for the first time the production of self-supporting low gelatin density (<10 w/v%) porous scaffolds using methacrylamide-modified gelatin as an extracellular matrix mimicking component. As porous scaffolds starting from low gelatin concentrations cannot be realized with the conventional additive manufacturing techniques in the abscence of additives, we applied an indirect fused deposition modelling approach. To realize this, we have printed a sacrificial polyester scaffold which supported the hydrogel material during UV crosslinking, thereby preventing hydrogel structure collapse. After complete curing, the polyester scaffold was selectively dissolved leaving behind a porous, interconnective low density gelatin scaffold. Scaffold structural analysis indicated the success of the selected indirect additive manufacturing approach. Physico-chemical testing revealed scaffold properties (mechanical, degradation, swelling) to depend on the applied gelatin concentration and methacrylamide content. Preliminary biocompatibility studies revealed the cell-interactive and biocompatible properties of the materials developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Brussels Photonics Team, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Heidi Declercq
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185 6B3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Amelie De Muynck
- UGCT - Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86/N12, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annemie Houben
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Van Hoorebeke
- UGCT - Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86/N12, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ria Cornelissen
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185 6B3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jürgen Van Erps
- Brussels Photonics Team, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Hugo Thienpont
- Brussels Photonics Team, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
- Brussels Photonics Team, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Elsene, Belgium.
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27
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Markovic M, Van Hoorick J, Hölzl K, Tromayer M, Gruber P, Nürnberger S, Dubruel P, Van Vlierberghe S, Liska R, Ovsianikov A. Hybrid Tissue Engineering Scaffolds by Combination of Three-Dimensional Printing and Cell Photoencapsulation. J Nanotechnol Eng Med 2015; 6:0210011-210017. [PMID: 26858826 DOI: 10.1115/1.4031466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers versatile possibilities for adapting the structural parameters of tissue engineering scaffolds. However, it is also essential to develop procedures allowing efficient cell seeding independent of scaffold geometry and pore size. The aim of this study was to establish a method for seeding the scaffolds using photopolymerizable cell-laden hydrogels. The latter facilitates convenient preparation, and handling of cell suspension, while distributing the hydrogel precursor throughout the pores, before it is cross-linked with light. In addition, encapsulation of living cells within hydrogels can produce constructs with high initial cell loading and intimate cell-matrix contact, similar to that of the natural extra-cellular matrix (ECM). Three dimensional scaffolds were produced from poly(lactic) acid (PLA) by means of fused deposition modeling. A solution of methacrylamide-modified gelatin (Gel-MOD) in cell culture medium containing photoinitiator Li-TPO-L was used as a hydrogel precursor. Being an enzymatically degradable derivative of natural collagen, gelatin-based matrices are biomimetic and potentially support the process of cell-induced remodeling. Preosteoblast cells MC3T3-E1 at a density of 10 × 106 cells per 1 mL were used for testing the seeding procedure and cell proliferation studies. Obtained results indicate that produced constructs support cell survival and proliferation over extended duration of our experiment. The established two-step approach for scaffold seeding with the cells is simple, rapid, and is shown to be highly reproducible. Furthermore, it enables precise control of the initial cell density, while yielding their uniform distribution throughout the scaffold. Such hybrid tissue engineering constructs merge the advantages of rigid 3D printed constructs with the soft hydrogel matrix, potentially mimicking the process of ECM remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Markovic
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Getreidemarkt 9, Vienna 1060, Austria e-mail:
| | - Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4-bis, Ghent 9000, Belgium; Brussels Photonics Team, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Elsene 1050, Belgium e-mail:
| | - Katja Hölzl
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Getreidemarkt 9, Vienna 1060, Austria e-mail:
| | - Maximilian Tromayer
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Getreidemarkt 9, Vienna 1060, Austria e-mail:
| | - Peter Gruber
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Getreidemarkt 9, Vienna 1060, Austria e-mail:
| | - Sylvia Nürnberger
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Medical University of Vienna, Department of Trauma Surgery, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Vienna 1090, Austria e-mail:
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4-bis, Ghent 9000, Belgium e-mail:
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4-bis, 9000 Ghent, Brussels, Photonics Team, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Elsene 1050, Belgium e-mail:
| | - Robert Liska
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry Division of Macromolecular Chemistry, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Getreidemarkt 9, Vienna 1060, Austria e-mail:
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Getreidemarkt 9, Vienna 1060, Austria e-mail:
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28
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Van Rie J, Declercq H, Van Hoorick J, Dierick M, Van Hoorebeke L, Cornelissen R, Thienpont H, Dubruel P, Van Vlierberghe S. Cryogel-PCL combination scaffolds for bone tissue repair. J Mater Sci Mater Med 2015; 26:123. [PMID: 25690621 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-015-5465-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The present work describes the development and the evaluation of cryogel-poly-ε-caprolactone combinatory scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Gelatin was selected as cell-interactive biopolymer to enable the adhesion and the proliferation of mouse calvaria pre-osteoblasts while poly-ε-caprolactone was applied for its mechanical strength required for the envisaged application. In order to realize suitable osteoblast carriers, methacrylamide-functionalized gelatin was introduced into 3D printed poly-ε-caprolactone scaffolds created using the Bioplotter technology, followed by performing a cryogenic treatment which was concomitant with the redox-initiated, covalent crosslinking of the gelatin derivative (i.e. cryogelation). In a first part, the efficiency of the cryogelation process was determined using gel fraction experiments and by correlating the results with conventional hydrogel formation at room temperature. Next, the optimal cryogelation parameters were fed into the combinatory approach and the scaffolds developed were characterized for their structural and mechanical properties using scanning electron microscopy, micro-computed tomography and compression tests respectively. In a final part, in vitro biocompatibility assays indicated a good colonization of the pre-osteoblasts and the attachment of viable cells onto the cryogenic network. However, the results also show that the cellular infiltration throughout the entire scaffold is suboptimal, which implies that the scaffold design should be optimized by reducing the cryogel density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Van Rie
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, Building S4-Bis, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
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