Characterization of the attachment mechanisms of tissue-derived cell lines to blood-compatible polymers

Flow diverter surface modifications for aneurysm treatment: A review of the mechanisms and data behind existing technologies

Flow diversion (FD) has become a mainstay treatment for large wide-necked aneurysms. Despite excellent safety and efficacy, the risk of thromboembolic complications necessitates the use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). The use of DAPT makes hemorrhagic complications of stenting carry high morbidity and mortality. Additionally, DAPT usage carries a risk of "nuisance" complications that do not directly impact intracranial circulation but need to be managed nonetheless. To circumvent this issue, the most recent generation of flow diverters have undergone surface modification with various compounds to confer blood compatibility to limit clotting and thrombosis. While these newer generation flow diverters are marketed to enhance ease of deployment, the goal is to eventually facilitate single antiplatelet use with flow diverter treatment. This generation of FDs have potential to expand indications beyond unruptured wide-necked aneurysms to include ruptured intracranial aneurysms without the necessity of DAPT. Currently, no comprehensive review details the molecular mechanisms and pre-clinical and clinical data on these modifications. We seek to fill this gap in the literature by consolidating information on the coating technology for four major FDs currently in clinical use-PipelineTM Flex and Vantage Shield TechnologyTM, FREDTMX, p48/64 hydrophilic coating, and Acandis Dervio® 2heal-to serve as a reference guide in neurointerventional aneurysm treatment. Although the Balt silkTM was one of the first FDs, it is uncoated, thus we will not cover this device in our review. A literature review was performed to obtain information on each coating technology for the major flow diverters currently on the market using international databases (PUBMED, Embase, Medline, Google Scholar). The search criteria used the keywords for each coating technology of interest "phosphorylcholine," "poly 2-methoxyethyl acrylate," "hydrophilic polymer coating," and "fibrin-heparin" Keywords related to the device names "Pipeline Shield," "Pipeline Shield with Flex Technology," "FRED," "FREDX," "p64," "p64-HPC," "Derivo 2heal" were also used. Studies that detailed the mechanism of action of the coating, any pre-clinical studies with surface-modified intravascular devices, and any clinical retrospective series, prospective series, or randomized clinical trials with surface-modified devices for aneurysm treatment were included.

Hydrated Ionic Liquids: Perspective for Bioscience

Hydrated ionic liquid (IL) is a simple mixture of IL and water. Unique aqueous electrolyte solution can be designed by mixing IL with limited amount of water. In most hydrated ILs, there are no free water and all are strongly interacted with ions. The properties of hydrated ILs, such as polarity, viscosity, ion mobility, and hydrogen bonding ability, can therefore be controlled simply by water content. This mixture is expected to provide similar environment to that of living cell, and is desired to be effective solvents for biomolecules. In this account, we would like to survey the basic properties, recent results, and future aspects of the hydrated ILs.

Simple Detection and Culture of Circulating Tumor Cells from Colorectal Cancer Patients Using Poly(2-Methoxyethyl Acrylate)-Coated Plates

Here we aimed to establish a simple detection method for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood sample of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients using poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA)-coated plates. Adhesion test and spike test using CRC cell lines assured efficacy of PMEA coating. A total of 41 patients with pathological stage II-IV CRC were enrolled between January 2018 and September 2022. Blood samples were concentrated by centrifugation by the OncoQuick tube, and then incubated overnight on PMEA-coated chamber slides. The next day, cell culture and immunocytochemistry with anti-EpCAM antibody were performed. Adhesion tests revealed good attachment of CRCs to PMEA-coated plates. Spike tests indicated that ~75% of CRCs from a 10-mL blood sample were recovered on the slides. By cytological examination, CTCs were identified in 18/41 CRC cases (43.9%). In cell cultures, spheroid-like structures or tumor-cell clusters were found in 18/33 tested cases (54.5%). Overall, CTCs and/or growing circulating tumor cells were found in 23/41 CRC cases (56.0%). History of chemotherapy or radiation was significantly negatively correlated with CTC detection (p = 0.02). In summary, we successfully captured CTCs from CRC patients using the unique biomaterial PMEA. Cultured tumor cells will provide important and timely information regarding the molecular basis of CTCs.

Enrichment of Cancer Cells Based on Antibody-Free Selective Cell Adhesion

Blood-compatible and cell-adhering polymer materials are extremely useful for regenerative medicine and disease diagnosis. (Meth)acryl polymers with high hydrophilicity have been widely used in industries, and attempts to apply these polymers in the medical field are frequently reported. We focused on crosslinked polymer films prepared using bifunctional monomers, which are widely used as coating materials, and attempted to alter the cell adhesion behavior while maintaining blood compatibility by changing the chemical structure of the crosslinker. Four bifunctional monomers were studied, three of which were found to be blood-compatible polymers and to suppress platelet adhesion. The adhesion behavior of cancer cells to polymer films varied; moreover, the cancer model cells MCF-7 [EpCAM(+)] and MDA-MB-231 [EpCAM (-)], with different expression levels of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), showed distinct adhesion behavior for each material. We suggest that a combination of these materials has the potential to selectively capture and enrich highly metastatic cancer cells.

Cell Adhesion Strength Indicates the Antithrombogenicity of Poly(2-Methoxyethyl Acrylate) (PMEA): Potential Candidate for Artificial Small-Diameter Blood Vessel

Poly (2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) is a US FDA-approved biocompatible polymer, although there is insufficient work on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and platelet interaction analysis on PMEA-analogous polymers. In this study, we extensively investigated HUVEC–polymer and platelet–polymer interaction behavior by measuring the adhesion strength using single-cell force spectroscopy. Furthermore, the hydration layer of the polymer interface was observed using frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy. We found that endothelial cells can attach and spread on the PMEA surface with strong adhesion strength compared to other analogous polymers. We found that the hydration layers on the PMEA-analogous polymers were closely related to their weak platelet adhesion behavior. Based on our results, it can be concluded that PMEA is a promising candidate for the construction of artificial small-diameter blood vessels owing to the presence of IW and a hydration layer on the interface.

Surface modification of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for bone regeneration by controlling their surface hydration and protein adsorption states

Autogenous bone and metallic implant grafting has been used to repair and regenerate bone defects. However, there are still many unresolved problems. It is suggested that bioceramic nanoparticles should be developed and designed to promote effective bone regeneration. In addition, it is necessary to synthesize bioceramic nanoparticles that can support proteins related to bone repair and regeneration such as collagen and albumin. As the protein-interactive bioceramic, hydroxyapatite (HA) deserves to be mentioned and has several attractive properties that are useful in biomedical fields (e.g., biocompatibility, protein adsorption capacity and stability in the physiological environment). In order to prepare novel HA nanoparticles with high biocompatibility, it can be considered that human bones are mainly composed of HA and contain a small amount of silicate, and therefore, the design of coexistence of HA with silicate can be focused. Moreover, it is proposed that the state of the hydration layer on the nanoparticle surfaces can be controlled by introducing heteroelements and polymer chains, which have a great influence on the subsequent protein adsorption and cell adhesion. In this perspective, in order to develop novel bioceramic nanoparticles for the treatment of bone defect, the design of highly biocompatible HA nanoparticles and the control of the hydration layer and protein adsorption states on the surfaces were systematically discussed based on their surface modification techniques, which are very important for the proper understanding of the interface between cells and bioceramics, leading to the further application in biomedical fields.

A surface-eroding poly(1,3-trimethylene carbonate) coating for magnesium based cardiovascular stents with stable drug release and improved corrosion resistance

Magnesium alloys with integration of degradability and good mechanical performance are desired for vascular stent application. Drug-eluting coatings may optimize the corrosion profiles of magnesium substrate and reduce the incidence of restenosis simultaneously. In this paper, poly (trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) with different molecular weight (50,000 g/mol named as PTMC5 and 350,000 g/mol named as PTMC35) was applied as drug-eluting coatings on magnesium alloys. A conventional antiproliferative drug, paclitaxel (PTX), was incorporated in the PTMC coating. The adhesive strength, corrosion behavior, drug release and biocompatibility were investigated. Compared with the PLGA control group, PTMC coating was uniform and gradually degraded from surface to inside, which could provide long-term protection for the magnesium substrate. PTMC35 coated samples exhibited much slower corrosion rate 0.05 μA/cm2 in comparison with 0.11 μA/cm2 and 0.13 μA/cm2 for PLGA and PTMC5 coated counterparts. In addition, PTMC35 coating showed more stable and sustained drug release ability and effectively inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical vein vascular smooth muscle cells. Hemocompatibility test indicated that few platelets were adhered on PTMC5 and PTMC35 coatings. PTMC35 coating, exhibiting surface erosion behavior, stable drug release and good biocompatibility, could be a good candidate as a drug-eluting coating for magnesium-based stent.

Attachment and Growth of Fibroblast Cells on Poly (2-Methoxyethyl Acrylate) Analog Polymers as Coating Materials

The regulation of adhesion and the subsequent behavior of fibroblast cells on the surface of biomaterials is important for successful tissue regeneration and wound healing by implanted biomaterials. We have synthesized poly(ω-methoxyalkyl acrylate)s (PMCxAs; x indicates the number of methylene carbons between the ester and ethyl oxygen), with a carbon chain length of x = 2–6, to investigate the regulation of fibroblast cell behavior including adhesion, proliferation, migration, differentiation and collagen production. We found that PMC2A suppressed the cell spreading, protein adsorption, formation of focal adhesion, and differentiation of normal human dermal fibroblasts, while PMC4A surfaces enhanced them compared to other PMCxAs. Our findings suggest that fibroblast activities attached to the PMCxA substrates can be modified by changing the number of methylene carbons in the side chains of the polymers. These results indicate that PMCxAs could be useful coating materials for use in skin regeneration and wound dressing applications.

Control of the hydration layer states on phosphorus-containing mesoporous silica films and their reactivity evaluation with biological fluids

Transparent phosphorus-containing MPS (PMPS) films were synthesized by the introduction and reaction of phosphoric acid into the silica framework during the sol-gel reaction. We then investigated the hydration layer structures formed on the PMPS films and achieved the selective adsorption of fibronectin (Fn). In particular, the surface analyses indicated that the P atom was distributed at the outermost surfaces of the PMPS films. The PMPS films exhibited a high transparency (e.g., averaged transmittance value in the visible light region: 79%), and the haze value (0.14%) decreased with the increasing P/Si molar concentration. Solid-state 29Si-NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra indicated the formation of Si-O-P bonds, suggesting that the condensation reaction between the Si-O- and P-O- groups effectively occurs in the silica framework. The larger amount of P-O- and P[double bond, length as m-dash]O groups at the Si-O-P bonding site on the films affects the water molecular adsorption states (i.e., formation of the hydration layer), which was supported by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas of N2 and water vapor, leading to enhancement of the hydrogen bondability of the PMPS films with the increased formation of Si-O-P bonds. The deconvolution results of the FT-IR spectra demonstrated that the ratio of free water to bonding water increased significantly with an increase in the formation of Si-O-P bonding, and the resulting O-H stretching vibration in the hydration layer became more asymmetric. It is suggested that the water molecules are irregularly hydrogen-bonded with the different functional groups of Si-O-, P-O- and P[double bond, length as m-dash]O. In the immersion experiment of the PMPS films in phosphate buffer, the resultant P/Si molar concentration of the PMPS film decreased upon increasing the immersion time and the mesostructures were preserved. The amount of Fn adsorption significantly increased as the O-H stretching vibration of the water molecules became more asymmetric, whereas the adsorption of fibrinogen was completely suppressed by the films. Therefore, we found that the addition of phosphoric acid in the MPS film synthesis significantly affects the hydration layer structures on the film surfaces to provide the possibility of selective protein adsorption.

Effect of interfacial structure based on grafting density of poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) on blood compatibility

An excellent blood-compatible polymer, poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA), exhibits nanometer-scale phase-separated structures at the interface with water or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and fibrinogen adsorption is suppressed, especially on the water-rich region. To understand the correlation between the interfacial structure based on the grafting density of PMEA and blood compatibility, grafted PMEA (gPMEA) surfaces with controlled density were prepared by immobilizing thiol-terminated PMEA on a gold substrate. The amount of adsorbed fibrinogen and the number of adhered platelets on gPMEAs decreased first with the increasing grafting density (σ), but increased after showed minimum at σ of approximately 0.11 chains/nm². The interfacial structures of the gPMEA/PBS interface changed with grafting density, and the maximum area of water-rich region was obtained at σ = 0.11. The water contact angle at σ = 0.11 is smaller than that at the other grafting density. These results revealed that hydration to the polymer is very effective to suppress the platelet adhesion and water-rich region shows excellent blood compatibility on gPMEA surfaces. This work clearly indicated that the density of PMEA affects the interfacial structure and plays an important role in the blood compatibility of the material.

Role of interfacial water in determining the interactions of proteins and cells with hydrated materials

Water molecules play a crucial role in biointerfacial interactions, including protein adsorption and desorption. To understand the role of water in the interaction of proteins and cells at biological interfaces, it is important to compare particular states of hydration water with various physicochemical properties of hydrated biomaterials. In this review, we discuss the fundamental concepts for determining the interactions of proteins and cells with hydrated materials along with selected examples corresponding to our recent studies, including poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA), PMEA derivatives, and other biomaterials. The states of water were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, in situ attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy, and surface force measurements. We found that intermediate water which is loosely bound to a biomaterial, is a useful indicator of the bioinertness of material surfaces. This finding on intermediate water provides novel insights and helps develop novel experimental models for understanding protein adsorption in a wide range of materials, such as those used in biomedical applications.

Preparation of metal phthalocyanine (MPc)-polymer complexes: the possible anti-cancer properties of FePc-polymer complexes

We have succeeded in preparing various water-soluble metal phthalocyanine (MPc)–polymer complexes, wherein the metal moiety is lithium, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, or tin, and the polymer is one of the following water-soluble polymers: polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Among all MPc–polymer complexes, the iron phthalocyanine (FePc)–PVP complex in water showed the largest and sharpest absorption peak at ∼700 nm in UV–Vis absorption spectrum, which indicates that FePc–polymer complexes in water are easily prepared and the degree of stacking of FePc in the complexes, very small, such as that of a monomer or a similar structure. Conversely, the polymer chains including those of PEG, PVP, and dextran have high biological affinity as well as flexibility. Speculatively, the FePc–polymer (e.g., PEG, PVP, and dextran) complexes adsorbed onto the surface of a cancer cell might break it via the irradiation of near-infrared light having a wavelength of ∼700 nm. Furthermore, chlorophyll a–polymer complexes, previously prepared by our group, might similarly break a cancer cell because these complexes showed a large and sharp absorption peak at ∼700 nm in UV–Vis spectrum.

A simple strategy for robust preparation and characterisation of hydrogels derived from chitosan and amino functional monomers for biomedical applications

Molecular interactions of amino functional (AF) monomers with chitosan (CS) lead to the formation of external stimuli responsive hydrogels (HGs). These have the potential to produce biomaterials with novel properties by a simple blending approach. Six independent AF monomers such as diethylenetriamine (DETA), bis(3-aminopropyl)amine (BAPA), 3,3'-diamino-N-methyldipropyleamine (DAMPA), hexamethylenediamine (HMDA), N,N-dimethylethylamine (DMEA) and diethylamine (DEA) with distinct functional groups and chain lengths were designed to form stable HGs at physiological pH. Such AF monomers are able to form HGs within a short time (in the range from 10 to 19 seconds) by physically interacting with CS. This is an alternative to the covalently crosslinking reaction process, providing cost effective HG biomaterials. HG complexes were characterized by rheometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The interaction between AF monomers and the CS polymer has been discussed and the results have been confirmed by FTIR analysis. The storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G'') and complex viscosity (η*) were evaluated for all HGs using a rheometer, and the ratios of CS and the particular AF monomer were optimized for stable HG formation. The swelling ratio was evaluated using a simple method and was found to be directly related to the structure of the AF monomer, pH and temperature. These HGs were utilised for encapsulation, and the release of active molecules (e.g., reactive red 120 (RR120) as a model compound) was measured at low pH 5.5, physiological pH 7.4 and high pH 9.5. The cell viability and cellular compatibility of the HGs were evaluated in vitro cell culture, demonstrating that all the five different types of HGs support cellular compatibility, attachment and growth. The physical mixing of AF monomers with CS is expedited for the development of new bespoke economically viable biomaterials.

Characterization of Initial Cell Adhesion on Charged Polymer Substrates in Serum-Containing and Serum-Free Media

Charged substrates are expected to promote cell adhesion via electrostatic interaction, but it remains unclear how cells adhere to these substrates. Here, initial cell adhesion (<30 min) was re-examined on charged substrates in serum-containing and serum-free media to distinguish among various cell adhesion mechanisms (i.e., electrostatic interaction, hydrophobic interaction, and biological interaction). Cationic and anionic methacrylate copolymers were coated on nonionic nontissue culture-treated polystyrene to create charged substrates. Cells adhered similarly on cationic, anionic, and nonionic substrates in serum-free medium via integrin-independent mechanisms, but their adhesion forces differed (anionic > cationic > nonionic substrates), indicating that cell adhesion is not mediated solely by the cells' negative charge. In serum-containing medium, the cells adhered minimally on anionic and nonionic substrates, but they adhered abundantly on cationic substrates via both integrin-dependent and -independent mechanisms. These results suggest that neither electrostatic force nor protein adsorption is accountable for cell adhesion. Conclusively, the observed phenomena revealed a gap in the generally accepted understanding of cell adhesion mechanisms on charged polymeric substrates. A reanalysis of their mechanisms is necessary.

Controlling Protein Adsorption through Nanostructured Polymeric Surfaces

The initial host response to healthcare materials' surfaces after implantation is the adsorption of proteins from blood and interstitial fluids. This adsorbed protein layer modulates the biological/cellular responses to healthcare materials. This stresses the significance of the surface protein assembly for the biocompatibility and functionality of biomaterials and necessitates a profound fundamental understanding of the capability to control protein-surface interactions. This review, therefore, addresses this by systematically analyzing and discussing strategies to control protein adsorption on polymeric healthcare materials through the introduction of specific surface nanostructures. Relevant proteins, healthcare materials' surface properties, clinical applications of polymer healthcare materials, fabrication methods for nanostructured polymer surfaces, amorphous, semicrystalline and block copolymers are considered with a special emphasis on the topographical control of protein adsorption. The review shows that nanostructured polymer surfaces are powerful tools to control the amount, orientation, and order of adsorbed protein layers. It also shows that the understanding of the biological responses to such ordered protein adsorption is still in its infancy, yet it has immense potential for future healthcare materials. The review, which is-as far as it is known-the first one discussing protein adsorption on nanostructured polymer surfaces, concludes with highlighting important current research questions.

Designing Smart Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering

The engineering of human tissues to cure diseases is an interdisciplinary and a very attractive field of research both in academia and the biotechnology industrial sector. Three-dimensional (3D) biomaterial scaffolds can play a critical role in the development of new tissue morphogenesis via interacting with human cells. Although simple polymeric biomaterials can provide mechanical and physical properties required for tissue development, insufficient biomimetic property and lack of interactions with human progenitor cells remain problematic for the promotion of functional tissue formation. Therefore, the developments of advanced functional biomaterials that respond to stimulus could be the next choice to generate smart 3D biomimetic scaffolds, actively interacting with human stem cells and progenitors along with structural integrity to form functional tissue within a short period. To date, smart biomaterials are designed to interact with biological systems for a wide range of biomedical applications, from the delivery of bioactive molecules and cell adhesion mediators to cellular functioning for the engineering of functional tissues to treat diseases.

Monoether-Tagged Biodegradable Polycarbonate Preventing Platelet Adhesion and Demonstrating Vascular Cell Adhesion: A Promising Material for Resorbable Vascular Grafts and Stents

We developed a biodegradable polycarbonate that demonstrates antithrombogenicity and vascular cell adhesion via organocatalytic ring-opening polymerization of a trimethylene carbonate (TMC) analogue bearing a methoxy group. The monoether-tagged polycarbonate demonstrates a platelet adhesion property that is 93 and 89% lower than those of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polyTMC, respectively. In contrast, vascular cell adhesion properties of the polycarbonate are comparable to those controls, indicating a potential for selective cell adhesion properties. This difference in the cell adhesion property is well associated with surface hydration, which affects protein adsorption and denaturation. Fibrinogen is slightly denatured on the monoether-tagged polycarbonate, whereas fibronectin is highly activated to expose the RGD motif for favorable vascular cell adhesion. The surface hydration, mainly induced by the methoxy side chain, also contributes to slowing the enzymatic degradation. Consequently, the polycarbonate exhibits decent blood compatibility, vascular cell adhesion properties, and biodegradability, which is promising for applications in resorbable vascular grafts and stents.

Arginine-leucine based poly (ester urea urethane) coating for Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloy in cardiovascular stent applications

Selected from the family of self-designed biodegradable amino acid-based poly (ester urea urethane) (AA-PEUU) pseudo-protein biomaterials, arginine-leucine based poly (ester urea urethane)s (Arg-Leu-PEUUs) were used as protective and bio-functional coatings for bio-absorbable magnesium alloy MgZnYNd in cardiovascular stent applications. Comparing with poly (glycolide-co-lactide) (PLGA) coating, the Arg-Leu-PEUU coating had stronger bonding strength with the substrate; in vitro electrochemical and long-term immersion results verified a significantly better corrosion resistance. Acute blood contact tests proved a better hemocompatibility of Arg-Leu-PEUU coating. The immunofluorescent staining and cell proliferation test indicated that Arg-Leu-PEUU coating had a far better cytocompatibility. The Arg-Leu-PEUU coating stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to release reasonably increased amount of nitric oxide (NO), suggesting its potential in retarding thrombosis and restenosis. The superior corrosion resistance and biocompatibility as well as the indigenous NO production bio-functionality of the Arg-Leu-PEUU copolymer family indicate their capability to offer a far better protection of the magnesium-based implantable cardiovascular stent and bring their application closer to clinical reality.

Cultured cell-derived decellularized matrices: a review towards the next decade

Summary of recent progress in cell-derived decellularized matrices preparation and application, with perspectives towards the next decade.

A novel biodegradable and biologically functional arginine-based poly(ester urea urethane) coating for Mg–Zn–Y–Nd alloy: enhancement in corrosion resistance and biocompatibility

Novel biodegradable and functional Arg-PEUU coating materials for MgZnYNd alloy stents may make drugs like sirolimus or paclitaxel unnecessary.

Promotion of Adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 Cells on Protein Adsorption-Suppressing Poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) Analogs

Stem cell differentiation is an important issue in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. It has been reported that cell shape is one of the factors that determine the lineage commitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Therefore, the substrates have been developed to control their shapes. Recently, we found that poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) analogs can control tumor cell shape through the alteration of protein adsorption. Here, the adipogenesis of an adipocyte-progenitor cell, 3T3-L1 cells, was attempted; adipogenesis was to be regulated by surfaces coated with PMEA analogs through the control of their shape. The adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells was promoted on the surfaces coated with PMEA and its analogs, PMe3A and PMe2A. Evident focal adhesions were hardly observed on these surfaces, suggesting that integrin signal activation was suppressed. Additionally, actin assembly and cell spreading were suppressed on these surfaces. Therefore, the surfaces coated with PMEA analogs are expected to be suitable surfaces to regulate adipogenesis through the suppression of cell spreading. Additionally, we found that protein adsorption correlated with actin assembly and adipogenesis.

Enhanced in Vitro and in Vivo Performance of Mg-Zn-Y-Nd Alloy Achieved with APTES Pretreatment for Drug-Eluting Vascular Stent Application

Bioabsorbable magnesium alloys are becoming prominent as temporary functional implants, as they avoid the risks generated by permanent metallic implants such as persistent inflammation and late restenosis. Nevertheless, the overfast corrosion of Mg alloys under physiological conditions hinders their wider application as medical implant materials. Here we investigate a simple one-step process to introduce a cross-linked 3-amino-propyltrimethoxysilane (APTES) silane physical barrier layer on the surface of Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloys prior to electrostatic spraying with rapamycin-eluting poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) layer. Surface microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Nanoscratch test verified the superior adhesion strength of PLGA coating in the group pretreated with APTES. Electrochemical tests combined with long-term immersion results suggested that the preferable in vitro anticorrosion behavior could be achieved by dense APTES barrier. Cell morphology and proliferation data demonstrated that APTES pretreated group resulted in remarkably preferable compatibility for both human umbilical vein endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. On the basis of excellent in vitro mechenical property, the animal study on the APTES pretreated Mg-Zn-Y-Nd stent implanted into porcine coronary arteries confirmed benign tissue compatibility as well as re-endothelialization without thrombogenesis or in-stent restenosis at six-month followup.

In Vitro Endothelialization Test of Biomaterials Using Immortalized Endothelial Cells

Functionalizing biomaterials with peptides or polymers that enhance recruitment of endothelial cells (ECs) can reduce blood coagulation and thrombosis. To assess endothelialization of materials in vitro, primary ECs are generally used, although the characteristics of these cells vary among the donors and change with time in culture. Recently, primary cell lines immortalized by transduction of simian vacuolating virus 40 large T antigen or human telomerase reverse transcriptase have been developed. To determine whether immortalized ECs can substitute for primary ECs in material testing, we investigated endothelialization on biocompatible polymers using three lots of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and immortalized microvascular ECs, TIME-GFP. Attachment to and growth on polymer surfaces were comparable between cell types, but results were more consistent with TIME-GFP. Our findings indicate that TIME-GFP is more suitable for in vitro endothelialization testing of biomaterials.

Blood-compatible poly (2-methoxyethyl acrylate) for the adhesion and proliferation of lung cancer cells toward the isolation and analysis of circulating tumor cells

Circulating tumor cells have received attention for their role in cancer diagnosis and the decision on which chemotherapeutic course to take. For these purposes, the isolation of circulating tumor cells has been important. Previously, we reported that non-blood cells can adhere on blood-compatible polymer substrates, such as poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) and poly(tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate). In this study, we examined whether blood-compatible poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) and poly(tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate) allow the adhesion and growth of A549 lung cancer cells for isolating circulating tumor cells by adhesion-mediated manner to diagnose metastatic cancer and to decide on the chemotherapeutic course. A549 cells can adhere on poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) and poly(tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate) substrates via an integrin-dependent mechanism after 1 h of incubation, suggesting that blood-compatible poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) and poly(tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate) substrates possess the ability to capture circulating tumor cells selectively from peripheral blood. After 1 day of culture, A549 cells started to spread on poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) and poly(tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate) substrates. A549 can also grow on poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) and poly(tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate) substrates. Additionally, the chemoresistance of A549 cells against 5-fluorouracil on poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) and poly(tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate) substrates was similar to that on the conventional cell culture substrate, tissue culture polystyrene. These results indicate that circulating tumor cells can be cultured on poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) and poly(tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate) substrates after they are isolated from peripheral blood, and poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) and poly(tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate) substrates can be used as circulating tumor cell culture substrates for screening anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) and poly(tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate) substrates might be able to be applied to the development of a new device for a circulating tumor cell–based diagnosis of metastatic cancer and a personalized medicine approach regarding the decision of which chemotherapeutic course should be taken.

Adhesion-based simple capture and recovery of circulating tumor cells using a blood-compatible and thermo-responsive polymer-coated substrate

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been a focus of study for metastatic cancer diagnostics, in in vitro anti-cancer drug screening to decide the chemotherapeutic course, and cancer biology research.

Regulation of the Contribution of Integrin to Cell Attachment on Poly(2-Methoxyethyl Acrylate) (PMEA) Analogous Polymers for Attachment-Based Cell Enrichment

Cell enrichment is currently in high demand in medical engineering. We have reported that non-blood cells can attach to a blood-compatible poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) substrate through integrin-dependent and integrin-independent mechanisms because the PMEA substrate suppresses protein adsorption. Therefore, we assumed that PMEA analogous polymers can change the contribution of integrin to cell attachment through the regulation of protein adsorption. In the present study, we investigated protein adsorption, cell attachment profiles, and attachment mechanisms on PMEA analogous polymer substrates. Additionally, we demonstrated the possibility of attachment-based cell enrichment on PMEA analogous polymer substrates. HT-1080 and MDA-MB-231 cells started to attach to poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) and poly(tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate) (PTHFA), on which proteins could adsorb well, within 1 h. HepG2 cells started to attach after 1 h. HT-1080, MDA-MB-231, and HepG2 cells started to attach within 30 min to PMEA, poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethyl acrylate-co-butyl acrylate) (30:70 mol%, PMe2A) and poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethoxy ethyl acrylate-co-butyl acrylate) (30:70 mol%, PMe3A), which suppress protein adsorption. Moreover, the ratio of attached cells from a cell mixture can be changed on PMEA analogous polymers. These findings suggested that PMEA analogous polymers can be used for attachment-based cell enrichment.

Blood-Compatible Polymer for Hepatocyte Culture with High Hepatocyte-Specific Functions toward Bioartificial Liver Development

The development of bioartificial liver (BAL) is expected because of the shortage of donor liver for transplantation. The substrates for BAL require the following criteria: (a) blood compatibility, (b) hepatocyte adhesiveness, and (c) the ability to maintain hepatocyte-specific functions. Here, we examined blood-compatible poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) and poly(tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate) (PTHFA) (PTHFA) as the substrates for BAL. HepG2, a human hepatocyte model, could adhere on PMEA and PTHFA substrates. The spreading of HepG2 cells was suppressed on PMEA substrates because integrin contribution to cell adhesion on PMEA substrate was low and integrin signaling was not sufficiently activated. Hepatocyte-specific gene expression in HepG2 cells increased on PMEA substrate, whereas the expression decreased on PTHFA substrates due to the nuclear localization of Yes-associated protein (YAP). These results indicate that blood-compatible PMEA is suitable for BAL substrate. Also, PMEA is expected to be used to regulate cell functions for blood-contacting tissue engineering.

Optimization of the tissue source, malignancy, and initial substrate of tumor cell-derived matrices to increase cancer cell chemoresistance against 5-fluorouracil

The low chemoresistance of in vitro cancer cells inhibits the development of new anti-cancer drugs. Thus, development of a new in vitro culture system is required to increase the chemoresistance of in vitro cancer cells. Tumor cell-derived matrices have been reported to increase the chemoresistance of in vitro cancer cells. However, it remains unclear how tissue sources and the malignancy of cells used for the preparation of matrices affect the chemoresistance of tumor cell-derived matrices. Moreover, it remains unclear how the initial substrates used for the preparation of matrices affect the chemoresistance. In this study, we compared the effects of tissue sources and the malignancy of tumor cells, as well as the effect of the initial substrates on chemoresistance against 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The chemoresistance of breast and colon cancer cells against 5-FU increased on matrices prepared with cells derived from the corresponding original tissues with higher malignancy. Moreover, the chemoresistance against 5-FU was altered on matrices prepared using different initial substrates that exhibited different characteristics of protein adsorption. Taken together, these results indicated that the appropriate selection of tissue sources, malignancy of tumor cells, and initial substrates used for matrix preparation is important for the preparation of tumor cell-derived matrices for chemoresistance assays.

Effect of sodium chloride on hydration structures of PMEA and P(MPC-r-BMA)

The hydration structures of two different types of biomaterials, i.e., poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) and a random copolymer of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine and n-butyl methacrylate (P(MPC-r-BMA)), were investigated by means of attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy. The effects of the addition of sodium chloride to liquid water in contact with the surfaces of the polymer films were examined. The neutral polymer of PMEA was easily dehydrated by NaCl addition, whereas the zwitterionic polymer of P(MPC-r-BMA) was hardly dehydrated. More specifically, nonfreezing water having a strong interaction with the PMEA chain and freezing bound water having an intermediate interaction were hardly dehydrated by contacting with normal saline solution, whereas freezing water having a weak interaction with the PMEA chain was readily dehydrated. In contrast, freezing water in P(MPC-r-BMA) is exchanged for the saline solution contacting with the material surface without dehydration.

Adhesion and proliferation of human periodontal ligament cells on poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate)

Human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells obtained from extracted teeth are a potential cell source for tissue engineering. We previously reported that poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) is highly biocompatible with human blood cells. In this study, we investigated the adhesion, morphology, and proliferation of PDL cells on PMEA and other types of polymers to design an appropriate scaffold for tissue engineering. PDL cells adhered and proliferated on all investigated polymer surfaces except for poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and poly[(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)-co-(n-butyl methacrylate)]. The initial adhesion of the PDL cells on PMEA was comparable with that on polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In addition, the PDL cells on PMEA spread well and exhibited proliferation behavior similar to that observed on PET. In contrast, platelets hardly adhered to PMEA. PMEA is therefore expected to be an excellent scaffold for tissue engineering and for culturing tissue-derived cells in a blood-rich environment.