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Major G, Ahn M, Cho WW, Santos M, Wise J, Phillips E, Wise SG, Jang J, Rnjak-Kovacina J, Woodfield T, Lim KS. Programming temporal stiffness cues within extracellular matrix hydrogels for modelling cancer niches. Mater Today Bio 2024; 25:101004. [PMID: 38420142 PMCID: PMC10900776 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening is a common occurrence during the progression of many diseases, such as breast cancer. To accurately mimic the pathophysiological context of disease within 3D in vitro models, there is high demand for smart biomaterials which replicate the dynamic and temporal mechanical cues of diseased states. This study describes a preclinical disease model, using breast cancer as an example, which replicates the dynamic plasticity of the tumour microenvironment by incorporating temporal (3-week progression) biomechanical cues within a tissue-specific hydrogel microenvironment. The composite hydrogel formulation, integrating adipose-derived decellularised ECM (AdECM) and silk fibroin, was initially crosslinked using a visible light-mediated system, and then progressively stiffened through spontaneous secondary structure interactions inherent between the polymer chains (∼10-15 kPa increase, with a final stiffness of 25 kPa). When encapsulated and cultured in vitro, MCF-7 breast cancer cells initially formed numerous, large spheroids (>1000 μm2 in area), however, with progressive temporal stiffening, cells demonstrated growth arrest and underwent phenotypic changes resulting in intratumoral heterogeneity. Unlike widely-investigated static mechanical models, this stiffening hydrogel allowed for progressive phenotypic changes to be observed, and fostered the development of mature organoid-like spheroids, which mimicked both the organisation and acinar-structures of mature breast epithelium. The spheroids contained a central population of cells which expressed aggressive cellular programs, evidenced by increased fibronectin expression and reduction of E-cadherin. The phenotypic heterogeneity observed using this model is more reflective of physiological tumours, demonstrating the importance of establishing temporal cues within preclinical models in future work. Overall, the developed model demonstrated a novel strategy to uncouple ECM biomechanical properties from the cellular complexities of the disease microenvironment and offers the potential for wide applicability in other 3D in vitro disease models through addition of tissue-specific dECM materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretel Major
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Minjun Ahn
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea
| | - Won-Woo Cho
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea
| | - Miguel Santos
- Applied Materials Group, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jessika Wise
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Elisabeth Phillips
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Steven G Wise
- Applied Materials Group, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jinah Jang
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea
| | - Jelena Rnjak-Kovacina
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Tim Woodfield
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Khoon S Lim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Light-Activated Materials Group, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia
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2
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Rana MM, De la Hoz Siegler H. Evolution of Hybrid Hydrogels: Next-Generation Biomaterials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering. Gels 2024; 10:216. [PMID: 38667635 PMCID: PMC11049329 DOI: 10.3390/gels10040216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels, being hydrophilic polymer networks capable of absorbing and retaining aqueous fluids, hold significant promise in biomedical applications owing to their high water content, permeability, and structural similarity to the extracellular matrix. Recent chemical advancements have bolstered their versatility, facilitating the integration of the molecules guiding cellular activities and enabling their controlled activation under time constraints. However, conventional synthetic hydrogels suffer from inherent weaknesses such as heterogeneity and network imperfections, which adversely affect their mechanical properties, diffusion rates, and biological activity. In response to these challenges, hybrid hydrogels have emerged, aiming to enhance their strength, drug release efficiency, and therapeutic effectiveness. These hybrid hydrogels, featuring improved formulations, are tailored for controlled drug release and tissue regeneration across both soft and hard tissues. The scientific community has increasingly recognized the versatile characteristics of hybrid hydrogels, particularly in the biomedical sector. This comprehensive review delves into recent advancements in hybrid hydrogel systems, covering the diverse types, modification strategies, and the integration of nano/microstructures. The discussion includes innovative fabrication techniques such as click reactions, 3D printing, and photopatterning alongside the elucidation of the release mechanisms of bioactive molecules. By addressing challenges, the review underscores diverse biomedical applications and envisages a promising future for hybrid hydrogels across various domains in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mohosin Rana
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada;
- Centre for Blood Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Hector De la Hoz Siegler
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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Kwokdinata C, Ramanujam V, Chen J, de Oliveira PN, Nai MH, Chooi WH, Lim CT, Ng SY, David L, Chew SY. Encapsulation of Human Spinal Cord Progenitor Cells in Hyaluronan-Gelatin Hydrogel for Spinal Cord Injury Treatment. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:50679-50692. [PMID: 37751213 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c07419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Transplanting human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived spinal cord progenitor cells (SCPCs) is a promising approach to treat spinal cord injuries. However, stem cell therapies face challenges in cell survival, cell localization to the targeted site, and the control of cell differentiation. Here, we encapsulated SCPCs in thiol-modified hyaluronan-gelatin hydrogels and optimized scaffold mechanical properties and cell encapsulation density to promote cell viability and neuronal differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Different compositions of hyaluronan-gelatin hydrogels formulated by varying concentrations of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate were mechanically characterized by using atomic force microscopy. In vitro SCPC encapsulation study showed higher cell viability and proliferation with lower substrate Young's modulus (200 Pa vs 580 Pa) and cell density. Moreover, the soft hydrogels facilitated a higher degree of neuronal differentiation with extended filament structures in contrast to clumped cellular morphologies obtained in stiff hydrogels (p < 0.01). When transplanted in vivo, the optimized SCPC-encapsulated hydrogels resulted in higher cell survival and localization at the transplanted region as compared to cell delivery without hydrogel encapsulation at 2 weeks postimplantation within the rat spinal cord (p < 0.01). Notably, immunostaining demonstrated that the hydrogel-encapsulated SCPCs differentiated along the neuronal and oligodendroglial lineages in vivo. The lack of pluripotency and proliferation also supported the safety of the SCPC transplantation approach. Overall, the injectable hyaluronan-gelatin hydrogel shows promise in supporting the survival and neural differentiation of human SCPCs after transplantation into the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy Kwokdinata
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | - Vaibavi Ramanujam
- CNRS@CREATE, Create Tower #08-01, 1 Create Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Jiahui Chen
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | | | - Mui Hoon Nai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Wai Hon Chooi
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Republic of Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Shi Yan Ng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Republic of Singapore
| | - Laurent David
- CNRS@CREATE, Create Tower #08-01, 1 Create Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore
- Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères IMP UMR 5223, CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSA de Lyon, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, Villeurbanne F69622, France
| | - Sing Yian Chew
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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4
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Grey EL, McClendon J, Suresh J, Alper S, Janssen WJ, Bryant SJ. Thiol-Michael Addition Microparticles: Their Synthesis, Characterization, and Uptake by Macrophages. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:4223-4240. [PMID: 37379254 PMCID: PMC10619202 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Polymeric microparticles are promising biomaterial platforms for targeting macrophages in the treatment of disease. This study investigates microparticles formed by a thiol-Michael addition step-growth polymerization reaction with tunable physiochemical properties and their uptake by macrophages. The hexafunctional thiol monomer dipentaerythritol hexa-3-mercaptopropionate (DPHMP) and tetrafunctional acrylate monomer di(trimethylolpropane) tetraacrylate (DTPTA) were reacted in a stepwise dispersion polymerization, achieving tunable monodisperse particles over a size range (1-10 μm) relevant for targeting macrophages. An off-stoichiometry thiol-acrylate reaction afforded facile secondary chemical functionalization to create particles with different chemical moieties. Uptake of the microparticles by RAW 264.7 macrophages was highly dependent on treatment time, particle size, and particle chemistry with amide, carboxyl, and thiol terminal chemistries. The amide-terminated particles were non-inflammatory, while the carboxyl- and thiol-terminated particles induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production in conjunction with particle phagocytosis. Finally, a lung-specific application was explored through time-dependent uptake of amide-terminated particles by human alveolar macrophages in vitro and mouse lungs in vivo without inducing inflammation. The findings demonstrate a promising microparticulate delivery vehicle that is cyto-compatible, is non-inflammatory, and exhibits high rates of uptake by macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerson L. Grey
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA
| | - Jazalle McClendon
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Joshita Suresh
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA
| | - Scott Alper
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - William J. Janssen
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Stephanie J. Bryant
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA
- Materials Science & Engineering Program, University of Colorado, 4001 Discovery Dr, Boulder, CO 80309-0613, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA
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5
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Nikolits I, Radwan S, Liebner F, Dietrich W, Egger D, Chariyev-Prinz F, Kasper C. Hydrogels from TEMPO-Oxidized Nanofibrillated Cellulose Support In Vitro Cultivation of Encapsulated Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:543-551. [PMID: 36745634 PMCID: PMC9945099 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most prominent type of adult stem cells for clinical applications. Three-dimensional (3D) cultivation of MSCs in biomimetic hydrogels provides a more physiologically relevant cultivation microenvironment for in vitro testing and modeling, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional planar cultivation methods. Cellulose nanofibers are an excellent candidate biomaterial for synthesis of hydrogels for this application, due to their biocompatibility, tunable properties, availability, and low cost. Herein, we demonstrate the capacity of hydrogels prepared from 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl -oxidized and subsequently individualized cellulose-nanofibrils to support physiologically relevant 3D in vitro cultivation of human MSCs at low solid contents (0.2-0.5 wt %). Our results show that MSCs can spread, proliferate, and migrate inside the cellulose hydrogels, while the metabolic activity and proliferative capacity of the cells as well as their morphological characteristics benefit more in the lower bulk cellulose concentration hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Nikolits
- Institute
of Cell and Tissue Culture Technologies, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
BOKU Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sara Radwan
- Department
of Life Science Engineering, University
of Applied Sciences Technikum Vienna, Höchstädtplatz 6, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Falk Liebner
- Institute
of Chemistry of Renewable Resources, Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
BOKU Vienna, Konrad Lorenz Straße 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Wolf Dietrich
- Department
of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Karl Landsteiner
University of Health Sciences, Alter Ziegelweg 10, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Dominik Egger
- Institute
of Cell and Tissue Culture Technologies, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
BOKU Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Farhad Chariyev-Prinz
- Institute
of Cell and Tissue Culture Technologies, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
BOKU Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Cornelia Kasper
- Institute
of Cell and Tissue Culture Technologies, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
BOKU Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria,
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6
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Cao X, Li F, Zheng T, Li G, Wang W, Li Y, Chen S, Li X, Lu Y. Cellulose-based functional hydrogels derived from bamboo for product design. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:958066. [PMID: 36051293 PMCID: PMC9424926 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.958066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels have outstanding research and application prospects in the field of product design. Among them, the design and preparation of cellulose-based functional hydrogels derived from bamboo have attracted increasing research interest. Cellulose-based hydrogels not only have the skeleton function of hydrogels, but also retain excellent specificity, smart structural design, precise molecular recognition ability, and superior biocompatibility. Cellulose-based hydrogels show important application prospects in various fields, such as environmental protection, biomedicine, and energy. What's more, they are potentially viable for application in food packaging and plant agriculture, such as fertilizers release and crop production. Recently, researchers have extracted cellulose from bamboo and generated a variety of cellulose-based functional hydrogels with excellent properties by various cross-linking methods. In addition, a variety of multifunctional hybrid cellulose-based hydrogels have been constructed by introducing functional components or combining them with other functional materials, thus expanding the breadth and depth of their applications. Herein, we elaborate on advances in the field of cellulose-based hydrogels and highlight their applications in food packaging and plant agriculture. Meanwhile, the existing problems and prospects are summarized. The review provides a reference for the further development of cellulose-based hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Cao
- School of Art and Design, Bamboo Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Bamboo Resources and High-Efficiency Utilization, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fei Li
- School of Science and Technology, Huzhou College, Huzhou, China
| | - Tingting Zheng
- School of Art and Design, Bamboo Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Bamboo Resources and High-Efficiency Utilization, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guohui Li
- School of Art and Design, Bamboo Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Bamboo Resources and High-Efficiency Utilization, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Wang
- School of Art and Design, Bamboo Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Bamboo Resources and High-Efficiency Utilization, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanjun Li
- School of Art and Design, Bamboo Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Bamboo Resources and High-Efficiency Utilization, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Materials Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- School of Art and Design, Bamboo Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Bamboo Resources and High-Efficiency Utilization, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Li
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yi Lu
- Institute of Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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7
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Wei W, Dai H. Articular cartilage and osteochondral tissue engineering techniques: Recent advances and challenges. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:4830-4855. [PMID: 34136726 PMCID: PMC8175243 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of the considerable achievements in the field of regenerative medicine in the past several decades, osteochondral defect regeneration remains a challenging issue among diseases in the musculoskeletal system because of the spatial complexity of osteochondral units in composition, structure and functions. In order to repair the hierarchical tissue involving different layers of articular cartilage, cartilage-bone interface and subchondral bone, traditional clinical treatments including palliative and reparative methods have showed certain improvement in pain relief and defect filling. It is the development of tissue engineering that has provided more promising results in regenerating neo-tissues with comparable compositional, structural and functional characteristics to the native osteochondral tissues. Here in this review, some basic knowledge of the osteochondral units including the anatomical structure and composition, the defect classification and clinical treatments will be first introduced. Then we will highlight the recent progress in osteochondral tissue engineering from perspectives of scaffold design, cell encapsulation and signaling factor incorporation including bioreactor application. Clinical products for osteochondral defect repair will be analyzed and summarized later. Moreover, we will discuss the current obstacles and future directions to regenerate the damaged osteochondral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenying Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Biomedical Materials and Engineering Research Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
- International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Honglian Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Biomedical Materials and Engineering Research Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Foshan Xianhu Laboratory of the Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Xianhu Hydrogen Valley, Foshan, 528200, China
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8
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Li Q, Xu S, Feng Q, Dai Q, Yao L, Zhang Y, Gao H, Dong H, Chen D, Cao X. 3D printed silk-gelatin hydrogel scaffold with different porous structure and cell seeding strategy for cartilage regeneration. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:3396-3410. [PMID: 33842736 PMCID: PMC8010633 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel scaffolds are attractive for tissue defect repair and reorganization because of their human tissue-like characteristics. However, most hydrogels offer limited cell growth and tissue formation ability due to their submicron- or nano-sized gel networks, which restrict the supply of oxygen, nutrients and inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of encapsulated cells. In recent years, 3D printed hydrogels have shown great potential to overcome this problem by introducing macro-pores within scaffolds. In this study, we fabricated a macroporous hydrogel scaffold through horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-mediated crosslinking of silk fibroin (SF) and tyramine-substituted gelatin (GT) by extrusion-based low-temperature 3D printing. Through physicochemical characterization, we found that this hydrogel has excellent structural stability, suitable mechanical properties, and an adjustable degradation rate, thus satisfying the requirements for cartilage reconstruction. Cell suspension and aggregate seeding methods were developed to assess the inoculation efficiency of the hydrogel. Moreover, the chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells was explored. Stem cells in the hydrogel differentiated into hyaline cartilage when the cell aggregate seeding method was used and into fibrocartilage when the cell suspension was used. Finally, the effect of the hydrogel and stem cells were investigated in a rabbit cartilage defect model. After implantation for 12 and 16 weeks, histological evaluation of the sections was performed. We found that the enzymatic cross-linked and methanol treatment SF5GT15 hydrogel combined with cell aggregates promoted articular cartilage regeneration. In summary, this 3D printed macroporous SF-GT hydrogel combined with stem cell aggregates possesses excellent potential for application in cartilage tissue repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingtao Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Zhongshan Institute of Modern Industrial Technology of SCUT, Zhongshan, Guangdong, 528437, China
| | - Sheng Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Material Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
| | - Qi Feng
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Material Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
| | - Qiyuan Dai
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Material Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
| | - Longtao Yao
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Material Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
| | - Yichen Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Material Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
| | - Huichang Gao
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
| | - Hua Dong
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Material Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
| | - Dafu Chen
- Laboratory of Bone Tissue Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing Research Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Beijing JiShuiTan Hospital, Beijing, 100035, China
| | - Xiaodong Cao
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Material Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, GuangDong, 510641, China
- Zhongshan Institute of Modern Industrial Technology of SCUT, Zhongshan, Guangdong, 528437, China
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9
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Vernerey FJ, Lalitha Sridhar S, Muralidharan A, Bryant SJ. Mechanics of 3D Cell-Hydrogel Interactions: Experiments, Models, and Mechanisms. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11085-11148. [PMID: 34473466 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels are highly water-swollen molecular networks that are ideal platforms to create tissue mimetics owing to their vast and tunable properties. As such, hydrogels are promising cell-delivery vehicles for applications in tissue engineering and have also emerged as an important base for ex vivo models to study healthy and pathophysiological events in a carefully controlled three-dimensional environment. Cells are readily encapsulated in hydrogels resulting in a plethora of biochemical and mechanical communication mechanisms, which recapitulates the natural cell and extracellular matrix interaction in tissues. These interactions are complex, with multiple events that are invariably coupled and spanning multiple length and time scales. To study and identify the underlying mechanisms involved, an integrated experimental and computational approach is ideally needed. This review discusses the state of our knowledge on cell-hydrogel interactions, with a focus on mechanics and transport, and in this context, highlights recent advancements in experiments, mathematical and computational modeling. The review begins with a background on the thermodynamics and physics fundamentals that govern hydrogel mechanics and transport. The review focuses on two main classes of hydrogels, described as semiflexible polymer networks that represent physically cross-linked fibrous hydrogels and flexible polymer networks representing the chemically cross-linked synthetic and natural hydrogels. In this review, we highlight five main cell-hydrogel interactions that involve key cellular functions related to communication, mechanosensing, migration, growth, and tissue deposition and elaboration. For each of these cellular functions, recent experiments and the most up to date modeling strategies are discussed and then followed by a summary of how to tune hydrogel properties to achieve a desired functional cellular outcome. We conclude with a summary linking these advancements and make the case for the need to integrate experiments and modeling to advance our fundamental understanding of cell-matrix interactions that will ultimately help identify new therapeutic approaches and enable successful tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck J Vernerey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0428, United States.,Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-613, United States
| | - Shankar Lalitha Sridhar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0428, United States
| | - Archish Muralidharan
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-613, United States
| | - Stephanie J Bryant
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-613, United States.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0596, United States.,BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado at Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0596, United States
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10
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Yao X, Wang X, Ding J. Exploration of possible cell chirality using material techniques of surface patterning. Acta Biomater 2021; 126:92-108. [PMID: 33684535 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Consistent left-right (LR) asymmetry or chirality is critical for embryonic development and function maintenance. While chirality on either molecular or organism level has been well established, that on the cellular level has remained an open question for a long time. Although it remains unclear whether chirality exists universally on the cellular level, valuable efforts have recently been made to explore this fundamental topic pertinent to both cell biology and biomaterial science. The development of material fabrication techniques, surface patterning, in particular, has afforded a unique platform to study cell-material interactions. By using patterning techniques, chirality on the cellular level has been examined for cell clusters and single cells in vitro in well-designed experiments. In this review, we first introduce typical fabrication techniques of surface patterning suitable for cell studies and then summarize the main aspects of preliminary evidence of cell chirality on patterned surfaces to date. We finally indicate the limitations of the studies conducted thus far and describe the perspectives of future research in this challenging field. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: While both biomacromolecules and organisms can exhibit chirality, it is not yet conclusive whether a cell has left-right (LR) asymmetry. It is important yet challenging to study and reveal the possible existence of cell chirality. By using the technique of surface patterning, the recent decade has witnessed progress in the exploration of possible cell chirality within cell clusters and single cells. Herein, some important preliminary evidence of cell chirality is collected and analyzed. The open questions and perspectives are also described to promote further investigations of cell chirality in biomaterials.
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11
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Chiulan I, Heggset EB, Voicu ŞI, Chinga-Carrasco G. Photopolymerization of Bio-Based Polymers in a Biomedical Engineering Perspective. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:1795-1814. [PMID: 33819022 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Photopolymerization is an effective method to covalently cross-link polymer chains that can be shaped into several biomedical products and devices. Additionally, polymerization reaction may induce a fluid-solid phase transformation under physiological conditions and is ideal for in vivo cross-linking of injectable polymers. The photoinitiator is a key ingredient able to absorb the energy at a specific light wavelength and create radicals that convert the liquid monomer solution into polymers. The combination of photopolymerizable polymers, containing appropriate photoinitiators, and effective curing based on dedicated light sources offers the possibility to implement photopolymerization technology in 3D bioprinting systems. Hence, cell-laden structures with high cell viability and proliferation, high accuracy in production, and good control of scaffold geometry can be biofabricated. In this review, we provide an overview of photopolymerization technology, focusing our efforts on natural polymers, the chemistry involved, and their combination with appropriate photoinitiators to be used within 3D bioprinting and manufacturing of biomedical devices. The reviewed articles showed the impact of different factors that influence the success of the photopolymerization process and the final properties of the cross-linked materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Chiulan
- Polymer Department, The National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry - ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, Bucharest 060021, Romania.,Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, 011061, Romania
| | | | - Ştefan Ioan Voicu
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, 011061, Romania
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12
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Wilmoth RL, Ferguson VL, Bryant SJ. A 3D, Dynamically Loaded Hydrogel Model of the Osteochondral Unit to Study Osteocyte Mechanobiology. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e2001226. [PMID: 33073541 PMCID: PMC7677224 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Osteocytes are mechanosensitive cells that orchestrate signaling in bone and cartilage across the osteochondral unit. The mechanisms by which osteocytes regulate osteochondral homeostasis and degeneration in response to mechanical cues remain unclear. This study introduces a novel 3D hydrogel bilayer composite designed to support osteocyte differentiation and bone matrix deposition in a bone-like layer and to recapitulate key aspects of the osteochondral unit's complex loading environment. The bilayer hydrogel is fabricated with a soft cartilage-like layer overlaying a stiff bone-like layer. The bone-like layer contains a stiff 3D-printed hydrogel structure infilled with a soft, degradable, cellular hydrogel. The IDG-SW3 cells embedded within the soft hydrogel mature into osteocytes and produce a mineralized collagen matrix. Under dynamic compressive strains, near-physiological levels of strain are achieved in the bone layer (≤ 0.08%), while the cartilage layer bears the majority of the strains (>99%). Under loading, the model induces an osteocyte response, measured by prostaglandin E2, that is frequency, but not strain, dependent: a finding attributed to altered fluid flow within the composite. Overall, this new hydrogel platform provides a novel approach to study osteocyte mechanobiology in vitro in an osteochondral tissue-mimetic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Wilmoth
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, CO, 80309-0427, USA
| | - Virginia L Ferguson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, CO, 80309-0427, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO, 80309-0596, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Stephanie J Bryant
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO, 80309-0596, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO, 80309-0596, USA
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13
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Schwab A, Levato R, D’Este M, Piluso S, Eglin D, Malda J. Printability and Shape Fidelity of Bioinks in 3D Bioprinting. Chem Rev 2020; 120:11028-11055. [PMID: 32856892 PMCID: PMC7564085 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 390] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional bioprinting uses additive manufacturing techniques for the automated fabrication of hierarchically organized living constructs. The building blocks are often hydrogel-based bioinks, which need to be printed into structures with high shape fidelity to the intended computer-aided design. For optimal cell performance, relatively soft and printable inks are preferred, although these undergo significant deformation during the printing process, which may impair shape fidelity. While the concept of good or poor printability seems rather intuitive, its quantitative definition lacks consensus and depends on multiple rheological and chemical parameters of the ink. This review discusses qualitative and quantitative methodologies to evaluate printability of bioinks for extrusion- and lithography-based bioprinting. The physicochemical parameters influencing shape fidelity are discussed, together with their importance in establishing new models, predictive tools and printing methods that are deemed instrumental for the design of next-generation bioinks, and for reproducible comparison of their structural performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schwab
- AO
Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Levato
- Department
of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center
Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department
of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matteo D’Este
- AO
Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland
| | - Susanna Piluso
- Department
of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center
Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department
of Developmental BioEngineering, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - David Eglin
- AO
Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland
| | - Jos Malda
- Department
of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center
Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department
of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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14
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Lee M, Rizzo R, Surman F, Zenobi-Wong M. Guiding Lights: Tissue Bioprinting Using Photoactivated Materials. Chem Rev 2020; 120:10950-11027. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mihyun Lee
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication HPL J22, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Rizzo
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication HPL J22, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - František Surman
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication HPL J22, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marcy Zenobi-Wong
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication HPL J22, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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