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Chariyev-Prinz F, Szojka A, Neto N, Burdis R, Monaghan MG, Kelly DJ. An assessment of the response of human MSCs to hydrostatic pressure in environments supportive of differential chondrogenesis. J Biomech 2023; 154:111590. [PMID: 37163962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111590] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical stimulation can modulate the chondrogenic differentiation of stem/progenitor cells and potentially benefit tissue engineering (TE) of functional articular cartilage (AC). Mechanical cues like hydrostatic pressure (HP) are often applied to cell-laden scaffolds, with little optimization of other key parameters (e.g. cell density, biomaterial properties) known to effect lineage commitment. In this study, we first sought to establish cell seeding densities and fibrin concentrations supportive of robust chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). High cell densities (15*106 cells/ml) were more supportive of sGAG deposition on a per cell basis, while collagen deposition was higher at lower seeding densities (5*106 cells/ml). Employment of lower fibrin (2.5 %) concentration hydrogels supported more robust chondrogenesis of hMSCs, with higher collagen type II and lower collagen type X deposition compared to 5 % hydrogels. The application of HP to hMSCs maintained in identified chondro-inductive culture conditions had little effect on overall levels of cartilage-specific matrix production. However, if hMSCs were first temporally primed with TGF-β3 before its withdrawal, they responded to HP by increased sGAG production. The response to HP in higher cell density cultures was also associated with a metabolic shift towards glycolysis, which has been linked with a mature chondrocyte-like phenotype. These results suggest that mechanical stimulation may not be necessary to engineer functional AC grafts using hMSCs if other culture conditions have been optimised. However, such bioreactor systems can potentially be employed to better understand how engineered tissues respond to mechanical loading in vivo once removed from in vitro culture environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Chariyev-Prinz
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alex Szojka
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Nuno Neto
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ross Burdis
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael G Monaghan
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniel J Kelly
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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2
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Engineered Molecular Therapeutics Targeting Fibrin and the Coagulation System: a Biophysical Perspective. Biophys Rev 2022; 14:427-461. [PMID: 35399372 PMCID: PMC8984085 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-022-00950-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The coagulation cascade represents a sophisticated and highly choreographed series of molecular events taking place in the blood with important clinical implications. One key player in coagulation is fibrinogen, a highly abundant soluble blood protein that is processed by thrombin proteases at wound sites, triggering self-assembly of an insoluble protein hydrogel known as a fibrin clot. By forming the key protein component of blood clots, fibrin acts as a structural biomaterial with biophysical properties well suited to its role inhibiting fluid flow and maintaining hemostasis. Based on its clinical importance, fibrin is being investigated as a potentially valuable molecular target in the development of coagulation therapies. In this topical review, we summarize our current understanding of the coagulation cascade from a molecular, structural and biophysical perspective. We highlight single-molecule studies on proteins involved in blood coagulation and report on the current state of the art in directed evolution and molecular engineering of fibrin-targeted proteins and polymers for modulating coagulation. This biophysical overview will help acclimatize newcomers to the field and catalyze interdisciplinary work in biomolecular engineering toward the development of new therapies targeting fibrin and the coagulation system.
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Yang S, Zhu J, Lu C, Chai Y, Cao Z, Lu J, Zhang Z, Zhao H, Huang YY, Yao S, Kong X, Zhang P, Wang X. Aligned fibrin/functionalized self-assembling peptide interpenetrating nanofiber hydrogel presenting multi-cues promotes peripheral nerve functional recovery. Bioact Mater 2021; 8:529-544. [PMID: 34541418 PMCID: PMC8435993 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve guidance conduits with hollow lumen fail to regenerate critical-sized peripheral nerve defects (15 mm in rats and 25 mm in humans), which can be improved by a beneficial intraluminal microenvironment. However, individual cues provided by intraluminal filling materials are inadequate to eliminate the functional gap between regenerated nerves and normal nerves. Herein, an aligned fibrin/functionalized self-assembling peptide (AFG/fSAP) interpenetrating nanofiber hydrogel that exerting synergistic topographical and biochemical cues for peripheral nerve regeneration is constructed via electrospinning and molecular self-assembly. The hydrogel possesses an aligned structure, high water content, appropriate mechanical properties and suitable biodegradation capabilities for nerve repair, which enhances the alignment and neurotrophin secretion of primary Schwann cells (SCs) in vitro, and successfully bridges a 15-mm sciatic nerve gap in rats in vivo. The rats transplanted with the AFG/fSAP hydrogel exhibit satisfactory morphological and functional recovery in myelinated nerve fibers and innervated muscles. The motor function recovery facilitated by the AFG/fSAP hydrogel is comparable with that of autografts. Moreover, the AFG/fSAP hydrogel upregulates the regeneration-associated gene expression and activates the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways in the regenerated nerve. Altogether, the AFG/fSAP hydrogel represents a promising approach for peripheral nerve repair through an integration of structural guidance and biochemical stimulation. A novel aligned interpenetrating nanofiber hydrogel is first constructed for peripheral nerve regeneration. The aligned hydrogel presents synergistic topographical and biochemical cues for peripheral nerve regeneration. Nerve conduits filled with the aligned hydrogel can repair the long-distance sciatic nerve defects in 12 weeks. The function recovery facilitated by the aligned hydrogel is comparable with that of autografts. The aligned hydrogel upregulates regeneration-related genes and activates the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Jinjin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine & Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China
| | - Changfeng Lu
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Yi Chai
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Zheng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Jiaju Lu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - He Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Yin-Yuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Shenglian Yao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Xiangdong Kong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China
| | - Peixun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Xiumei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
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4
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Alshammari RH, Rajesh UC, Morgan DG, Zaleski JM. Au-Cu@PANI Alloy Core Shells for Aerobic Fibrin Degradation under Visible Light Exposure. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:7631-7638. [PMID: 35019503 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fibrin plays a critical role in wound healing and hemostasis, yet it is also the main case of cardiovascular diseases and thrombosis. Here, we show the unique design of Au-Cu@PANI alloy core-shell rods for fibrin clot degradation. Microscopic (transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray (STEM-EDX)) and structural characterizations (powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)) of the Au-Cu@PANI hybrid material reveal the formation of Au-Cu heterogeneous alloy core rods (aspect ratio = 3.7) with thin Cu2O and PANI shells that create a positive surface charge (ζ-potential = +22 mV). This architecture is supported by the survey XPS spectrum showing the presence of Cu 2p, N 1s, and C 1s features with binding energies of 934.8, 399.7, and 284.8 eV, respectively. Upon photolysis (λ ≥ 495 or 590 nm), these hybrid composite nanorods provide sufficient excited-state redox potential to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for degradation of model fibrin clots within 5-7 h. Detailed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the fibrin network shows significant morphology modification including formation of large voids and strand termini, indicating degradation of fibrin protofibril by Au-Cu@PANI. The dye 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) used to detect the presence of 1O2 shows a 27% bleaching of the absorption at λ = 418 nm within 75 min of irradiation of an aqueous Au-Cu@PANI solution in air. Moreover, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin-trapping experiments reveal a hyperfine-coupled triplet signature at room temperature with intensities 1:1:1: and g-value = 2.0057, characteristic of the reaction between the spin probe 4-Oxo-TEMP and 1O2 during irradiation. Controlled 1O2 scavenging experiments by NaN3 show 82% reduction in the spin-trapped EPR signal area. Both DPBF bleaching and EPR spin trapping indicate that in situ generated 1O2 is responsible for fibrin strand scission. This unique nanomaterial function via use of ubiquitous oxygen as a reagent could open creative avenues for future in vivo biomedical applications to treat fibrin clot diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riyadh H Alshammari
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States.,Department of Chemistry, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - U Chinna Rajesh
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - David Gene Morgan
- Electron Microscopy Center, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Jeffrey M Zaleski
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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5
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Hemostatic Agents and Tissue Sealants: Potential Mimics of Abdominal Abnormalities. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2018; 211:760-766. [PMID: 30063381 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.17.18991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Topical tissue sealants and hemostatic agents, seen on postoperative imaging in a variety of intraabdominal and pelvic locations, have the potential to be mistaken for abdominal abnormalities, especially if the radiologist is not aware of the patient's surgical history. The normal appearance of these agents may mimic abscesses, tumors, enlarged lymph nodes, or retained foreign bodies. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with their typical imaging appearances and to review the surgical records when needed to avoid misdiagnoses. The purpose of this article is to increase the radiologist's familiarity with various types of topical tissue sealants and hemostatic agents used during surgical and percutaneous procedures in the abdomen and pelvis along with their radiologic appearances. CONCLUSION Various types of hemostatic agents are now commonly used during surgery and percutaneous procedures in the abdomen and pelvis, and it is important to recognize the various appearances of these agents. Although there are suggestive features outlined in this article, the most important factor for the radiologist is to be aware of the patient's history and the possibility that a hemostatic agent may be present. On postoperative imaging, hemostatic agents may mimic abscesses, tumors, enlarged lymph nodes, or retained foreign bodies, and accurate diagnosis can save a patient unnecessary treatment. It is therefore crucial to incorporate knowledge of the patient's surgical history with recognition of the typical imaging appearances of hemostatic agents and other pseudolesions to avoid misdiagnoses.
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Leon-Valdivieso CY, Wedgwood J, Lallana E, Donno R, Roberts I, Ghibaudi M, Tirella A, Tirelli N. Fibroblast migration correlates with matrix softness. A study in knob-hole engineered fibrin. APL Bioeng 2018; 2:036102. [PMID: 31069320 PMCID: PMC6481723 DOI: 10.1063/1.5022841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The invasion of a matrix by migrating cells is a key step in its remodelling. At least in 2D migration models, cells tend to localize in stiffer areas (durotaxis). Here, we show that mechanical properties affect differently the 3D migration rate: non-proteolytic 3D cell migration is facilitated in softer matrices. In these gels, the modulus was varied by introducing defects in fibres, leaving largely intact the nanostructure. The matrices derive from fibrin via functionalization with a bioinert polymer [poly(ethylene glycol), PEG] through an affinity mechanism identical to that presiding to fibrin own self-assembly. Peptidic end groups on PEG were used to bind fibrinogen globular D regions [GPRP (glycine-proline-arginine-proline) for a holes, GHRP (glycine-histidine-arginine-proline) for b holes; Kd evaluated via isothermal titration calorimetry or fluorescence anisotropy]. In a dose-dependent manner, both PEGylated peptides decreased gel stiffness, but most other properties at a macroscopic [e.g., overall elastic character, strain hardening, and high (>0.5) Poisson ratio] or nano/micro level (fibre dimension and pore size) were largely unaffected, suggesting that the softening effect was due to the introduction of defects within fibres, rather than to differences in the network architecture. In these matrices, the key determinant of fibroblast migration was found to be the elastic modulus, rather than the identity or the dose of the PEGylated peptide; softer materials allowed a faster invasion, even if this meant a higher content of non-adhesive PEG. This does not conflict with fibroblast durotaxis (where stiffness controls accumulation but not necessarily the speed of migration) and indicates a way to fine tune the speed of cell colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Wedgwood
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Science, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Enrique Lallana
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Science, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto Donno
- Laboratory of Polymers and Biomaterials, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Iwan Roberts
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Science, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Annalisa Tirella
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Science, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
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Sproul EP, Hannan RT, Brown AC. Controlling Fibrin Network Morphology, Polymerization, and Degradation Dynamics in Fibrin Gels for Promoting Tissue Repair. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1758:85-99. [PMID: 29679324 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7741-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Fibrin is an integral part of the clotting cascade and is formed by polymerization of the soluble plasma protein fibrinogen. Following stimulation of the coagulation cascade, thrombin activates fibrinogen, which binds to adjacent fibrin(ogen) molecules resulting in the formation of an insoluble fibrin matrix. This fibrin network is the primary protein component in clots and subsequently provides a scaffold for infiltrating cells during tissue repair. Due to its role in hemostasis and tissue repair, fibrin has been used extensively as a tissue sealant. Clinically used fibrin tissue sealants require supraphysiological concentrations of fibrinogen and thrombin to achieve fast polymerization kinetics, which results in extremely dense fibrin networks that are inhibitory to cell infiltration. Therefore, there is much interest in developing fibrin-modifying strategies to achieve rapid polymerization dynamics while maintaining a network structure that promotes cell infiltration. The properties of fibrin-based materials can be finely controlled through techniques that modulate fibrin polymerization dynamics or through the inclusion of fibrin-modifying biomaterials. Here, we describe methods for characterizing fibrin network morphology, polymerization, and degradation (fibrinolysis) dynamics in fibrin constructs for achieving fast polymerization dynamics while promoting cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin P Sproul
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Riley T Hannan
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ashley C Brown
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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Jiao Z, Song Y, Jin Y, Zhang C, Peng D, Chen Z, Chang P, Kundu SC, Wang G, Wang Z, Wang L. In Vivo Characterizations of the Immune Properties of Sericin: An Ancient Material with Emerging Value in Biomedical Applications. Macromol Biosci 2017; 17. [PMID: 29045024 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201700229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhanying Jiao
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Yu Song
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Yang Jin
- Department of Respiration; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Dong Peng
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Zhenzhen Chen
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Panpan Chang
- Medical Research Center; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Subhas C. Kundu
- 3Bs Research Group, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; University of Minho; AvePark 4805-017 Barco Guimaraes Portugal
| | - Guobin Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430022 China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Lin Wang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430022 China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430022 China
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Huang S, Wang C, Xu J, Ma L, Gao C. In situ assembly of fibrinogen/hyaluronic acid hydrogel via knob-hole interaction for 3D cellular engineering. Bioact Mater 2017; 2:253-259. [PMID: 29744434 PMCID: PMC5935512 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogels have applied widely for biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, the use of initiators or crosslinkers during the hydrogel formation may cause cytotoxicity and thereby impair the biocompatibility. Inspired by the crosslinking mechanism of fibrin gel, a novel HA-based hydrogel was developed via the in situ supramolecular assembly based on knob-hole interactions between fibrinogen and knob-grafted HA (knob-g-HA) in this study. The knob-grafted HA was synthesized by coupling knob peptides (GPRPAAC, a mimic peptide of fibrin knob A) to HA via Michael addition. Then the translucent fibrinogen/knob-g-HA hydrogels were prepared by simply mixing the solutions of knob-g-HA and fibrinogen at the knob/hole ratio of 1.2. The rheological behaviors of the fibrinogen/knob-g-HA hydrogels with the fibrinogen concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg/mL were evaluated, and it was found that the dynamic storage moduli (G') were higher than the loss moduli (G″) over the whole frequency range for all the groups. The SEM results showed that fibrinogen/knob-g-HA hydrogels presented the heterogeneous mesh-like structures which were different from the honeycomb-like structures of fibrinogen/MA-HA hydrogels. Correspondingly, a higher swelling ratio was obtained in the groups of fibrinogen/knob-g-HA hydrogel. Finally, the cytocompatibility of fibrinogen/knob-g-HA hydrogels was proved by live/dead stainings and MTT assays in the 293T cells encapsulation test. All these results highlight the biological potential of the fibrinogen/knob-g-HA hydrogels for 3D cellular engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjie Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Chunfen Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Jingwei Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Lie Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Changyou Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
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10
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Averett RD, Norton DG, Fan NK, Platt MO. Computational imaging analysis of fibrin matrices with the inclusion of erythrocytes from homozygous SS blood reveals agglomerated and amorphous structures. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2016; 43:43-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s11239-016-1426-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Litvinov RI, Weisel JW. Fibrin mechanical properties and their structural origins. Matrix Biol 2016; 60-61:110-123. [PMID: 27553509 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrin is a protein polymer that is essential for hemostasis and thrombosis, wound healing, and several other biological functions and pathological conditions that involve extracellular matrix. In addition to molecular and cellular interactions, fibrin mechanics has been recently shown to underlie clot behavior in the highly dynamic intra- and extravascular environments. Fibrin has both elastic and viscous properties. Perhaps the most remarkable rheological feature of the fibrin network is an extremely high elasticity and stability despite very low protein content. Another important mechanical property that is common to many filamentous protein polymers but not other polymers is stiffening occurring in response to shear, tension, or compression. New data has begun to provide a structural basis for the unique mechanical behavior of fibrin that originates from its complex multi-scale hierarchical structure. The mechanical behavior of the whole fibrin gel is governed largely by the properties of single fibers and their ensembles, including changes in fiber orientation, stretching, bending, and buckling. The properties of individual fibrin fibers are determined by the number and packing arrangements of double-stranded half-staggered protofibrils, which still remain poorly understood. It has also been proposed that forced unfolding of sub-molecular structures, including elongation of flexible and relatively unstructured portions of fibrin molecules, can contribute to fibrin deformations. In spite of a great increase in our knowledge of the structural mechanics of fibrin, much about the mechanisms of fibrin's biological functions remains unknown. Fibrin deformability is not only an essential part of the biomechanics of hemostasis and thrombosis, but also a rapidly developing field of bioengineering that uses fibrin as a versatile biomaterial with exceptional and tunable biochemical and mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rustem I Litvinov
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - John W Weisel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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12
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Ahmad E, Fatima MT, Hoque M, Owais M, Saleemuddin M. Fibrin matrices: The versatile therapeutic delivery systems. Int J Biol Macromol 2015; 81:121-36. [PMID: 26231328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrin sealants, that have been employed for over a century by surgeons to stop post surgery bleeding, are finding novel applications in the controlled delivery of antibiotics and several other therapeutics. Fibrinogen can be easily purified from blood plasma and converted by thrombolysis to fibrin that undergoes spontaneous aggregation to form insoluble clot. During the gelling, fibrin can be formulated into films, clots, threads, microbeads, nanoconstructs and nanoparticles. Whole plasma clots in the form of beads and microparticles can also be prepared by activating endogenous thrombin, for possible drug delivery. Fibrin formulations offer remarkable scope for controlling the porosity as well as in vivo degradability and hence the release of the associated therapeutics. Binding/covalent-linking of therapeutics to the fibrin matrix, crosslinking of the matrix with bifunctional reagents and coentrapment of protease inhibitors have been successful in regulating both in vitro and in vivo release of the therapeutics. The release rates can also be remarkably lowered by preentrapment of therapeutics in insoluble particles like liposomes or by anchoring them to the matrix via molecules that bind them as well as fibrin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ejaj Ahmad
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | | | - Mehboob Hoque
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Mohammad Owais
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Mohammed Saleemuddin
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India.
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Abstract
Fibrin-specific targeting capabilities have been highly sought for over 50 years due to their implications for bio-molecule delivery, diagnostics, and regenerative medicine. Yet only recently has our full knowledge of fibrin's complex polymerization dynamics and biological interactions begun to be fully exploited in pursuit of this goal. This highlight will discuss the range of rapidly changing strategies for specifically targeting fibrin over the precursor fibrinogen and the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches for various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L. Stefanelli
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Thomas H. Barker
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
- The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
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14
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Brown AC, Baker SR, Douglas AM, Keating M, Alvarez-Elizondo MB, Botvinick EL, Guthold M, Barker TH. Molecular interference of fibrin's divalent polymerization mechanism enables modulation of multiscale material properties. Biomaterials 2015; 49:27-36. [PMID: 25725552 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Protein based polymers provide an exciting and complex landscape for tunable natural biomaterials through modulation of molecular level interactions. Here we demonstrate the ability to modify protein polymer structural and mechanical properties at multiple length scales by molecular 'interference' of fibrin's native polymerization mechanism. We have previously reported that engagement of fibrin's polymerization 'hole b', also known as 'b-pockets', through PEGylated complementary 'knob B' mimics can increase fibrin network porosity but also, somewhat paradoxically, increase network stiffness. Here, we explore the possible mechanistic underpinning of this phenomenon through characterization of the effects of knob B-fibrin interaction at multiple length scales from molecular to bulk polymer. Despite its weak monovalent binding affinity for fibrin, addition of both knob B and PEGylated knob B at concentrations near the binding coefficient, Kd, increased fibrin network porosity, consistent with the reported role of knob B-hole b interactions in promoting lateral growth of fibrin fibers. Addition of PEGylated knob B decreases the extensibility of single fibrin fibers at concentrations near its Kd but increases extensibility of fibers at concentrations above its Kd. The data suggest this bimodal behavior is due to the individual contributions knob B, which decreases fiber extensibility, and PEG, which increase fiber extensibility. Taken together with laser trap-based microrheological and bulk rheological analyses of fibrin polymers, our data strongly suggests that hole b engagement increases in single fiber stiffness that translates to higher storage moduli of fibrin polymers despite their increased porosity. These data point to possible strategies for tuning fibrin polymer mechanical properties through modulation of single fiber mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley C Brown
- The School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States
| | - Stephen R Baker
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, United States
| | - Alison M Douglas
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States
| | - Mark Keating
- Beckman Laser Institute/Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92612, United States
| | - Martha B Alvarez-Elizondo
- Beckman Laser Institute/Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92612, United States
| | - Elliot L Botvinick
- Beckman Laser Institute/Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92612, United States
| | - Martin Guthold
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, United States
| | - Thomas H Barker
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States; The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States.
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15
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Averett RD. Experimental mechanics of magnetic microparticle-induced strain on fibrin clots. J Biomed Mater Res A 2014; 102:4365-70. [PMID: 24532132 PMCID: PMC4133334 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.35127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Revised: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a novel technique was developed in which magnetic microparticles (MMPs) and quantum dots (QDs) were successfully incorporated into fibrin clots. The MMPs were added at concentrations of 0.1 and 1 wt % of the fibrin content in an effort to determine if a magnetic field could be used to mechanically stretch the fibrin network, simulating how cells may invade a network. The QDs were added at a dilute concentration of 0.1 wt % to determine if the mechanical properties of the fibrin network would be significantly altered and to ascertain if the overall stretch on the network could be observed. Based on strain sweep and frequency sweep rheological analysis, it was determined that both QDs and MMPs incorporated into fibrin networks at 0.1 wt % caused irreversible plastic deformation in the fibrin clot sample, as evidenced by a precipitous decline in the storage modulus value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney D. Averett
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, 801 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30332-0405
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Bioscience, 315 Ferst Dr. NW Atlanta, GA 30332
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16
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Savchik EY, Kalinina TB, Drozd NN, Makarov VA, Zav'yalova EG, Lapsheva EN, Mudrik NN, Babij AV, Pavlova GV, Golovin AV, Kopylov AM. Aptamer RA36 inhibits of human, rabbit, and rat plasma coagulation activated with thrombin or snake venom coagulases. Bull Exp Biol Med 2014; 156:44-8. [PMID: 24319726 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-013-2274-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RA36 DNA aptamer is a direct anticoagulant prolonging clotting time of human, rabbit, and rat plasma in the thrombin time test. Anticoagulant activity of RA36 is lower than that of recombinant hirudin. During inhibition of human plasma clotting activated with echitox (coagulase from Echis multisquamatus venom), the aptamer presumably binds to meisothrombin exosite I. The sensitivity of human plasma to the aptamer 5-fold surpasses that of rat plasma. Analysis of RA36 binding to coagulase of Agkistrodon halys venom (ancistron) is required for proving the effect of aptamer on polymerization of human fibrinogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Yu Savchik
- Hematology Research Center, Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation; APTO-PHARM, Moscow Region; Chemical Faculty, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University; Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow.
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17
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18
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Skeletal tissue regeneration: where can hydrogels play a role? INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPAEDICS 2014; 38:1861-76. [PMID: 24968789 DOI: 10.1007/s00264-014-2402-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The emerging field of tissue engineering reveals promising approaches for the repair and regeneration of skeletal tissues including the articular cartilage, bone, and the entire joint. Amongst the myriad of biomaterials available to support this strategy, hydrogels are highly tissue mimicking substitutes and thus of great potential for the regeneration of functional tissues. This review comprises an overview of the novel and most promising hydrogels for articular cartilage, osteochondral and bone defect repair. Chondro- and osteo-conductive and -instructive hydrogels are presented, highlighting successful combinations with inductive signals and cell sources. Moreover, advantages, drawbacks, and future perspectives of the role of hydrogels in skeletal regeneration are addressed, pointing out the current state of this rising approach.
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19
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Task K, D'Amore A, Singh S, Candiello J, Jaramillo M, Wagner WR, Kumta P, Banerjee I. Systems level approach reveals the correlation of endoderm differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells with specific microstructural cues of fibrin gels. J R Soc Interface 2014; 11:20140009. [PMID: 24718448 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells receive numerous cues from their associated substrate that help to govern their behaviour. However, identification of influential substrate characteristics poses difficulties because of their complex nature. In this study, we developed an integrated experimental and systems level modelling approach to investigate and identify specific substrate features influencing differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) on a model fibrous substrate, fibrin. We synthesized a range of fibrin gels by varying fibrinogen and thrombin concentrations, which led to a range of substrate stiffness and microstructure. mESCs were cultured on each of these gels, and characterization of the differentiated cells revealed a strong influence of substrate modulation on gene expression patterning. To identify specific substrate features influencing differentiation, the substrate microstructure was quantified by image analysis and correlated with stem cell gene expression patterns using a statistical model. Significant correlations were observed between differentiation and microstructure features, specifically fibre alignment. Furthermore, this relationship occurred in a lineage-specific manner towards endoderm. This systems level approach allows for identification of specific substrate features from a complex material which are influential to cellular behaviour. Such analysis may be effective in guiding the design of scaffolds with specific properties for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Task
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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20
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Brown AC, Barker TH. Fibrin-based biomaterials: modulation of macroscopic properties through rational design at the molecular level. Acta Biomater 2014; 10:1502-14. [PMID: 24056097 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibrinogen is one of the primary components of the coagulation cascade and rapidly forms an insoluble matrix following tissue injury. In addition to its important role in hemostasis, fibrin acts as a scaffold for tissue repair and provides important cues for directing cell phenotype following injury. Because of these properties and the ease of polymerization of the material, fibrin has been widely utilized as a biomaterial for over a century. Modifying the macroscopic properties of fibrin, such as elasticity and porosity, has been somewhat elusive until recently, yet with a molecular-level rational design approach it can now be somewhat easily modified through alterations of molecular interactions key to the protein's polymerization process. This review outlines the biochemistry of fibrin and discusses methods for modification of molecular interactions and their application to fibrin based biomaterials.
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21
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Ceccarelli J, Putnam AJ. Sculpting the blank slate: how fibrin's support of vascularization can inspire biomaterial design. Acta Biomater 2014; 10:1515-23. [PMID: 23933102 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrin is the primary extracellular constituent of blood clots, and plays an important role as a provisional matrix during wound healing and tissue remodeling. Fibrin-based biomaterials have proven their utility as hemostatic therapies, scaffolds for tissue engineering, vehicles for controlled release, and platforms for culturing and studying cells in three dimensions. Nevertheless, fibrin presents a complex milieu of signals to embedded cells, many of which are not well understood. Synthetic extracellular matrices (ECMs) provide a blank slate that can ostensibly be populated with specific bioactive cues, including growth factors, growth factor binding motifs, adhesive peptides and peptide crosslinks susceptible to proteases, thereby enabling a degree of customization for specific applications. However, the continued evolution and improvement of synthetic ECMs requires parallel efforts to deconstruct native ECMs and decipher the cues they provide to constituent cells. The objective of this review is to reintroduce fibrin, a protein with a well-characterized structure and biochemistry, and its ability to support angiogenesis specifically. Although fibrin's structure-function relationships have been studied for decades, opportunities to engineer new and improved synthetic hydrogels can be realized by further exploiting fibrin's inspiring design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Ceccarelli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2154 Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Andrew J Putnam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2154 Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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22
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Soon ASC, Smith MH, Herman ES, Lyon LA, Barker TH. Development of self-assembling mixed protein micelles with temperature-modulated avidities. Adv Healthc Mater 2013; 2:1045-55. [PMID: 23441099 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201200330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are polypentapeptides that undergo hydrophobic collapse and aggregation above a specific transition temperature, Tt . ELP diblocks sharing a common "core" block (I60) but varying "outer" blocks (A80, P40) were designed, where Tt,I < Tt,A < Tt,P . The formation of ∼55 nm diameter mixed micelles from these ELP diblocks was verified using dynamic light scattering (DLS), multiangle light scattering (MALS) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). To confer affinity to the blood circulating protein fibrinogen, a fibrinogen-binding tetrapeptide sequence (GPRP) was fused to A80-I60, while P40-I60 was fused to a non-binding control (GPSP). The self-assembling, peptide-displaying, mixed micelles exhibit temperature-modulated avidities for immobilized and soluble fibrinogen at 32 °C and 42 °C. In this initial proof-of-concept design, the engineered mixed micelles were shown to disengage fibrinogen at elevated temperatures. The modular nature of this system can be used for developing in vivo depot systems that will only be triggered to release in situ upon specific stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson S C Soon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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23
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Averett R, Menn B, Lee E, Helms C, Barker T, Guthold M. A modular fibrinogen model that captures the stress-strain behavior of fibrin fibers. Biophys J 2012; 103:1537-44. [PMID: 23062346 PMCID: PMC3471473 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2012.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Revised: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We tested what to our knowledge is a new computational model for fibrin fiber mechanical behavior. The model is composed of three distinct elements: the folded fibrinogen core as seen in the crystal structure, the unstructured α-C connector, and the partially folded α-C domain. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of all three regions and how they may contribute to fibrin fiber stress-strain behavior. Yet no molecular model has been computationally tested that takes into account the individual contributions of all these regions. Constant velocity, steered molecular dynamics studies at 0.025 Å/ps were conducted on the folded fibrinogen core and the α-C domain to determine their force-displacement behavior. A wormlike chain model with a persistence length of 0.8 nm (Kuhn length = 1.6 nm) was used to model the mechanical behavior of the unfolded α-C connector. The three components were combined to calculate the total stress-strain response, which was then compared to experimental data. The results show that the three-component model successfully captures the experimentally determined stress-strain behavior of fibrin fibers. The model evinces the key contribution of the α-C domains to fibrin fiber stress-strain behavior. However, conversion of the α-helical coiled coils to β-strands, and partial unfolding of the protein, may also contribute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney D. Averett
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Bryant Menn
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Eric H. Lee
- Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, Beckman Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
- College of Medicine at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Christine C. Helms
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Thomas Barker
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Martin Guthold
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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24
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Tian L, George SC. Biomaterials to prevascularize engineered tissues. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2011; 4:685-98. [PMID: 21892744 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-011-9301-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tissue engineering promises to restore tissue and organ function following injury or failure by creating functional and transplantable artificial tissues. The development of artificial tissues with dimensions that exceed the diffusion limit (1-2 mm) will require nutrients and oxygen to be delivered via perfusion (or convection) rather than diffusion alone. One strategy of perfusion is to prevascularize tissues; that is, a network of blood vessels is created within the tissue construct prior to implantation, which has the potential to significantly shorten the time of functional vascular perfusion from the host. The prevascularized network of vessels requires an extracellular matrix or scaffold for 3D support, which can be either natural or synthetic. This review surveys the commonly used biomaterials for prevascularizing 3D tissue engineering constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Tian
- The Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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25
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Abstract
Objective: Topical hemostatic agents are used in a wide variety of surgical settings, and the evolution of this class of surgical tools is an interesting topic. We reviewed and outlined the historical progress of topical hemostats into present day surgery and urology, and highlight opportunities for future research. Materials and Methods: A MEDLINE search of all available literature concerning several classes of topical hemostatic agents was performed. Fibrins sealants, Gelatin sponge hemostatics, cyanoacrylate adhesives, oxidized regenerated cellulose, and microfibrillar collagen were included. References were chosen from a broad range of surgical literature. Results: Topical hemostatic agents have historically taken advantage of a wide variety of mechanisms for hemostasis. Fibrin sealants have a rich history and large potential for further applications. Gelatin sponge hemostatics have been widely used since their introduction, but have changed little. Cyanoacrylate adhesives have a unique mechanism and opportunity for novel applications of existing products. Oxidized cellulose was original in the use of plant-based components. Microfibrillar collagen hemostats have evolved to a wide variety of formats. Conclusions: A review of the evolution of topical hemostatic agents highlights opportunities for potential novel research. Fibrin sealants may have the most opportunity for advancement, and understanding the history of these products is useful. With the drive in urology for minimally invasive surgical techniques, adaptation of topical hemostatic agents to this surgical approach would be valuable and offers an opportunity for novel contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandru P Sundaram
- Department of Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
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26
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Soon ASC, Lee CS, Barker TH. Modulation of fibrin matrix properties via knob:hole affinity interactions using peptide-PEG conjugates. Biomaterials 2011; 32:4406-14. [PMID: 21435714 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Fibrin is a widely used biological scaffold in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. While the polymerization dynamics from its soluble precursor fibrinogen has been studied for decades, few attempts have been made to modulate fibrin network structure through the addition of external agents that actively engage this process. We propose the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based linkers that interact with fibrinogen via knob:hole affinity interactions as a means of controlling thrombin-mediated fibrin polymerization dynamics and resulting network structure. Using bivalent and tetravalent knob-PEG conjugates with sizes ranging from 2 to 20 kDa, we demonstrate that the clotting characteristics of fibrinogen solutions can be altered in a dose-dependent manner, with conjugate size playing a major role in altering fibrin network structure. Interestingly, factor XIIIa-catalyzed fibrin(ogen) crosslinking and plasmin-mediated degradation were not significantly impacted. This work demonstrates the feasibility of modulating fibrin network structure through the addition of knob-PEG conjugates that perturb the polymerization process through non-covalent knob:hole interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson S C Soon
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, 30332, USA
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27
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A review on composite liposomal technologies for specialized drug delivery. JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY 2011; 2011:939851. [PMID: 21490759 PMCID: PMC3065812 DOI: 10.1155/2011/939851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Revised: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The combination of liposomes with polymeric scaffolds could revolutionize the current state of drug delivery technology. Although liposomes have been extensively studied as a promising drug delivery model for bioactive compounds, there still remain major drawbacks for widespread pharmaceutical application. Two approaches for overcoming the factors related to the suboptimal efficacy of liposomes in drug delivery have been suggested. The first entails modifying the liposome surface with functional moieties, while the second involves integration of pre-encapsulated drug-loaded liposomes within depot polymeric scaffolds. This attempts to provide ingenious solutions to the limitations of conventional liposomes such as short plasma half-lives, toxicity, stability, and poor control of drug release over prolonged periods. This review delineates the key advances in composite technologies that merge the concepts of depot polymeric scaffolds with liposome technology to overcome the limitations of conventional liposomes for pharmaceutical applications.
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28
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Sundaram CP, Keenan AC. Evolution of hemostatic agents in surgical practice. INDIAN JOURNAL OF UROLOGY : IJU : JOURNAL OF THE UROLOGICAL SOCIETY OF INDIA 2010. [PMID: 21116358 DOI: 10.4103/0970-1591.70574.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Topical hemostatic agents are used in a wide variety of surgical settings, and the evolution of this class of surgical tools is an interesting topic. We reviewed and outlined the historical progress of topical hemostats into present day surgery and urology, and highlight opportunities for future research. MATERIALS AND METHODS A MEDLINE search of all available literature concerning several classes of topical hemostatic agents was performed. Fibrins sealants, Gelatin sponge hemostatics, cyanoacrylate adhesives, oxidized regenerated cellulose, and microfibrillar collagen were included. References were chosen from a broad range of surgical literature. RESULTS Topical hemostatic agents have historically taken advantage of a wide variety of mechanisms for hemostasis. Fibrin sealants have a rich history and large potential for further applications. Gelatin sponge hemostatics have been widely used since their introduction, but have changed little. Cyanoacrylate adhesives have a unique mechanism and opportunity for novel applications of existing products. Oxidized cellulose was original in the use of plant-based components. Microfibrillar collagen hemostats have evolved to a wide variety of formats. CONCLUSIONS A review of the evolution of topical hemostatic agents highlights opportunities for potential novel research. Fibrin sealants may have the most opportunity for advancement, and understanding the history of these products is useful. With the drive in urology for minimally invasive surgical techniques, adaptation of topical hemostatic agents to this surgical approach would be valuable and offers an opportunity for novel contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandru P Sundaram
- Department of Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
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29
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Piechocka IK, Bacabac RG, Potters M, MacKintosh FC, Koenderink GH. Structural hierarchy governs fibrin gel mechanics. Biophys J 2010; 98:2281-9. [PMID: 20483337 PMCID: PMC2872216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2010.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2009] [Revised: 12/18/2009] [Accepted: 01/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrin gels are responsible for the mechanical strength of blood clots, which are among the most resilient protein materials in nature. Here we investigate the physical origin of this mechanical behavior by performing rheology measurements on reconstituted fibrin gels. We find that increasing levels of shear strain induce a succession of distinct elastic responses that reflect stretching processes on different length scales. We present a theoretical model that explains these observations in terms of the unique hierarchical architecture of the fibers. The fibers are bundles of semiflexible protofibrils that are loosely connected by flexible linker chains. This architecture makes the fibers 100-fold more flexible to bending than anticipated based on their large diameter. Moreover, in contrast with other biopolymers, fibrin fibers intrinsically stiffen when stretched. The resulting hierarchy of elastic regimes explains the incredible resilience of fibrin clots against large deformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela K. Piechocka
- Biological Soft Matter Group, Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter, Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rommel G. Bacabac
- Biological Soft Matter Group, Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter, Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Max Potters
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fred C. MacKintosh
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gijsje H. Koenderink
- Biological Soft Matter Group, Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter, Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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