1
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Wu L, Vllasaliu D, Cui Q, Raimi-Abraham BT. In Situ Self-Assembling Liver Spheroids with Synthetic Nanoscaffolds for Preclinical Drug Screening Applications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:25610-25621. [PMID: 38741479 PMCID: PMC11129140 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is one of the most common reasons for acute liver failure and a major reason for the withdrawal of medications from the market. There is a growing need for advanced in vitro liver models that can effectively recapitulate hepatic function, offering a robust platform for preclinical drug screening applications. Here, we explore the potential of self-assembling liver spheroids in the presence of electrospun and cryomilled poly(caprolactone) (PCL) nanoscaffolds for use as a new preclinical drug screening tool. This study investigated the extent to which nanoscaffold concentration may have on spheroid size and viability and liver-specific biofunctionality. The efficacy of our model was further validated using a comprehensive dose-dependent acetaminophen toxicity protocol. Our findings show the strong potential of PCL-based nanoscaffolds to facilitate in situ self-assembly of liver spheroids with sizes under 350 μm. The presence of the PCL-based nanoscaffolds (0.005 and 0.01% w/v) improved spheroid viability and the secretion of critical liver-specific biomarkers, namely, albumin and urea. Liver spheroids with nanoscaffolds showed improved drug-metabolizing enzyme activity and greater sensitivity to acetaminophen compared to two-dimensional monolayer cultures and scaffold-free liver spheroids. These promising findings highlight the potential of our nanoscaffold-based liver spheroids as an in vitro liver model for drug-induced hepatotoxicity and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Wu
- King’s College London,
Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford
Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
| | - Driton Vllasaliu
- King’s College London,
Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford
Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
| | - Qi Cui
- King’s College London,
Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford
Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
| | - Bahijja Tolulope Raimi-Abraham
- King’s College London,
Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford
Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
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2
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Yun C, Kim SH, Jung YS. Current Research Trends in the Application of In Vitro Three-Dimensional Models of Liver Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010054. [PMID: 36678683 PMCID: PMC9866911 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver produces and stores various nutrients that are necessary for the body and serves as a chemical plant, metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, hormones, vitamins, and minerals. It is also a vital organ for detoxifying drugs and exogenous harmful substances. Culturing liver cells in vitro under three-dimensional (3D) conditions is considered a primary mechanism for liver tissue engineering. The 3D cell culture system is designed to allow cells to interact in an artificially created environment and has the advantage of mimicking the physiological characteristics of cells in vivo. This system facilitates contact between the cells and the extracellular matrix. Several technically different approaches have been proposed, including bioreactors, chips, and plate-based systems in fluid or static media composed of chemically diverse materials. Compared to conventional two-dimensional monolayer culture in vitro models, the ability to predict the function of the tissues, including the drug metabolism and chemical toxicity, has been enhanced by developing three-dimensional liver culture models. This review discussed the methodology of 3D cell cultures and summarized the advantages of an in vitro liver platform using 3D culture technology.
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3
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Temple J, Velliou E, Shehata M, Lévy R, Gupta P. Current strategies with implementation of three-dimensional cell culture: the challenge of quantification. Interface Focus 2022; 12:20220019. [PMID: 35992772 PMCID: PMC9372643 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2022.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
From growing cells in spheroids to arranging them on complex engineered scaffolds, three-dimensional cell culture protocols are rapidly expanding and diversifying. While these systems may often improve the physiological relevance of cell culture models, they come with technical challenges, as many of the analytical methods used to characterize traditional two-dimensional (2D) cells must be modified or replaced to be effective. Here we review the advantages and limitations of quantification methods based either on biochemical measurements or microscopy imaging. We focus on the most basic of parameters that one may want to measure, the number of cells. Precise determination of this number is essential for many analytical techniques where measured quantities are only meaningful when normalized to the number of cells (e.g. cytochrome p450 enzyme activity). Thus, accurate measurement of cell number is often a prerequisite to allowing comparisons across different conditions (culturing conditions or drug and treatment screening) or between cells in different spatial states. We note that this issue is often neglected in the literature with little or no information given regarding how normalization was performed, we highlight the pitfalls and complications of quantification and call for more accurate reporting to improve reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Temple
- Bioscience building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Eirini Velliou
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mona Shehata
- Hutchison-MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Raphaël Lévy
- Bioscience building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
- Laboratoire for Vascular Translational Science, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Priyanka Gupta
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, University College London, London, UK
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4
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Evolution of Electrospinning in Liver Tissue Engineering. Biomimetics (Basel) 2022; 7:biomimetics7040149. [PMID: 36278706 PMCID: PMC9589992 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics7040149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The major goal of liver tissue engineering is to reproduce the phenotype and functions of liver cells, especially primary hepatocytes ex vivo. Several strategies have been explored in the recent past for culturing the liver cells in the most apt environment using biological scaffolds supporting hepatocyte growth and differentiation. Nanofibrous scaffolds have been widely used in the field of tissue engineering for their increased surface-to-volume ratio and increased porosity, and their close resemblance with the native tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. Electrospinning is one of the most preferred techniques to produce nanofiber scaffolds. In the current review, we have discussed the various technical aspects of electrospinning that have been employed for scaffold development for different types of liver cells. We have highlighted the use of synthetic and natural electrospun polymers along with liver ECM in the fabrication of these scaffolds. We have also described novel strategies that include modifications, such as galactosylation, matrix protein incorporation, etc., in the electrospun scaffolds that have evolved to support the long-term growth and viability of the primary hepatocytes.
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5
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Li T, Shi C, Jin F, Yang F, Gu L, Wang T, Dong W, Feng ZQ. Cell activity modulation and its specific function maintenance by bioinspired electromechanical nanogenerator. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabh2350. [PMID: 34559554 PMCID: PMC8462902 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abh2350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The biophysical characteristics of the extracellular matrix (ECM), such as a three-dimensional (3D) network and bioelectricity, have a profound influence on cell development, migration, function expression, etc. Here, inspired by these biophysical cues of ECM, we develop an electromechanical coupling bio-nanogenerator (bio-NG) composed of highly discrete piezoelectric fibers. It can generate surface piezopotential up to millivolts by cell inherent force and thus provide in situ electrical stimulation for the living cells. Besides, the unique 3D space in the bio-NGs provides an ECM-like growth microenvironment for cells. As a result, our bio-NGs effectively promote cell viability and development and, more importantly, maintain its specific functional expression. These advanced in vitro bio-NGs are expected to fill the gap between the inaccurate 2D systems and the expensive and time-consuming animal models, mimicking the complexity of the ECM and the physiological relevance of an in vivo biological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, P. R. China
| | - Chuanmei Shi
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, P. R. China
| | - Fei Jin
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, P. R. China
| | - Fan Yang
- Institute of Rail Transit, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, P. R. China
| | - Long Gu
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Xi’an 710071, P. R. China
| | - Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, P. R. China
| | - Wei Dong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, P. R. China
| | - Zhang-Qi Feng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, P. R. China
- Corresponding author.
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6
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Janani G, Mandal BB. Mimicking Physiologically Relevant Hepatocyte Zonation Using Immunomodulatory Silk Liver Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds toward a Bioartificial Liver Platform. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:24401-24421. [PMID: 34019382 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c00719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mimicking nativelike metabolic zonation is indispensable to develop an efficient bioartificial liver model, as it facilitates physiological cues, hepatocyte polarity, and phenotypic functions. The present study shows the first evidence of hepatocyte metabolic heterogeneity in an in vitro liver model encompassing liver extracellular matrix (ECM)-functionalized silk scaffolds (LECM-SF) by altering ECM proportion. Upon static culture, individual LECM-SF scaffold supports differential synthetic and metabolic functions of cultured primary neonatal rat hepatocytes (PNRHs), owing to discrete biophysical attributes. A single in vitro liver system comprising PNRHs seeded LECM-SF scaffolds assisting periportal to pericentral gradient functions is stacked and matured in a perfusion bioreactor to simulate oxygen gradient. The scaffold with high ECM supports periportal-specific albumin synthesis, urea secretion, and bile duct formation, albeit scaffold with low ECM supports pericentral-specific cytochrome P450 activity. Extensive physicochemical characterizations confirmed the stability and interconnected porous network of scaffolds, signifying cellular infiltration and bidirectional nutrient diffusion. Furthermore, scaffolds demonstrate minimal thrombogenicity, reduced foreign-body response, and enhanced pro-remodeling macrophage activation, supporting constructive tissue remodeling. The developed liver model with zone-specific functions would be a promising avenue in bioartificial liver and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Janani
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Biman B Mandal
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
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7
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Wei J, Lei D, Chen M, Ran P, Li X. Engineering HepG2 spheroids with injectable fiber fragments as predictable models for drug metabolism and tumor infiltration. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2020; 108:3331-3344. [PMID: 32627303 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In vitro cell and tissue models are playing essential roles in the identification of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Though HepG2 cells have attractive profiles over primary hepatocytes in the availability and viability retention, the expression of metabolizing enzymes is quite low. In the current study, three-dimensional (3D) HepG2 spheroids with smaller sizes of 150 μm (3Ds) and bigger sizes of 300 μm (3Db) are engineered using injectable fiber fragments as the substrate. In contrast to two-dimensional (2D) culture, the enzyme activities for drug metabolisms are restored in 3Ds and the pathophysiological profiles of tumor tissues are rebuilt in 3Db spheroids. Compared with spheroid culture without fiber fragments, 3Ds spheroids show higher activities of metabolizing enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2A9, and phase II) and higher sensitivities to enzyme inducers (rifampicin and glutathione) and inhibitors (ketoconazole and probenecid). The drug clearance and toxicity to 3Ds spheroids predict better the clinical observations and drug-drug interactions. In addition, compared to scaffold-free spheroid culture, stronger expressions of E-cadherin and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and higher fibronectin secretions are determined in 3Db spheroids, displaying apparent hypoxic and apoptotic regions similar to those found in solid tumors. In contrast to the overestimated drug toxicity in other systems, the infiltrations of free drug and drug-loaded micelles are apparently restricted in 3Db spheroids, exhibiting drug resistance just like in tumor tissues. Thus, this study demonstrates HepG2 spheroids with different sizes as predictable and physiologically relevant models for high-throughput screening of drug metabolism and tumor infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojun Wei
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, P. R. China.,School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Dongmei Lei
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Maohua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Pan Ran
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, P. R. China.,School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, P. R. China
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8
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Fabrication and evaluation of modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) microfibrous scaffolds for hepatocyte growth and functionality maintenance. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2019; 109:110523. [PMID: 32228959 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.110523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For hepatocyte culture in vitro, the surface feature of utilized scaffolds exerts a direct impact on cell adhesion, growth and differentiated functionality. Herein, to regulate hepatocyte growth and differentiated functionality, modified microfibrous scaffolds were fabricated by surface grafting monoamine terminated lactobionic lactone (L-NH2) and gelatin onto non-woven poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibrous substrate (PET-Gal and PET-Gel), respectively. The physicochemical properties of PET scaffolds before and after modification were characterized. Upon 15-day culture, the effects of modified PET scaffolds on growth and differentiated functionality of human induced hepatocytes (hiHeps) were evaluated, compared with that of control without modification. Results demonstrated that both L-NH2 and gelatin modifications improved scaffold properties including hydrophilicity, water uptake ratio, stiffness and roughness, resulting in efficient cell adhesion, ~20-fold cell expansion and enhanced differentiated functionality. After culture for 15 days, PET-Gal cultured cells formed aggregates, displaying better cell viability and significantly higher differentiated functionality regarding albumin secretion, urea synthesis, phases I (cytochrome P450, CYP1A1/2 and CYP3A4) and II (uridine 5'-diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases, UGT) enzyme activity, biliary excretion and detoxification ability (ammonia elimination and bilirubin conjugation), compared with PET and PET-Gel cultured ones. Hence, as a three-dimensional (3D) microfibrous scaffold, PET-Gal promotes hiHeps growth and differentiated functionality maintenance, which is promisingly utilized in bioartificial liver (BAL) bioreactors.
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9
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Ye S, Boeter JWB, Penning LC, Spee B, Schneeberger K. Hydrogels for Liver Tissue Engineering. Bioengineering (Basel) 2019; 6:E59. [PMID: 31284412 PMCID: PMC6784004 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering6030059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioengineered livers are promising in vitro models for drug testing, toxicological studies, and as disease models, and might in the future be an alternative for donor organs to treat end-stage liver diseases. Liver tissue engineering (LTE) aims to construct liver models that are physiologically relevant. To make bioengineered livers, the two most important ingredients are hepatic cells and supportive materials such as hydrogels. In the past decades, dozens of hydrogels have been developed to act as supportive materials, and some have been used for in vitro models and formed functional liver constructs. However, currently none of the used hydrogels are suitable for in vivo transplantation. Here, the histology of the human liver and its relationship with LTE is introduced. After that, significant characteristics of hydrogels are described focusing on LTE. Then, both natural and synthetic materials utilized in hydrogels for LTE are reviewed individually. Finally, a conclusion is drawn on a comparison of the different hydrogels and their characteristics and ideal hydrogels are proposed to promote LTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Ye
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jochem W B Boeter
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Louis C Penning
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Spee
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kerstin Schneeberger
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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10
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Mobarra N, Soleimani M, Ghayour‐Mobarhan M, Safarpour S, Ferns GA, Pakzad R, Pasalar P. Hybrid poly‐
l
‐lactic acid/poly(ε‐caprolactone) nanofibrous scaffold can improve biochemical and molecular markers of human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived hepatocyte‐like cells. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:11247-11255. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naser Mobarra
- Department of Laboratory Sciences School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences Gorgan Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Hematology School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran
| | - Majid Ghayour‐Mobarhan
- Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
| | - Samaneh Safarpour
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education Brighton UK
| | - Reza Pakzad
- Noor Research Center for Ophthalmic Epidemiology, Noor Eye Hospital Tehran Iran
- Department Biostatistics Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences Ilam Iran
- Department of Epidemiology Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences Ilam Iran
| | - Parvin Pasalar
- Metabolic Disorder Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Molecular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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11
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Janani G, Nandi SK, Mandal BB. Functional hepatocyte clusters on bioactive blend silk matrices towards generating bioartificial liver constructs. Acta Biomater 2018; 67:167-182. [PMID: 29223705 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.11.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The creation of in vitro functional hepatic tissue simulating micro-environmental niche of native liver is a keen area of research due to its demand in bioartificial liver (BAL) and cell-based tissue engineering. Here, we investigated the potential of novel blend (BA) silk scaffold fabricated by blending mulberry (Bombyx mori, BM) silk fibroin with cell adhesion motif (RGD) rich non-mulberry (Antheraea assamensis, AA) silk fibroin, in generating a functional liver construct. Three-dimensional (3D) porous silk scaffolds (BM, AA and BA) were physico-chemically characterized and functionally evaluated using human hepatocarcinoma cells (HepG2) and primary neonatal rat hepatocytes. The growth and distribution of hepatocytes within the scaffolds were tracked by FESEM, alamar blue proliferation assay and live/dead staining. Hemocompatible BA scaffolds supported the formation of high density hepatocyte clusters, facilitating cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions. Blend scaffolds evinced enhanced liver-specific functions of cultured hepatocytes in terms of albumin synthesis, urea synthesis and cytochrome P450 enzyme activity over 21 days. Subcutaneous implantation of scaffolds demonstrated minimal macrophage infiltration in blend scaffolds. These findings substantiate that the integral property of blend (BA) scaffold offers a befitting environment by influencing spheroidal growth of hepatocytes with enhanced biological activity. Collectively, the present study provides a new 3D bio-matrix niche for growing functional liver cells that would have future prospects in BAL as well as regenerative medicine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE An end stage liver disease called cirrhosis perturbs the self-healing ability and physiological functions of liver. Due to the scarcity of healthy donors, a functional in vitro hepatic construct retaining the liver-specific functions is in great demand for its prospects in bioartificial liver (BAL) and cell-based tissue engineering. Physicochemical attributes of a matrix influence the behavior of cultured hepatocytes in terms of attachment, morphology and functionality. Mulberry and non-mulberry silk fibroin presents unique amino acid sequence with difference in hydrophobicity and crystallinity. Considering this, the present study focuses on the development of a suitable three-dimensional (3D) bioactive matrix incorporating both mulberry silk fibroin and cell adhesion motif (RGD) rich non-mulberry silk fibroin. Porous silk blend scaffolds facilitated the formation of hepatocyte clusters with enhanced liver-specific functions emphasizing both cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Hemocompatibility and integral property of blend scaffolds offers a biological niche for seeding functional liver cells that would have future prospects in biohybrid devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Janani
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Samit K Nandi
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata 700037, West Bengal, India
| | - Biman B Mandal
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India.
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12
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Elbaz A, Gao B, He Z, Gu Z. Hepatocyte Aggregate Formation on Chitin-Based Anisotropic Microstructures of Butterfly Wings. Biomimetics (Basel) 2018; 3:E2. [PMID: 31105224 PMCID: PMC6352657 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics3010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Scaffold nanotopography plays the most significant role in the mimicry of the in vivo microenvironment of the hepatocytes. Several attempts have been made to develop methods and substrates suited to growing hepatocytes into aggregates. Functional biomaterials, particularly biodegradable polymers, have been used in several studies aimed to develop improved scaffolds with ordered geometry and nanofibrous architecture for tissue engineering. However, there are still some limitation in their fabrication: it is not cost-efficient, is time-consuming, and exhibits some technological complications. The synthetic scaffolds are usually non-biodegradable and can be non-biocompatible compared to the naturally derived biomaterials. Here, we utilized a simple, cost-effective, and green method with two-step chemical treatment to get more selected hydrophilic butterfly wings from Morpho menelaus, Papilio ulysses telegonus, and Ornithoptera croesus lydius as a chitin-based natural scaffolds to growing hepatocyte aggregates. We established a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model for culture of HepG2 cells and aggregate formation that maintained the hepatocytes function on these natural anisotropic microstructures. Cells cultured on these substrates show higher viability than those cultured on a two-dimensional (2D) culture plate. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay results revealed excellent viability of HepG2 cells on P. u. telegonus wings (fibrous area). The results also demonstrated appropriate cell activity, cell retention, and stable and functional expression in terms of albumin secretion and urea synthesis activity compared to the 2D monolayer culture of hepatocytes on the culture dish surface. With a slightly different degree, the other substrates also shown similar results. We anticipate that these natural anisotropic, biodegradable, and biocompatible substrates can maintain long-term hepatic culture as an in vitro 3D model for potential therapeutic applications and regenerative tissue applications. The model presented here provides a feasible alternative to the synthetic scaffolds and is expected to be more reliable for 3D organotypic liver culture models based on such scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman Elbaz
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Bingbing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Zhenzhu He
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
- Laboratory of Environment and Biosafety Research Institute of Southeast University in Suzhou, Suzhou 215123, China.
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13
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Ahadian S, Civitarese R, Bannerman D, Mohammadi MH, Lu R, Wang E, Davenport-Huyer L, Lai B, Zhang B, Zhao Y, Mandla S, Korolj A, Radisic M. Organ-On-A-Chip Platforms: A Convergence of Advanced Materials, Cells, and Microscale Technologies. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7. [PMID: 29034591 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Significant advances in biomaterials, stem cell biology, and microscale technologies have enabled the fabrication of biologically relevant tissues and organs. Such tissues and organs, referred to as organ-on-a-chip (OOC) platforms, have emerged as a powerful tool in tissue analysis and disease modeling for biological and pharmacological applications. A variety of biomaterials are used in tissue fabrication providing multiple biological, structural, and mechanical cues in the regulation of cell behavior and tissue morphogenesis. Cells derived from humans enable the fabrication of personalized OOC platforms. Microscale technologies are specifically helpful in providing physiological microenvironments for tissues and organs. In this review, biomaterials, cells, and microscale technologies are described as essential components to construct OOC platforms. The latest developments in OOC platforms (e.g., liver, skeletal muscle, cardiac, cancer, lung, skin, bone, and brain) are then discussed as functional tools in simulating human physiology and metabolism. Future perspectives and major challenges in the development of OOC platforms toward accelerating clinical studies of drug discovery are finally highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samad Ahadian
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Robert Civitarese
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Dawn Bannerman
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Rick Lu
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Erika Wang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Locke Davenport-Huyer
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Ben Lai
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Serena Mandla
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Anastasia Korolj
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
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Vasanthan KS, Subramanian A, Krishnan UM, Sethuraman S. Development of Porous Hydrogel Scaffolds with Multiple Cues for Liver Tissue Engineering. REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40883-017-0034-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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15
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Hackethal J, Mühleder S, Hofer A, Schneider KH, Prüller J, Hennerbichler S, Redl H, Teuschl A. An Effective Method ofAtelocollagenType 1/3 Isolation from Human Placenta and ItsIn VitroCharacterization in Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Applications. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2017; 23:274-285. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2017.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hackethal
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Severin Mühleder
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Hofer
- Research Area Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karl Heinrich Schneider
- Center of Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johanna Prüller
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simone Hennerbichler
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
- Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service of Upper Austria, Linz, Austria
| | - Heinz Redl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Teuschl
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Hepatogenic Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem cells on Collagen-Coated Polyethersulfone Nanofibers. ASAIO J 2017; 63:316-323. [DOI: 10.1097/mat.0000000000000469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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17
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation following Partial Hepatectomy: A New Concept to Promote Liver Regeneration-Systematic Review of the Literature Focused on Experimental Studies in Rodent Models. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:7567958. [PMID: 28386285 PMCID: PMC5366767 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7567958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive source for regenerative medicine because they are easily accessible through minimally invasive methods and have the potential to enhance liver regeneration (LG) and improve liver function, following partial hepatectomy (PH) and acute or chronic liver injury. A systematic review of the literature was conducted for articles published up to September 1st, 2016, using the MEDLINE database. The keywords that were used in various combinations were as follows: “Mesenchymal stem cells”, “transplantation”, “stem cells”, “adipose tissue derived stem cells”, “bone marrow-derived stem cells”, “partial hepatectomy”, “acute liver failure”, “chronic liver failure”, “liver fibrosis”, “liver cirrhosis”, “rats”, “mice”, and “liver regeneration”. All introduced keywords were searched for separately in MeSH Database to control relevance and terminological accuracy and validity. A total of 41 articles were identified for potential inclusion and reviewed in detail. After a strict selection process, a total of 28 articles were excluded, leaving 13 articles to form the basis of this systematic review. MSCs transplantation promoted LG and improved liver function. Furthermore, MSCs had the ability to differentiate in hepatocyte-like cells, increase survival, and protect hepatocytes by paracrine mechanisms. MSCs transplantation may provide beneficial effects in the process of LG after PH and acute or chronic liver injury. They may represent a new therapeutic option to treat posthepatectomy acute liver failure.
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Liu Y, Wang S, Wang Y. Patterned Fibers Embedded Microfluidic Chips Based on PLA and PDMS for Ag Nanoparticle Safety Testing. Polymers (Basel) 2016; 8:E402. [PMID: 30974676 PMCID: PMC6431932 DOI: 10.3390/polym8110402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A new method to integrate poly-dl-lactide (PLA) patterned electrospun fibers with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic chip was successfully developed via lithography. Hepatocyte behavior under static and dynamic conditions was investigated. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated good hepatocyte survival under the dynamic culture system with effective hepatocyte spheroid formation in the patterned microfluidic chip vs. static culture conditions and tissue culture plate (TCP). In particular, hepatocytes seeded in this microfluidic chip under a flow rate of 10 μL/min could re-establish hepatocyte polarity to support biliary excretion and were able to maintain high levels of albumin and urea secretion over 15 days. Furthermore, the optimized system could produce sensitive and consistent responses to nano-Ag-induced hepatotoxicity during culture. Thus, this microfluidic chip device provides a new means of fabricating complex liver tissue-engineered scaffolds, and may be of considerable utility in the toxicity screening of nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaowen Liu
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan 625014, China.
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China.
| | - Shuyao Wang
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan 625014, China.
| | - Yihao Wang
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan 625014, China.
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Zheng F, Fu F, Cheng Y, Wang C, Zhao Y, Gu Z. Organ-on-a-Chip Systems: Microengineering to Biomimic Living Systems. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2016; 12:2253-82. [PMID: 26901595 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201503208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
"Organ-on-a-chip" systems integrate microengineering, microfluidic technologies, and biomimetic principles to create key aspects of living organs faithfully, including critical microarchitecture, spatiotemporal cell-cell interactions, and extracellular microenvironments. This creative platform and its multiorgan integration recapitulating organ-level structures and functions can bring unprecedented benefits to a diversity of applications, such as developing human in vitro models for healthy or diseased organs, enabling the investigation of fundamental mechanisms in disease etiology and organogenesis, benefiting drug development in toxicity screening and target discovery, and potentially serving as replacements for animal testing. Recent advances in novel designs and examples for developing organ-on-a-chip platforms are reviewed. The potential for using this emerging technology in understanding human physiology including mechanical, chemical, and electrical signals with precise spatiotemporal controls are discussed. The current challenges and future directions that need to be pursued for these proof-of-concept studies are also be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Fanfan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
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20
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Liu Y, Wei J, Lu J, Lei D, Yan S, Li X. Micropatterned coculture of hepatocytes on electrospun fibers as a potential in vitro model for predictive drug metabolism. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2016; 63:475-84. [PMID: 27040241 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the major organ of importance to determine drug dispositions in the body, thus the development of hepatocyte culture systems is of great scientific and practical interests to provide reliable and predictable models for in vitro drug screening. In the current study, to address the challenges of a rapid function loss of primary hepatocytes, the coculture of hepatocytes with fibroblasts and endothelial cells (Hep-Fib-EC) was established on micropatterned fibrous scaffolds. Liver-specific functions, such as the albumin secretion and urea synthesis, were well maintained in the coculture system, accompanied by a rapid formation of multicellular hepatocyte spheroids. The activities of phase I (CYP3A11 and CYP2C9) and phase II enzymes indicated a gradual increase for cocultured hepatocytes, and a maximum level was achieved after 5 days and maintained throughout 15 days of culture. The metabolism testing on model drugs indicated that the scaled clearance rates for hepatocytes in the Hep-Fib-EC coculture system were significantly higher than those of other culture methods, and a linear regression analysis indicated good correlations between the observed data of rats and in vitro predicted values during 15 days of culture. In addition, the enzyme activities and drug clearance rates of hepatocytes in the Hep-Fib-EC coculture model experienced sensitive responsiveness to the inducers and inhibitors of metabolizing enzymes. These results demonstrated the feasibility of micropatterned coculture of hepatocytes as a potential in vitro testing model for the prediction of in vivo drug metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaowen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, PR China; College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan 625014, PR China
| | - Jiaojun Wei
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, PR China
| | - Jinfu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, PR China
| | - Dongmei Lei
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, PR China
| | - Shili Yan
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, PR China.
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21
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Wei J, Lu J, Liu Y, Yan S, Li X. Spheroid culture of primary hepatocytes with short fibers as a predictable in vitro model for drug screening. J Mater Chem B 2016; 4:7155-7167. [DOI: 10.1039/c6tb02014c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Short fibers are utilized as scaffolds for generation of size-controlled hepatocyte spheroids, exhibiting an efficient in vitro model for determining drug metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojun Wei
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials
- Ministry of Education
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Southwest Jiaotong University
- Chengdu 610031
| | - Jinfu Lu
- School of Life Science and Engineering
- Southwest Jiaotong University
- Chengdu 610031
- China
| | - Yaowen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials
- Ministry of Education
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Southwest Jiaotong University
- Chengdu 610031
| | - Shili Yan
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials
- Ministry of Education
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Southwest Jiaotong University
- Chengdu 610031
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials
- Ministry of Education
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Southwest Jiaotong University
- Chengdu 610031
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22
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Hepatocyte spheroid culture on fibrous scaffolds with grafted functional ligands as an in vitro model for predicting drug metabolism and hepatotoxicity. Acta Biomater 2015; 28:138-148. [PMID: 26409440 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.09.027] [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: 05/30/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The identification of a biologic substrate for maintaining hepatocyte functions is essential to provide reliable and predictable models for in vitro drug screening. In the current study, a three-dimensional culture of hepatocytes was established on highly porous fibrous scaffolds with grafted galactose and RGD to afford extensive cell-cell and cell-scaffold interactions spatially. The pore size and ligand densities indicated significant effects on the formation of hepatocyte spheroids in balancing the cell retention, adhesion, and migration on fibrous scaffolds. Fibrous scaffolds with an average pore size of 60 μm and surface grafting densities of galactose at 5.9 nmol/cm(2) and RGD at 6.9 pmol/cm(2) provided optimal microenvironments for hepatocyte infiltration and multicellular spheroid formation. Significant promotions were also demonstrated in the syntheses of albumin and urea and the activities of phase I (CYP 3A11 and CYP 2C9) and phase II enzymes. The in vitro metabolism tests on testosterone and acetaminophen by hepatocytes on the optimal scaffolds indicated the predicated clearance rates of 50.7 and 22.6 ml/min/kg, respectively, which were comparable to the in vivo values of rats. The in vitro hepatotoxicity tests on amiodarone hydrochloride and acetaminophen predicted the half maximal effective concentrations (EC50) to reflect the in vivo toxic plasma concentrations in human. In addition, the enzyme activities, predicted clearance rates and hepatotoxicity values of hepatocytes on the optimal scaffolds experienced sensitive responsiveness to specific inducers or inhibitors of CYP 3A11 and phase II enzymes, exhibiting in vivo-in vitro correlations to a certain extent. These results demonstrate the feasibility of hepatocyte spheroid culture on fibrous scaffolds as an potential in vitro testing model to predict the in vivo drug metabolism, hepatotoxicity, and drug-drug interactions.
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Feng ZQ, Wang T, Zhao B, Li J, Jin L. Soft Graphene Nanofibers Designed for the Acceleration of Nerve Growth and Development. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2015; 27:6462-6468. [PMID: 26402413 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201503319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Soft graphene nanofibers with recoverable electrical conductivity and excellent physicochemical stability are prepared by a controlled assembly technique. By using the soft graphene nanofibers for cellular electrical stimulation, the common inhibitory effect of long-term electrical stimulation on nerve growth and development is avoided, which usually happens with traditional 2D conductive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang-Qi Feng
- School of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 200 Xiao Ling Wei, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 200 Xiao Ling Wei, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- School of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 200 Xiao Ling Wei, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Lin Jin
- School of Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 51006, China
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Liu Y, Li H, Yan S, Wei J, Li X. Hepatocyte cocultures with endothelial cells and fibroblasts on micropatterned fibrous mats to promote liver-specific functions and capillary formation capabilities. Biomacromolecules 2014; 15:1044-54. [PMID: 24547870 DOI: 10.1021/bm401926k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The maintenance of hepatocyte phenotype and functions remains as a great challenge in the generation of functional liver tissue and in vitro model for drug metabolism studies. The use of hepatocyte coculture systems plays essential roles in the establishment of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix communications similar to native liver tissues. In the current study, micropatterned electrospun fibrous mats were created to load hepatocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells (ECs), which were precisely assembled to establish their spatially controlled coculture for mimicking the in vivo structure of hepatic lobules. Hepatocytes formed compact polyhedral spheroids with an average diameter of 80-100 μm, reorganized actin filaments in the cell-cell contact regions, and well-developed bile canaliculi. Compared with hepatocytes cultured alone, the coculture of hepatocytes with either fibroblasts or ECs led to significantly higher albumin secretion, urea synthesis and cytochrome P-450 expression, which were dramatically improved by the coculture of hepatocytes with both fibroblasts and ECs. The cocultured ECs well spread on patterned regions with little organized filamentous actin, and significantly higher densities and deeper penetration into patterned scaffolds were determined for ECs after coculture with fibroblasts and hepatocytes compared with those after cultured alone or coculture with either fibroblasts or hepatocytes. A Matrigel overlay assay showed that the capabilities of ECs to form capillary tubes were significantly enhanced by micropatterned coculture with fibroblasts and hepatocytes. Thus, the coculture of hepatocytes, fibroblasts, and ECs on micropatterned fibrous mats helps both hepatocytes in the maintenance of hepatic functions and ECs in the formation of capillary-like structures. It is suggested that the micropatterned coculture model described here not only provides functional hepatic tissues for predictions of drug metabolism profiles, but also will enable investigations on more complex and physiological cell-cell communications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaowen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University , Chengdu 610031, People's Republic of China
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Jin L, Feng ZQ, Wang T, Ren Z, Ma S, Wu J, Sun D. A novel fluffy hydroxylapatite fiber scaffold with deep interconnected pores designed for three-dimensional cell culture. J Mater Chem B 2014; 2:129-136. [DOI: 10.1039/c3tb21219j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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26
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Liu Y, Zhang L, Wei J, Yan S, Yu J, Li X. Promoting hepatocyte spheroid formation and functions by coculture with fibroblasts on micropatterned electrospun fibrous scaffolds. J Mater Chem B 2014; 2:3029-3040. [DOI: 10.1039/c3tb21779e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Chang TT, Hughes-Fulford M. Molecular mechanisms underlying the enhanced functions of three-dimensional hepatocyte aggregates. Biomaterials 2013; 35:2162-71. [PMID: 24332390 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.11.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) culture of hepatocytes leads to improved and prolonged synthetic and metabolic functions, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. In order to investigate the role of 3D cell-cell interactions in maintaining hepatocyte differentiated functions ex vivo, primary mouse hepatocytes were cultured either as monolayers on tissue culture dishes (TCD) or as 3D aggregates in rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactors. Global gene expression analyses revealed that genes upregulated in 3D culture were distinct from those upregulated during liver development and liver regeneration. Instead, they represented a diverse array of hepatocyte-specific functional genes with significant over-representation of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (Hnf4a) binding sites in their promoters. Expression of Hnf4a and many of its downstream target genes were significantly increased in RWV cultures as compared to TCD. Conversely, there was concomitant suppression of mesenchymal and cytoskeletal genes in RWV cultures that were induced in TCDs. These findings illustrate the importance of 3D cell-cell interactions in maintaining fundamental molecular pathways of hepatocyte function and serve as a basis for rational design of biomaterials that aim to optimize hepatocyte functions ex vivo for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy T Chang
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Millie Hughes-Fulford
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
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Naturally and synthetic smart composite biomaterials for tissue regeneration. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2013; 65:471-96. [PMID: 22465488 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2012.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2012] [Revised: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The development of smart biomaterials for tissue regeneration has become the focus of intense research interest. More opportunities are available by the composite approach of combining the biomaterials in the form of biopolymers and/or bioceramics either synthetic or natural. Strategies to provide smart capabilities to the composite biomaterials primarily seek to achieve matrices that are instructive/inductive to cells, or that stimulate/trigger target cell responses that are crucial in the tissue regeneration processes. Here, we review in-depth, recent developments concerning smart composite biomaterials available for delivery systems of biofactors and cells and scaffolding matrices in tissue engineering. Smart composite designs are possible by modulating the bulk and surface properties that mimic the native tissues, either in chemical (extracellular matrix molecules) or in physical properties (e.g. stiffness), or by introducing external therapeutic molecules (drugs, proteins and genes) within the structure in a way that allows sustainable and controllable delivery, even time-dependent and sequential delivery of multiple biofactors. Responsiveness to internal or external stimuli, including pH, temperature, ionic strength, and magnetism, is another promising means to improve the multifunctionality in smart scaffolds with on-demand delivery potential. These approaches will provide the next-generation platforms for designing three-dimensional matrices and delivery systems for tissue regenerative applications.
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He F, Li J, Ye J. Improvement of cell response of the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/calcium phosphate cement composite scaffold with unidirectional pore structure by the surface immobilization of collagen via plasma treatment. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2012.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Jin L, Wang T, Feng ZQ, Leach MK, Wu J, Mo S, Jiang Q. A facile approach for the fabrication of core–shell PEDOT nanofiber mats with superior mechanical properties and biocompatibility. J Mater Chem B 2013; 1:1818-1825. [DOI: 10.1039/c3tb00448a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Bishi DK, Mathapati S, Venugopal JR, Guhathakurta S, Cherian KM, Ramakrishna S, Verma RS. Trans-differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells generates functional hepatospheres on poly(l-lactic acid)-co-poly(ε-caprolactone)/collagen nanofibrous scaffolds. J Mater Chem B 2013; 1:3972-3984. [DOI: 10.1039/c3tb20241k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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32
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Wang T, Feng ZQ, Leach MK, Wu J, Jiang Q. Nanoporous fibers of type-I collagen coated poly(l-lactic acid) for enhancing primary hepatocyte growth and function. J Mater Chem B 2013; 1:339-346. [DOI: 10.1039/c2tb00195k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Liu B, Ge L, Zhang C, Zhao Y, Li P. Application of novel electrospun nanofibrous membranes with different modifications for immobilising glutamine synthetase. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2012; 92:2274-2280. [PMID: 22351440 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.5621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Revised: 12/10/2011] [Accepted: 01/14/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Theanine synthesis is of interest because of the physiological and pharmacological benefits of theanine. Glutamine synthetase (GS, EC 6.3.1.2) from Pseudomonas taetrolens can be used for theanine biosynthesis. In this study, GS was immobilised in polyvinyl alcohol electrospun nanofibres, and the properties of immobilised GS with different solidifying modifications were studied. RESULTS Electrospinning is a good method for enzyme immobilisation. When carbon nanotubes were used as an adsorbent, the activity retention of immobilised GS was 92.3%. With glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker, the enzyme activity retention was only 50.7%; however, by adding collagen or peptide to the electrospinning solution with glutaraldehyde, the activity retention could be improved to 85.9 or 59.6% respectively. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the modifiers induced morphological changes in the nanofibres. The optimum pH and temperature of immobilised GS also changed. In addition, the reusability and storage stability of immobilised GS with glutaraldehyde were much better than those of immobilised GS with carbon nanotubes. CONCLUSION A novel method has been established in this study for the immobilisation of GS in electrospun nanofibrous membranes. Carbon nanotubes and glutaraldehyde enhanced the immobilisation, while collagen or peptide inclusion could recover the activity loss caused by glutaraldehyde. The obtained immobilised enzyme achieved high reusability and storage stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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Vasanthan KS, Subramanian A, Krishnan UM, Sethuraman S. Role of biomaterials, therapeutic molecules and cells for hepatic tissue engineering. Biotechnol Adv 2012; 30:742-52. [PMID: 22265845 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2011] [Revised: 12/28/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Current liver transplantation strategies face severe shortcomings owing to scarcity of donors, immunogenicity, prohibitive costs and poor survival rates. Due to the lengthy list of patients requiring transplant, high mortality rates are observed during the endless waiting period. Tissue engineering could be an alternative strategy to regenerate the damaged liver and improve the survival and quality of life of the patient. The development of an ideal scaffold for liver tissue engineering depends on the nature of the scaffold, its architecture and the presence of growth factors and recognition motifs. Biomimetic scaffolds can simulate the native extracellular matrix for the culture of hepatocytes to enable them to exhibit their functionality both in vitro and in vivo. This review highlights the physiology and pathophysiology of liver, the current treatment strategies, use of various scaffolds, incorporation of adhesion motifs, growth factors and stem cells that can stabilize and maintain hepatocyte cultures for a long period.
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Jin L, Wang T, Feng ZQ, Zhu M, Leach MK, Naim YI, Jiang Q. Fabrication and characterization of a novel fluffy polypyrrole fibrous scaffold designed for 3D cell culture. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1039/c2jm32165c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Giri S, Acikgöz A, Pathak P, Gutschker S, Kürsten A, Nieber K, Bader A. Three dimensional cultures of rat liver cells using a natural self-assembling nanoscaffold in a clinically relevant bioreactor for bioartificial liver construction. J Cell Physiol 2011; 227:313-27. [PMID: 21437901 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Till date, no bioartificial liver (BAL) procedure has obtained FDA approval or widespread clinical acceptance, mainly because of multifactorial limitations such as the use of microscale or undefined biomaterials, indirect and lower oxygenation levels in liver cells, short-term undesirable functions, and a lack of 3D interaction of growth factor/cytokine signaling in liver cells. To overcome preclinical limitations, primary rat liver cells were cultured on a naturally self-assembling peptide nanoscaffold (SAPN) in a clinically relevant bioreactor for up to 35 days, under 3D interaction with suitable growth factors and cytokine signaling agents, alone or combination (e.g., Group I: EPO, Group II: Activin A, Group III: IL-6, Group IV: BMP-4, Group V: BMP4 + EPO, Group VI: EPO + IL-6, Group VII: BMP4 + IL-6, Group VIII: Activin A + EPO, Group IX: IL-6 + Activin A, Group X: Activin A + BMP4, Group XI: EPO + Activin A + BMP-4 + IL-6 + HGF, and Group XII: Control). Major liver specific functions such as albumin secretion, urea metabolism, ammonia detoxification, phase contrast microscopy, immunofluorescence of liver specific markers (Albumin and CYP3A1), mitochondrial status, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) activity, glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activity, and cell membrane stability by the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test were also examined and compared with the control over time. In addition, we examined the drug biotransformation potential of a diazepam drug in a two-compartment model (cell matrix phase and supernatant), which is clinically important. This present study demonstrates an optimized 3D signaling/scaffolding in a preclinical BAL model, as well as preclinical drug screening for better drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibashish Giri
- Department of Cell Techniques and Applied Stem Cell Biology, Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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Li J, Chen C, Wang X, Gu Z, Chen B. Novel Strategy to Fabricate PLA/Au Nanocomposites as an Efficient Drug Carrier for Human Leukemia Cells in Vitro. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2011; 6:29. [PMID: 27502652 PMCID: PMC3211355 DOI: 10.1007/s11671-010-9762-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/14/2010] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) polymer has the promising applications in the biomedical field because of its biodegradability and safe elimination. In this study, we have explored the bio-application of new nanocomposites composed with PLA nanofibers and Au nanoparticles as the potential drug carrier for an efficient drug delivery in target cancer cells. The results demonstrated that the anticancer drug daunorubicin could be efficiently self-assembled on the surface of PLA/Au nanocomposites and the synergistic enhancement of PLA/Au nanocomposites conjugated with daunorubicin into drug-sensitive K562 and drug-resistant leukemia K562/AO2 cells could be obviously observed by MTT assay and confocal fluorescence microscopy studies. These observations suggest that the new nanocomposites could readily induce daunorubicin to accumulate and uptake in target leukemia cells and increase the drug's cytotoxicity. Especially, the PLA/Au nanocomposites could significantly facilitate the cellular drug absorbtion of daunorubicin into drug-resistant K562/AO2 cells and efficiently inhibit the cancer cell proliferation. This raised the possibility to utilize the PLA/Au nanocomposites as a new effective additive agent to inhibit the drug resistance and thus as a novel strategy to sensitively track the respective cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Li
- State Key Lab of Bioelectronics (Chien-Shiung WU Laboratory), Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Chen
- State Key Lab of Bioelectronics (Chien-Shiung WU Laboratory), Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- State Key Lab of Bioelectronics (Chien-Shiung WU Laboratory), Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, China.
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Lab of Bioelectronics (Chien-Shiung WU Laboratory), Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, China
| | - Baoan Chen
- Department of Hematology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, China
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Bacakova L, Filova E, Parizek M, Ruml T, Svorcik V. Modulation of cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation on materials designed for body implants. Biotechnol Adv 2011; 29:739-67. [PMID: 21821113 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2011.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 561] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2011] [Revised: 05/30/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Bacakova
- Department of Growth and Differentiation of Cell Populations, Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Videnska 1082, 14220 Prague 4-Krc, Czech Republic.
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Lee HJ, Kim HS, Kim HO, Koh WG. Micropatterns of double-layered nanofiber scaffolds with dual functions of cell patterning and metabolite detection. LAB ON A CHIP 2011; 11:2849-57. [PMID: 21738946 DOI: 10.1039/c1lc20186g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the development of multi-functional nanofiber scaffolds consisting of multiple layers of nanofiber scaffolds and nanofiber-incorporated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, we fabricated micropatterned polymeric nanofiber scaffolds that were capable of simultaneously generating cellular micropatterns within a biomimetic environment and detecting cellular metabolic products within well-defined microdomains. To achieve this goal, we designed nanofiber scaffolds with both vertical and lateral microdomains. Vertically heterogeneous structures that were responsible for multi-functionality were realized by preparing double-layered nanofiber scaffolds consisting of an antibody-immobilized bottom layer of nanofibers and an upper layer of bare polystyrene (PS) nanofibers by a two-step sequential electrospinning process. Photopatterning of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel on the electrospun nanofibers produced laterally heterogeneous micropatterned nanofiber scaffolds made of hydrogel microwells filled with a nanofibrous region, which is capable of generating cell and protein micropatterns due to the different interactions that cells and proteins have with PEG hydrogels and nanofibers. When HepG2 cells were seeded into resultant nanofiber scaffolds, cells selectively adhered within the 200 μm × 200 μm PS fiber microdomain and formed 180.2 ± 6.7 μm spheroids after 5 days of culture in the upper layer. Furthermore, immobilized anti-albumin in the bottom layer detected albumin secreted by micropatterned HepG2 cells with higher sensitivity than flat PS substrates, demonstrating successful accomplishment of dual functions using micropatterned double-layered nanofiber scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jong Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 134 Sinchon-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-749, Republic of Korea
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Yao Y, Ji L, Lin Z, Li Y, Alcoutlabi M, Hamouda H, Zhang X. Sulfonated polystyrene fiber network-induced hybrid proton exchange membranes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2011; 3:3732-3737. [PMID: 21838242 DOI: 10.1021/am2009184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A novel type of hybrid membrane was fabricated by incorporating sulfonated polystyrene (S-PS) electrospun fibers into Nafion for the application in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. With the introduction of S-PS fiber mats, a large amount of sulfonic acid groups in Nafion aggregated onto the interfaces between S-PS fibers and the ionomer matrix, forming continuous pathways for facile proton transport. The resultant hybrid membranes had higher proton conductivities than that of recast Nafion, and the conductivities were controlled by selectively adjusting the fiber diameters. Consequently, hybrid membranes fabricated by ionomers, such as Nafion, incorporated with ionic-conducting nanofibers established a promising strategy for the rational design of high-performance proton exchange membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfang Yao
- Fiber and Polymer Science Program, Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8301, United States
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Koga H, Fujigaya T, Nakashima N, Nakazawa K. Morphological and functional behaviors of rat hepatocytes cultured on single-walled carbon nanotubes. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2011; 22:2071-2078. [PMID: 21769625 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-011-4394-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/09/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the morphological and functional behaviors of rat hepatocytes on single-walled carbon nanotube (CNT)-coated surfaces. Although the hydrophobic characteristics of CNT-coated surfaces increased with increasing CNT density, hepatocyte adhesion decreased, indicating that the interaction between hepatocytes and CNTs is weak. We found that hepatocytes on a CNT-coated surface gradually gather together and form spheroids (spherical multicellular aggregates). These spheroids exhibit compact spherical morphology with a smooth surface and express connexin-32, an intracellular communication molecule. In contrast, collagen treatment in conjunction with the CNT-coated surface improved hepatocyte adhesion, and the cells maintained a monolayer configuration throughout the culture period. The albumin secretion and ammonia removal activities of hepatocyte spheroids were maintained at elevated levels for at least 15 days of culturing as compared with hepatocyte monolayers. These results indicate that CNTs can be used for the formation and long-term culture of hepatocyte spheroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Koga
- Department of Life and Environment Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu, Japan
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42
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Purpose-driven biomaterials research in liver-tissue engineering. Trends Biotechnol 2011; 29:110-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2010.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2010] [Revised: 10/18/2010] [Accepted: 10/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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