Extracellular Vesicles Enhance the Remodeling of Cell-Free Silk Vascular Scaffolds in Rat Aortae

De novo design of a nanoregulator for the dynamic restoration of ovarian tissue in cryopreservation and transplantation

The cryopreservation and transplantation of ovarian tissue underscore its paramount importance in safeguarding reproductive capacity and ameliorating reproductive disorders. However, challenges persist in ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation (OTC-T), including the risk of tissue damage and dysfunction. Consequently, there has been a compelling exploration into the realm of nanoregulators to refine and enhance these procedures. This review embarks on a meticulous examination of the intricate anatomical structure of the ovary and its microenvironment, thereby establishing a robust groundwork for the development of nanomodulators. It systematically categorizes nanoregulators and delves deeply into their functions and mechanisms, meticulously tailored for optimizing ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation. Furthermore, the review imparts valuable insights into the practical applications and obstacles encountered in clinical settings associated with OTC-T. Moreover, the review advocates for the utilization of microbially derived nanomodulators as a potent therapeutic intervention in ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The progression of these approaches holds the promise of seamlessly integrating nanoregulators into OTC-T practices, thereby heralding a new era of expansive applications and auspicious prospects in this pivotal domain.

Growth capacity of a Wharton's Jelly derived mesenchymal stromal cells tissue engineered vascular graft used for main pulmonary artery reconstruction in piglets

Background: Surgical treatment of congenital heart defects affecting the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) often requires complex reconstruction and multiple reoperations due to structural degeneration and lack of growth of currently available materials. Hence, alternative approaches for RVOT reconstruction, which meet the requirements of biocompatibility and long-term durability of an ideal scaffold, are needed. Through this full scale pre-clinical study, we demonstrated the growth capacity of a Wharton's Jelly derived mesenchymal stromal cells (WJ-MSC) tissue engineered vascular graft used in reconstructing the main pulmonary artery in piglets, providing proof of biocompatibility and efficacy. Methods: Sixteen four-week-old Landrace pigs were randomized to undergo supravalvar Main Pulmonary Artery (MPA) replacement with either unseeded or WJ-MSCs-seeded Small Intestinal Submucosa-derived grafts. Animals were followed up for 6 months by clinical examinations and cardiac imaging. At termination, sections of MPAs were assessed by macroscopic inspection, histology and fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Results: Data collected at 6 months follow up showed no sign of graft thrombosis or calcification. The explanted main pulmonary arteries demonstrated a significantly higher degree of cellular organization and elastin content in the WJ-MSCs seeded grafts compared to the acellular counterparts. Transthoracic echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance confirmed the superior growth and remodelling of the WJ-MSCs seeded conduit compared to the unseeded. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the addition of WJ-MSCs to the acellular scaffold can upgrade the material, converting it into a biologically active tissue, with the potential to grow, repair and remodel the RVOT.

Doping of casted silk fibroin membranes with extracellular vesicles for regenerative therapy: a proof of concept

Bioactive material concepts for targeted therapy have been an important research focus in regenerative medicine for years. The aim of this study was to investigate a proof-of-concept composite structure in the form of a membrane made of natural silk fibroin (SF) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) from gingival fibroblasts. EVs have multiple abilities to act on their target cell and can thus play crucial roles in both physiology and regeneration. This study used pH neutral, degradable SF-based membranes, which have excellent cell- and tissue-specific properties, as the carrier material. The characterization of the vesicles showed a size range between 120 and 180 nm and a high expression of the usual EV markers (e.g. CD9, CD63 and CD81), measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and single-EV flow analysis (IFCM). An initial integration of the EVs into the membrane was analyzed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and vesicles were successfully detected, even if they were not homogeneously distributed in the membrane. Using direct and indirect tests, the cytocompatibility of the membranes with and without EVs could be proven and showed significant differences compared to the toxic control (p < 0.05). Additionally, proliferation of L929 cells was increased on membranes functionalized with EVs (p > 0.05).

Nanomaterials for small diameter vascular grafts: overview and outlook

Small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) cannot meet current clinical demands owing to their suboptimal long-term patency rate. Various materials have been employed to address this issue, including nanomaterials (NMs), which have demonstrated exceptional capabilities and promising application potentials. In this review, the utilization of NMs in different forms, including nanoparticles, nanofibers, and nanofilms, in the SDVG field is discussed, and future perspectives for the development of NM-loading SDVGs are highlighted. It is expected that this review will provide helpful information to scholars in the innovative interdiscipline of cardiovascular disease treatment and NM.

Recent Advances in Micro- and Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Based on Natural and Synthetic Biomaterials

Polymeric drug delivery technology, which allows for medicinal ingredients to enter a cell more easily, has advanced considerably in recent decades. Innovative medication delivery strategies use biodegradable and bio-reducible polymers, and progress in the field has been accelerated by future possible research applications. Natural polymers utilized in polymeric drug delivery systems include arginine, chitosan, dextrin, polysaccharides, poly(glycolic acid), poly(lactic acid), and hyaluronic acid. Additionally, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide), poly(ethylenimine), dendritic polymers, biodegradable polymers, and bioabsorbable polymers as well as biomimetic and bio-related polymeric systems and drug-free macromolecular therapies have been employed in polymeric drug delivery. Different synthetic and natural biomaterials are in the clinical phase to mitigate different diseases. Drug delivery methods using natural and synthetic polymers are becoming increasingly common in the pharmaceutical industry, with biocompatible and bio-related copolymers and dendrimers having helped cure cancer as drug delivery systems. This review discusses all the above components and how, by combining synthetic and biological approaches, micro- and nano-drug delivery systems can result in revolutionary polymeric drug and gene delivery devices.

Flexible, Suturable, and Leak-free Scaffolds for Vascular Tissue Engineering Using Melt Spinning

Coronary artery disease affects millions worldwide. Bypass surgery remains the gold standard; however, autologous tissue is not always available. Hence, the need for an off-the-shelf graft to treat these patients remains extremely high. Using melt spinning, we describe here the fabrication of tubular scaffolds composed of microfibers aligned in the circumferential orientation mimicking the organized extracellular matrix in the tunica media of arteries. By variation of the translational extruder speed, the angle between fibers ranged from 0 to ∼30°. Scaffolds with the highest angle showed the best performance in a three-point bending test. These constructs could be bent up to 160% strain without kinking or breakage. Furthermore, when liquid was passed through the scaffolds, no leakage was observed. Suturing of native arteries was successful. Mesenchymal stromal cells were seeded on the scaffolds and differentiated into vascular smooth muscle-like cells (vSMCs) by reduction of serum and addition of transforming growth factor beta 1 and ascorbic acid. The scaffolds with a higher angle between fibers showed increased expression of vSMC markers alpha smooth muscle actin, calponin, and smooth muscle protein 22-alpha, whereas a decrease in collagen 1 expression was observed, indicating a positive contractile phenotype. Endothelial cells were seeded on the repopulated scaffolds and formed a tightly packed monolayer on the luminal side. Our study shows a one-step fabrication for ECM-mimicking scaffolds with good handleability, leak-free property, and suturability; the excellent biocompatibility allowed the growth of a bilayered construct. Future work will explore the possibility of using these scaffolds as vascular conduits in in vivo settings.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Vasculopathies and Angiogenesis: Therapeutic Applications and Optimization

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as part of the cellular secretome, have emerged as essential cell-cell communication regulators in multiple physiological and pathological processes. Previous studies have widely reported that mesenchymal stromal cell-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) have potential therapeutic applications in ischemic diseases or regenerative medicine by accelerating angiogenesis. MSC-EVs also exert beneficial effects on other vasculopathies, including atherosclerosis, aneurysm, vascular restenosis, vascular calcification, vascular leakage, pulmonary hypertension, and diabetic retinopathy. Consequently, the potential of MSC-EVs in regulating vascular homeostasis is attracting increasing interest. In addition to native or naked MSC-EVs, modified MSC-EVs and appropriate biomaterials for delivering MSC-EVs can be introduced to this area to further promote their therapeutic applications. Herein, we outline the functional roles of MSC-EVs in different vasculopathies and angiogenesis to elucidate how MSC-EVs contribute to maintaining vascular system homeostasis. We also discuss the current strategies to optimize their therapeutic effects, which depend on the superior bioactivity, high yield, efficient delivery, and controlled release of MSC-EVs to the desired regions, as well as the challenges that need to be overcome to allow their broad clinical translation.

Strategies to counteract adverse remodeling of vascular graft: A 3D view of current graft innovations

Vascular grafts are widely used for vascular surgeries, to bypass a diseased artery or function as a vascular access for hemodialysis. Bioengineered or tissue-engineered vascular grafts have long been envisioned to take the place of bioinert synthetic grafts and even vein grafts under certain clinical circumstances. However, host responses to a graft device induce adverse remodeling, to varied degrees depending on the graft property and host's developmental and health conditions. This in turn leads to invention or failure. Herein, we have mapped out the relationship between the design constraints and outcomes for vascular grafts, by analyzing impairment factors involved in the adverse graft remodeling. Strategies to tackle these impairment factors and counteract adverse healing are then summarized by outlining the research landscape of graft innovations in three dimensions-cell technology, scaffold technology and graft translation. Such a comprehensive view of cell and scaffold technological innovations in the translational context may benefit the future advancements in vascular grafts. From this perspective, we conclude the review with recommendations for future design endeavors.

High yield engineered nanovesicles from ADSC with enriched miR-21-5p promote angiogenesis in adipose tissue regeneration

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have been found to have a great potential for soft tissue repair due to various biological functions, including pro-angiogenesis and low immunogenicity. However, the low yield and heterogeneity of MSC-EVs limited their clinical transformation. This study was designed to develop a novel adipose-derived stem cell engineered nanovesicles (ADSC-NVs) with high production and explore its pro-angiogenetic effect and application in adipose tissue regeneration.

METHODS

Adipose-derived stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (ADSC-EVs) were isolated from an EVs-free culture medium for human ADSCs (hADSCs). ADSC-NVs were prepared by sequentially extruding ADSCs followed by iodixanol density gradient ultracentrifugation and were compared with ADSC-EVs in morphology, size distribution, protein contents and yield. The pro-angiogenetic effect of ADSC-NVs in different doses (0, 5, 20 and 80 μg/mL) in vitro was determined using transwell assay, tube formation assay, western blot and qRT-PCR. In vivo, BALB/c nude mice were administered injection of a mixture of fat granules and different dose of ADSC-NVs and grafts were harvested at 12 weeks post-transplantation for further analysis. By analyzing the weight and volume of grafts and histological evaluation, we investigated the effect of ADSC-NVs in vessel formation and adipose tissue regeneration.

RESULTS

Our results showed yield of purified ADSC-NVs was approximately 20 times more than that of ADSC-EVs secreted by the same number of ADSCs. In vitro, both ADSC-NVs and ADSC-EVs exhibited a dose-dependent pro-angiogenetic effect, despite their distinct miRNA profiles. These effects of ADSC-NVs may be mediated by enriched miR-21-5p via PTEN inhibition and PI3K/p-Akt signaling activation. Furthermore, after a mixed injection of ADSC-NVs, vessel formation and adipose regeneration were observed in vivo in fat implants.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study developed a potent alternative of ADSC-EVs. ADSC-NVs have a high pro-angiogenesis potential and can be used as cell-free therapeutic biomaterials in soft tissue regeneration.

The Effect of Extracellular Vesicles on Thrombosis

The risk of cardiovascular events caused by acute thrombosis is high, including acute myocardial infarction, acute stroke, acute pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis. In this review, we summarize the roles of extracellular vesicles of different cellular origins in various cardiovascular events associated with acute thrombosis, as described in the current literature, to facilitate the future development of a precise therapy for thrombosis caused by such vesicles. We hope that our review will indicate a new horizon in the field of cardiovascular research with regard to the treatment of acute thrombosis, especially targeting thrombosis caused by extracellular vesicles secreted by individual cells. As more emerging technologies are being developed, new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies related to EVs are expected to be identified for related diseases in the future.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Therapeutic Use and in Bioengineering Applications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small lipid bilayer-delimited particles that are naturally released from cells into body fluids, and therefore can travel and convey regulatory functions in the distal parts of the body. EVs can transmit paracrine signaling by carrying over cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, interleukins (ILs), transcription factors, and nucleic acids such as DNA, mRNAs, microRNAs, piRNAs, lncRNAs, sn/snoRNAs, mtRNAs and circRNAs; these EVs travel to predecided destinations to perform their functions. While mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to improve healing and facilitate treatments of various diseases, the allogenic use of these cells is often accompanied by serious adverse effects after transplantation. MSC-produced EVs are less immunogenic and can serve as an alternative to cellular therapies by transmitting signaling or delivering biomaterials to diseased areas of the body. This review article is focused on understanding the properties of EVs derived from different types of MSCs and MSC-EV-based therapeutic options. The potential of modern technologies such as 3D bioprinting to advance EV-based therapies is also discussed.

Bioengineering Extracellular Vesicles for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Despite recent advances in diagnosis and interventions, there is still a crucial need for new multifaceted therapeutics that can address the complicated pathophysiological mechanisms driving CVD. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanovesicles that are secreted by all types of cells to transport molecular cargo and regulate intracellular communication. EVs represent a growing field of nanotheranostics that can be leveraged as diagnostic biomarkers for the early detection of CVD and as targeted drug delivery vesicles to promote cardiovascular repair and recovery. Though a promising tool for CVD therapy, the clinical application of EVs is limited by the inherent challenges in EV isolation, standardization, and delivery. Hence, this review will present the therapeutic potential of EVs and introduce bioengineering strategies that augment their natural functions in CVD.

Biomaterials and Extracellular Vesicle Delivery: Current Status, Applications and Challenges

In this review, we will discuss the current status of extracellular vesicle (EV) delivery via biopolymeric scaffolds for therapeutic applications and the challenges associated with the development of these functionalized scaffolds. EVs are cell-derived membranous structures and are involved in many physiological processes. Naïve and engineered EVs have much therapeutic potential, but proper delivery systems are required to prevent non-specific and off-target effects. Targeted and site-specific delivery using polymeric scaffolds can address these limitations. EV delivery with scaffolds has shown improvements in tissue remodeling, wound healing, bone healing, immunomodulation, and vascular performance. Thus, EV delivery via biopolymeric scaffolds is becoming an increasingly popular approach to tissue engineering. Although there are many types of natural and synthetic biopolymers, the overarching goal for many tissue engineers is to utilize biopolymers to restore defects and function as well as support host regeneration. Functionalizing biopolymers by incorporating EVs works toward this goal. Throughout this review, we will characterize extracellular vesicles, examine various biopolymers as a vehicle for EV delivery for therapeutic purposes, potential mechanisms by which EVs exert their effects, EV delivery for tissue repair and immunomodulation, and the challenges associated with the use of EVs in scaffolds.

Adipose stem cells-released extracellular vesicles as a next-generation cargo delivery vehicles: a survey of minimal information implementation, mass production and functional modification

OBJECTIVES

To investigate current situation of minimal information implementation highlighted by minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles 2018 (MISEV2018) guidelines, and explore technological advances towards mass production and functional modification in aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery.

METHODS

Original articles on extracellular vesicles (EVs) of adipose stem cells (ASCs) were identified. Statistics upon minimal information for EVs research, such as species, cell types, culture conditions, conditioned media harvesting parameters, EVs isolation/storage/identification/quantification, functional uptake and working concentration, were analyzed.

RESULTS

The items of cell culture conditions such as passage number, seeding density, conditioned media harvesting time, functional uptake and working concentration were poorly documented, with a reporting percentage of 47.13%, 54.02%, 29.89%, 62.07% and 36.21%, respectively. However, there were some studies not reporting information of ASCs origin, culture medium, serum, EVs isolation methods, quantification and identification of EVs, accounting for 3.45%, 10.34%, 6.90%, 3.45%, 18.39% and 4.02%, respectively. Serum deprivation and trophic factors stimuli were attempted for EVs mass production. Several technological advances towards functional modification included hypoxia pre-condition, engineering EVs and controlled release. Presently, ASCs EVs have been applied in multiple fields, including diabetic/non-diabetic wound healing, angiogenesis, inflammation modulation, fat grafting, hair regeneration, antiaging, and healing and regeneration of cartilage/bone/peripheral nerve/tendon.

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight normative reporting of ASCs EVs in functional studies to increase reliability and reproducibility of scientific publications. The advances towards mass production and functional modification of ASCs EVs are also recommended to enhance therapeutic effects.

Congenital microtia patients: the genetically engineered exosomes released from porous gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel for downstream small RNA profiling, functional modulation of microtia chondrocytes and tissue-engineered ear cartilage regeneration

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exosomes were previously shown to be effective in articular cartilage repairing. However, whether MSCs exosomes promote mature cartilage formation of microtia chondrocytes and the underlying mechanism of action remains unknown. Additionally, some hurdles, such as the low yield and unsatisfactory therapeutic effects of natural exosomes have emerged when considering the translation of exosomes-therapeutics to clinical practices or industrial production. Herein, we investigated the roles of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) exosomes in modulating microtia chondrocytes and the underlying mechanism of action. Special attention was also paid to the mass production and functional modification of ADSCs exosomes.

Results

We firstly used porous gelatin methacryloyl (Porous Gelma) hydrogel with pores size of 100 to 200 μm for 3D culture of passage 2, 4 and 6 ADSCs (P2, P4 and P6 ADSCs, respectively), and obtained their corresponding exosomes (Exo 2, Exo 4 and Exo 6, respectively). In vitro results showed Exo 2 outperformed both Exo 4 and Exo 6 in enhancing cell proliferation and attenuating apoptosis. However, both Exo 4 and Exo 6 promoted chondrogenesis more than Exo 2 did. Small RNA sequencing results indicated Exo 4 was similar to Exo 6 in small RNA profiles and consistently upregulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Notably, we found hsa-miR-23a-3p was highly expressed in Exo 4 and Exo 6 compared to Exo 2, and they modulated microtia chondrocytes by transferring hsa-miR-23a-3p to suppress PTEN expression, and consequently to activate PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Then, we designed genetically engineered exosomes by directly transfecting agomir-23a-3p into parent P4 ADSCs and isolated hsa-miR-23a-3p-rich exosomes for optimizing favorable effects on cell viability and new cartilage formation. Subsequently, we applied the engineered exosomes to in vitro and in vivo tissue-engineered cartilage culture and consistently found that the engineered exosomes could enhance cell proliferation, attenuate apoptosis and promote cartilage regeneration.

Conclusions

Taken together, the porous Gelma hydrogel could be applied to exosomes mass production, and functional modification could be achieved by selecting P4 ADSCs as parent cells and genetically modifying ADSCs. Our engineered exosomes are a promising candidate for tissue-engineered ear cartilage regeneration.

Graphical Abstract

Apoptotic cells derived micro/nano-sized extracellular vesicles in tissue regeneration

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), products released by cells in multiple biological activities, are currently widely accepted as functional particles and intercellular communicators. From the orthodox perspective, EVs derived from apoptotic cells (apoEVs) are responsible for cell debris clearance, while recent studies have demonstrated that apoEVs participate in tissue regeneration. However, the underlying mechanisms and particular functions in tissue regeneration promotion of apoEVs remain ambiguous. Some molecules, such as caspases, active during apoptosis also function in tissue regeneration triggered by apoptosis,. ApoEVs are generated in the process of apoptosis, carrying cell contents to manifest biological effects, and possessing biomarkers to target phagocytes. The regenerative effect of apoEVs might be due to their abilities to facilitate cell proliferation and regulate inflammation. Such regenerative effect has been observed in various tissues, including skin, bone, cardiovascular system, and kidney. Engineered apoEVs are produced to amplify the biological benefits of apoEVs, rendering them optional for drug delivery. Meanwhile, challenges exist in thorough mechanistic exploration and standardization of production. In this review, we discussed the link between apoptosis and regeneration, current comprehension of the origination and investigation strategies of apoEVs, and mechanisms in tissue regeneration by apoEVs and their applications. Challenges and prospects are also discussed here.

Apoptotic cell-derived micro/nanosized extracellular vesicles in tissue regeneration

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), products released by cells in multiple biological activities, are currently widely accepted as functional particles and intercellular communicators. From the orthodox perspective, EVs derived from apoptotic cells (apoEVs) are responsible for cell debris clearance, while recent studies have demonstrated that apoEVs participate in tissue regeneration. However, the underlying mechanisms and particular functions in tissue regeneration promotion of apoEVs remain ambiguous. Some molecules active during apoptosis also function in tissue regeneration triggered by apoptosis, such as caspases. ApoEVs are generated in the process of apoptosis, carrying cell contents to manifest biological effects and possess biomarkers to target phagocytes. The regenerative effect of apoEVs might be due to their abilities to facilitate cell proliferation and regulate inflammation. Such regenerative effect has been observed in various tissues, including skin, bone, cardiovascular system, and kidneys. Engineered apoEVs are produced to amplify the biological benefits of apoEVs, rendering them optional for drug delivery. Meanwhile, challenges exist in thorough mechanistic exploration and standardization of production. In this review, we discussed the link between apoptosis and regeneration, current comprehension of the origination and investigation strategies of apoEVs, and mechanisms in tissue regeneration of apoEVs and their applications. Challenges and prospects are also addressed here.

Composition, isolation, identification and function of adipose tissue-derived exosomes

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles (30–160 nm diameter) with lipid bilayer membrane secrete by various cells that mediate the communication between cells and tissue, which contain a variety of non-coding RNAs, mRNAs, proteins, lipids and other functional substances. Adipose tissue is important energy storage and endocrine organ in the organism. Recent studies have revealed that adipose tissue-derived exosomes (AT-Exosomes) play a critical role in many physiologically and pathologically functions. Physiologically, AT-Exosomes could regulate the metabolic homoeostasis of various organs or cells including liver and skeletal muscle. Pathologically, they could be used in the treatment of disease and or that they may be involved in the progression of the disease. In this review, we describe the basic principles and methods of exosomes isolation and identification, as well as further summary the specific methods. Moreover, we categorize the relevant studies of AT-Exosomes and summarize the different components and biological functions of mammalian exosomes. Most importantly, we elaborate AT-Exosomes crosstalk within adipose tissue and their functions on other tissues or organs from the physiological and pathological perspective. Based on the above analysis, we discuss what remains to be discovered problems in AT-Exosomes studies and prospect their directions needed to be further explored in the future.

Chondrogenic differentiation induced by extracellular vesicles bound to a nanofibrous substrate

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are being increasingly studied owing to its regenerative potential, namely EVs derived from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). Those can be used for controlling inflammation, repairing injury, and enhancing tissue regeneration. Differently, the potential of EVs derived from human articular chondrocytes (hACs) to promote cartilage regeneration has not been thoroughly investigated. This work aims to develop an EVs immobilization system capable of selectively bind EVs present in conditioned medium obtained from cultures of hACs or hBM-MSC. For that, an anti-CD63 antibody was immobilized at the surface of an activated and functionalized electrospun nanofibrous mesh. The chondrogenic potential of bound EVs was further assessed by culturing hBM-MSCs during 28 days under basal conditions. EVs derived from hACs cultured under differentiation medium or from chondrogenically committed hBM-MSCs induced a chondrogenic phenotype characterized by marked induction of SOX9, COMP, Aggrecan and Collagen type II, and matrix glycosaminoglycans synthesis. Indeed, both EVs immobilization systems outperformed the currently used chondroinductive strategies. These data show that naturally secreted EVs can guide the chondrogenic commitment of hBM-MSCs in the absence of any other chemical or genetic chondrogenic inductors based in medium supplementation.

CCL2 loaded microparticles promote acute patency in silk-based vascular grafts implanted in rat aortae

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, often associated with coronary artery occlusion. A common intervention for arterial blockage utilizes a vascular graft to bypass the diseased artery and restore downstream blood flow; however, current clinical options exhibit high long-term failure rates. Our goal was to develop an off-the-shelf tissue-engineered vascular graft capable of delivering a biological payload based on the monocyte recruitment factor C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) to induce remodeling. Bi-layered silk scaffolds consisting of an inner porous and outer electrospun layer were fabricated using a custom blend of Antherea Assama and Bombyx Mori silk (lyogel). Lyogel silk scaffolds alone (LG), and lyogel silk scaffolds containing microparticles (LGMP) were tested. The microparticles (MPs) were loaded with either CCL2 (LGMP+) or water (LGMP-). Scaffolds were implanted as abdominal aortic interposition grafts in Lewis rats for 1 and 8 weeks. 1-week implants exhibited patency rates of 50% (7/14), 100% (10/10), and 100% (5/5) in the LGMP-, LGMP+, and LG groups, respectively. The significantly higher patency rate for the LGMP+ group compared to the LGMP- group (p = 0.0188) suggests that CCL2 can prevent acute occlusion. Immunostaining of the explants revealed a significantly higher density of macrophages (CD68+ cells) within the outer vs. inner layer of LGMP- and LGMP+ constructs but not in LG constructs. After 8 weeks, there were no significant differences in patency rates between groups. All patent scaffolds at 8 weeks showed signs of remodeling; however, stenosis was observed within the majority of explants. This study demonstrated the successful fabrication of a custom blended silk scaffold functionalized with cell-mimicking microparticles to facilitate controlled delivery of a biological payload improving their in vivo performance. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study outlines the development of a custom blended silk-based tissue-engineered vascular graft (TEVG) for use in arterial bypass or replacement surgery. A custom mixture of silk was formulated to improve biocompatibility and cellular binding to the tubular scaffold. Many current approaches to TEVGs include cells that encourage graft cellularization and remodeling; however, our technology incorporates a microparticle based delivery platform capable of delivering bioactive molecules that can mimic the function of seeded cells. In this study, we load the TEVGs with microparticles containing a monocyte attractant and demonstrate improved performance in terms of unobstructed blood flow versus blank microparticles. The acellular nature of this technology potentially reduces risk, increases reproducibility, and results in a more cost-effective graft when compared to cell-based options.

Silk biomaterials for vascular tissue engineering applications

Vascular tissue engineering is a rapidly growing field of regenerative medicine, which strives to find innovative solutions for vascular reconstruction. Considering the limited success of synthetic grafts, research impetus in the field is now shifted towards finding biologically active vascular substitutes bestowing in situ growth potential. In this regard, silk biomaterials have shown remarkable potential owing to their favorable inherent biological and mechanical properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the progressive development of silk-based small diameter (<6 mm) tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs), emphasizing their pre-clinical implications. Herein, we first discuss the molecular structure of various mulberry and non-mulberry silkworm silk and identify their favorable properties at the onset of vascular regeneration. The emergence of various state-of-the-art fabrication methodologies for the advancement of silk TEVGs is rationally appraised in terms of their in vivo performance considering the following parameters: ease of handling, long-term patency, resistance to acute thrombosis, stenosis and aneurysm formation, immune reaction, neo-tissue formation, and overall remodeling. Finally, we provide an update on the pre-clinical status of silk-based TEVGs, followed by current challenges and future prospects. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Limited availability of healthy autologous blood vessels to replace their diseased counterpart is concerning and demands other artificial substitutes. Currently available synthetic grafts are not suitable for small diameter blood vessels owing to frequent blockage. Tissue-engineered biological grafts tend to integrate well with the native tissue via remodeling and have lately witnessed remarkable success. Silk fibroin is a natural biomaterial, which has long been used as medical sutures. This review aims to identify several favorable properties of silk enabling vascular regeneration. Furthermore, various methodologies to fabricate tubular grafts are discussed and highlight their performance in animal models. An overview of our understanding to rationally improve the biological activity fostering the clinical success of silk-based grafts is finally discussed.

Functionalized Silk Vascular Grafts with Decellularized Human Wharton's Jelly Improves Remodeling via Immunomodulation in Rabbit Jugular Vein

Cell-free polymeric tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) have shown great promise towards clinical translation; however, their limited bioactivity and remodeling ability challenge this cause. Here, a novel cell-free bioresorbable small diameter silk TEVG system functionalized with decellularized human Wharton's jelly (dWJ) matrix is developed and successfully implanted as interposition grafts into rabbit jugular vein. Implanted TEVGs remain patent for two months and integrate with host tissue, demonstrating neo-tissue formation and constructive remodeling. Mechanistic analysis reveals that dWJ matrix is a reservoir of various immunomodulatory cytokines (Interleukin-8, 6, 10, 4 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)), which aids in upregulating M2 macrophage-associated genes facilitating pro-remodeling behavior. Besides, dWJ treatment to human endothelial cells upregulates the expression of functional genes (cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin), enables faster cell migration, and elevates nitric oxide (NO) production leading to the in situ development of endothelium. The dWJ functionalized silk TEVGs support increased host cell recruitment than control, including macrophages and vascular cells. It endows superior graft remodeling in terms of a dense medial layer comprising smooth muscle cells and elevates the production of extracellular matrix proteins (collagen and elastin). Altogether, these findings suggest that dWJ functionalization imitates the usefulness of cell seeding and enables graft remodeling.

Extracellular vesicles for tissue repair and regeneration: Evidence, challenges and opportunities

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are biological nanoparticles naturally secreted by cells, acting as delivery vehicles for molecular messages. During the last decade, EVs have been assigned multiple functions that have established their potential as therapeutic mediators for a variety of diseases and conditions. In this review paper, we report on the potential of EVs in tissue repair and regeneration. The regenerative properties that have been associated with EVs are explored, detailing the molecular cargo they carry that is capable of mediating such effects, the signaling cascades triggered in target cells and the functional outcome achieved. EV interactions and biodistribution in vivo that influence their regenerative effects are also described, particularly upon administration in combination with biomaterials. Finally, we review the progress that has been made for the successful implementation of EV regenerative therapies in a clinical setting.

Glycosaminoglycans: From Vascular Physiology to Tissue Engineering Applications

Cardiovascular diseases represent the number one cause of death globally, with atherosclerosis a major contributor. Despite the clinical need for functional arterial substitutes, success has been limited to arterial replacements of large-caliber vessels (diameter > 6 mm), leaving the bulk of demand unmet. In this respect, one of the most challenging goals in tissue engineering is to design a "bioactive" resorbable scaffold, analogous to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), able to guide the process of vascular tissue regeneration. Besides adequate mechanical properties to sustain the hemodynamic flow forces, scaffold's properties should include biocompatibility, controlled biodegradability with non-toxic products, low inflammatory/thrombotic potential, porosity, and a specific combination of molecular signals allowing vascular cells to attach, proliferate and synthesize their own ECM. Different fabrication methods, such as phase separation, self-assembly and electrospinning are currently used to obtain nanofibrous scaffolds with a well-organized architecture and mechanical properties suitable for vascular tissue regeneration. However, several studies have shown that naked scaffolds, although fabricated with biocompatible polymers, represent a poor substrate to be populated by vascular cells. In this respect, surface functionalization with bioactive natural molecules, such as collagen, elastin, fibrinogen, silk fibroin, alginate, chitosan, dextran, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and growth factors has proven to be effective. GAGs are complex anionic unbranched heteropolysaccharides that represent major structural and functional ECM components of connective tissues. GAGs are very heterogeneous in terms of type of repeating disaccharide unit, relative molecular mass, charge density, degree and pattern of sulfation, degree of epimerization and physicochemical properties. These molecules participate in a number of vascular events such as the regulation of vascular permeability, lipid metabolism, hemostasis, and thrombosis, but also interact with vascular cells, growth factors, and cytokines to modulate cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. The primary goal of this review is to perform a critical analysis of the last twenty-years of literature in which GAGs have been used as molecular cues, able to guide the processes leading to correct endothelialization and neo-artery formation, as well as to provide readers with an overall picture of their potential as functional molecules for small-diameter vascular regeneration.

Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Primary Adipose Stromal Cells Induce Elastin and Collagen Deposition by Smooth Muscle Cells within 3D Fibrin Gel Culture

Macromolecular components of the vascular extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly elastic fibers and collagen fibers, are critical for the proper physiological function of arteries. When the unique biomechanical combination of these fibers is disrupted, or in the ultimate extreme where fibers are completely lost, arterial disease can emerge. Bioengineers in the realms of vascular tissue engineering and regenerative medicine must therefore ideally consider how to create tissue engineered vascular grafts containing the right balance of these fibers and how to develop regenerative treatments for situations such as an aneurysm where fibers have been lost. Previous work has demonstrated that the primary cells responsible for vascular ECM production during development, arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs), can be induced to make new elastic fibers when exposed to secreted factors from adipose-derived stromal cells. To further dissect how this signal is transmitted, in this study, the factors were partitioned into extracellular vesicle (EV)-rich and EV-depleted fractions as well as unseparated controls. EVs were validated using electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and protein quantification before testing for biological effects on SMCs. In 2D culture, EVs promoted SMC proliferation and migration. After 30 days of 3D fibrin construct culture, EVs promoted SMC transcription of the elastic microfibril gene FBN1 as well as SMC deposition of insoluble elastin and collagen. Uniaxial biomechanical properties of strand fibrin constructs were no different after 30 days of EV treatment versus controls. In summary, it is apparent that some of the positive effects of adipose-derived stromal cells on SMC elastogenesis are mediated by EVs, indicating a potential use for these EVs in a regenerative therapy to restore the biomechanical function of vascular ECM in arterial disease.