1
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Kulkarni A, Michel S, Butler JE, Ziegler KJ. Gelation and large thermoresponse of cranberry-based xyloglucan. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 339:122189. [PMID: 38823897 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Cranberry waste contains potentially valuable components, such as proanthocyanidins, flavanols, and xyloglucan. Highly-purified xyloglucan (XG) from cranberries were studied through steady and oscillatory shear rheology at various concentrations and temperatures. At room temperature, an apparent yield stress is observed and the storage modulus exceeds the loss modulus ( [Formula: see text] ) for concentrations of 0.5 wt% and higher, indicating that the XG solution has formed a physical hydrogel. Thermoresponsive gelation is observed with a five-order of magnitude increase in shear moduli as it undergoes a weak to strong gel transition around 52 °C. The gelation time was 5 min with an observed storage moduli up to 3500 Pa. Cranberry-based XG exhibits thermoresponsive behavior at concentrations as low as 0.1 wt% (w/v), which is significantly lower than prior gelation studies of XG from other sources. The formation of a weak gel at room temperature and large storage moduli observed at room temperature is likely associated with the low level of impurities and small amount of galactose present in the XG chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha Kulkarni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, USA
| | - Stephen Michel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, USA
| | - Jason E Butler
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, USA.
| | - Kirk J Ziegler
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, USA.
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2
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Xu H, Yang F, Liang T, Luo ZP. Noncontact elasticity measurement of hydrogels in a culture dish using reverberant optical coherence elastography. J Biomech 2024; 169:112154. [PMID: 38768541 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Estimating the elasticity of hydrogel phantoms in a cell culture plane is important for understanding the cell behavior in response to various types of mechanical stimuli. Hence, a noncontact tool for measuring the elastic properties of hydrogel phantoms in such three-dimensional cell cultures is required. A well-known method to determine the mechanical properties of hydrogels is the transient wave method. However, due to the multiple reflections of waves from the boundaries, a bigger cell culture plane or multiple directional filters may be required. In this study, we utilized reverberant shear wave elastography, which is based on the autocorrelation principle, to evaluate the shear wave speed in hydrogel samples within a culture dish. Numerical simulations were performed first to confirm the validity of the reverberant elastography method. Subsequently, we used this method to measure the wave speeds in hydrogel phantoms with different concentrations. Shear rheology tests were also performed, and their results were found to be in good agreement with the measured shear wave speeds. The proposed method could be useful for measuring the elasticity of tissues in tissue engineering applications in an inexpensive and noncontact manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xu
- Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, PR China.
| | - Fanlei Yang
- Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, PR China
| | - Ting Liang
- Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, PR China
| | - Zong-Ping Luo
- Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, PR China
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3
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Lemke P, Moench S, Jäger PS, Oelschlaeger C, Rabe KS, Domínguez CM, Niemeyer CM. Micromechanical Indentation Platform for Rapid Analysis of Viscoelastic Biomolecular Hydrogels. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2400251. [PMID: 38607949 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202400251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The advent of biomedical applications of soft bioinspired materials has entailed an increasing demand for streamlined and expedient characterization methods meant for both research and quality control objectives. Here, a novel measurement system for the characterization of biological hydrogels with volumes as low as 75 µL was developed. The system is based on an indentation platform equipped with micrometer drive actuators that allow the determination of both the fracture points and Young's moduli of relatively stiff polymers, including agarose, as well as the measurements of viscosity for exceptionally soft and viscous hydrogels, such as DNA hydrogels. The sensitivity of the method allows differentiation between DNA hydrogels produced by rolling circle amplification based on different template sequences and synthesis protocols. In addition, the polymerization kinetics of the hydrogels can be determined by time-resolved measurements, and the apparent viscosities of even more complex DNA-based nanocomposites can be measured. The platform presented here thus offers the possibility to characterize a broad variety of soft biomaterials in a targeted, fast, and cost-effective manner, holding promises for applications in fundamental materials science and ensuring reproducibility in the handling of complex materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Lemke
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Svenja Moench
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Paula S Jäger
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Claude Oelschlaeger
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Mechanical Process Engineering and Mechanics, Gotthard-Franz-Straße 3, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Kersten S Rabe
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Carmen M Domínguez
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Christof M Niemeyer
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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4
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Raj P, Wu L, Arora S, Bhatt R, Zuo Y, Fang Z, Verdoold R, Koch T, Gu L, Barman I. Engineering vascularized skin-mimetic phantom for non-invasive Raman spectroscopy. SENSORS AND ACTUATORS. B, CHEMICAL 2024; 404:135240. [PMID: 38524639 PMCID: PMC10956615 DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2023.135240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in Raman spectroscopy have shown great potential for non-invasive analyte sensing, but the lack of a standardized optical phantom for these measurements has hindered further progress. While many research groups have developed optical phantoms that mimic bulk optical absorption and scattering, these materials typically have strong Raman scattering, making it difficult to distinguish metabolite signals. As a result, solid tissue phantoms for spectroscopy have been limited to highly scattering tissues such as bones and calcifications, and metabolite sensing has been primarily performed using liquid tissue phantoms. To address this issue, we have developed a layered skin-mimetic phantom that can support metabolite sensing through Raman spectroscopy. Our approach incorporates millifluidic vasculature that mimics blood vessels to allow for diffusion akin to metabolite diffusion in the skin. Furthermore, our skin phantoms are mechanically mimetic, providing an ideal model for development of minimally invasive optical techniques. By providing a standardized platform for measuring metabolites, our approach has the potential to facilitate critical developments in spectroscopic techniques and improve our understanding of metabolite dynamics in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush Raj
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Lintong Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Saransh Arora
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Raj Bhatt
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Yi Zuo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Zhiwei Fang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | | | - Tanja Koch
- ams OSRAM Innovation and Engineering, Germany
| | - Luo Gu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Ishan Barman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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5
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Poudrel AS, Bouffandeau A, Demeet OL, Rosi G, Nguyen VH, Haiat G. Characterization of the concentration of agar-based soft tissue mimicking phantoms by impact analysis. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 152:106465. [PMID: 38377641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
In various medical fields, a change of soft tissue stiffness is associated with its physio-pathological evolution. While elastography is extensively employed to assess soft tissue stiffness in vivo, its application requires a complex and expensive technology. The aim of this study is to determine whether an easy-to-use method based on impact analysis can be employed to determine the concentration of agar-based soft tissue mimicking phantoms. Impact analysis was performed on soft tissue mimicking phantoms made of agar gel with a mass concentration ranging from 1% to 5%. An indicator Δt is derived from the temporal variation of the impact force signal between the hammer and a small beam in contact with the sample. The results show a non-linear decrease of Δt as a function of the agar concentration (and thus of the sample stiffness). The value of Δt provides an estimation of the agar concentration with an error of 0.11%. This sensitivity of the impact analysis based method to the agar concentration is of the same order of magnitude than results obtained with elastography techniques. This study opens new paths towards the development of impact analysis for a fast, easy and relatively inexpensive clinical evaluation of soft tissue elastic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Poudrel
- CNRS, Univ Paris Est Creteil, Univ Gustave Eiffel, UMR 8208, MSME, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Arthur Bouffandeau
- CNRS, Univ Paris Est Creteil, Univ Gustave Eiffel, UMR 8208, MSME, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Oriane Le Demeet
- CNRS, Univ Paris Est Creteil, Univ Gustave Eiffel, UMR 8208, MSME, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Giuseppe Rosi
- Univ Paris Est Creteil, Univ Gustave Eiffel, CNRS, UMR 8208, MSME, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Vu-Hieu Nguyen
- Univ Paris Est Creteil, Univ Gustave Eiffel, CNRS, UMR 8208, MSME, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Guillaume Haiat
- CNRS, Univ Paris Est Creteil, Univ Gustave Eiffel, UMR 8208, MSME, F-94010 Créteil, France.
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6
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Zeng T, Chen H, Yoshitomi T, Kawazoe N, Yang Y, Chen G. Effect of Hydrogel Stiffness on Chemoresistance of Breast Cancer Cells in 3D Culture. Gels 2024; 10:202. [PMID: 38534620 DOI: 10.3390/gels10030202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is one of the most common strategies for cancer treatment, whereas drug resistance reduces the efficiency of chemotherapy and leads to treatment failure. The mechanism of emerging chemoresistance is complex and the effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding cells may contribute to drug resistance. Although it is well known that ECM plays an important role in orchestrating cell functions, it remains exclusive how ECM stiffness affects drug resistance. In this study, we prepared agarose hydrogels of different stiffnesses to investigate the effect of hydrogel stiffness on the chemoresistance of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin (DOX). Agarose hydrogels with a stiffness range of 1.5 kPa to 112.3 kPa were prepared and used to encapsulate breast cancer cells for a three-dimensional culture with different concentrations of DOX. The viability of the cells cultured in the hydrogels was dependent on both DOX concentration and hydrogel stiffness. Cell viability decreased with DOX concentration when the cells were cultured in the same stiffness hydrogels. When DOX concentration was the same, breast cancer cells showed higher viability in high-stiffness hydrogels than they did in low-stiffness hydrogels. Furthermore, the expression of P-glycoprotein mRNA in high-stiffness hydrogels was higher than that in low-stiffness hydrogels. The results suggested that hydrogel stiffness could affect the resistance of breast cancer cells to DOX by regulating the expression of chemoresistance-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Zeng
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Huajian Chen
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan
| | - Toru Yoshitomi
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan
| | - Naoki Kawazoe
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan
| | - Yingnan Yang
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
| | - Guoping Chen
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
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7
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Mo C, Zhang W, Zhu K, Du Y, Huang W, Wu Y, Song J. Advances in Injectable Hydrogels Based on Diverse Gelation Methods for Biomedical Imaging. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2400076. [PMID: 38470225 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202400076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The injectable hydrogels can deliver the loads directly to the predetermined sites and form reservoirs to increase the enrichment and retention of the loads in the target areas. The preparation and injection of injectable hydrogels involve the sol-gel transformation of hydrogels, which is affected by factors such as temperature, ions, enzymes, light, mechanics (self-healing property), and pH. However, tracing the injection, degradation, and drug release from hydrogels based on different ways of gelation is a major concern. To solve this problem, contrast agents are introduced into injectable hydrogels, enabling the hydrogels to be imaged under techniques such as fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and radionuclide imaging. This review details methods for causing the gelation of imageable hydrogels; discusses the application of injectable hydrogels containing contrast agents in various imaging techniques, and finally explores the potential and challenges of imageable hydrogels based on different modes of gelation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiang Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 10010, China
| | - Weiyao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 10010, China
| | - Kang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 10010, China
| | - Yang Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Institute of Automation, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Ying Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 10010, China
| | - Jibin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 10010, China
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8
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Tam NW, Schullian O, Cipitria A, Dimova R. Nonspecific membrane-matrix interactions influence diffusivity of lipid vesicles in hydrogels. Biophys J 2024; 123:638-650. [PMID: 38332584 PMCID: PMC10938137 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The diffusion of extracellular vesicles and liposomes in vivo is affected by different tissue environmental conditions and is of great interest in the development of liposome-based therapeutics and drug-delivery systems. Here, we use a bottom-up biomimetic approach to better isolate and study steric and electrostatic interactions and their influence on the diffusivity of synthetic large unilamellar vesicles in hydrogel environments. Single-particle tracking of these extracellular vesicle-like particles in agarose hydrogels as an extracellular matrix model shows that membrane deformability and surface charge affect the hydrogel pore spaces that vesicles have access to, which determines overall diffusivity. Moreover, we show that passivation of vesicles with PEGylated lipids, as often used in drug-delivery systems, enhances diffusivity, but that this effect cannot be fully explained with electrostatic interactions alone. Finally, we compare our experimental findings with existing computational and theoretical work in the field to help explain the nonspecific interactions between diffusing particles and gel matrix environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky W Tam
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Otto Schullian
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, Potsdam, Germany; Free University of Berlin, Department of Physics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Amaia Cipitria
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, Potsdam, Germany; Group of Bioengineering in Regeneration and Cancer, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, Potsdam, Germany.
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9
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Myers E, Piazza M, Owkes M, June RK. Heat Conduction Simulation of Chondrocyte-Embedded Agarose Gels Suggests Negligible Impact of Viscoelastic Dissipation on Temperature Change. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.08.579524. [PMID: 38370775 PMCID: PMC10871356 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.08.579524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Agarose is commonly used for 3D cell culture and to mimic the stiffness of the pericellular matrix of articular chondrocytes. Although it is known that both temperature and mechanical stimulation affect the metabolism of chondrocytes, little is known about the thermal properties of agarose hydrogels. Thermal properties of agarose are needed to analyze potential heat production by chondrocytes induced by various experimental stimuli (carbon source, cyclical compression, etc). Utilizing ASTM C177, a custom-built thermal conductivity measuring device was constructed and used to calculate the thermal conductivity of 4.5% low gelling temperature agarose hydrogels. Additionally, Differential Scanning Calorimetry was used to calculate the specific heat capacity of the agarose hydrogels. Testing of chondrocyte-embedded agarose hydrogels commonly occurs in Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS), and thermal analysis requires the free convection coefficient of PBS. This was calculated using a 2D heat conduction simulation within MATLAB in tandem with experimental data collected for known boundary and initial conditions. The specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity of 4.5% agarose hydrogels was calculated to be 2.85 J/g°C and 0.121 W/mK, respectively. The free convection coefficient of PBS was calculated to be 1000.1 W/m 2 K. The values of specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity for agarose are similar to the reported values for articular cartilage, which are 3.20 J/g°C and 0.21 W/mK (Moghadam, et al. 2014). This suggests that in addition to 4.5% agarose hydrogels mimicking the physiological stiffness of the cartilage PCM, they can also mimic the thermal properties of articular cartilage for in vitro studies.
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10
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Kaku Y, Okada S, Fujisawa S, Saito T, Isobe N. Low solid content mouldable chitin physical hydrogel prepared by atypical rupture-free swelling. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:1245-1252. [PMID: 38231553 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01542d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
In this study, the atypical swelling gelation of chitin physical hydrogels was investigated. Just by tuning the amount of the N-acetylation reagent, the degree of acetylation varied and mouldable chitin hydrogels with a wide variety of gel concentrations (0.2-6.4 wt%) were obtained. In response to the gel concentration, the mechanical properties ranged from swollen soft gels to shrunken rigid gels (compressive moduli of 4-310 kPa). The thus-prepared chitin hydrogels, which were composed of only chitin and water, exhibited high transparency and integrity. The swelling gelation of chitin physical hydrogels was achieved owing to both the positive charges of the amino groups inducing the osmotic pressure and the toughness of the crystalline nanofibrous network structure of the chitin hydrogels that endured the large volume change. These previously unnoticed advantageous aspects of chitin have pioneered a novel area of swellable physical gels that has been exclusive to chemical gels so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuto Kaku
- Department of Biomaterial Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Biogeochemistry Research Center, Research Institute for Marine Resources Utilization, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Okada
- Institute for Extra-cutting-edge Science and Technology Avant-garde Research (X-STAR), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan
| | - Shuji Fujisawa
- Department of Biomaterial Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Tsuguyuki Saito
- Department of Biomaterial Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Isobe
- Biogeochemistry Research Center, Research Institute for Marine Resources Utilization, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan.
- Department of Biomaterial Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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11
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Sacco P, Piazza F, Marsich E, Abrami M, Grassi M, Donati I. Ionic Strength Impacts the Physical Properties of Agarose Hydrogels. Gels 2024; 10:94. [PMID: 38391424 PMCID: PMC11154414 DOI: 10.3390/gels10020094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Agarose is a natural polysaccharide known for its ability to form thermoreversible hydrogels. While the effects of curing temperature and polysaccharide concentration on mechanical properties have been discussed in the literature, the role of ionic strength has been less studied. In the present manuscript, we investigate the effects of supporting salt concentration and the role of cation (i.e. Na+ or Li+, neighbors in the Hofmeister series), on the setting and performance of agarose hydrogels. Compressive and rheological measurements show that the supporting salts reduce the immediate elastic response of agarose hydrogels, with Li+ showing a stronger effect than Na+ at high ionic strength, while they significantly increase the extent of linear stress-strain response (i.e., linear elasticity). The presence of increasing amounts of added supporting salt also leads to a reduction in hysteresis during mechanical deformation due to loading and unloading cycles, which is more pronounced with Li+ than with Na+. The combination of rheological measurements and NMR relaxometry shows a mesh size in agarose hydrogels in the order of 6-17 nm, with a thickness of the water layer bound to the biopolymer of about 3 nm. Of note, the different structuring of the water within the hydrogel network due to the different alkali seems to play a role for the final performance of the hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Sacco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, I-34127 Trieste, Italy; (F.P.); (I.D.)
| | - Francesco Piazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, I-34127 Trieste, Italy; (F.P.); (I.D.)
| | - Eleonora Marsich
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell’Ospitale 1, I-34129 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Michela Abrami
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 6/1, I-34127 Trieste, Italy; (M.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 6/1, I-34127 Trieste, Italy; (M.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Ivan Donati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, I-34127 Trieste, Italy; (F.P.); (I.D.)
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12
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Xiang S, Guilbaud-Chéreau C, Hoschtettler P, Stefan L, Bianco A, Ménard-Moyon C. Preparation and optimization of agarose or polyacrylamide/amino acid-based double network hydrogels for photocontrolled drug release. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 255:127919. [PMID: 37944737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The high water content and biocompatibility of amino-acid-based supramolecular hydrogels have generated growing interest in drug delivery research. Nevertheless, the existing dominant approach of constructing such hydrogels, the exploitation of a single amino acid type, typically comes with several drawbacks such as weak mechanical properties and long gelation times, hindering their applications. Here, we design a near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive double network (DN) structure, containing amino acids and different synthetic or natural polymers, i.e., polyacrylamide, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), agarose, or low-gelling agarose. The hydrogels displayed high mechanical strength and high drug-loading capacity. Adjusting the ratio of Fmoc-Tyr-OH/Fmoc-Tyr(Bzl)-OH or Fmoc-Phe-OH/Fmoc-Tyr(Bzl)-OH, we could drastically shorten the gelation time of the DN hydrogels at room and body temperatures. Moreover, introducing photothermal agents (graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, molybdenum disulfide nanosheets, or indocyanine green), we equipped the hydrogels with NIR responsivity. We demonstrated the light-triggered release of the drug baclofen, which is used in severe spasticity treatment. Rheology and stability tests confirmed the positive impact of the polymers on the mechanical strength of the hydrogels, while maintaining good stability under physiological conditions. Overall, our study contributed a novel hydrogel formulation with high mechanical resistance, rapid gel formation, and efficient NIR-controlled drug release, offering new opportunities for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunyu Xiang
- CNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR 3572, University of Strasbourg, ISIS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Chloé Guilbaud-Chéreau
- CNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR 3572, University of Strasbourg, ISIS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Loïc Stefan
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPM, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Alberto Bianco
- CNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR 3572, University of Strasbourg, ISIS, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Cécilia Ménard-Moyon
- CNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR 3572, University of Strasbourg, ISIS, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
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13
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Bisgaard SI, Nguyen LQ, Bøgh KL, Keller SS. Dermal tissue penetration of in-plane silicon microneedles evaluated in skin-simulating hydrogel, rat skin and porcine skin. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 155:213659. [PMID: 37939443 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Recently, microneedle-based sensors have been introduced as novel strategy for in situ monitoring of biomarkers in the skin. Here, in-plane silicon microneedles with different dimensions and shapes are fabricated and their ability to penetrate skin is evaluated. Arrays with flat, triangular, hypodermic, lancet and pencil-shaped microneedles, with lengths of 500-1000 μm, widths of 200-400 μm and thickness of 180-500 μm are considered. Fracture force is higher than 20 N for all microneedle arrays (MNA) confirming a high mechanical stability of the microneedles. Penetration force in skin-simulating hydrogels, excised rat abdominal skin and porcine ear skin is at least five times lower than the fracture force for all MNA designs. The lowest force for skin penetration is required for triangular microneedles with a low width and thickness. Skin tissue staining and histological analysis of rat abdominal skin and porcine ear skin confirm successful penetration of the epidermis for all MNA designs. However, the penetration depth is between 100 and 300 μm, which is considerably lower than the microneedle length. Tissue damage estimated by visual analysis of the penetration hole is smallest for triangular microneedles. Penetration ability and tissue damage are compared to the skin prick test (SPT) needle applied in allergy testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Ingemann Bisgaard
- National Centre for Nano Fabrication and Characterization, DTU Nanolab, Technical University of Denmark, Ørsteds Plads, Building 347, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; National Food Institute, DTU Food, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Long Quang Nguyen
- National Centre for Nano Fabrication and Characterization, DTU Nanolab, Technical University of Denmark, Ørsteds Plads, Building 347, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Katrine Lindholm Bøgh
- National Food Institute, DTU Food, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Stephan Sylvest Keller
- National Centre for Nano Fabrication and Characterization, DTU Nanolab, Technical University of Denmark, Ørsteds Plads, Building 347, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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14
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Qian Y, Lu S, Meng J, Chen W, Li J. Thermo-Responsive Hydrogels Coupled with Photothermal Agents for Biomedical Applications. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300214. [PMID: 37526220 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Intelligent hydrogels are materials with abilities to change their chemical nature or physical structure in response to external stimuli showing promising potential in multitudinous applications. Especially, photo-thermo coupled responsive hydrogels that are prepared by encapsulating photothermal agents into thermo-responsive hydrogel matrix exhibit more attractive advantages in biomedical applications owing to their spatiotemporal control and precise therapy. This work summarizes the latest progress of the photo-thermo coupled responsive hydrogel in biomedical applications. Three major elements of the photo-thermo coupled responsive hydrogel, i.e., thermo-responsive hydrogel matrix, photothermal agents, and construction methods are introduced. Furthermore, the recent developments of these hydrogels for biomedical applications are described with some selected examples. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives for photo-thermo coupled responsive hydrogels are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Qian
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Micro & Nano Materials Interface Science, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Sha Lu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Micro & Nano Materials Interface Science, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jianqiang Meng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Micro & Nano Materials Interface Science, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wansong Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Micro & Nano Materials Interface Science, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Juan Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Micro & Nano Materials Interface Science, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
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15
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Li T, Chen X, Fu Y, Liao C. Colorimetric sweat analysis using wearable hydrogel patch sensors for detection of chloride and glucose. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:5855-5866. [PMID: 37888873 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01738a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Sweat is a promising non-invasive biofluid that can provide valuable insights into the physiological state of the human body. However, a major obstacle to analyzing sweat in real-time is the fabrication of simple, fast-acting, accurate, and low-cost sensing constructs. To address this challenge, we introduced easily-prepared wearable hydrogel sensors that can be placed on the skin and used colorimetric techniques to assess sweat analytes without invasive procedures. Two typical sweat sensors, chloride ion (Cl-) responsive patches for cystic fibrosis (CF) analysis and glucose response patches for diabetic monitoring, were demonstrated for real sample analysis. The Cl- colorimetric sensor, with a detection limit down to 100 μM, shows a good linear response from 1.56 mM to 200 mM Cl-, and the glucose colorimetric sensor, with a detection limit down to 1 μM, exhibits an adequate linear response from 10 μM to 1 mM glucose. These colorimetric hydrogel sensors are also incorporated into a medical dressing to create wearable sensor devices for real-time sweat analysis. The acquired readings closely match the results obtained from the benchmark analyzing instrument, with a small deviation of less than 10%. Therefore, our simple colorimetric hydrogel sensing patches hold great potential to advance real-time sweat testing and contribute to the transitional development of wearable medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuqiang Li
- Creative Biosciences (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Xiaofeng Chen
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, PR China.
| | - Ying Fu
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Caizhi Liao
- Creative Biosciences (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, PR China.
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16
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Chen X, Fazel Anvari-Yazdi A, Duan X, Zimmerling A, Gharraei R, Sharma N, Sweilem S, Ning L. Biomaterials / bioinks and extrusion bioprinting. Bioact Mater 2023; 28:511-536. [PMID: 37435177 PMCID: PMC10331419 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioinks are formulations of biomaterials and living cells, sometimes with growth factors or other biomolecules, while extrusion bioprinting is an emerging technique to apply or deposit these bioinks or biomaterial solutions to create three-dimensional (3D) constructs with architectures and mechanical/biological properties that mimic those of native human tissue or organs. Printed constructs have found wide applications in tissue engineering for repairing or treating tissue/organ injuries, as well as in vitro tissue modelling for testing or validating newly developed therapeutics and vaccines prior to their use in humans. Successful printing of constructs and their subsequent applications rely on the properties of the formulated bioinks, including the rheological, mechanical, and biological properties, as well as the printing process. This article critically reviews the latest developments in bioinks and biomaterial solutions for extrusion bioprinting, focusing on bioink synthesis and characterization, as well as the influence of bioink properties on the printing process. Key issues and challenges are also discussed along with recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- X.B. Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Dr, S7K 5A9, Saskatoon, Canada
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, S7K 5A9, Canada
| | - A. Fazel Anvari-Yazdi
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, S7K 5A9, Canada
| | - X. Duan
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, S7K 5A9, Canada
| | - A. Zimmerling
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, S7K 5A9, Canada
| | - R. Gharraei
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, S7K 5A9, Canada
| | - N.K. Sharma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Dr, S7K 5A9, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - S. Sweilem
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, 44115, USA
| | - L. Ning
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, 44115, USA
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17
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Piazza F, Parisse P, Passerino J, Marsich E, Bersanini L, Porrelli D, Baj G, Donati I, Sacco P. Controlled Quenching of Agarose Defines Hydrogels with Tunable Structural, Bulk Mechanical, Surface Nanomechanical, and Cell Response in 2D Cultures. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300973. [PMID: 37369130 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The scaffolding of agarose hydrogel networks depends critically on the rate of cooling (quenching) after heating. Efforts are made to understand the kinetics and evolution of biopolymer self-assembly upon cooling, but information is lacking on whether quenching might affect the final hydrogel structure and performance. Here, a material strategy for the fine modulation of quenching that involves temperature-curing steps of agarose is reported. Combining microscopy techniques, standard and advanced macro/nanomechanical tools, it is revealed that agarose accumulates on the surface when the curing temperature is set at 121 °C. The inhomogeneity can be mostly recovered when it is reduced to 42 °C. This has a drastic effect on the stiffness of the surface, but not on the viscoelasticity, roughness, and wettability. When hydrogels are strained at small/large deformations, the curing temperature has no effect on the viscoelastic response of the hydrogel bulk but does play a role in the onset of the non-linear region. Cells cultured on these hydrogels exhibit surface stiffness-sensing that affects cell adhesion, spreading, F-actin fiber tension, and assembly of vinculin-rich focal adhesions. Collectively, the results indicate that the temperature curing of agarose is an efficient strategy to produce networks with tunable mechanics and is suitable for mechanobiology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Piazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Pietro Parisse
- NanoInnovation Lab, Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, I-34149, Italy
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM-CNR), Area Science Park, Trieste, I-34149, Italy
| | - Julia Passerino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marsich
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell'Ospitale 1, Trieste, I-34129, Italy
| | - Luca Bersanini
- Optics11 Life, Hettenheuvelweg 37-39, Amsterdam, 1101 BM, The Netherlands
| | - Davide Porrelli
- Interdepartmental Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Alexander Fleming 31/A, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Ivan Donati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Pasquale Sacco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
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18
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Einen C, Price SEN, Ulvik K, Gjennestad MA, Hansen R, Kjelstrup S, Davies CDL. Nanoparticle Dynamics in Composite Hydrogels Exposed to Low-Frequency Focused Ultrasound. Gels 2023; 9:771. [PMID: 37888344 PMCID: PMC10606116 DOI: 10.3390/gels9100771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulsed focused ultrasound (FUS) in combination with microbubbles has been shown to improve delivery and penetration of nanoparticles in tumors. To understand the mechanisms behind this treatment, it is important to evaluate the contribution of FUS without microbubbles on increased nanoparticle penetration and transport in the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). A composite agarose hydrogel was made to model the porous structure, the acoustic attenuation and the hydraulic conductivity of the tumor ECM. Single-particle tracking was used as a novel method to monitor nanoparticle dynamics in the hydrogel during FUS exposure. FUS exposure at 1 MHz and 1 MPa was performed to detect any increase in nanoparticle diffusion or particle streaming at acoustic parameters relevant for FUS in combination with microbubbles. Results were compared to a model of acoustic streaming. The nanoparticles displayed anomalous diffusion in the hydrogel, and FUS with a duty cycle of 20% increased the nanoparticle diffusion coefficient by 23%. No increase in diffusion was found for lower duty cycles. FUS displaced the hydrogel itself at duty cycles above 10%; however, acoustic streaming was found to be negligible. In conclusion, pulsed FUS alone cannot explain the enhanced penetration of nanoparticles seen when using FUS and microbubbles for nanoparticle delivery, but it could be used as a tool to enhance diffusion of particles in the tumor ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Einen
- Porelab and Department of Physics, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sebastian E. N. Price
- Porelab and Department of Chemistry, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kim Ulvik
- Department of Physics, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Rune Hansen
- Department of Health Research at SINTEF, 7465 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Signe Kjelstrup
- Porelab and Department of Chemistry, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Catharina de Lange Davies
- Department of Physics, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
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19
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Johnson CD, Aranda-Espinoza H, Fisher JP. A Case for Material Stiffness as a Design Parameter in Encapsulated Islet Transplantation. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2023; 29:334-346. [PMID: 36475851 PMCID: PMC10442690 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2022.0157] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes is a disease that plagues over 463 million people globally. Approximately 40 million of these patients have type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and the global incidence is increasing by up to 5% per year. T1DM is where the body's immune system attacks the pancreas, specifically the pancreatic beta cells, with antibodies to prevent insulin production. Although current treatments such as exogenous insulin injections have been successful, exorbitant insulin costs and meticulous administration present the need for alternative long-term solutions to glucose dysregulation caused by diabetes. Encapsulated islet transplantation (EIT) is a tissue-engineered solution to diabetes. Donor islets are encapsulated in a semipermeable hydrogel, allowing the diffusion of oxygen, glucose, and insulin but preventing leukocyte infiltration and antibody access to the transplanted cells. Although successful in small animal models, EIT is still far from commercial use owing to necessary long-term systemic immunosuppressants and consistent immune rejection. Most published research has focused on tailoring the characteristics of the capsule material to promote clinical viability. However, most studies have been limited in scope to biochemical changes. Current mechanobiology studies on the effect of substrate stiffness on the function of leukocytes, especially macrophages-primary foreign body response (FBR) orchestrators, show promise in tailoring a favorable response to tissue-engineered therapies such as EIT. In this review, we explore strategies to improve the clinical viability of EIT. A brief overview of the immune system, the FBR, and current biochemical approaches will be elucidated throughout this exploration. Furthermore, an argument for using substrate stiffness as a capsule design parameter to increase EIT efficacy and clinical viability will be posed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney D. Johnson
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, Center for Engineering Complex Tissues, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Helim Aranda-Espinoza
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - John P. Fisher
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, Center for Engineering Complex Tissues, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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20
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Anwer AH, Ahtesham A, Shoeb M, Mashkoor F, Ansari MZ, Zhu S, Jeong C. State-of-the-art advances in nanocomposite and bio-nanocomposite polymeric materials: A comprehensive review. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 318:102955. [PMID: 37467558 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.102955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The modern eco-friendly materials used in research and innovation today consist of nanocomposites and bio-nanocomposite polymers. Their unique composite properties make them suitable for various industrial, medicinal, and energy applications. Bio-nanocomposite polymers are made of biopolymer matrices that have nanofillers dispersed throughout them. There are several types of fillers that can be added to polymers to enhance their quality, such as cellulose-based fillers, clay nanomaterials, carbon black, talc, carbon quantum dots, and many others. Biopolymer-based nanocomposites are considered a superior alternative to traditional materials as they reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote the use of renewable resources. This review covers the current state-of-the-art in nanocomposite and bio-nanocomposite materials, focusing on ways to improve their features and the various applications they can be used for. The review article also investigates the utilization of diverse nanocomposites as a viable approach for developing bio-nanocomposites. It delves into the underlying principles that govern the synthesis of these materials and explores their prospective applications in the biomedical field, food packaging, sensing (Immunosensors), and energy storage devices. Lastly, the review discusses the future outlook and current challenges of these materials, with a focus on sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Hakeem Anwer
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Afreen Ahtesham
- School of Chemical Sciences University Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shoeb
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Fouzia Mashkoor
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohd Zahid Ansari
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Shushuai Zhu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Changyoon Jeong
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Hu S, Fang Y, Liang C, Turunen M, Ikkala O, Zhang H. Thermally trainable dual network hydrogels. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3717. [PMID: 37349296 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39446-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Inspired by biological systems, trainable responsive materials have received burgeoning research interests for future adaptive and intelligent material systems. However, the trainable materials to date typically cannot perform active work, and the training allows only one direction of functionality change. Here, we demonstrate thermally trainable hydrogel systems consisting of two thermoresponsive polymers, where the volumetric response of the system upon phase transitions enhances or decreases through a training process above certain threshold temperature. Positive or negative training of the thermally induced deformations can be achieved, depending on the network design. Importantly, softening, stiffening, or toughening of the hydrogel can be achieved by the training process. We demonstrate trainable hydrogel actuators capable of performing increased active work or implementing an initially impossible task. The reported dual network hydrogels provide a new training strategy that can be leveraged for bio-inspired soft systems such as adaptive artificial muscles or soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanming Hu
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, FI 02150, Finland
| | - Yuhuang Fang
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, FI 02150, Finland
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, FI 02150, Finland
| | - Matti Turunen
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, FI 02150, Finland
| | - Olli Ikkala
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, FI 02150, Finland.
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, FI 02150, Finland.
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22
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Ejenavi O, Teng T, Huang W, Wang X, Zhang W, Zhang D. Online detection of alkanes by a biological-phase microextraction and biosensing (BPME-BS) device. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:131316. [PMID: 37003003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Oil spill incidents occur frequently and threaten ecosystems and human health. Solid-phase microextraction allows direct alkane extraction from environmental matrices to improve the limit of detection but is unable to measure alkanes on site. A biological-phase microextraction and biosensing (BPME-BS) device was developed by immobilising an alkane chemotactic Acinetobacter bioreporter ADPWH_alk in agarose gel to achieve online alkane quantification with the aid of a photomultiplier. The BPME-BS device had a high enrichment factor (average 7.07) and a satisfactory limit of detection (0.075 mg/L) for alkanes. The quantification range was 0.1-100 mg/L, comparable to a gas chromatography flame ionisation detector and better than a bioreporter without immobilisation. ADPWH_alk cells in the BPME-BS device maintained good sensitivity under a wide range of environmental conditions, including pH (4.0-9.0), temperature (20-40 °C), and salinity (0.0-3.0%), and its response remained stable within 30 days at 4 °C. In a 7-day continual measurement, the BPME-BS device successfully visualised the dynamic concentration of alkanes, and a 7-day field test successfully captured an oil spill event, helping in source apportionment and on-scene law enforcement. Our work proved that the BPME-BS device is a powerful tool for online alkane measurement, showing substantial potential for fast detection and rapid response to oil spills on site and in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odafe Ejenavi
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Tingting Teng
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China; College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China
| | - Wenxin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China; College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China
| | - Xinzi Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China; College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China
| | - Dayi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China; College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China.
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23
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Volova LT, Kotelnikov GP, Shishkovsky I, Volov DB, Ossina N, Ryabov NA, Komyagin AV, Kim YH, Alekseev DG. 3D Bioprinting of Hyaline Articular Cartilage: Biopolymers, Hydrogels, and Bioinks. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2695. [PMID: 37376340 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The musculoskeletal system, consisting of bones and cartilage of various types, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, is the basis of the human body. However, many pathological conditions caused by aging, lifestyle, disease, or trauma can damage its elements and lead to severe disfunction and significant worsening in the quality of life. Due to its structure and function, articular (hyaline) cartilage is the most susceptible to damage. Articular cartilage is a non-vascular tissue with constrained self-regeneration capabilities. Additionally, treatment methods, which have proven efficacy in stopping its degradation and promoting regeneration, still do not exist. Conservative treatment and physical therapy only relieve the symptoms associated with cartilage destruction, and traditional surgical interventions to repair defects or endoprosthetics are not without serious drawbacks. Thus, articular cartilage damage remains an urgent and actual problem requiring the development of new treatment approaches. The emergence of biofabrication technologies, including three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, at the end of the 20th century, allowed reconstructive interventions to get a second wind. Three-dimensional bioprinting creates volume constraints that mimic the structure and function of natural tissue due to the combinations of biomaterials, living cells, and signal molecules to create. In our case-hyaline cartilage. Several approaches to articular cartilage biofabrication have been developed to date, including the promising technology of 3D bioprinting. This review represents the main achievements of such research direction and describes the technological processes and the necessary biomaterials, cell cultures, and signal molecules. Special attention is given to the basic materials for 3D bioprinting-hydrogels and bioinks, as well as the biopolymers underlying the indicated products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa T Volova
- Research and Development Institute of Biotechnologies, Samara State Medical University, Chapayevskaya St. 89, 443099 Samara, Russia
| | - Gennadiy P Kotelnikov
- Research and Development Institute of Biotechnologies, Samara State Medical University, Chapayevskaya St. 89, 443099 Samara, Russia
| | - Igor Shishkovsky
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Dmitriy B Volov
- Research and Development Institute of Biotechnologies, Samara State Medical University, Chapayevskaya St. 89, 443099 Samara, Russia
| | - Natalya Ossina
- Research and Development Institute of Biotechnologies, Samara State Medical University, Chapayevskaya St. 89, 443099 Samara, Russia
| | - Nikolay A Ryabov
- Research and Development Institute of Biotechnologies, Samara State Medical University, Chapayevskaya St. 89, 443099 Samara, Russia
| | - Aleksey V Komyagin
- Research and Development Institute of Biotechnologies, Samara State Medical University, Chapayevskaya St. 89, 443099 Samara, Russia
| | - Yeon Ho Kim
- RokitHealth Care Ltd., 9, Digital-ro 10-gil, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul 08514, Republic of Korea
| | - Denis G Alekseev
- Research and Development Institute of Biotechnologies, Samara State Medical University, Chapayevskaya St. 89, 443099 Samara, Russia
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24
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Reys LL, Silva SS, Soares da Costa D, Rodrigues LC, Reis RL, Silva TH. Building Fucoidan/Agarose-Based Hydrogels as a Platform for the Development of Therapeutic Approaches against Diabetes. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28114523. [PMID: 37298999 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Current management for diabetes has stimulated the development of versatile 3D-based hydrogels as in vitro platforms for insulin release and as support for the encapsulation of pancreatic cells and islets of Langerhans. This work aimed to create agarose/fucoidan hydrogels to encapsulate pancreatic cells as a potential biomaterial for diabetes therapeutics. The hydrogels were produced by combining fucoidan (Fu) and agarose (Aga), marine polysaccharides derived from the cell wall of brown and red seaweeds, respectively, and a thermal gelation process. The agarose/fucoidan (AgaFu) blended hydrogels were obtained by dissolving Aga in 3 or 5 wt % Fu aqueous solutions to obtain different proportions (4:10; 5:10, and 7:10 wt). The rheological tests on hydrogels revealed a non-Newtonian and viscoelastic behavior, while the characterization confirmed the presence of the two polymers in the structure of the hydrogels. In addition, the mechanical behavior showed that increasing Aga concentrations resulted in hydrogels with higher Young's modulus. Further, the ability of the developed materials to sustain the viability of human pancreatic cells was assessed by encapsulation of the 1.1B4HP cell line for up to 7 days. The biological assessment of the hydrogels revealed that cultured pancreatic beta cells tended to self-organize and form pseudo-islets during the period studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara L Reys
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark-Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Simone S Silva
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark-Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Diana Soares da Costa
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark-Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Luísa C Rodrigues
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark-Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark-Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Tiago H Silva
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark-Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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25
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Shen Y, Shah SR, Zhao K, Han B. Experimental and computational analysis of the injection-induced mechanical changes in the skin microenvironment during subcutaneous injection of biologics. EXTREME MECHANICS LETTERS 2023; 61:102025. [PMID: 37304308 PMCID: PMC10249613 DOI: 10.1016/j.eml.2023.102025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Subcutaneous (SQ) injection is an effective delivery route for various biologics, including proteins, antibodies, and vaccines. However, pain and discomfort induced during SQ injection pose a notable challenge for the broader and routine use of biologics. Understanding the underlying mechanism and quantification of injection-induced pain and discomfort (IPD) are urgently needed. A crucial knowledge gap is what changes in the skin tissue microenvironment are induced by the SQ injection, which may ultimately cause the IPD. In this study, thus, a hypothesis is postulated that the injection of biologics solution through the skin tissue microenvironment induces spatiotemporal mechanical changes. Specifically, the injection leads to tissue swelling and subsequent increases in the interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) and matrix stress around the injection site, which ultimately causes the IPD. To test this hypothesis, an engineered SQ injection model is developed capable of measuring tissue swelling during SQ injection. The injection model consists of a skin equivalent with quantum dot-labeled fibroblasts, which enables the measurement of injection-induced spatiotemporal deformation. The IFP and matrix stress are further estimated by computational analysis approximating the skin equivalent as a nonlinear poroelastic material. The result confirms significant injection-induced tissue swelling and increases in IFP and matrix stress. The extent of deformation is correlated to the injection rate. The results also suggest that the size of biologics particulates significantly affects the pattern and extent of the deformation. The results are further discussed to propose a quantitative understanding of the injection-induced changes in the skin microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Shen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Kejie Zhao
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Bumsoo Han
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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26
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Song S, Fallegger F, Trouillet A, Kim K, Lacour SP. Deployment of an electrocorticography system with a soft robotic actuator. Sci Robot 2023; 8:eadd1002. [PMID: 37163609 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.add1002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Electrocorticography (ECoG) is a minimally invasive approach frequently used clinically to map epileptogenic regions of the brain and facilitate lesion resection surgery and increasingly explored in brain-machine interface applications. Current devices display limitations that require trade-offs among cortical surface coverage, spatial electrode resolution, aesthetic, and risk consequences and often limit the use of the mapping technology to the operating room. In this work, we report on a scalable technique for the fabrication of large-area soft robotic electrode arrays and their deployment on the cortex through a square-centimeter burr hole using a pressure-driven actuation mechanism called eversion. The deployable system consists of up to six prefolded soft legs, and it is placed subdurally on the cortex using an aqueous pressurized solution and secured to the pedestal on the rim of the small craniotomy. Each leg contains soft, microfabricated electrodes and strain sensors for real-time deployment monitoring. In a proof-of-concept acute surgery, a soft robotic electrode array was successfully deployed on the cortex of a minipig to record sensory cortical activity. This soft robotic neurotechnology opens promising avenues for minimally invasive cortical surgery and applications related to neurological disorders such as motor and sensory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukho Song
- Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces, Neuro-X Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Sustainability Robotics, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Florian Fallegger
- Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces, Neuro-X Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alix Trouillet
- Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces, Neuro-X Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kyungjin Kim
- Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces, Neuro-X Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Stéphanie P Lacour
- Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces, Neuro-X Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
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27
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van der Ven DL, Morrone D, Quetzeri-Santiago MA, Fernandez Rivas D. Microfluidic jet impact: Spreading, splashing, soft substrate deformation and injection. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 636:549-558. [PMID: 36652830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Needle-free injections using microfluidic jets could be optimized by reducing splashing and controlling injection depth. However, this is impeded by an incomplete understanding on how jet characteristics influence impact outcome. We hypothesise that exploring the relation between microfluidic jet characteristics and substrate shear modulus on impact behavior will assist in predicting and giving insights on the impact outcome on skin and injection endpoints. EXPERIMENTS To do so, a setup using microfluidic chips, at varying laser powers and stand-off distances, was used to create thermocavitation generated microfluidic jets with ranging characteristics (velocity: 7-77 m/s, diameter: 35-120 μm, Weber-number: 40-4000), which were impacted on substrates with different shear modulus. FINDINGS Seven impact regimes were found, depending on jet Weber-number and substrate shear modulus, and we identified three thresholds: i) spreading/splashing threshold, ii) dimple formation threshold, and iii) plastic/elastic deformation threshold. The regimes show similarity to skin impact, although the opacity of skin complicated determining the threshold values. Additionally, we found that jet velocity has a higher predictive value for injection depth compared to the Weber-number, and consequently, the jet-diameter. Our findings provide fundamental knowledge on the interaction between microfluidic jets and substrates, and are relevant for optimizing needle-free injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana L van der Ven
- Mesoscale Chemical Systems group, MESA+ Institute and Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Davide Morrone
- Nanovea SRL, Via Balegno 1, 10040 Rivalta di Torino, Italy
| | - Miguel A Quetzeri-Santiago
- Mesoscale Chemical Systems group, MESA+ Institute and Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - David Fernandez Rivas
- Mesoscale Chemical Systems group, MESA+ Institute and Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, the Netherlands.
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28
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Mitrakas AG, Tsolou A, Didaskalou S, Karkaletsou L, Efstathiou C, Eftalitsidis E, Marmanis K, Koffa M. Applications and Advances of Multicellular Tumor Spheroids: Challenges in Their Development and Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086949. [PMID: 37108113 PMCID: PMC10138394 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomedical research requires both in vitro and in vivo studies in order to explore disease processes or drug interactions. Foundational investigations have been performed at the cellular level using two-dimensional cultures as the gold-standard method since the early 20th century. However, three-dimensional (3D) cultures have emerged as a new tool for tissue modeling over the last few years, bridging the gap between in vitro and animal model studies. Cancer has been a worldwide challenge for the biomedical community due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. Various methods have been developed to produce multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs), including scaffold-free and scaffold-based structures, which usually depend on the demands of the cells used and the related biological question. MCTSs are increasingly utilized in studies involving cancer cell metabolism and cell cycle defects. These studies produce massive amounts of data, which demand elaborate and complex tools for thorough analysis. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of several up-to-date methods used to construct MCTSs. In addition, we also present advanced methods for analyzing MCTS features. As MCTSs more closely mimic the in vivo tumor environment, compared to 2D monolayers, they can evolve to be an appealing model for in vitro tumor biology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achilleas G Mitrakas
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Avgi Tsolou
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Stylianos Didaskalou
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Lito Karkaletsou
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Christos Efstathiou
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Evgenios Eftalitsidis
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Marmanis
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Koffa
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
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29
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Song T, Choi Y, Jeon JH, Cho YK. A machine learning approach to discover migration modes and transition dynamics of heterogeneous dendritic cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1129600. [PMID: 37081879 PMCID: PMC10110959 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1129600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) migration is crucial for mounting immune responses. Immature DCs (imDCs) reportedly sense infections, while mature DCs (mDCs) move quickly to lymph nodes to deliver antigens to T cells. However, their highly heterogeneous and complex innate motility remains elusive. Here, we used an unsupervised machine learning (ML) approach to analyze long-term, two-dimensional migration trajectories of Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF)-derived bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs). We discovered three migratory modes independent of the cell state: slow-diffusive (SD), slow-persistent (SP), and fast-persistent (FP). Remarkably, imDCs more frequently changed their modes, predominantly following a unicyclic SD→FP→SP→SD transition, whereas mDCs showed no transition directionality. We report that DC migration exhibits a history-dependent mode transition and maturation-dependent motility changes are emergent properties of the dynamic switching of the three migratory modes. Our ML-based investigation provides new insights into studying complex cellular migratory behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taegeun Song
- Department of Physics, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
- Department of Data information and Physics, Kongju National University, Gongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongjun Choi
- Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyung Jeon
- Department of Physics, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
- Asia Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics (APCTP), Pohang, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jae-Hyung Jeon, ; Yoon-Kyoung Cho,
| | - Yoon-Kyoung Cho
- Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jae-Hyung Jeon, ; Yoon-Kyoung Cho,
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30
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Ma L, Chai C, Wu W, Qi P, Liu X, Hao J. Hydrogels as the plant culture substrates: A review. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 305:120544. [PMID: 36737215 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.120544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A class of hydrophilic polymers known as "hydrogels" have extensive water content and three-dimensional crosslinked networks. Since the old period, they have been utilized as plant culture substrates to get around the drawbacks of hydroponics and soil. Numerous hydrogels, particularly polysaccharides with exceptional stability, high clarity, and low cost can be employed as plant substrates. Although numerous novel and functionalized hydrogels might assist in overcoming the drawbacks of conventional media and giving them more functions, the existing hydrogel-based plant growth substrates rarely benefit from the developments of gels in the previous few decades. Prospects include the development of new conduction techniques, the creation of potential new hydrogels, and the functionalization of the hydrogel as plant culture substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Chunxiao Chai
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Wenna Wu
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Ping Qi
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Xingcen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Jingcheng Hao
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan 250100, PR China.
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31
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Ortiz-Arrabal O, Irastorza-Lorenzo A, Campos F, Martín-Piedra MÁ, Carriel V, Garzón I, Ávila-Fernández P, de Frutos MJ, Esteban E, Fernández J, Janer A, Campos A, Chato-Astrain J, Alaminos M. Fibrin and Marine-Derived Agaroses for the Generation of Human Bioartificial Tissues: An Ex Vivo and In Vivo Study. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21030187. [PMID: 36976236 PMCID: PMC10058299 DOI: 10.3390/md21030187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of an ideal biomaterial for clinical use is one of the main objectives of current research in tissue engineering. Marine-origin polysaccharides, in particular agaroses, have been widely explored as scaffolds for tissue engineering. We previously developed a biomaterial based on a combination of agarose with fibrin, that was successfully translated to clinical practice. However, in search of novel biomaterials with improved physical and biological properties, we have now generated new fibrin-agarose (FA) biomaterials using 5 different types of agaroses at 4 different concentrations. First, we evaluated the cytotoxic effects and the biomechanical properties of these biomaterials. Then, each bioartificial tissue was grafted in vivo and histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed after 30 days. Ex vivo evaluation showed high biocompatibility and differences in their biomechanical properties. In vivo, FA tissues were biocompatible at the systemic and local levels, and histological analyses showed that biointegration was associated to a pro-regenerative process with M2-type CD206-positive macrophages. These results confirm the biocompatibility of FA biomaterials and support their clinical use for the generation of human tissues by tissue engineering, with the possibility of selecting specific agarose types and concentrations for applications requiring precise biomechanical properties and in vivo reabsorption times.
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Grants
- FIS PI20/0317 FIS PI20/0318 FIS PI21/0980 ICI19/00024 ICI21/00010 Spanish Plan Nacional de Investigación Científica, Desarrollo e Innovación Tecnológica (I+D+I) of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Instituto de Salud Carlos III),
- PE-0395-2019 PI-0442-2019 Consejería de Salud y Familias, Junta de Andalucía, Spain
- IDI-20180052 Hispanagar SA, Burgos, Spain, through CDTI, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain, Pro-grama Operativo Plurirregional de Crecimiento Inteligente (CRIN)
- B-CTS-504-UGR20 B-CTS-450-UGR20 marco del Programa Operativo FEDER Andalucía 2014-2020, University of Granada and Conseje-ría de Transformación Económica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades
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Affiliation(s)
- Olimpia Ortiz-Arrabal
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, E18016 Granada, Spain
- Doctoral Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Granada, E18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Irastorza-Lorenzo
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, E18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Fernando Campos
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, E18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Martín-Piedra
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, E18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Víctor Carriel
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, E18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Ingrid Garzón
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, E18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Paula Ávila-Fernández
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, E18016 Granada, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Antonio Campos
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, E18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Jesús Chato-Astrain
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, E18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Alaminos
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, E18016 Granada, Spain
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32
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Picu R, Jin S. Toughness of Network Materials: Structural Parameters Controlling Damage Accumulation. JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS 2023; 172:105176. [PMID: 36582492 PMCID: PMC9794194 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2022.105176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Many materials have a network of fibers as their main structural component and are referred to as network materials. Their strength and toughness are important in both engineering and biology. In this work we consider stochastic model fiber networks without pre-existing cracks and study their rupture mechanism. These materials soften as the crosslinks or fibers fail and exhibit either brittle failure immediately after the peak stress, or a more gradual, ductile rupture in the post peak regime. We observe that ductile failure takes place at constant energy release rate defined in the absence of pre-existing cracks as the strain derivative of the specific energy released. The network parameters controlling the energy release rate are identified and discussed in relation to the Lake-Thomas theory which applies to crack growth situations. We also observe a ductile to brittle failure transition as the network becomes more affine and relate the embrittlement to the reduction of mechanical heterogeneity of the network. Further, we confirm previous reports that the network strength scales linearly with the bond strength and with the crosslink density. The present results extend the Lake-Thomas theory to networks without pre-existing cracks which fail by the gradual accumulation of distributed damage and contribute to the development of a physical picture of failure in stochastic network materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- R.C. Picu
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180
| | - S. Jin
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180
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Matsumoto Y, Enomoto Y, Kabe T, Iwata T. Static and in situ small-angle X-ray scattering analyses of the effect of molecular structure on the tensile properties of cross-linked curdlan hydrogels and stretched, dried gel-films. POLYMER 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2023.125843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
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Dalwadi S, Goel A, Kapetanakis C, Salas-de la Cruz D, Hu X. The Integration of Biopolymer-Based Materials for Energy Storage Applications: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043975. [PMID: 36835387 PMCID: PMC9960122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Biopolymers are an emerging class of novel materials with diverse applications and properties such as superior sustainability and tunability. Here, applications of biopolymers are described in the context of energy storage devices, namely lithium-based batteries, zinc-based batteries, and capacitors. Current demand for energy storage technologies calls for improved energy density, preserved performance overtime, and more sustainable end-of-life behavior. Lithium-based and zinc-based batteries often face anode corrosion from processes such as dendrite formation. Capacitors typically struggle with achieving functional energy density caused by an inability to efficiently charge and discharge. Both classes of energy storage need to be packaged with sustainable materials due to their potential leakages of toxic metals. In this review paper, recent progress in energy applications is described for biocompatible polymers such as silk, keratin, collagen, chitosan, cellulose, and agarose. Fabrication techniques are described for various components of the battery/capacitors including the electrode, electrolyte, and separators with biopolymers. Of these methods, incorporating the porosity found within various biopolymers is commonly used to maximize ion transport in the electrolyte and prevent dendrite formations in lithium-based, zinc-based batteries, and capacitors. Overall, integrating biopolymers in energy storage solutions poses a promising alternative that can theoretically match traditional energy sources while eliminating harmful consequences to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrey Dalwadi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Arnav Goel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | | | - David Salas-de la Cruz
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ 08102, USA
| | - Xiao Hu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-856-256-4860; Fax: +1-856-256-4478
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35
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The Use of Biomaterials in Three-Dimensional Culturing of Cancer Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:1100-1112. [PMID: 36826018 PMCID: PMC9954970 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45020073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell culture is an important tool in biological research. Most studies use 2D cell culture, but cells grown in 2D cell culture have drawbacks, including limited cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, which make it inaccurate to model conditions in vivo. Anticancer drug screening is an important research and development process for developing new drugs. As an experiment to mimic the cancer environment in vivo, several studies have been carried out on 3-dimensional (3D) cell cultures with added biomaterials. The use of hydrogel in 3D culture cells is currently developing. The type of hydrogel used might influence cell morphology, viability, and drug screening outcome. Therefore, this review discusses 3D cell culture research regarding the addition of biomaterials.
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36
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Crespo-Cuevas V, Ferguson VL, Vernerey F. Poroviscoelasto-plasticity of agarose-based hydrogels. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:790-806. [PMID: 36625244 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01356h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Agarose gels are excellent candidates for tissue engineering as they are tunable, viscoelastic, and show a pronounced strain-stiffening response. These characteristics make them ideal to create in vitro environments to grow cells and develop tissues. As in many other biopolymers, viscoelasticity and poroelasticity coexist as time-dependent behaviors in agarose gels. While the viscoelastic behavior of these hydrogels has been considered using both phenomenological and continuum models, there remains a lack of connection between the underlying physics and the macroscopic material response. Through a finite element analysis and complimentary experiments, we evaluated the complex time-dependent mechanical response of agarose gels in various conditions. We then conceptualized these gels as a dynamic network where the global dissociation/association rate of intermolecular bonds is described as a combination of a fast rate native to double helices forming between aligned agarose molecules and a slow rate of the agarose molecules present in the clusters. Using the foundation of the transient network theory, we developed a physics-based constitutive model that accurately describes agarose behavior. Integrating experimental results and model prediction, we demonstrated that the fast dissociation/association rate follows a nonlinear force-dependent response, whose exponential evolution agrees with Eyring's model based on the transition state theory. Overall, our results establish a more accurate understanding of the time-dependent mechanics of agarose gels and provide a model that can inform design of a variety of biopolymers with a similar network topology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Crespo-Cuevas
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
| | - Virginia L Ferguson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
| | - Franck Vernerey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
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37
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Lehtonen AJ, Arasalo O, Srbova L, Heilala M, Pokki J. Magnetic microrheometry of tumor-relevant stiffness levels and probabilistic quantification of viscoelasticity differences inside 3D cell culture matrices. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282511. [PMID: 36947558 PMCID: PMC10032533 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The progression of breast cancer involves cancer-cell invasions of extracellular matrices. To investigate the progression, 3D cell cultures are widely used along with different types of matrices. Currently, the matrices are often characterized using parallel-plate rheometry for matrix viscoelasticity, or liquid-like viscous and stiffness-related elastic characteristics. The characterization reveals averaged information and sample-to-sample variation, yet, it neglects internal heterogeneity within matrices, experienced by cancer cells in 3D culture. Techniques using optical tweezers and magnetic microrheometry have measured heterogeneity in viscoelasticity in 3D culture. However, there is a lack of probabilistic heterogeneity quantification and cell-size-relevant, microscale-viscoelasticity measurements at breast-tumor tissue stiffness up to ≃10 kPa in Young's modulus. Here, we have advanced methods, for the purpose, which use a magnetic microrheometer that applies forces on magnetic spheres within matrices, and detects the spheres displacements. We present probabilistic heterogeneity quantification using microscale-viscoelasticity measurements in 3D culture matrices at breast-tumor-relevant stiffness levels. Bayesian multilevel modeling was employed to distinguish heterogeneity in viscoelasticity from the effects of experimental design and measurement errors. We report about the heterogeneity of breast-tumor-relevant agarose, GrowDex, GrowDex-collagen and fibrin matrices. The degree of heterogeneity differs for stiffness, and phase angle (i.e. ratio between viscous and elastic characteristics). Concerning stiffness, agarose and GrowDex show the lowest and highest heterogeneity, respectively. Concerning phase angle, fibrin and GrowDex-collagen present the lowest and the highest heterogeneity, respectively. While this heterogeneity information involves softer matrices, probed by ≃30 μm magnetic spheres, we employ larger ≃100 μm spheres to increase magnetic forces and acquire a sufficient displacement signal-to-noise ratio in stiffer matrices. Thus, we show pointwise microscale viscoelasticity measurements within agarose matrices up to Young's moduli of 10 kPa. These results establish methods that combine magnetic microrheometry and Bayesian multilevel modeling for enhanced heterogeneity analysis within 3D culture matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arttu J Lehtonen
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Ossi Arasalo
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Linda Srbova
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Maria Heilala
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Juho Pokki
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
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38
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Fritschen A, Acedo Mestre M, Scholpp S, Blaeser A. Influence of the physico-chemical bioink composition on the printability and cell biological properties in 3D-bioprinting of a liver tumor cell line. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1093101. [PMID: 36911195 PMCID: PMC9996333 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1093101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The selection of a suitable matrix material is crucial for the development of functional, biomimetic tissue and organ models. When these tissue models are fabricated with 3D-bioprinting technology, the requirements do not only include the biological functionality and physico-chemical properties, but also the printability. In our work, we therefore present a detailed study of seven different bioinks with the focus on a functional liver carcinoma model. Agarose, gelatin, collagen and their blends were selected as materials based on their benefits for 3D cell culture and Drop-on-Demand (DoD) bioprinting. The formulations were characterized for their mechanical (G' of 10-350 Pa) and rheological (viscosity 2-200 Pa*s) properties as well as albumin diffusivity (8-50 μm2/s). The cellular behavior was exemplarily shown for HepG2 cells by monitoring viability, proliferation and morphology over 14 days, while the printability on a microvalve DoD printer was evaluated by drop volume monitoring in flight (100-250 nl), camera imaging of the wetting behavior and microscopy of the effective drop diameter (700 µm and more). We did not observe negative effects on cell viability or proliferation, which is due to the very low shear stresses inside the nozzle (200-500 Pa). With our method, we could identify the strengths and weaknesses of each material, resulting in a material portfolio. By specifically selecting certain materials or blends, cell migration and possible interaction with other cells can be directed as indicated by the results of our cellular experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fritschen
- BioMedical Printing Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Mariana Acedo Mestre
- BioMedical Printing Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Scholpp
- BioMedical Printing Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Andreas Blaeser
- BioMedical Printing Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany.,Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany
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39
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Liao Z, Niu Y, Wang Z, Chen J, Sun X, Dong L, Wang C. A "Nonsolvent Quenching" Strategy for 3D Printing of Polysaccharide Scaffolds with Immunoregulatory Accuracy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203236. [PMID: 36156431 PMCID: PMC9731704 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
3D printing enables the customized design of implant structures for accurately regulating host responses. However, polysaccharides, as a major biomaterial category with versatile immune activities, are typically "non-printable" due to the collapse of their filaments extruded during printing. This challenge renders their potential as immunomodulatory scaffolds underexploited. Here, inspired by the quench hardening in metal processing, a nonsolvent quenching (NSQ) strategy is innovatively designed for the 3D printing of polysaccharides. Through rapid solvent exchanging, NSQ instantly induces surface hardening to strengthen the polysaccharide filaments upon extrusion, requiring neither chemical modification nor physical blending that alters the material properties. Tested with five polysaccharides with varying physicochemical properties, NSQ prints predesigned structures at organ-relevant scales and a long shelf-life over 3 months. Glucomannan scaffolds, fabricated via NSQ with different grid spacings (1.5 and 2.5 cm), induce distinct host responses upon murine subcutaneous implantation-from specific carbohydrate receptor activation to differential immunocytes accumulation and tissue matrix remodeling-as mechanistically validated in wild-type and Tlr2-/- knockout mice. Overall, NSQ as a facile and generic strategy is demonstrated to fabricate polysaccharide scaffolds with improved shape fidelity, thereby potentially unmasking their accurate immunomodulatory activities for future biomaterials design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhencheng Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese MedicineInstitute of Chinese Medicine & Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesFaculty of Health ScienceUniversity of MacauTaipaMacau SAR999078China
| | - Yiming Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese MedicineInstitute of Chinese Medicine & Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesFaculty of Health ScienceUniversity of MacauTaipaMacau SAR999078China
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySchool of Life SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingJiangsu210093China
| | - Jiaxi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese MedicineInstitute of Chinese Medicine & Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesFaculty of Health ScienceUniversity of MacauTaipaMacau SAR999078China
- Zhuhai UM Science & Technology Research Institute (ZUMRI)HengqinGuangdong519031China
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration affiliated to the Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical CenterPLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College28 Fu Xing RoadBeijing100853P. R. China
| | - Lei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySchool of Life SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingJiangsu210093China
| | - Chunming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese MedicineInstitute of Chinese Medicine & Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesFaculty of Health ScienceUniversity of MacauTaipaMacau SAR999078China
- Zhuhai UM Science & Technology Research Institute (ZUMRI)HengqinGuangdong519031China
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40
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Perkucin I, Lau KSK, Chen T, Iwasa SN, Naguib HE, Morshead CM. Facile Fabrication of Injectable Alginate and Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-Based Soft Electrodes toward the Goal of Neuro-Regenerative Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2201164. [PMID: 36177684 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Resident brain neural precursor cells (NPCs) are electrosensitive cells that respond to electric field application by proliferating, differentiating, and undergoing rapid and directed cathodal migration. Harnessing NPC potential is a promising strategy to facilitate neural repair following injury or disease. The use of electric fields to activate NPCs is limited by current electrode designs which are typically made of conductive metals that are stiff and can lead to neuroinflammation following implantation, in part due to the mechanical mismatch between physiological conditions and material. Herein, the design of a novel, injectable biobased soft electrode with properties suitable for electrical stimulation in vivo is explored. The recent interest in using biologically derived polymers which are relatively abundant and afford economic feasibility have been built upon. Sodium alginate is utilized to form soft hydrogels, thereby addressing the issue of mechanical mismatch, and the conductive polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), to generate an innovative new material. It is demonstrated that the optimized alginate PEDOT blend matches the modulus of the brain and is suitable for injection and is not cytotoxic to neural cells. Furthermore, in vivo studies demonstrate minimal activation of inflammatory cells upon implantation in the brain compared to classically used platinum-based electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Perkucin
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Kylie S K Lau
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Tianhao Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Stephanie N Iwasa
- The KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2, Canada.,CRANIA, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Hani E Naguib
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada.,Department of Materials Science Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E4, Canada.,Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Cindi M Morshead
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada.,The KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2, Canada.,CRANIA, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Division of Anatomy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 1P5, Canada
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41
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Chang R, Wang T, Liu Q, Tang J, Wu D. Ag Nanoparticles@Agar Gel as a 3D Flexible and Stable SERS Substrate with Ultrahigh Sensitivity. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:13822-13832. [PMID: 36326574 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c01966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Flexible surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates have become one of the research hot spots due to the facile sampling by swabbing or wrapping on rough surfaces and the sensitive and nondestructive detection of contaminants. In this work, we proposed a simple and fast in situ reduction method to prepare Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) composited agar hydrogel (Ag NPs@Agar) flexible SERS substrate. Owing to the three-dimensional (3D) structure, good hydrophilicity and adsorption of the agar hydrogel, Ag NPs were grown uniformly in the 3D cross-linked structure. The distribution density of Ag NPs was further increased by the volume shrinkage when the hydrogel was dried in air. This high density and uniformly distribution of Ag NPs produced a large number of highly active SERS regions. In addition, the sensitivity of Ag NPs@Agar was further improved with the assistance of hydrophilic agar gel, which can trap the probe molecules into highly active SERS areas. The SERS results showed that the substrate can be used to detect dye molecules (rhodamine 6G), the minimum detectable concentration was 10-15 M, the relative standard deviation tested at 18 different positions was only 7.58%, and the intensity of the characteristic peak at 611 cm-1 decreased only about 10% after 49 days of storage, demonstrating the superior stability. Moreover, the Ag NPs@Agar substrate also could successfully achieve the micro-trace detection of melamine and sodium penicillin G in Xinjiang specialty camel milk powder. The above available results show that the prepared flexible Ag NPs@Agar SERS substrates possess potentials for the illegal additives and antibiotics in food safety analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon Based Energy Resources; College of Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi830046, Xinjiang, PR China
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon Based Energy Resources; College of Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi830046, Xinjiang, PR China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon Based Energy Resources; College of Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi830046, Xinjiang, PR China
| | - Jun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon Based Energy Resources; College of Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi830046, Xinjiang, PR China
| | - Dongling Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon Based Energy Resources; College of Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi830046, Xinjiang, PR China
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42
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Symons HE, Galanti A, Surmon JC, Trask RS, Rochat S, Gobbo P. Automated analysis of soft material microindentation. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:8302-8314. [PMID: 36286486 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00857b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
An understanding of the mechanical properties of soft hydrogel materials over multiple length scales is important for their application in many fields. Typical measurement methods provide either bulk mechanical properties (compression, tensile, rheology) or probing of nano or microscale properties and heterogeneity (nanoindentation, AFM). In this work we demonstrate the complementarity of instrumented microindentation to these techniques, as it provides representative Young's moduli for soft materials with minimal influence of the experimental parameters chosen, and allows mechanical property mapping across macroscopic areas. To enable automated analysis of the large quantities of data required for these measurements, we develop a new fitting algorithm to process indentation data. This method allows for the determination of Young's moduli from imperfect data by automatic selection of a region of the indentation curve which does not display inelastic deformation or substrate effects. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach with a range of hydrogels, including materials with patterns and gradients in stiffness, and expect the techniques described here to be useful developments for the mechanical analysis of a wide range of soft and biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry E Symons
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Agostino Galanti
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Joseph C Surmon
- Department of Aerospace Engineering and Bristol Composites Institute, School of Civil, Aerospace, and Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK
| | - Richard S Trask
- Department of Aerospace Engineering and Bristol Composites Institute, School of Civil, Aerospace, and Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK
| | - Sebastien Rochat
- School of Chemistry, Department of Engineering Mathematics, and Bristol Composites Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Pierangelo Gobbo
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
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43
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Iridium-Functionalized Cellulose Microcrystals as a Novel Luminescent Biomaterial for Biocomposites. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091165. [PMID: 36139004 PMCID: PMC9496223 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is an emerging material with outstanding properties in many scientific and industrial fields, in particular as an additive in composite materials. Its surface modification allows for the fine-tuning of its properties and the exploitation of these materials in a plethora of applications. In this paper, we present the covalent linkage of a luminescent Ir-complex onto the surface of MCC, representing the first incorporation of an organometallic luminescent probe in this biomaterial. This goal has been achieved with an easy and sustainable procedure, which employs a Bronsted-acid ionic liquid as a catalyst for the esterification reaction of -OH cellulose surface groups. The obtained luminescent cellulose microcrystals display high and stable emissions with the incorporation of only a small amount of iridium (III). Incorporation of MCC-Ir in dry and wet matrices, such as films and gels, has been also demonstrated, showing the maintenance of the luminescent properties even in possible final manufacturers.
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44
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Rheological Behavior of Pectin Gels Obtained from Araçá ( Psidium cattleianum Sabine) Fruits: Influence of DM, Pectin and Calcium Concentrations. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14163285. [PMID: 36015541 PMCID: PMC9416100 DOI: 10.3390/polym14163285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, purified pectins from Araçá fruits (Psidium cattleianum Sabine) were obtained and characterized after partial demethylation. On each prepared sample, the carboxylic yield was obtained by titration, the degree of methylation (DM) by 1H-NMR, and the molecular weight distribution by steric exclusion chromatography (SEC). Then, the gelation ability in the presence of calcium counterions was investigated and related to DM (59-0%); the pectin concentration (2-10 g L-1); and the CaCl2 concentration (0.1-1 mol L-1) used for dialysis. The critical pectin concentration for homogeneous gelation was above 2 g L-1 when formed against 1 mol L-1 CaCl2. The elastic modulus (G') increased with pectin concentration following the relationship G'~C2.8 in agreement with rigid physical gel network predictions. The purified samples APP and APP-A with DM ≥ 40% in the same conditions released heterogeneous systems formed of large aggregates. Gels formed against lower concentrations of CaCl2 down to 0.1 mol L-1 had a higher degree of swelling, indicating electrostatic repulsions between charged chains, thus, counterbalancing the Ca2+ cross-linkage. Compression/traction experiments demonstrated that an irreversible change in the gel structure occurred during small compression with an enhancement of the G' modulus.
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45
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Li X, You B, Shum HC, Chen CH. Future foods: Design, fabrication and production through microfluidics. Biomaterials 2022; 287:121631. [PMID: 35717791 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Many delicious foods are soft matter systems with health ingredients and unique internal structures that provide rich nutrition, unique textures, and popular flavors. Obtaining these special properties in food products usually requires specialized processes. Microfluidic technologies have been developed to physically manipulate liquids to produce a broad range of microunits, providing a suitable approach for precise fabrication of functional biomaterials with desirable interior structures in a bottom-up fashion. In this review, we present how microfluidics has been applied to produce gel-based structures and highlight their use in fabricating novel foods, focusing on, among others, cultured meat as a rapidly growing field in food industry. We first discuss the behaviors of food liquids in microchannels for fluidic structure design. Then, different types of microsized building blocks with specific geometries fabricated through microfluidics are introduced, including particles (point), fibers (line), and sheets (plane). These well-defined units can encapsulate or interact with cells, forming microtissues to construct meat products with desirable architectures. After that, we review approaches to scale up microfluidic devices for mass production of the hydrogel building blocks and highlight the challenges associated with bottom-up food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Li
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Baihao You
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Chia-Hung Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China; City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Research Institute, 8 Yuexing 1st Road, Shenzhen Hi-tech Industrial Park, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China.
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46
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Zhang S, Shi W, Wang X. Locking volatile organic molecules by subnanometer inorganic nanowire-based organogels. Science 2022; 377:100-104. [PMID: 35771931 DOI: 10.1126/science.abm7574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The intermolecular forces among volatile organic molecules are usually weaker than water, making them more difficult to absorb. We prepared alkaline earth cations-bridged polyoxometalate nanoclusters subnanometer nanowires through a facile room-temperature reaction. The nanowires can form three-dimensional networks, trapping more than 10 kinds of volatile organic liquids effectively with the mass fraction of nanowires as low as 0.53%. A series of freestanding, elastic, and stable organogels were obtained. We prepared gels that encapsulate organic liquids at the kilogram scale. Through removing solvents in gels by means of distillation and centrifugation, the nanowires can be recycled more than 10 times. This method could be applied to the effective trapping and recovery of organic liquids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Zhang
- Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wenxiong Shi
- Institute for New Energy Materials and Low Carbon Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Xun Wang
- Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Horst EN, Novak CM, Burkhard K, Snyder CS, Verma R, Crochran DE, Geza IA, Fermanich W, Mehta P, Schlautman DC, Tran LA, Brezenger ME, Mehta G. Injectable three-dimensional tumor microenvironments to study mechanobiology in ovarian cancer. Acta Biomater 2022; 146:222-234. [PMID: 35487424 PMCID: PMC10538942 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancers are among the most aggressive forms of gynecological malignancies. Despite the advent of poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) and checkpoint inhibitors, improvement to patient survival has been modest. Limited in part by clinical translation, beneficial therapeutic strategies remain elusive in ovarian cancers. Although elevated levels of extracellular proteins, including collagens, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins, have been linked to chemoresistance, they are often missing from the processes of drug- development and screening. Biophysical and biochemical signaling from the extracellular matrix (ECM) determine cellular phenotype and affect both tumor progression and therapeutic response. However, many state-of-the-art tumor models fail to mimic the complexities of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and omit key signaling components. In this article, two interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel scaffold platforms, comprising of alginate-collagen or agarose-collagen, have been characterized for use as 3D in vitro models of epithelial ovarian cancer ECM. These highly tunable, injection mold compatible, and inexpensive IPNs replicate the critical governing physical and chemical signaling present within the ovarian TME. Additionally, an effective and cell-friendly live-cell retrieval method has been established to recover cells post-encapsulation. Lastly, functional mechanotransduction in ovarian cancers was demonstrated by increasing scaffold stiffness within the 3D in vitro ECM models. With these features, the agarose-collagen and alginate-collagen hydrogels provide a robust TME for the study of mechanobiology in epithelial cancers. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer afflicting women today. Here we present the development, characterization, and validation of 3D interpenetrating platforms to shift the paradigm in standard in vitro modeling. These models help elucidate the roles of biophysical and biochemical cues in ovarian cancer progression. The agarose-collagen and alginate-collagen interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogels are simple to fabricate, inexpensive, and can be modified to create custom mechanical stiffnesses and concentrations of bio-adhesive motifs. Given that investigations into the roles of biophysical characteristics in ovarian cancers have provided incongruent results, we believe that the IPN platforms will be critically important to uncovering molecular drivers. We also expect these platforms to be broadly applicable to studies involving mechanobiology in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric N Horst
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Caymen M Novak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Kathleen Burkhard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Catherine S Snyder
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Rhea Verma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Darel E Crochran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Izabella A Geza
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Wesley Fermanich
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Pooja Mehta
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Denise C Schlautman
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Linh A Tran
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Michael E Brezenger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Geeta Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Precision Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa distinguishes surfaces by stiffness using retraction of type IV pili. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2119434119. [PMID: 35561220 PMCID: PMC9171759 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2119434119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
While many bacteria can sense the presence of a surface, the mechanical properties of different surfaces vary tremendously and can be as rigid as bone or as soft as mucus. We show that the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa distinguishes surfaces by stiffness and transcriptionally tunes its virulence to surface rigidity. This connection between pathogenicity and mechanical properties of the infection site presents an interesting potential for clinical applications. The mechanism behind stiffness sensing relies on the retraction of external appendages called type IV pili that deform the surface. While this mechanism has interesting parallels to stiffness sensing in mammalian cells, our results suggest that stiffness sensing in much smaller bacterial cells relies on temporal sensing instead of spatial sensing strategies. The ability of eukaryotic cells to differentiate surface stiffness is fundamental for many processes like stem cell development. Bacteria were previously known to sense the presence of surfaces, but the extent to which they could differentiate stiffnesses remained unclear. Here we establish that the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa actively measures surface stiffness using type IV pili (TFP). Stiffness sensing is nonlinear, as induction of the virulence factor regulator is peaked with stiffness in a physiologically important range between 0.1 kPa (similar to mucus) and 1,000 kPa (similar to cartilage). Experiments on surfaces with distinct material properties establish that stiffness is the specific biophysical parameter important for this sensing. Traction force measurements reveal that the retraction of TFP is capable of deforming even stiff substrates. We show how slow diffusion of the pilin PilA in the inner membrane yields local concentration changes at the base of TFP during extension and retraction that change with substrate stiffness. We develop a quantitative biomechanical model that explains the transcriptional response to stiffness. A competition between PilA diffusion in the inner membrane and a loss/gain of monomers during TFP extension/retraction produces substrate stiffness-dependent dynamics of the local PilA concentration. We validated this model by manipulating the ATPase activity of the TFP motors to change TFP extension and retraction velocities and PilA concentration dynamics, altering the stiffness response in a predictable manner. Our results highlight stiffness sensing as a shared behavior across biological kingdoms, revealing generalizable principles of environmental sensing across small and large cells.
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Lacroce E, Rossi F. Polymer-based thermoresponsive hydrogels for controlled drug delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:1203-1215. [PMID: 35575265 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2078806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION controlled drug delivery through hydrogels is generally limited by the poor barrier that polymeric network can create to diffusion mechanism. Stimuli responsive polymers can help in this way guaranteeing that delivery can be sustained and finely controlled using an external stimulus. AREA COVERED this review provides an overview of recent studies about the use of temperature as an external stimulus able to work as an efficient new route of drug's administration. Thermoresponsive hydrogels are discussed and compared in terms of physical properties and mechanism of drug release considering their classification in intrinsically (formed by thermosensitive polymers) and non-intrinsically (polymers with thermosensitive moieties) hydrogels. EXPERT OPINION thermoresponsive hydrogels can be developed by using different polymers added or not with micro/nanoparticles of organic or inorganic origin. In both cases the final system represents an innovative way for the local and sustained drug delivery in a specific site of the body. In particular, it is possible to obtain an on-demand release of drug by applying a local increase of temperature to the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Lacroce
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milano, Italy
| | - Filippo Rossi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milano, Italy
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50
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Shams E, Barzad MS, Mohamadnia S, Tavakoli O, Mehrdadfar A. A review on alginate-based bioinks, combination with other natural biomaterials and characteristics. J Biomater Appl 2022; 37:355-372. [PMID: 35510845 DOI: 10.1177/08853282221085690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The advent of three-dimensional (3D) Bioprinting increased the need for a suitable bioink in which Cells can live, proliferate and generate specific tissue and organ. Therefore, bioinks must have several physical and chemical characteristics that depend on the bioprinting modality and the target tissue. Alginate is considered a promising biomaterial for bioprinting due to its distinct physicochemical properties and diverse biological functions. However, some characteristics, such as cell adherence and biodegradability, are lacking, which can compensate when combined with other biomaterials, for example, gelatin, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMa), cellulose, silk fibroin, and hyaluronic acid. The alginate-gelatin blend receives considerable attention since gelatin has Arginine, Glycine, and Aspartate, the tripeptide Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence that could sustain cell attachment. Some parameters assist the optimization of bioink features like temperature, biomaterials' concentration, and crosslinking time. For instance, the viscosity of alginate increases by enhancing its concentration, and while it exhibits shear thinning property, it will be printed correctly. This review interprets the alginate-based bioink, focusing on its composite with other natural biomaterials, especially gelatin. Also, it discusses the parameters that affect bioink functionality and cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elika Shams
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, 48425University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.,Research and Development Department, Iranian National Algae Culture Collection, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Barzad
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, 48425University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.,Research and Development Department, Iranian National Algae Culture Collection, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sonia Mohamadnia
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, 48425University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.,Research and Development Department, Iranian National Algae Culture Collection, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Tavakoli
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, 48425University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.,Research and Development Department, Iranian National Algae Culture Collection, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Mehrdadfar
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, 48425University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.,Research and Development Department, Iranian National Algae Culture Collection, Tehran, Iran
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